Page 63 of Forbidden

“She could have said that,” Aman argues. “Why do you always poke your head in between?”

“That’s because Jhanvi is too emotional and kind. Men like you and your friend can take her benefit. I won’t let that happen.”

They continue their bickering but I leave for my room with Aman’s words echoing in my head.Aarav has a heart of gold.!!

******************

I didn’t see Aarav the next day too which is strange. Now I surely believe he is up to something. He knows I am leaving in a day, then why is he not reacting? Tomorrow evening is my flight to London. I have everything packed. I packed nothing which Aarav gifted me. Life is going to be back on track once again and I’ll be away from this mess which the Raichands have created in my life. Mohit has still not contacted me which I feel great about, though a part of me misses him as a friend. But if he and Sofia are together again, I will wish them the best. Daadi hasn’t contacted me either. Maybe she is angry that I showed her the mirror of the mistakes she committed so far, but I hope that confrontation between us opens her eyes and she stops this madness between the stepbrothers. They already spoiled my life bringing me in. I don’t want anyone else to face the same.

With all these thoughts in the back of my mind, I can’t sleep again. I think I need the pills. They give me some relief at least, if not the best sleep. I search for them in the regular drawers where I store them, but they aren’t there. To be honest, I didn’t need these pills ever since I mistakenly took more the other day, but I clearly remember they were here. Somebody might have taken them off. The cleaning staff? God! I need those pills. Frustration courses through my body, and I walk out of the room to check who did this? Though it’s 11:00 pm, I still see the same servant who usually cleans my room, winding up the stuff.

“Who cleaned my room today?” I ask her.

I don’t care what she thinks about my tone, but I really need those pills. Not having them when I need them makes me annoyed and grumpy.

“I did, Ma’am.”

“Good. Where did you keep? I need them.”

She swallows before responding. “Sir asked me to take them away from your room.”

Aarav gave those instructions? How dare he? I want to tell her not to accept his commands while cleaning my room henceforth, but does it really matter? I am leaving this house, city and the country in a few hours. It brings a sour taste to my mouth, which I ignore.

“Give me those pills now.”

She looks helplessly at me. “Sorry, Ma’am. I gave those to Sir. He has them now.”

No effing way!! Now I have to take it from Aarav? Is he even available for me?

“He’s in the study,” she adds.

Good!! At least he is home and I can take what’s mine. I ask her to leave and barge in the study where Aarav Raichand is sprawled on his chair, taking a swig of his drink. There’s an empty bottle already on the table before him and he is currently savoring bottle number two. I never saw him drinking so openly before at home. This is the first. He stares at me like he never expected to see me again. But soon his gaze shifts back to his glass and he takes another swig.

“I need my sleeping pills back,” I demand.

He doesn’t reply which annoys me further.

“I am speaking to you Aarav.”

“I heard.”

He doesn’t look at me this time so I walk inside.

“And?”

“And I am not giving them to you,” he declares, meeting his blazing gaze with mine. “These pills are harmful to your health.”

They are, but I can take them within limits.

“I can’t sleep well without them.”

Now he grins.

“What can I do, Jaan, to help you get good sleep?”

I swallow the abrupt ball of nerves wedged in my throat. He can’t be kidding.

“Just stay away, maybe.”

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