Part 3
Khalid: Kabir, you are willing to go to Mumbai for the conference?
Kabir: Of course Khalid.
Khalid: But you hate such conferences.
Kabir: But it'll be good for kKN.
Kabir didn't wamt to admit to the fact that he was only going because Aditya and Ananya were traveling alone for that conference. Aware of Aditya's womanizer ways, he felt an urge to be there, just in case Ananya needed him...
At the conference
Aditya: Mr Kabir Sharma! I tthought you never attended such conferences?
Kabir: Change is good isnt?
The first session was a panel discussion on the role of media in the 21st century. The panei got polairized between Kabir and Aditya. While Kabir felt that the media had a moral responsivlity to shape popular opinion positively, Aditya felt that it's role should be limited to reporting information and making a profit for the channel promoters
After the panel had finished speaking the floor was opened to the audience for comments and questions. After some time Ananya stood up to speak. Aditya expected her to speak in favour of him. Ananya went on to gave a balanced comment But it was clear to everyone that she was leaning towards Kabir's POV.
Aditya was fuming with anger. Kabir on the other hand was filled with happiness and pride.
After the session, Aditya dragged Ananya.
Aditya: What on earth was that? How can you agree with Kabir Sharma?!
Ananya: I am sorry. But I wasn't agreeing with anyone. I was just stating my POV and don't you dare ever yell at me like that,
Saying this she stormed away and crashed into Kabir.
Kabir: Ananya, are you ok? I saw him yelling at you.
Ananya: This isn't the first time my boss has yelled at me. and i can take care of myself.
Later in the evening Kabir saw Ananya sitting near the pool. He walked towards her to speak to her. But Aditya got there before
Aditya: Ananya I am so sorry. I was totally out of line. To make up for it. I'll take you out for dinner.
Ananya: That's not necessary
Aditya insisted and Ananya finally relented.
Kabir walked up to her after Aditya left.
Kabir: Dont go to dinner with him. You know what sort of a reputation he has...
Ananya: You of all people shouldn't talk about reputatuon
Seeing the look on Kabir's face she immediately apologized.
Ananya: I am sorry Kabir. But please stop interfering in my life. You had a problem when I worked at KKN and you have a problem with me now. Please leave me alone...
Ananya and aDITYA went to dinner. It was pleasant enough, but Ananya was bothered by Aditya's excessive drinking.
AAditya went to drop her to her room. Before she could say anything he had come inside and closed the door.
Ananya: Aditya you are not in your senses It's time you go to your own room.
Aditya: The night's just begun. You have been teasing and tempting me for so long.
He came forward and tried kissing her.
She pushed him back.
Aditya: How dare you?
He slapped her hard and she cut her lips against the table.
Ananya: Get out this moment.
He held her by the hair and pushed her on the bed and tried to force himself. Ananya thanked he stars that she had learnt self defence. She pushed him off and tthrew him on the sofa. She then ran out of the room locking it behind her.
She kept running till she was outside the hotel. She was shivering. She had never expected someone to misbehave with her like this. after 15 minutes she went back to her room and found Aditya passed out. She closed the room and began crying .
She felt cold and helpless. All she wanted to feel was warm and safe. The more she thought about it the more her heart motivated her in that direction. She found herself walking without thinking. She rung the bell. A door opened.
Kabir was shocked to see her in this state. He could guess what had happened.
Ananya: Aditya he... I managed to escape... I just wanted to feel warm and safe.
Kabir gently put his arms around her. She was stiff at first but as she felt Kabir's warmth she began to feel at ease. She clung on to him and began crying. Kabir hugged her tightly.
She finally felt warm and safe.
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Anupamaa
