|ANURAG|

I descended the stairs, my blood pulsating with an overwhelming surge of rage. I wanted to punch and beat the hell out of something to release my anger, I wanted to scream and shout. How is it fair that the one person who made life miserable for my brother and me, who killed my kind mother left unpunished? How is that fair?

My mind reeled as I went home. My vision blurred as I made my way towards my building. I gripped the bag around my shoulder harder, I could feel the bag straps and my nails dig into my palm. I tried to take deep breaths and counted in my head trying to get my anger under control. I counted and counted as I waited for the lift to arrive, a few kids got down with cricket bats in their hands. They gave me some storage looks.

I snapped out of my haze and tried to relax my shoulders but I could feel the painful pricks against my back, the scars once again tingled. I managed to nod at them and tried to smile so that they wouldn't be intimidated by my presence. Some smiled back while the others hurried away. I entered the lift and pressed the button for my floor.

I opened the door and slammed it close immediately. I unlocked my phone and shot another text to Abhinav. "Are you sure?"

I let out a shuddering breath and tried to control the trembling of my hands. I tapped my feet and waited for his answer, half an hour passed. I continued to stare at the phone screen still waiting for a reply. My mind was blank I tried to put a barrier against the painful memories that tried to push itself. I needed a distraction or else I would lose it completely.

I slammed the phone against the couch and stood up. I went to my room and quickly removed my clothes. I stood under the cold shower and let out a sigh as it helped me cool down my anger. I swallowed the lump in my throat and ran my fingers through my hair.

I grazed my fingertips against my back and they pricked as if the scars were once again real, I took a breath and held my hand forward my vision blurred as I saw red, and my breathing turned erratic as I heard my mother's and Aarav's screams along with the excruciating pain that followed. Shivers ran down my body and my head felt heavy as the cold water seeped inside my skin almost burning me but for some reason, I didn't want to get out yet.

It made me feel numb, it made me momentarily forget about the pain although the memories flashed in my head. It helped me control my urge to go back to the underground match. A few more fleeting minutes later I heard a loud ringtone. I shut the shower and quickly grabbed the towels from the hanger. I wrapped one around my waist and dried my hair with the other one.

I grabbed my phone from the couch, my hands trembled as I clicked on Abhinav's message, I closed my eyes for a second and tried to remember Aarav's words. "It doesn't matter if he is alive or dead Anurag. We need to let it go. Let him be alive or dead, it shouldn't matter. He will fucking pay, nature will take its course."

Only if it were that easy for me. I can't stand the fact that he got away easily and my mother died! I opened the message and held my breath.

"Yes, I am sure Anurag. I triple-checked. There's no records of him after the year your mom passed away."

I let out a frustrated breath followed by a growl. I grabbed the water bottle from the coffee table and slammed it on the ground. My head spun with various scenarios of me beating up that bastard filled my head. I did the breathing exercise again, but nothing was working.

I went to my bedroom and pulled the drawer open. I rummaged through the contents until I found what I was looking for, the sim card. I grabbed my phone and removed the back cover. My hands once again shook as I removed the battery.

I shuddered and threw the phone on the bed. What am I doing? I can't do this right now! I can't go back to the underground matches. I have been so good for the past few months, I can't ruin my progress. But the anger didn't subside. Before I could lose my cool and resistance I threw the SIM card back inside the drawer and slammed it shut. I switched on my phone and let out a breath.

An alarm rang reminding me that I had to pick up Sana from her painting classes. I stood up and pocketed my phone. I went towards the kitchen and made myself a protein shake. I gulped it down and washed the utensils in the basin.

I closed my eyes and cursed under my breath when my phone pinged with a few notifications, they were texts from Priyanka asking me if I was alright. Priyanka's concerned and almost devastated face flashed before my eyes. What was I thinking standing there?! I should have left the place immediately! I can't be her friend anymore! I can't bear to see that look on her face. She deserves to be happy and cheerful at all times but all I will bring her is misery. I am determined never to be the cause of her pain or hurt.

I texted Aarav to see if he was free to pick her up but he sent a text saying he was busy and had a few errands to run. I made a mental plan to pick Sana up as soon as possible and get out there without meeting Priyanka. I need to start distancing myself from her. I would destroy her and I can't do that. She deserves someone better than me.

The faster I go there the faster I can get out. I put on my running shoes and locked my flat. I tried to listen to some music but it didn't help with the anger that kept bubbling inside me. I felt like a ticking time bomb. I rotated my neck and tried to relax my shoulders.

In a few minutes, I reached the other block. My entire mind reeled with the possibility of my evil father being alive. I knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by Priyanka. She appeared stunned for a second after which she glared at me for a few seconds and moved aside to let me in.

