Chapter 15

Side Story

Jay saw Baba's car leaving, and he noticed an injection sticking out of the car window. Jay also caught a glimpse of Ranjeet's face. Just then, Jay's driver arrived.

"Umeed, please follow that car! I feel something is wrong."

"That's Ranjeet's Baba's car?"

"Yes, Umeed! I think you should stay here. I'll go there."

"Dangerous things? I really like it! I know kung fu! Don't worry, sir."

"How do you know kung fu?"

"I learned from YouTube."

Baba's car stopped at an old factory. Ranjeet's face was hidden, so Jay couldn't recognize him.

"They're going in with a guy who seems to be fainting."

"Umeed, follow me! That's Ranjeet."

"How do you know that?"

"His T-shirt color."

"Okay, let's go."

Jay and Umeed entered the factory and hid. They overheard Baba talking to Ranjeet.

"Ranjeet! Don't think you can leave me. Your father couldn't leave this house. Who the hell are you?"

Ranjeet regained consciousness. "Baba! What is this? Let me go!"

"No, no! You're turning into a woman! Married a guy. I saw you crying! What kind of man are you?"

"I do what's right," Ranjeet yelled.

"Oh, shut up! You're wrong, Ranjeet! I will torture you until you forget who you are in this world. You'll even forget your own blood color."

Jay tried to call the police, but they didn't pick up. Umeed suggested, "Let's go in. The police won't arrest him; he has too much power."

"My dad also has power, but he won't help me. Should I call Payal?"

"Yes, call her." Umeed replied

"I don't think I should disturb her, and I also had a fight with her. Let's handle this ourselves."

Jay and Umeed found some makeshift weapons: an iron bottle and an iron chain. They planned to rescue Ranjeet.

Jay noticed the men had guns and thought it was a bad idea. He tried to warn Umeed, but she had already gone in. They were both caught and tied up. Ranjeet smiled when Jay appeared.

Jay tried to comfort Ranjeet, "Don't worry! You won't be bored now."

"Are you mad?" Ranjeet asked in anger.

Umeed was excited. "This is so exciting! No one ever kidnapped me before. I was so poor that no one even stole from me! Now my last wish is complete."

Baba laughed. "Jay, you have no power! You're such a weak boy. You need training too. Thank you for coming here."

Jay pleaded with Baba, "I know you want to train us, but please, no shocks! Just tell us what to do, and we will."

Baba smiled and stroked his mustache. "Good, Jay."

Baba received a call and left, closing the door and leaving them tied up.

Ranjeet shouted, "Jay, why are you here! You shouldn't have come!"

Umeed was unusually happy. "Why am I so happy?"

Ranjeet looked at Umeed. "She's mad."

Jay laughed. "Yes, I think she is fine."

Ranjeet warned, "If you die here, don't blame me. They took both our phones. We have no way to escape."

"Don't lose hope! Something will happen. Let's consider this a honeymoon? We're spending time together, husband?" Jay smiled.

"Don't make me blush! I'm not going to fall for you so easily."

"Oh, you already have, darling! Admit it."

"I have not!" Ranjeet looked away.

Umeed searched the room for an escape route but found no windows, and she felt even more very happy.

Jay teased, "Your kung fu skills are the worst."

Umeed seemed angry. "Don't say that."

Ranjeet tried to calm her down. "Umeed, don't be angry. Just sit quietly."

Umeed continued to search for a way out, her face determined.

-----------------------------

Our life is a journey with no script. No one knows what will happen when. I was living my life thinking that I would get married to a guy and become a successful writer, but what actually happened? Things don't always turn out the way we expect. Mom says, and maybe she's right.

She holds my hand, and I am walking with her. Her 10 bodyguards came with her, in 3-5 black cars. It feels like I married some mafia woman. We sit in the car, silent. I'm silent because I'm thinking, what's wrong? I have no clue. My life is a mess, and I want to run, but I'm stuck with her. I looked at her; she's continuously thinking, planning something. Me and my life, we've never had anything normal. How can this marriage be normal?

