Buckle up!
(ð¨Really long chapter ahead ð¨)
â~Ã~â
"Sandhya..... Sandhu...... Princess....."
"Who is it?" I groaned in my sleep.
"Beta, wake up."
I felt someone pushing me lightly, but I ignored the person. I shut my eyes tight and kept sleeping. After such a long time, I had a nice sleep, and I didn't want to be disturbed. I pushed my face deeper into the pillow and pulled the quilt over my head.
"Sandhu, wake up! Don't you have to leave for the trip today?"
I recognised it was dad's voice, but sleep was more important. And what trip was he talking about? I was so fucking tired and just wanted to sleep. Bunking the classes seemed very tempting today.
"SANDHYA!"
I was thrown out of the bed and landed on the floor with a loud 'thud'. I opened my eyes a bit and saw mom and dad looming over me. Mom was holding a slipper in her hand, and I wondered what was the occasion that I was getting treated like this first thing in the morning.
"Lemme sleep!" I tried to crawl over my bed again but mom hit me with her slipper and kept hitting until I opened my eyes completely.
"Stupid girl. You have a trip today. Look at the time!" she yelled, and I froze for a minute.
"I have been trying to wake you up for so long, Princess." Dad looked at me in worry.
I snapped my head at the clock, and my eyes took the shape of saucers. I got up abruptly and almost tripped myself as I ran towards my bathroom. Mom shook her head at me while dad looked at me in amusement.
I only had one hour to reach the college!
I took a quick shower and wore anything that came in my view first. I put my hair in a big messy bun and wore my light blue sweater over my yellow t-shirt paired with black jeans. I put on a dark blue hoodie and ran downstairs.
Dad had already set my luggage in the hall and mom was already prepared with the breakfast plate in her hands. Dad slid socks, and shoes on my feet while mom fed me as I typed on my phone. There were countless messages from Surbhi and Parth, asking me where I was.
I typed a reply and sent it to Surbhi, telling her that I was on my way. I forwarded the same message to Parth in case he felt I didn't see his messages. I ignored the message from my arch nemesis which was just an emoji of a tongue sticking out.
After mom had fed me two parathas, and dad had tied my shoelaces and put a scarf around my neck, I picked up my bags and rushed out of the house. I said my good-byes hurriedly and ran towards the bus stop.
(Parathasð)
I was cursing myself for not waking up on time even though I had set up an alarm. I must have snoozed it off and fallen asleep again.
I reached the bus stop, but there was no sign of any bus, and I was getting impatient by each passing second.
So, I waited for a few more minutes and then hailed an auto. I promised the driver that I would pay him double the fare since he was refusing to take me to my destination. He agreed after a lot of negotiations, and I loaded my luggage and myself in the backseat.
I kept checking my phone for the time and hoped to reach the college before everyone left. Mayank would kill me if I got late. He was really particular about punctuality and even though we were close, I knew I wouldn't receive any special treatment.
He had instructed everyone to reach by 9 am, and it was already 8:50 in my clock. I told the auto driver to drive faster, and he got frustrated by my consistent nagging. I shut up after he shot me a glare from the rear view mirror.
The moment the auto halted in front of the school gates, I jumped out and paid the driver money and took off. Fortunately, there were only two bags with me. One for clothes and toiletries, and the other one for games and snacks.
The clock struck 9, and I ran towards the main ground at my top speed. But no matter how hard I tried, I still got late. I waved my hand towards the last bus which left the ground, its back tyres blowing dirt all over my face.
"Stop!" I yelled but no one heard me.
I saw Shreyas poking out his head from the last window, and when he saw me, he facepalmed himself. After a few seconds, I received a text message on my phone. I checked it and it was from Shreyas.
Shreyas: Dude, seriously? How could you be late?
I quickly typed a reply, my thumbs hovering over the crying emojis for a longer time.
Me: Didn't wake up early ð
Shreyas: I asked Mayank to wait for you, but he said no favouritism ð
Me: I understand ð¥ What to do now?
Shreyas: Can't help, bro. Will miss you ð
I pouted and looked around me. There was no one else on the whole field except me. I slumped down on the ground and hoped someone would come back to take me. I really wanted to go on that trip.
You are an idiot, Sandhya.
I felt disappointed with myself. Just because my lazy ass didn't want to leave the bed, I missed my bus. I couldn't believe I was the only one left here. Everyone arrived on time because I saw no other First year student arriving late and running behind the buses like me.
