I tossed around on the couch. The cringeworthy noises from the room beside, was hurting my ears. I still can't believe Hardik brought that whore at our place. Moreover, with the trail of clothes fallen around, who knows if they even started it before entering the building and making the neighbors aware. Disgusting!

Slumber wasn't hitting my eyes tonight. No, this wasn't because I was in a couch, with Kavya occupying my bed and throwing herself around like there's no tomorrow. I fact, I have slept on this couch before. It's just that something felt so off-bit tonight.

I mean, I even fell off sleeping while I was lost in the pages of K. Webster's 'Prince Charming', pondering on while such a man could actually enter a girl's life in real! Can an ordinary girl like me actually has any possibility to have her own story where she, too, gets lost in the string of life, only to be found and cherished by that perfect person who knocks the door to her heart in one epiphanic moment.

The thought itself got me to the moments in the ceremony today. I can imagine how crazy and suspicious I sounded while aligning myself with Hardik at the entrance. But, why did do that? Why did I actually entered the party? Was there actually a purpose of the universe behind this?

The restlessness consumed my body as I tossed myself again. I made myself determined not to think of any negative aspects of the party like entering aside Hardik and his bitch, Hardik teasing me while displaying his awful humor to his friends, me shouting on him and Rahul telling e I had upset Hardik. Given no positive input, I tried to eliminate Pandya off my pack of memories.

Much better...

But, there was definitely something that was still bothering me.

Those clear yet confused eyes, that charming smile and the gentle attitude of Shreyas wasn't leaving my head.

"Well Shreyas for you in that case.."

"That's unique..."

"...it was really great seeing you Eshaanvi. Hope, you'll meet again.."

I sat up, trying to clear my head up.

Shall we actually meet again? But, how?

As my mind wandered over the possible ways I might see the young Indian batsman again, my head critiqued my weird thoughts.

God! Why am I actually thinking this so deep? He probably met ten other girls like that in the party and me...

Wait! Did I make things too obvious to him? Was I throwing myself at him?

Ugh!

I put the cushions around my head to block the thoughts.

Easy...let's count back from 100...

100, 99, 98, 97, ...... ....... ......

^^^^^

'....and I told you several times that I'm not gonna tolerate any kind of filth at my place!' I heard another yell.

'Relax, man! You already got your revenge by insulting her and probably, ending the beautiful thing between us!' the other voice spoke loud.

Shit!

The worst part about sleeping is, it never comes when you wait for it and it completely knocks you out when you try to get rid of it.

'Oh! So, you wanted to continue this fling with that girl? Have you ever thought how  Natasha's gonna feel when she learns this?'

'Listen man! You don't have to worry about that! Nattie's fine with everything. We are in a open relationship and she knew pretty well what was gonna turn up if she allowed me and Julie to go out alone!'

'You're so shameless, Harry!'

Not being able to take the crappy loudness, I decided to get up.

I opened the door and walked to the direction of the noise.

'Yeah and I'm proud of it.' Hardik spoke.

'But, keep your pride off my home. You know very well that my sister stays here now and she hates these things.' Rahul was trying to explain.

'Oh! Come on! If you have problem with me staying here, just tell me. But, don't bring your sister in the discussion. I really don't care what she loves or hates.' Hardik said with a mix of annoyance and seriousness in his tone.

What?

'Oh! You sure have to.' I barged into the discussion, not being able to take anymore.

'Esh, what are you...? When did you get up?' Rahul was stunned by my presence.

I was fuming at Hardik's audacity. For one, he stays at my brother's place and then he...

Hardik, too saw me, but just sighed looking away.

'Now, this is all going downhill.' he muttered, putting on his headphones and  attempting to leave.

'What did you just say?' I asked angrily.

Hardik look off his headphones and looked at Rahul.

'Rahul, I already told you, I'm sorry. I was drunk and out of my senses. My overwhelming emotions took over me. This shall not happen again. End of discussion.' he said walking away.

Rahul frowned looking at him.

'What did he say? And how could you just let him go? And did you just see his attitude?' I kept bursting.

'Calm down, Esh.' Rahul said, rather calmly. 'I already shouted on him a little too much. We don't have to say anything more. Besides, Krunal called up this morning asking if Harry was fine. He said his brother was pretty upset and really not at his senses last night.' Rahul added.

