Till The Count Of Five ✓

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

"Let's get out of here."

Where? This physical room or this state of mind I'm stuck into? We all are cramped in a hall big enough to fit us all but not our words.

Vee

27th February 2019, Tuesday
17:00

A chill ran through my body as the cold wind blew. I rubbed my hands and pressed the bell again. My mind had frozen and I was suddenly thankful that there was only one exam left. Then, finally I'd be free. It was surprising that March was giving me the chills of January but I decided to bear with it. Finally, Ashiamma's mother stepped out wearing a cardigan that I supposed, hardly did any job.

"Hello, Vicky. Come in, come in. You'd freeze outside." I followed her inside. "It is a weird weather today. I think it might rain but who knows? Would you have some tea?"

"Ah, no thank you," I said and looked around the living room. "Where's Ashiamma? Is she home?"

"Yes, in her room. She hasn't left since the afternoon."

I frowned. When we had met in the school, she had not really stopped for me. It did not surprise me, considering it had been going on since two months. Ever since New Year's Eve, she was distant. I told her it was okay when it wasn't because that was what she wanted to hear.

"Her exam didn't go well."

I looked at her mother and nodded, then stared at the room. "Can I go and check on her?"

She nodded.

I climbed the stairs, the chills still making my vision hazy. The door was shut but not locked and I was surprised that she was never checked upon by anyone. But then again, a girl who planned to score ninety eight percent should be left alone when she had tears falling down her face because she might have to stick up with eighty nine percent. As an average, or below average student - according to some people - I never understood these girls' obsession with marks.

"Vicky."

I had stopped the last time my name was taken, which was an hour back. Everything had stopped at the moment, my happiness that I cleared Business Studies, Hardik's quiet mumble and I had found myself looking away from Ashiamma's disappearing figure to look at Shay.

"Is she okay?" she had asked with concern circling her eyes and then our eyes met. I had wanted to ask 'Are you fine?' but I was no one. Or maybe an additional gift that was not required anymore because she was throwing Ashiamma away.

Now, I stood inside her room in shock and she said my name with the same softness, except Shay was strong and loud. Ashiamma sounded feeble and weak.

And a pile of lies.

"Ashiamma." I stepped aside as she walked to me on wobbly legs and went for the door. She quickly shut it and I took in the condition of her room. It was a mess if you looked past the well made bed and neatly placed shoes. It was a mess because her bed could never be made, never. She hated that and kicked her shoes in different directions because the room did not look lovely enough.

I heard a thud and saw her fall face first on the floor. Too shocked, I simply stood while she lost her balance. It was only when she whimpered, I bent down. "Are you okay?"

Her red eyes met mine and tears began to flow down her cheeks. "Help me, Vicky. At least you help me."

"I will, Ash. What happened? What..." I looked around the room. "What is this?"