Chapter 23 - Dread
His eyes were flickering from her to road. With every look on her, his grip tightened on steering wheel. The searing anger in his chest was bubbling with every second and he didn't know where to burst as volcano so to ease his chest from the burdening weight.
She was sitting there without any emotions and it was hurting him a lot.
Whatever happened was wrong. Extremely wrong. He should've paid more attention to her than to evidences. In fact, he should've sent one of his parent to collect evidence and should've been there with Piya like her shadow. Just like he had been from the start.
But he failed. He damn failed and his every failure was bringing its consequences. Fate and his enemies were too opportunistic to let go off his mistake.
He should've been careful. Extra and extra careful.
He wanted to see her happy. Her face should be beaming with smiles, that's what she deserved. This static sadness wasn't what he wanted to see on her face.
He knew he was responsible of her pain as much Dobriyals and Kabir were. He should've never sent her to Dobriyals even if there was no other alternative. He would've find some way but he sent her where she didn't want to go and in the end she got hurt as she knew she would.
Don't know what might've happened if he hadn't reached on last moment.
If not for his unattended calls, he might've never known what she was going through. It was good he decided to check on her every minute else the Power against him, would've make sure to destroy Piya.
The only good thing he did was to arrive on last minute and stop that bloody Dobriyal from slapping his Piya.
How dare he even try to think of doing this to Piya? How dare he raise his hand? How dare he??
Lost in his anguish and anger, he didn't realize increasing the speed but even this act of him didn't get success in extracting any response from Piya.
His anger was increasing every second and her pale face wasn't helping him either. It was infuriating him further. The pool of sadness and unshed tears were clear in her eyes but her desire to keep them suppressed was hurting him.
Sitting numb would never help, he was aware of this fact, and he wanted her to share her grief with him. To let it out of her heart.
"Piya.." Abhay breathed thinking to try to make her feel better
"Why didn't you show them pictures, you were talking about, in the morning?" Piya questioned cutting his words, in a cold, emotionless voice that was perfectly balanced not betraying any emotion.
The question shocked Abhay. He threw a glance towards her with his wide opened eyes and found her sitting in same stony posture as before. She didn't turn and she didn't move. This made him doubt if she even spoke that question or he imagined it.
But then he didn't hold the tendency to hallucinate.
Gulping, he looked at the road ahead. He wasn't liking this Piya. Cold and unnerving.
What is happening to her?
What's with her question?
Answer, yes he has to answer her. Focus Abhay, focus. He chided himself on losing the flow of nonexistent conversation due to her behaviour.
"I can't" Abhay answered keeping his voice normal when he wasn't feeling even a bit normal
Silence was all he got in the wait of answer. There was no question from Piya but the eery silence felt more an accusation than trust and Abhay didn't want her to think wrong about him or distrust him.
It wasn't the time to push her away. She needed him and he must be there for her, clearing her every misconception and confusion. Else, he might lose her and not just he would lose her but she would lose herself too.
"Your picture would've expose your relation to Dobriyals and Maya picture was a little too... Err... Immoral to display to anyone. I can't risk your identity and Maya dignity. It will give Kabir the win even after losing." Abhay explained as he slowed the car
He looked at her once again and there was no movement again. She sat as still as before. But he could see she was a little relax, her shoulders were dropped and her head leaned on window, as if she had just dropped her guards and as if she had just started to trust him again.
Inhaling just for the sake to calm his feelings, Abhay pushed the brakes in front of his mansion.
He waited for her to get down or at least say something but she was simply staring his mansion brilliantly lighted amid the shroud of darkness.
Just when he thought she was too broken to show any emotions or say anything, she started to speak.
