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Chapter 6 - Abhishek

Fiza decided to venture out with the music team to explore Pondicherry, a captivating city nestled by the beach.

Alan stayed back to practice for his fashion show and for the final alterations to his costumes.

Pondicherry exuded a timeless charm with its old town ambiance and evident influence from the various cultures that once colonized this historic town.

Fiza strolled along the shoreline, slipping off her shoes and letting her toes sink into the sand. The gentle sea breeze caressed her face as she allowed her hair to flow freely. She felt like she was a little girl again. Being from Cochin, another port city, she felt a deep connection to the beach and the water. The sea always had a way of bringing her inner peace.

Interrupting her contemplation, Abhishek joined her, rolling up his pants and removing his shoes as well. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched in his voice.

Fiza turned to him, genuinely perplexed by the question. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" she responded, her confusion evident.

Abhishek hesitated for a moment, studying Fiza's expression. "It's just that... after what happened with Alan and Mownika back at the mess, I thought you might be feeling upset or bothered," he explained.

Fiza paused. She wasn't comfortable around Abhishek. But she mustered a soft smile and reassured him, "I'm fine, sir. That's between them."

Abhishek's raised eyebrow hinted as he probed further. "But I thought maybe there was something more there, or that you had feelings for him."

Fiza chuckled, bending down to wet her hands in the seawater before playfully tossing it up into the air. She turned back to Abhishek, her voice firm and resolute. "I'm really not interested in dating anyone. I genuinely meant it when I said I'll only date someone I intend to marry. I am the most boring person in the world, trust me."

She took a few steps forward and immersed herself up to her mid thigh in the water.

Meanwhile, Abhishek watched Fiza as though she were a surreal vision. The sun's rays glistened on her face, the wind gently tousled her hair, and her damp clothes clung to her body, accentuating her figure. He made a decision within himself- he would take her disinterest as a challenge and continue to pursue Fiza.

Under ordinary circumstances, Fiza would have walked away. But her mind was consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Her thoughts went back to Alan's face when Mownika had told him he didn't want more from him than sex. She wondered infact if Alan had actually wanted more. She questioned whether his nonchalant attitude towards romantic involvement was a game or a defense mechanism. Yet, despite her doubts, Fiza clung to the belief that there was goodness within Alan.

Fiza wondered if sexual connections really held no significance for Alan. She wondered if it truly mattered as long as both parties were aware of the dynamics involved. Could a lack of emotional attachment automatically label someone as a bad person?

Lost in her thoughts, Fiza's mind involuntarily wandered to the sensation of Alan's hand around her waist when she had woken up that morning. A rush of exhilaration surged through her, causing her cheeks to flush.

While her mind was preoccupied with the simultaneous thrill and confusion that Alan elicited within her, she remained oblivious to Abhishek's gaze. His desire for her intensified with each passing moment.

"Everyone's getting ready to leave," Abhishek said, seizing Fiza's hand.

Taken aback by the sudden gesture, Fiza instinctively pulled it away, a sense of discomfort settling within her.

"Do you want to stay back and grab some lunch?" he asked, his excitement evident in his expression.

Caught off guard, Fiza struggled to recollect their previous interaction. With a final wistful glance toward the ocean, she said, "I guess we should go."

She only meant that she was ready to leave the beach and join their group. But her words misled Abhishek, who interpreted them as an agreement to join him for lunch.

Abhishek's face lit up. He walked beside Fiza, unable to contain his disbelief and delight. Upon reaching the beach, he reached for his towel and extended it to her.

Fiza realized that her shorts had become translucent and clung to her thighs and was grateful for the towel which she wrapped around her waist.

Abhishek, berated himself internally for his ill-fated offer, that led her to cover up.

Fiza, feeling self conscious, pressed forward, determined to distance herself from any further interaction with Abhishek.

Upon rejoining the group, Abhishek once again attempted to take her hand but Fiza pulled it away."Please, sir," she pleaded. Why was he not respecting her boundaries? Her voice was slightly breathless from the exertion of the beach hike.

Abhishek complied but his gaze lingered on her lips, fully aware of the audience around them, relishing in the attention.

Abhishek boldly declared, "Fiza and I are going for lunch."

Fiza was once again caught off guard by his presumptuous statement. Whistles and cheers erupted from the group, further adding to her unease. She had no desire to go out with him, but she also didn't want to publicly embarrass him. Searching for a solution, she took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding.

"Sir, I need to go back and change into something dry," Fiza asserted. She had clearly told him at the tea stall that she didn't want to date. And again just earlier today. Why was he still pursuing her?

Fiza swiftly turned away, making her way towards Neha, who appeared concerned. As Fiza approached her, Neha spoke up, her voice filled with genuine worry.

"Fiza," Neha began, "are you interested in Abhishek?"

Fiza's response was immediate and sincere. "No, I'm really not, Mam," she answered, her words carrying a hint of discomfort. She wanted to confide in Neha, to express how Abhishek's advances made her feel uneasy and seek her help in navigating the situation.

But Fiza knew that Neha and Abhishek were classmates and didn't know their dynamics.

"He can be a little obsessive." Neha said rather suddenly. "You need to be very clear with him if you aren't interested."

Taking Neha's words to heart, Fiza nodded earnestly. "Thank you for letting me know," she replied, though her mind was filled with apprehension and worry.

Author's note

Have you ever been in a situation where your boundaries weren't respected?

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❤️Faiza