What? He was quite near me, all the while. When did he get upset?

'But, anna...'

'Actually, it's a report that arrived on his phone right after you left. The X-ray and the CT scan reports say that Hardik's back is not at all in it's best form. He has to be in certain restrictions, if he wants to have a career in cricket.' Rahul explained.
'So, now you understand...'

I was surprised. A bad back is detrimental for every athlete in this world. And, Hardik's career had just started.

'Also, I didn't like the way you spoke to him last night. Yeah, some times Harry too crosses the line but he's never as rude as you are, especially when there are others in front of you. You should be feeling lucky that Harry, probably, treats you as a kid and never minds or even ignores your harsh comments. But, you aren't a kid anymore, are you?
I looked at Rahul confused.

Hardik thinks of me as a kid.

'Anna, I only get harsh when I feel...' I tried to explain but Rahul continued.

'Listen Esh, Hardik is my friend and older than you. You shouldn't take the liberty to get unfiltered with him, just because he allows you to.' Rahul explained calmly. 'Because that's not you, my little sister.' Rahul placed his hands on my shoulder with his consoling tone.

Is it? Did I really take too much liberty with Hardik?

^^^^^

An hour later
(following the last chapter of 'Overlooked')

I seriously don't know how indebted I was feeling to Hardik right now. The way he handled the situation with Kavya, was so unexpected from him!

But, even though he suggested to drop Kavya off, I know how confusing and hard things could be for both Kavya and Hardik to find Kavya an accommodating, knowing it was so unlikely of Kavya to return home.

I put on a pink cotton kurti and a jeans, with a contrasting scarf within 3 minutes. There's no time to brush my hair. Hope I look decent.

I rushed out to find Hardik sitting alone in the dining. He did seem mad at me after the arguments this morning and to be honest, I too didn't forgive him for what he did last night. Then again, he did lend me a pass and Rahul also said I was a little too mean with him. So, putting things together, I guess, it should be me who should try and break the ice.

Besides, it's Hardik. He's emotions are so shallow that he might've already forgotten everything.

'Uhh...where's Kavya?' I asked coming near.
Hardik, who had his back turned towards me, now looked back realizing my presence.

'Saw her going to Rahul's room, perhaps.' he said looking away.

What? Rahul's room? But, why?
Oh no! Knowing Rahul's mood and his impression of Kavya....

'Eshaanvi, you're ready? You really didn't have to come, you know.' Kavya said coming out of Rahul's room, pretty cheerfully, much against my expectation.

I decided to brush off the questions poking me at this moment and focused on consoling my friend.

'Shut up! I know what I need to do and since you call me a friend, it is my duty and responsibility to help you out with things whenever I can. Whatever happened here, wasn't in my hands.. ' I sighed finally speaking on Rahul's tantrums..'but, this one, definitely is.' I said referring to my company.

Kavya gave me a smile of gratitude. 'Thank you. Thank you so much, guys.' she said also sparing her look for Hardik, who just smiled.

I, too, looked at Hardik. 'But, she needs a new place to stay and I can't let her stay at a hotel all alone. From where shall we start searching a house?'

Hardik looked at me nonchalant and then, shifted his gaze towards Kavya.

'I have a place in mind. So, if you insist..I can take you there.' he said to Kavya.

Kavya, in turn, looked at me. 'Well, that's really nice of you...' she said smiling nervously. 'I'd love to see that.'

I nodded. 'Yeah, but before that, we also have to ensure about the locality, the neighbors, water and electricity bills...'

I was cut off as Hardik sighed suddenly getting up from the chair.

'Kavya, follow me to my car. You'll know everything.' he said going to ooen the door without saying anything else.

Is it just me or Hardik is actually giving me a cold shoulder?

'Let's go.' Kavya said following him, as I followed her.

^^^^

'...where are you actually going?' I asked for the hundredth time, getting no replies from Hardik.

'Esh...please..' Kavya whisper-yelled from beside me. 'Let's just trust him.'

I looked at Kavya, wanting to object but I really had no words. First, I, myself, is new in Mumbai and then, we needed a safe and secured place for Kavya, which would be away from her family's clutch.