We reached the airport and I saw on the ticket that we are going back to India. Maybe she has more power in India, feels safer. We're sitting on the plane. I'm thinking, we have lots of time, should just talk to her. I have no interest in her, still curious about how that clumsy girl became such a bold woman. How much did she struggle? I can't even write a good story in my AC room. How did she work so hard? I know she's wrong, and it's complicated for me, hating and admiring someone. She's hope that any girl can be a billionaire. She's so much inspiration if you think positively, but I'm not thinking too much about her, better to think negatively.

Geet asked, "Are you hungry?"

"I am angry."

"Do you want to fight here?"

"Yes, I would love to. I wish I could divorce you."

She's still smiling. "In your dreams."

"Nihayati besharm." (*so shameless)

"If you want to leave, you can leave. I need someone I can spend my entire life with. Find a *Dulhan (Bride) for me."

"What? Do I look like Shaadi.com? How can I find a *Dulhan (bride) for you? I'm not a pandit (*a Hindu priest). I only had you as a friend; now I have no one in my life."

"Go on the dating app."

"Why don't you do this?"

"I'm busy."

"What do I say? 'Hello, I'm her wife, and I need a Dulhan for my wife'? Is this a Korean drama plot? Stupid ideaaaa." (I replied in an animated voice, over-acting, and mixing my frustration.)

I don't know why that after we married, she couldn't stop smiling. I remember her lonely and broken facial expression. Now look at her, she's always smiling. I'll break her teeth someday. Argh! She's irritating.

she kept reading a book. Her book choice is really amazing; I can't understand because she puts a black cover on it. I don't know which book she's reading. Fuck, she's soooo annoying. I slept.

In the morning, I looked at her. She hasn't slept. Looks like she's protecting me like a watchman. watchwoman? no bodyguard?

"Hey! Good morning," she greeted. (She glanced to my eyes)

"Yes! Morninggggg."

We arrived, almost an 8-hour flight.

"We reached Delhi. Now we're going to Mumbai, to my house"

"You have a house in Mumbai?"  Why do I always ask stupid questions?

"Yes, I do have!"

"You can show off! You have lots of money."  Why do I talk as if I have nothing, like my brain isn't working, and I keep talking nonsense?

"Don't say that! Are you poor?"

"Yes, I have money but not mine. It's my dad's hard work. I also need my-my money." What an answer, Miss Payal! The best answer's award goes to me.

"If You are dreaming, then definitely you will get. Let's go!" Stop the unnecessary motivational Bak-Bak.

I find something weird! I looked at the bodyguards; they are brown boys! A song is also playing somewhere. This is my India, hurray! I don't like it when people judge and create songs based on skin-color, like "gore gore mukade." Such bad thinking that white people are beautiful. Maybe if I can change something, stupid society's mind.

We sat in the car, and they put a gun to my head.

"Moon is missing you." Bodyguard replied

"Are you her bodyguards?" Geet asked.

"Yes, ma'am."

What the fuck? How can she do that? Now she's going to kill me because Moon loves Geet. Why do I also hate her? Better way, I can join her team. They put something on our eyes, and we're feeling sleepy. When I opened my eyes, Eyes are burning, and I'm on the biggest bed. I've never seen such a long and comfortable bed. A young, beautiful, brown-skinned lady is half-sitting like she's a queen, and Geet wakes up.

Geet asked, "Moon, what present surprise?"

Our hands are not tied, and her room is as big as hell.

Moon smiled. "Sorry! I did hurt you! I know I am such an idiot. Put eye drops. Her eyes are hurting. Don't put on that grumpy-looking lady."

Did she call me? Why do beautiful women have to be so arrogant? "Moon, are you Moon? You are such a beautiful woman, as Geet mentioned."

Moon smiled and had a cigarette. "You are a smart woman. Put eye drops in her eyes too." I felt calmed. Such a good woman, even if she is evil. Wait, she is not. I think her love is evil, and she is in love.

