Neev.

I looked in the mirror, I looked clean and fresh, no signs of the hangover. I am good to go.

I skipped down the stairs, everyone was already waiting at the table. It's another thing that I hate in this house, grandpa wants everyone to have breakfast and dinner together, it's not some military school for God's sake!

And there is another thing I am reluctant about-Riya.

Why are you bothering about her, Neev, she deserves it, she is a swindler, don't forget.

I'm still uneasy about yesterday.

I swear, I didn't plan to do it, I still don't know why I did it.

I was angry at her, that's why, I wanted to scare her, that's right.

Stop kidding yourself Nivin, you wanted to do it, don't deny it.

Okay, but it was just impulsive, and I was drunk!

I shook my head.

That's right, I don't have to think about that, just forget it Neev.

I sat down on the chair opposite to her.

"I heard you made a commotion yesterday?" Grandpa asked.

Here it comes! now you know what I hate about family time! It's s not for peace, In my house, it's where we talk business, if you are lucky enough, you will get humiliated in front of all, like today, it's me!

"I was just going outside, they don't have to make it a big deal" I shrugged.

"You know perfectly well that you are not supposed to go out after 10 pm"

"So I have a curfew now? great!" I said bitterly.

"Um...I will go early, I have an assignment to finish" I heard Riya.

"Nivin will drop you," grandpa said.

"It's okay, I will just catch a bus now, my friends are waiting," She said and started to run out in hurry.

Everyone around the table looked at her, she has smoothly slipped out of my grandpa's wish or order, both are same anyway.

"Catch a bus? she sure knows a lot for someone who was brought up abroad" Auntie Alice said. "And I heard that she washed her dress herself yesterday," she said.

"How is she doing?" Grandpa asked, ignoring her statement and turning to me.

"She is doing fine" I shrugged again.

In fact, she is doing great! she made the most dreadful enemies and managed to get herself famous on the first day itself.

"Take care of her for the time being," he said.

"Sure," I said, now getting up.

* * *

Riya.

"The only thing you have to do is become invisible" Meera explained. "Don't try to do anything that will bring their attention to you and you will be fine"

"I doubt it will work" I muttered."They were practically stalking me, attacking me everywhere" I said.

"You are their new toy now, it will pass after a few days," Meera consoled me.

We were walking out after the first hour, miraculously nothing happened to me...yet.

There were still whispers around, but I just ignored it. By the time the third hour passed, I was starting to feel optimistic.

* * *

Neev.

"Is everything set?" Sreejith asked.

"Just wait till you see" Teena grinned evilly.

"What are you two planning?" Sharath asked beside me.

"Come on, we can't miss this" Sreejith took us to the first-floor railing, just above the pools.

"Hey Neev, when can you make it to race, everyone is waiting for you"

"I don't think I -"

"There! look!" Teena exclaimed and everyone turned around, we followed her eyes and watched the girls coming out of a classroom.

I immediately noted Riya, talking with a girl and walking completely oblivious to the plan around.

"what are you planning to do?" I asked.

"See now!" Teena giggled and I gripped the railing as I watched two of the girls spilling her books out of her hands.

"Hey!" She seemed surprised for a moment, then she and her friend started to collect it from the floor.

It happened when she was trying to get her things near the pool, one of the girls pushed her hard and she lost her balance.

The water splashed as she was thrown to it. I heard the laughter around me. I saw the students forming a circle around the pool, most of them have their mobile phones out now.

"Where is she?" Sharath asked beside me and she appeared, gasping for air and she went straight down again. She was struggling too much.

Her friend was looking around for help, looking worried.

"God! I think she doesn't know how to swim"Sharath said beside me and I gripped the railing tightly.

"Don't worry, someone will help her out?" Teena said smugly.

I couldn't watch anymore, I started to run down the stairs.

"Hey-" Sreejith started, then our gang followed me.

By the time I reached near, someone was already swimming towards her. I watched as he got hold of her and she desperately clung to him. he started to swim back with her.

"Move away" Sachin shouted as he laid her down, he looked worried and angry. He started to shake her.

"Riya?..hey..hey, open your eyes, Riya!"

"Riya..open your eyes" her friend now joined, still crying.

"Riya" Sachin shouted and pushed her on her stomach, she spat some water out and started to cough.

