Chapter 43: Chapter 43

"Wake up brat", I heard a soft voice. My eyes fluttered open. Last night replayed before me. I drew the cover over me feeling shy. He smiled at my action but didn't stop me.

"This is not how I wanted to wake you up. But you know where it will lead and you won't be able to go home", he told me.

I have no home. I wanted to tell him. My home is where he was. I didn't mind staying here with him. Even his creepy room mate didn't do anything for me. I felt like thrown to ice cold water all of a sudden. My eyes were alert immediately. What was I thinking? I was no fool. I knew this is the only night I was going to get from Raja. But I hoped to get an invitation for staying in. I should stop putting so much effort especially if he doesn't feel for me as I felt for him. It will only hurt me more.

" What are you thinking?" he asked curiously.

" Nothing. I should go. Thanks for everything", I told him.

" Don't thank me. It is only a beginning", he told me. But it sounded like an end. He was never emotionally invested as I was. Every second I spend here will end up hurting me more. I should go as soon as possible.

We got dressed. I was determined not to hang on to him. I tried to be casual about it as him. He looked at me weirdly once or twice. Yes maybe I was too obvious. I ignored him when he tried to touch me. I was cursing myself but at the same feeling grateful. This was what I bargained. A night with Raja. Instead of being satisfied with that my heart is craving for more.

I sat behind his motorcycle and we were speeding away. I was thankful that I didn't have to meet with his room mate.

It was still dark. When I entered my room I was shocked to discover Rocky on my bed. He was looking good as if he was going for a date. But I wondered if that was the case what was he doing in my room?

"Hey Rock! What are you doing here?", I asked him.

"Where were you? I was here all night waiting for you to come here. But you didn't. I know it is none of my business but I'm sort of worried for you", he said disappointed.

"Don't be I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of my self", I told him.

"I never said that you couldn't but I want you take care. Don't trust blindly. May I know his name?", he asked.

"No Rocky. I want some privacy. I would be very disheartened if you threatened him by being over protective", I told him.

" I will be happy for you Asha who ever that is. Unless it is Raja. I hope it is not him", he told me.

"It is not", I lied to him immediately. I wanted to protect Raja at all costs. I don't want Rocky to insult him.

"How was your date?", I asked him remembering that he was nicely dressed.

"It didn't work out", he said absently.

" Who is she?", I asked curiously.

"Don't worry about her. She seems to be doing fine without me", he said.

"I'm sorry Rock", I told him. He walked away from me. He was my best friend. He will always be I know at one point he wanted to be more. But I saw no future for us given our situation. Even if I dated him not that I wanted him but he would have broken up with me as soon as his father finds out about us.

I lied there on the bed waiting for it to be morning. I have no college tomorrow not that it mattered to me anyway. My college days were numbered I thought I could fight it off with Raja. But he didn't want anything to do with me except spending the night. I don't know how today or tomorrow could make any difference for me. I was happy that Raja chose me for a night. I know it was very low of me but it was the truth. I had learnt to accept it.

The brekafast and lunch went on a blur. I didn't think of talk to someone. Rocky was absent Ravi was there but we hardly have any conversations. He would have talked to Rocky if he was here.

"Your birthday is coming soon", said Ravi.

"Yes", I said remembering that it was right around the corner.

"So when would you like the wedding?", he asked me.

" I wanted to complete my graduation first", I told with little defense.

"You can do that after the wedding. I will be frequently traveling. But I would prefer you stay at home. Rocky might need your help with the studies", he said.

"I'm not his mother. Why should I sacrifice my studies for your son?", I asked him.

"Keep a check on your tongue. If you want to go to college. You are my wife for the name sake. Everything here belongs to Rocky. You won't get a single penny from me with your attitude", he told me.

"All I'm asking for is to wait till I'm out of college. I need to complete this. Let me study please", I told him.

"Sending you to college was the biggest mistake I made. I shall soon remedy it. I won't pay your fees anymore. Pay it from your own pocket. From this moment on I'm cutting you off from everything. You are not entitled to have a single penny from me", he told me.

"I never wanted any money. I'm on scholarship. So you can shove your money", I told him.

"I'm running the college. It Wil only take me a second to cancel your scholarship. Better show some respect for your future husband of you wants to get out of your room", he told me.

I was silenced. I was not afraid of his threats but what was the point. I'm tired of fighting off everyone. I wanted to belong to someone but none have heart in them to accept me or love me as I'm.