Nivin.

I was still on the bike, ready to go when Sachin appeared beside Nandini.

What is he doing here!?

"I thought you were staying at your company apartment?" I asked

"It's weekend, genius,"  Sachin said and walked down the steps to take Riya's hand.

What the!

"Mom! didn't you recognise Riya? I tol-" Sachin turned to Nandini.

"Riya!" Auntie Nandini's eyes light up as recognition flashed through her eyes. "she was the one you were talking about!?" She took Riya's hands from Sachin and hugged her gently.

"I see you are really pretty," She said to a Dumbfounded Riya.

"I will go then," I said irritated, I don't know why my insides are reacting like this, if I don't go back now, I am going to do or say something stupid.

"Neev, you better crash here" Uncle Dev come to the sit out. "I would like to discuss things too" he turned to Riya,

"Hello again" He smiled.

She looked embarrassed to meet him, I too remember the last time we all met, it was from the police station, uncle had to bail us out after the fight in college.

"Sorry to trouble you all the time sir" she mumbled.

"It's no trouble at all, make yourself at home" He smiled. "Sachin, prepare the guest room for her to rest" Uncle ordered.

My insides clenched again. I know the Dixit's house like mine, the first guest room is just opposite to Sachin's room.

"Sure,"  Sachin said and dragged her inside with him, Riya kept turning back at me, her eyes pleading with me to stay.

"Come in Neev," Auntie Nandini said again and I sighed, I know, I lost it.

.........

"I really don't have any more space, we had dinner on the way" Riya kept saying to auntie, who was persuading her to have some.

"That's right auntie, we just had our dinner," I said, walking to the settee.

I sat opposite to Uncle Dev and Sachin.

"Can we start now?" I asked in my fake cheerful voice.

Uncle sighed.

"You know grandpa, Neev, he's not going to let go of this"

"I admire you, you were brave,"  Sachin said. "And very stupid too" He added.

"We barely managed to stop the media, Neev"

I sighed. "I know I messed up, but that was the most rational thing I could do that time"

"I know, grandpa planned it, the party at that hotel, to make you come,"  Sachin said.

"I have no doubt there," I said darkly.

"The Asian project team wanted to meet you I think, anyway, Grandpa is really angry this time,"  Sachin said.

"What are you going to do tomorrow? both of you will get punished," Uncle Dev said. "There is no way we could help you, Neev, I wish I could, but I can't do anything against your grandpa"

I know Uncle Dev is one of the best friends of my dad and he feels guilty all this time.

"Don't worry about it, I will take care of it" I said.

Auntie and Riya walked to us.

"Let them rest, dear, I am sure they are tired," Auntie Nandini said, she turned to Sachin.

"Show them to their rooms, you can continue your conversation tomorrow, it's already half past 12"

She ushered us upstairs and Sachin walked to the nearest guest room. "One of you can sleep here, the other one is on the second floor"

"I will sleep here then," Riya said and walked inside.

"Okay, call me if you want anything, make yourself comfortable," Sachin said.

"Nice house you have, Sachin" Riya slumped to the bed. Sachin smiled at her.

"Good night then," He said and I nodded at her.

We closed her door and came out.

"Can I have some time with you?" Sachin asked me.

And that's how we ended up in Sachin's room like old times, discussing the party's events.

Apparently, grandpa had decided to make it small after we disappeared, one of the assistants of Riya had escorted Nirosha inside and the party was back too.

"And..um, they decided to fire Riya and her staff too," Sachin said. "And the funniest thing is, it was Mia who poured the drink over Nirosha, she was obviously aiming for Riya,"  Sachin said, I raised my eyebrows.

"I watched the CCTV footage" Sachin added. "They wanted to make sure to erase it, you know what happens if the media get hold of it," Sachin said.

I can't even think of it! It's the last thing I want now!

"Don't tell her about her team getting fired, now" I said slowly. "She was putting up with them for her team only"

"I thought so, it was a good thing you stepped up, I was about to lose my head too-"

Sachin stopped and we both turned to the doorway.

"Come in," Sachin said and the door opened, Riya came inside.

"I can't sleep, I thought I heard you guys," she said, now walking near us.

Sachin gets off the bed and dragged the sofa chair across the room and placed it near the bed. "Sit," He said and Riya slipped inside, mumbling a thanks.

"You should take some rest Riya," I said

"I can't, I am worried about Grandpa"

"Let's talk about it tomorrow," I said again.