"Open your eyes" Sachin shook her again and she slowly opened her eyes. Sachin sighed in relief.

"Are you alright?" he asked her and she nodded yes, now being engulfed by her friend in a hug.

Sachin looked up, he looked furious.

"Did you think it was funny? You went too far with this joke!" he started, taking a step towards me.

"I didn't prank your gang, go away," Teena said.

"Do you think trying to kill someone is a prank?" he looked straight at me, of course, he will accuse me since I am sort of their leader.

"Chill! nobody was hurt" Sreejith said and Sachin pushed him back in anger.

"Hey!" Sharath tried to block him.

"I am going to report this" Sachin did not back down and I blocked his hands midway.

"That's enough Sachin, back down now!" I said.

"I didn't take you to be this low, Nivin!you disgust me" Sachin shoved me and I shoved him back.

"Then stay away!" I shouted.

"And you stop trying to kill people" he shouted back. He is starting to get on my nerves now.

"open your eyes and look closely, she's not dead!" I shouted back and pointed to her. but I froze as soon as I met her gaze. It was like somebody has tightened some red-hot iron wire around me.

"Lucky for you, and stay away from her, she is my responsibility starting today," Sachin said and turned around.

"Relax, I am taking you to the nurse's room" He lifted her up from the floor and walked, the student body was gaping after him.

"What are you looking at, disperse" Sreejith shouted at the crowd and everyone started to go.

"Teena, you went too far today," Sharath said grimly.

"I never thought she couldn't swim! I just wanted to ruin her dress!" she pouted and for some reason, I wanted to shout at her. "I was not trying to kill her, everybody was there"

"You know perfectly well that nobody will help her as they know you planned it because nobody will want to be your next target," I said acidly, against all my judges.

"Are you shouting at me for her!?"

"No, you are right, I don't care," I said and walked out of there.

it was the first time I am losing control like this but she had it coming. I am sick of her following me every day.

I didn't think of where I was going and I stopped in front of the nurse's room. The curtain was drawn closed and I didn't have the nerve to open it. I just stood there and listened to the conversation.

"You can..go now, I..am alright" I heard her voice and sighed.

Grandpa will kill me if he comes to know about this.

"Its okay, I am free now" I heard Sachin and got angry. "you should be more careful, you should watch what you say or you will get hurt," he said, there was a silence.

"Just because I am not a topper doesn't mean I have to be your servant," she said.

"Just be careful, they are stronger than you think," he said.

"Thank you for today," she said slowly."I can't tell you how much"

"It's okay! just think you are special to me" Sachin laughed and I walked back.

Riya.

There is no way I'm going home with him!

I started to walk home. I was still shaken up from today's incident, I just couldn't believe somebody will go that far!

I tried not to remember the terrifying matter as I heard the horn. I know exactly to whom it belongs, but I didn't turn around and walked straight.

"Get in the car" I heard him and I ignored him completely.

"Grandpa will know this," he said again. I just walked ahead. I heard the door opening and he was in front of me.

"Come on, get in, we have something to settle"

"I know my way back," I said acidly and he grabbed me by elbows, directed me to the car and closed the door behind.

I looked out of the window as he started to drive.

"About today, I want-"

"Do you think an apology will make everything fine?" I glared at him, he looked at me for a moment.

"I am not apologising since I didn't do anything wrong, I just don't want this to reach grandpa"

Seriously? he thinks he and his gang didn't do anything wrong!?

I didn't reply, I just looked out while wishing to get away from his car. Soon we were turning to the house.

"Don't forget what I told you" he said while driving inside the huge gate that opened automatically.

I stepped out as soon as the car stopped and started to hurry inside.

"Hey, Riyechi!" I heard the excited voice of Danny and I paused. "You have to help me, I am in big trouble," he said dramatically.

"What's wrong, Daniel?" the question was from Neev, who now stopped beside us, his sound disapproving.

"It's nothing to worry, Brother Neev!" Danny said, smiling, then grabbed hold of my hand and started to run.

"Hey!" I was taken by surprise.

"she is just going to help me with annual day programs" he called out.

"Be serious Danny, I don't know what you are talking about!" I said as soon as he let go of my hand when we reached a room.

"Shh...I just want to ask you something" He said

"What is it?" I asked.

"Er..chechi..you know..never mind, just wait here," He told me and run outside.

"Hey, Danny?"