Moon asked, "You ignored my 10,000 calls? Blocked 76 numbers, and then you didn't reply to my messages? That was small love I was showing."

Fuck, 10k calls? She's also a psycho? Psycho love, psycho. I get it. Why she loves Geet.

Geet stood up and replied, "I am feeling hungry. Make something breakfast. We'll talk later and show her room. She is my wife." Wait, she kidnapped and is giving her orders, and she's not worried about it. Looks like Geet's got a habit of handling these types of people. She's hungry? How am I confused? Moon, are you a villain or lover of hers? Does Geet also love her? Am I the only one who was kidnapped? Are they asking for money from my dad?

"I know, Geet! You are staying in the room, Geet, and she will stay with Star."

"Star? Who is he?" Star? Moon? The entire galaxy is here. I rolled my eyes. Her name is Moon, and she is as beautiful as the moon. Her perfect brown skin can melt anyone. No gender verification needed. Why can't I hate her? Maybe I don't have a reason. She isn't hurting me. Yes, she kidnapped me, but I have never felt such care while being kidnapped. She reminds me of my favorite character played by Konkona Sen. Her beauty is like gold. She looks like Konkona Sen in a badass role.

"He is a psychopath. Be polite to him." Moon warns as she put out her cigarette. Are they putting me with a psychopath? Not the first time. God, are you there?

They put me into a room. I was being taken away by bodyguards. The last time I quickly looked at Geet, she seemed lost in thought, with a sad expression. Does her power only work for me? Where is the real Queen Geet? Her shameless smile only shows up when I'm around."

The room is dark, and I put my leg on someone. My heart is racing! Oh my gosh, it's a dog. Oh, save me! Will it bite me? and he starts barking! Bow Bow bow . Someone turned on the light. A woman with curly hair. Her expression looks like she's going to kill me, she's so angry. Is she a star? and maybe she will bite me? Calm down Payal! She smiled and asked.

"Hi, I'm Earth and he is Star." he started licking my leg. he is cute anyways.

"Oh, Earth & Star?" (Deep breath.)

"Is he mad or something?"

Earth tells, chuckled, "You know, in the normal world, normal people are called mad, and mad people call them normal."

"Oh, that's deep! You are staying with me?"

She is applying a mask on her face. Her ghost mask is really funny. I want to laugh, but I'm controlling myself. I thought it would be judgmental.

"Yes, I'm here to Take care, Caretaker. Both Moon and Geet trust me. I was an accountant for Moon, and I took a job in Geet's company. I told them many scams are going on in the company, How did they build trust in me. I got a new job with double the salary. Taking care of YOU. Tell me first, WHO ARE YOU?"

"Payal Agarwal."

"I love your name. why Geet wants someone trusty? Geet is your girlfriend?"

Her voice is crisp and sounds like a small child's.

"No but..wi "

She interrupted "I thought she found someone to love and care for her like I do. Don't get me wrong, I see her as a sister. I'm like her big sis. But it seems she doesn't accept me. Well, I do! It's just one-sided sisterly love."

"I see!" (I didn't really understand what 'one-sided sisterhood' meant. How could someone not accept sisterly love? Geet is crazy.)

"Well, actually, I'm her wife."

"Huh?" She looked sad. I thought she was going to cry! I don't want someone to cry because of me. Just seeing her baby face on the verge of tears makes me feel bad.

I quickly responsed "Don't be sad! It was an accident. She just helped me out. If it had been a real, I mean real marriage, she would have told you first."

She got up, took her book, and started writing. Then she looked at me. "Don't give me false hope. Name? Your name?"

"Payal." (I replied nervously.)

(In an angry tone) "PAYAL!"

"Earth, are you a writer? Your handwriting is good."

"Yes! I'm a writer, and I've won many awards from schools. I write poems."

"Ohh! (She seemed excited.)"  Earth looked into my eyes and touched her hair.

"Whoa, wait! Stop it! My life is a chaos, like my hair. And look at them, judging me when my curly hair hurts their eyes."

"Are you angry at someone?"

