The Angst

Chapter 2: Collision Course

Abir had to safeguard her. Even If it meant keeping her away from her own father. Afterall, Mishti was his topmost priority.

Naman Agarwal was such a nuisance in their lives. He had a history of blackmailing and had proved to be a life threatening hazard for them in the past. The last thing that Naman cared about was Mishti's wellbeing. Hence, Abir's restlessness. Ever since he came to know that Naman was out on bail, he wanted Mishti within his eyesight. But his angry chorni was in no such mood. She was still avoiding him. So Abir decided that enough is enough. This time he won't let Naman mess with his Mishti. As far as Mishti's foul mood was concerned, Abir had a lot of tricks up his sleeves! She will come around, he thought.

Mishti was cycling towards the market when she noticed him. What was he doing here? Had he been following her? Why? And how did he know she was going this way? Since how long had he been following her? Should she stop and ask? Will that invite more trouble? Was she ready to face him yet? A number of questions ran through her mind but before she could decide, she had run out of the options. It was decided for her.

"ABIR!!"

He overtook her on his cycle and immediately stopped in the middle of the road blocking her way.

"Are you out of you mind? Is this the way to stop someone? You could have ended up hurting both of us."

"I have already hurt both of us. That's why you are still not talking to me, right?"

"It's nothing like that."

"Oh yes, it is."

"Abir... get out of my way. I have to go."

"I'll come with you. We can talk, you know."

"I am not in a mood to talk."

"See... that's what I was saying. You are not talking to me."

"That's because I didn't like the way you made me stop."

"Oh! So you mean to say, if I had called out your name and asked you to stop, you would have stopped for me?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then what do you want to say?"

"I don't want to say anything. "

"But why? Atleast say something."

"How did you know I was here?"

Abir flashed his mobile. "Now I can also track people, you see!" He was grinning from ear to ear.

Mishti rolled her eyes "yeah yeah... I know. You have a phone now. I should have known. It's your tracking app afterall, so you would definitely use it."

"Smart!"

"Whatever!"

"Hey! Wait! Where are you going? We have to talk, remember?"

"Sorry! But I have a watch to repair. Need to go. Bye."

"Your watch is not working? Then you must get it repaired. Otherwise, how will you know when the time is correct?"

"Seriously? You think I wouldn't know that?"

"I thought I should tell you when the time is correct. I was just being helpful, you see!"

They were walking side by side, arguing, trying to pull each other's leg, their cycles in hand. Abir was thankful that Mishti was safe and Mishti was thankful that Abir didn't bring up any difficult subject. They were so engrossed in their idle banter that they didn't notice an auto rickshaw passing by them. But the lone passenger took note of them. Naman Agarwal saw them both, walking down the street.

While Mishti had her watch repaired, Abir bought flowers from a near by stall. As soon as Mishti came out of the shop, he offered her white Roses. "Please forgive me!" Such a cute and innocent person, thought Mishti. But then, Abir loves being the drama queen!

As soon as she had accepted the flowers, he went on to say, "I swear, henceforth I will definitely let you know before I play any pranks on you." And that goofy smile!!

Mishti was so annoyed with him, she punched him on his shoulder. Abir pretended to be hurt and he dropped down on the road... in front of an incoming car...

...Crash!!

The driver was practically standing on the brakes by the time the car screeched to a stop, inches away from Abir's nose.