'WHAT THE HELL, was he doing there? In that house?' Rahul questioned Mrs. Singh Junior. She quivered in fear and clung unto her mother-in-law tightly.

'Dad. Talk to me. I had gone there not her.' Vikrant stepped in boldly. Rahul looked furiously at him.

He gritted his teeth, - 'How dare you talk to me like that?'

'I will. Because you are scolding Ma for-' Vikrant stopped speaking as his father came charging towards him. He held his collar and pulled his son closer.

'You dare-'

'RAHUL!' – Dadu interrupted them, - 'Enough. Let go of him.' He further said. Rahul's grip loosened from his collar and he took a step back. He huffed.

'And what were you doing with that girl in the backyard?' Rahul asked raising his eyebrow. Vikrant took a deep breath and stared boldly at his face.

'I love her, Papa.' He confused. There was a collective gasp from everyone in the room. Dev slapped his forehead.

'What did you say?' Rahul asked again.

Vikrant's lips trembled, and his voice quivered but he doesn't move his gaze away from his father,

- 'I, love, her.' He spoke slowly and clearly.

SMACK!!

There was another collective gasp. Dadu interrupted Rahul sternly but he doesn't respond. Vikrant stood there holding his cheek. Because of the tight slap not only did his cheek hurt but also his head spun.

'What did you say?' Rahul growled.

'I love her.' Vikrant replied.

SMACK!!

'What did you-'

'I love her.

This time before Rahul could hit Vikrant, Dadu had hurried and held his arm.

'Are you mad, Rahul? He is your son and look, he is bleeding.' Dadu scolded his son. Vikrant straightened. The corner of his lips bled, and he could feel the warm bitter liquid in his mouth, but he doesn't show pain on his face.

The ladies were crying in the corner, but they didn't dare interrupt. Rahul jerked his arm from his father's grip.

'You are not understanding, Papa.' – He looked at Vikrant and then back at his father, - 'That girl is manipulating him.'

'She is not.' Vikrant managed to interrupt. Rahul looked sharply at him.

'Shut up.' – Rahul placed a finger to his lips, - 'Don't you get it. She is trying to convert you. Calling you in her parties. God knows what she must be doing to him.' He said seriously. Vikrant sighed dropping his shoulder.

Rahul turned to look at him, - 'You two can't happen. Neither will she be able to adjust to our culture and faith and we won't let you go to their side.' He said sternly.

Vikrant wanted to counter that, but his jaw was hurting so much that he couldn't open his mouth. Rahul shot a glare and walked out of the living room. After he had gone the ladies and Dev hurried to Vikrant.

Dadu removed his glasses and sat down on the dining chair. He sighed. Ladies began pestering Vikrant, trying to see how hurt he was. Vikrant got annoyed. He pushed the ladies away and stormed out of the room. Everyone watched helplessly as he left.

*******************************

Vikrant entered his room and shut the door. Then, angrily he removed his coat and tossed it to one corner. He sat on the bed and held his head in his palms. He closed his eyes and tears rolled down his cheeks. He stayed that way for some time before his phone buzzed. He picked up the phone. There was a message from Annie.

Annie: I am sorry, Vikrant. I hope I didn't cause trouble for you.

Vikrant smiled reading her message. He quickly typed a message.

Vikrant: No. You can never cause trouble for me.

There is a momentary delay before Annie texted him back

Annie: Can we meet tomorrow. Bunk few classes?

Vikrant replied instantly, - 'Yes.'

*******************************

Next day, during lunch break Vikrant sneaked into the boy's bathroom and changed into his casual clothes. Then, he stuffed his uniform inside his school bag. He carefully sneaked out and took his bike. This was the time the guards were also gone for lunch. At a safe distance from the school gate, he waited for Annie.

Soon, he saw Annie coming towards him. She had also changed into casual clothes. She adjusted the sling of her school bag and looked up. Vikrant removed his helmet and waved at her. She smiled and waved back.

She hurried to him.

'Hey!' She smiled as she climbed on the bike behind him.

'Hey.' Vikrant said in a soft tone. Annie frowned but doesn't say anything. She wrapped her arms tightly around Vikrant's waist as he wore his helmet.

Vikrant drove them to a park. Annie looked around as he parked his bike in the parking area. She climbed down first and then Vikrant. She hung her back on her shoulder and watched Vikrant removing his helmet. She admired him as he tossed his hair from his forehead and adjusted his hair with his fingers. Then, he removed the key from his bike and placed his helmet on the handle. He stuffed the keys in his back pocket and hung his school bag. Then, he turned and found Annie looking lovingly at him. He raised his eyebrow and she smiled looking away.

'Come.' Vikrant held her hand and took her with him. She walked happily with him.

Once they got inside the park, they searched a spot to sit peacefully. Many couples come here and so they didn't feel awkward. Soon, Vikrant got a secluded area and together they sat on the grass.

Annie shifted and wrapped her arm around his arm. She leaned resting her head on his shoulder. She sighed. Vikrant shifted closer but doesn't say anything.

They kept silent for a while till Annie shifted and tilted her head, she opened her eyes and looked at Vikrant. He leaned his head back and looked back at her. Looking closely at him, Annie frowned. She moved back.

'What happened to your lips?' She asked. Vikrant knew she will spot it. He moved his hand and covered the bruise with his fingers.

Annie frowned and moved his hand, - 'What happened, Vikrant?' She asked sternly.

'Nothing, I just fell off the stairs.' He lied looking away from her. Annie frowned. She held his cheek and made him look at her.

'I hope you didn't get this because of me.' She said sadly. Vikrant shook his head and wrapped his arm around her.

'No, Annie.' He said and kissed the top of her head. Annie held his arm tightly. A moment later, Annie shifted and held his face. She touched the bruise with her fingers and looked at him. Vikrant noted tears in her eyes. She looked back at his bruise and then leaned closer. He watched her face approach his. She gazed into his eyes and lowered her gaze. Vikrant's gaze fell to her lips. She inhaled sharply closing her eyes. Vikrant shifted and closed his eyes. Annie tilted her head and leaned closer.

Their lips touched, and Vikrant felt his lips catch fire. She brushed her soft lips against his lips. She moved her lips and kissed the corner of his mouth, over his bruise. Vikrant smiled and shifted. He moved his hand and held the back of her head. Annie moved her lips and placed her lips on his lips. She moved her hand and held his waist. Vikrant held her shoulder firmly.

Slowly, Annie parted her lips and Vikrant parted his lips too. It didn't work, and they pulled apart. They looked at each other shyly and then chuckled.

Annie stopped laughing when Vikrant held her cheek. He leaned closer to kiss her again. She smiled shyly and closed her eyes. She parted lips in anticipation.

It took them a couple of clumsy tries. But soon they were smooching, rather sloppily but better than their previous attempts. As they kissed Vikrant felt molten lava explode in the bottom of his stomach. Annie shifted closer. This was the most daring and exciting thing they have ever done. Vikrant held the back of her head and pulled her closer. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. He moved his other arm and rested his palm on her waist.

They broke the kiss and stared into each other's eyes. Annie lowered her head. A shy smile on her face. Vikrant smiled and licked his lips.

He tilted his head and soon, they were kissing again.

***************************

Arghh, Rahul *angry face* But thanks to him we got our leads first kiss and Annie has become bolder *_* True, love changes people.

How was the Chapter, guys? Drop your comments, please *smiles*