Anika
The bullet ricochets into the mirror situated between one of the walls, and a massive shatter forms onto the creviced glass. The booming sound followed by the clanging of the falling shards distracted Neil enough for his grip to loosen on Shaurya, so in that time, I ran towards Neil, pushed his chest as much as I could until he stumbled back. And, at that point, Shaurya pulled me back as he simultaneously rammed his fist against his father's face, the sound of a jaw cracking resonating into the air. Silence fell as I saw the limp form of his father on the ground, clutching his face in agony as groans erupted out of him.
"Are you okay?" Shaurya whispers harshly, placing his pale hands on my shoulders. I send him a flabbergasted look, as I set the gun onto the ground. "I think you're asking the wrong person that question. Are you okay, Shaurya?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," he speaks hurriedly, looking over at his father. He then kneels beside him, his dark floppy hair falling into his eyes, which resound sadness and despair. His large hands run along his father's arm as he grasps his hand, clutching it tightly. "I did not mean to hurt you, dad. I did not mean to put you through all this stress. I know that, deep down, you want the best for me. That's why you want me to become a businessman, become like you, so you know that my future is secured. I know you really do want the best for me. I know, dad. But... your care and love for me is so much to the point where it's harmful. I mean, look at us now. You choked to me death. You called me terrible names that no child should ever hear. It's hurtful. It's disparaging and ultimately bruises my soul. No parent, let alone father, should ever inflict that towards anyone. That's why mom is going to Seattle, leaving you for good. You were bad upon us, and it's time you dealt with the consequences.
"There's no doubt I won't stop loving you because, above all else, you are my father. You make mistakes, and I am obviously not going to hold you against that. Yet, while I can let your mistakes slide by, I am sure as hell not going to forgive you. While my mind is fine with it, my heart will never be. And you are going to have to live with that."
Shaurya takes a deep breath in as I see a tear trickle down his cheek. His lip wobbles slightly, but he quickly clears his throat. "That's all I have to say for now. And that's all there is for tonight, and possibly for a long time too. Good bye, father." He stands up, his breath wavering as his pleading brown eyes land on me. And with that, I run towards him, my hands immediately wrapping around his neck. His soft breath lands on my shoulder, and his hands curl around my hips, hugging me so tight that I feel complete for once.
I don't know when, but at some point he starts to break down in tears. His breath shakes, his body shakes, as he cries into my shoulder. My heart breaks at hearing Shaurya cry, the son of a billionaire who everyone thinks to have no problems. I myself thought Shaurya was a perfect man with a perfect family and a perfect life. But this night proved to me that even the most flawless of people hold certain flaws in them, but it is those flaws that shape them to be the person they are today. It is those flaws that define them, that mold them into a figure of self-worth and retrospection.
I hug him tighter as his face digs into the nook of my neck, his soft lips grazing across my shoulder. "Thank you, Anika."
I pry my face away to face him. "For what?"
A concise laugh filled with no amusement escapes out of him as he also looks towards me, our faces mere inches from each other. "For saving my life. For making me happy. For holding me. For kissing me. For laughing with me. For sharing with me. And for being with me. Thank you for all of that. It means a lot to me."
A smile forms on my lips as I feel all of my worries rush away. "I will always be here for you, Shaurya."
"I will always be here for you too," he grins as another tear rolls down his cheek.
"Now, don't cry because you're gonna make me cry," I chuckle as I wipe his tear away. He laughs as well, but then his gaze becomes serious. "What should we do about my father?"
"Don't worry about that." Robert appears behind us with a kind smile. "You kids go on ahead. I'll take care of your father."
"Are you sure, Robert?" Shaurya whispers.
"Of course," he rapidly nods his head. "You guys have been through enough already. Just go home, I promise I'll take care of Neil."
