Chapter 11- Suspense over

The day that everyone was waiting for has arrived. It was finally the day for the results announcement. Amrita got up early and got ready to go to school. She could not get much sleep the night before. She was too nervous to find out how she would have done her exams. Amrita went to her kitchen for her to have breakfast before leaving to school. She greeted her parents who were ready to go along with her.

“Amma, Appa. I am so nervous of what my results will be,” Amrita said and took a seat at the dining table.

“Don’t worry. Whatever your result is, just remember we believe in your capabilities,” her mother said.

“Thank you, Ma. Hopefully my result is enough for me to continue my studies,” Amrita said.

“Don’t worry, girl. We all know how hard it is to get into public university especially as an Indian in Malaysia. If things do not work out, we can add private university as an option,” her father said.

“No, Appa. Private university is not an option for me. Its either public university or STPM,” Amrita said.

“Well. We will decide this later. It is almost time. Let’s go,” her father said.

They all left home to collect Amrita’s results from school.

#

Shivanesh was getting ready to go to school when Sumithra just burst into the room.

“Anna, you have to look good. It is an important day,” Sumithra said.

“Dear little girl, do you realise that your brother is shirtless? Are you not embarrassed to see a guy like this?” Shivanesh said.

“Anna, there is nothing nice to see even when you are shirtless. Besides, I have seen you naked before. No feelings at all,” Sumithra said.

“How dare you say such thing? I have been working out so much,” Shivanesh said.

“You think you can hide for long? I know you are drinking. That made your stomach bloat so much,” Sumithra said.

“Shhh… How did you find out? Does Amma knows?” Shivanesh whispered as he  started getting anxious that his sister found out his secret.

“Amma doesn’t know yet. As of how I know, this,” Sumithra said taking out an empty liquor bottle, “If you wanna so something in secret, make sure to get rid of the evidence. You are definitely a horrible criminal.”

Shivanesh quickly closed his room door to avoid his mom from hearing any part of their conversation.

“I know something is not right with you. Please Anna. Even if you cannot talk to Amma, talk to me. You shocked me during the accident. I do not wanna lose you again. Please,” Sumithra said with tears brimming on her lids.

Shivanesh sat next to his sister and held her hands. He wiped of her tears and said, “I am struggling with myself a lot. But I have all of you. I cannot do anything to hurt myself if it is gonna hurt all of you right? I learning to reduce. Don’t worry about that. Let’s worry about my results first.”

Sumithra laughed, “Get ready. I am coming along I know how bad you would have done. I will be there when you cry,” she said.

“Aiyoo. This girl never stops being annoying. I need to change. I will be down. 5 minutes,” Shivanesh said.

After about 10 minutes, both Shivanesh and Sumithra left to collect Shivanesh’s results from his school.

#

Amrita arrived school just in time for the results to be posted up and distributed. She went to check her results. She was nervous and afraid because she knew that she was a bit distracted during the exams because of Suresh. She was worried of failing any subjects. When she saw her results, she was thankful. Eventhough, it is not best that she has done, but she was satisfied because there were no failures.

“Appa, I manage to get 6 A’s out 10 subjects. It is not the best. I am quite disappointed,” Amrita said.

“Hey, it is ok. Because first, we cannot change anything and second, you are still good. Not anyone can score. We are proud of you still. Don’t worry,” her father said hugging her.

Amrita started planning what she was supposed to do. She knows that she somehow did screw up her exam but no changes can be made nom. She has to think of how she is going to continue her studies.

She went to collect her results slip from her teacher when she was stopped halfway by Suresh, “So, the school’s best student didn’t get the results she expected?”

“Yeah. It was all because I met a demon. That demon screw my brain and broke my heart. So, I would prefer him to stay away unless he miss the taste the same pain he felt before,” Amrita said and walked away until Suresh grabbed her hands and pulled her.

“It’s the end. There is nothing you can do now,” Suresh said.

“No. you are wrong. This is just a small fall. I am going to pick myself up and succeed. I am going to be happy. And once I am there, I will let you know. Don’t worry,” Amrita said and pushed Suresh away.

“I hope I never have to see that idiot again,” Amrita said to herself and went to collect her slip.

Once she collected her slip, she went home. Once she was home, she tried contacting Shivanesh but she could not get connected.

