Page 81 of Reckless Dare

“I heard about what happened, Ava.”

Ava knew the news would have spread like wildfire through the campus. When she had slapped her tormentor, there were several witnesses standing by him. She hadn’t cared at that time, and neither did she now.

“He beat up Neeraj badly because of me.”

Nitya frowned. “Because of you?” she asked.

“Yes, because Neeraj and I went on a date and he didn’t like it. He told Neeraj that I was his property and that no one should go out with me.”

Nitya looked confused. “That’s not what I heard, Ava. I heard Abhi beat up Neeraj because of Neela madam.”

This time Ava frowned. “What has Neela madam, got to do with it?”

“Well, Neela madam is close to the Simha family. Neeraj deliberately trash talked about her saying she was a paid whore for the Simhas. Abhi lost his temper and beat Neeraj.”

Ava was shocked. “But Neeraj told me specifically about what Abhiram said to him.”

Nitya shook her head. “I wouldn’t blindly trust Neeraj. He’s not known to be trustworthy, especially with girls.” Nitya hesitated. “I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t have proof and I wanted you to use your own judgment. But there are rumors about Neeraj coercing girls to sleep with him by spiking their drinks.”

Ava was stunned. “Oh my God.”

“Yeah. That’s why I offered to give you a ride back and checked on you when you returned. I wanted to make sure you were safe.” Nitya sighed. “There’s always been rivalry between Neeraj and Abhi. In sports and almost every other competition. Neeraj hates Abhi. He would do anything to bring Abhi down, including lying about him.”

Ava found it too surreal. She recalled her tormentor’s words.

“He’s using you to get back at me.”

She hadn’t believed him. But now, a small seed of doubt sat in her mind.

“What is the proof that Neeraj spoke badly about Neela madam?”

“There were witnesses, Ava.”

Ava’s heart sank listening to that.

“Are you okay?” Nitya asked.

Ava wasn’t sure.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Ava. I just wanted you to know about Neeraj.”

Ava knew her roommate always had her back.

“Thanks, Nitya. I really appreciate it.”

Giving her a hug, Nitya left.

Ava felt torn.

On one hand she knew her anger towards her tormentor was justified because of what he had done to her. But on the other hand, she knew it was wrong to have slapped him for hitting Neeraj if Neeraj had insulted Neelima Raj.

There was only one right thing to do.

She would have to speak with her tormentor.

CHAPTER 24

Ava’s heart thudded as she walked out of her housing unit.

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