The Red Journal

Be A Brat

25 August 2010

Anvi's POV

"Oh come on, Anvi. I know you very well and don't forget that I am your best friend."

"I know Ms. Sara Ahmed."

"If you know then tell me what's bothering you. It's written all over your face that you are not fine."

Sara had been pestering me with her questions but I didn't want to tell her what happened. I will tell her after all she is my best friend but not now when I am not sure if I have completely got rid of the journal or not.

"You again zoned out. See if you will not tell me then I will ask your Mom."

No, that's not happening. Mom will surely get to know about the journal and what if something happens to her. So, I decided to lie as I knew my best friend won't stop till she gets an answer.

"Vidya got into an accident."

"Vidya, your cousin Vidya?"

"yes."

"How? When?" I told her everything and she got sad too.

"There's nothing more to it, right?" she was still suspicious.

"No miss CBI agent," I replied rolling my eyes at her.

I went to meet Vidya right after school and Maasi had already come in the morning. She was about to take Vidya with her and I was not happy with the fact.

"Don't worry, di. I will come soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise," she said and hugged me. I went home in the evening.

I was going to my room when I heard Aunty, "Anvi, the books you ordered had come. I have kept it in your room."

"Thanks, Aunty."

"Welcome, sweetie." I was hell tired so I decided to take a nap. Changing my school dress I slept for an hour. I woke up with a shrill sound of something.

As I opened my eyes I saw Arpit standing with an alarm clock in his hand.

"What the hell Arpit? You never let me sleep."

"Sorry, di. Your sleeping time is wrong."

"Yeah, exactly," I replied sarcastically.

"I came here for the books."

"Arpit the books are on the table itself."

"I know but you know I don't like touching other's stuff without their permission."

"And you like to disturb people in sleep?" I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

Rubbing the nape of his neck he said, "Sorry, but please give me my books fast. I have to read them."

"Ok, ok," I said and got up from the bed to open the package. Arpit and I are fond of novels, while he loves to read horror, I am a mystery-thriller fan.

I was unwrapping the parcel when Aunty called him and he went to her not before telling me to keep his books in his room. The books were 5 while I remembered ordering 4.

I thought to check which extra book I have received only to be horrified at the revelation, The Red Journal. I thought I was hallucinating. I picked up the red book and stood in front of the mirror. It was not my hallucination, it was real just like me.

How did this happen? I checked the book inside and the contents were the same except it had a new note too.

'You broke rule no.1 that said Don't back out. Be ready for your next punishment.'