“Gosh, I miss him,”

#

Shivanesh arrived at school and saw many students already there. He was nervous about what his results were going to be and having his sister next to him is not making anything better.

He went and saw his results. Well, there were flops. He knows why his results were bad.

“Don’t worry Anna. We will work something out,” Sumithra said. She felt bad for her brother but nothing can be done now. After telling his mother through a phone call, Shivanesh collected his results and went back home. There was nothing much he can do. He realized that it is about time that he put everything aside and focus on his future. He has already screwed up once, he doesn’t want to do it anymore. He is going to forget Vinodini and Amrita and focus on what is important which is his family and his future. At least he would try to do so.

Chapter 10- Distance

It has been a month since the big exam ended. For both Amrita and Shivanesh, the end of the exams also marks the end of their relationship with their exes.

Amrita was set of what she was going to do in the future. She wanted to prove to Suresh and his friends who disrespects her like him that her life is better off without their presence.

#

Amrita was walking to her English class that she enrolled in after finishing her exams. She wanted to prepare for her Malaysian University English Test. Since she finished her exams, she made herself busy by enrolling into many classes. She had put her dance class on hold due to her exams. So, she continued that as well. She tries to keep herself busy by attending classes that focus on building skills.

She decided to take a bus to class as she has not got her driving license. While she was waiting for her bus, she saw Suresh on a bike with his friends near the bus station. He walked to Amrita right after he saw her with one motive, to irritate her.

“Hi, sweetheart. What are you doing here?” Suresh said.

Amrita ignored what Suresh said. She did not even want to see him.

“So, this is what you want to do? Ignore me. Look at me, woman,” Suresh said and grabbed Amrita’s hand hard and pulled her towards him. “There is no way for you to escape. You know you can be happy only with me and only if I let you to be,” Suresh said.

“Don’t even think about it. You were nice but now, you are just like a piece of trash,” Amrita said trying to free her hand from Suresh’s grab. He held her hand really hard and it was hurting Amrita a lot.

“Well, prove it. Be happy with another guy. Maybe then I might leave you alone. Besides, I am your first guy. I will see if anyone can be better than me,” Suresh said.

“I don’t need a guy to be happy. Moreover, a guy like you. You are nothing to me. Dating you was a big mistake,” Amrita said. The bus she was waiting for arrived but she could not abroad it because Suresh was still holding her hand. Amrita used her file and hit Suresh’s hands hard. Suresh let go of her hand because of the hit which really hurt him. Amrita ran fast and abroad the bus.

As Amrita got into the bus, she wanted to text Shivanesh and tell him about how Suresh behaved towards her. But she didn’t. She felt like Shivanesh has done a lot for her without having time to deal with his own heart ache. It has been a while since Amrita texted Shivanesh or even contacted him. The most recent communication they both had was when he sent her a friend request on Facebook. That was like 2 weeks ago.

Amrita never had time to speak to Shivanesh. She even ignored his phone calls and text messages. She does not know why, but she was afraid of her feelings. She does not know why happened to her. Since that day they last met, she knows that Shivanesh does not think of her as a friend. And she realized that she was responding to his feelings. That day made her feel afraid of the kind of emotions that can develop when she was with Shivanesh.

#

3 weeks ago.

Amrita was waiting at a playground near her house. She wanted to meet Shivanesh and thank his for his time when she needed him. From far, she saw Shivanesh running to her.

“Hey, Sorry. Am I late? Did you wait too long?” Shivanesh asked while taking breaths to recover from his run.

“Relax. One at a time. I like sitting here. Come, sit next to me,” Amrita said tapping on the space next to her.

Shivanesh took a seat next to Amrita “So, Whats up?” 

“Shiva. I wanted to thank you. You are really an awesome guy. The other day when I was admitted in the hospital, you came and visited me. Now when I am so hard broken, you are here supporting me. Why are you doing all this?” Amrita asked.

Shivanesh slowly held Amrita’s hand and looked her in her eyes, “Amrita, I am sorry I think I might have a soft feeling for you,” Shivanesh said and waited for Amrita to respond. He realized that she did not remove her hand from his hand. Slowly, Shivanesh kissed Amrita on her forehead. Amrita just kept quiet.

She did not know how to respond. She has never felt the tingling feeling she felt inside of her when Shivanesh kissed her before. She knows she is not supposed to give him any hope. She is worried that she might hurt him. But the feeling she has right now, even when she was with Suresh she never felt like that.