"Yes! "(She seemed so angry, like she was about to explode.) He is the chef. His name is Krish! He called my Maggi. Do you think it's funny?"

"Who the fuck is he? Insulting is not funny. Let's go and beat him." (I felt angry too.)

"I told Krish that I like him, and he wants a beautiful woman."

"A beautiful woman? Meaning he needs those stereotypical women? I don't hate them, but you're beautiful in your own way."

"Yes! He doesn't like that, and that's why I hate myself, and also him. still I like him, so I want to straighten my hair."

"Don't change! He's a jerk! He doesn't deserve you."

"He's kind, and he's just perfect." (Her eyes were filled with love. If she were a cartoon character, I could see shape of hearts in her eyes.)

"You're in love! Stop! He..." I couldn't tell her not to fall for him. She already was. Women always end up with the wrong person. They don't see the right person. Don't settle for those jerks who tell you to straighten your hair. They're trying to change you. You're not accepting who you are. Why they are.... A long speechhh. I wished Chipsy were here to tell her the right thing. He could do anything. I miss him! Should I call him again?

"Payal, are you there?"

"Yes! Krish is cool! I just wanted to know, you said you changed your job? When?"

"Yesterday! Geet called me and told me that Moon is planning to kidnap her, and she doesn't want to mess with anything. So Moon and Geet decided to keep me here. I know that Geet doesn't like her, but Moon is good, even though she's pretty and kind. Geet knows Moon since she got the idea of VIP Sim. Nobody was ready to invest in her idea. I was working with her, her clumsy behavior is so funny that Moon fell for her and invested in her idea. She's also not happy in her marriage. Her husband has beaten and harassed her many times. She wants a divorce, but her husband is not ready. He's obsessed with her, wanting to keep her for show-off, to show how pretty his wife is. Moon also wasn't that rich that time, she became rich when Geet's hard work paid off. Then she told me to join Geet's place, and here I am."

"So, Geet gave up and just showed me that we were kidnapped, but she made a deal?"

"No, Not a deal, Moon is missing Geet so much, and Moon doesn't like it when someone ignores her, so she did this. Moon is not bad! If Geet falls for her, her life would be full of amazing things. Moon can bring the real moon for her; she can do anything," Earth replied.

"I feel the worst! She chose me. I have nothing. I am the worst in everything."

"No! You have white skin, straight hair, and (She glanced at my whole body.) your height is good."

"Earth! That's not a thing! Stop thinking in that way. You called Moon beautiful. I know what I am saying makes no sense, you can feel really angry. If you think that I'm giving a lecture or something, please accept it. You have curly hair, and it looks badass on you! I want something curly; I got straight! Do you think it matters? No. If beauty is what matters, then Geet would fall for Moon. On the other hand, you think that curly hair is a flaw, but I think it's a gift for you. It looks so good,"

I talked in anger; I have no control when people hate their body. Gods give everything that is beautiful; they give them their body as a gift. They start treating it like trash, society pressures them and manipulates them into feeling like they are not good enough. They have to fight. They do not want to accept society's mentalities.

My mom did this; I grew up seeing these dramas. My dad always judged her, saying she didn't have good height while he did. I wished I could fight for her, but when I made sense of it, I tried to convince my mom that she was good and not to listen to my father. I respect my father, so I never fought for her. I felt weak; how could I be so weak? Now I have a little courage, so it's boiling my blood.

"You made me cry," (Earth has started crying.) Nobody ever told to me that curly hair is a gift. Everyone wants to straighten my curly hair."

"Now accept who you are! This is you. Do not change, okay? Understand what's your status?"

"I am not going to give up so easily."

"What?" I looked at her with irritated eyes, as if she were really a fool. Is she blindly in love? What's wrong with her? I gave her a whole lecture, and now she wants to try?

"Krish! I'll try my best. I cannot give up on him. I think I do not change myself. I'll be who I am. If he still rejects me, I will accept it as my fate." (Her eyes are as big as a starry-eyed dog's.)

"That sounds good," I replied, thinking.

