26th August 2017

I was discharged from the hospital at last. From there, we went to my apartment using the back entrance to take some stuff of mine. Once the way was cleared and there aren't any reporters, we started our journey to Seattle. About three hours later, we finally reached Seattle through the heavy rain and traffic. Once we reached, Sanskar stopped at a parking lot and waited.

Ragini: Why did you stop the car?

How rude?! Why can't he answer anything I ask him? He takes out his mobile and dials a number and informs that we were at the parking lot. Ending the call, he looked at me as if nothing happened.

Ragini: Do you have any hearing problems?
Sanskar: No. Why did you ask?
Ragini: Just curious if you are actually deaf or pretending to be one.
Sanskar: Whatever.
Ragini: What are we doing here?
Sanskar: Waiting for someone.
Ragini: Who?
Sanskar: Can you not shoot your questions on me?

Argghhh!!!! Mr. Rude! If only I had somewhere else to go and not follow him to his place. My bad luck. My thoughts were jolted by the honk of the car beside us. Sanskar gets down the car and another man from the other car gets into the driver seat. WHAT??!! I got off the car and walked to the other car.

Ragini: Sanskar? What is this? Who is that man? Why are you leaving me with him?
Sanskar: I'll explain everything to you later. Now, get in that car.
Ragini: NO! Not till you explain to me.
Sanskar: WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND ANYTHING? GET IN THAT CAR!
Ragini: Sanskar?
Sanskar: You know what, Ragini Gadodia? I regret saving you from the accident. It has cost me high.

I was shocked after what Sanskar has said. What have I done? Why is he so angry with me? He immediately got into the car and drove off. The man in the car I came was waiting for me to get in the car. Why would I get in? I have my self-respect and I can't sacrifice it for anyone, especially for someone like Sanskar Maheswari. I opened the back door of the car and took out my luggage bag and walked away from there. The man called out for me but I ignored him. I had nowhere to go but there is one place I will never go.

I was walking on the pedestrian path of Seattle, unknowing where to go. I have no roof above me and thinking of it gave me chills. What if I am kidnapped? What if something unwanted happens to me? No, Ragini! Stop thinking about anything. You have to be brave and strong. Suddenly, I could feel my stomach growling, asking me to feed it. I had no money with me and the time was already 11.45 pm. By now, all the ATM would have closed. What am I going to do now? Wait, I could feel my mobile vibrating. I took it out from my pocket and it displays an unknown number.

Ragini: Hello?
Sanskar: Where the hell are you?
Ragini: My whereabouts are nothing for you to be concerned about.
Sanskar: It's going to be midnight. Where are you? Why weren't you with Francis?
Ragini: I'm sorry that I am not obedient to you but I can't stay with a man who is very ill-mannered for a moment. And a month is a far thought.
Sanskar: Just tell me where are you? It is not safe for you to be out there.
Ragini: Trust me, Mr. Sanskar Maheswari, I feel much safer being out here than being with you.

Sanskar was about to say something but ended the call. Drops of tears slipped from my eyes for some unknown reason. I have never felt lonely at any moment of my life but today I wished that I had someone I could rely on, a friend, a family. But, I was born unlucky to lose my parents when I was young and could not make any good and true friends.

As I was walking a black Audi stopped beside me. A man came out from the car and his face was somewhat familiar to me. He walked towards me and stood exactly in front of me. Uttering my name, he gave a tight hug. I could not hug him back as I am still shocked and confused about his identity. Who is he? He does look familiar? Finally, he breaks the hug.

Man: Hi, Ragini. How are you?
Ragini: Err.....
Man: You couldn't recognize me, right?
Ragini: I...... I...... No! I can't recognize you.
Man: It's me Raghav.
Ragini: Raghav??? Motu? Is this you? How did you manage to lose weight?
Man/Raghav: Shut up, yaar. What are you doing here?
Ragini: Err... Actually.....

With a big sigh, I started narrating whatever happens in my life for the past ten days. Completing the story, I couldn't stop myself from crying. Raghav tried to calm me down and hugged me from the side to console me. My wish finally came true. There is someone very dear to me beside me. Someone to console me when I am at my worst. I could feel my mobile vibrating again and it was the same number. I don't want to answer the call and I don't want to talk to him.

Raghav: Where are you going now?
Ragini: To be honest, I don't have anywhere to go. I am scared to go back to my apartment in Portland. What if the reporters bombard me again?
Raghav: If you trust me then you can come to my house. My mum would be happy to see you again.
Ragini: Are you sure?
Raghav: I am very sure. My mum loves you so much. She will be so happy to have you at our house. Come on.

Raghav takes the luggage bag from my hand and in his other hand, he takes my hand and drags me to the passenger's seat and asked me to get in. He puts the bag at the bag seat and gets back to the driver seat.

Raghav: From today, we are going to have all the fun just like our childhood. Cheers to our friendships!

Life has given another twist and made me meet my childhood best friend and the only friend I had. I wonder what else is stored for me. There is only one thing I want to think about and that is making new memories with my old friend. Whatever is about happen, let it. I am ready for the next day hopefully.

#Sathya