Chapter 26

Friends are your saviour, sometimes your knight in the shining armour!!!

 “Pearly here you are” Joshan shouted and Ben left me loose.

“Hi Ben”

“Hi Josh. Happy birthday.” Ben greeted Joshan completely oblvious of what he was doing moments ago.

“Thanks. You coming to the party at Deren’s tonight?” Joshan asked formally.

“Yeah I was invited.” His eyes on me every time he spoke to Joshan but Joshan was busy playing with my now open hair. I don’t understand what he likes about them but he does love doing this.

“See you than tonight. Right Pearly” Ben said and I smiled a forced smile not to create a scene.

The service at orphanage went fine with washing curtains and bed sheets and lots of accounts to be maintained. We did it all well and did come to know that they wanted some renovation followed by change of curtains before their annual day which was on mid October. I mentally promised to bear the expenditure of 10000 dollars for the same.

‘I’ll drop you home to get dressed for the party” Joshan said.

“I am tired.” I excused.

“Me too but you already committed.” He pouted.

‘Yeah I know” I said defiantly with no way out of it.

“I’ll pick you by 9:30” he confirmed.

“Don’t bother. I’ll drive.” I denied. If I was tired he too was.

“I am picking you.” He insisted.

There was no point arguing as I know he gets a little protective about my driving late nights. So I didn’t argue further.

I got ready in time with my black tube skirt and deep V neck red top. I left my hair open with a small diamond clip on he left. I wore my black pumps and was ready waiting for Josh with his gift. I haven’t yet presented the ipod to him. I was waiting for the right time and I think our drive to Deren’s house would be the perfect moment.

The party went fine with lot of dance, food and booze.

This time I made it a point not to overdo and so restricted to two vodkas and a glass of beer.

I was not completely wasted but the alcohol had left its effect leading to heaviness.

I was tired dancing and felt alone as Essme was busy with Deren and rest of the girls were Joshan’s ex and weren’t very good with me. I decided to slip to the library when Ben caught me mid way and held me tight wrapping his body to mine locking me so that I couldn’t move.

“Pearly so what about movie tomorrow” he said and started kissing my neck moving slowly reaching my jaw.

“Ben leave me.” I tried to refrain from his grip. The smell of alcohol from his mouth was nauseating.

“Aren’t you enjoying?” he bit me softly on my shoulder and I was on tears now.

“No please Leave” I was so scared that I could hear my heart thumping in my chest. But too tired, a bit dizzy with the amount of drinks I felt completely helpless

His lips then reached inches apart from my lips when I turned my face right to avoid that kiss leaving my hair on my face. He cleaned the sweat drops from my forehead and was clearing my face from the strands of hair.

“What is in your hair that only Joshan can enjoy? Let me too. You are so beautiful and he cupped my face in his hands coming closer for a kiss. His breath was smelling alcohol and I tried to shout but of no use. The music was too loud and as he leaned towards me for a kiss, I closed my eyes out of fear.

Then suddenly all I could see was Ben lying on the ground with his nose bleeding.

Deren was calming Joshan and asked his driver to drop Ben to his home.

Joshan wiped my tears off and hugged me. He took me to one of the rooms, let me wash my face and let me lie on the bed.

“Can I go home? I am scared” I asked Joshan.

“I can’t take you home like this.” He was rubbing my back. “You trust me?”

“Hmmmm” I mumbled.

“So I won’t let any body hurt you nor will I leave you.” He promised.

“Hmmm” I said and gripped his palms tightly. I did not realize when we went into sound sleep.

 All I could hear was “Joshan” Nancy shouting “Let’s have fun”

We both opened our eyes, cuddling each other more as he shouted “M tired”

He laughed, I laughed---- Friendship triumphs.

 I volunteered a new job for the vacations as library too was closed for vacations and I also wanted to collect the money on my own.

 The job was of a full time librarian at a little distance from my house, a bit farther away but I didn’t mind because I could drive. My mom was a bit upset for me because she wanted me to enjoy my vacations but my dad supported my noble cause as he said, “My little Pearly is growing up.”