"I am sorry Neev, you will get punished again because of me," she said.

"Don't worry about me, I used to get these punishments one way or another"

"That old man is crazy! I always thought so" Sachin said, shaking his head.

"Riya, just escape now, you don't have to tolerate it this much," Nivin said slowly and Sachin and she looked up at me in surprise.

"He's using you Riya, whatever it is your situation, grandpa is not going to spare you unless he gets something back"

"I.. I can't"

"He is right Riya, as much as I hate to see you go away, It's more important for you to escape him as soon as possible" Sachin said.

"Think of what he did to you today, he deliberately used you to threaten me and to warn you," Neev said sadly.

"What!? he knew all along I was going to be there?" she asked in shock.

"Don't be too naive, don't tell me you didn't even think of it once" I told her, now thrusting my phone in her hands.

She saw the picture of her, working. she gasped.

"They sent me it so that I will come there," Nivin said.

"He..he really was using me!"

"I warned you the last time too,"  Sachin said.

"I never thought Neev will come just for me!" she exclaimed, filling the room with awkward silence.

"Um..uh... I mean-"

"Grandpa knew I don't like it if he is torturing someone," I said simply, making the atmosphere less awkward.

"Mm..thats what I meant" Riya muttered. "but what are we going to do tomorrow?" She said, worried.

"Are you still planning to go back there!?" Sachin asked. both of us were watching her now.

She lifted her legs to the settee and hugged herself. "I have no other way," She said slowly. "I too want to run, but I can't," she said.

What is it? What is that she can't do anything about? Is it her mamma?

"Riya, if it's something we could do, we are ready to-"

"It's nothing you can help me with" Riya cut across Sachin. "I am trapped, you see... I kind of owe grandpa something" She said sadly.

"So you are still ready to go to that hell hole?" I asked, angry now.

"Hey, let's drop it now,"  Sachin said. "let's discuss it some other time"

........

"Are you here? Wake up"

I heard the continuous knocking from the door. I groaned and tried to move, only, I couldn't, my hands and feet were entangled.

I opened my eyes with a start.

"I am coming inside," Auntie Nandini said from the door, but I was too busy to notice anything as I now saw the hand that's wrapped around me.

I followed the hand with my eyes and-

"Aaaaaarghhhhh" I shouted.

"What the-" Sachin opened his eyes and seemed to be horrified too.

"Get off me!" He shouted, both of us started to try to get up at the same, it was a difficult task as our hands and feet seemed to be entangled.

"Aaah...."

Both Sachin and I froze at the shrill voice.

"Riya?" both of us called her at the same time, but it was too late, she had already fallen off the settee seat.

"What's goinon?"

We heard her before her head popped up above the bed, then she noticed the both of us.

"You! what are you two doing here!?" Her eyes widened at us.

"Apparently you three slept in one room yesterday! no wonder Geetha couldn't wake you up! you must've talked the whole night!" Auntie Nandini said.

All of us turned to see an amused Nandini in the doorway. Riya scrambled to get up.

"I am so sorry, I didn't know, I was-"

"Take it easy" Auntie smiled. "Freshen up and hurry down" ,She said, leaving the room.

"But...What are you guys doing?" Riya asked us, "uh! don't tell me you shared a bed yesterday" She said with a laugh, And we both realised we are not yet fully untangled.

"Move back"

"You get off first!"

"I am trapped in the blanket"

"Shut up!"

By the time we finally managed to free ourselves, Riya was doubling over with laughter, clutching her stomach.

"Oh..God..so ..funny, pic..ture! I want a ..picture"

I stared at her, she looked much alive and happy.

"If you are done with laughing, go and get ready, it's Monday and it's nearly nine," Sachin said dryly.

"Shit!"

Both me and Riya looked at the clock for a moment before dashing out of the room.

Riya.

"Are you ready?" Sachin asked from the front. "We are nearly there," he said.

"We talked about this," I said nervously.

Sachin and Neev wanted me to take a day off as they were worried about the student's reaction as they know the truth now; that I am no longer the daughter of the famous and successful architect.

"Riya?" Neev called me.

Yes, the three of us are in the same car as Neev couldn't take his racing bike to college. I had a slight suspicion that Neev would've skipped the day if it was not for me

"Yeah, don't worry about me", I said again.

It was me who insisted on coming to college today, I don't want anyone to misunderstand that I fled. It's not a crime to be born without money!

