Chapter 40: Chapter 40

We talked a lot and had a fun time. I knew it was getting late and I should get home soon. I sighed and stood up. She understood my strict guardian. Though my guardian happened to be my future husband. I dropped her home first since it was my idea. When I got home I was greeted by Ravi. I was surprised to see him. All those times I met him he would be very busy. So I could just escape without catching his attention. I wasn't worried about him or anything. I never liked to see him.

He reminded me of my captivity, whenever I saw him, my future will unfold before me. I saw myself draped in a traditional sari and serving him tea. I flinched at the mental image it represents.

"Why are you late?", he asked. I sighed here we go. These were my last days of freedom my eighteenth birthday could end up him being my husband. I shuddered at the thought. It hurts me more that he gets to have a say in my life than me.

" Answer me Asha", he declared I decided that I won't be cowering at him like a small child. I'm tired of his treatment of me.

"I went outside with my friend and I have asked Rocky before I left college", I said with dignity.

" Did you now? But I don't think he is the one who decides the rules here. I'm so you better listen to me carefully. If you won't come home straight after college you can kiss your dream of being a graduate", he said cruelly.

"Father", Rocky tried to intervene.

" No Rocky. She is given too much freedom. His father still hadn't returned a single coin he had borrowed from me. His daughter thinks she rules this house", said Ravi disgusted. The tears started running over my face. I couldn't control it no matter how hard I tried.

"You have insulted me enough. I beg to take leave from here", I managed between my tears. I refused to say sorry to them. I ran to my room and closed my door. I heard a knock on the door.

" Asha open the door", said Rocky.

"No, I said between my sobs. Go away", I told him.

" Asha you have to understand him. He was scared for you. I know this because he told me just now. That's why he said those things. But I assure you he never meant any of it", he told me.

"I don't want to see you. Leave me alone for God's sake", I begged him.

" Alright. I will go but we will talk tomorrow", he promised me. I sat on the bed feeling sorry for myself. I hated myself, this helplessness is the worst of my problems. I wish I could take off. I wanted Raja to take me somewhere. I will live with him. I will cook and clean for him. I will even give birth to his little children. But these hopes seem to be wasteful and hopeless.

I looked at the clock and it had struck two. I could hear all the sounds have died down quietly. I took a huge breath of relief. I slowly opened and checked to see every door closed. I was determined to have a good time with Raja. No one could take that away from me I decided.

I started putting on my dress and wearing pretty makeup. I wanted to look most beautiful for Raja so he takes me then and there. I checked on the mirror to see my reflection. I fixed my lipstick once more. But my hand was shaking lightly so I discarded the whole effort.

I checked my phone only to discover that Raja had left me a few messages. It read a simple call me and I don't know if I can make it tonight. My eyes blazed I was betrayed by Raja. I immediately called him. He took my call on the first ring. Or I would have shouted at him.

"Why did you send me that message?", asked furiously.

" I'm sorry something came up at the last minute. I will be able to leave but I will be very late probably.

"If you want me. You must come and get me or you can kiss our affair goodbye", I told him strongly. He was silent for once after a long pause he started speaking to me.

" May I know why you are behaving in such a way?", he asked with controlled anger.

"Because you promised me you will take me out tonight for our first night together and you reneged from your words", I said breathlessly.

" When will you grow up?", he asked frustrated.

"When will you try to do one thing you promised for once", I shot back.

" Alright. I will come to take you. I will come right now. I will be jobless after this but at least you are happy", he told me over the phone.

"Don't try to guilt trap me, Raja. It was you who promised at least honour your words", I said irritated.

" Fine, I'm on my way. Be ready", he said to me.

"Call me when you reach our spot", I told him. Don't get out until I call you", he told me.

" Yes", I replied him.

I began to wait pacing on the room. I had little patience which was drained by my wait. I picked up my phone to tell him off. But the phone rang and I picked it up. Raja on the other side said me to come down fast.

I was so giddy like a schoolgirl and ran towards the wall outside. I climbed with my usual prowess and jumped into the waiting arms of Raja.

"Thanks for coming ", I told him shyly.

" You didn't sound so meek a while ago," he teased me.

"That's because I was angry", I confessed to him.

" Are you angry now?", he asked me.

"No. I'm not", I told him.