Iviyana

I knew the moment Papa uttered the word "Master" to the intruder that I had made a big mistake.The tension that had seeped in the room with Papa's arrival had saturated even the tiniest particles.Papa had changed right in front of my eyes when he saw the bound figure on the chair.The smile was lost.A new anxiety and uncertainty had taken root in his demeanor.He was more alert and nervous.On the other hand,the clever hoodlum's stance had shifted as well.He was more....I cannot describe the feeling,the change I saw in him.His smile remained but there was something sinister hidden behind it.His eyes had turned to a darker shade.My existence was forgotten.Both by Papa and him.He had then broken the rope and freed himself.The bastard.He had played me all along.

Something had happened in the room ,some unspoken conversation had taken place.It seemed as if the walls of the room  will close in on all of us and crush us,the longer the quietude remained. It was then I started the useless chatter to cut through that silence and stillness.And I went on and on to push that tension into a corner.No matter how much of a fool I made of myself,I didn't stop.The time I wanted to buy for Papa finally brought him out of his stupor.My plan had worked.Some semblance of his usual self had finally surfaced.I was told to get out as soon.I was reluctant to leave Papa alone.I didn't trust the stranger.I had stood outside to get some of their conversation but Papa knew me well.Seriously..!!

And now I was jogging faster trying to reach the door.I banged it open.Huffing I analysed the situation.Papa was standing by the door ,the place I had left him in.The intruder was standing by the window gazing outside,lost in some thoughts.

Papa turned back to me and announced in his somber tone."Iviyana, pack your things.We are leaving."

"What..?But Papa.." 

Papa's glare cut my way.The words stopped in my mouth.The basket fell from my hands.My shock couldn't be contained.It was the first time I had experienced such coldness from Papa.Yes he had been angry before but this was so unlike him.There was no warmth in his eyes this time.So different from the Papa I was used to.

Papa left me and went to him.Not saying anything else.Not offering any explanations.He just left me there and went to him as if the stranger was more important. Papa seemed hesitant and reserved as he stood near the intruder.No,Papa's "master" .The so- called "master" didn't turn and I saw Papa deflate there and then with his head bowed.Shame.Rejection.Sadness.My eyes widened at the sorry picture  my Papa presented.A side of Papa I had never ever seen in my life before.

All the villagers held Papa in high regard.Listened to him,obeyed him and respected him.My Papa is the most gentlest person and everyone saw it.They treated him such.No one ever disrespected  and ignored him like now.

But someone was making him this way.

I bent down and angrily collected the tea leaves now scattered on the floor.How dare he.?To ignore Papa .I was fuming like anything now.

First, he made a fool out of me and now he was treating Papa like this.This is our home and no one is allowed to humiliate and hurt Papa.I don't care one bit who he is or how he is related to Papa.The way he is insulting Papa and exploiting Papa's emotions is no joke.No one is allowed this sin.Such behavior will not be tolerated.Especially by me.

I'll deal with Papa's anger later on,right now I wanted to teach this "master" some manners.My eyes drifted sideways where the blessed wooden rod was lying very calmly.Discreetly I inched my hand to the stick.Just a bit more.Just an inch..There.I grasped the wooden rod without making any noise bringing it closer to me.I glanced up quickly  in their direction to make sure I was in the safe.

I gasped  as my eyes collided with the silver ones.He was looking this way.What?How did he.?Amusement clear in them.A smirk playing on his lips.How I hated him?I clutched the rod tighter,planning furtively in my head on how to best tackle him and wipe that smirk permanently from his face.He must have guessed what I was thinking because his  lips lifted up more.A challenge clear in his silvery eyes.Oh I accept it.I conveyed through my eyes.He arched his eyebrow at me,taunting me. Lets see you smile after I break that smug fa ....

"Iviyana."Papa's voice jerked me out of my murderous intents.He must have sensed it,never  missing anything.Even my hostility towards this "master" of his. I got up slowly.Papa's eyes reprimanded me the whole way until I was standing erect. "May I ask why you have that in your hand.? " His eyes pointedly stared at the rod .Furious to the core.

I cleared my throat.It won't do me any good angering him further.I'll avenge myself and Papa's ill treatment some other day. "It was just lying in the way Papa.I was going to keep it inside." I said meekly.My eyes on the ground.Bravery and valor were never my strong points.

"We'll be leaving shortly.Pack your necessities and come out fast.I am waiting." Papa commanded curtly. Turning to the bastard he said politely "Master, please take a seat.It's a long journey ahead.You must be tired from yesterday and my daughter didn't help the matter." Papa glowered my way again.

Lowering my head, I humbly carried myself to my room not ready for any other altercations with Papa or his master.I closed the door frustrated with myself.How stupid of me to get played by a bastard like him.?! I pulled my bag from the cupboard and started stuffing it with my clothes and things.

In a way I was happy that  Papa was taking me along.I'll finally get to be a part of Papa's other life.The smug ruffian's intrusion has speeded  up things for me.As it is, I was planning on accompanying Papa.Now I won't have to toil my head over it.Papa was himself taking me along.Nothing could have worked better than this.I'll thank the bastard after I beat him.Yes that's it.There'll be many more opportunities to show that bastard his place.I'll just wait for my chance.For now I'll play along and try keeping Papa happy.The moment he's alone I'll take my revenge.

I retrieved the box that contained my most precious things.Very delicately I opened it to make sure it had everything inside.My eyes watered but I didn't let my emotions get the better of me.There was no time to waste.What if Papa changes his mind and leaves me behind?No,I cannot risk it.Closing the lid, I kept it in my bag safely.Finally done.I looked around at my room one last time.This was it.I didn't know when I'll be back but I'll miss it.This small room.A bitter sweet farewell  and I was out with my packed bag by my side.Eager for a new journey.

I stopped in my tracks as I saw the scene outside.The manipulative bastard was sitting on the chair and Papa was serving him tea and snacks.The snacks that I had especially made for Papa.I groaned inside.Papa just what is he to you that you are treating him so nicely even after his disrespect??!  I wanted to scream but refrained.

"The horses are ready. " Papa said without taking his eyes from his master who was comfortably enjoying Papa's attention.But that was not what made me shudder.It was what he said.

Blood drained from my face.My eyes widened.My mouth fell open.Was Papa really so occupied in his new guest that he forgot?!How can he do this to me?Does he really not want to take me?Is this his strategy?

Getting no response from me,Papa turned to me confused.The terror on my face apparent to his eyes.He finally realized his mistake.The intruder looked at me curiously.Trying to interpret my fear.The bastard then turned to Papa questioningly.Papa supplied eagerly, "Yana is very afraid of horses,master."

My face flamed red in embarrassment.

A moment of silence.

And then the house echoed with the chortle of his laughter.