Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

 I sprinted as quickly as my legs could carry me home. While I was riding in a taxi, I had a lot of questions running through my head. Papa would not have called me so urgently if there wasn't a problem at home. While traveling, I tried to call my father, but his phone was switched off. I then tried calling my sister, but she kept hanging up. I was sweating because my thoughts was racing with so much strain. I continued to wipe away the perspiration. After giving the cab driver his due, I entered the house in precisely sixty seconds and proceeded to run around.

Upon entering, I noticed that Papa was walking around the room while Riya sat in her short skirts, first examining her nails and then turning to face Papa.

"Papa, what took place?" I questioned him.

He said, "This girl is going to be the reason for my death," but Riya didn't seem very alarmed.

"Why?"

"She wishes to take a week-long vacation by herself. And she's asking for my consent. After everything she's pulled on me, see her guts. How am I going to let her go? Have you seen her friends? They are all wealthy families who can afford these kinds of things, but we cannot. How do I explain this girl?" he asked, before suddenly collapsing into the couch and appearing exhausted.

I hurried over to say, "Papa, please don't get too stressed.Your blood pressure is elevated." I said, "Let's talk calmly and find a solution."

Riya got up from her seat and wiped her hands on her skirt. "Listen, papa, I'm just asking you permission to go, you don't have to pay nor you have to look out for me," she replied.

Papa yelled, "You are not going alone; that is the end of the discussion."

"Papa, all of my buddies are coming, so I'm not traveling alone. This isn't simply a picnic; I'm going to meet new people and try to persuade a couple of them to support my business," Riya stated.

"Business? What business?" Papa enquired once more.

"I wish to open my own business. I don't want to live my entire life as a girl from the middle class. I want to be really wealthy, own a large home, and a fancy car. And I'm not wrong for desiring it," she remarked.

"Obviously, you're not wrong to want these things, but in order to succeed in life, you must put in a lot of effort and dedication. You won't receive anything in a golden tray" said Papa.

"I want to strengthen my relationships, and this trip will allow me to do so by meeting new people, some of whom I hope will become business partners. I am leaving, and that is it." Declared Riya.

"All right, I'll grant you permission," responded Papa.

"However...." papa remarked, and Riya glanced at both me and papa.

Papa said, "You are not going alone; you are taking your sister with you." I was shocked and turned to face him.

"No way, I'm not going on this trip with this Behenji. People will make fun of me," Riya exclaimed.

Papa remarked, "Riya, think about it. You either go on the trip with your sister or you are not going."

I was completely taken aback by the sudden stillness and was unsure of how to respond. For the past 22 years of my life, I have never gone on a trip by myself, so if Riya and her pals went, I would undoubtedly be left behind.

"Alright. Tomorrow afternoon, we're heading off." Riya screamed, "Be ready," and strode past me.

"I apologize for forcing you to go with her, Beta, but I had no other choice." Grasping my hand, Papa said.

I said, "It's okay, papa," but I wasn't sure if it was ever a good idea to go with her.

Papa gave me the money and added, "Pack your bags and keep this with you."

Sensibly, I went to my bedroom, opened my luggage, and read the letter that Mr. Raheja had handed me again. I am at peace these days because of his letter. I sat down at the study table and pulled a piece of paper out of my bag to write him a note.

Good day, Mr. Raheja

The amount of suffering you must be experiencing is beyond my comprehension. Giving up something for a loved one is a significant responsibility that makes the journey worthwhile, but it is also a burden. You will never be happy or at peace if you make someone else's life miserable. Instead, you will feel guilty and depressed over ruining someone else's life, and if that person was innocent, you will never be at peace with yourself.

Since every person experiences pain differently and you have had a great deal of suffering, I am unable to put myself in your position and claim to understand what you are going through. You are a friend of mine, and I don't want to see you suffer, therefore I ask that you think twice before making this choice.

I was a lonely child with few companions from my early years. I feel very comfortable sharing topics with you that I haven't talked to anyone else about. You are the only person with whom I have communicated my mother's loss grief because you haven't passed judgment on me. You listened to me, and no one else has ever listened to me except my father. I'm grateful that you are a friend.

I'm busy with work this week, so let's meet next week. I would love to see my friend. Let's get together on Monday at 4 p.m. at my favourite library, "The Book Worm's Place." I'll be waiting for you with great anticipation and have something pleasant ready for you. I'll see you soon, my friend.

Regards, 

Miss Good Deeds.

PS: I'll prepare a lovely meal for your entire family as well.

The letter made me smile. I'll visit the orphanage early tomorrow morning and give Mariam the letter. I sealed the letter in an envelope and tucked it into my purse after folding it. I then proceeded to my closet and dumped all of my clothes onto the bed. I must look presentable and wear nice clothes if I'm going with my sister. I filled my suitcases with everything I would need for the trip, including toiletries, and I fell asleep feeling a little anxious.

I woke up early in the morning and informed my father that I was going to the orphanage and would return later. When I got there, the orphanage was deserted because all of the pupils were at class. When I got to Meriam's cabin, she was enjoying tea while sitting down.

She said to me, "Good morning, Harshita. You are quiet early today."

"Yes, Mariam, good morning." I said. I sat in silence.

"I understand your reason for coming; please give the letter to me, and I will give it to the secretary of Mr. Raheja." I gave her my letter and she grinned.

Mariam stopped me as I was ready to leave the room and said, "Don't involve yourself with big people like him. Maintain it within the bounds of friendship. A kind suggestion as I view you as a friend. " I gave her a nod and turned to leave.