"Let's eat?" I did not know that the dog was also sitting beside me; he also listened to us and reacted when he heard the word 'eating.' He was happy. I had a pet, but after a long time, I did not have one. I still miss him; he is dancing.

I'm solving a random person's love life. I should get paid for this. What a life—I've messed up my own life, and now I'm fixing someone else's.

We sat in the tiny car, and it took six minutes to reach the kitchen area, where Geet was also sitting. I saw Moon sitting around her.

Moon asked, "How's your company? Start seems happy."

"Yes! I think he likes me."

Moon smiled and asked, "Ohh! How many people like you? Nobody likes me. Give me some charm."

Geet came and gave me hand, so I could come down easily. Moon seemed irritated, and she started singing a song. HMM OHHH HMMM, her song. There were no lyrics.

"Moon, why? Let her go! Payal has nothing to do with this."

Moon," I interjected, my tone firm and eyes ablaze with anger, "Geet! She's your wife; of course I have everything to do with her. You don't even hold my hand and now you're showing care? Why? You can't fall easily. What does she have that I don't?"

Geet remained silent, I replied. "Moon, you and I may feel like enemies, but I think we could be friends. I don't like her. Moon, you think too much. She's selfish; she can't like anyone."

Moon clapped her hands, signaling Krish chef. Food is keeping on table. Earth stood nearby, offering a smile to Krish, who chose to ignore her. Earth is behaving as if she called him "Khadus (grumpy)"

"Earth, sit!" I said friendly.

Moon, seething with anger, Replied, "She's an employee. She can eat later. You eat, and please don't think we're friends."

"Earth, sit down!" I repeated, my voice laced with irritation.

Geet, attempting to diffuse the tension, addressed Moon. "Moon, please stop the fight. Earth, have a seat."

In a rare moment of happiness, Earth asked, "This is my first time sitting with you guys. Thank you. Can I ask... I mean, can I?"

"Of course, Earth. Be confident," I encouraged her.

"Can Krish join us?" Earth asked, her voice filled with hope.

Moon, taken aback, responded with anger, but I relished in her discomfort. Even Moon seemed helpless in front of Geet.

Geet glanced at me, and I smiled back at her before she turned to Krish, inviting him to join us. Krish, with a hint of a smile, offered his gratitude as he took his seat beside Earth.

Earth, unable to find her words, lightly tapped my shoulder in response, offering a timid "wel... welcome" before breaking into a wide smile.

Geet noticed the exchange and turned to me, "Payal, do you know that you've become a fighter?"

I chuckled in response, "Yes, you made it, my enemy. I've got my weapon ready. You dragged me into this situation."

"Spicy!! Give me water." Geet exclaimed between bites, her smile never faltering.

Moon, observing our interaction, asked with a hint of annoyance, "Are you two flirting? And do you know how I'm better than Payal? Payal, can you prove that you're better than me?"

As I started laughing, Geet joined in, and soon we were both laughing uncontrollably.

Taking a sip of water, I turned to Moon, who appeared both angry and confused. "No, I don't want to prove anything. Enough with these tests. Test are tasteless."

Impressed, Earth exclaimed, "Wow! What a line! Are you a writer?"

"Yeah, I am," I confirmed with a smile.

Krish, curious, "Earth, are you also a writer?"

Earth, taken aback, coughed coughed! nervously before replying, "Yes, I am."

Moon, showing interest, suggested, "You write? Oh! Then you can publish a book. I have connections with a publication."

Earth hesitated before responding, "Thank you, Moon. I don't think I'm a good writer. I need to improve my skills. I want to intern with a great writer."

Moon offered graciously, "Just tell me the name. Getting an internship isn't a big deal for me. Mention my name."

"That's very kind of you, Moon. I think Payal also wants to join," Earth suggested.

I replied, "No, no! It's okay. I know I can't improve my writing. I'm worse than anything."

As the moon started to go away. she reminded me, "Earth's offer is for you. If you want to drag someone else along, it's your choice. I have no words. Geet, come to my room. I need you."