Stacie and Cairo were preparing for an up coming fashion show for which the judges were coming from Paris. Stacie hooked up with one of the blondes from her field. They were officially together keeping me and Cairo on the same boats as Stacie preferred to spend her leisure time with him. It seems that she was very happy being with him. Cairo was also doing some free lancer thing, designing her own dresses on order and was happy. She promised to design me one too for Stacie’s birthday as we were planning a surprise party for her with Joshan and his group.

Dexter was in touch trying his flirting skills and when he came to know about my job as a librarian, he arranged a better profiled job of my field of mechanics where I had to manage a construction department of refrigerators as the person designated there was on a leave. Yes I had to tell Dexter because he was after my life to come and spend few days of vacations with him. He planned to visit Texas but was stuck with some important hearings which he couldn’t deploy anyone else for the same. We do talk for hours together and enjoy each other’s company. But I still don’t feel anything more than friendship for him. Yes I have never experienced love so may be I won’t even ever realize it either. So far we were enjoying talking and texting each other. He was nice to me.

 Work was doing well with Joshan always complaining for lack of our times together. He’d sometimes pick and drop me to spend some times together but it was getting a bit difficult as we couldn’t match our timings back. Sometimes he was busy and sometimes I had to work back late.

So we decided to match up our gym timings which we were sure we both would not miss. I did go to aerobics later but Joshan didn’t join me for that as he never liked forced dancing. He says he rules dancing and cannot follow  the steps but he’s still a great dancer and has lot of stamina too as whenever we are at a disc he never leaves till the official closing time.

So now we met daily at the gym working together at parallel treadmills so we can chat. He had once done a diploma course about fitness training so he would guide me in body toning and most importantly would force me to stretch as he says is very essential for muscle relaxation. Its not that I needed it I was quite fit but I enjoyed doing workouts especially with music on and when you have your bestie with you, it’s always a cherry on the top.

Joshan would later go on a date with his girlfriend so that he has a lot to share with me, next day at the gym. He also shows concern about my job whether I like it or not.

“When you were at library I was fine that you are doing something you enjoy. I get worried sometimes.” Joshan said when he was walking on a treadmill with speed of 7, sweat pouring from his head to his neck. God he never carries his towel. I have to carry for him but won’t wipe it himself too. I have to do it for him.

“Josh I am doing it because I like it. Though it’s a bit strenuous but end of the day I am glad I’ll collect enough for the renovation.” I said, my speed a little less to 6.4.

“That’s what the point is. Don’t overdo because of money. We can raise funds.” He demanated

“No really Josh I am doing well and it’ll always help.” I assured my overprotective bestie.

 It was a week before Stacie’s birthday and me and Joshan were shopping after gym for the same when I got a call fro Cairo.

“Hi Cairo. Guess what? We have almost finished the shopping for drinks, snacks and balloons.”

“Pearly” and I could hear her sniffing.

“Cairo. Is everything alright?” I felt a little tensed.

“Pearly Stacie. Stacie …” and she started crying.

“Where are you Cairo? What happened?” my voice also started panicking.

“Tell me bloody f##kingly what happened to Stacie?” I was little loud this time with all other shoppers staring at us. Joshan hugged me to comfort me and took the phone from me.

“Cairo relax and breathe first.” Joshan said calmly.

“Now say where are you?” he asked while I was shivering with the news.

“Okay we’ll be there within half an hour. You take care and please relax. Everything will be fine.” And he hooked the phone.

“Pearly you have to handle things maturely. Grow up and act. Stacie and Cairo are at hospital and we are going there. Don’t think too much. She’ll be okay.” He said in a commanding tone but looking straight in my eyes making me feel a little better.

We left the trolley there itself and left in Joshan’s car.

We reached there a little earlier than 30 minutes and I asked the receptionist about Stacie and rushed to her room.

As I reached her room, Cairo came rushing to me and hugged me. From her face one could analyse she was dead scared and worried too.