Shaurya eventually agrees with Robert, and we step away from the chaos as I walk alongside my trembling boyfriend. The events from the past hour rolls into my mind like credits, and a ghostly shiver takes over my body as I remember how uncomfortable it felt to hold the gun like that. Never would I have thought I would ever be in that position, even seeing my boyfriend held up to the ground like that, trying to breathe but he just can't. It will forever haunt me, not only because I was scared for Shaurya's safety, but also because it reminded me of how my own father treated me. He abused me and stripped me of the little dignity I had left.
Although, my dignity was starting to become rebuilt again as my hand wrapped around Shaurya's. I squeezed it tightly as he squeezed back, and a small smile flickered on his lips. His eyes were dry of tears and held no more sadness; instead, they were filled with hope.
And hope is what we're going to need now.
Shaurya
I can't sleep.
I twisted and turned in my bed, the dark atmosphere haunting me as my eyes were drawn open. Not once did they close because all I could play in my mind over and over again was my father looking at me with hatred as he choked me. His eyes were filled with fury. With hatred.
He looked like he wanted to kill me.
I try to cry, I try to let my emotions out, but... I just can't. Instead, I lay on my bed as my eyes are drawn towards the ceiling fan, which rotates in a boring motion. Cool air hits my face as an exasperated sigh leaves my mouth. I want to forget what happened at my father's house. I want to forget how he yelled at Anika, who deserves no anger of any kind.
I just want to forget about my father, that is all.
Thoughts of running away seep into my mind again, but the tiredness taking over my brain manages to let all thoughts of leaving California depart out of my mind. I try to sleep, but I can't. I'm tired, but that is still not enough to draw my eyes close so I can then indulge myself into a deep slumber.
But how the hell can I sleep after what happened tonight?
When Anika and I left, the atmosphere between us was filled with silence. Not the awkward kind, but the kind that I was thankful for. As much as I appreciate Anika and her kind words, I just wanted to be in silence. I was shocked. Completely floundered over what unraveled at my father's house. All I wanted was peace and quiet, and I am forever grateful that Anika allowed that for me.
My hands squeeze the hem of my shirt as I take a deep breath in. Tomorrow I am going to have to go back to college, deal with normal life and friends again, and pretend like nothing ever happened. Of course I'll try to avoid people as much as possible because all I am trying to do is be alone. The only person I'll spend time with is Anika because she is my soft spot. Even Nathan, who I'm assuming is with Emma because he was not home when I came back, I will tell him about what happened because he is my best friend. I should open up about my life and thoughts to him because, again, he is my best friend.
And I don't know when, but the tiredness roaming around in my mind takes over my eyes, which feel as heavy as lead. They shut close, allowing my thoughts to cease. All I could then think about is one thing, which is how safe and loved I felt in my girlfriend's arm.
And with that final thought in my mind, I somehow managed to fall asleep that night. Somehow.
Anika
The door closes shut behind me as I place my books onto my bed. Clothes are thrown off me as I wear black leggings and a large sweater. I wrap my hair into a loose braid as I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in all day.
Today is known as the day after the horrendous events that took place yesterday. Shaurya was pretty traumatized after what occurred, and so was I, so we hurriedly left the place and Shaurya dropped me off. He apologized for at least a good five minutes about what happened and putting me in a dangerous position, but I quickly shut him up by kissing him and telling him that he has nothing to worry because it's not his fault. Then, after we said our byes, I walked into my home.
Tensions have died down with my father because he doesn't even bother to mentally or physically harass me like he used to. Seeing him sprawled across the couch, passed out with a beer beside him while the news channel drones on in the background, made me feel uneasy. After the hell he put me through, I still did not have the guts to stand up to him, mark my stance, and prove to my father that his actions will not even place a scratch on me.
Although, the events that unfortunately happened at Neil's house made me realize something, and even inspired me.
Inspired me to do this.
I grab my phone sitting beside me, which taunts me with its lightened screen. 7:49pm. I had just come home from college, and even spent some well-deserved time with my friends. Ty explained that he was taking a break from guys and that he's focusing on himself. Em is going to her cousin's house for the weekend. And I explained to Ty and Em what happened yesterday, and everything in general, and they were pretty damn shocked. Even me bringing up the part of Shaurya and I possibly running away made them pretty upset. But I reassured them that it wasn't going to happen.