"Sandhya?"
I turned my head and saw the Dean looking at me with a frown. I quickly got up and dusted my clothes. He asked me what I was doing here, and when I told him that I arrived late, he shook his head in disappointment.
"I would have helped you if I could, but I can't arrange the transportation for just one person," he said and my pout grew bigger.
"Wait, I will try to talk to Mayank. They must not have gotten too far. Maybe one of the vehicles can return," he suggested, and my eyes lit up.
He called up his son and inquired about the same. But the Dean glanced at me and gave the phone to me. I got a good scolding from Mayank, and he told me that I can walk to Nandimata village, but he will not return to get me. It would be unfair to other students who made sure to get their asses here on time.
I nodded and gave the phone back to the Dean who was still trying to find a solution for me. I was really grateful, but I didn't want to hold him back because of me. He had other works to do than attending to a single student.
"It is okay, sir. Thank you for your help. I will return home," I said pensively, and he pursed his lips.
He let out a huge breath and thought for a minute while scratching his white beard. After a few minutes, he agreed with my decision and turned on his heels to go to his office. But he halted his steps and waved his hand in the air.
What was he doing?
"Ved! Come here, my boy!" he shouted excitedly and looked over his shoulder at me.
The Dean gave me a huge smile and told me that he had the solution for my problem. He was grinning like a kid while my expressions were totally opposite of his.
Ved walked in our direction in a leisurely manner, like he had no care in the world. He reached the Dean and gave him a big smile. Dean Sharma patted Ved's shoulder proudly, and after they exchanged a few words, the Dean turned towards me.
Wait! What was Ved doing here? Did he also get late just like me? I didn't know why, but I felt happy knowing that I was not the only defaulter.
"Ved, can you do me a favour? Please take Sandhya with you. She has been sulking since she arrived," Dean Sharma said, and I blinked rapidly.
I was not sulking! Okay, a little bit, but he didn't have to tell that to Ved. He will make fun of me all day.
Ved directed his gaze at me and smirked. I knew what was going on in his mind. And I knew what his reply would be. So, before he insulted me, I opened my mouth and refused the offer.
"Are you serious, Sandhya? I know how much you want to go on that trip with your friends, then why are you refusing? You should be thankful that Ved had to attend a meeting with Coach, and he brought his own bike. You only have one option, child. Don't waste it," the Dean explained, and I looked at Ved.
He was standing casually, awaiting my response. If I said 'no' again, I wouldn't be able to enjoy with my friends, and if I said 'yes', then Ved would make sure to remind me of this day my whole life.
What should I do?
"Look kids, I am getting late for my work. I have to attend a staff meeting too. Sandhya, I suggest you to trust him and leave as soon as possible. You are already quite late," he informed and left me alone with Ved, who was staring holes in my face.
"So, Sandy Pandy got late, huh?" Ved teased.
I looked down at my feet and then at my luggage. I was feeling conflicted. I was getting a very good opportunity, but why did it had to be Ved of all people?
Damn my luck.
"It is okay. I will just go back home. You don't have to take me with you," I grumbled in a low voice, but didn't move my feet.
Ved shrugged his shoulders, and started walking away. "Your loss."
I watched his retreating back and wished that I had a bike too. That way, I could have traveled solo and would not have to depend on anyone else. I couldn't even book a cab or something since the village was in a far remote corner, and I was afraid to go their alone without my parents' knowledge.
Why was I so unlucky? I worked so hard to distribute all those flyers to the students and made announcements in every class, and still I wasn't able to go myself.
"Come before I change my mind," Ved announced loud enough for me to hear.
My feet took the charge, and after grabbing my luggage, I ran behind him with a huge smile on my face. I couldn't believe he agreed to take me with him.
I will worry about the consequences later. For the time being, I will forget that Ved was not my friend and vice-versa.
He stopped in front of his bike, and I applied breaks to myself before I crashed into him. He turned towards me and grinned when he saw my awed expression. My jaw was touching the ground, and I pinched myself to make sure that I was not dreaming.
I think I fell in love. With a bike.
In front of my mortal eyes, was standing a beautiful metallic grey beast in all its glory. I glanced at Ved and then back at his two-wheeler.
He owned a Harley Davidson CVO Limited edition motorbike!