Slowly, she took her hands away from Shivanesh’s. “Shiva. No. Not now. I don’t think I can handle another one. Not so recent. I am so sorry,” Amrita said. She woke up to walk back home but left a kiss on Shivanesh’s cheek and said “I am really sorry,” before walking back home.  

#

She knows she hurt Shivanesh badly that day. Now, Shivanesh doesn’t even call or text. Amrita does miss Shivanesh a lot but she was afraid of texting him.

#

Shivanesh was hanging around with his friend. It was really late at night but he was out with his friends as they were going out to drink. Shivanesh has become an alcoholic since the end of the exams. Since the night he last met and spoke to Amrita, he has not been in proper state of mind. He tried calling Amrita to apologize to her. He do not mind to just being friends with her. As long as she speaks to him. He cannot go on without talking to her. But not once she answered his calls and text. He has a feeling that she has deleted him out of her life. He really regrets making a move on her knowing the fact that she was hurt and was definitely not ready. He regretted rushing too much. Her apologetic look was what hurt him the most. He knows how much he has made her uncomfortable.

One night, he met some guys at the park near his house when he was just walking around. Those guys called him over and asked him to join them.

“Hey, boy. Come here, da. Join us,”

Shivanesh decided to join them because he was not curious or afraid of who the guys were. Shivanesh was lonely and heartbroken that he was not afraid of what was going to happen to him. He wanted to find a way to let go of the pain he was going through and he would do anything to make it go away.

“Boy. What is your name? Why do you look so sad?” one of the guy asked.

“I am Shivanesh. Call me Shiva. Wanna know why I am sad? Why? Wanna make me feel better?” Shivanesh said.

“Well. There is this drink that would make you feel much better,” that guy said and gave Shivanesh a can of beer.

Shivanesh gulped it and felt a sense of burn on his throat. He felt his eyes tearing up from the burn of the alcohol. Even with the pain of the alcohol, he kept on gulping the drink and he felt his head becoming light after a few cans and eventually started feeling like he was in a dream.

After a while, Shivanesh started crying.

“Come on, boy. Man up. You should not be crying. Talk to us. Tell us  what happened. What made you so heart broken?” a guy said.

“I was in love with a girl but then, she cheated me and took advantage of me. Another girl was there as a friend and eventually I started falling for her, but now she is slipping away,” Shivanesh said while sobbing. “I feel so lonely and hurt. Do not feel like continuing my life in anyways. I wish I can die right now,” he continued.

“Why don’t you join us? We always have ways of making pain go away,” a guy in the group said.

That is how Shivanesh started going out drinking at night. He was still hurt about Vinodini cheating on him. To add to that, Amrita is ignoring him now. He felt like he has no one for him anymore.

Shivanesh was too busy going out with his gang that nowadays he does not bother to text or call Amrita as he knows that she would just continue to ignore him. He often goes out early in the morning and come home late at night. He recently started smoking because of the influence of his gang. He and his gangmates were on the bad page of many people. They eventually became a nuisance in their housing neighbourhood.

One night, Shivanesh was riding his bike while he was drunk. He was riding his bike recklessly without being bothered about what was going to happen. He kept on changing lanes without being bothered of the trouble he was causing to the other road users  

He felt like he does not have any purpose of life anymore. He was trying to challenge death. He wanted to see how long he will continue missing and being safe. Just when he thought he is too safe doing so, suddenly a car came in front of him. Shivanesh was riding his bike too fast that he barely had any time to stop. He crashed into the car and was thrown to the other side of the road due to the impact. He banged his head hard on the road divider and loss consciousness. The driver of the car brought him to the hospital as soon as possible

#

Shivanesh was rushed to the hospital and was admitted into the emergency room. His wounds were quickly cleaned up before further scans were done to diagnose his injuries. The hospital quickly informed Shivanesh’s mother about his condition and was asked to rush to the hospital for consent of surgeries needed to be done.

From the scans it was found that Shivanesh has a brain concussion, he was also diagnosed with a few broken left hand and right leg.

#

Shivanesh regained his conscious. He slowly opened his eyes and closed back quickly because of the light. He blinked a few times to get used to the light. His head hurts badly once he opened his eyes. He used his left hand to hold his head due to the ache. But then he realized his hand had bandage on and they hurt.