"Here we go," Sachin said as we passed through the front gate to his usual parking lot.

Yes, some of the students here in this college have their own parking places.

It was also a 'dangerous area' as most of the "toppers" will be hanging out nearby.

As soon as Sachin's car was noted, his fans were surrounding the car as usual.

Sachin opened the door and got out, there was cheering around, I would've rolled my eyes if it was not for the situation I am in.

Neev stepped out next and the people around seemed shocked, I can't blame them as the college's richest and popular guys, enemies were coming in the same car.

"Neev!"

"Hi!"

The voices continued, I was too nervous to step out now, more than a dozen people were already around them, including both gangs.

Unlike Sachin, Neev was not even greeting anyone and he closed the door. I know it's high time I stepped out, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Both Neev and Sachin turned to the car, but I couldn't seem to move.

And Sachin did the unthinkable, he came to my side and opened the door for me, cheerfully.

I had no choice but to step out. The crowd seemed to go loud as they thought Sachin has brought a girl but soon stilled when I stepped out.

If they looked shocked to see Neev coming out, now they looked frozen and I took a deep breath, trying to be brave.

"It's her!"

Someone break the silence and just like that, everyone started to talk at once.

"It's the waitress!"

"Did you hear the news?"

"I heard she almost crashed a party yesterday.

And so it went. Both of the gang were silent and I wanted to escape badly, but I couldn't see any way out of the crowd. I started to panic.

"Relax" Sachin took my hand unexpectedly, I looked down at our hands in shock and looked up directly to Neev's face.

He too seemed to notice our hands and I wanted to let go instantly, it felt so wrong, but I was rooted to the spot, I couldn't even move.

Neev nodded slightly then looked over at Sachin and some message was passed between them.

"Do you mind?" Nivin asked the students in the front, somewhat rudely in my opinion.

"Ah..sorry" The girl looked startled and scrambled away from his way and everyone moved to make him the way.

I would have felt bad for her if she was not one of those who wanted to attack me so badly.

"Shall we?" Sachin asked again, still smiling, and we started to follow Neev.

"I told you guys not to stick with me!" I hissed, I don't want to aggravate anyone anymore now, I know they will only get mad if Sachin or Neev stick with me.

"Change of plans, you don't want to get murdered, do you?" Sachin looked at me.

"What? I told both of you to stay away! Neev kept his promise"

"He asked me to take care of you, just before he went in"

"What? I didn't hear any-"

"He didn't exactly tell me that!" Sachin sighed. "it's a boy thing, you won't understand it"

Oh, so it was this message, they exchanged there!

I would've laughed to know Sachin and Neev could exchange words without even saying aloud, but it was not funny now.

"Too bad, I don't want a babysitter," I said angrily, now taking my hands from Sachin.

"Are you blind? look around you Riya" He said, fed up.

I looked around and gasped. All the students' corner and notice board were filled with photos of me in the waitress dress that was stained with red all over the shirt. All types of insults were filled around.

I tried to read, but Sachin dragged me away again.

"Leave me! It's not like you can protect me all day! I have to take the classes alone" I exclaimed.

"You will be surprised," Sachin said.

"What do you mean?"

"You will see," Sachin said.

And I understood him, in each of the classes, either Sachin's or Neev's friends were there.

The most unpleasant was Sreejith.

"You can stay away, I don't want a bodyguard," I told him at his dark look.

"I too don't want to babysit you, to be honest, I don't even see what they see in you," Sreejith said.

"I am glad we have an understanding," I said, irritated. "You can stop now" I walked to my locker.

It was in great condition, insults were written all over, the door was open in an awkward position.

"So immature!" I muttered angrily.

"Riya"

"Meera" I sighed in relief.

"Thank God! You are here! come on" she dragged me to a corner.

"What is -"

"Riya, I just want to warn you, don't go to cafeteria today," she said urgently.

"What? why-" I started

"They are planning something big, don't go there, you will only get in trouble, trust me," she said.

"But-"

"I don't have time, no offence, but I cannot be seen talking to you," she said.

"Um... I underst..." she was gone before I could finish.

Great! I am typically an outcast now, but where am I supposed to go now?

BEEP

I checked my phone, it was from Neev.

'Come to the terrace'

I read his message. I sighed

"what is the problem now?"

........

"I see you survived the day," Neev said.

"Apart from the insults, posters, damaging my locker and destroying the books and a couple of rude comments, yes, I survived," I said.

