Hello guys. I'm Hinal and this is my first try at an OS on the D3 Forum.
I know not many stories are written about Vicky and Neha, but I've always been a fan of the couple. I have put in a lot of hard work and time into this so I would appreciate any sort feedback - likes and comments both appreciated 😳
It's a 15 page story so I will split it into 2 parts.
Without further ado, here is part one of the two shot.
Like this post to receive pms for the second part.
:)
Part 1 - On this Post
Finding Our Safe Haven Part 1
This is it, I thought to myself.
Was my life really going to end in a couple of minutes? Although I had made up my mind, I still wished it didn't have to resort to this, but I couldn't take it anymore.
My whole life flashed in front of me as I felt the rope that would soon be in contact with my throat.
I took out my tux that I bought for my prom a couple of months ago; it was right around the corner and to be honest, I wasn't excited at all.
Everything felt so casual; even the decision to commit suicide for that matter.
It honestly didn't feel like the end because there was hope... For a light, at the end of the tunnel; it had to be better than this hellhole that I'm living in.
If I were to kill myself, I only had 2 hours - my parents are gone till midnight only, wouldn't want them walking in on me trying to commit suicide because the aftermath of that would be much, much worse.
When I hear everyone talking about societal pressures and all, we are told by guidance to talk to our parents or guardians or teachers; but what about parental pressure? Who was I supposed to talk to when my own parents abused me? How could I ever find someone to talk to after all the threats thrown at me? Where could I go for help, knowing things would just be much worse if I did tell anyone?
I got my admission to St. Louis College, one of the best colleges around my area, but that wasn't enough. Nothing is ever enough for them.
I'm tired! Tired of feeling stupid and dumb! Tired to the point that I have started believing that I'm dumb! I don't have it in me to negate all their harsh and venomous words that they spit out.
I'm a football jock but that's not because I'm good at football and want to pursue it. The real reason - because I need an excuse for all the bruises that I get from my abusive parents.
I couldn't take it anymore.
The torture of living in a house where I'm always scared! Sometimes I am woken up in the morning with a slap just because. Sometimes I'm locked out of the house at midnight, with no other place to go.
I've really had enough of all this crap. I want to end all this right here right now.
But as I tugged at the noose, I thought about Neha...
----
It was the first day of grade 12, and I was in my most favourite class, University Prep Calculus.
Doing math gave me some peace because it was the one, and practically the only, thing in the world that I could actually do.
Just as the bell rang, the other students took their seats.
Of course the person that sat beside me had to be "The" Vicky Shergill. He was one of the popular guys in the school; the handsome jock as he was often labelled.
Perhaps it was the most clichd love story - one sided of course - but I had fallen for him the first time he complimented my math skills. I mean I still remember the pure awe in his eyes when he saw the 100% on my first calculus test in grade 11.
I know he doesn't know of my existence apart from the fact that I'm the one nerdy chick in calculus who he always asks for help; well sometimes asking, sometimes even demanding. But I really couldn't say no. Not to him, not to anyone else even.
But when he asked me questions, I would always feel happy. Whenever he asked me questions - even the annoying ones - I felt glad to be of some use to someone.
My life was useless; I am fat, nerdy, I wear those thick glasses, have oily skin; basically, I'm everything that a pretty, beautiful girl isn't. I barely have any friends. The only two people that I feel would be there for me are Kria and Vishaka. Kria is dating the football team captain, Rey. She is beautiful, thin, has perfect skin; but moreover, she is really nice. She was the first one who began talking to me in high school.
And then there was Vishaka. Vishaka and I were friends since preschool. She was the only one who called me beautiful, knowing how ugly I felt inside.
I was smart, and I believed that I had the ability to make a difference in the world. But, I couldn't ignore the fact that I was almost all alone.
When Kria had her cheerleader practices, and when Vish was gone for her student union meetings, - and let me tell you, that was not a rare occurrence - I was all alone. I skipped eating lunch for two reasons: firstly, I'm literally starving myself to become skinnier; secondly, I had no one to sit with. I would hear snickers behind me if I approached a table, ever.
But then, once, I was invited by Vicky to join their table, the table with all the football jocks.
I politely declined and left the cafeteria, entering my safe haven - The Library. As much as I wanted to sit there, and feel like I belonged somewhere, I couldn't ignore the looks that he had attracted from the other guys at the table. As if I were some piece of trash that they were grossed out from. But these things were usual when I was alone. I guess I was just accustomed to it. So ignoring those insults, I began working on my calculus homework for the day.
Lost in my world of calculus, I didn't even realize when Vicky had come and sat across me.
Vicky - Neha, why do you always wear long-sleeved shirts even when it's so hot?
I looked up in shock, and my face froze. No one had asked me that before except for Kria and Vish.
I had lied to them, convincingly enough, that I always felt cold. I had once shown them my "goosebumps" on a summer day; took so much effort to pull that off too. I had to sneak behind the vendors to grab an ice cube, rubbing it on the backside of my forearm and then standing in front of the fan. I didn't want them to see anything, in fact, I didn't even want to see it myself.
But how did he notice that? And out of everything, that had to be the first thing he asked.
Vicky - Are you okay?
Slightly hesitant to speak, I managed to utter a few words. - I'm just sick, that's it.
Vicky - You've been sick for the past month of summer now?
A slight smirk adorning his face.
Vicky - I know we aren't best of friends, but if you need anyone to talk to, I'm here.
