<< Omg! Melo! A cop just called auntie and said the cafe has been vandalized! What's going on???>>

My blood ran cold and my eyes froze on the screen. No! This is not happening! It can't be happening! Why? Why now?

The kitchen faucet stopped running and Akram's footsteps followed. I couldn't even turn my face up to look at him.

“Mel, are you okay?” Akram asked.

I knew I should answer him, but I couldn't get myself to function right now. The kitchen walls were spinning .

His footsteps tapped closer. “What is it? Is Asha all right?”

It took some effort to push my face up, raise a trembling hand and give the phone to him. He gently took it from me and checked the screen. His eyebrows furrowed.

Immediately, he pulled his own cellphone, flicked the screen and placed it over his ear. His frown deepened as he waited for a moment in silence and then repeated the process.

My brain hurt as I tried to make sense of the news. Who would do this at this particular time except…! Well, It wasn't hard to guess, because only one name flashed into my mind. A name I'd forced into Asha's and Akram's lives by association.

“Hello, Asha. What is…?” Akram began to speak on the phone then he paused “All right! All right! ”

He squatted next to me and brushed my hand. “She wants me to turn on the speaker, okay?”

I nodded. There was no chance for me to form a coherent sentence right now.

Akram placed his phone on the table and took the chair opposite me.

“Hey, Melo, hear this!” Asha chimed from the phone speaker in lightning speed. “The officer said someone broke into the café this morning and trashed the security camera records. We still don't know how big the damage is, but he asked auntie if she had enemies or if she suspected anyone... Omygosh, Melo! You know what came to me when I heard him? That tramp who mugged Akram! I swear, she has something to do with this! I remember her face when I told her she was recorded. I'm telling you, this is her dirty work! That's why I told the police all about what she did. You have to report this too, and Akram! Dude! You've got to do something! You can't just let her get away with this!”

“I filed a report today.” Akram leaned over the table. “Is there anything else I can do?”

“Just let me finish!” Asha's thin voice exploded with fervency. “Melo, I need you to do something for me. It will help us catch this floozy. What's her name? You said she's your roommate, right?”

I buried my face in my hands.

I should've known this would happen! Now it's too late... Mrs. Charan, this nice lady, trusted me to work for her and that's how I repay her… My best friend’s family lost their business because of me. Akram almost got killed because of me. I couldn't have done it any better if I intentionally wanted to ruin their lives!

"Melo, are you listening? Is she still your roommate"

I swallowed my bitterness. “Was."

"Wait! You're staying with Akram, aren't you?" she asked.

“Yes.”

Asha became silent for a moment.

“Is it time to tell me what happened?"

I glanced up at Akram for some courage. He gave me a warming smile.

"I...I got kicked out of… a homeless shelter.” I gulped. “I had no place to go."

“Oh!” she paused for an excruciating moment. “That's why you were looking for a room.”

“Yes.” My voice broke as I cradled my head in my hands. “But then, my money got stolen and… awful things happened… I'm so sorry.”

“It's because of her, isn't it?!" Asha barked."I swear I'll throw the ugly witch in jail! Aw! Melo! I'm sorry I'm not there to hug you right now!... Akram! are you taking care of my girl or not? Cause you'll be answering to me if anything happens.”

Akram glanced at me, his forehead puckered. “I'll do everything in my power.”

“You've got to, bro, but Melo, hear me out. I have the DVD from the security camera. The one when this bimbo baited Akram. I kept it in auntie's apartment,” she went on as if I hadn't dropped a bombshell a second ago . “Gosh! I wish I had sent it two months ago. You have to go get it and give it to the police ASAP.”

“Y-you're not mad at me?”  I asked. I didn't expect to get away with it so easily.

“Why would I be mad at you?” She snorted. “Just for the record, I would never be mad at you even if you lived in a dumpster. Not even if you killed someone and dumped their body in said dumpster! You're my BFF and whatever happens doesn't change anything between us.”

Tears sprang from my eyes to hear her say it that way. She had no idea how her words hit home. I wish I were good enough to deserve a friend like her.

“Oh and you know what?” Asha continued heatedly. “I'll even help you hide the body. Especially if it's that ugly skunk who bullied you. I'll chop up her nasty corpse into little pieces and stuff them in garbage bags, and then fling them into the river, although the poor fishies might get food poisoning, but it's worth the sacrifice.”

I cringed from the brutal image, but somehow, it sounded morbidly satisfying. I stole a quick glance at Akram. His jaw dropped and his eyebrows nearly reached his hairline. Asha obviously outdid herself with the description.

“Melo, you need to get this DVD pronto! The cops are still there and we should strike iron while it's hot,” Asha continued in high-pitched enthusiasm. “I actually told auntie and she agreed that you're perfect for the job. She told the cop that we'll send someone to check the damage and assist with the investigation. They're already expecting you.”

“You mind if I do this?” Akram intervened, his face transformed into a solemn expression. “I can take the evidence to the police since, technically, I'm the victim in the story. Mel doesn't have to go.”

“No! I'll go!” I blurted out, wiping my damp eyes and glaring at him. “This is my fight, not yours.”

“It is mine too.” Akram folded his arms, eying me with a steady stare.

