Pocket Full of Lies

27- Getting caught red-handed

Quick note to myself- Be more polite to the homeless people. They have enough problems as it is apart from dealing with your rudeness.

Not that I encountered one or anything. In fact, I was the one who was considered as a homeless person by the departmental store's authorities.

I wasn't offended by their assumption. My wrinkled clothes, all thanks to the fact I slept in them, my messy hair and of course, the lack of shoes; I could totally understand where they were coming from. But they didn't have to be so rude, and they didn't need to call me a thief either.

I threw my hands up in frustration. The audacity of them accusing me just because of my disheveled appearance.

It's not like my strange behaviour of hiding and sneaking over Rehaan was at any fault.

I seriously hated when my subconscious mind taunted me.

'Yeah, yeah, I agree that apart from my appearance, it was my suspicious behaviour that got caught in the CCTV, was the main reason behind my ordeal.' I huffed at getting bested by my own mind.

"I swear I am not a thief," I told them for the tenth time, but they were still looking at me with accusing eyes.

I was on my way to the exit, following Rehaan when suddenly two security guards and one officer came over, blocking my way from going out. It had been five minutes since then and we were repeating the same lines over and over again.

"Then show us your receipt of purchase."

"I already told you that I didn't buy anything." I sighed tiredly, before faking bravado and asking, "It is not mandatory to buy something once you enter the store, is it? I just didn't like anything, so I want to leave. What's so wrong with that?"

"If you haven't taken anything then it's fine. But for now, please come aside for checking," the officer muttered, looking like he didn't give a shit about what I was saying.

"Just check the CCTV!" I yelled, throwing my hands up in the air.

"We are here after checking the CCTV. We found out about your strange behaviour there itself. Not to mention, there were more than five scenarios where you went towards the blind spots the CCTV couldn't capture."

"I went near the blind spot, so I stole?" I looked at incredulously.

"If you haven't then why are you getting scared of a mere checking?" He questioned back, looking smug.

Because I forgot to take my wallet in a hurry. If they find out about this piece of information, then it will just strengthen their doubt.

Although accusatory the officer was at least talking respectfully until now. But as I refused more, the security guards took over, talking to me in a way I couldn't explain even if I wanted to. I hadn't ever felt degraded like this, not even when Rehaan had fired me ruthlessly.

One of the men from security came threateningly towards me. But before he could manhandle me, a voice yelled from afar in a breathless tone. "She is with me."

I turned to see Rehaan running towards where I was standing, seemingly having re-entered the store.

My eyes widened upon seeing him come to my rescue. He skidded before halting. He gently pushed me behind him, as he effortlessly took over the conversation.

After my initial shock was over, all I felt was relief. Relief of having him beside me.

"Here is the receipt of our purchase," he said, handing the receipt to the officer, while glaring down at the security guards.