Chapter 2

" Shut up, I'll never let that happen. Just stay away from both of us or I will have to take help from my family against you. Let me tell you that if I use our contacts or if I tell my parents about all this, you will be in hot soup. I hope you still remember that there is a hell lot of difference between your and my family's social status, as you put it yourself. So beware and stay away. " I shouted at him and disconnected the call. I released my breath which I seemed to be holding. I took deep breaths as I suddenly felt that I was panting.

I turned to go back to my house when I saw my neighbour Gautam standing there looking at me. There was no doubt that he heard what I said. Oh no...

" Is everything alright? " He looked at me and asked seriously. I just nodded meekly.

" It doesn't look like that? You seem to be very upset. What is the matter? And don't even try to tell a lie as I heard most of what you said. I can easily guess what was said from the other side of the call. Now come out with it. "

" Oh.. nothing. Seriously it was nothing... " I said but he raised his eyebrows.

" Listen Maurvi, just tell me everything... As it is I heard most of your conversation. I can help you. See even your family is not here. Your parents have given your responsibility to us while they are not here. "

" But I can handle it myself. "

" Don't be so stubborn Maurvi... Or I will have to inform your parents or mine. " He said looking at me with concern.

" Ok fine. " I went back to my home and he followed me.

" So just start from the beginning." He sat on the couch which was facing mine.

" This guy Naman is our batchmate at our computer centre. We all were friendly with each other. As I am the best student in the group, they all take help from me, from time to time. One day he called me to ask some questions regarding some programming project which was our home assignment. I helped him and then he said if he could ask something else as well. I said yes he could. " I looked at Gautam, he was looking at me very seriously.

" So he said that he really has some feelings for me and then he asked if I.... would.... be his girlfriend. " I was a bit hesitant to say more.

" And??" He asked promptly.

" And I declined his offer by saying that I have no such feelings for him. Then he said that I am saying it because of the obvious difference in the social status of our families. But I swear it was not like that..... I don't even like him. So I said no it is not that, I just don't feel anything like that for him. "

" Then what? Did you not tell your friend about this? " he asked me.

"Oh, I did. I tell her everything. Her behaviour was a bit weird as she asked why I didn't accept it. But she knows me well.. why did she even ask it. Then I came to know a few things about Naman which were objectionable. I even shared them with her. But she says that she doesn't believe in them."

" So what is the problem now? Just try to make her understand slowly. "

" It is not that easy, he has brainwashed her. Somehow he put this in her mind that I am jealous of her because I fell in love with him and proposed to him which he declined as he had feelings for her. Now she thinks that I am saying all these things about him because I can't see them happy together. I don't know what to do. I can't let my friend fall in that ditch. I know he has a record in the police station due to his anger issues. I don't want to involve my dad in it. He would solve the problem in minutes but then there would be more consequences..... "

" I understand what you may be feeling right now. We will find a way. " He smiled at me.

" I think she has gone mad... She trusts him over me. You know he even challenged her that he can break our friendship in a month. And she accepted it and still, she can't see what he is trying to do. I really want to kill that man with my own hands. How can she fall in love with him? " I was just blabbering.

" Now what does that mean... I mean how can she fall in love with him.." he mimicked me.

" She must be an idiot for falling in love with him. "

" Why, is he that bad? Not good looking? "

" Oh, he is good looking, in fact, very good looking. He is tall, fair, handsome and very well built. "

" Then why did you say that ? "

" He is 27 but he is not mature enough to be even like a 15-year-old. "

" He is 27 ?? "

" Yes "

" Just now you threatened a 27-year-old man who is tall and has muscles?" He smiled at me

" Hmmm " I smiled at that.

" Ok, let's see what can be done. I guess if your friend thinks that you have an affair with someone else, she won't think that you are interested in that guy. Just make her believe that you are in love with someone."

" Easier said than done. Where would I get a boyfriend from? No this won't work. Moreover, I don't tell lies. She won't believe it. How can I explain, from where the boyfriend came, all of a sudden."

" You don't need to, they didn't tell you about their affair. It is the easiest way to prove him wrong. He would not be able to say that you are having a crush on him. "

" Yes, maybe you are right... But .... "

" No buts... Do you trust me? "

" Yes, I do... But boyfriend? "

" I will arrange for him. When do you have to go to the computer centre now? " He asked

" At 5 PM... One hour to go. Why are you asking?"

" I am asking because today you are going with me. I will not let you go alone after you just threatened him."

" What? No need for you to go with me. I can handle my problems. "

" Yes, I know you can, but still while your parents are away you are our responsibility. I can't let you go alone so I am coming with you." He smiled at me and went out. Oh God !!! Why was he being so nice? I am already crazy about him.

Well, he was Dr Gautam Jindal, a radiologist. He lives next door to us. He is approx 27 years old, tall, dark, handsome, well built. He is very smart, intelligent and witty. I have had a big crush on him for the last 2 years.

My father is a high profile Government Official and he was transferred to another city. But as I was studying, I stayed here. My parents asked our neighbours Jindal family to just take care of me. Over the years our families have become very close. Gautam's parents were also government officials just like my dad. They are always very sweet and take care of me as their own kids.

I tried to call Prachi once again but she did not pick up.

I ate a few bites of the sandwich which I fixed for myself. I got ready for my computer class. My doorbell rang and I came out with my bag. I locked the house.

I slid into his car and he asked me the address of my classes. I told him that.

" Maurvi, listen, you will not talk to both of them. Your friend needs to pay heed to you and trust me by the end of this week she will if you ignore them both and keep smiling. Avoid that guy at any cost. " he said.