Tender Storm

Chapter 10

"He's lying!" Sakshi yelled, unaware of the place they were in "it can't be true!"

Aman shushed her and turned to Akhil who looked perturbed by her outburst "why will I lie? You were the one who wanted to know".

Sakshi could feel her head spinning around her; this couldn't be real. She gulped the glass of water kept on the table "why can't I remember? Why would I go with a guy?"

Akhil gave a sympathetic shrug "I don't know...I saw you from a distance and called you...when I approached you, the guy was gone and I was not able to see him. You looked stoned and drunk..I guess you probably took a weed or something.."

"No!" Sakshi gritted her teeth "I could never touch drugs!" Akhil looked at Aman "she was passed out when I approached her..I called Amit immediately because the poor guy was so worried about her. When he saw the state she was in, he wasn't too happy".

Sakshi was at loss for words and simply gaped at him in horror and waiting for the worst to come as he continued, looking at her grimly "I didn't tell him about the guy because I knew he would be upset. He simply looked at you and then took you home   anyway".

"Did you see the guy? Who was he?" Aman asked, his worst fears confirming.

Akhil shook his head "he was gone and I didn't wait to stare at him...I thought it could be anyone as there were too many people partying. Sometimes even strangers come and crash the party you know. We can't keep track of all the guests. It's a famous resort".

Aman gazed at Sakshi who had gone blank. He could understand her situation as they were back to the beginning. "Were there cc cameras installed?" He  asked, not willing to give up.

Akhil raised his eyebrows "no! They are no cc cameras!"he threw his hands in frustration "dude! This is a beach resort where all types of people party and go..even the celebs and the famous politicians. I hope you know what would be the consequences if there would be investigation involved".

Aman didn't seem to care "well...we need to alert the cops then..if something serious has happened, we need proof.."

Akhil looked shocked "leave it man! It's been months since that party...why are you guys so worked up on this?"

Aman looked sideways at Sakshi who replied with a sigh "because something has happened and I want to know!"

Akhil took a deep breath and leaned closer "look guys! I understand your predicament but think about it" he whispered "if you're going to involve the cops, a lot is going to happen... everyone attended will be under scrutiny...and to top it all, no one will be able to prove anything. It was a rave party where all types of people gather. Even if you go to the cops, they'll grill you with uncomfortable questions...are you ready for all that?"

Aman looked at Sakshi who stared back at him with a blank look. Clearly, she was thinking what he was. If they go to the cops, everything would come out. And she wasn't even forced to go to the party in the first place. They were trapped.

"What about the girls?"Aman tried one last hitch "Apeksha would know something".

Akhil got up "I can give you her number but I doubt if she would be of much help" he checked his watch "listen guys, I'm really late for the meeting...I wish I could help you more but I can't" he turned to Sakshi with a weak smile "forget it ever happened and move on".

He made a move but she stopped him "please tell me the truth Akhil" she pleaded "I know you were his best friend..you guys shared everything. Did you tell him..about the guy?"

Akhil gave a long hard stare "I...didn't" he stammered and walked out of the cafe.

Aman scratched his head in irritation "shit!"he swore "I'll call Apeksha and ask her...I'm sure she'll help us out".
Sakshi didn't reply and he nudged her "it's okay..we won't give up".