Chapter 28: Chapter 28

I quickly got out and began to open my purse. But Raja held my hands immediately and we looked into each other's eyes. It was like those cheesy Bollywood movies. The air between us was suddenly charged. He quickly removed his hands and said, " I can afford a taxi for a single time. I'm not that cheap." I smiled at his thoughtfulness; he had absolutely nothing but he was anything but gallant. Instead, the date I went with was so horrible he managed to cash in his food on me. He was a hundred times richer than Raja but where it counts he was rather poor. Nobody had a heart like Raja, his handsomeness can only be second to that.

I got out of the taxi but it wasn't moving so I understood he was waiting to see me get inside. I, unfortunately, couldn't go by the main gate so it was showtime for Raja and the driver. I went around the gate but in their view and quickly climbed the fence I thankfully didn't land on my butt considering the level of my nervousness. I went inside but I could hear the taxi being pulled away.

I was very embarrassed but never felt sorry though the date was awful I got to spend some time with Raja. That was a date-worthy of my money. I have spent my complete allowance by now but I would gladly do it again.

The next morning I got ready with urgency and also decided to put on some make-up. I put on my trusted kajal and lip balm and dusted my face with a powder which I usually forgo to save time and vowed to stock something to put on my face. I wanted to ignore my desire for him but no matter how hard I try it is next to impossible. So I took a safe route no harm in desiring from far. I will not make any conscious efforts to attract him. I will stay away from the canteen but I will be looking my best in case he sees me accidentally somewhere.

I was in a generally good mood which surprised Rocky as usual. I ignored him. But we have reached a kind of understanding we will stay away from each other in college. He will drop and pick me up from college. I also promised myself to never cry for Raja or any man. But promises were easily broken as they were being made.

I know if I wanted to keep my promises I should steer clear of the canteen. But how's that possible? I will die hungry if I do that. I should have packed something from home. I'm such an idiot. But today I will buy something from outside to eat. I need Rocky's help now will I get it? , was a thousand dollar question. " Hey, I need to buy something? " I said to him.

"What"? Rocky asked. I gritted my teeth and said, " I want to buy something to eat". " You can buy whatever you like from the canteen ", he said looking at the road. " Hey I don't want to buy anything from the canteen. How about that idiot "? " Then you have to remain hungry babe ", he said annoyingly.

I was seething so I turned away from him and thought I can do this. I will remain hungry but never fail. When the car stopped I immediately got out but was stopped by Rocky. He simply opened the door and pulled out my hands. I didn't want to create a scene but I will kill this dude once I reach home. I was dragged to the canteen and he pushed me to the seat. So much for avoiding Raja. I was the only person sitting and nothing I will do is going to work. But I will try at least I thought. " Order and eat something I will pay for that", he said and went to the billing counter. Raja sauntered into my place and I quickly buried my head on the phone.

" Are you avoiding me brat ", he asked silently. I was mortified beyond words but I gathered myself and said, "Not really, I will have a sandwich ". I returned my attention to the phone. "Yes, ma'am sorry I disturbed you ", and he left. I was such an idiot. There is no use in pretending to ignore him after last night it was impossible. I have taken enough from him now I can't take his pride.

I resigned. I should mend our fragile friendship. I can be his friend, nothing more. If everything goes well if he is still single I will chase him like I did before and have him for myself. I didn't want to get distracted. I had a bad focus already. Even if I managed to escape him he is still my guardian he has my property as far as I know my father merely sold me so he could live there rent-free. He also couldn't afford the servants if not for my future husband.

My life was doomed but I will get graduation and find a job then pay every penny back to him. I will buy back my freedom. Then only I could breathe peacefully. I don't know if I will be successful or not but I will die trying.

I was in deep thought and was shaken by clatter then a plate was placed on my table with unnecessary force then he was gone. I smiled at his actions so my behaviour had a serious impact on him. I called him back and he came with a confused look on his face.

It made me smile. I said," Will you accept my apology. I'm sorry I was such an idiot. Last night was so horrible I didn't want a recap. I didn't want to be rude". He said, " I won't say anything ". I smiled again. He was always a gentleman. " It's not that I didn't want to remember last night it was a horrible date ", I made a face. He laughed in response. " Care to sit with me. I swear I will give you juicy details", I laughingly added. " No thanks, I want to have my job. Unlike you, I'm not born rich", he said a little bit lightly for my liking.

Does that bother him about our class differences? It never occurred to me. If he seriously had issues I would gladly inform him that we are after all not different. At Least he has the right to his own body. I sighed and was about to say something to him I don't know what but it mildly resembled please help me. When Rita came running to me I was surprised to see her. Usually, I was the one who ran after her. " Good God! What happened to you"? I asked her. " You and him he says that you slept with both of them ". " What I don't understand ", I said. Bobby is telling everyone that Asha has slept with him and you", she finished pointing fingers at Raja. I should have expected something like this from him. Rita wasn't finished she said again, " Rocky is furious he is beating the shit out of him in the common room". "What the fuck why you didn't say this before ", I quickly put away my uneaten sandwich and ran closely followed by Raja and Rita.

I reached the common room in a flash and saw two figures entangled one was seriously hit. I pushed in between and said to Rocky, " What the fuck Rocky ! He will die if you hit him anymore ". " He's spreading lies about you. He says you sneaked out last night and slept with him." I took a breath so he has not divulged any information on our date yet. So no harm in denying I wasn't lying if I said no.

" He hasn't taken me on a date and I haven't slept with him", I wasn't guilty while saying this because I have paid my share unless he produces a CCTV image which was unlikely. He looked at me angrily. I ignored him. Raja turned around roughly which I was thankful for. He seems shattered to continue allegations and left with unsteady steps.

Rocky suddenly grabbed my arms and pulled me to a corner and asked me, " Is he telling the truth? " This made me angry. " Why do you care"? I asked a bit loudly. " I want to know as I said you are my responsibility my father has trusted you to send you here. This is how you repay him? ", he asked.

I was seeing red and I said, " yes I went on a date with him. He tried to take me somewhere but I didn't want to go with him. I was stranded there when I saw Raja. He helped me get home. End of the story. By the way, he is not my father ". He is my prisoner, I thought.

Rocky held my arms tightly and said," If you want to continue your studies. You promise me one thing. You stay away from him ", he said. All the times I have known him I have never seen him this serious which was quite surprising to me.

" Bobby? You can rest assured that this is the last time I shall ever talk to him ", I said. "No, I meant Raja", that he left me alone surprised. I lightly rubbed my shoulders. I don't know what has happened between Rocky and Raja neither I want to know. For now, I don't want either of them messing with my goals.