(Ved's bikeð)
"Is... is that yours?" I asked, and he gave a curt nod.
"Are you kidding me?!" I expressed my surprise which made him chuckle.
He took my bags and put them in the dickey while I was ogling at his motorcycle. He zipped up his bomber jacket and wore his helmet. He told me to wear more warm clothes as the ride would be chilly.
I took out a jacket, a muffler, and a woolen cap from my bag. I wore all of them, and Ved gave me a thumbs up. He mounted his bike and motioned for me to take the pillion seat. I said a small 'thank you' to him, and he waved me off.
I sat down behind him and crossed my arms across my chest. Getting a free ride was enough, I didn't want to put too much pressure of gratitude on myself by holding him for support.
Ved turned the key in the ignition, and the bike roared to life underneath us. He accelerated a few times, and I almost tumbled backwards when the vehicle zoomed off. If it wasn't for the backrest, I would have been found ten metres away on the road, rolling away.
Just as Ved had said, the more we climbed towards the mountainous area, the more thin and skin-biting the air got. I pulled my cap over my ears and adjusted the scarf and muffler to cover more area of my neck. The cold air was traveling inside my jacket through the crevices, and it made me shudder.
"Feeling cold?" Ved asked.
"No... I a-am f-fine," I replied as my teeth chattered.
Hell yeah I was fine.
I shivered as the harsh air ran past me and I hugged myself more. After a few seconds, I felt my bum getting warm, and soon, the heat spread to my thighs and other body parts. A tingle ran down my spine, and I asked Ved if the bike was going to explode or what.
He glanced at me from the side mirror and gave me a flat look. He told me that he had switched on the seat heaters since I was feeling cold. I raised my eyebrows in acknowledgement and nodded at him-though I didn't know whether he saw it or not.
So, as I was no longer on the verge of dying by frostbite, I decided to observe the scenery around me. Everything went past by me in a blur, so that plan failed. Ved was driving like a street racer and would increase the speed whenever he saw someone ahead of him.
"Drive slow, Ved. Do you want to die that early?" I scolded-no, suggested and he accelerated more.
"FYI, it is my bike and my life. You don't have to worry," he retorted.
I rolled my eyes. "I know, but I am also here. And I don't want to die."
"Shut up, Sandy Pandy. If you won't stop distracting me with your useless talks, then we will surely die."
I narrowed my eyes at him and saw him smirk in the reflection. I kept my mouth shut since I really didn't have a death wish. Though Ved was giving me a ride, I doubted if he would take me in a jungle and murder me if I didn't stop talking.
The ride was wonderful and helped me to clear my mind which was filled with unnecessary thoughts to the brim and would spill over any minute. I relaxed back in my seat and enjoyed the warmth. Ved was a smooth rider, and even though he was overtaking most of the time, I could trust him to not get us in any accident.
Suddenly, my stomach growled. I ignored it and then it made some weird noises again. I was feeling hungry. Maybe I digested my breakfast with all the running I did to catch my bus. I glanced around me, but there were no restaurants or dhabas (Punjabi diners/restaurants) in sight.
We were currently on a vacant road with only one or two other vehicles passing by. Both sides of the road were covered with trees, and I sighed dejectedly. I kept trying to concentrate on something else, but my empty stomach was not letting me to do that.
"Why are you fidgeting so much?" Ved complained and shot me a glare.
I became a statue and didn't move at all. I clutched my stomach; my eyes trained on the side of the road. I just wanted to eat something that could curb my hunger till evening. I had some snacks in my bags, but I wanted to share them with my friends.
Moreover, Ved would not stop at any restaurant if I told him that I was hungry. He would throw me off the bike if I irritated him more than I was already doing. So, I just sulked and waited for the ride to get over as soon as possible.
I was about to curse my luck, when I saw the roofs of some hotels come in view. Soon, a lot of roadside mini restaurants and diners lined up one after another, and I smiled in relief.
"Ve-Ved?" I tapped his shoulder lightly.
"What?" he asked in annoyance, so I retreated my hand.
"Nothing," I replied meekly and he shook his head.
I forgot. His bike, his rules.
He drove past the restaurants, and I shot them a longing glance. I shrunk in my seat, unable to control my hunger pangs. If only I was riding with someone else, I would have been able to not feel so intimidated and afraid to even ask him to stop the bike.
