Sometimes even though, we don't do any mistakes, we have to suffer. Remember one thing in our life, our honesty and self-esteem make us strong to lead the life" he said looking into my eyes.
" I believe you are a strong woman" Karthik cupped my face.
I looked into his eyes which was filled with care and affection.
I nodded my head straight.
" Now smile like a good girl," he said removing his hands from my cheeks.
I smiled looking at him.
"Till Shreya will be back, I will stay with you. You sleep now" he said.
I laid on the bed to sleep but unknown fear clouded me. Again I opened my eyes, Karthik was sitting on the chair. He dragged his chair near to my bed and hold my hand gently. I don't leave you, sleep peacefully, he said.
I felt secure with his touch. I closed my eyes and slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep.
********
After some time, I opened my eyes. I saw Karthik was sleeping on the same chair leaning his head backward in an uncomfortable position. I felt bad as he was sleeping in such a way because of him.
I thought, why couldn't he didn't he left after I slept. Then I understood why he was sleeping on the chair. I hold his palm tightly.
Immediately, I left his hand and started looking at his face. His face was restless. Then I observed there was a cut on the side of his jaws. I sat on the bed and touched his wound.
He opened his eyes and looked at me. I take away my palm from his injury.
"What happened here?" I asked pointing my finger towards the injury.
" Just small cut, nothing serious," he said in a cold tone.
" see how deep the cut is?" I asked him in a louder voice.
" What happened?" Shreya and Arvind came into the room.
" See, he is injured and even he didn't do the first aid" I showed them the cut near to his jaw.
"What happened?" Arvind anna asked anxiously.
" Nothing serious yaar, last night I injured due to that bastard," he said in a calm tone.
"Then why didn't you informed earlier ?" we asked him all at once.
" I forget my injury on seeing Priya's condition" he left from the room seriously.
This person, I never understand. Sometimes, he seems to be gentle and caring but within a fraction of seconds looks like a cold-hearted person. I could find a mystery in his eyes.
Arvind Anna followed him.
*********
" hey, Priya" Shreya called me.
" I brought your dresses, go and fresh up," she told me.
I found our bags and suitcase in the room.
" Why do you bring all our luggage from the hostel?" I exclaimed.
"First you fresh up then we can have a talk on this topic" she suggested.
I completed my work quickly as I didn't understand why she brought all the luggage to Karthik House.
" Now, tell me. Why do you bring all our luggage here?" I asked impatiently.
" We are going to stay in the above penthouse from now onwards," she said in low voice.
" without asking me, you took this decision? Didn't you think at least to ask my opinion?" I yelled at her.
"That was my decision, not hers," Karthik said in a stern voice.
Yes, he helped me but he has no right to take a decision regarding me.
" I know, I have no right to take decision about you but I have no other option than that" he replied.
" I too agree with Karthik's decision. " Arvind Anna said as a suggestion.
" But why?" I asked with irritation.
" Mr.Dixit got bail. He will not stay quiet after what happened" Arvind Anna said.
" Karthik place is safe for you," he told.
I panicked listening to Dixit's name.
" But he was arrested right?" I questioned Arvind Anna.
" There was no proof regarding last night incident. His office surveillance cameras were switched off" Karthik said gritting his teeth in anger.
" He can escape from the law but soon he will be punished by me for what he did," he said with bloodshed eyes.
" Now, you understand everything. From today, you should not go outside without my permission" he said like a warning.
I was scared of his behavior and nodded my head like a robot.
"Take your own time and arrange your things in my penthouse" he ordered us.
As we have no other option, we arranged our belongings in the penthouse.
It took two days for me to become normal. One thing was sure, his penthouse is more beautiful than our hostel.
From my childhood, I stayed in an orphanage and hostel. I thanked Karthik in my heart to arrange his penthouse for us. All amenities were provided in this room with beautiful interiors. I really loved it but the most irritating thing was sitting ideal in the room.
I was lucky to have my friend Shreya. She quit her job to stay with me but I was feeling guilty as she sacrificed her career for me.
Then I got an idea in my mind, why can't I ask Arvind Anna to give a job to my friend as he is running a software company .so that they both will spend more time with each other.
Without wasting time, I made a call to Anna.
Priya: Hi Anna, are you busy?
Arvind: What a surprise? Why did you call me?
Priya: why you are asking me like that? Why any Sister need anyone's permission to call her brother?
Arvind: one devil is always there with you na. After she comes here you forget me.
Priya: stop it, Anna. She is my best friend, even she left the job for me. She never talks about negative things about you. She always admires you.
Arvind: Really!!!
Priya: yes anna. She tried to speak with you, to tell the truth about what happened on that day. But you ignore her.
Arvind: what is the reason for her behavior on that day?
Priya: That fellow threatens her if she speaks to you, he will inform her parents. Her parents were orthodox. She was scared that her parents might stop her studies. She felt very bad thinking about you after returning home.
Arvind: Are you saying the truth?
Priya: yes anna. But now, she is very angry with you as you didn't give a chance to say an apology.
Arvind: Tell me, what should I do now?
Priya: Now you are speaking like my brother. I know you still have feelings of Shreya.
Arvind: No, nothing like that.
Priya: Really!. Her parents are searching alliance for marriage. Okay then, I will convince her for marriage. I was trying to help you both to avoid misunderstanding. I thought if she continues the job here, she would get an excuse to escape from marriage proposals.
There was silence for a few seconds.
Arvind: okay, I will give a job as per your request. Don't think that I have feelings on her.
I smiled with his words.
Priya: okay then thanks for your help. Bye …
Now I have to convince my bestie...
Stay tuned…