AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Another update. I am happy here, are you happy too?

Do you really think cast is necessary? I can't think of anyone as a cast.

****

CATHERINE'S POV

My mom's eyes landed on the bed covers which were a mess and the chair which Sridhar had pulled down. My mom's eyes showed something which I remember and I was ready to hear all the horrible things which was going to come out of her lips. Why can't she be the old mom?

The mom who always let me sleep on her lap.

My mom had her hands on her hips and I hated to see this mom. She said, "What were you doing with that guy who called himself Mr. Abijah's friend?"

He was Addar's friend mom. I knew where this was going and immediately tears were formed in my eyes. I said with broken words, "Mom, He was Addar's friend." Why does these things happen to me?

My mom came inside my room and started to examine my room. She was still angry and she said, "What were you doing with him?" This mom is going somewhere dirty and why does she always think like this.

I said with trembling hands, "I was talking with him." That word got her mad and she got hold of my arm. She started to shake me while saying, "Why is your bed messed up and why is the chair down on the floor if you were talking?"

Sridhar was sitting on the bed and he made the bed a mess. He pushed the chair. What can I do about it? God, if you are there save me from this.

Or at least take my hearing ability.

My mom caught my hair and said, "Why was he dressing himself when he left the room?" he left his first button unbuttoned from the moment he came inside.

I was trying to lean in her direction so that the pain could be minimal. She was still pulling my hair. She said, "Why was he sweating?" There was no power here. What did I do in my life to be tortured like this?

I said, "Mom, It was hot here." I felt my mom's palm on my cheek. She slapped me. She pulled my hair and said, "How dare you argue back to me. I will talk and you have to listen. I am elder than you so shut up."

I don't understand why I shouldn't answer back to the accusations on me. She was slapping me continuously and my mind went to my college days.

**COLLEGE SECOND YEAR**

I was talking with my friends. Priya who was my roommate was wearing a black top and white short skirt and she was cuddling with her boyfriend. Other roommates Harshini and banu were with their boyfriends. I was alone now.

We were talking about yesterday's party which was for my birthday. Addar sent a birthday card. He is still old fashioned. He even wrote a small poem on it. Funny and innocent guy.

Ravichandran was the last to wish me. I thought he forgot my birthday but he cornered me on the party. He said his wishes on 11:50 P.M. I accused him that he forgot it.

He said that he didn't forget and he wanted his wish to be the last wish. Isn't it sweet that he wanted to make it a unique kind of special? I said to him that we have to go to the dance floor but he said that if we go to dance floor someone else will wish me so we decided to stay there.

I asked him about my gift and he kissed me. He said that kiss is his birthday gift. It was really romantic and cute. I never thought he would have it in him to be romantic. It was all for me.

It might not be my first kiss but it was definitely a memorable one. When we saw each other today, he rubbed his lips. At least he remembers the kiss. Addar who was my first kiss didn't remember it. He never talks about it.

May be he thinks it's a mistake?

Priya poked me and pointed Adam. He was standing with his bag. He was wearing a black stripped white shirt and a black pant. He was standing at the entrance of the café where we were chatting.

He never comes near me when my friends are with me. He always calls them with rude names. I stood up and went near him. He immediately said with anger, "Where were you yesterday? Mom was calling to wish you good luck for today's exam."

I just didn't pick up a call, what's wrong with it. I said with annoyed face, "I was partying yesterday. It was my birthday." These people are annoying. Why don't they let me enjoy my college life?

He was getting angry and I never liked it. He threw his bag on the chair and said, "You have exams in the afternoon. You were partying after midnight and I am sure you were drunk." His face showed his disgust and he continued, "You should have woken up with a hangover and you are here chatting with your friends. Did you study for your exams which you have to write afternoon?"

This is really irritating. I know when to study. Why can't he let me live my life? I was in no mood to answer him. He has been annoying me for weeks by now. Does he think I am small girl? I was busy checking my phone while he was talking.

He saw my ignorance and I knew that he wanted to shout at me. He was keeping his control as it was a public place. He was getting angrier every moment. He said, "I heard that you are spending time with Ravichandran too. I don't like it." He is definitely crossing the line.

I slammed my fist on the table and said, "You can't insult him like that. Don't you think it's rude." He was shocked by my reaction but still said, "He has done many things worse than the rude things." I can't bear these people who judge others. I feel ashamed that my brotherAdam is one of them.

Adam slumped on the chair and he was in pain but I didn't understand why. He said, "Please, stay away from him. He is not like you think. He is the best in playing with feelings. He is playing with you."

I stood up and leaned forward. I said to him, "This is not your business. I am adult now. Government has given me rights to choose who is going to rule me even so I think I am capable enough to choose who is near me."

I turned back and started to walk when I heard him say, "No one chooses well when they vote in this world but still they are having that right. So don't think being an adult makes you a genius."

***Present***

She was still abusing me and throwing every accusation in the world. She was saying, "You are a disgrace to the family. We were happy that we got a girl when you were born but you killed this family."

Tears were streaming down my face. Yes, I killed this family and I can't deny it. I heard her phone ring and she stopped hitting me. She went near the phone.

She saw the screen and straightened immediately. She mouthed Mr. Abijah's Dad at me and took the call. I didn't know what he was saying but she said, "Are you still sure that you are going to let your son marry her?"

Her face showed mixed emotions for a moment. Even my mom didn't believe me. Why does he believe me? Her words were killing me. If I was alive, I would have died but I was already dead inside.

I hate myself.

She cut the call and came to me. She said, "What did you do to him? How does he believe you like that? How much did you act to convince him?"

I couldn't move or say anything back. I should be like a wall. She said, "You are going to marry Mr. Abijah next week. They want to take you to choose dress and all."

I just did one thing on my college. That hurt me like I was dying.

I did another thing after college and I am going to marry because of that thing.

One simple thing and how much can those change my life?

****

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

How was it?

Adam was not a new character. He was introduced before itself, may be you forgot it. There are many things you might not notice.

I am updating more and I believe my standards are not missing.

I am okay with these chapters and I believe you are okay too. I finished this in 2 hours.

I will start to write after Christmas. I am going to family reunion tomorrow morning.

Now I am going to a seminar.

Did I write the abuse scene well? What do you think about her mother?

Take care be safe and stay blessed.

-Yagappar