" Tell me Priya, who is your first priority ?" Shreya asked me.
Oh my god! They were involving me in their fight. What have to do now? I was thinking in my mind.
Arvind Anna was staring at me curiously for my reply.
I kept quiet as I love them equally.
"what is going on here? Why you people are staring at each other?" Karthik asked us.
Immediately both Arvind Anna and Shreya changed their facial expression from anger to scared chickens which made me chuckle. For a few seconds, I forgot last night's incident.
"Finally you both bring a smile on Priya's face, very good," Karthik told looking at Anna and Shreya.
"Okay, then I will bring coffee for everyone" Karthik left from the room.
Both Anna and Shreya glaring at each other angrily again.
I thanked Karthik in my mind to save me from both of them. If he didn't come in time, I don't know what could be my position.
The room was filled with silence. I could sense both Anna and Shreya were feeling uncomfortable sitting in one room facing each other.
" Shreya, can you bring clothes for us from our hostel," I asked her to break the silence.
"hmm okay, but if I go to the hostel you will be alone here…." Shreya said with hesitation.
"No probs, I will take care of her" Karthik told while holding a tray with coffee cups.
" Arvind will come along with you. Go and bring whatever necessary for you both, meanwhile I will take care of Priya" he said without giving me any chance to utter a word.
"No…" both Anna and Shreya yelled at once.
"I need to talk with both of you, please once come outside " he called them anxiously.
******
After a few minutes, Shreya entered the room with a worried face. I didn't understand what happened Suddenly to her.
" I and Arvind are going to the hostel" she left from the room.
" How they agreed easily with Karthik's words. I was trying to bring them together for a long time but suddenly how Karthik made it possible???? " I was thinking in my mind.
But nothing is striking in my mind.
"How are you feeling now?" I heard a voice from the entrance of the room.
My chain of thoughts was interrupted by Karthik's voice. He was standing near the bedroom door. I was embarrassed the way he was staring at me. I shook my head down feeling uneasy.
"Are you okay ?" he again asked me moving towards my direction.
" yeah…" I replied without looking at his direction.
Still, my body was covered with a blanket even in a sitting position.
"Are you feeling uncomfortable with my presence?" he asked me with concern.
Both yes and no. Even, I don't know what is this weird feeling with his presence. His presence was giving an unknown secure feeling and also embarrassment which I could not explain.
"Okay then, I can understand you are feeling uncomfortable. I will leave if you want anything, just call me" he was about to leave the room.
I felt bad about my behavior towards him. He is the one who saved my dignity and gave shelter in his home. At least I didn't thank him, instead, I was not behaving properly.
"Thanks for everything, " I said.
"No need to convey thanks and sorry. Whatever I did, it was my responsibility as a friend" he replied.
" Erase last night incident from your mind. Try to be normal as always. I know it will take time to come out from that trauma. Remember we are always there for you " he suggested.
It was not so easy for any girl to erase such an incident from the mind. But whatever Karthik said is true. I should try to erase that bitter incident in my life.
I nodded my head as yes.
" That's like a good girl" he smiled.
" Shall I stay with you till Shreya return from your hostel?" he asked.
After last night, I was scared to stay alone. I thought it would be better if anyone will stay with me.
"Hmmm.. okay" I agreed.
He started to talk about random things like my studies, college, tastes, friends, and others. He excused himself when he got a call on his mobile.
I never thought Karthik would be a caring and friendly person. He always looks serious with no smile on his face. I couldn't believe the way, he was with me.
I always thought the person who is rich will be arrogant and egoistic. But both Arvind Anna and Karthik proved my assumption was wrong.
I understood why Anna(Arvind) laughed at me when I framed Karthik as an egoistic person. Now I understand, he is a decent and well-mannered person.
After a few minutes, he came with breakfast in his hand.
" Have your breakfast now. You have to take medicines." Karthik said.
I looked at the plate, idly and chutney. I was not feeling hungry but I remembered last night his words. I quietly took a plate and started eating my breakfast slowly without uttering a single word.
He handed me to take tablets. I swallowed them in one gulp and kept away a glass of water on a nearby table.
"Okay, then I will stay outside. You take rest" he left.
Due to the effect of medicines, I felt drowsy. I closed my eyes and laid on the bed to have a nap.
Just for one night be mine….those words were still echoing in my ears.
All of a sudden, I sat on the bed. I checked bruises on my body and started crying. I was feeling disgusting myself that someone touched me in an inappropriate manner.
" what happened? Why are you crying?" Karthik ran towards my bed.
I hugged him and sobbed even more.
" I feel like I am tainted, he touched me" I replied with hiccups.
"Don't feel that you are tainted. You are as pure as holy water" he gently parted away from me and wipe tears on my cheeks.
"Sometimes even though, we don't do any mistake, 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" he cupped my face.