She is correct, of course. There is nothing more to it than friendship, and that is all that will ever happen. Whatever it is, I haven't given it any thought. After that, I arrived home.I got ready. I donned a simple moonstone-colored kurta and dark blue pants. I waited for Riya after tying my hair up in a bun.

After leaving the room, she appeared to be dressed to kill everyone. She certainly had the appearance of a supermodel. She gave me a sidelong, indifferent glance.

"Beta, look after Riya and yourself." Papa continued, "I'm giving you a huge responsibility," and I nodded. I then touched his feet and accepted his blessing.

After five minutes, the cab that Riya had reserved arrived, and we climbed inside. There was complete silence in the taxi. It bothers her to talk to me.

I said to her, "Where are we going, Riya?"

She added, "Eventually you will come to know," and inserted her earphones into her ears to begin listening to the music. She had reserved a long-distance taxi. When I asked the taxi driver how long the ride was, he estimated that it would take about four hours. I closed my eyes and made the decision to doze off.

Someone shook my arm abruptly, startling me awake. I was confused and shot glances in all directions. With irritated eyes, Riya was staring at me.

"We've arrived," she stated, getting out of the taxi. I ran a hand over my hair before getting out of the taxi. My breath was taken away by the scene before me. It was a resort that was recently listed among the greatest resorts in the nation. It was truly a magnificent location.

It had a really lovely atmosphere and was filled with lots of greenery. I was so engrossed in my surroundings that I failed to see the cabbie honking his horn. I turned back. I forget that I needed to remove the bags. After taking the bag off, I trailed behind Riya. I haven't encountered such a location. For the first time, I was enthralled with everything that was in the vicinity. It was added as a spot for wealthy individuals to hang out.

"Listen, this is just a new place for us. Act as though you are not familiar with me. Accept this pass, as it serves as your admission to everything happening here." Riya looked around to see whether anyone else had witnessed her speak to me.

"Don't interfere in my life," she said.

I said, "I can't."

She asked, irritated, "What did you just say?"

I said, "Papa has asked me to follow you everywhere you go," and she let out a deep, heavy sigh.

"Okay, Do whatever you want to do, just keep my identity as your sister a secret. Otherwise, I'll be the object of ridicule." She said, "I suppose you can do that much," and I nodded.

"All right, your room number is on the pass. Please proceed to your room," she replied. I looked at the number and saw that it was Room no:17. My floor was the first floor, and Riya's was the ninth. Everybody, with the exception of a couple, received a separate room.

After moving to the first floor, where there are a ton of rooms and wings, I was quite exhausted. I eventually reached the room no:17 and unlocked the door. It was such an opulent space that I wondered how Riya could have managed it up for me. In the middle of it was the most exquisite bed. I went to the window that the drape was covering. I gasped when I saw the view once I pulled back the curtain.It overlooked a river that meandered beside mountains.

I felt like taking a shower before dinner because I was so exhausted. I decided to take a shower since I felt like it. The incredible warm water poured over my body and hair, leaving a clean feeling in its wake. Even though I really didn't want to go, I switched it off and went outside since I knew I may feel sick very quickly.

My hand found only cold marble when I reached for my garments. I realized that I had forgotten to bring some clothes with me when I was looking around for them. My baggage was in the room outside.

I carefully opened the door after encircling myself in the softest towel I had ever felt. I carefully made my way to my luggage and took out some clothes.

 "Now that is a view to hold." Someone remarked behind me.

I let out a cry and clingily hugged my towel to my body before turning to face the man whose face I detest the most. The universe is forcing me to meet this obnoxious, arrogant man repeatedly.

"Keep your eyes off me" I said, and he just stared at me.

"Turn around and shut your eyes." I insisted.

He playfully responded, "I don't understand why I have to close my eye," and at that moment, I wanted to slam his face. His audacity to be in my room, anywhere in the world.

I said, "Close your damn eyes, this instant."

After doing so, he carefully spun around to face the opposite direction.I hastily removed my clothes from my bag and hurried to the inside room to change into fresh attire. I was furious within; how could he violate my personal space?

With a fierce demeanor, I charged at him, spun him around, and gave him a forceful slap, asking, "How can you?" With all of my might, I yelled at him, "How dare you invade my privacy."

However, I was unprepared for the next action he would take. "Not a good move, Ms. Fatty," he muttered as he took my hand and drew me in. Despite my resistance, he dragged me out of the room and we waited outside while he showed me his key, which had the same room number: 17 printed on it.

"How is that even possible?" I questioned him.

"Maybe this wouldn't be a problem if you applied your intelligence and realized that this is actually room number:17, wing B, not wing A." He shouted "You are in my room and you have the audacity to hit me."

I had forgotten to notice the wing when I glanced at the key number. He was on the other side of my wing, and I regret hitting him because I was the one who caused all of this.

"I apologize for the miscommunication." I attempt to persuade him.

He walked inside, grabbed my luggage, and threw it on the ground after saying, "Take your luggage and get lost."

He entered and forcefully shut the door on me. As I stood there, I couldn't believe what had just transpired. I should have apologized to him for slapping him; but, I was too weary and today wasn't the right day. I turned around and headed back to my modest accommodation, where I realized that this man was wealthy and well-regarded in the community. I went inside and fell asleep. I had six more days to spend with these individuals, and Day 1 began out pretty poorly.