"I wasn't going to speak anything against him, just as you wanted. I didn't want to expose him without proofs. But then Kabir came and he started to talk rubbish. He was misbehaving and I couldn't stop myself from showing him that he can't play with me always. I wanted to show him that blood bonds are stronger even if hidden. I wanted to show him that Dobriyals will believe me because we share same blood. Because blood attract and one can feel the honesty even if the person in stranger. I wanted to show him that at least my friend knows me enough to trust me. But I forgot that bonds doesn't matter to Dobriyals. That they are selfish and will remain selfish. That Kabir is the brother of their son in law. That Misha, my friend, had already warned me not to hurt Kabir. That Arnab Dobriyal had abandoned me long before. That Madhu Dobriyal had already told me to forget I share their blood. I forgot that I am a stranger and an orphan. Who has no one beside her. Who will be thrown away like a garbage when need will arise. Who is nothing but a toy for rich to play around. Who will remain... An ill... illegitimate child Only.... Nothing.. and no one.." Piya ranted in cold voice and finally break down at her finishing words
Her body shook and she wept placing her head on window. It was too painful for her. Her shoulders were slumped in defeat and she felt as if she failed in her life.
Abhay let her cry for some minutes. He didn't want to see her like that but he didn't look away either. He took in the sight of her every tear and every sob. He watched as she shook with uncontrollable sobs.
It were hurting him and he let it hurt him. When she wasn't happy then he should feel the pain.
"Innocent can never understand monsters and the depth of their monstrosity. Kabir is a monster and he knows how to manipulate people. He deliberately forced you to tell the truth so he can twist it in his favour. It wasn't your fault that you were too innocent to understand his tricks." Abhay said calmly, halting Piya's sobs.
She turned her head, finally looking at his cold face. Her face was drenched with tears but sadness was, now, half covered by confusion.
"And..." Abhay cleared his throat "you aren't at fault in coming to this world. The circumstances aren't your mistake. Your reality won't shape your life until you give it that power. If you're strong no one can hurt you. You will become what you want to, by your own willpower, not by what others are saying about you in their hollow words."
"You may can't change your reality but you can surely cover it in a way that no one will remember it." Abhay said looking directly in her eyes, providing her the strength to face the world.
Their eyes didn't move for a long minute. She processed his every word with focus. The depth of his words hit something in her heart. Surely, his words were a bit complex for her just like he himself was. But she did understand the crux.
It wasn't going to be easy but she was ready to give it a try. To not let people effect her to some extent. To try to be strong.
Gaining the bit of strength, she wiped the tears from her face with her both hands. A little spark of confidence sparked in her eyes.
Abhay nodded at her and she passed a weak smile.
They got down from the car and walked in the mansion. Though Piya wanted to question him about his parents, she didn't say anything. Not even about his mother's lie to Principal, neither his parents supposed objection to her stay tonight.
All she wanted was to work on his words and tried to be positive without letting anything effect her but even then she was effected. Effected by everything that happened. Her heart wasn't in ease recalling the accusations in every eye.
She stick with Abhay as they entered in the silence of mansion. Her eyes didn't move from the ground, letting Abhay lead her to wherever he wanted to. She was numb with pain to think about anything else. Everything that happened to her in twenty-four hours was playing in her mind on loop.
Abhay stopped and she raised her head. Haseena and Chand stood in front of them. Fire cracking behind them. Their tall figures intimidating and their aura terrifying.
Piya had met both of them but not together. She never realized the intensity of the couple together. She was suddenly nervous and anxious to face them.
She was afraid of their reaction. Fearful of another rejection and humiliation by another family.
"You must be tired, Piya. Come you can sleep with me tonight." Haseena said stepping forward and engulfing Piya in side hug.
Piya jerked in surprise and a shiver ran down her spine feeling Haseena's cold hands around her shoulders. She raised her head and was thunderstruck by the warmness on her pale face. She couldn't believe their informality. It felt so homely, just like her mother, but she wasn't ready to share her personal space with Haseena yet.
Her gaze moved to ground, feeling uncomfortable and good both at same time.
"Let her be alone for sometime, Haseena. I believe, she needs some space." Chand said in a calculated voice, as if understanding Piya uneasiness by her expressions.
"She'll be staying in my room." Abhay announced and looked at Piya who felt left out and strange in the weird conversation of the family who needed less words to convey their decisions and feelings.
Haseena nodded at Abhay and gave Piya another warm hug.
"Be comfortable, daughter. We are here for you." Haseena whispered in her smooth voice
Piya looked at her and then at Chand before Abhay came by her side. She wanted to trust them but she was tired of trusting everyone and getting betrayal in return. She was even getting afraid of Abhay a bit. The mental strain was finally weighing on her and she was suddenly doubtful of the guy who was helping her in really odd kind of ways.