I couldn't help but stare at him. I honestly felt as if I was imagining this whole situation.
And then, he put his warm hand on mine.
I don't know what happened to me, but I began tearing up. I don't know what possessed me at that instant, but I never cry in public. Not even in front of my parents. That was all reserved for night time with my door locked so no one can walk in on my sessions.
Vicky moved quickly and sat beside me. He put his arm around my shoulders, and patted my head.
--
I still remember how her eyes had widened so greatly when I asked her that question.
But what had followed that was something I could have never thought of in a million years.
She was crying. I knew there was something she was dealing with, just like me.
I could just tell. I don't know what took over me, but I took her in a hug.
I know from personal experience that if there's anything in this world that can make you feel better, then it is emotional support.
From then on, I chose to sit with her beside all the classes we had together, and spend some time with her in the library, trying to get her to tell me what was wrong. I really couldn't see a girl like Neha have to go through so much.
----
He was always with me nowadays. Kria and Vish didn't mind; they were happy because they knew how good I felt with Vicky. I did love him, but more than that, I respected him.
During the whole time I spent with him, I found out how nice he was. He talked to everyone, without caring about whether someone was "cool" or not - as the other football jocks put it.
Our conversations were more about our calculus homework than our lives, but I think he was just trying to make me comfortable.
----
She was getting more comfortable by the day. I could see her feel less self-conscious about herself, but she still had not stopped wearing her long sleeved shirts.
I couldn't help myself one day, and had to ask her exactly what was happening.
Me - What are you hiding from me Neha?
----
I didn't want to lie to him. I wanted to tell him everything. I wanted him to know. I wanted to share everything with him. I just felt a connection with him; I could sense that he was not leading the perfect life everyone thought he was.
Me - I want to tell you Vicky. But I'm scared.
Vicky - Neha, trust me. I only want to help you!
The look in his eyes was sincere. I felt guilty for not telling him the truth. How could I expect anyone to help me if I don't even tell anyone about my problem?
Vicky - Would you like to stay for my game today? We could go for a walk after and talk about it?
My muscles stiffened; I didn't know how to react
Sensing my hesitancy, he spoke out - I will be there with you!
I didn't have it in me to say no, so I agreed.
A genuine smile appeared on both our faces, though I was so anxious and nervous about tonight
He took my hand in his, and kissed it.
My eyes widened as he breathed out a warm thank you on my hands.
Feeling the heat travel to my cheeks, I looked away in response.
This was the first time I felt like sharing with someone my deepest insecurities.
They were really unhealthy, but until now, I had managed to hide them from everyone else, but I guess Vicky was different. He understood me. My heart told me he understood my situation more than anyone else.
----
It was last period, and I was panicking. I knew I wanted him to know because I was tired of hiding from everyone, but I was scared. Scared he might run away after knowing about me. Scared he would no longer want to spend time with me. I was being selfish, I know, but he made me feel good. He made me feel alive. I didn't want to lose any of that.
It was that fear which held me back from sharing my insecurities.
And as usual, I chose to run away.
Escaping the problem was never the answer, but I was a coward.
As soon as the bell rang, I rushed to my locker and hurriedly packed my bag. I couldn't afford to be seen by him, knowing he would succeed in stopping me.
I almost made it out of the hallways unnoticed, but as I was about to leave, I felt his hand grab my forearm and take me to the staircase.
----
That day, I guess I was expecting her to leave. I felt guilty for doubting her, but I knew she wasn't the kind to share with others her pain. I expected her to leave, and she was doing exactly that.
How did I know that?
The answer was simple, because she's just like me.
----
I felt so guilty trying to run away from him, when he was the only one who cared enough to try and help me. My vision became blurry, giving way to the tears I had been holding back. He took me in a hug, patting my hair gently. The tears had stopped, but I still hugged him tight. No one spoke anything for a while. But then I pulled back, and looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry Vicky!"
He held me by my shoulders, and wiped my face free of the tears.
"I know it's hard for you Neha! And I'm sorry for putting you in that situation!"
I shook my head, stopping him from continuing on with his apology. "It's my fault. I know you're only trying to help. If anything, I should be thanking you. You're the only one who has really tried and if it weren't..."
But before I could finish my thoughts, I felt a gentle peck on my forehead.
"I'm always here for you Neha! You know what, we're not going to talk about that until you don't feel ready, okay?"
I smiled through my tears, and hugged him. Being in his arms felt so securing, I couldn't help but hold onto him. I could feel my heartbeat calming down. He had that calming aura about him. I admired him, and his goodness. It was at that moment that I promised myself, I was going to tell him.
----
I sat down on my bed, my fingers playing with the ropes. I felt like a coward, running away from my problems. Suicide would end my suffering, but it would also end everything else.
All of this got me thinking about Neha. She is such a strong girl. She had dealt with a lot, but she never gave up. People were always rude to her, but she kept a smile on her face. She was kind, honest, gentle, caring, loving... Everything. She was perfect. I didn't want her to be disappointed in me.
I didn't know what to do. On the one hand, I couldn't take the abuse anymore, but on the contrary, I didn't want to give up.
I honestly didn't give a damn about what anyone thought about me, but it was different with Neha. It mattered what she thought of me. I didn't want her to think of me as a coward. I couldn't care less about others, but disappointing her scared me.
In the end, I did the first thing that had come up in my mind.
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