Chapter 22

My heart was beating fast as I didn't understand what happened and why Arvind anna called me to come down immediately.

I quickly run down through the stairs as soon as possible.

So many thoughts roaming in my mind….

Again any problem with Shreya's dad?

Is any health problem to  Arvind Anna's dad?

I reached the parking place as he said. Arvind anna was waiting at the car standing along with Karthik.

I was astonished to see Karthik in that state.

I hurriedly ran towards them and asked Arvind Anna, what happened to Karthik. He was completely in a drunken state, not in a position to stand steadily. I wonder whether he has a drinking habit also.

It was not the right time, to ask any questions in that place. I control my anger and help Arvind Anna to reach his apartment. It was very difficult to take breathe standing beside him. He was smelling like a person who takes bathe in alcohol. We laid Karthik on his bed and came out of his room.

"Can you explain, what all this?" I asked Arvind Anna.

"I will explain later but for God's sake be with Karthik till tomorrow morning. I have to complete one important work" Arvind anna left hurriedly.

" Tell me what happened?" I asked again.

" Don't ask me anything now, I have to go to the police station" he answered without looking at me.

Arvind anna left hurriedly.

I didn't understand what was happening here.

I went to Karthik's bedroom to check him.

Then I noticed his palm was cut and was bleeding. I don't know where the first aid kit in his room, so I brought it from my penthouse. When I was dressing his injury, he hissed in pain and opened his eyes.

I observed his gloomy eyes filled with pain and tears at the corner of his eyes. My heart-ached looking at him in that condition.

" What happened Karthik?" I asked him rubbing his hair softly.

" My best friend hates me. It's killing me," he answered.

" I did a big mistake by hurting him. I accept my mistake. At least he is not giving a second chance to explain. He is punishing for two years ignoring me and treating me like his enemy. It is killing me. Even my mom doesn't trust me. No one loves me. I am feeling lonely. I don't want to live anymore" he said while alone tears rolled from the corner of his eyes.

"Shhh…..calm down. You are a fantastic person, Karthik I have had ever seen. Arvind Anna, Shreya, uncle, and all employees need you. Don't ever speak about killing yourself. We all love you." I consoled him.

He immediately got up from the bed and hugged me tightly.

"You love me?" he asked me cupping my face.

I could understand his state, he was in alcoholic effect and his So I nodded my head straight.

He loosens his grip and looked in my eyes.

" You trust me, right?" He questioned.

" I trust you more than myself" I smiled.

" Thank you so much. Do you know my mom loves me but she didn't trust me? At that time do you know how I felt? I was broken …." He cried hugging me.

"Everything will fine. Don't worry." I assured him.

" Will you too leave me like my mom ?" he asked me.

" Never. I will be always with you." I answered.

"Promise…" he asked again.

" Pakka promise.." I smiled.

"Thank you beautiful…." he kissed me on my forehead.

I was beyond the shock of what just happened. My body freeze at once.

"

Then don't leave me…" he closed his eyes holding my palm.

Still, I couldn't believe….

Holding my palm, he slept peacefully like a baby but I remained restless.

Still, in my mind, I  was thinking about his past….

How happened between his mom and him.?

Who was that friend?

Why did he kiss me?

My chain of thoughts was disturbed by Arvind Anna's call on my mobile.

Arvind: is Karthik okay now?

Priya: hmmm…. He is sleeping.

Arvind: okay then. Stay with him till morning. I am stuck in the police station. I will meet you tomorrow morning.

I was about to ask a further question, Anna disconnected the call. I had nothing to do now, I have to wait till next morning to get my answers to my questions.

It was late, I was very tired and sleepy. Before closing my eyes, I looked at him who was sleeping soundly holding my hand. As I had no chance to move from that place, I kept my head on the edge of his bed and slowly drifted to sleep.

…..

….

The next day morning, I opened my eyes and checked the surroundings. Then I remembered last night's conversation with Karthik. Still, his grip on my hand is tight. I checked the time, it was 8'0' clock. I never slept until that time. I tried to take my hand from his. Due to my wriggling, Karthik woke up keeping one hand on his head.

Immediately I take away my hand from his grip.

" Did I disturbed you last night?" he asked me.

Then I understood that he didn't remember anything. I thanked God in my mind.

" No, your palm was cut. So I just did first aid to your injury" I lied to him.

" Thank you and sorry" he replied.

"Why?" I asked him.

" Thanks for first aid and sorry as you had to slept on the floor because of me" he answered with a dull face.

" It's okay. Go and get ready for the office. You have an important meeting at our office." I tried to cheer him.

" Hmmm…." He nodded.

When I was coming out of his room, Arvind Anna entered the house.

" Karthik…." Anna called him loudly.

It is very rare that Arvind Anna gets angry. I didn't understand why he was shouting.

Karthik came out and stood quietly.

" Do you know what you did yesterday night?" he questioned Karthik.

There was no response from him.

" I won't answer dammit " Arvind Anna shouted again.

" He is my best friend, Dhruv. So ….." Karthik answered.

"So you will tolerate whatever he speaks in front of everyone?. He is treating you like an enemy still you care for me!. You are a fool. He is an orphan" Arvind Anna roared.

Karthik slapped very hard on his cheek. I was numb. I didn't believe my eyes what I saw.

Karthik was still fuming in anger. I tried to talk with Arvind Anna. But he didn't stop me showing his palms and left the house seriously.

" Just leave me alone," Karthik screamed.