My Love Story

Chapter 4

Shweta's Point Of View (POV)::

Shielding my sister and friend was not a necessity because Abhay came and stood in front of me, shielding me.

Did my heart bow in admiration? Yes.

This was the first time someone stood up for me. First time, I could take a backseat. First time, I could feel cared for.

"Woh meri betiya hai." (Those are my daughters.)

Abhay was quiet but his expression was terrifying. But it made me feel safe.

"Shweta yaha aa." My father bellowed.(Shweta come here.)

Hi voice made me tremble. I was scared. I hesitantly took a step.

Then another.

But then Abhay held my arm and I stopped.

"Isko aap kitne me bech rhe ho? 200000. Mai dono ka 1000000 dunga. Bechoge? "
( How much are you selling this one for? 200000? I will give 1000000 for both. Deal?)

Betrayal!!!

His words hurt. His eyes were menacing as he stared my father down. At that moment, he became a stranger. His eyes didn't held warmth.

He was nothing like the kind person that I met a few hours ago. His hand on my arm felt disgusting.

I was trying to get my hand out of his grip. But it was an iron clasp.

After a few moments, he spat into my face, "HILO MAT (DON'T MOVE)"

I couldn't move. Not when his eyes were like a beast and boring through my own. Not when his voice was so commanding.

His voice rang through the hall. Everyone was quiet and enjoying the show.

The show of me being sold.

My father stared at him. One. Two. Three .

Then he said assessing Abhay's face and smiling like a psychopath "Thik hai." (Deal)

And Abhay smirked a rather cruel smirk.

Even though I was only seeing his side profile, cold fear settled in me.

"Tasha, dono ko car k pas le jao." (Tasha, take the both of them to the car) He said.

I was being dragged across the hall, out the door but I couldn't feel anything. I was numb

I was already in the car moving towards their home and still I couldn't process what happened.
**

After reaching their home, I was nudged out of the car by Abhay and I snapped out of my stupor. Now I am suddenly very alert about everything.

Especially Abhay.

I am surprised at the car I came out of, the mansion before me and the hall I entered into, and finally the room that I reached.

Everything screamed money. It Screamed!!! And though casual, both Abhay and the girl were dressed neatly.

And then there were me and my sister. We ruined the whole picture.

I have wounds over my body and my sister is dressed as a bride (with unkempt hair and soiled makeup).

Both of them plopped on the sofa and let out sighs. But I was standing and my sister was accessing the situation between the three of us.

"Aap dono meri behen k dost hai?" (Are you her friends?) She asked timidly.

I gestured her to shut up.

She looked at me and got closer to me as both of them stared at both of us.

"Baitho." (Sit) Abhay said quietly.

I looked at him and continued standing. My sister made a move as if to go to the sofa but since I didn't move, she also stood near me.

Abhay looked at the girl and back to me.

"Koi takleef hai?" (Is there a problem?) Abhay asked.

I shook my head.

He stood up and came to me and gently spoke, "Kya hua?" (What's wrong?)

I silently looked up at him and again shook my head.

I had a small hope that I could be considered as a person here. That they will help me for a bit and I will leave this place with gratitude.

But I am a slave here now. Not just me but my sister too.

I didn't realise when he got off the sofa and was in front of me.

I was almost crying and Abhay saw my expression. I immediately averted my eyes but he caught my face and tilted my head up.

"Ek baar ro lo. Thik hai?" (Cry. Let it all out. Okay?) He said gently.

I had half a mind to yell at him. Why did you buy me?

But then I was more worried if he became angry and hit me or worse, my sister.

I nodded at him and blinked my tears.

"Yaar, mai ise baithne ko bolu toh khadi rehti hai, rone ko bolu toh chup ho jaati hai" (Man, l tell her to sit and she stands, l tell her to cry and she stops.) He turned back to the girl. "Ladkiyon ko koi samajh nhi paya hai." ( Girls are so frustrating.)

Maybe I angered him.

So, I immediately sat on the floor to appease him.

He looked at me like he was done with me. Then turned back to the girl. "Tasha. Handle kar. Mujhse na ho payega." (You handle them. Not my cup of tea.)

"Aap ko Abhay se darr lagta hai?" (You are afraid of him) She asked directly to me.

"Inhone mujhe khareeda hai. Mujhe woh sab karna hoga Jo inko achcha lage aur khush rakhe." (He bought me. I am supposed to serve him and do everything to make him happy.)

She and Abhay gave a glance to each other. And then he started laughing.

"Aap jo bol rhe ho na uska matlab aur mai jo soch rha hu woh bohot alag hai. Ladko k liye iska bahut alag matlab hota hai. Please mera aise majak mat udao." (What you said is very different from what I am interpreting. That actually means something to boys. Please don't make fun of me like that.")

I looked at him.

After a second, when nobody was laughing and everyone was looking at him, he stopped laughing.

"Woh wohi bol rhi hai jo tu soch rha hai." (She means exactly what you are thinking.) Tasha said quietly.

"Yeh soch rhi hai ki Mai rakshas hu." (She thinks I am a monster) Abhay was looking incredulously at all of us.

Tasha looked at him and then me. "Mai pasta banane jaa rhi hu. Sabko bhuk lagi hogi." (I am gonna go make pasta. Everyone must be hungry.)

I looked at my hands in my lap.

"Idhar dekho." (Look here) He said softly while crouching in front of me. Soft enough to coax a tear but authoritative enough to force me into looking at him.

My neck snapped immediately up to look at him.

"Maine aapko nhi khareeda." (I didn't buy you.) Pointing his thumb towards Tasha, he said. "Okay? Mai yaha khud naukar hu." (I am a worker here myself.)

I looked at him surprised. "But.... You.... My father...."

I couldn't understand. What is going on. I was way too worked up and everything just forced me to cry.

"Yeh sirf ek naatak tha. Please aise mat ro." (That was just an act. Please don't cry like this.)

I looked at him through teary eyes but his expression was pained.

I wiped my eyes harshly and looked at him.

He smiled. I returned it.

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