“Stop making everything your problem. It's me who caused this and I'm gonna fix it,” I retorted, feeling the blood rushing to my head.

Akram inhaled deeply, spread his hands on the table, and leaned to my side. “You forgot our deal? It's my job now.”

“That's crazy!” My squeaky-toy voice returned. “You almost got killed this morning! I can't let this happen again!”

“I wasn't the target, Melody.” He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I promise, I'll be okay if you stay here.”

“No you won't! I'm not gonna watch you get killed!” I exclaimed. The stupid dream came back to me and I winced.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! What was that?! Who almost got killed?? What target? Are you guys okay?” Asha shrieked through the phone speaker.

Akram propped his elbows on the table and ran his hands on his hair. “Someone tried to attack Melody on the street today and I'll be really grateful if you allow me to go instead.”

“Holy smoke, Melo! Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Oh my gosh! Why is this happening to you? No, no, no. This isn't normal! Why is it like the world's conspiring against you or something?! Is it because of that crazy witch? Why does she hate you so much? I don't understand. What's going on?”

“I'm fine... I wish I knew what's going on, but it doesn't matter right now.” I swallowed a bitter lump. “Just tell me where the DVD is so we can get this over with.”

“Okay, but you really shouldn't go out alone. Things don't sound so groovy from the stuff you guys said. Akram can go with you, and you can ask for police protection or something. Just be careful, Melo. Oh Gosh, this sucks! I wanna fly back to you right now.”

“Hey, don’t worry,” I reassured her. “I can handle this. How do I get into the house?”

I took another glance. Akram's lips were pressed into a straight line.

Asha sighed. “All right. Auntie's place is the floor right above the cafe. The key is in a secret pocket inside the door mat. I made that myself , so it worked like magic. Anyway, my room is on the left, with the decorated door. I'll call you when you get there, okay?”

“Okay,” Akram replied on my behalf. “Will you please tell us where it's hidden? Just to save the time?”

I pursed my lips. He didn't want to drop it.

“Well, ahem! I'm sorry, bro. I don't think I should tell you.” her tone was reluctant.

“Oh!” Akram frowned. “I was hoping you could trust me with this.”

“Dude, that's not the problem.” Asha let out a puff. Her answers were unusually brief, but I was thankful she's on my side.

“Then what's the problem?” A concerned line wrinkled Akram's forehead.

“Umm, you see, you really shouldn't rummage through my stuff. Cause, you know, it's in a certain drawer.”

Akram blinked and squinted slightly. “Excuse me?”

Oh snap! He doesn't get it!

“Man! Do I have to be blunt?” she groaned. “The DVD is taped inside my underwear drawer. There! I've said it!”

I covered my mouth as I watched the beet-red shock painted on Akram's face. I didn't even know how to react.

“Melo, is he blushing? Cause I think he is,” Asha said. “Sorry, bro. I had to clear my conscience.”

I chewed on my lips. “It's okay, Ash. I'm on it. I'll be there in a f--.”

“I’m sorry, Asha,” Akram cut in. He cleared his throat and continued in a gruff voice. “Melody is not going. I hope Mrs. Charan will understand the situation, but I'm ready to help.”

I glared at him in disbelief. “I said no! It's not your decision!”

“Melody... ” Akram caged my hand between his and unleashed a magnetic gaze on me, trying to stare me down. “You. Are. Not. Going. Not until I make sure it's safe.”

“Seriously?” My eyes went round and I snatched my hand away. “What are you going to do if I walk out the door right now?”

Akram's jaws clenched and he closed his eyes for a second.

“I will do whatever it takes to protect you.”

“Like what?” I snapped, grinding my teeth. “Lock me up?”

“I will if I had to,” he admitted bluntly.

“Geez! Guys, calm your horses! Nobody has to be locked up! I'm sure there's another way around it. Man, I never thought he's as melodramatic as you are,” Asha trilled from the other end.

“This is pointless,” I spat and sprang up, knocking over my chair with a loud bang.

Akram jumped up scanning my face, eyes wary, lips rolled inwards, looking agitated.

“Melody!” His voice wavered between warning and pleading.

I shook my loaming tears off and murmured, “enough is enough.”

As soon as I'd uttered the words, I turned around and dashed out of the kitchen, racing to the front door.

“Melody! Don't!” Akram hollered.

“Guys! What's happening?” Asha's voice echoed before I heard a loud smash and Akram's footsteps beating behind me.

I reached the apartment door panting, as if I'd been running a marathon. I unlocked the door chain and wrenched the door knob with trembling fingers.

“Wait!” Akram demanded. He extended his arm and nearly shoved the door shut.

Instantly, I slipped through the door and was out in the hallway, but something brought me into a sudden halt.

A familiar face was there in the middle of the hall ; a pretty model figure, smooth tan, dark bangs and rectangular glasses.

Lynda!!

****

Hello dear ones!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that it was worth the long wait.

Please share your thoughts and ideas on the part. I love to know how you think about it.

*How do you think about Akram's reactions in this chapter? Do you agree with him or not? And why?

*Do you think Vivian is behind what happen in the cafe?

*If Viv did it, You think she will get caught this time?

*Why do you think Lynda is there ?

Thank you for being so patient and supportive and I really hope you're not bored of the story so far XD

Much Love

Most_bay