It wasn't going to happen because I am doing this.
My fingers shake as I type out numbers onto the keypad. The ringing drones into my ear as a nervous breath comes out of me. After I hung out with my friends, I ended my school day alongside my boyfriend, who was pretty shaken up after everything that occurred. I consoled him, held him under the beating sun as he wept into my shirt. He needed to cry, he needed to let his emotions yet. With the divorce and his father nearly killing him, the poor man needed some time to process his life. And even with the dark rings present under his eyes and his sulking figure, he still managed to seem beautiful to me. He was a beautiful, yet broken boy that was on his way to recovery.
"You are speaking to the domestic abuse hotline. What would you like to report?"
I press my lips together into a thin line, feeling my mind helplessly run around. "H-hi. My name is Anika Desai, and I want to report... um, my father. He has abused me, mentally and physically, and he once assaulted me so badly to the point where I was in the hospital. I still have the bruises."
As the lady spews information out to me, saying that people are immediately on the way once I tell her my address... I feel something blooming in my chest, something that makes me feel whole. I am finally getting the justice I deserve. And my father will be getting what he deserves too.
"Anika, I'm home!" my father's voice rings out from downstairs. "Get me a beer from the kitchen! Also, make sure to study, I don't want to see you on your phone!"
The lady finishes talking to me as I take a deep breath. The call clicks shut as I gnaw at my lip.
Few minutes later, the doorbell rings.
I run out of my room, standing by the tip of the stairs.
"Anika, who is at the door?!"
My dad opens the door, his eyes widened at the three police officers standing by our front porch.
"Mr. Mukesh Desai, you are being arrested for inflicting domestic violence upon a family member. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney..."
I stood by the staircase, silent.
Clicking of handcuffs.
Father fighting against the officers.
Blue lights flashing in the distance.
Dad's angry eyes glaring at me, one last time.
The door closing shut.
And a growing smile on my face. I did it, mom. I did it.
Shaurya
I sat on the couch, stuffing myself in Doritos as I flickered through the channels. Heavy silence fell upon the apartment as the door soon flung open to Nathan. "Okay, babe... alright... yes, I'll talk to my mom about that... okay... okay, bye, I love you."
He takes a deep breath as he walks into the apartment, the door closing shut behind him. "Hey, dude, I was just talking to Emma. She wants to meet my parents, since it has been almost two months since we've been dating."
"Aw, that's nice," I manage to smile for him, but it doesn't quite reach to my eyes.
"Thanks," he grins, sitting on the armchair diagonal to me. His blue eyes look at me questionably. "Hey, is everything alright? You look a little sad."
And that's when I poured everything out to him. Everything. Me wanting to run away with Anika, us visiting my father, and almost getting killed by him. I ended with a heaving breath out, and Nathan stares at me in absolute shock. "Whoa. I-I'm so sorry to hear about that, Shaurya. That must've been really terrifying."
"It was," I huff out. "That night keeps replaying in my mind, and I can't seem to get it out."
"I mean, of course it's going to be stuck in your head for a while. That was a really mind-damaging experience for you. Give yourself some time to heal and move on. You are a strong man, and I know you can get past this."
"Thanks, bro," I breathe out, sitting up. "I need to move on, now. I need to move forward with my life and carve out my own path. Not my father's."
"Now that's what I want to hear," Nathan grins. I grin back. "Thanks for being here for me. It really means a lot to me that you've been here for me since freshman year. That I will forever be indebted to you. I am sorry to even think about running away from my home, from you. That won't happen again. I love you, bro."
"Ah, don't be getting all soft on me now," he snorts, but his eyes soften. "I was pretty disappointed to hear that you wanted to run away, but I thought that as long as you were happy, that was all that mattered. I am glad to hear that you're staying home now. I love you too."
