I told her "so what if they die? Everyone has to die sooner or later; besides you don't really think you can survive this snow disaster do you? The city is blocked by heavy snow; this building has become an isolated island. Once the existing supplies are used up if you don't starve to death you will be killed by Abhay.
Seeing I still wasn't budging, Khushi started sobbing tremulously "Ashok I know I was wrong; and it's all my fault that I let down your feelings. But I've come to my senses, now can you forgive me Rose and the others. If they don't get medicine…"
This all would have seemed heartwarming if rose hadn't snatched the phone and yelled "If they don't get medicine they'll die from infection. Ash don't be so heartless keep some goodwill you never know when you might need us in the future."
Now while I still had no intention of helping them, her words made my blood boil. So I hit her with harsh reality "Oh? So why do you think I shot them? Obviously I never intended to let them live…"
I went on further "Let's say I help you this time, how do I know you won't suddenly turn against me?"
Rose argued "how could we are good citizens…"
I cut her off, right there "good citizens wouldn't try to take over someone else's house. But you know what you're right, helping you isn't totally impossible… one of you at least."
After letting that sink in I added " And if you think about if… given that I have been pining after Khushi for 20 years I think I should consider letting her come over …alone~"- let the drama begin.
Seeing her chance Khushi excitedly grabbed the phone "Yes Ashok I'm willing to do whatever you want."
Her best friend also wanted in shouting "take me with you… take me with you" but Khushi berated "Stay away. Ashok only wants me, so you should just stay here and behave yourself."
As soon as she finished speaking Rose slapped her across the face. "You shameless woman you've cause everyone so much trouble and now you want to run off?"
Manish was also shocked "Khushi, how could you do this to me? Didn't you say you hated Ashok the most; that wanted to be my woman."
Khushi facing all these questions and allegations argued "Well is it wrong for me to pursue a better life? Think about it, if I stay with you when the supplies run out we'll all die."
She didn't stop there playing the 'meaning of love card' as well "Manish isn't love about wanting that person to have a happy life? Although you gave me a few bags of supplies, and I'm very grateful. Ash has a whole warehouse of supplies…"
And so Manish was defeated in 'the battle of love' before it even started, while Khushi turned around and left without a second look…
Or at least she tried, but Rose threw her to the ground like it was a wrestling tournament "…and why should you get all the benefits?"
Rose continued scolding "you only think about yourself, don't even you at least take time to consider everyone else? Listen if we're not doing well, you shouldn't either."
Diana who was watching their sad k-drama presentation was speechless. But still like any good doctor she kindly reminded "Excuse me; sorry to interrupt whatever this is but… the wounds have only been temporarily treated, without medicine and the bullets removed, you all need to be prepared for worst."
At that moment fueled by desperation and pain rather than hunger. Idea guy had a sudden idea; he shouted "I've got it! I have a way to deal with Ash."
After catching everyone's attention he continued "Listen from the message he sent us it's not hard to see that his house is fully stocked am I right? Now we just need stop being greedy and tell everyone in the building about this. After all even if we can't deal with him, someone else surely can."
They all agreed that it was a solid plan. However Khushi who was listen from side panicked; she screamed "Don't be so shameless."
They all turned to her looking stupefied, but she didn't care as she said "how am I going to live the sweet life with Ash if you do this?"
And in response it's a harsh slap by rose from the side – that's got to hurt "How do you even dare be so brazen! You shameless woman I'm going to…"
At that critical moment, just before Khushi received a slap worthy of the record books, Manish stepped in front of Khushi blocking like a goalie at stoppage time. "Cousin please hold on, my love for Khushi is genuine and you know that. I'm sure I'll win her over with time. Trust me sooner or later Khushi will fall in love with me."
The simp then confidently looked at Khushi, he started soothing her "…don't be afraid I'm here"
Rose was infuriated so much so she almost wanted to slap him with force not thought possible.
But sadly she had to focus on pressing matters first; taking advantage of the distraction she quickly posted some photos of delicious food-from Khushi's phone- on the group chat.
For good measure she posted with "Look at this. While everyone else is almost reduced to eating tree bark, Ash is having sumptuous meals every day. Do you think that's fair?"
Abhay who was actually among the first to check the message almost drooled all over the floor "So this guy's actually being hiding so many good things in his house? Well that's just perfect; it's time I get my revenge for old grudges as well"
Not just him, the whole owner's group exploded, some people were trying to morally bind me asking me to distribute my supplies to everyone. Some people just for a meal asked me to become a 'father' to their child.
There were even those who were willing to hand over their assets just to live in my house. I found this pretty funny and like any good social media user I had to voice my opinion "Sorry but when exactly responsible for? And when have I ever been a "father' too? So why should I share my supplies with you?"
I'll never forget how these people broke into my house in the 'past'. I felt exhilarated 'now the tables have turned' I thought 'let's see how I'll play you this time…'
Of course bootlicking Manish and gang already knew I would reply like this and they took the opportunity to start sowing seeds "Oh my how daring, is he not afraid that we will unite against him?"
He and the others dropped messages like this; and they began to blame me in the group chat hoping to gaslight them to form a 'revolution' army.
They had no shame messaging things like "if you hadn't secretly hoarded supplies we wouldn't be living like this. You must atone for your sins and donate the supplies to everyone; besides what's point of living alone. Young people should have the spirit of contribution."
Knowing what they were planning; after watching them bicker back and forth a few time, I couldn't be bothered to engage with them any longer.
Looking at the falling snow outside the window I mumbled "Staying at home every day is quite boring. It seems I should find some time to go out and stroll around. Good thing I have a few snowmobiles hidden in my pocket dimension. Once I deal with this group, it might be time to see what the outside world is like."
As I was making my future plans my phone suddenly received a notification; it was a plea for help from Dr. Diana. It was quite short, saying "Sorry to bother you Ashok, but our home's medicine and supplies have been completely exhausted…"
Seeing the message I instantly recalled a few things about her in my previous life; majorly that her death was due her giving her last food to her daughter- she didn't seem like a bad person overall.
However I didn't immediately agree to her plea despite my good impression of her. You see one of the most important lessons of her past life 'pretty women are dangerous'.
So no matter what I don't want to die at the hands of a woman after barely getting a second chance. I wouldn't provide help without being completely sure of her trustworthiness.
So I responded the safest way possible "I can provide supplies, but you need to exchange something for them." Seeing the message Diana fell in a dilemma as she had nothing to trade with; so I provided her with a better option. I would privatize her medical assistance; if I still wouldn't agree then…
To Be Continue.