“Owh, great. You are finally awake,” his mother said.

“You don’t sound so happy seeing me awake. How long was I unconscious? What happened?” Shivanesh asked.

“Tired of waiting for you to wake up. You met in a serious accident. Fractured your hand, your ribs and leg. Unconscious for 2 weeks,” his mother said without any emotions.

“Amma, what is wrong? Why do you sound so off?” Shivanesh asked again.

“What do you want me to do? Jump around because my son is awake? What were you thinking riding your bike like that?” his mother raised her voice.

“Owh, ma. Please don’t get started. I just woke up,” Shivanesh said.

“Really? I thought I was going to lose you. Your sister hasn’t been eating well. She was worried sick about you. Do you take us all a joke? We are your family. You are our only hope,” his mother said.

“Sorry, Amma. I am really disturbed. There so many things happening to me,” Shivanesh said.

“Can’t you share it with us? Doctor said that you could have regained conscious in 3 days but you purposely do not want to wake up. Don’t you think we deserve to know?” his mother said with tears flowing down her cheeks.

“No, Amma. I don’t wanna talk about it,” Shivanesh said.

“You don’t want to talk about it yet you go out doing all kind of stupid things around. I heard a lot from many people about the things you have been doing. I will not tolerate my son doing such things behind m back. I know things are hard for you right now even though I do not know what it really is. But please also think about your family at times,” his mother told him.

“I understand that I screwed up big this time. I am sorry. I will sop it immediately,” Shivanesh said.

#

Amrita had a bad feeling that something might have happened to Shivanesh. She called his handphone but there was no answer. She tried texting him but she got a text back saying that the number was not able to be connected. Amrita was really feeling bad. She was having an instinct that something must have happened to Shivanesh. She was praying that he was okay and kept on calling him.  

#

Shivanesh finally is discharged from the hospital. His injuries were recovering well. He is only left with a broken leg and hand and a bandage around his chest for his broken ribs.  

He decided to get a part time job to fill his time in a more useful manner. He went applying jobs at many places, but many places turned him down because of his injuries. Finally, he reached a bookstore and asked for a job. The owner was looking for someone to work, so had to take Shivanesh in.

After confirming the job, Shivanesh went home to tell his mom the good news.

“Amma. I got a job. At MPH cashier job,” Shivanesh said.

“Great. At last you have something to do instead of going out and doing all those stupid things all the time,” his mother said.

“I will try to not go out often okay?” Shivanesh said hugging his mom.

“Are you forgetting that you are one-legged boy,” his mother said.

“Seriously, ma. You need something stronger to make me stop going out,” Shivanesh laughed and said.

“Do what you want to but please come home. Don’t end up in hospital like the last time. It really saddened and hurt me seeing you unconscious for 2 weeks,” his mother said.

Shivanesh hugged is mother and said, “Sorry, Amma. But the good thing is, I made you lose weight,” Shivanesh said jokingly.

“Naughty fellow,” his mother said laughing. She hit Shivanesh’s arm lightly.

“Amma, you should not hit a patient,” Shivanesh said.

“Fine, I will hit you once you are fully cured. I will keep count,” his mother said and they both laughed.

#

Shivanesh has been working at the bookstore for a while. He has already removed his cast of his broken leg and arm. He is finally able to move around freely.

Even though he is busy, he still feels lonely and sad always. His heart was still hurt by Vinodini and he was confused of his feelings towards Amrita. He thought he will cure from his hurt if Amrita was there to support him but she has totally disappeared from his life. He lost his phone during the accident and have not contacted Amrita with his new phone yet because he felt that Amrita would not answer the call if she knew who I was from.

He could not afford the liquor that he had with his gangmates, so he started buying the cheap liquor after work to calm his nerves when he thinks about these two girls. One who cheated on him and one who has constantly ignored him. He hides the liquor from his mom. He drinks in his room before going to sleep. Sometimes, he has thoughts of committing suicide. But when he sees his family, he could not bring himself to do it. He knows that his mother and Sumithra depend on him a lot and he has promised his mother that he will definitely think of his family before doing anything stupid.

Shivanesh was very afraid of what his future would be.

