From Strangers to Partners

Chapter 35

Arjun's POV:

I knew Samyra was bound to know about everything somehow. I just wished that I could have disclosed everything in a much calmer and better manner rather than her already being panicked while questioning me. I knew something was wrong when I found her on the porch.

I don't know what I am supposed to do now. I want to go and hit Harsh and beat him to pulp again. I want to kill Rhea for hurting my wife and my best friend. I am so furious that I am currently in my gym, taking out my anger on my punching bag. Samyra has asked me to leave her alone and no matter how nervous and concerned I am, I cannot just barge into my room. I told her everything and all I can hope for is that she isn't angry with me. I knew when I was invading her privacy of what all I am doing but I still did it because in my eyes it was necessary to protect her and in a second, I would do it all over again if it saves her the pain of looking at that obscene picture.

It's almost night time and I lied to dad that Myra and I are going out for dinner and that we won't be joining him for dinner. I know Samyra wouldn't want to come out right now. Once dad goes to his room, I reheat the food for Myra and take it with me to our room.

I knock on the door which is very weird because never have I knocked at my door earlier. I wait for Samyra to open the door and once she does, I can see her red eyes which are clearly indicative of the tears that would have escaped them.

She doesn't say anything but moves back, leaving the door open. I enter the room and place the tray on the table.

"Myra?"

"Hmm..."

"Please eat something."

"I am not hungry." I have no clue on how to handle her because it is very hard to read her at the moment. I am unable to decipher her feelings, her state of mind, anything. She has her back towards me and so, I go and turn her around to face me.

"Please talk to me." I beg her.

I see afresh stream of tears making their way from her eyes. "I don't know what I am supposed to do now. How will I face anyone? What about dad, my parents, Yash Bhai, and worst of all what would everyone be thinking about me in the college? Arjun, my professors are bound to know about this, how am I supposed to go to college now?" I bring her closer to my chest and let her pour out her feelings and her fears.

"Samyra, you have nothing to worry about. Our parents don't know anything about this. As for others, I am sure everyone knows who did it and how it is utterly wrong. I don't think anyone is going to even bring it up to you now. I filed a report in the police, so that everything can be settled in a proper manner. I have made sure that Rhea and Harsh do not come within hundred feet of you. You have nothing to worry about. And Yash, right now is himself very vulnerable and blaming himself. He will never and can never think any less of you, you are his baby sister. If anything he is pissed at himself and I really think you both should talk to each other."

"Arjun, I just don't know how. It's easier to say people are going to forget about it or not know about it but no one forgets such things. It is never going to leave me. I will always be the girl who had a pamphlet printed of her, my number is out there and I am going to be blamed for this too. That's what happens when something like this happens to girls. No one will see that Harsh did it or Rhea did it. They are going to be more concerned about why they would have done it and if there is any truth in that. I...I feel li...like my throat is clo...gging up. I ca-" I see her hyperventilating again and I immediately make her sit on the bed and rub her arms.

"Samyra, calm down. It is all fine. No one is going to blame you. The video and the police is enough to prove that you were innocent. Something like this could have happened to anyone, it is their sick mentality that is at fault. Calm down. Drink some water." I pass her the glass and can see her finishing the entire glass, possibly parched from all the crying and speaking.