"Five minutes Riyechi, I will come now," he said.

So I sat there waiting, I was never been to this room before, so many family portraits were hanging around.

I started to look around. I saw a white cloth covering something in the corner.

I slowly pulled it.

"Whoa!" I saw the piano and exclaimed.

So many memories were going around me. I sat down and pressed a key.

The sound was much better than we had. Mamma had played me piano whenever I was sad or down.

She couldn't talk, but she could play the piano nicely, they had to get her one as it was her only interest besides me.

So many nights, when I had trouble sleeping, she had played me songs.

My eyes started to fill.

"I miss you Mamma" I whispered. I couldn't resist the temptation, my fingers moved on their own accord.

Huh! Looks like it's not been used for a long time, I need to tone this piano...

Nivin.

I was on my way to the room when I heard it.

I froze in the middle of the steps, my heart was twisting painfully and I couldn't move.

It's been too long, but it still has this effect on me!

I started to walk back with shaking limbs.

I saw her playing and pushed open the door forcefully, Riya looked startled as she watched me.

"How dare..you," I said, taking a step inside. "How dare you touch something that's not yours, how dare you enter this room" I whispered.

She looked shocked, her eyes were filling and flowing down but I couldn't register anything anymore, I was starting to shake in anger.

She has no idea what she has done wrong and it just infuriated me more.

Riya.

I don't know why I am tearing up like this.

The look on Nivin's face scared me and Pained me alike.

I took a step back, Nivin is looking murderous, I have no doubt that he is going to hurt me.

"Who do you think you are?" he was in front of me and I couldn't move back any more.

"Niv..in" I tried to talk.

"Shut the hell up! don't you call my name!" he fisted his hands and brought it up, I closed my eyes tightly.

"Damn it!" I heard the crash and opened my eyes.

Nivin had slammed his hands on the side, the glass was shattered, few of it cutting his hands.

He was bleeding, but he didn't seem to be aware of it.

"Don't ever come in front of me, if I ever get my sight of you, I don't know what I will do" he said in cold fury.

His eyes were cold and dangerous. I was speechless with worry.

"Did you hear me?" he shouted and I nodded.

"Brother...Nee..v, It. .It was me..she..didn't know" I heard Danny's voice somewhere behind.

"Get the hell out of here" Nivin screamed, I flinched.

"NOW!" He shouted again.

"Riyechi..come" Danny took my hand and dragged me out. I was still shaken, I couldn't take my eyes off him too.

He was still bleeding while I was being dragged out.

Everyone in the house had gathered in the doorway, looking worried.

Aunt Alice gave me dark look.

"I'm..sorry" I trembled.

"I'm sorry" I started to say again, but Danny just dragged me away.

"Chechi, take rest" Danny took me all the way to my room.

"Nivin...He is hurt badly, Danny" I said robotically. "He's bleeding"

"Chechi, please snap out of it, take it easy," Danny said again.

"That piano, to whom does it belong to?" I asked.

"To his mother, He is so sensitive about it, he will be alright, don't worry"

"Where..where's his..parents?" I asked again.

"He doesn't have parents, he lost them when he was still a kid," Danny said.

Nivin Rosh aldrick is an orphan, Just like me!

I was so restless and couldn't sleep that night. I kept remembering that torn look on his face.

I think I can understand you a bit now, Nivin, you are still not over your parents' death.

I strangely felt sad for him.

Nivin.

I can't just let this go!

I was in the terrace, the soothing place for me in this whole Aldrick mansion, but my anger is just bubbling inside me.

I had had enough of her, there's no way I would tolerate her more, she sealed her fate when she touched it, Amma's-

My insides started to twist painfully again.

Don't go there nivin, don't think about it.

I tried not to think of it, the longer I had to struggle, the angrier I became.

Riya Mehra-I am going to throw her out of here, I don't want to wait till I prove her real identity, I don't want to see her another day in this household.

I took my phone out.

I know what I should do.

* * *

Riya.

I woke up extra early, I know I can't deal with it anymore. I've been tossing and turning the whole night yesterday.

It was nearly 7 and I tiptoed out of my room. I was in front of Neev's room before I realised it.

Are you crazy Riya? Do you have a death wish?

I hesitated for a moment, then opened the door slowly.

I just want to see if he's there, that's right, or I would be frustrated all day!