Chapter 9-The After Effect

Amrita reached the café earlier. She ordered her favourite hot chocolate. She knows she really need that as comfort after a big fight with Suresh. Amrita always looks for sweet and chocolate stuffs when she is stressed or sad. It is her own drugs to happiness. Even though she is glad that her relationship is over, she still is sad to know the truth. Never did she thought Suresh would have other plans for being with her. A part of her felt stupid to ever trusting and liking him in the first place.

Shivanesh rushed to the café after getting Amrita’s favourite dessert at her favourite shop. He remembered a few day before their trial where they were both studying in her favourite shop as it was her choice. He was surprised that she finished two portion of the dessert. That is when he realized how crazy she is towards Secret Recipe’s Chocolate Indulgence. When he arrived at the café, he saw Amrita sitting alone. He felt bad for making her wait. Inside of him was tingling seeing Amrita waiting for him. He wanted to just surprise her with a kiss on her cheeks. But he clearly knows that it was not the right time.

“Hi, Girl,” Shiva said tapping on Amrita’s shoulder, “Sorry I am late. I went to get this,” Shivanesh said while putting the dessert box on the table in front of her.

Amrita’s eyes lit up when she saw what was placed in front of her. She was nervous to see if Shivanesh got the right flavour. She opened the box and saw a slice of her favourite Chocolate Indulgence cake in front of her. “Thank you so much. I have no idea you guessed but you definitely made me feel better after a really shitty day,” Amrita said.  

“Care to share?” Shivanesh asked taking the seat next to Amrita.

“First and foremost, it’s over. My relationship with Suresh. I am done. I broke up with him. Ended things with him,” Amrita said digging into her cake.

“That’s good news. Buy, why are you so gloomy? Was it something he said?” Shivanesh asked. Amrita stopped eating and looked down. Shivanesh looked down at her and saw tears flowing down her cheeks. He really felt bad for ever asking. He moved and sat closer to her. He held her hands to let her know that he will always be there for her. Amrita looked at Shivanesh with  tearful eyes doubting if she should tell him about it. Shivensh gave her a reassuring look which gave Amrita confidence to tell him.

Amrita told Shivanesh everything Suresh told her. She was crying so badly that Shivanesh felt like confronting Suresh and beating the crap out of him. His right hand was stroking Amrita’s hand softly to calm her down, but his left hand was in a fist under the table, ready to attack Suresh if he ever comes in front of Amrita. He wanted to walk out of there and straight to Suresh. But he realised that right now, Amrita needs him more. Before he realised, Amrita was already leaning on his shoulder crying. Shivanesh realized how weak and vulnerable she was at that time. He held Amrita close and hugged her to make her feel safe and protected.

At that position, Shivanesh could feel himself losing control of himself. He wanted to make Amrita his cause he knows he can protect her and make her happy. He knows he can make her smile and will never do anything to hurt her. Shivanesh kept on debating with himself. He fought hard the urge to kiss Amrita even on her forehead. She was already hurt, he did not want to make things worse for her.

“Don’t worry. It’s all over now. Cry your heart out. I am going to be here until you are feeling okay,” Shivanesh said pulling her closer and stroking her arm to make her feel better.

“Thanks, Shiva. You are the only one I can rely on now,” Amrita said. “I am sorry that you have to see me like this.” Shivanesh looked at her with a small smile to let her know that it was okay.

After 2 hours of spending time at the café, Shivanesh walked Amrita home. When they reached her house, Amrita hugged Shivanesh tight.

“How glad and thankful am I to have met you. How grateful I am to have a friend like you,” Amrita said.

Shivanesh was a bit shocked when Amrita hugged him but he woke up and held her. Having her in his arms, Shivanesh was afraid that he cannot control himself and hide his feelings for her. To have her so close to him and to be able to smell her scent so close to him. He felt like he wants to keep this moment deep in his memory.

“I am certainly glad I met you. I wish I can be with you forever,” Shivanesh thought in his mind. “I wish I can continue holding you like this and always be the person you come to when you are at your worse state.”

“Ok, then. Thank you, Shiva. For making me feel better, for the cake and for walking me home,” Amrita said and walked away.

Shivanesh quickly held Amrita’s hands and pulled her to him again. He placed his right palm on her left cheek and left hand around her waist. “Glad I could help. Are you sure you are okay?” Shivanesh asked her softly, looking straight into her eyes.

Amrita smiled and placed her palm on Shivanesh’s palm and gave a reassuring squeeze. “I am fine. Definitely feeling better from earlier.”

