Chapter 6 ~ I hate you

I fiddled with my fingers as they both looked down at me with uncertainty.

I sighed, "look"

I faced them or actually it was only Faisal, I looked at Dhruv's way he was standing near his car looking impatient. The ride back home was surprisingly quiet, I expected Dhruv to drive rashly and just burst loud music for all the time, I don't know what was with me thinking he preferred loud turning deaf kinda music? Might be because of his outward appearance,the one with arrogant and jerk attitude.

I said to him to drop me to the bus station that's from where I would get on one to reach my home, even though, I doubted that they weren't aware of my address.

Nonetheless, I couldn't go to my home.

Because,

The situation was I haven't told my mother that I was coming back, knowing her she would have said to stay back there in the institution and study, instead of wasting time here cooped up in my room. Like, my antisocial self

Anyway, my mom won't understand the circumstances I was put into by these boys,and my past blocking my present with barely leaving me with any of my say and choices.

So I stalled that news, that impending conversation of which I was still clueless as to what to say and get out of it unscathed. I was good at lying but my mom had got a degree to trap liars and pulled the truth right out of their throats. She would catch it before I could even come up with one.

I decided, that I would be sat here at the bus stop waiting for the bus while doing so I will give myself a moment or two without the boys around me to hamper it and deflect my thinking.

But, there was again a problem about how to get them off me without arousing any suspicions?

Sahil, hardly cared about my whereabouts so that problem was already sorted out on its own, I was relieved and annoyed by it,

Dhruv, like really don't care about anything so I don't have to worry about it too, which has now left me with Faisal but lying to him was quite hard task itself, when he reads me so easily.

"See I will catch the bus and I will go home, you don't have to trouble yourself" I told Faisal putting my arm around my blue trolley bag tightly.

He frowned not getting it, "what's the trouble, there? Dhruv will drop you, why wait here for the bus? Won't you Dhruv?"

Dhruv was clearly ignoring us while reserving his undivided attention to himself, settling his hair looking at the rearview mirror.

For the first time, I didn't mind that jerk.

I spoke eventually, saving Faisal from the awkward silence when Dhruv purposely dragged his eyes passing over Faisal like he didn't exist, "it's not a problem, you guys have done so much for me, I am so thankful for- " I coughed loudly when Dhruv's head turned suddenly to my way with narrowed eyes and suspicion right there on his face.

I cleared my throat masking my fear with a small smile.

Faisal appeared he happened to believe me so he shrugged, catching the car key that he tossed up in the air, swiftly ,"alright, we are leaving you here but make sure to let us know when you reached home safely. We don't want anything happen to our only key to Selena" he grinned, tauntingly reminding me of my purpose.

I stared at him keeping my expression neutral whereas from inside I seethed, I was only a key for them, a mere clue to be discarded away once used. And, I thought he was really worried about my safety. Well jokes on him, I wasn't the key but the ultimate goal they were stupidly searching around.

I nodded gazing down at my shoes, counting till they leave me alone then I could be myself and hit the nearest pole or just hit myself. Because in the end, it all happened because of me.

My head shot up when I found black boots halted near my naive plain white Converse. I schooled my features don't be shock, don't be afraid, just look normal.

Dhruv stared down at me that dangerous intimidating one taking over, "Ms. Newton" he said, coolly.

"Ye- ss"
I stammered a yes.

Telling him to call me by my actual name wasn't going to happen in this life so I gave up ultimately to save myself from a headache.

"You can't go home" he said bending to get to my eye level, drawing his head close to mine.

My heart thumped with fear, I shuffled back my back hit against the metal seat. I was too numbed by trepidation to groan in pain,"what are you saying?" I managed a sentence.

Honestly speaking, I was most scared of Dhruv because from the starting he made it clear he disliked me and won't back away from hurting me if it required.

"We need to keep an eye on you so you don't runaway like you planned before. That's why for now, you will stay with us and that's the final say," he threatened me directly, making it clear as water.

I gritted my teeth they never let me have any say, my point, my side argument just don't matter to them. I kept my chin high catching him off guard when I leaned towards him daringly, he stepped back in surprise, confusion and amazement flashing in his eyes?.

I told him with a hard face,
"I am not your hostage I will do what I want I will stay where I want, you all will not dictate every part of my life" I stood up and glared up at him with folded arms, conveying this was the end of the conversation. Even if I don't know where I will go if my mom didn't allow me in or just scolded me to go back. She wasn't that cruel but I knew from experience that the end of this trip would be very soon if I went to my home. Still, I would rather be homeless or live in a shoebox than to share the same roof with these bullies.

