CHAPTER 12

"Tell me, Evlyn. What's the matter? What exactly happened?" Shayirah inquired, concerned. I remained silent since I had determined not to inform anyone about what had happened. It's because I don't want anyone to get into problems as a result of my actions. Furthermore, I am a very obstinate person who likes to solve her problems in her way. I shook my head at her, then sighed and sat up, leaning against the wall. I let my hands arrange my hair to seem decent as soon as I get into the seating position. "Where is Kavilya? Why isn't she here? " While looking for her, I inquired. Shayirah frowned and responded, "Well, she returned to the stadium after learning that her coach was looking for her."

I gave her a nod before asking her a question, "Then why didn't you follow her? Isn't our coach concerned about us?" doubtfully. Of course, I was intrigued as to why she didn't leave me behind, given that she isn't even my friend. As far as I'm aware, she's simply another one of my teammates, and I've never had much interaction with her in college. More importantly, in these two days, whether consciously or unconsciously, she has been a tremendous help to me, and I will be eternally grateful. But I couldn't understand why she is watching out for me since I am nothing to her.

She gave me a puzzled look and replied "Seriously? Is this a question you feel the need to ask me? Of course, I'm waiting for you. What makes you think that I'll return without you? I know it's already late, and I'm sure our coach will scold us, but whatever happens, we'll face it together. Plus, I've also informed our team leader that we're stuck somewhere." Her comments genuinely soothed me and brought tears to my eyes. I felt compelled to give her a bear embrace and burst into tears. But I know I won't do it. This is one of my major issues, and I won't let anyone get too close to me; even my friends have never seen me cry unless I was physically harmed. "Thank you," I murmured with a warm smile and moist eyes, without asking any more questions.

In response, she grinned and nodded.

"Come on, let's get going. Since we are getting late. We should rush to the hotel before our coach becomes furious." I proclaimed while attempting to get up, I recommend. She instantly stopped me and remarked, "We are unable to return. Due to a sudden curfew, there is a roadblock in that direction". "What do you mean? Why?" I asked, my gaze shifting from Shayirah to Shivaay, completely taken aback by what she said. He, on the other hand, was looking at me with a puzzled expression as he tried to figure out what had happened to me without listening to our conversation. I instantly averted my gaze from him as soon as his stare latched on mine as I was embarrassed.

"Aaah, just now we came to know that the covid cases are increasing, and that's why the shooting also stopped early." Shayirah clarified.

Crap! So, what's next?

The guilt erupted inside my chest as I realised she was in jeopardy because of me. "I'm sorry. You're also in trouble because of me. I would never take you along if I knew this was going to happen. I'm really sorry "I apologise as bowed my head in shame.

"Hey, there's no need to apologise. We obviously have no idea when or if this will occur. It's all right. By the way, Shivaay sir invites us to stay at his home until the curfew is lifted. I haven't agreed yet because I want to know what you think. We also need to inform our team leader where we will be staying, since he has already informed our coach about our absences, and now he wants to know where we will be staying so he can decide if we should book a room at the nearby hotel or not "Shayirah enlightened me with this newfound information.

Seriously, dude? He invites us to stay at his house. I'm starting to feel like a dog with two tails. I'd be delighted to stay at his house, but I don't want to be a burden to anyone.

"I mean, really? Is there nothing else we can do?" I inquired, a little shyly. "There is now no other choice because everyone else has returned home. Moreover, because you guys are new to this country, I urge that you guys stay in my house for your safety. It's an hour's drive to the hotel. Over there, there are already roadblocks "Shivaay stated as he looked up from his phone as if he had discovered information about the roadblocks.

Finally, he decided to speak up, but he gave me a look as if I would be sent to the graveyard if I refused the offer. He is, in fact, right. For both of us, right now, safety is paramount.

"Since, We don't have much of a choice, so let's go with it. Don't forget to tell the coach, Shayirah "I stated. I'm aware that I'm bossing her about it, but she didn't say anything about it. She simply nodded and pulled out her phone to notify and share Siddharth's address to our coach in case of an emergency. Guys, I believe in him, but it doesn't mean our coach and parents do as well. We must trust others, but not blindly because the consequences can be disastrous. I know I'm saying things you don't want to hear, but after you get to know me better, you'll understand why.

We decided to head towards the car, I mean his car, once I put an end to my musings. I tried to rise, but the agony made me weak, so I requested them to go first so I could limp slowly. As I'm guessing, they don't want to leave me walking behind them after seeing my state. With a glare, he replied, "If you don't mind, I can carry you and please don't be so obstinate this time." To tell you the truth, I'm stumped. No, I'm not judging him because he's one of my favourite actors, but you know it'll be weird if someone who isn't close to you carries you. Also, I have never been in this scenario before. "This time?" Shayirah inquired about it. Damn! I and Shivaay exchange glance before turning to face Shayirah. "That, uh, isn't much. Leave it alone "I murmured, sheepishly, as I smiled at her. "It's okay. I can manage and don't underestimate the power of the common man. Oops, I mean woman, "I returned to respond to Shivaay's offer with a smile.

Yes, I prefer not to seek assistance from others unless it is in connection with my education or training. I'm not an egoistic lady; it's just that I don't want to rely on anyone but myself in order to prove my strength and ability to withstand sorrow. I know it seems ridiculous, but that's just my personality. He smirked and said, "Fine, you asked for it; don't blame me for this." I merely stopped in place, pondering what was beneath his evil grin.

In a blinking of the eyes, he carried me in a bridal style.

Oh, Boy!

Not bad, huh?

Nonetheless, he carried me without my consent, and how dare he? Furthermore, I am capable of managing myself. "I can walk if you let me down. Please let me down. I don't like it when someone carries me," I paused as Shivaay narrowed his brow and continued, "Well, it's never occurred before, but I still don't like it". I protested with him while attempting to free myself from his clutches. What's more, I'm aware that I won't be able to release myself because of his muscular body's strength. "Isn't it possible for you to just stay still? I'm only trying to help you for the sake of humanity. Just stay quiet," he said, his jaw clenched. Okay, I've figured out that if I press the last button to get on his nerves, he'll crush me like a piece of paper.

I rolled my eyes at him as I kept quiet as he asked. He sat me down as soon as we got to the car, and I opened the back door and sat right away. Shivaay got into the driver's seat after that. When Shayirah attempt to sit beside me, Shivaay looks at us through the rearview mirror and gives us an 'I'm not your driver' look, so I motioned to Shayirah to sit next to the driver's seat which she comply without saying a word.

Throughout the journey, I was fumbling with my fingers and staring out the window at the road, while my mind kept replaying the events of the previous few hours. I'm going insane from all of his warnings. Honestly, I feel like I'm going to burst if someone speaks to me right now. Not only that, I could feel my rage was being channelled into tears. At the time, I was just doing my best to keep quiet and hide my emotions from both of them. It's not that I don't want to tell them; rather, I don't want to cause any trouble.