The room was only dimly lit and I looked around, it's the first time I am coming to this room and I saw his bed.

I took a step closer, I just want to see if his hand is taken care of.

"What are you doing here?" I heard the sharp voice before the room flooded with light.

My heart practically freezes and I jumped in shock, now turning back and took him in.

My eyes went wide at the sight, he was only wearing a towel, his perfectly chiselled upper body was on display, his six-pack and hair still glistening with water droplets.

"Didn't you hear me? what are you doing in my room?" he asked again, his eyes narrowed and he took a step towards me.

I started to hyperventilate.

Nivin Rosh freaking Aldrick's standing in front of me shirtless and just out of the shower!

"I.." I started. "I..."

"What do you want?" he didn't stop, taking another step towards me now.

I panicked. "I am sorry, I think I took the wrong way, I was searching for the bathroom and I just got lost, I will just go out now" I started to blabber stupidly, I walked to the door, only, Nivin grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

"Why did you come here?" he backed me to him, twisting my hands behind, not hurting me, but enough to keep me imprisoned.

"Bathroom-"

"There is one in your room"

"I..I got lost, I guess...hey!what are you doing!?"

"You are not even dressed properly, tell me again, why.are.you. here?" he asked me deadly, stressing each word.

I gulped.

I never thought I will get caught by him! I am still in my thin nightgown.

"Let me go" I struggled.

He backed me to the wall. "Riya Mehra.."

"Okay..I. .I...I wanted to apologise" I admitted.

"I was so uneasy and I just wanted to see if you are okay, I was wrong okay, I'm sorry, now that I said it, you can let me go" I started to blabber again.

"Is that why you came here dressing like this?" He touched my beauty bone and I gasped.

"Stay away from me!" I said. "And put on some shirt for God's sake!"

"Why? haven't you seen grown men before?" He asked again, now closing the distance between us, very slowly.

"Nivin!" I tried to push him and my hands came into contact with his hard, strong muscles.

I gasped again at the electricity, Nivin seemed confused for a moment too, his eyes turned slightly dark.

And he let go of me as if burnt.

"I warned you, Mehra, I warned you not to come in front of me again" He took a step back.

"It was a mistake...I was just passing by" I muttered, embarrassed and angry at myself.

So much for losing your sleep over it!

I hurried out of there.

Nivin.

I have no words to explain her, I have never seen someone so clueless!

I was on my way from the gym, thanks to someone, I have been frustrated whole time and I wanted to release some pent up frustration.

So I was surprised to see her snooping around!

Why the heck would she dress like that? This house is full of male staffs too!

I could still picture her, I groaned.

Don't go there Neev, don't forget she's that kind of a girl.

I moved towards my desk and that's when I saw it.

I picked it up from the floor.

Band-aid?

Whoa! don't tell me...

So she was actually here to check up on me?

Jeez! I am speechless!

By the time I was dressed and ready for breakfast, she was already missing from the table.

Thankfully grandpa was also busy and out today.

"Here is your coffee" Kamala poured me the coffee.

I started to have my breakfast, I could feel Auntie Alice looking at me like she wanted to talk.

"Riyechi is gone early today," Danny told me cheerfully. "She said she has something to do" he added.

I didn't bother to reply.

"But I think she's avoiding you, brother Neev, She was scared yesterday," he said.

Scared, Yea! that's why she was in my room first thing in the morning!wearing that transparent thing...and with that sleepyhead, almost looking ravishing..uh..anyways, She's not scared of me!

Auntie Alice looked at Danny, her eyes warning him.

"I will get going then" I picked up my jacket and walked out.

Really Nivin? you thought she looked ravishing in her morning look?

Uh...I want to clear my mind, I think there's something wrong with me!

I started my car.

* * *

Riya.

I got down at the college stop, I checked my watch, I still have 15 minutes.

I will wait for Meera.

Actually, I am really reluctant about going there alone.

"Riya?" I heard that voice and turned around, startled.

I couldn't believe my eyes, in front of me was the loan shark Vivek's right hand, Suresh.

The last time I saw them, they kidnapped me to take me to Vivek's apartments!

"It's really you! The information was right! I found you at last!"

"I paid you last month, what do you want?" I said, trying to be brave.

I'm almost 1 hr away from my place, I don't know how they found me here!