Left alone to think deeply, I realized that I had a chance to improve my skills. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that getting involved with Moon's affairs might not be a good idea, I couldn't ignore the fact that Geet would be stuck dealing with her. Confusion clouded my thoughts.

Observing my expression, Earth asked in, "What khichdi are you cooking up there? Don't even think about running away!"

Turning to Earth, I asked a question that had been on my mind, "Earth, does Star love Moon?"

"Yes! she adopted him. He was hungry and someone also beat him. She knows the feeling, so she started caring for him. She has many dogs, not here. She runs a charity thing."

I told this with confusion, thinking about the moon. "She is so complicated"

Krish replied "I think sometimes it's impossible to categorize people as simply good or bad. Nothing is entirely black or white; people can embody both qualities."

Earth looks at Krish, feeling impressed by his thoughts. Krish returns her gaze, and Earth gestures that the food is delicious, complimenting him as a great chef. Krish responds, "My pleasure." They both continue their conversation in sign language.

Geet got up and look it to me, "Join the course! Improve your writing. Do not care about me. Moon cannot hurt me. She is also needs me. I can stay with her."

Ohhh, that's why Geet is not fighting with her? She is mad! She wants to stay with her, making her feel better! Moon is lonely and Geet remembered herself when she looked at Moon.

Geet entered her room near to Kichten. I quickly finished eating and started to leave. The room was giving me a Galaxy vibe. The whole room is very colorful. Why is that? Only this room looks different. the rest of the palace is grey. It seems like the moon is truly bringing the galaxy into this room. I also entered her room when they were both vanished. I needed a place to hide, so I hid behind the long black curtains. The room's door was open, so I came easily, but this room had a passkey.

They both came out, and I was shocked looking at them.

Moon is looking weak, Geet is holding her like she's going to fall. Moon lays down on the bed. She asks Geet, "I think I cannot handle my business. Will you run my business after my death?"

Geet replied, 'Do not say such things. It's just a fever. You will be fine soon.'"

"I love being strong when I'm not. I need you. Why aren't you always there for me?"

Geet put her hand on Moon's cheek. "Sorry! I'll always stay beside you." Geet is feeling guilty, and I think Moon needs Geet too.

Moon asked Geet, "Marry me! Stay with me, Divorce Payal." Payal coughed, and Geet gave her water. "Take care!"

Moon replied in anger, "You always ignore me? Why are you liking a girl who's weak and has nothing?"

Geet sighed, "Moon! I think anger is not good for you! Take rest. And one thing! Do not compare her to you, never repeat these things, she doesn't have anything."

"For me, she is the kindest woman I know in my entire life. She's never selfish. She helped me even though she doesn't like making friends. The sound of qualities that you can't understand,"

Moon replied. "I helped you, invested in your idea. I helped to improve your personality,"

Geet retorted, getting up. "I do not want to repeat again and again. You always need something in return."

Moon smirked and replied, "Kiss? Are you counting those kisses as harassment? I always asked for permission."

Geet approached to close the window, standing near the curtains, I could feel the scent of Geet's perfume, as if she was looking at me. However, she was standing by the window.

With a smile, she responded, "Her mere presence makes my heart race. So fast that I could faint." (She placed her hand on her heart.) You seduced me, gave everything, yet she never acknowledged me. I still belong to her. It sounds like I'm Ranjha-Heer, mad for love, no! Can you feel the real love? You know, I proposed to her a few years ago. She replied in such a funny way. I remember her, her way of showing care for me, giving me hope that people can be good. Not all the world is evil. I hated the whole world, including myself. When I was with her, I felt like I was something. I worked hard. If I felt lonely and weak, I always close my eyes to picture her face. Her scent is always on the handkerchief. It's the little things. Her smile was the only medicine for me. That's love."

Moon stood up and turned off the light. She gave Geet a back hug.

"I need you, I only know that" Moon expressed her emotions, emotional. I felt like I would cry, and the whole room filled with tears. I never thought she liked me that much. Does this type of love really exist? I've always seen it in Bollywood movies. I thought they were fake. I've never felt those feelings with anyone.