He laughed looking away as if what I said was a joke then he faced back with a dead serious expression, "don't take me for Sahil whose head you could shave off and get away though I remind you, you are delusional to think you are off the hook so easily. As for me, I don't delay my actions I will haul you on my back if that's what requires to take you with us"

I deflated in disbelief, indignant,"You can't- do tha-t"

"Watch me" he said, arrogantly.
I was nothing in front of him he was 6 foot something and I was barely 5'4 not to forget he was built and I was- well physically was impossible to defeat him.

I shifted back nervously looking around for anyone and found Faisal doing some handkerchief dance gathering whosoever was present there's attention.

Oh God.

He also didn't leave.

What's with the dance by the way? And He got some move there. I dragged my eyes away to the serious matter, Dhruv approaching me.

"I will scream!- "I warned him. The crowd cheered loudly shuting my voice.

Dhruv smirked, "don't take us as fools, Ms. Newton," he walked towards me casually with folded arms and even yawned when I tried to get a man's attention shouting and waving my hand, Dhruv blocked my sight with his body waving back, mocking.

I huffed, glaring at him

This proves again, I really can't trust anyone of them.

I bit my lip, frustrated, tears of anger brimming my eyes. "Fine!" I yelled, yanking my bag and throwing it hard on Dhruv's arrogant face which he didn't see it coming, I would have runaway for not Faisal didn't step in front then opened the car door warmly.

•

The apartment of the boys was grand like everything about them, I was too angry and done with them to focus on anything. With folded arms, I entered the living room and slumped on the first chaise lounge I spotted, the left side of the hall had a lush green courtyard with a big pool, I admired it through the glass doors.

"This is actually better, we aren't even here most of the time you could have the apartment to yourself and do whatever you like to do mugging formulas, reading physics, counting time and yada and yada, give Faisal the list of the books you want he will get them for you that is also for free!" Dhruv said making it looked like some awesome deal and I should be so grateful for them to taking me in their apartment.

Faisal shot me thumbs up with an apologetic grin, "I will get you anything you want I am the designated bellboy, here" he said sarcastically looking at Dhruv.

As for Dhruv he was already on his way to his room I guess, there from the front was the hallway with several white doors.

Three appeared to be the prominent ones among the rest. It was the one with some black patterns like skulls and danger sign on it, Dhruv got in there.

Faisal mock saluted me leaving after saying"make yourself at home and you can choose any of the three guestrooms" He told opening the right door with minions on it, it was yellowy kinda door. He really had a thing for yellow color.

I stared at the centre door, the white one which was covered with quotes with different fonts and colors. I walked towards it, I touched the first quote where my eyes landed on; you only know a part of me,I am a universe full of secrets.

I put my hand down, feeling tornado of emotions inside me. I wanted to get inside his room and ravel all the secrets but kept that mission for some other day. Though, I was aware that now was the best time for it when he wasn't there but I just couldn't make myself move in.

••

I dialled my mom's number, she picked it up on the last ring.

"What happened?" She asked sounding impatient, she must be busy in Salon at this time.

I said quickly,
"Hey, Ma we are having our summer vacation, I was thinking-

"No, you stay there Serra and study hard, you know child coming here won't be any useful than being there, you could revise all over again, ask teachers if you can't understand anything. This reminds me, I talked to your Chemistry Sir, he said you scored less marks this time. See,I am not complaining but Serra, focus you can't afford to lose even one mark, you were the topper of your school, third rank in the entire state that's your position always among the best, maintain it-

"Ma, you know sometimes I also need a break," I said in a very low and small voice looking at the blue pool the lights flickering on it from the across lights. I had explored the house and I found the poolside the best part of this house.

Serene and soulful.

"Of course you need, once you clear the exams there will be only rest and rest." She sounded irked by it. I could hear the sound of the machine from behind, on the line.

"You know, that's not true" I don't know why was I even bothering to be honest with her for once, when I knew she won't understand me.

Lying was my comfort zone.

Lying makes thing easier, hides your pain, thoughts and wants, to the point you don't even realise you aren't only lying to others but also to yourself.

The machine stopped abruptly as the silence took place for a second shocking her and wanting me to take my words back,
"What are you talking about? What has gotten into you? You were never like that! Should I talk to your teachers-

"Ah no need for that, I am just a little sleepy mumbling nonsense anyway talk to you later," I ended the call before she jumps to another conclusion and make it more difficult for me.

I shoved the mobile inside my black sweatshirt's pocket and turned to find some comfort from the still water of the pool, however I was halted when incoming footsteps from the living room made their way towards me.

