Shattered Desires

Chapter Nine

Maya's POV

Before I knew it, I had to return back to school. As much as I hated it, I knew that I couldn't let these people push me down from finishing my year with good grades. Vikram fiercely protected me and Priyanka was always glued by my side. I loved that they were supporting me in this difficult time but I also hated the fact that I was reduced to this state, to depend on these people to protect me from the prying eyes of my peers.

I needed a makeover desperately, but I would only do it after I graduated this year. I wasn't going to give Aryan, Caleb, Nicholas or even Ved for that matter; satisfaction that their bullying affected me in ways that would never heal. I hoped that by changing myself, I would find acceptance in college.

A week before school ended, I stood outside my last class with Priyanka as we animatedly chattered about random things.

"OMG, did you see Junooniyat?" Priyanka asked.

"Yes! Pulkit was so cute and Yami was just so pretty. The story was a classic cliché but I loved it." I said. I had been distracting myself during my free time by watching movies and volunteering extra. I didn't want to give myself any time to think about what had happened.

"Pulkit is so handsome Maya, like I wish I could meet him in real life!" Priyanka gushed. She loved Pulkit Samrat and watched his movies a million times.

"Um, what about me?" Vikram asked as he jogged behind us. He quickly kissed Priyanka's cheek and tousled my hair.

"Dude, lay off the hair." I said, pushing him away.

"Owww!" he feigned injury.

"What a drama queen." Priyanka said with a laugh. We walked outside school where I parted ways with Priyanka and Vikram as they had only today to submit their entire portfolio of art paintings and pieces to University of Toronto.

Yes, that was where the three of us were going to college. My parents were initially unhappy with my decision but they finally agreed to let me go after I gave them my reasons. I needed a break from all these people and Toronto would be the best place for me to get some fresh, new perspective on things.

"Will you be ok by yourself?" Vikram asked before he left.

"Sheesh Vikram, I'm almost 18! I'll be fine. Don't worry." I said.

"Sue me for worrying so much about you Mayo! Anyway, call me once you get home." he said.

"Fine, fine." I said, brushing him off. Vikram was the most overprotective person I have ever met, including my dad.

I walked down the road, my headphones in. It was a cloudy day and it looked like it was going to rain soon. I had to get home soon or else I would be sneezing during graduation and that would add to the embarrassment.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed mine and dragged me towards the direction of the park.

"Leave me! Who the hell are you!" I said trying to free my hand. I kicked, shouted and screamed but the person had a hand of steel. The person pushed me towards the huge oak tree that was at the center of the forest. I dropped my things and looked up to see who my captor was.

Ved.

He pinned me to the tree while gazing into my eyes. I was in utter shock. I knew that he had been trying to talk to me but Vikram always managed to fend him off. But now, my worst nightmare was blooming in front of my eyes.

His eyes, so dark and cold stared at my own glassy ones as his hand held me upright. If it weren't for his iron like grip, I would have collapsed on the ground with the amount of emotion that washed over me like a wave.

"Maya." he whispered. A sob bubbled up inside me as I realized that this was no longer a dream. At the same time, as if to add to my sad reality, the clouds opened up and the rain descended upon the cold earth.

"Let go of me." I barely managed to say as I snapped back to reality. I struggled to look up at him because of the slamming rain that was soaking me through.

"Maya, please listen to what I have to say." he said, pleading. I looked away, refusing to look into those eyes that I fell in love with because I knew that if I did, I would collapse.

"I will call the police and report you for harassment." I said, looking at him coldly.

"Maya, you and I both know that you wouldn't-"

"No you don't Ved! That Maya died months ago. The Maya that was nice to everyone in spite of their hatred towards her. That Maya that didn't care about what society said and lived by her own rules. That Maya who trusted everyone...she is dead Ved Shastri." I said, finally looking back up to him.

"Maya, it was a trap. Please listen-" Ved tried to reason for his actions.

"Just shut up Ved. Today you proved yourself that you are exactly like Aryan." I said. Thunder resonated in the background. It was unsafe to be outside now.

"Maya, I am nothing like that-"

"Ved, you forcibly brought me here and are holding me here against my will. You spoke to me badly and you have been ignoring all the bullying Aryan is doing to me." I said. "That makes you even worse than him Ved."

Ved let out a strangled gasp as he let go of me. I leaned back on the oak tree for support and picked up my things. But Ved wasn't done. He grabbed me again.

"Maya Srinivasan, I am nothing like that person. And I will never be like him." he said and lowered his lips on mine in a tender, sweet kiss.

Our lips moved in sync as the thunder kept coming and the fresh rain droplets fell on our lips. His arms encircled my waist and pulled me closer to him and I wrapped my arms around my neck. I was lost in the moment as the newfound energy surged through my body. Then his lips left mine.

"I am not like him." he said as he rested his forehead on mine. My eyes snapped open in shock. How could I have let him do that? I moved away from him, grabbed my things and ran. I turned back after I was a safe distance away from him. He stood there in shock.

"Did you think that by kissing me, I would forgive you and run back to you? How could you behave so cheaply like that? I hate you Ved Shastri and will never forgive you for what you have done to me." I screamed over the thunder. Then I ran all the way back home, tears streaming down my face, mingling with the rain droplets.

I reached home and stormed past a concerned Paati and into the shower. As I let the hot water and steam wash over my body, I sunk to the floor and cried. I could still feel his lips on mine and I touched them, only sobbing more as I came to the realization of what I had done.

I still loved him.

A/N: Hey Guys! I am so sorry for the late update!

1) How was the chapter? Let me know what you thought!

2) There will be a leap coming in the next chapter so keep waiting for more drama and suspense to come! 3) How many of you watched Junooniyat? I watched it yesterday and it was the sweetest cliché ever!

Please keep voting and commenting!