“Well then. Have a good rest. You deserve it. You just came back from a war,” Shivanesh said.

Amrita giggled and said,” Sure. I will. Bye, Shiva. Thanks,” Amrita said walking away from Shivanesh.

“Bye,” Shivanesh said. “I love you,” he thought in his heart.

Chapter 8- The Big Change

Finally, the day that they were all dreading about has come. I was going to be nerve-wrecking moment that could change all their lives and they were all very nervous and anxious as they were counting down the days.

A day before the big exam, Shivanesh was doing some preparation such as stationaries and documents needed for his exams tomorrow. As it was a national level exam, he needed to be sure that he has all his important student ID and examination documents. He does not was one careless mistake to affect his examination tomorrow as the rules during the exam is very strict. While he was preparing, his sister, Sumithra came in his room.

“Anna, all prepared?” she asked.

“I think so. Quite nervous and worried. It is an important turning point,” Shivanesh said really worried. 

“Aiyoo. Anna. You would totally nail it. We all have faith in you. No matter how naughty you are, I still look up to you, ok?” Sumithra said.

“Thanks, girl. That really helped,” Shivanesh said hugging his sister. Shivanesh loves and adores his sister a lot. Eventhough, he always irritates her, he knows he can trust and rely on her.

“Well, continue with your preparation. Amma asked you to sleep early,” Sumithra said and left Shivanesh to continue is preparation. For Shivanesh, Sumithra means a lot to him. They are very attached to each other like a gum. Nothing can separate them. He always tries to be a good brother so his baby sister can rely on him too.

While he was preparing, his phone chimed. Shivanesh went to see his phone and saw notification of a text message.

Amrita :

Hi Shiva. Prepared for tomorrow

Shivanesh: 

Not sure if I am prepared. Worried for tomorrow.

Amrita:

Don’t worry, you will do fine. Good luck!

Shivanesh:

Good luck to you too, Amrita.

Shivanesh replied her text and sat on his bed. He could feel himself feeling gloomy and sad. He was sad with the fact that he might not be able to see Amrita again.

Shivanesh was feeling more depressed because he recently broke up with Vinodini and it has given him a lot of pain.

#

2 weeks ago.

Shivanesh was going out to a bookstore to get his stationaries. He was choosing pencils and pens that he was going to use for his exams. When he heard a girl giggling nearby with a guy’s voice following. They didn’t bother him to find out who these two were until he heard the giggling again. He recognized the voice very well. It was clearly Vinodini’s voice. Shivanesh didn’t want to jump into any conclusion so he decided to listen to these two’s conversation.

“So, that guy you are dating with at tuition, what is he so great about him that you haven’t decided to let him go?” the guy asked.

“I really would like to leave him but he is an innocent when it comes to relationship. He would do anything and everything for me. I have to make use of that. As much as it sounds bad, it is nice to have someone so willing to do anything for me, “ the girl said proudly.

Shivanesh could feel his heart beating fast. He was starting to get breathless. He finds it hard to believe that the girl he likes actually is taking advantage on him. He didn’t want to believe what was happening. He was afraid that he might conclude things too fast even before confirming that the girl was Vinodini. He turned and took a peek between the racks. He was right, it was Vinodini. 

“When are you planning to do so? I want you all to myself. I am hurting here because I got to share you with someone else. I can’t wait till you are fully mine, “the guy said placing his hands on Vinodini’s waist.

“Soon. Very soon. As the exams are over, I will leave him and come with you. Don’t wanna be cruel to him and leave him before the exam,” Vinodini said.

“You do not have to wait. You can go now,” Shivanesh said from behind the racks. He walked to the couples and said “You guys can be together cause right now and here, I am dumping her,” Shivanesh said pointing at Vinodini.

Vinodini was shocked to see Shivanesh there and was frustrated that her plan didn’t go as well.

“Hold on, Shivanesh. What are you doing here? You are not supposed to be here,” Vinodini said.

“Nevermind what I am doing here. How long have you been doing this? You were dating me because you were making use of me? How could you?” Shivanesh said out of frustration. 

“Stop it!! I dated you because I liked you. But needing to hide all the time, made my feelings for you dried off. That guy over there, filled the gaps that you made. But still I couldn’t let you go because I was afraid you might get hurt,” Vinodini said.