What does he mean by his room? Piya thought with distrust. Why are Mr and Mrs Raichand so informal and cordial even when they don't know anything?
"Let me show you the room." Abhay said standing by her side, understanding she faced a lot and needed time to be comfortable.
Piya followed him wordlessly. She was glad to be away from everyone for some moments and she was glad for Abhay to be there beside her. It was a relief, she herself didn't know the reason of. Even after the spark of distrust.
Climbing the stairs, Abhay opened the door of his room for her. He didn't step inside even after Piya did.
"Relax and take some rest. If you need anything, just call my name and I'll be here for you." Abhay said looking in her eyes directly as if he wasn't just conveying the meaning of his words but providing her strength too.
Piya nodded slowly and Abhay walked away from the threshold. She kept on watching the place he was standing and wondered what really he was.
How can be someone so good?
Is it related to family genes? Piya wondered drawing contrast between Raichands and Dobriyals.
But somewhere am Dobriyal too, am I like those people?
Will I do those things they did with me?
Like I was doing same with Abhay!! Doubting his intentions for split second when all he was doing was help me!!!
No, I shouldn't be like Dobriyal. I shouldn't doubt Abhay. He did a lot for me.
Not everyone is same.
Not everyone is good.
Not everyone is bad.
She sat on bed and leaned on headboard. Her face was void of any feelings but she was suddenly thinking about each and everything of her life, and life in general.
She knew she should cry more but what happened today wasn't effecting her the way it should anymore. Maybe, because she didn't expect much from Dobriyals, didn't expect anything from Arnab Dobriyal. Or maybe it was due to Abhay's support and his words that she was all calm and cold suddenly, even when her heart was pressed under a huge weight.
.
Haseena was worried about everything. The face was reminding her of Maithli and whatever that happened with Maithli was still engraved in their mind. Still a reason of their pain and grief. Now knowing everything that was happening with Piya, she was worried for that girl almost facing the same situation in twisted way. Maithli had support but seeing Piya all helpless and without any support, she was feeling more for Piya than she ever felt for Maithli.
Her night, for the first time, didn't think about Maithli instead it was Piya whose face didn't leave her mind. She wanted to do something for her. Something to help her out of her misery.
But she couldn't forget how uncomfortable and disturbed she was last night so she decided not to mingle with her yet and give her the space she needed. Just like Abhay pointed.
Haseena stopped finding Piya descending the stairs. She seemed lot better but anxiousness was still visible on her face. The way she looked around and was cautious, showed how she wasn't relaxed around them.
"Good morning, Piya."
Haseena greeted with a beautiful smile on her face and Piya couldn't help but respond with a smile.
"I hope you didn't feel uncomfortable and have good sleep." Haseena said with concern, closely observing her face to understand her feelings.
"Am fine" Piya shrugged with a weak smile, she wasn't still over the incident. Even if she didn't cry over it, she still had certain sets of comprehension over facing everyone in college today. Facing Misha and Kabir in particular. One completely clueless of every truth and the other dangerously manipulative.
"Everything will be fine." Haseena said, it was impressive that her words and expressions carried her feelings so well that it seemed completely genuine and heartwarming but Piya wasn't over the betrayal to trust her yet.
Ironically, she was trusting Haseena's son and was getting shelter in Haseena house only.
"You aren't ready yet?" Abhay voice came breaking the uncomfortable support much to Piya's relief.
"I... My clothes..." Piya bit her lower lip, not sure how to talk to Abhay under the scrutinizing gaze of Haseena.
After getting a nod from Abhay, Haseena walked away completely understanding Piya's discomfort, clearly showing on her face.
"I'll take you to hostel, bring whatever you requires for your stay here. Until Kabir isn't behind the bars, you'll be staying here." Abhay said
Piya opened her mouth to object but Abhay intervened.
"Let's go now" Abhay said in a stern tone knowing she wouldn't listen if he would talk softly.
Shoulders slumped in defeat, Piya nodded her head knowing that tone of Abhay.
