Alone in his room, Abhay closed his eyes.Forming a tentative friendship with Piya had not helped him get any closer to her secret. And every now and then she said something which threw him off kilter. Like the night of her birthday, she had said something about assuming things about her. And there had been bitterness in her eyes before she had wiped it away. There were times she talked in a certain way that unsettled him. His very instinct told him that something was very very wrong. When he had asked his mother about why Piya had come, she had simply replied, "How do I know what you two have going on?" She had met his eyes, holding his gaze steadily, but Abhay just knew somehow that she was keeping something from him. And then he remembered…Sid, at the party….for heaven's sake, was the whole town going to know before he did? He felt like hurling something.
He took a deep breath. He needed to be patient. He would simply have to wait till Piya gaver herself away….and if he had lasted two months, he could last a few more. He would have to wait.
As he closed his eyes, a whirl of colours and shapes swirled in his mind's eye, and as they righted themselves, he saw Piya, her face alight with joy. Dressed in her nightwear, she was walking through the forest, quite alone. Abhay watched as she came to a cliff and then she turned as if in surprise to something beside her. Something he couldn't see…and then as if by an unseen force, Piya toppled backwards…off the cliff. He heard her voice in his head, not like a plea for help, but more like a prayer, "Abhay…."
And she fell, fell into a deep abyss, even as he screamed her name…..
In seconds, he was running through the forest, trying to find her. He skidded to a stop. He caught a faint whiff of her scent…so she had passed through this place. Icy dread-dread that she might already have drowned- and relief-that he was on the right track- battled for place in his chest. He closed his eyes, trying to find out where she was- then a vision of her holding onto a rock in the side of the cliff hit him. He increased his speed, following her scent blindly, moving past trees in a blur of motion. And then he stopped as the sound of falling water assaulted his ears, the scent of her stronger than ever.
Even as he rushed to the edge of the cliff, he saw her body hit the water.
Abhay did not hesitate. Pulling off his jacket and shoes, he leapt off the cliff, hitting the water himself a few seconds later. He dived under the surface, trying to find her.
After about five minutes of agonized searching, he found her, sinking deeper. He swam up to her, catching her from backwards. As he twisted her around to see her face, ice lodged in his chest, far more painful than Maithali's curse had been
Minutes later, he sat near the edge again, as she tried to expel the water from her lungs. In desperation, he pressed his head against her hart, searching for the beat that signaled her life. It was faint, but it was there : and right then, it was enough."Open your eyes, Piya," he muttered desperately, shaking her slightly. He pulled her up against his chest, pushing away the damp locks from her face. "Come on…."
Someone crashed through the undergrowth, and Abhay instinctively pulled Piya closer, before recognizing Alina, scratched and disheveled. Her jeans were muddied and her hair open. Her eyes met his, and then immediately to Piya, still limp as a rag doll. "You got her," she said, her voice palpable with relief. "Thanks heavens- God, I'm so sorry- b****y bloodsucker masked herself from me-"
"Herself?" repeated Abhay. " A female vampire?"
"Yeah," she said nodding. "You know who that is, right? Maithali."
She let out a feral growl of frustration. "I was this close!" she raged. "If I'd just watched Piya instead- the amount of time it took to break through the spell- Maithali- you don't know what she did, Abhay-"
Piya coughed. Alina fell silent at once, and then she turned and began to walk away. As she left, Abhay saw regret flash in her face.
"Piya?" he said. "Come on, wake up…open your eyes, damn it- can you hear me?"
Piya's eyes fluttered open. She stared at Abhay, her eyes first terrified and then strangely relieved. "Abhay," she mumbled. "love..you." And then her eyeslids drooped shut again.
Abhay could not speak, could not think. Just when he expected something…she threw him off balance again. And she loved him. She still did, after everything…oh god.
And then as he stared down at her, he registered that her thin shirt was now completely transparent, and it was sticking to her body. It took all of Abhay's willpower to avert his gaze. Pulling off his jacket, he covered her upper torso, then carried her up, moving at a more relaxed pace towards his house.
Piya began to stir in his arms as he reached his house. He glanced down at her, but her eyes were still closed, her lips moving. They were forming one word again and again...his name.
Haseena opened the door, and stood back to let him pass, sparing a glance for Piya. She said nothing. "Mom," said Abhay as he strode upstairs, " Do you think you could arrange some clothes for her?" "Of course," she replied.
Kicking open the door of his room, Abhay strode over to his bed, depositing Piya on it and drew the covers over her. His beloved jacket was soaked through , and he took it off her, even as Haseena entered the room, carrying a small bundle of clothes. Her eyes fell on the jacket and her lips twitched. "No, mom," he said before she could say a word. "Not now!"
Smirking, Haseena kept the clothes at the foot of the bed and exited.
When Piya regained consciousness, she first registered the feeling of wetness...and cold. Strangely, however, something warm was around her...she sat up hurriedly.