She stood in front of me, and I stood in front of her. Between us, there are just the curtains. Her eyes seem lost in a dream, my heartbeat quickens. Moon whispered.

"Give her a divorce and I'll release her."

Geet moved Moon. "Take care!"

She left the room and Moon lay down on the bed, also crying. Her husband came into the room, and I never got a chance to leave.

Moon quickly wiped her tears and smiled like she never cried. "Adolf? My husband."

"Oh Moon, I lost 10 million in a deal, I'm so sorry. I need you. Can I touch you?" He removed a pen from his pocket and started drawing on her face.

My problem keeps recurring, God! I want to escape from this situation. I can hardly breathe properly here. This curtain is so big that 2-3 people could hide behind it. Why do people use such large curtains? Her husband's voice is so jarring, like he's Amrish Puri in a movie. His Extra Bass, booming voice is giving me a headache.

"I have a fever. I think we should do this some other day."

"If I ask you for permission, it means you have to say YES. Moon, repeat what I said."

He sounds like a psychopath, and I think he came directly from a madhouse.

"Adolf... Yes," she replied, feeling so weak. Why wasn't she fighting back?

He tried to kiss her, she keeps rejecting him politely, but she sounds like she can't firmly say no. She seems so weak. He keeps trying to kiss her, and then he did something that made her yell, 'Nooo!' and I shouted. Moon looked at me in shock. Her lips are bleeding, and he has a pen, trying to draw on her bleeding lips. I felt so angry.

I quickly grabbed a flower vase and yelled, "Stay away from her!"

"Who the fuck are you?" he smirked.

"I think I'll kill you, so stay away from her." I was feeling nervous and didn't have the strength to fight.

Adolf pulled out his gun and smirked, "Goodbye, flower lady."

Moon stood up, and his shot missed. She grabbed the gun.

"Adolf! Just leave! (polite) Leave! (yelling) "

"Moon, wait! Don't. He will harm you again. I know he's not ready to give you a divorce. We can at least cage him."

Moon pointed the gun at him and instructed, "Second row, open the box. There's a rope!"

We tied him up. When I opened the drawer, there were many strange things: a handcuff, red clothes. We blindfolded him, and Moon gave me the gun. She opened a vial and put something in his eyes. He fainted.

We both sat on the bed. I was holding the gun, looking at it closely, then handed it to her.

Moon laughed and looked at me. "Well done! Hate you still."

"Hate you too, Moon," I smiled.

She started crying, as if remembering her past. "We were both happy and married. He proposed to me when I was in the top 3 of Miss India. He was so good in bed, it felt like an adventure. (she smiled) But after a year (her body is feeling anxiety). he started losing money in his business. He was in the gun business and wanted to invest in a new venture. He got an investor named Sila and started cheating.

We began fighting. He slapped me, sometimes he beat me. Sila seduced him. I hate her. I can't believe he is such a toxic guy. Sila got close to him. I asked for a divorce, but he wasn't ready. He used to like painting, but he always painted on my shoulder. Now he stopped painting and started drinking. He never made a profit.

I invested in Geet's idea, and it started working. His jealousy reached its peak. He lost everything. I used to love him so much; I fought with my family for him. My dad didn't like his gun business. I still love him. (Tear and anger in her eyes) I can't fight with him. I'm hoping he'll come back. (hide face) I want to feel that love and happiness until Geet came into my life. (She smiled again.) Her clumsy behavior makes me happy. Slowly, I felt attached to her. (She is feeling anxious) I never got happiness. I did nothing wrong. I really need only one second of love, and when I looked at you, why do you have happiness? Why don't I have it? Why did she like you? Why did he like Sila? I hate Sila. I hate you. I still hate you."

What's wrong with my life? Why do people always tell me their life stories? I don't want to hear that. I really want to tell her, I have no interest in your fucking story, lady moon. Fuck off.

Her anger-filled eyes were tinged with weakness, and the muscles in her face were tense.

