Money and Connections

"Time to go babes". Andy sat ready on his black Royal Enfield classic bike with an extra helmet.

Since the day Mia had stumbled across her boyfriend Sushant fucking one of their seniors a few months back, Andy had remained a solid support for Mia. They were best friends since their junior college and nothing could stop them from being there for each other.

He knew what a fuckwit Sushant was. He would give Mia a lot of grief over continuing to be friends with Andy. Her personality had changed into an introvert but this is one thing that she thankfully did not give up. She stayed in touch with Andy, albeit in secret without letting Sushant know.

Whenever Andy recalled the latest incident, he would feel like bashing the bastard up but he controlled himself knowing that the case was in the hands of the cops.

Mia came out of her parents house looking as beautiful as ever in her blue denims and a yellow kurti. He felt a warmth in his heart seeing his best friend smile for the first time in days.

“Let’s go.” She took the extra helmet and hopped on the bike. He knew she hated being pillion but her high doses of  antidepressants rendered it unsafe for her to ride.

He dropped her at her college and proceeded to his own.

His college was one of the top engineering colleges of Pune city and is located on the banks of the Mula river which flows through the city. College of Engineering Pune (COEP) took in only the top brains through an entrance exam and made sure that those turned into the best engineers. The studies and submissions took up most of their time plus he was an active member of their college boat club. He loved rowing every alternate day and kick boxing in his club gymnasium on the days when he wasn’t rowing. His athletic build was the effect of this regular routine which he wouldn't miss for anyone.

He would often stay back in the college study room for studying in a group with 2 of his friends who were in the same class as him.

Since the day of Mia’s assault, he had moved into Mia’s house which had stopped his late night studies at the college.

He wasn’t complaining though. He had deftly moved his study schedule to accommodate Mia. She frequently visited his college.

The same noon before one of his lectures ended he felt his phone buzzing in his bag. Once his class was over he called the number back.

“Hello Anya, is everything alright?”

The silence at the other end was disconcerting.

“Yes?” He said again.

“Sorry Andy. Sushant is released.”

“What the fuck?”

“Don’t use that language on me!” said Anya angrily.

You said he was arrested! How could he be let so easy?”

“Connections and money. I am sorry. His lawyer managed to get a bail.” She was still angry but knew when to take a back foot. 

“Fuck his money and his connections! Where is he now?”

“No idea.”

Andy cursed and disconnected his call. He tried to dial Mia’s number but the phone kept ringing. Worried for his friend he decided to bunk off the next couple of lectures and instead headed to Mia’s college.

As suspected, Mia was standing outside the college gate looking as if she was having a panic attack. Breathless with anxiety, she appeared lost.

“Mia!!” He parked his bike at the roadside and approached her. “Are You alright?”

“Sushant! He is here,” she said. Barely stopping herself from crying.

“I know babes.” He put his arm around her and comforted her. “I know he used his connections. Let's go home. We need a work plan to manage this last year of yours.”

“Okay,” she said. Too tired to argue or reason.

****

She was climbing on to his bike when they heard someone curse. Andy turned back to see Sushant charging towards them. He calmly asked Mia to stand aside while he got off the bike and blocked Sushant’s way.

“You bastard! You have been fucking my girl friend and you made her make a police complaint against me.” He roared.

“Whatever fucker. Stay away from her.” Andy was seething with anger and made sure that his body language showed it. With his athletic build and muscular arms it was easy to appear intimidating when he wanted to.

“You fuck off! She is mine.”

“No she isn’t. You even look at her and I will make sure that you don’t look at anyone or anything else.”

“Hah! You think you can do that.”

“Yes!” said Andy menacingly.

Sushant backed off and glared at Mia.

Andy and Mia got on his bike and rode off.

****

Once they were home Andy called Anya. “Hi”

“Hello. I am a little busy. Is it something urgent?” Anya’s voice appeared stern.

“Yes Anya madam,” he said, picturing the sexy cop sitting in her office at her desk. How he would love to see her hair open! 

“Sushant threatened Mia today. Since you can’t keep him behind the bars, what is your suggestion to keep my friend safe? She still has a year of this torture,” said Andy.

“Motherfucker!” he heard Anya say and smiled to himself. The curse sounded super erotic from her mouth. He thought of her beautiful eyes and sexy lips. Anya continued, “I will see what I can do.”

“Thank you.” he disconnected. 

Mia had gone to her room to sleep but he was thinking of ways to keep Sushant off her for a whole year? She was already in depression and it was only going to get worse.