As Nathan and I continue to talk, our lengthy conversation growing and growing, I feel my phone suddenly vibrate beside me. My hands fumble for my phone, and I read the notifications portrayed.
Anika: Hey. Can you pick me up and can we go somewhere? Possibly a quiet area.
Anika: Something really major happened.
Anika: Something really good.
Anika: Let me know if you can :)
I read the messages with confusion. "What happened?" Nathan murmurs, sitting up as he reads alongside me. He smacks my shoulder. "Dude, go meet her!"
"I mean, of course I'm going to meet her," I scoff. "But I do wonder what she has to tell me."
"Well, you sitting here and not texting her back doesn't help your curiosity," Nathan chuckles. I playfully push his head back as he jabs his finger into my ribs.
Once our playful fight ceased, I manage to text Anika back.
Me: Hey, beautiful. And yes, of course I can.
Me: I'll pick you up in ten <3
Nathan sends me an encouraging look as I run into my room. Clothes fly over my head as I try to find a good outfit to wear. I eventually settle on a loose grey shirt and ripped black jeans with sneakers on the bottom. I will forever love my casual looks.
I notice myself tired expression, my eyes that have nested massive bags underneath. My eyes are red from all the crying, but not as red as they were yesterday. Nathan is right. I will slowly heal from what happened yesterday. And I will.
Once I shout my byes to Nathan, I quickly go over to my car. Once I pulled out of the parking lot, I manage to drive over to Anika's house in a few minutes, due to me slightly speeding. I just want to know what she has to tell me.
I park my car in front of her house and run over to the door. I ring the doorbell, and a few seconds later, Anika opens it. Her beautiful brown eyes fixate with mine as I find myself staring at her. Her luscious dark hair, her full lips that I love to kiss, her perfect smile, her flawless body, and her radiating personality. Damn, I'm so lucky.
All of a sudden, Anika kisses me, her hypnotizing lips sending me into a frenzy. I was first startled, but I find myself melting into her amazing presence, my hands wrapping around the back of her neck. Her hand rests on my shaved jaw, as she unfortunately pulls away from me. Her face is centimeters apart from mine, and I find myself gazing at her gorgeous features.
"Hi," I mumble, my lips forming a smile.
"Hey," she whispers, beaming.
"You look beautiful."
She blushes as she presses a soft kiss on my cheek. "And so do you," she winks. We pull apart from each other as I let out a light chuckle.
Once we situate ourselves in the car, we decide to just drive around and relish in the beautiful Californian weather. I am dying to know about what Anika wants to tell me, but I know she will once we settle at a good spot and delve into a good conversation. I do wonder what it's about.
I find myself staring at her and the beautiful light purple tank top and white ripped jeans she wears. I also love it when her hair is loose because I love her hair and how it perfectly frames her stunning face. Shaurya, you like this girl way too much.
My inner voice is very correct.
We drive around for an hour, blasting music, singing cringe pop songs at the top of our lungs, and laugh at how terrible we are. Then, at the end of our mini road trip, the vibe settles to a calm one as I park by a grassy terrain. California is a very hilly area, so where I'm parked is by a hill, completely green and completely beautiful.
We climb out of the car, completely barefoot now, as Anika leads me to the grassy area. The soft grass seeps into my toes, and I feel so calm. So at ease.
Laughing, we lay on the grass besides each other, my knee rubbing against hers. Her hand grazes against mine, feeling my rough calluses as she studies them as well. "How's your hand doing?" she whispers.
"Pretty alright," I answer. "I'm surprised my hand didn't break after the mean right hook I threw at my father."
"Yeah, not gonna lie, that was pretty awesome," Anika laughs, and I join in as well. "But, I don't want to talk about that right now. What I do want to talk about is what you want to tell me."
She takes a deep breath in as she looks towards me. I crane my head to the neck as I study her, feeling the burning intensity from her excited eyes. Her mouth opens and closes, and then she shakes her head to herself, as if she just can't believe what she's about to say. "I reported my father to the authorities."