Suddenly, the bike halted and Ved told me to get off. I looked at him in shock, and he repeated what he said. I hopped down, and he also took off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair. He waited for some time, and I asked him why we stopped.
He gave me a dead look and glanced at my stomach. I followed his gaze and when I looked back at him, he rolled his eyes at me and got off from his bike. He took out the key from the ignition, put the bike on the stand and hung his helmet on his right hand.
He came around the bike and pointed in front of him. I turned around and almost squealed when I saw a dhaba in front of my eyes. I quickly ran towards the entrance without waiting for Ved, who was following behind me in his signature walk.
(Dhabað)
I scanned the area and when I spotted a nice vacant table, I dived on it in ninja speed. I grinned at one of the guys who was standing beside that spot. He was quite tall and bulky; his gray pullover hugging his torso tightly, but I didn't care. He was some distance away and busy chatting with his friends, so I took the table.
His small group of five friends looked at me incredulously and gave me a glare. I ignored them and picked up the menu.
"Get up!" one of them commanded, and I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Excuse me? I came here first. And I am really hungry and not in the mood to pick a fight. Moreover, you guys didn't claim it, so I did." I gave him a tight lipped smile and started skimming the list of various food items.
I saw the tall guy moving his right hand to grab me, but before I could show my fighting skills, Ved grabbed his wrist and twisted it a little. To other people, it would look like a normal grip, but thanks to all that fighting sessions, I knew how much pressure Ved was applying on his hand.
The tall guy winced, and Ved shot him a challenging look. "Pick someone your own size," Ved advised and left his hand.
Okay.... so Ved helped me and mocked me at the same time. I didn't know whether I should be happy or sad. Happy maybe?
Ved put down his helmet on the table along with his bike keys. He zipped down his jacket and took it off too, revealing a maroon t-shirt which hug his torso closely.
He looked so cool in that stance. I couldn't help, but notice his broad back and biceps-which were covered in prominent veins. He had buffed up, and I didn't even notice.
Well..... I was busy avoiding him. Maybe that's why.
I should start working on my diet and exercise too. How can he always be ahead of me in everything?
Ved didn't do anything, but those guys exchanged worried looks and then glanced at me.
I shrugged my shoulders, and they backed away. I wanted to see what kind of look Ved was giving them as his back was towards me. I got up and took a peek at him. My eyes widened when I saw the expression on his face.
His eyes were narrowed, and he looked like he would go on a rampage any second. His whole face was red; his dark brown orbs tracking every movement of those guys. I could literally feel the heat radiating off of him.
"You can have the table, man. We are leaving," one of the other guys said, his voice breaking in the end, and Ved directed his gaze on him.
"You better do," Ved replied coldly, and I saw him getting more red.
I grabbed his arm, and he snapped his eyes at me. I gave him a 'what the hell got into you' look, and he just stared at me for what seemed like an eternity.
I understood he was helping me, but why was he transforming into red Hulk over a table? There were a lot of vacant spots available.
Moreover, I wasn't going to get in a fight for such a petty reason unless they had harmed me. But Ved didn't need to scare them shitless-however, the scene was really funny. Those men looked a few years older than us and maybe stronger too. Still, they were afraid of Ved. Strange.
The small group of men left soon after, and I told Ved to calm down. He could show off his martial art skills some other day. It was time to eat, and after looking at all the delicious dishes, I couldn't wait any longer.
"Chill, Ved. They left. Let's eat." I smiled, and he sighed. He told me to order something and left to use the washroom.
Thinking of that, I also hadn't washed my hands. I waited for him to return, and then went to wash my own hands. He had cooled down, and his skin colour had also returned to its original tone.
While I was coming back from the washroom, I spotted two of those earlier guys, and they were looking at Ved.
I slowed down my pace to hear what they were saying while stealing glances at my table. And what I heard left me shocked, bewildered, and laughing like a maniac.
I returned to my table and noticed that Ved had ordered the food. I sat on my chair and dig in the delicious food. But I kept replaying those guys' words in my mind, smiling to myself. Ved looked at me like I had gone insane, but he didn't comment on it.
I looked at him as I chewed my food. He caught my curious eyes and asked me what was the matter. I couldn't help, but laugh out loud. Ved just ignored me and continued eating his food.
Yeah, right. I knew Ved knew how to fight, but there was no way he was National Martial Arts Champion. Like, really?
Those guys must have confused him for someone else.