"Let her have breakfast first." Haseena's voice came when they started to make their way out of the mansion
"Its okay, aunty" Piya forced a smile, not wanting to disturb them anymore than she was. She might eat something in canteen.
Abhay halted realizing his mistake. Piya hadn't anything from yesterday morning. He wasn't even sure when she ate last time. He should've paid attention.
Damn how can I forget she has the habit of starving herself.
"Go and eat something. I'll be waiting outside." Abhay said in an ordering tone knowing Piya would try to object once again
Before Piya could speak, Abhay made his way outside. On the way, he gave a gratitude look to his mother.
"Thanks mom" Abhay said through telepathy
Haseena blinked her eyes in assurance and replied with a smile.
Piya was feeling overwhelmed with the attention and care she was receiving from Raichand family. As she sat on the chair of dining table, her mind was suddenly occupied with Raichand instead of the pain.
Haseena filled the plate with eggs and toasts and placed the glass full of fresh juice beside the plate.
"Finish it all. There shouldn't be anything left." Haseena said in a stern tone but her smile gave her away and she patted her head with affection.
Haseena didn't want her to feel uncomfortable so she walked out of the dining area, letting Piya eat in peace.
Done with breakfast, Piya walked out of the dining area and saw Haseena sitting in hall.
"Thanks aunty" Piya smiled genuinely with gratitude.
She was really hungry and it was first time after her mother's death that she ate to her fill and enjoyed it too. She was grateful of their hospitality and concern, free of every sympathy.
"That's completely fine" Haseena said in reprimanding tone trying to avoid any such word that might hurt Piya or remind her of any painful memory
"I must go, Abhay must be waiting." Piya said not knowing what else to say
"Sure. Take care." Haseena said caressing her cheeks with soft smile
Piya was reminded of her mother. Her eyes turned misty and her heart twisted in her chest. She blinked her tears and came up with a smile.
Abhay stood leaning on the car when Piya came outside and saw him. Seeing Piya, he opened the door for her and then sat in the car himself.
Wordlessly, they drove to college hostel first, from where Piya changed and took her clothes and whatever little stuff she had. She avoided meeting anyone and whoever tried to talk, she ignored them.
It was difficult day for Piya but Abhay remained by her side and didn't let anyone speak anything against Piya for which Piya was really grateful to Abhay.
"I didn't expect this from you." Misha said standing in front of her on finding her alone finally.
Piya turned to her and kept on staring her. She didn't know what to say and moreover she couldn't believe she was being targeted even after no fault of her. She was hurt that Misha wasn't trusting her.
Despite trying to work on Abhay's words, Piya couldn't gain courage to answer Misha.
"We didn't expect this from you, either." Abhay said, coming in the class and standing in front of Piya shielding her from Misha. His face was expressionless but his eyes showed accusations clearly.
Misha face twisted into disgust.
"Abhay please..." Piya tried to stop him, not wanting to be involved in any fight. She was too drained to bear any accusations.
"Silence for a while, Piya." Abhay said without looking at her but his voice was calm and soft that surprised Misha for sure and she raised her eyebrow.
"You didn't have time for her petty attention seeking campaign right? Then what is this now?" Misha repeated his words from previous day and questioned his change of attitude
"Misha, I thought you're intelligent but it seemed you can't even distinguish between what's true and what's not." Abhay said "just think over what I said and whatever that is happening. Maybe you'll start to see clearly."
Giving a cold look to Misha, Abhay held Piya hand and walked away with her.
Misha stood in empty room, angry and confused over everything that was happening. Everyone was changed and she didn't know who to trust anymore.
Two days passed and Piya was finally getting comfortable with Raichand. She was no more scared in college either. Misha was staying away from her and so the others which she didn't mind a bit. Abhay was always there for her, protecting her from Kabir and every taunt. Supporting her whenever she was feeling down on losing her friend.
It was early morning. Abhay had went out on some lead on the identity on unknown enemy. He was on his way back to his place so to pick Piya for college.
While driving, he was connected to Chand through telepathy. Due to Piya presence in their home, they rarely got time to talk openly. Phone wasn't their option to talk about their world. So teleport was becoming their normal way of communication.
