A week later the news about those kids was in the newspaper, it said that it was done by an adult, even though there were some people who saw me from a distance, and the kids could still tell that I was a kid, are the police reluctant to tell the media that it was a young boy, I could see them doing that as not to bring unrest in the citizens
phew Now the situation regarding those kids is all wrapped up, I don't have to worry about them interfering in my life ever again
Or so I thought, but there's a new problem now
It's about Aditi after the news about those kids who bullied her and others was out, we were able to meet with Aditi, her arm was fractured and she was resting all this time
Right now me and everyone are sitting around Aditi
"What happened Aditi," I asked her
"I stumbled down the stairs," She said looking away from us
"Really, Aditi" I asked again with a bit more authoritative tone, making Aditi flinch
"Yes," She said and went silent
It doesn't seem like she would talk in front of everyone, she is probably feeling guilty or regretful, about the state she is in
"I see, if that is all, then that's fine, here is today's class homework" Handing her that I started walking to exit her room
"Boss are you leaving already" My friend asked
"Yes, Aditi looks tired, it's best to let her rest" Saying this I went outside, following me others also left
After they all went back to their home, I went back to meet Aditi
"Ashwin, why are you here again" She asked, feeling uncomfortable with my presence
"You don't want me to be here" Giving her a flat reply I took a seat, near her "I will ask again, what happened, I only want the truth," I asked
She looked down at her hand, just looking at it, she seemed to be thinking about a lot of things, after a few minutes she clenched her fist, and looked at me
"Ashwin, I," She told me what happened after school, how her feelings of powerlessness made her go back to fight the bullies, how she attacked some from behind and how they broke her arm, the reason she didn't want to meet us all this time was that the bullies said they will come back for her and she didn't want us, her friends to become their target, so she locked herself in her room
As she told me her story she started crying by the time she finished, she, looking at me, kept repeating 'I am sorry'
*****
I am crying, I can't stop crying, I can't stop apologising to Ashwin, I can't look him in the eyes, looking down in shame I kept crying
"ADITI"
He called my name, but not like he always does, it was cold, a chilling sensation ran through my body when he said my name, before I knew it the room went silent, I couldn't even hear my crying voice, am I even crying anymore, I don't know, my whole body feels numb from fear
Ashwin put his hand on my head and made me face him
His empty eyes looking at me as if they are looking at something worthless, a stiff face devoid of any expression, I can't feel anything, not even his hand on my head
I am scared
I am scared
I want to run away
Scream for help
But
Am I even allowed to do that, what would happen if I did that
"Aditi, from now on don't do anything like that without telling me, Okay" He spoke casual words, but his voice was indifferent
"You see, it's really hard to bring things back on track, I have been working tirelessly to clear your mess" What is he talking about
"Just wait a few more days until my birthday, after that, you can do whatever you want" What will happen on his birthday
He let go of my head and got up from his seat, walking towards the door
Before leaving he turned back
"Remember what I just said, and don't do anything without telling me, if you do" he paused
"I WILL GET ANGRY"
With that, he left
gasp after he left I suddenly realised I wasn't breathing, my chest was feeling heavy What was that, who was he, that's not the Ashwin I know
"What is he going to do on his birthday"
*****
I hope she understands what I was saying, It sure is hard, keeping children in check, making sure they don't do something stupid, Aditi's stunt was a miscalculation, I was worried it might change the future drastically, thankfully it got resolved now, so instead of worrying about what already happened I should focus on the future, there are only a few days left till my 5th birthday, I will be sure to save my parents, and after that I "hope I can take it easy, and be free"