My mouth widens in shock as my hands graze her cheeks, wrapping at the end of her jaw. "Wow, Anika! That's amazing. What the hell?! I am so glad to hear you say that."
"Thanks, Shaurya," she grins, gazing up at me with utter happiness. "I felt so elated calling the domestic violence hotline. I feel so... happy. Like never before."
"That's so amazing to hear," I whisper. "So, he's going to jail?"
"Yup, and he's serving two years because he committed a fourth-degree felony. If I was a minor, then he probably would've been serving more. Oh, and he can't get out through bail because he abused me multiple times."
"That's good, he deserves to stay in jail after what he did to you. And I'm glad to see you got the justice you deserve." I pause. "How are your bruises doing now?"
"Well, they're healing, that's for sure," she nods her head.
A small smile forms on my lips. "Can I see them?"
A very visible blush forms on Anika's cheeks. "There's no one around," I persuade her. "It's only us two."
She nods her head as she points towards her leg. "I had one bruise on my leg." I go down her body, gazing at her legs as I notice a bright purple bruise by her calves. The jeans she's wearing ends right there, so I pull them up a little so I can get a better look.
"There's another one on my arm." I go up her body as she extends her left hand on, showing me the bright red bruise by her elbow. The intensity from her gaze makes my cheeks feel like fire red. "And there's another one on my..." Anika pauses, a flicker of a smirk on her lips, "on my stomach."
My lips curl up as I slowly pull her purple shirt up, revealing her toned stomach. There is a bruise by her abs, right by the underwire of her bra. My fingers land on her stomach, going up her skin as they land on the bruise. "Does that hurt?" I whisper softly.
"N-no," she sighs, "It doesn't."
"Good," I smile, and then with that, my hands wrap around her naked waist as I pull her in for a soft kiss. That soft kiss leads into a demanding and passionate kiss. Our bodies are wrapped together, coiled so tightly to the point where we are one body alone. Her full lips pounce against mine as I feel the need from her, the want, the passion radiating off her. I want her. I will forever want her.
Our lips mash and mend, our tongues push and pull, and our bodies remain one. I stay on top of her, feeling her naked skin, feeling her. Her.
My girlfriend, my best friend, my lover, my motivator... all in one.
All my life, things were given to me on a silver platter. I was privileged. I was lucky. I had a wealthy family. I never really fought for anything.
But Anika? I fought for. And I'm glad that I did because she is the one person I gain the upmost happiness from.
And it will remain that way for a long, long time.
Anika
We pull away from each, our chests rising in and out as we then cuddle with each other. The lowering sun creates a contrasting sky depicting colors of dark blue to blood red. It's so beautiful and so breathtaking.
Just like Shaurya.
I speak into the darkness and silence. "We can be whatever we want to be now. We can roam whenever and wherever. We can be together. We can be happy... and not live on anyone else's terms."
"Yeah," Shaurya breathes out, kissing my forehead. My head is buried into his chest as I feel his heart pounding so so hard. His strong arms wrap around me, and I feel so protected in his arms. My heart races with happiness as I smile.
"I'm glad things are going to settle down for us now," Shaurya continues. "And there's no need to run away now because things are good. We're happy. Our shitty fathers are out of the way." I let out a snort. "And there are no more limits."
"No more boundaries."
"And no more worries."
"This is a new beginning," I whisper, melting into Shaurya's arms.
"Yeah," his deep voice rumbles, holding me tighter. "A new beginning for us. Just us. And only us."
I don't know how long we lay there, but I don't care. Shaurya holds me. I hold him. He's happy. I'm happy. Things are finally settled down, and while it will be rough to heal from our treacherous past, I know we can definitely do it together. Us, hand in hand, ready to take down anything or anyone that even dares to separate us.
And we will.
*
A/N:
And they sure will ;)
Stay tuned for the Acknowledgments!
- Ru <3