Arushi
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"Mumma yaar where is my bracelet? I can't find it anywhere!" I asked her while searching in my bag after opening all the drawers in my room.
"I don't know, Chinnu" she said from the kitchen.
Today, I have campus selection, and I want to wear my favorite bracelet as it is my lucky. It is the last gift I have received from my appa(dad).
"Ayyoo amma(mom), I can't find it. Please come and help me na!" I begged. She walks in my room opens a drawer, turns towards me while folding her arms.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked her and she holds my wrist.
"See here it is!" she said to me. I put it and I smile apologetically at her. I forget easily.
"Sorry.. sorry" I murmured, holding my ear, and she shakes her head in disbelief.
"Now come and have breakfast," she says to me leaving the room, and I follow her.
She made idli sambhar as breakfast which is my favorite.
"You made idli sambhar for me Thank you so much, amma," I chipped, hugging her, and started eating my breakfast.
"Amma bye. I am leaving, and I will call you after the selection," I say, kissing her cheek and bid bye to her.
I start walking enjoying the breeze. It was a short ride to college. Joining my best friend Preethi who is waiting for me, we both enter the interview room. I am selected for the job, and I quickly call my amma to inform her about the great news.
"Amma guess what?" I asked her.
"What?" she questions.
"I got selected amma," I squeaked and heard her reaction, uttering words of prayers. "Thanks God!"
"I am so happy for you Chinnu. Come home quickly," she giggles.
"Ok amma, I will be home in 30 minutes," I tell her and cut the call.
I went to my friend Preethi, but she is looking sad.
"Hey, how was your interview?" I ask her.
"I didn't get selected yaar," she says sadly.
"It's okay yaar, it's just an interview. Moreover, there are so many chances for us in our life. This is one interview that can't judge your knowledge, don't feel sad. It is just the beginning. Lots of opportunities are awaiting us," I comfort her, and she nods her head slowly.
"Okay, I am going home bye," I tell her and start walking home. My college is not so far from my home, and it is walkable distance.
I was about to cross the road. Suddenly a black mercedes move in a zigzag motion. The screeching noise is loud. CRUSSSSHHHH!!!!! It crashes into an oak tree. Smoke has been visibly getting from the front part of the car.
I quickly marched my way to the car with wobbly legs. You can't blame. I don't see a car crashing into a tree everyday. The door is opened ajar with the person's head hanging out. Blood was dripping from his forehead. Quickly, I fidget inside my purse, grabbing my phone with haste in order to dial an ambulance. "SAINT AVENUE 122!!!" I scream at the top of my lungs.
A crowd of people start forming around us in no time.
"You wearing a blue shirt," I point at the guy.
"Help me pull him fast!" I say sternly.
Gently, we pull the guy. I hold his neck since it is the most fragile part of my body. Swiftly, sirens have been heard signaling the arrival of the ambulance. The injured guy has been put on a stretcher. Reluctantly, I stand up watching the scene, retreating my steps for the injured guy to be put inside the ambulance, a cold hand held my wrist, I look with wide eyes at the injured man. I enter inside the ambulance, not leaving his hand. However, I am obliged to leave his hand so the paramedics can do their job.
We reach the hospital, and they immediately take him to the operation room. They ask me what I am to him. I narrate for them everything about the incident, the crash and his situation.
I dial amma's phone. "Hello, amma! Don't worry but I'm in the hospital. There was an accident and the guy had been injured," I state in one fast pace..
"Oh honey, are you alright?" she gasps.
"Amma, I'm perfectly fine! But the thing is that the guy's family hasn't come yet."
"It's okay dear. Stay in the hospital until someone from his family members comes and stay safe," she instructs.
When a doctor came out of the operation room, I hastily walk towards him
"Doctor, how is he?" I ask him.
"He is fine, and you can see him," he says to me. I open the door. The bed is empty, and I see him standing near the bed.
"Hey, what are you doing?" I freak out to which he stops moving and turns to me.
"Who are you?" he asks me coldly. He clearly has attitude problem. Why the hell is he talking to me coldly?!
"I am the one who saw your accident and-" he cuts me off and takes his wallet, grabbing some money.
"Here take this!" he shoves some notes into my hand. To say I am extremely shocked is an understatement.
"Is it enough, or do you need some more?" he asks me, pulling more money from his wallet. He clearly has a death wish. It seems that he has survived the accident, but who would save him from my wrath when I erupt?
"Are you mad? Hitting your head on the steering wheel has indeed affected your mentality. What the do you think of yourself huh? how dare you give me money?" I shouted at him, throwing the money at his face.
He stands like a stick immobile with zero emotions on his face.
I continue, "There is something called humanity which isn't found in your dictionary. Helping others in time of need is what distinguish us from animals. Geez, even animals might help each other," I whimpered tucking my brown hair to one side.
"You know what! I realized that you don't deserve it. I should have left you there bleeding." My voice is rumbling by now.
I turn my back, rushing my steps to reach the door. His hand held my wrist tightly, twisting it to my back.
"Do you know who you're talking to? Do you know what happens if anyone raises their voice in front of me? " he questions voice deep and dangerously close to my ear. I wince in pain.
Trying to calm my shaky voice, I speak loud and clear, "I don't give a damn!"
Trying to yank my arm free, his grip tightens. Then, he released my arm and quickly turns me towards him. My face slams straight into his chest. I walk backward, but our faces are so close to each other.
"Soon you'll know me," he says in a dangerous tone which makes my heart beat in a speed which is scientifically impossible. It feels my heart was about to pop outside my rib cage. His intense black eyes have been looking dangerous, so dangerous into my hazel ones.
"You are the most arrogant person I have ever seen in my life. I wish I'll never meet you again," I glare at him and walk out, slamming the door behind me. I didn't even look back, not even once. He is the most disgusting person I have ever seen in my life.
After I arrive to the front door, amma instantly asks me, "Is he fine Chinnu?"
"Amma please don't talk about him. He is so arrogant and rude. He gave me money for helping him... so unbelievable!!! He has the guts to ask whether it is enough or not." I complain.
"It is in the past, Chinnu. You did your duty. You helped him in his weakest state and if he is rude to you, we can't do anything na. But in the future, you're always find someone to help you in critical situations. Now go and freshen up, dinner will be ready within seconds, " she instructs, and I nod my head. I guess she's right. I should expect anything im return, not even a thank you. This is life!
"Ayyoo Chinnu wait," amma says with a smile plastered on her face.
"I forgot to congratulate you! Congrats, my baby." She hugs me while giggling. I completely have forgotten about the interview because of that rude man.
"Thanks amma," I tell her and hug her back.
"I made payasam(sweet dish) for you, you come quickly," she says. I smile as I enter my bedroom to freshen up.
I look at my hand. There are red marks on my wrist where he the rude man has held me earlier.
"Ayyoo kaduvale(oh God!), that beast," I touch it and hiss in pain. That egoistic man! I'm going to smash him like a potato when I see him. He has seen nothing yet.
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So who is this man...??
And will they meet again...??