Finally, I felt Hardik pull over and he turned his head back towards us.

'There it is. My brother's place. It usually stays vacant. But, now his wife is staying here because of the IPL. I don't think, she'll be a bad company for you.' he said totally looking at Kavya and ignoring me.

What? This is Krunal's place.

'Oh my god! Do they know? You're sure they won't mind me staying?' Kavya said equally shocked and moving her eyes between me and Hardik nervously, which I can totally relate.

'Yes, Hardik. Did you speak to Krunal bhaiya about this? You're sure. it's okay...?' I questioned but was cut off soon.

'Let's get down and have a look, shall we?' Hardik took off his seat belt and opened the car door as he parked.

I really don't get this guy!

I shook my head and decided to follow him.

^^^^

2 hours later

'...you don't know what favour you've done to me, Harry. With your brother away, I'd have really felt bored and that would've caused me a lot of unnecessary shopping and a lot of expenditure.' Pankhuri laughed as she showed Kavya her specific room.

'Thanks bhavs! I knew you'd be happy..' Hardik hugged his sister-in-law tightly from behind like a kid.

'Ouch! Harry!' Pankhuri winced, slightly hurt by the sudden impact.

Ugh! He's got no manners!

'Thanks a lot, Pankhuri didi! And thanks a lot, Hardik!' Kavya said gratefully. She was so overwhelmed by the way Pankhuri didi welcomed her. She was almost in tears.

'Come on, Kavya! After I heard about your circumstances, all I can say is I'd love to help you in whatever way I can.' Pankhuri didi said.

I smiled holding Kavya's hands, who looked at me and smiled back.

'This is all because of you, Esh. If it weren't for the ray of hope you showed me, I'd have never come out of my shell and met real life heroes like Hardik and beautiful people like Pankhuri didi.' Kavya said.

Real life hero, who??

I somehow controlled a chuckle. But, strangely Hardik couldn't.

'Hero! Me!' he laughed. 'Oh! You're too nice, Ravya-Kavya! But, I'd prefer being the villain, thank you.' he said.

Of course...

'Yeah, if someone has already decided what he wants himself to be, can we help it?' I scoffed taunting his baseless statement.

'Esh...' Kavya whispered to change the topic.

'Funny!' I heard Hardik mutter to himself and then turn towards his sister-in-law. 'You know, bhavi, I'm glad I don't fall into the tree-diagramed definition of heroes. There are enough people in the world for that.' Hardik said, in a pretty low and serious tone, ending the statement with a light taunt.

I frowned.

Perhaps, Pankhuri didi, too realized the displeasure in the air.

'...uh...you know, I'm really hungry, guys. Harry, can you please call the Zomato guy and ask him where he is.' she said, trying to turn the topic.

'Hmm..' Hardik said picking up his phone and walking away to talk.

^^^^

After a sumptuous meal, I finally realized that I do need to attend my colleagues at KDAH, before starting for my IPL expeditions from day after tomorrow.

So, I quickly bid a goodbye to Kavya and Pankhuri didi, who were really getting along. But, then Pankhuri didi acted a little too protective and suggested.

'I guess Harry would be leaving soon as well. He can drop you. Don't go alone, Eshaanvi. You haven't visited this region before!' she pointed the fact that I mentioned to her before while talking about looking for Kavya's accommodation.

And then, there I was at 3 in the afternoon, playing with my seatbelts in the car of Hardik Pandya.

Hardik, on our way out of the elevator, met a neighbor who seems to be his fan. The way the girl was clinging to him for a selfie was cringeworthy. So, I decided to wait in the car.

Out of my boredom, I took out my phone and scrolled through my Instagram feed. I'm not at all a person active in social media but then, at time it shows you what's trending! I love the meme pages in particular, unless there's my brother featured in it.

I saw the photos Rahul uploaded from yesterday's ceremony. Him and Athiya, him and Hardik, another of him, Hardik, Ishaan, SKY and Krunal; him, Mayank and...  I sat straight as my eyes fell on the smiling face that had mesmerized me last evening.

Shreyas Iyer!

I wonder if we'd ever meet again!