"There is a bit more silence than expected. I'm anticipating a fatal attack." Chand informed
Abhay slowed the car as he pondered on Chand words. His eyes stopped on Piya, waiting for him outside the mansion.
"What's the plan then?" Abhay questioned while looking at Piya who was waiting for him to push brakes but he was deliberately delaying so to complete the conversation with Chand.
"As you know, meeting is scheduled in five minutes. They want you here. Come immediately." Chand said and cut the mind link
Abhay face twisted as he felt torn between Piya and Clan. Going in meeting was important for him and leaving Piya wasn't choice. He had to do something.
Thinking over the confusion, Abhay pulled the car beside Piya and leaning on passenger seat opened the door for Piya.
Piya bend in the car without sitting. There was a glow on her face with a soft smile that was becoming normal now.
She was coming out of pain but Abhay did realize there was some other reason for her happiness today.
"Abhay, you can go to wherever you were planning yesterday." Piya said surprising Abhay.
Abhay raised his eyebrow with quizzical look. She had heard them yesterday when they were talking about today meeting and Abhay had denied to come because he couldn't leave Piya. Piya hadn't commented anything yesterday then what happened suddenly?
"Ain't planning to go college today?" Abhay guessed, since her staying at his mansion was the only way he could be relaxed.
"Well" Piya paused and her smile widened much to Abhay's confusion "Misha messaged."
Abhay stared her for seconds. Something felt off.
Misha message? Why?
"She wants to meet me. Found some proof against Kabir." Piya informed with excitement, she was glad that Kabir truth was coming out and Misha was trusting her.
Abhay eyebrows knotted in surprise. Misha was avoiding after he talked to her. It was surprise that she was contacting Piya and even found the proof when he was failing in gathering proofs.
"But, where will you meet her?" Abhay asked, wanting to be sure of everything.
"The vendor on the outskirts of city."
"How will you go alone? Come, I'll drop you." Abhay said concerned over her safety
"Misha will pick me. You can go." Piya waved off in her rare stubborn manner
"Are you sure?" Abhay questioned, he didn't want to leave her not at any cost. But he couldn't ignore his clan either.
"I am!! Bye!" Piya said widening her eyes at his confusion and smiling at his hesitation.
"Take care" Abhay said with concern in his eyes.
Piya shook her head with a smile and pushed the door close. She watched him going with smile and then looked at Misha message on her phone. She was feeling relaxed.
Finally, Kabir was going to be exposed.
.
Meeting wasn't of any benefit. They discussed the issue and shared their hunches about the secret evil behind them with some secret motive but those were all hunches and nothing that could be possiblity.
Abhay was regretting going there but then his clan needed him too and he was hiding his findings from them. It wasn't right time to tell them about Piya and the way she was being targeted to reach him, so joining the meeting was the least he could do for them.
Pulling the brakes in front of Mount college, Abhay came out of the car. He halted for a moment, feeling something strange. A feeling of dread was engulfing him but he was unable to locate the reason.
Abhay closed his eyes trying to grasp the precognition, but no vision came. This scared him. His powers were failing whenever the unknown power was involved so it meant something was about to happen. Something that was planned and shielded, by their unknown enemy.
Opening his eyes, he walked in the college with his mind trying to understand what was wrong. That's when he hit someone.
"Can't you see, you moron"
The voice snapped him into reality and he looked at the angry face in shock. His eyes widened and worry crawled over his face.
"Misha!" Abhay whispered in fearful confusion
"Yeah me!! Now keep your eyes open and don't sleepwalk" Misha spat in her usual self
"Where's Piya?" Abhay questioned almost in panic, his eyes searched around for the girl he couldn't see hurt but he felt in danger.
For a moment, confusion crossed Misha face.
"Isn't she with you? Why are you asking me then?" Misha asked, there was a hint of care in her expressions.
"Didn't she come to meet you? You called her because you found some proof against Kabir?" Abhay asked, panic rush in his veins and he dreaded what might've happen.
"I did find something wrong in whole matter but I didn't call Piya to meet me!!" Misha said carefully, she was alerted by his words suddenly.
"Shit!!" Abhay ran his fingers in his hair and turned to go for his car
"where's Kabir?" Abhay questioned quickly turning towards her back.
"He didn't come college today"
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