“Get hurt? Well then, this isn’t hurting? Forget it, Vino. It is over. You cheated on me. You could have told me when you didn’t have feelings for me. It would have hurt less than this,” Sivanesh said and left the bookstore without turning back to look at Vinodini.

  

#

Shivanesh haven’t fully cured from the heart ache Vinodini caused him. He was more hurt to learn the fact that she cheated on him than the fact that she does not like him anymore. But he knows how important it is for him to stay focus now. He needs to get his head together as tomorrow is his way of changing his life and his future.

#

After 3 weeks of struggle, the examinations were finally over. Amrita couldn’t be less happier by the fact that she has finally finished her secondary school life. Amrita was also excited because she has finally decided to put an end to her disastrous relationship. She knows the toxic relationship she has with Suresh would have to end now.

#

Amrita was preparing her things for her exam when she thought about the last day of her exams. She remembered what Suresh said clearly. The end for her is finally here. She texted Shivanesh to ask for his opinion.

“Shiva. You are my friend who actually knows the rubbish I am going through. Remember how Suresh said that I would have to wait until the end to break up with him. I think the end is finally here. Do you think I should tell him off tomorrow after exams?” Amrita send Shivanesh a long text.

After a while, she heard her phone ringing. It was Shivanesh. She quickly answered the call as she was eager to hear what her friend has got to say.

“Do it. Muster all the courage you have and tell him directly to his face. After all you went through, you don’t need to be with the guy ever again,” Shivanesh said.

“Thank you, Shiva. I will make sure I end my pain tomorrow. I don’t have to put up with that guy anymore.”

“You definitely don’t have to. Good luck, girl. Go for it,” Shivanesh said and hung up his call.

#

The last paper has ended and everyone was excited that they have all officially ended the school life. Any steps taken after this are adults’ decision and Amrita knew she needed to make one immediate and fast. She walked to Suresh’s class and tried to find him. When he could not be found, she asked his classmates and found out that he was at the school gazebo. When she reached the gazebo, she saw Suresh, clearly flirting with another girl.

“Well, that is convenient,” Amrita said. Suresh turned and saw Amrita and just moved away from the girl.

“What is it, my love? What can I do for you?” Suresh said.

“Don’t ‘my love’ me. We both know what I want,” Amrita said sounding really stern.

“Oh, come on. Are we going to go through this, all over again? I thought we agreed,” Suresh said.

“Yeah, we agreed. To end this at the end. This is my end, Suresh. The end of my patience. End of my time for you. So, I wanna end it now. Right now,” Amrita said. She is really sick of Suresh’s attitude towards her.

“Well, girl. We make a great couple. You head girl, me, head boy. We make a compatible couple,” Suresh’s said proudly.

“So, this is what this was all about? You are just dating me for popularity sake?” Amrita was really annoyed of hearing the words coming from Suresh. He was basically using her for his sake.

“Yeah. Did you think I really loved you? The whole school said we are a perfect couple. That is why I proposed,” Suresh said.

Amrita was so angry. She couldn’t believe Suresh was playing with her heart all the time.

“You are really cruel. How could you?” Amrita said in the verge of breaking into tears.

“Well, every guy wanted to have you. How else can I be on the good picture of everyone besides dating the most popular and intelligent girl in school, the school’s sweetheart,” Suresh said. Suddenly, he felt someone slapped his face really hard.

“You are really a cruel, selfish idiot. We are over. I don’t bother about your plan. You hurt me so badly and you feel okay about it. Truly disgusting. I have had enough of you. You said to wait till the end? This is the end. End of your glamour, end of this relationship,” Amrita said and kicked Suresh between his legs before walking away.  

She really felt like crying, but she didn’t because she doesn’t want Suresh to think she is weak.

After leaving the school, Amrita made a call to someone and asked that person to meet her at the café near the tuition center.

#

Shivanesh was talking to his classmate when his phone rang. It was Amrita.

“Hey, How did it go?” Shivanesh asked.

“It was ok. Will it be okay for you to meet me at the café near our tuition center?” Amrita said.

“Sure. When.”

“Now,” Amrita said.

Shivanesh could hear Amrita’s voice breaking. He knows that something was not right. He knew that she needs him urgently and there was nothing else important to him right now but to be by her side.

“Sure. I am leaving school now. I will see you there,” Shivanesh said.

He packed his stuffs, bid goodbye to his friends and left to see Amrita.