I shook my head, discarding the childish emotions gathering up in my mind since yesterday. He is a well known cricketer. He must have hundred girls falling for him. He probably, won't even remember me the next time we cross paths.

My fingers scrolled down. Arijit Singh was in a concert in Dubai. Wow!

After chuckling at some more memes, my eyes fell on the list of people suggested to follow and...

I gasped as that smiling face caught me again. Damn! He looks even more dashing in his Instagram profile. I opened it out of a strange curiosity.

Sreyash Iyer
An eternal optimist and sports enthusiast
Loves fast cars/movies/sushi and pets..

Aww! That's cute!

As my fingers traveled further to view few images, it hit somewhere that froze me to death.

Shit! What have I done?
Did I just hit the follow button?

Relax, Esh...he must have thousand such followers coming up a day. He probably won't notice.

I leaned my back, closing my phone immediately. Take and deep breath and

Thud..

I jumped on my seat as the car door hit hard.

'What's wrong?' I couldn't help but ask an ill-witted Pandya in shock, who was just about to cause me a heart-attack.

Hardik didn't even look at me and put his seat belts on before starting the car...and WATCH OUT!...What a harsh start!

'Hardik, you're okay?' I asked, guessing sometimes was definitely wrong.

He isn't planning a vengeful murder, is he?

No reply. Fast cars.. here you go.

He has gone crazy!

After 20 minutes

'Hardik, you're okay?' I asked more politely. The guy beside me seems to have lost every bit of emotion from his face.

He kept driving and then suddenly, came a blind turn. Hardik kept overtaking one after the other and then...

'Watch out, there's a boy running!' I screamed, closing my eyes to avoid seeing the inevitable.

Creeeeezzzzzz

'Mother fucker!' Hardik shouted his lungs out opening the windows.

My ears went numb. Shivering, I opened my eyes.

The boy had narrowly escaped.

There were few people gathered, ensuring the boy was fine.

My heart was still jumping.

'Hey, that's Hardik Pandya!' somebody said.

'Yeah! Catch him! They feel they are above every jurisdiction!' another guy yelled.

The car was surrounded and Hardik stopped the car.

Oh my God!

'And...didn't you see that the boy was walking on the wrong side?' Hardik replied back.

'May be..but, that doesn't give you the license to hit him?' a lady argued.

'Did I actually hit him, madam?' Hardik retorted. 'You should thank me for controlling myself at the last moment. Who knows if it was someone else and...'

'And your speed wasn't normal anyway, mister. I'm sure we have the footage. Now, come out. We are calling the cops.' an angry man knocked at the car.

'..yeah, get the girl out too.' somebody said.

I clutched to my unbuckled seat belt straps in fear.

'What the hell!' Hardik retorted violently and pushed the door open, getting out of the car in the process.

I could see them arguing again. I took my phone. Shall I call Rahul?

No. Why should I drag him into this? He had already been in the mess because of Hardik.

Ugh! What's the guy's problem?

After a minute, I gathered some courage.
Thankfully, we were at the extreme left side of the road and there wasn't a risk of hits. So, I carefully opened my side of the door and walked out.

People were looking at me with weird expressions. Everybody had anger building up.

But, what caught my eyes was the fact that nobody intended to have a look at the around 12 years old kid that was supposedly the victim of the situation.

I walked near him. He seemed too tired and worn out, looking at arguing faces in confusion. His clothes looked old and shabby.

I walked near him and placed my hand on his shoulder. 'Did you get hurt?' I asked.

The frightened boy lifted his eyes shook his head slowly. I smiled.

'Why were you running this way?' I asked with a smile.

He looked down. I frowned. 'I was getting late and malik would shout on me.' he said in his Marathi accent.

'Malik?'

'Yes, the owner of the food court where I work. He gets really angry when I'm late.' he said.

'So, you didn't care about your own life?' I asked surprised.

The boy looked down.

'Okay...fine...here you go..I'll pay for the bloody compensation that isn't even in the scene!' Hardik tried to get some bucks out of his wallet after a prolonged argument.

Ugh! This guy!

I looked back at the boy, who now had a glimpse of tears in his eyes.

'Hey! Why are you crying?' I sat down beside him.

The boy wiped his eyes and sobbed. 'Malik probably is gonna mark me absent for today. I'll miss today's wage.' he said.