"And it was better than I hoped" I added.

"That's good" Neev moved a paper box towards me.

I sit beside him and opened the box. "you brought food for me!?" I asked him in wonder.

"It was so noisy down, so I just grabbed it on my way" He shrugged.

I kept staring at him in wonder.

"What!?" Nivin looked bothered by my look.

"You are so sweet actually!" I exclaimed.

"Don't be childish Riya, or I am going to take it back"

"No!" I opened the can. "Thank you, I was starving," I said.

We were sitting side by side, sipping the juice and eating. If anyone told me I would be doing this with Neev in a few months, I would've called them crazy!

I watched him sideways.

"You got a problem Riya?" Neev looked at me.

"No!" I said quickly. "Umm..yes, actually.." I dragged slowly and Nivin looked at me.

"I thought you were dark and dangerous Devil, Neev!" I said. "But you turned out to be a very sweet guardian angel!" I giggled.

"Rubbish!" Neev looked embarrassed and I laughed at him.

"I am still dark and dangerous, so watch out!" he warned.

"You are the warmest and safe person I have ever met, Neev, thank you!" I told him.

It must've been the sincerity in my voice and truth in my eyes that he sighed.

"And you are the most stupid and naive person-"

"Hey!"

"With a big heart, I have ever seen" Neev finished.

"Why stupid and naive!?" I asked dryly.

"Stupid because you do everything grandpa wishes, knowing full well he is using you and naive because you don't even suspect him sometimes"

"So we are back to it now?"

"Riya, should you really come to that hell hole?" Nivin asked sadly.

"I have my reasons Neev, I will tell you someday, but now I can't do anything"

Nivin's phone rang, he attended.

"Yea, she's with me, don't worry"

"Sachin?" I asked once he disconnected it and Neev nodded. I sighed.

"He's right I think, I don't know why you guys keep sticking up with me," I said, thinking of what Sreejith told me.

"Who told you that?" Neev raised his eyebrows.

"Someone, anyway, it's time you and Sachin stop this pretend war in college"

"Pretend?"

"The way I see it, you guys are closer than real friends, you are just too stubborn to admit it"

"I don't hate him but-"

"But you guys stick to each other"

"It's complicated, leave it," Nivin said.

"If I didn't know you guys better, I would've thought you are more than friends," I said, twitching my eyebrows.

"Hey!" Nivin shouted and I laughed again.

It was a nice feeling to talk to him casually.

"It's about time, let's go," I said, getting up.

"Wipe your lips," Neev said as he got up and I ran my tongue over my lips.

"Okay?" I asked.

"It's in the corner" Nivin smiled slightly, making my heart beat faster.

"Oh," I wiped it quickly.

"Left side" Nivin chuckled, bringing up his hand and wiping it, I froze, Nivin too stilled in shock.

Both of us seemed to be thinking along the same line.

Soft..pink..kissable lips!

Nivin had said it when he was super drunk!

Great Riya, you are always making things awkward!

We had never discussed that before.

"I will see you then-"

"It's time to-"

Both of us stopped at the same time, stepping back a little.

"Um...Are we going to take a bus today?" I asked Neev quickly. "I mean... you didn't bring your car today and I don't want to trouble Sachin anymore-"

"Riya, don't worry about it," Neev said. "our ride will be here"

"What do you mean?"

"You will see"

And man! He was right.

Jp was waiting for us when the college was over!

Of course! grandpa would know where we were!

"Riya, I am told to escort you home," Uncle J.P said politely. I nodded, I know he won't hesitate to drag me home if he has to.

The only problem was the students, everyone was watching closely as I got in. I don't want to imagine their shock when they see Neev getting inside too.

I sighed.

It seems like our secrets are no longer going to be secrets, if they find out I am living with Neev, they are going to kill me!

Neev saw the car and walked directly to it and got inside. "Can we go now?" He asked coolly.

I really admire his courage, we both are going to get beaten up, there is no way around it, I know it!

I took a deep breath and jumped slightly when I felt Neev squeezing my hands, which I was twisting unknowingly.

"Relax, you will be alright," He said again.

I doubt it, but nodded at him, it was all my fault for getting him in trouble too, I just hope grandpa will go easy on him.

......

I walked inside trembling. Neev was beside me, we were escorted to grandpa's study.

We stopped in front of his door.

"Ready?" Nivin asked me.

I took a deep breath and nodded, Neev raised up his hand and knocked, twice.

--------------------

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