She closed the door behind me and locked it. I glanced around trying to spot Sana, I heard a few voices coming from a room. I stood awkwardly near the door and waited for Sana to arrive.

I discretely glanced up to find Priyanka frowning and staring at the ground. I looked away completely when she turned to look at me. She slammed the book that she was holding onto the coffee table and turned to face me.

She opened and closed her mouth several times. I raised my brows amused by her antics, I momentarily forgot about my anger and crossed my arms across my chest.

I let out a breath and pinched my nose. "What is it?" I asked, unable to control myself.

I opened my eyes when I heard an angry hiss. She glared at me again and shook her head. I watched her as she took a deep breath. "Are you okay?" She asked me softly, concern laced her face.

I wanted to tell her that it was none of her business and right there tell her that she should stay as far away as possible from me and that there wouldn't be any more friendship between us but I couldn't utter any of those things. I didn't have it in me to be rude to her again and deal with the guilt.

"Does that mean you like her?" My inner voice chided me. I asked it to shut up and maintained a blank face.

"I'm fine. Nothing happened. So don't worry." I muttered and glanced at the room.

"Fine! Don't say anything!" Priyanka almost shouted but took a deep breath and grabbed her book from the coffee table.

"Stupid Giraffe." She muttered under her breath as she moved towards her room and slammed the door. I sighed and shook my head. It was better this way, I'll avoid her slowly, and then before that, it'll be back to like we never met. Yes! This will work. I repeated the sentence in my head, but something didn't feel right.

I shook my head, I needed to run. I needed to blow off some steam. Sana barged out of the room a few minutes later. She ran towards me and hugged my waist. "Anurag Bhai, I learned a new way to paint today! Look! Look!" She waved the painting in front of my face.

I smiled at her tightly and ruffled her hair. "That looks amazing. Come on! I'll drop you home." Sana giggled and nodded. She turned back and waved at Nyra who grinned waving back at her.

"Where's Priyanka Nyra Di?" Sana asked innocently, I felt a tense wave as I helped her with her belongings. Her presence doesn't matter, it doesn't mean anything.

"She must be inside her room. Hold on, I'll call her." Nyra walked towards Priyanka's room and knocked on the door. A minute later the door opened. Nyra and Priyanka conversed softly after which Priyanka walked out. Sana ran towards her and hugged her.

"Bye Sana bug! I'll see you soon." Priyanka muttered and kissed her head. Sana nodded and they conversed for a few more minutes. I couldn't stop looking at her as she caressed Sana's forehead tenderly and listened to her chatter patiently.

"Okay bye Priyanka Di, bye Nyra Di." They waved at her one last time, I nodded and held her hand. I opened the door and briefly glanced behind to find Priyanka running her fingers through her hair. Our eyes locked for a few seconds. I could tell that had a lot of questions running through her head.

I shut the door behind me and held Sana's hand. I listened to her reply, but my mind once again raced. I'm not someone who can like anyone! I dropped Sana, Mom asked me to join her for dinner but I was not in the mood.

After parking the car I ran around the apartment perimeter until I felt the pain in my legs and the burn in my chest. Perspiration streamed down my body, I shivered briefly but I didn't stop running. The anger dissipated for the time being. I counted my blessings even though I felt the guilt of not saving Ma gnaw at me again I tried to look at the positives. It helped I was able to release my anger without choosing the underground matches.

I went home with a feeling of relief and showered again. I cooked myself a light dinner and spoke to Aarav for a few minutes. "Is something else bothering you?" He asked, I muttered no and waited for him to continue telling me how the meeting with his client was.

A few minutes later I cut the call and closed my eyes falling into deep slumber. I thought I had dealt with it today but how wrong I was to assume that. My mother's screams filled the air, I saw her body drenched in blood, I tried to help her but everything went in vain. I lived the day I had lost her once again. Palesh's evil laughter echoed in my head.

I opened my eyes and panted. It was one in the morning. My body shook once again with anger, my teeth chattered as I felt the cool air touch my sweaty skin. I can't take it anymore! I rummaged through the drawer and found the SIM card. I knew I was losing control but I couldn't help it. I wanted to destroy something.

I attached the SIM card to my phone and switched it on. I texted Max and got an immediate reply.

"Match in one hour! I expect a win! Ha! I know you will win."

I stood up and gathered my bag. The Destroyer will take control, I'll deal with the repercussions of my actions tomorrow.

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A/N: Well, that was a whirlpool of emotions. I felt like I was living each and every moment. I hope I was able to make you guys what he is feeling.

What do you guys think will happen in the match? Will Anurag fall in trouble or will he get out before it's too late?