Why am I feeling pain for her? Now I've become a good person. Shut up, Moon. I don't know why I'm feeling your pain. I want to tell her that nobody's life is as good as it seems. You can't judge by appearances alone. You don't know what's really going on inside. She just judged me by looking at my smile.

"Moon! You think you have nothing. You know what? I do too. I don't want to marry anyone. I like writing; I just want to do that. I'm stuck in this marriage. I will be marrying a guy who treated me like shit. His thoughts make me sick."

In pain, people either become intelligent or remain fools. I feel stupid. I'm telling my story... I'm sharing my life... Did I really care for her?

"You don't like Geet?"

"No, she helped me." I told her without thinking anything about it. It's not like me to trust people easily.

"This marriage is fake? OMG. I still have a chance to win her."

"Yes, maybe! I think (Earth's words are running through my mind.) I don't deserve her," I said, feeling like I might cry.

Moon, excited. "Thank you."

"It's fine." My voice is getting lower with each sentence.

"Geet! Geet listen! Help me win her!"

"No, no, that's cheating plus I don't know anything about her."

"Geet, please. I want to be just like you. She likes your personality. I want to be kind just like you. What do you like to wear, eat, heat...dance.. hobby. ? I'll copy everything."

"What? That sucks! What about your real personality? You have an amazing personality."

"I think I don't have one! She hates me! He hates me! Now I think they're right."

"Moon, you're thinking too much!"

"Yes! Geet, I just need some happiness in my life. Adolf has become a real Hitler. I want my life back."

Moon wasn't ready to understand that she needed to find happiness within herself.

"Moon! Ok fine! I will guide you."

Moon called his bodyguard, and she said something. he came back with smallest devices.

"Wear this! you will guide me how you think! wear this smartwatch and this device on back-side ear."

Should I guide her using these devices? I have a feeling that I'm doing something wrong now that I know Geet loves me. I think I shouldn't do this. You know, Earth was right. Moon is a good choice for Geet. Who am I? I don't even like her.

I came out of the room and saw Geet. Our eyes met. That lonely expression appeared on her face again.

I asked, "Geet?"

Geet forced a smile. "You're thinking of moving to Mumbai, right? Let's go there! You can start your life. I'm ready to give you a divorce." Her voice was trembling. She looked into my eyes, and her eyes were begging me to stay in her life.

"Geet! You're leaving me? Don't you need a Dulhan (bride)? First, I will find a bride for you."

Geet little smiled. "Did you get it?"

"Hmm."

"I was joking. (She looked down at her toe) I don't need anyone in my life."

"Yes, I know. You don't like sharing your personal space with anyone." I tightened my lips and gave her a formal smile and She glanced back at me, then smiled just like I did

I am looking into her eyes, and she is looking at me. We both seem to have no words to talk, and she stares at me for two seconds before looking away. Her hand was on the sofa, and mine was too, with a two-inch space between them. She slowly moved her hand closer, inch by inch, taking a deep breath when her pinky finger touched mine. I knew she was trying to hold my hand, but I chose to act like I had no idea. She smiled, and when I saw her smile, I felt happiness. I smiled too.

Her straight, expressionless face gives me the impression that she is a good liar. I have no clue what is right or wrong. I kept quiet, thinking she needed me, so holding her hand didn't seem that bad. I didn't want to show any expression, but my face was burning. I'm not a good actress—the worst acting award goes to me. Even the touch of her pinky finger makes my face feel hot, like I'm in an oven.

Maybe it's just temporary feelings, maybe I'm lonely or something. It's impossible to have feelings for someone I hate the most. Even if there's a 1% feeling, I will never entertain it. You

deserve that, Miss Geet.

I'm in complete confusion. I don't think I'm attracted to girls? Do I? Damn, I'm no longer straight.

A new life is scarier, and new people or places you've never been to or seen are even more daunting. How can we forget new feelings? Even if the feelings are old, when we realize them, they feel new. Everything is different, but I have to stay. I don't have any other choice. Does anyone really have an option to escape this world? I don't know.