12. Don’t Be Afraid

They reached Maya’s house and paused outside her gate. Liam turned to face her. “So remember what i told you. Whatever happens, don’t be afraid. He or anyone else gets the better of you only when you are afraid. So don’t be.”

She wasn’t sure how to muster the courage he was talking about. Perhaps, that was the secret of his stoic demeanour? She also wondered if he applied the same to his life, thinking how his father always got the ‘better of him’.

Maya rang the door bell and Liam stood closely behind. On the second ring, the door was answered by Manoj.

The concern on this face was very far from genuine. “There you are! Where have you been? Your mother was worried sick! I looked for you everywhere, you know? Can’t you at least keep us informed if you have any plans of your own?”

Liam’s eyes shifted from Manoj to Maya, catching a subtle cringe in her hand.

Liam intervened. “Actually Mr. Suri, it was me. I needed some help on our project and Maya was kind enough to stay back and help m