“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

- Thomas Merton

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There she stood in front of his art studio contemplating whether to go in or run away before he opens the door.

This is wrong, very wrong. Thinking that, she was about to turn, what choice do I have? She sighed in frustration.

She decided it, no turning back. She checked for her pepper spray and pocket knife.

Nodding to herself, she pressed the calling button.

No response.

She breathed in and pressed again.

That's it, if he opens the door now, I will go in, else thinking it as not a good sign, then I will leave.

Still there was no response.

She turned around to leave she heard the sound of opening the door.

She froze.

"Diya, what a surprise! Please do come in." he invited in.

Still I can run. She thought, but her legs deceived her.

She stepped into lion's den.

She looked around, all the beautiful paintings were hanged on the wall, but she was in no mood to admire the art.

He sensed her discomfort. She looked as if she would have a panic attack at any moment.

He made her sit, and went in to bring coffee.

"Have coffee", he offered which she politely rejected.

She thought what if he added sleeping dose in it and raped her?

Again he could understand her thinking. He didn't want to embarrass her by explaining that he didn't add anything to the coffee.

She was looking everywhere except him. She knew she insulted him few days before now she is standing in front of him for the same reason.

He didn't want to make the things between them awkward, so he broke the silence, by asking

"How much you want?" he could see that she in some financial problem, which made her to come here.

She needed 80 grand for her tuition fee. Her scholarship covers 60 grand. Actually she had 60 grand herself, but she donated them for her brother's treatment. So now she is need of 20 more. She asked her boss as debt, but he refused to give her saying he doesn't trust her. She asked her friends, but none was able to give her more than 500 bucks. So her option is him.

She don't know how much to ask. What if he says that he can't give that much?

"How much will you give usually?" she whispered.

"It depends on theme I paint for. Now tell me how much you want?"

"10 grand?" she asked unsure whether it is high or low for a poser.

"I will give you 20k, in addition I will give you 10% of the prize, if I win." he promised. Earning money was not his main aim, he earned enough to last for his lifetime, he wanted to showcase his talent to the world.

"When shall we start?" he asked, even though he wanted to paint ASAP.

She wanted the money immediately. So, "Now?"

He was surprised at first, later he composed himself.

"Follow me." he said and walked her to his art room.

He showed her the position she should be in and place where she should be sitting. He sat in position where is would cover her private parts. From art point of view, it would look semi nude, but from his eyes, she would be sitting naked.

"Keep your face sad. I know you can't cry all of sudden, so please rub your eyes for few seconds, I will get you some glycerin."

"I... have allergy to chemicals." she whispered

"Oh, OK I will cover in painting. Feel as if your soul has been ripped out."

She nodded. She need not feel, she is already in that stage.

"Can you undress yourself?" he said cooly. He could say it easily because, it got used to him.

But all of a sudden when she was asked to do so, tears started to form in her eyes.

You decided to give your college fee to hospital bill, then face the consequences. She said it to herself.

He went to arrange things, his back was facing her.

With her hands shaking, she started to undo her buttons. Once she removed all of her clothes, she sat in the position he asked to do so.

Even though she couldn't provide the expression he asked for, one can guess that she is in pain.

He turned back and looked at her.

"Perfect" he smiled at her. Not mocking one, but genuine one.

Soon he started to paint her. She could see, his gaze was genuine. Even though she had zero experience with boys, she could decipher from his expression.

He concentrated more on his painting rather than staring at her. He knew she would feel discomfort and he confirmed it from her body language.

A part of his heart panged with guilt, for taking advantage of her innocence, at the same time passion for his art, made him little stone hearted.

She tried to control her tears, but her eyes deceived by allowing some to flow.

And he noticed. But he remained quite, throwing away his guilt, he made his heart cold to draw the last part, her face. Her hurt look, tear strained face was apt for the theme he wanted to portray. So he was keen on completing his art.

Finally after waiting for few hours, she heard him saying, "Get dressed." after which she breathed in relief.

He turned around to arrange the things back to the shelf, but indirectly he was giving her privacy to get dressed. He didn't want her to feel any more discomfort.

Once he turned, she quickly dressed herself and waited for him to give her money.

After few minutes he turned around and gave her the cash he promised.

When she was about to get the money, "Do you want to look at the painting?"

She shook her head and took the money from him.

"If I win, I will give you the 10% share." he said, meanwhile she started to walk away from him.

He sighed. Why the hell, do I feel like I myself raped her?

He shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned his attention towards his art.

He smiled at it. Only this was up-to his expectation. He felt as if, he did a masterpiece.

He carefully took as if and placed it to dry.

"First place goes to Hrithik's art." Hrithik went to the stage and got the prize.

Soon audience was allowed to see the paintings.

"Congratulations Hrithik. I am huge fan of your artworks." an elderly woman appreciated him. She was a successful business woman.

"Thank you Miss. It is really am honour to get appreciation from you." he eyes was filled with full of pride. Only he knew how many hardships he has crossed to get this painting done.

"Even a child is not safe in this cruel world. Much needed awareness topic. You have portrayed it beautifully. One look at this, even I can feel the pain. So much of emotions cross her face"

"Yeah, all dedication goes to my poser. If not her, I don't think I could have painted her." he replied honestly. Of course he could have imagined a sad face and paint it, but it won't be as satisfactory as this painting.

Both of them put their souls as their life depended on it. So it turned out to be a masterpiece for him.

"How much do you say for this? I heard that you are not auctioning this wonderful art. I am hell bent on buying this."

"Umm, I am sorry Miss. I don't have intention of selling this. I feel connected to this art which I couldn't express. So sorry." he apologized.

True, before he used to sell his artworks, even if he loved it a lot. He always thought he could draw another one. People can take his art works, but not his talents. So it didn't matter.

But this! He formed a bond with it. Even he couldn't pinpoint and tell what it is. He couldn't say why he was feeling possessive of his own art.

"Anyway, here is my card, if your change your mind, do give me a call. I will buy it whatever cost you say."

He nodded. Same words, he said to her.

Why am I thinking about her now? He thought.

Is this how she felt when I gave her the card?

No, I didn't compel her. I just gave her options.

Many people asked his painting, his reply was the same.

Late night, he packed his things and left the stadium. Unknown to him, he went towards the coffee shop she used to work.

He peeked in from the car to see whether she was still working or not.

And there she was. She was not the same. She has lost some weight. He wanted to go near her and hug her and tell all is well. Before he could go, the owner changed the hanging disk to 'closed'.

She walked out slowly, he could have followed her, but he didn't. He didn't want her feel as if he was going to ask her for another pose.

"Let me speak to you tomorrow" he whispered to himself. He wanted to set everything straight.

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Before getting into my AN/- I would like to thank my sister for making this beautiful cover.

Thank you soooooooo soooooooo much dr for this beautiful covers

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Hi guys! Long time no update? Sorry guys, in between I kinda lost hope in this book.

But now I have started to write.

Hope you like this chapter. Modified this from question to statement because of my awesome readers who has threatened me to not ask 'how is the chapter?'

Maximum 6 more chapters I think. Then this story will get over.

So please bare with with me.

If you like this chapter do vote, it not comment your views.

Thank you for reading this story. *bows down*