I felt so bad for the boy.

'Hey! Listen, don't cry..what's your name?' I asked cupping his face.

'Rabhu..'

'Rabhu, don't worry about today's salary. Just go home. I can tell, you are still in shock. It's better if you rest at home. Um..who's there at your home?' I asked, standing up and holding his hand.

'My ai, my three tais.' he said. 'My mother worked in a construction site but two months ago, she fell down from the second floor and her legs went paralyzed. I..I..' he started crying again.

I understood his urge, his circumstances. Tears were hitting my eyes too.

'Rabhu, you...'

'...no less than 50 thousand. Or else, you're gonna deal with the cops, Mr. cricketer!' a man said.

Seriously! How shameless!

'Alright!' Hardik said with gritted teeth. 'Just give your gpay ID. I don't have that much cash with me, right now.'

Two men looked at each other and nodded.

'Look, we are taking this money for the boy.' a man said.  'And involvement of police might actually tarnish the reputations of both you and this young lady, right there. So, if you transfer the amount to my account, may be I can help the kid..'

'No way!' It was my turn to burst, and all the heads turned to my direction.

'Eshaanvi! I'm dealing with it..' Hardik said, insisting me to stop, but I ignored him.

'First off, it wasn't totally Hardik's fault. Moreover, if someone actually needs monetary compensation..it's the biy right there. None of you.' I said sharply.

The men frowned.

The lady examined me carefully.

'I've never seen you before. Another model hanging out with him or what?'

My teeth gritted. Still, I chuckled.

'Madam, I'm sorry I didn't cater to your counts of popular women hanging out with him but being a lady, I feel it's nasty and demeaning on your part to pass such a comment on someone of your daughter's age.' I said.

'Hey! You know, who she is...? She's our Vaishali Tai, Vaishali Dixit..' a man said.

'Oh..trust me, I've no interest in knowing about her. But, one thing I know is you cared too less about this child to collect his compensation on behalf of him. You barely a second look to the boy, who was left alone after this big shock.' I retorted.

I saw Hardik, too, giving a look to the boy.

I took the phone from Hardik's hand. 'Yes, we are gonna pay but for this boy. Not for you.' I stated.

'And how are you gonna do that? Mr. Cricketer doesn't even carry cash with him.' a man mocked.

'That's none of your business.' I said.

'Hardik, let's go. We'll take Rabhu with us. He doesn't need them. We'll drop him home and give the money to his ailing mother.' I said looking at Hardik.

The chaotic mass started protesting immediately, realizing they'd be loosing a great deal.

'Eshaanvi, let's not get ourselves into the mess. Let's give these people the money and shut them up.' Hardik said, in frustration.

I looked away. 'Rabhu, come here, dear.' I said, calling the boy.

'No. Don't go to her. We are here for you.' the lady almost scolded the boy, who was about to move his feet.

'Rabhu, come. We'll meet your mom.' I said.

'Hey boy! Stay here! We are here to fight for you.' a man argued.

'Jesus Christ!' Hardik muttered. 'You don't feel satisfied until you earn us some trauma, don't you?' he said glaring at me.

I rolled my eyes. 'Was I driving the car?'

Finally, Rabhu looked up. 'Tai, will you drop me at malik's food court?' he asked.

I smiled. 'Anywhere you want to go.' I said.

And Rabhu walked to me, ignoring others.

I grabbed hold of his hand and opened the car door for him.

'Did you see the audacity of that girl?' I heard the lady speak.

'Just wait for the next time we catch her.' a man said.

My teeth gritted and I looked around to open my mouth but before that..

'Watch your mouth, mother fucker! What are you going to do with her?' Hardik grabbed the collar of the man.

'Oh my god! Capture a pic! He just went physical!' another man said.

I ran fast to Hardik before they managed to opened the camera.

'Leave him, Hardik!' I shouted. 'His not even worth it.' I said pulling him off, as Hardik continued throwing death glares at him.

Slowly, he loosened his grip.

'Let's go.' I said almost pulling Hardik away.

'Start the car. We have places to visit.' I said, motioning for Hardik to get inside while I walked to the other side. Rabhu watched us from the backseat innocently.

///////