The room was dark, but in the faint flow of moonlight she realized that this was not her hostel room, and it was-
"You lie down," said a gruff voice, and the warmth moved away, leaving her colder.Her eyes now used to the darkness, she recognized Abhay, who was half-sitting next to her, and looking down at her. "Are you cold?" he asked. Piya shivered. "A little." She could not help but think his face looked much better without that horrible smile.
"You need to change," he muttered, handing her a bundle of clothes. "I asked Mom to give you some." He switched on the bedside lamp, and the full implications of her position hit Piya- she was wet and cold- in Abhay's room- his bed. That would mean- "You saved me," she blurted, relief colouring her voice. Abhay said nothing, still scrutinizing her.
"I- Abhay, you-" she began. This brought an amused smirk on his face.
"You, Abhay,me?" he repeated. "I don't understand."
Piya flushed scarlet. "Shut up," she muttered. "I wanted to say-"
"I think you should change," Abhay interrupted. His gaze was not on her face...it was more southward. Piya glared. "Pervert."
Abhay scowled. This was a bit too far. "If I'd been a pervert, you wouldn't be wearing anything right now."
She glared right back. "Get out! I'm going to change."
His cocky air disappeared. "Sure you don't want any help?" he asked doubtfully. "I mean..aren't you exhausted? And wet clothes are difficult to-"
"Out!" she snarled, blushing again.
He left, muttering something about being kicked out of his own room.
About ten minutes later, he returned, his eyes covered as he entered. "Are you done yet?"
"Yes," she replied. "I-er- I should thank you- I knew you couldn't-"
He came to sit beside her, looking serious. "Couldn't do what?" he asked. Come on, tell me, he thought desperately.
Piya looked confused. "Couldn't..kill me," she mumbled. "It wasn't you, was it?"
Abhay's eyes darkened. "No, it wasn't me," he said quietly. "Do you think you could...elaborate?"
Piya trembled slightly, her hands fisting over the duvet. "It was my fault," she said in a small voice. "I made a mistake- I should have known it wasn't you- I'm sorry for giving you so much trouble-"
"I see," said Abhay slowly, the pieces beginning to fit in. "So...someone came to you...pretending to be me...and then pushed you over the cliff?" Piya swallowed. "Yes," she said faintly.
He couldn't help himself : he caught her bare shoulders and pulled her to him. "How could you?" he said, unable to keep the ire out of his voice. "how could you- Piya, have I ever taken you somewhere like that?"
"I know," she said, tears now pooling in her eyes. " I know- I got carried away- I thought it was really you, I thought you really meant-" she broke off, shaking again, but not from the cold.
"What? What did I say?" he said urgently. "Tell me!"
"You said-" Piya choked on the words- "That you- you loved me- I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, seeing the horrified look on his face.
"I know I promised never to bother you- I know you'd never say that-"
He'd never thought Maithali could sink that low. What a bitch. Using Piya's weakness against her to give her the maximum amount of pain- he wanted to stake her. No, scratch that- he wanted to tie her up with silver chains and then stake her.
Piya was still shaking, her eyes unfocused, quite clearly immersed in the horrible memory. "You don't have to-I don't have to- but I can't stop Abhay, I can't not love you...I just can't and I honestly tried, but-"
"Shh..." he put a finger over her mouth. "Why don't you let anyone get a word in?" he asked, pushing back a curl from her forehead. She fell silent, staring at him, her eyes wide in confusion.
"Why, Piya?" he asked in despair , pulling her into an embrace. She was wearing a sleeveless shirt, and a wrap – around skirt, and Abhay's mind warred – whether to run away or to pull her closer. "Why?" he asked again. "Why can't you stop, Piya? Why do you have to learn someone like me- someone who's given you nothing but pain- why can't you just hate me?"
"I don't know," she whispered into his chest, her voice slightly muffled. "i can't."
"You're an idiot," he murmured, brushing the top of her forehead with his lips, then tracing the shape of her face with his mouth. Piya shivered as he dragged his lips over her nose, pausing millimetres over her mouth. For an eternity, her eyes locked with his, wonder clashing with despair. Then he moved his face slightly away, and Piya attempted to calm herself. She felt tired...so tired.
"Come over to this side," he said suddenly. "This part of the bed is dry- I'll take that one."
Piya registered a feeble protest, but the next moment, he had already manoeuvered her to the dry side of the bed. "You'll be cold," she said. "I'll be fine," he stressed. "You go to sleep. I'll take you home later, all right?"
His arm came under her head, adjusting her on the pillow. She leaned against him and heard him inhale sharply : the next moment, he'd switched off the light and she felt his lips touch the curve of her neck. Her heart almost stopped beating- and then it began to thump so violently she was mortified. She began to feel angry. What was he playing at? Did he like seeing what a wreck she became under his influence?
His other hand framed her face, and he said softly,"You're too tempting...how long do I resist?"
And that was the last thing she knew before sleep claimed her.
When she woke up, it was due to a loud crash somewhere around her. She sat up hurriedly, blinking in the bright sunlight. As her eyes adjusted to the brightness, she took in her new surroundings and the events of the previous night came crashing on. She groaned, closing her eyes and leaning back against the headrest.