I hugged her and went to Stacie who was lying on the bed unconscious and there were bandages on her arms, right leg and forehead too. I softly brushed her cheeks with fear not to hurt her.

“How did she get into this?” I asked Cairo.

“Elbiet that son of a bitch” Cairo paused.

“Weren’t they two together?” I asked.

“No it was a prank to separate both of us, a silly bet. But when Stacie came to know about this she was broken. She was deeply in love with that b##tard and he went on making out with some girl in front of her, tearing her apart. Stacie when she got aware of the entire bet thing lost it and went in frustration driving her car.  She over sped, lost control and even banged Elbiet’s car and met this major accident. I don’t know what to do? Even her mom is not in town.” And Cairo went into crying uncontrollably again. I could feel tears dwell up in my eyes too but I remembered Joshan’s words about being matured so I kept myself strong.

“Don’t worry everything will be fine. We’ll call her mom.” I cooed Cairo.

“I tried but her mobile is out of reach.” Cairo stated sobbing.

“Fine we’ll try again send mails and messages. She can read and get in touch.” I caressed her back to sooth her. She looked quite worn out of stress.

“Coffee girls” Joshan offered as he carried three cups of coffee in a tray. “I know you need it. Don’t say no Cairo. You have been through lot. This will help”.

“Thanks Josh” we said as we picked the coffee and narrated the entire thing to him.

He felt sad but did not comment on it.

“What did the doctor’s say?” Joshan asked.

“They said the injuries were severe and needed stitches on the feet. There ain’t any fractures but she has to stay in hospital for couple of days till MRI reports are due and they are confirmed of no injuries in the brain.”

“You want to go home Cairo, me and Pearly are here. Then you can come back.” Joshan said.

“Yeah that will be good as we have to stay here tonight as her mom too is out of town.” I added

Joshan also reminded me to call my parents to inform them and so did I.

Both I and Cairo stayed in the hospital. Joshan wanted to but was not allowed according to the rules and regulation thing. But he did come early morning with coffee and fruits for us.

Stacie woke up early morning. She was sad but we tried to keep her mind off which was a bit difficult as we could see tears build up in her eyes but we never let it flow. We were good friends right from high school and very close so our togetherness was a good healer. Other than that Joshan , Deren , Alfred and others  did give timely visit and kept the situation under control with their untimely jokes and crappy comments.

Stacie was discharged on the fourth day. Her mom had called today in the morning. She had just received the mail. Her mobile was not working and she couldn’t do anything about it. The area was quite remote and lonely where she was working on a resort’s project. She was worried and wanted to come back urgently leaving her work and she could return back after a week. But we convinced her to stay back and finish the work as we were free due to our vacations and Stacie had a while of rest as the stitches were on her feet. She non heartedly agreed and I shifted for a while to Stacie’s. Even Cairo would join on weekends as she was doing both hers and Stacie’s work for the fashion show. However she managed.

After a week we were sitting together and celebrating Stacie’s birthday in a very small scale. The guys wanted to join in but Stacie was not sure about it. We decide to make it an only trio affair as we knew Stacie was upset and would break any moment and she was fragile too. So we brought a takeaway from a nearby diner and a small pineapple berry cake to celebrate.

We were sitting together in the hall which was not too big but had homely look. There were huge curtains on the whole window on the right. The centre was occupied with black leather couches and a small oval shaped centre table. The LCD screen was on right so we spent most of the time here watching movies or tele series. Stacie’s mom was a single mother child as her father deserted them ages before for another woman and never tried to contact them. Stacie was therefore not very keen in making boyfriends but she had a special bond for Elbiet.

I, Stacie and Cairo were seated in the couch with cake on the centre table. There were only two candles on the cake out of which one she could blow off and other was left wishing her good health.

She blew off the candle and just as she cut the cake there was a bell on the door.

Cairo went to open the door to receive a legal notice. She took her own liberal time to open and murmured the name of the sender in her mouth which we could not guess and shouted

“What the F##K, bloody A##H##E”