Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Whenever you try to hide something, have you ever noticed that whatever others might say you automatically connect it to your secret. Raja was my secret here obviously. When Rocky called Raja I immediately froze but he was only calling the new servant. I knew it was going to last long like the last drop of wine. You try to savour it but it will be over. Like your favourite moment in a tv show blink and miss, it will be gone. I want it to last. My love for him was the only thing that remained with me every other thing I have left in my childhood home. People could hardly tell I was the same girl now my eyes devoid of mischief my voice no longer chirpy. I'm sure my sister won't recognise me anymore. If she was alive somewhere in the world. She might be happy I still didn't know how she could,  a dainty little woman, make such a big decision for herself. I hope she is happy with it.

I was eager to get to college. I skipped breakfast saying I wasn't hungry. Who was I trying to fool? Rocky didn't seem to mind that and I was immediately relieved. I have to make Rocky trust me or else my forbidden affair would wither away before even blossoming. I didn't know why but he was pretty relaxed when he drove me to college. I called Rita and he left us alone. I dragged her to the canteen this time. She was confused but followed normally it was the other way around. I walked around to the end of the table which was pretty empty. I was even relaxed to not find Leila and her minions anywhere. She was a jealous bitch even if I didn't care about Rocky. She imagined things and always picked fights with me. I hated her but not as much as I hated Rocky or his father.

I used to think that he was my friend but he had changed. His behaviour was a complete sink of his father. I shouldn't trust him if I had any hopes of escaping this hell hole. I focused on studying a lot but it's hard because I don't have any diversions. Raja was my distraction from my life. He had changed me for the better now it was my turn to prove it to him. My love for him was always there dormant but I only have to see him for it to spring into action. My own life was complicated but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be in love.

We chatted but it was mostly her and I was just nodding with a yes and oh here and there. If she knew it she didn't care. Her chirpy voice was not catching the usual solemn mood of our college. She talked about Aryan and Rocky a lot, making me doubt she was pushing me to get on with Aryan. I felt poor for her because Aryan and Rocky were friends only because of their similar personalities.

We waited for Raja to come to our table and I couldn't help but pass a flirty smile at him. His answering smile was equally flirty. When he reached the table I put my palm on my chin and watched him completely stalkerish. Rita elbowed me so I came to my senses. "I would like an omelette and soda please", Rita said. I couldn't think of my order. My mind was honestly reeling. "Same", I said breathlessly. He bit his lips and gave a slight nod and turned away. " You are being very obvious Asha, be careful of Rocky", she said. Hearing his name brought a bitter taste to my mouth. "I don't care about Rocky", I spit out.

She was alarmed to see my anger. She was all cowering seeing my rage. I schooled my expression to cool indifference. "Don't tell him about anything that you know", I told her carefully. I didn't mean to terrify her but I think she kind of was. I smiled at her reassuringly, not wanting to alienate myself from her. " I'm sorry I was out of line. It's your life I shouldn't try to control it", she confessed. "Neither should Rocky", I finished her absently. We paid for our food and left. I know you must be all wondering what kind of affair we were having but honestly I study and he works so no heavy make-out sessions in the empty places for us.

I was sitting in my class and I got a message. It was a simple message: hi this is Raja save this number call me if you need anything or just need me. I was very pleased he was very good at this. His message was nowhere near flirty but it wasn't cheesy either,  the exact kind of words I expected him to write. Honest, real and magical he could tell me about the weather but I would still think him sexy. I couldn't wait for the class to get over. I rushed outside and made the call. " You bought a phone that's amazing", I blurted out." You called me in the middle of work to say this," he asked. I didn't know whether he was serious or funny. I ignored it and said," I called to say hi no need to be flipped", I told him. "Are you going to come out with me after college", he asked. "I have to go home with Rocky. I can't be seen with you by anyone. But I can sneak out in the night", I said feeling like an idiot. " It's ok I will call you later. Have to go bye", he said a little abruptly. I ended our call feeling a bit dreadful. I wanted to make him happy but whatever I did was having the exact opposite effect. I was being taken down to memory lane. Will I ever be happy? Or will my past repeat itself? Gosh, this feels like a telenovela.

When class was over I absently walked outside only to find Rocky waiting for me. "Don't you have practice?", I asked him disconnected. " Yes but I will take you home first. I know you don't like watching football so I don't want you to waste your time", he said a little too politely. I hummed in response then we were speeding away in his sports car. I'm in college. I have a boyfriend, but here I'm dragging myself back to my prison. I couldn't wait until midnight so I could be with my prince. I closed my eyes and dreamed of kissing him.