Sahil stopped his stampede once he found me, I realised that he was looking for me the moment his eyes paused on me with purpose. The cap was missing from his head giving me the full view to it, it wasn't bald like I thought, rather he altered it to a military cut hairstyle which so suited him. He appeared vexed for some very mysterious reason like I really cared. I rolled my eyes and was going to leave him to be.
"You!" he said in a barely strained voice.

"What!" I matched the level of it, looking back at him with a no shit taking face. Seriously, I was so done with the boys controlling me around. It was way too enough for today.

"You can't be here" he told trampling towards me.

"I don't want to be here, okay?" So keep your attitude to yourself. I wanted to add but refrain myself from poking a bear he already looked so furious.

"Leave, right now Serra" he ordered harshly, pointing towards the exit door.

"Excuse me?" I said sounding hurt by his ruthless behaviour. He can't mean to kick me out of his house, I never thought he would do so to me.

Enemy or not.

Well, I shouldn't be surprised there, because from starting he had done nothing but disappointed me.

He looked hesitant when I continued staring at him in disbelief, then it was gone and his face was marked by impatience and irritation. "Make it quick, I don't have all day" he said facing away.

I bit my lip to stop the pain,
I blinked back the tears.

"you guys should probably have some discussion sitting together, what do you actually want from me? I can't be pulled from both the sides, one wants me out others want me under their scrutiny. I am a person with actual feelings I feel hurt, pain and unwanted too, in case you guys can't seem to realise and didn't see me as" I walked passed by him holding myself intact before I fall apart again because of him.

He caught my wrist.

"let go of me, Sahil" I said, wiping my face irritatedly with the sleeve of my sweatshirt.

"Look at me" he said gently in a pleading voice.

I tugged my hand but he held it with no will to leave, I huffed turning around,"what's your problem Sahil-

He pulled me in front suddenly making me trip and fall against his hard chest. His arms were around me at once, holding me firmly and possessively. I was ashamed of myself to find safety there, in them. I kept my eyes glued to the collar of his shirt underneath his cardigan. He held my face in his hands and slowly made me look in his eyes that were filled with sadness too.

"I am, so sorry Serra" he said inclining his head and resting it against my forehead like he could make me feel the unspoken words through it, "you have to go, if you stay here it will only complicate things and ...and I don't want you to get more hurt" it sounded like he really meant what he said. But how could I trust him when he hadn't given me any reasons to?

I closed my eyes the warmth near him was unexplainable, I couldn't help myself from leaning into him. When I spoke, my voice light as a whisper but sharp enough to note the turmoil in it, "I hate you, Sahil" I said, getting a firm hold on myself, I tried to get out of him from his arms wrapped around my waist like they always belonged there.

He pulled me towards him putting my weak efforts in vain to move away from him, "like you should," he told with a smile that was broad but so fake and dull that I, for a moment forgot whatever was going on between us my hand reached and traced his lower lip frowning, "what's wrong with you?" I asked, worried. I can't ignore that something was hurting and haunting him too. I caressed his cheek, "you don't have to be like this, bad boy or enemy or ... just don't pretend to be someone you are not" I had never excused anyone this many times before. But with him, I was always ready to bring the alternate, to mend whatever we had instead of the punishment he deserved.

He was shaken by my words, he covered it with a cruel smile taking my hand in his and kissing my fingers making me startled and unfocused, "I am beyond redemption, Serra," he said remorsefully, then lowered his head down to my lips, I immediately put a hand to his lips before they covered mine.

"You already took my first kiss, stop there" I said with a shaky and unsure voice. My fingers where they were touched his lips tingled, burned and just felt so alive and conscious. I dropped it abruptly but didn't move away even though his hold loosened on me. I continued staring into his dark eyes that were swallowing me in . They roamed over my face lazily, "I will just return it back, then," he said huskily. I nodded in daze my eyes dropping, I tip toed with my arms slowly on their own got wrapped around his neck pulling him down. I took a deep breath which he quickly obstructed covering his lips with mine. I felt elated, confused at what I would let him allow in this frenzy He sighed in my mouth, moving his lips and his arm got tightly wound around my waist drawing me in against him-

"Sahil!" A voice called out coming faintly from somewhere.

But it was enough for us to snap our eyes open and broke the moment. Color drained off his face when he recognised the voice, it was Soumya.

"Sahil!" Soumya called out, it appeared she was getting near to where we were.

I was paralyzed with shock and horror with what I just did and let it happen! Before I could skew away or slap him or slap myself or slap both of us, no sooner did Soumya walk in than Sahil turned my body instantly and pushed me into the pool.

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Oh
Oh
Oh that's really bad of Sahil! What if Serra doesn't know how to swim! ☹️😔

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