ETHEREAL

.38.

I was angry. Yes. Very angry.

How is this possible?

How could he?

"What the hell are you doing here Peter?" I almost facepalm myself.

"I just remembered that i forgot to change today's menu so here I'm.." Peter said looking around.

"But what are you doing here?" Peter asked me.

Should I still pretend that i don't remember his birthday?

"I was here to .....change the menu, ofcourse. That's was so careless of you Peter. You forgot to change the menu. The menu? Seriously!" I exaggerated so he would beleive be.

"How did you know about that?" He asked. "I guessed." That was my worst lie ever.

Peter stare at me for a while before leaning down.

"You are organising a party for me?" He bite his lip in anticipation and i shut my eyes.

Randhir will kill me.

"Oh my god Sanyukta. You are an angel. Thank you so much. Come here." He pulled me in his arms and twirl us around. It made me laugh aloud.

"Happy birthday." I tell him in his ear. He put me down still smiling widely. The door opened and Randhir entered. He look surprised but then he looked at me.

"I don't even want to know how you messed this up." Randhir taunted me.

I didn't did anything.

"No. It's just me. I'm so smart." Peter teased and hugged Randhir who smiled and hugged him back.

I sigh in content. That was a lovely sight.

"Wait. Is that my gift?" I heard Peter who quickly grabbed something from the table beside me.

Oh no

Oh no

Fuck no

"Peter it's not your gift." I try to snatch it away but he raised his hands.

"Tell him to give it back, please." I asked Randhir whose gaze just turn more curious. I requested him. I added a please. Ofcourse this would have grab his attention.

"Give it to me Peter." Randhir tone was dominating. Even Peter quickly handed him the box with one command.

I wish I had that power.

Randhir eyes flicked to mine before he flicked open the box.

The smell is still same. Stinky. But Randhir and Peter stay unfazed. They look at it keenly maybe reading the little note along with the flower.

Then i step back a little. I should probably find a place to hide before I get their attention but as soon as I move, both of them turn their heads towards me.

"What is this sanyukta?" Peter voice was full of concern. But i knew that wasn't enough to make me open my mouth.

When i didn't respond Peter looked at Randhir as if telling him to step in.

"Please care to explain what the fuck is this?" He shook that box in his hand. I can still hold it in but when Randhir took that angry step in my direction, i was ready to tell him even the place of my birth. But instead i ran in opposite direction.

***

After getting caught, eventually they made me sit in a chair while they both on my either side. The people start coming for the preparation so thankfully they can't shout at me now.

"This is not the first time you had run instead of standing your ground." Randhir murmured lowly. "And why are you even running if there is no fault of yours." Peter added

Oh they are not mad at me hiding it. Oh i get it now. They don't know how much im hiding right now.

"Start explaining now."   Randhir order.

"What's there to explain. I found this box just few minutes before you. I have no idea who it belongs to." I huffed in my chair.

"Then why did you run?" Randhir quickly question back.

"Have you ever seen yourself. You are so scary when you are angry. Ofcourse i would run." I looked at Peter as if he gonna agree with me right now but Peter was on Randhir side today.

Suddenly Randhir banged his fist on the table beside me and i scrunched back into my seat. But it raged me somehow more than Randhir.

"Are you done scaring me? Yes it concerns me. And yes this was not the first time i got this and yes i deliberately didn't tell any of you because i don't want to drag this on because i can save myself. I don't need anybody else to save me and infact you are already so bothered by me so no thanks I'm happy like this." I blurt out and stand up to move while they both along with the other people in restaurant stare at me.

The audience is what I needed right now. Without looking back i left. I could hear somebody following me but i didn't stop. Then suddenly i notice the sound of the footsteps. Why do they sound like heels?

I turn slightly to see behind me until i came face to face with a dishevel Aamayra.

Only this was left for today.

I wasn't even scared until i saw Randhir and peter running toward me their face horrified. Only then i felt a cold metal being pressed to my belly.

I gasped loudly at the hard pinch i felt. Was it her? Those flowers? Those notes?

"Say goodbye to your lovers, sanyukta." Aamayra smirked before i felt somebody grabbed from me behind and drag me inside a car.

Thank you so much.
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