𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐞

|27| Chapter

"Chachu brought his friends home that day, so he ordered me to make some nice dinner. Chachi and I were preparing dinner for them. Until my brother called me for water and I went to the living room, where I could see all my chachu's friends. I could see lust in their eyes while they were watching me. I didn't like it a bit, so I quickly wanted to go back."

"After giving them water, I turned back, but one of them caught my hand, saying, 'Oh, doll, where are you running away? We are not done with you yet.' I looked at Chachu, who didn't seem to care; he was already fully drunk. So, I pleaded my brother to help, but he just stood there watching silently. The guy who was holding my hand slowly moved his hands to my body, so I pushed him with much force and ran away from home."

I took a deep breath as I recalled all of these. I felt so suffocated, hated this feeling. Vihaan was there with me through every step, and I know that. But those days are haunting me. I could feel the large pair of arms tightening around me.

For the first time since I started saying, Aan spoke. He whispered in my ear, "You did great, Vie. You're my strong lioness, aren't you? I am here with you. If you don't feel like continuing, it's absolutely fine. We can go ba-." I cut him off, saying, "No, Aan. I can continue." To which he just kept his tight hold on me, indicating me to continue.

I continued, "I ran away from home, but I didn't know where to go. I was in a hurry, so I didn't bring anything with me. I cursed myself and my fate for making me stand in the middle of nowhere. I knew that anytime they would come to get me home and would give me nice beatings. I shivered at the thought, but to my surprise, suddenly, my phone started to ring in my pocket."

"I mentally slapped myself for forgetting that I had a phone. I took it to see Vaish calling me. I was so glad I picked up, almost crying. That day, if not for her, I don't know what would have happened. She took me to her secret place. She knew everything that was happening because she was my only friend. I hid from all of them for many days until Vaish pushed me out and moved us to this place for university."

"I didn't say any of this to Rishi; he just knew that I got a seat in this university, so I moved here. I was doing good for 6 months until I started receiving phone calls from random numbers. At first, when I picked up, they used to be silent, so after some days, I stopped picking the call."

"I used to stay in a small room while working four part-time jobs and completing my degree as well. After those phone calls, I used to feel like someone was following me. When I told this to Vaish, she joined me in a karate class, for which I am always grateful because every girl needs to know how to defend herself."

"One day when I went to the room, I saw all my things broken and all my clothes falling out of place. I was sure that somebody was here, so that day, I slept at Vaish's place knowing it was dangerous."

"After some days, I wanted to go back to that room because I felt like I was disturbing Vaish. Although their parents were like my own, I didn't feel like staying there; I felt like I am a burden to them."

"When I went back, I checked every corner of the room to make sure no one was there. That is when I started developing this habit."

"One day, when I came back from work, my room door was already open. When I went in, I saw my brother and uncle there. My breath hitched, and I didn't know what to do. Chachu said 'I was living happily with the money I am making because of you, but you ran away, to which my life became hell. You stupid bitch' He slapped my right cheek, and I fell down."

"He bent down in front of me and placed his hand on the back of my neck, pushing me close. I pushed him so hard and stood up. That is why I get triggered whenever someone pulls me with their hand on my neck."