"God, you are so childish!" came Abhay's annoyed voice. "If you hadn't been so inclined to behave like a five year old, Piya could have slept a little more-"
"Hey! Don't you go saying it's my fault- I told you we ought to go into another room, but you were the one intent on acting like a bodyguard-" she heard Alina reply heatedly.
"Oh, so it's my fault I beat you so soundly now, is it?"
Piya opened her eyes and saw Abhay and Alina sitting across a table glaring at each other : a chessboard and chess pieces were scattered all over the floor.
"Oh, shut up, please," she said tiredly, rubbing her head. "My head's hurting."
"Why?" said Alina. "You went on a drinking binge yesterday night after Abhay tore your clothes off?"
"Alina!" growled Abhay. "I am this close to throwing you out the window right now if you don't stop your obnoxious wisecracks-"
Piya began to giggle. Abhay getting worked up at Alina was very funny to watch. "I don't think she wants me to go," said Alina decidedly. "You don't , do you, Piya?"
Piya looked from Abhay's thunderous face to Alina's decidedly puppy eyed one, and sighed. "No, I don't mind, but Alina, you ought to tone down the smart remarks a bit, because nothing of that sort happened yesterday night-"
"He wishes," muttered Alina in a soft voice that only Abhay could hear, and she was rewarded with a murderous scowl. "Can I have some water?" said Piya. "My throat…feels parched."
"Yeah, go get some water and leave us girls alone," said Alina at once. "Shoo!"
Piya shot Abhay an apologetic glance as he left, glaring at Alina as he left. He didn't seem to notice.
"You all right?" said Alina, coming to sit near her on the bed. "I'm fine," said Piya firmly. "Why aren't you in office?"
"I had to see you," said Alina simply.
Piya stared at her in surprise. Alina looked back, and in that moment, she saw regret in her eyes. And when Piya smiled at Alina, she grinned back in surprised relief.
"So," said Alina, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, " What happened? And don't say 'nothing' because when I asked Abhay, he snapped at me and told me to shut up."
"No,Alina," said Piya vehemently, fighting and failing to stop her blush. Of course Alina noticed, and went off into giggles. Then suddenly she sobered up and said, "It was Maithali. She wanted to kill you off , you know- next time, I don't know who it will be, but for God's sake carry that dagger of yours when you go out in a pocket or something."
"I'll do it," said Piya in a quiet voice. Alina's eyebrows shot up. "You sure?"
"Yes."
Her eyes narrowed, and Piya had the funny feeling of being scrutinized.
The door opened, and Piya sighed in relief, only to see that it was Haseena and not Abhay who had come in. A maid followed her, bearing a large tray full of sorts of food. Piya hadn't realized how hungry she had been till then.
"You two girls have your brunch here, since I think it's already quite late," said Haseena kindly. " And Piya, I am so pleased to see you well." She bestowed one of her sudden smiles, and turned toAlina. "Oh, Alina?" she said. "Abhay wanted you to- uh- pick up the pieces. If you feel like, I can tell him you refused…." Her eyes sparkled in mischief.
"Oh, there's no need," said Alina, grinning. "I'll do it, don't worry."
Haseena held out a glass of water to Piya. "Abhay mentioned you needed some water…"
"Oh, yes," said Piya thankfully, gulping it down, and then she said, "Where is he?"
Haseena frowned. " In another room. Best to leave him alone for a while."
She turned and left noiselessly.
"I didn't know Haseena aunty was that tolerant," said Piya, rather surprised. "I mean- your mom tried to kill Abhay-"
"Well, I saved her son, didn't I?" said Alina glibly. "She's not like Abhay, she knows how to be grateful, all right. Pity her son didn't inherit her manners." She snickered.
After eating, Piya felt drowsy again. Alina tucked her in bed and drew the curtains closed, then left. She had a strange feeling she needed to go to the office- her instinct was rarely wrong. Besides, she had to submit a report anyway.
She opened the door of Sid's cabin. "Sir, this is the report you-" She feel silent. Anita, a truly detestable woman with ridiculous nailpolish that Alina had never seen eye to eye with, was standing there and flirting with Sid, who of course was making no effort to discourage her.
She felt a hot wave of fury at the pair of them, but shook it off, assuming her calm denamour again.
When Alina had entered, Siddharth had watched her narrowly- her eyes sparked rage, but then settled to cold aloofness. And it unsettled him once again, made him want to provoke her, just so he could understand what was going on in that beautiful head of hers.
"I beg your pardon…. Sir," she said coldly, her tone mocking at the last word. "I will be careful to see if you are not otherwise…occupied next time."
She turned to go.
"Oh!" gasped Anita. Sid's eyes went to her and a cold dread mixed with excitement battled for place inside him. Anita had cut her finger on the glass of the desk top. Scarlet blood was oozing out, and for a second, Sid forgot everything, except the blood on her finger….
With a Herculean effort, he turned the other side to control himself, but his fangs began to descend, and as he turned back to her, ignoring her sudden terror. His entire being was screaming for blood…..
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