"We were waiting for you to return home, but you never turned up" he smiled.

I took a step away. "I already paid you, what do you want now?"

"Boss wants you"

"Do you think you can take me like last time? We are in broad daylight!" I said confidently, but my insides were desperate to get out of there.

"Ha! very confident, Aren't we?" he took a step towards me and I took a step back again.

"Leave me alone! as long as I pay you correctly-"

"The rule is all changed, Princess, Do you know how much trouble you put boss though? he even had his house raided by the police, all because you trapped him in that elevator, there's no way out for you now, wherever you go, he's determined to get you" Suresh said.

"I will scream now, stay away" I took a step back again.

"Either you come with me quietly or we will take you forcefully now" he threatened.

I don't doubt him, he was one of those local goons in our area before Vivek took him in. he would do anything for money, especially to people like me, who won't be much of a problem, even if something happens.

"So, what do you say? our ride is here" he said.

I saw Vivek's car pulling to a stop in front of me. I gripped my bag tightly.

"I..I will come," I said slowly, I know I can't overpower him.

"That's our good girl, come on," Suresh said. I had no choice but to walk with him. He opened the car door for me. I noticed Vivek waiting in the backseat.

It's now or never!

I turned around and elbowed a surprised Suresh, pushing him back, and ran for my life - only, I was not as lucky as I thought.

I was in the busy morning road and the car speeding towards me was blowing horn too much, even I could see the driver trying to take control and to avoid me, but it was too late.

BANG-

Next thing I know, I was flying through the air and then slammed back to the ground.

Everything went black and darkness engulfed me.

Neev.

I blew the horn continuously. It's been five minutes I have been stuck in the traffic jam.

I don't have much patience and the thing I hate most in this world is waiting.

I tried to take my car through the wrong side.

My bike would have easily passed through this!

"Hey, move back, make way, a college student has been hit pretty badly, we have to take her to the hospital"

"Ambulance can't reach here, the whole area is in a traffic jam, it will take some time"

"Hey, Mister, stop driving now or I'm going to give you a ticket" The traffic officer seemed irritated while tapping on my window.

Just my luck!

I stopped the car and stepped out like most of the driver's have.

"-It's not the driver's fault, he was driving okay, it seems that the girl just jumped in front"

I heard snatches of conversation and took out my phone.

"I told you, I will take her to the hospital!"

"I saw her running away from your car, you can't take her!"

"Then will you be responsible if something happens to her? The whole area is jammed and ambulance cant reach here now" I heard the other sound.

"Hey Neev, whatsap?" Sreejith attended the call.

"Sreejith, I am stuck in the traffic-" I stopped midway.

It was just a moment, when someone moved, I think I saw her.

"That sucks man" Sreejith was talking to me but I started to walk in front.

I moved people out of my way and finally reached the front of the gathering.

I froze.

Riya?

I moved down to remove the hair from her face and shock ran through me.

It's...Riya!

"Hey mister, what are you doing? stay away, I'm taking her to the hospital now" someone said, but I was still frozen in my spot.

Blood was flowing down the left side of her face, she was unconscious.

"I will take her then, we have no other way now, I guess" I heard someone say.

But I was too shocked to reply.

"Riya?" I said and I felt the guy near going still beside me.

"Riya?" I called again. "What happened to-" I stopped again. my eyes found him in the car.

My whole system shook with shock. inside the car was Vivek.

They are taking her to his car?

I gripped the hand of the one who was lifting her up.

"Let go"

"Move back boy"

"Let go of her now!" I shouted. "I will take her to the hospital," I said again, he looked surprised.

"Who are you boy?"

He asked me threateningly. But I pushed his hands off her and lifted her up.

I could see Vivek trying to take a better look at me, but I turned around, not giving him a chance.

"OUT OF THE WAY" I bellowed and the crowd parted.

I wrapped her up more closely to me and started to run.

I know I can't take any means of transport now, it will be too late.

I was still shaken inside out. I never thought my plan will backfire like this.

Relax Neev, she's not dead, it's not your fault...

I couldn't even feel the effort of carrying her, because of the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

You informed them, Neev, you wanted to get her out of the way, You gave them the information regarding her, how is it not your fault if something happens to her?

I speeded up.

Just focus on getting her to the hospital first, don't think about anything else.

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

I know Nivin's a real jerk, but bear with him a little more😊