CHAPTER 15

Shivaay's Pov

After my chat with Evlyn, I went back to my room to freshen myself. I keep thinking about her the entire time I'm in my room. Even though I know she can stay with Zaara till the curfew ends, I managed to persuade Zaara that they would be staying at my house because I had previously met Evlyn. She was initially intrigued by how and where we met, but since she is my best friend, I revealed everything to her because I needed her to understand why I wanted Evlyn to stay with me in my home.

When I recall what happened today, everything appears to be fine, except for Evlyn's strange behaviour in comparison to yesterday. The girl I met yesterday is not the same as the girl I meet today. I mean, when she assumed I was a stranger, she spoke with me normally even though always kept a distance, but now that she knows who I am, she's not even looking at me, as if she's barely making eye contact.

Oh! Shivaay, you're a complete moron. It was evident that we were unable to keep eye contact with our favourite person. Is that to say I'm her favourite person?

Okay. Let's put aside who I am to her for a moment. But the more essential question is why am I becoming interested in her?

Apart from that, I can't get rid of the image of her in my mind with her dishevelled hair and stained tears on her cheeks, limping into my makeup room before stumbling. Seriously, My face heated from the recollection of her state back there. Before I thought about how I interpret her emotions, I shrugged off the image in my head. Like a snap of her fingers, she shifts her emotions in a split second. Even as an actor, I find it difficult to alter emotions so quickly in my films, but I witnessed her rage turn to tears when she realised she had yelled at the girl for no reason, whose name, if I'm not mistaken, is Shayirah. However, we can't blame her emotions entirely, though Shayirah should have given Evlyn some time to calm down before asking her questions.

Wait! did I really side with Evlyn despite her actions in my car?

Well, I'm not exactly on her side. I'm just pointing out the obvious. Logically, when someone is furious, we need to allow them some time to calm down. If you want the person to lash out at you, you can ask them unpleasant questions. In fact, I hate it when someone speaks to me when I'm furious because I would easily lose control and ended up saying something hurtful to the other person's sentiments.

Now, disregard what has already been done. For the time being, all I need to do is get to know her. She is a mysteriously puzzled person. So I'm on a mission to solve this puzzle. You might be wondering why I'm claiming she's a mystery. So here you go. First, She had an accident, but she still wants to compete in the tournament. Second, when I visited her in the stadium, she told me that she doesn't mind injuring herself, and since that time, I've been curious as to why. Third, she is adamantly opposed to asking for help because she lacks faith in others.

Fourth, she was so badly hurt by some thugs that she still wants to be away from me and Shayirah for our safety. Seriously? From what she was created of. Oh, and before I forget, I'm not going to leave the jerk who hurt her in my shooting location. He'll have to pay for it. I'm not sure why, but when I saw her crying, I felt protective of her. I couldn't bear seeing her suffer.

Ahem!

Now, let's get back to the countdown. The fifth, and most likely final, the time my mother inquired about Evlyn's connection with her mother, she not only did not respond but also pleaded with me to change the subject through her eyes. Oh, my god! There are so many incidents and unanswered questions that keep cropping up in my thoughts, but now it's my goal to find the answers.

I'm hoping that the curfew will be extended so that she can remain in my house under my protection until the cops capture those criminals. Indeed, I want to keep her safe from everyone. Don't ask me why; I have no idea.

I changed into my sweatpants and T-shirt as I pondered the events of the day. After that, I walked downstairs to eat dinner with my family. My mother and brother, Abishek, who had recently arrived, was already seated at the table. My gut instinct informed me that Evlyn would not be joining us for dinner.

My instinct turned into belief the minute I saw Shayirah approaching the dining table without Evlyn at her side. I was curious as to why Evlyn hadn't shown up, but my subconscious mind warned me that if I asked her about Evlyn in front of everyone, they'll assume I have a thing for her and will bombard me with questions.

"Where is the other girl?" my mother inquired, widening my eyes.

It implies that mothers are aware of their children's thoughts. For asking this question, I mentally give her a hearty embrace. With a scowl engulfing my brows, I pull my bottom lips in between my teeth, attentively glancing at Shayirah as I wait for her answer.

"Aunty, I told her to come, but she stated she wasn't hungry and fell asleep after taking a pain reliever. She's very adamant about it. Plus, she didn't even eat her lunch." She responded with disappointment pouring from her tone. After her response, she grabbed up a plate and served herself the amount of food she desired.

What the heck is going on? Evlyn has skipped lunch, and now she refuses to eat dinner as well.

Is she planning on fasting or dieting?

"Oh, that poor girl. I'll just bring her here by myself. You guys, keep eating," my mother replied as she rose from her seat.

I didn't want her to get up because she was already seated for dinner, so I stood up and said, "Why are you bothering yourself, Mom? I'll go to her room and get her. You carry on with your meal. " In one breath, I affirmed it.

Everyone appeared to be amused. I'm not sure what they find amusing here. My mother's mouth drew up into a sneer as she inquired, "Is that true? Do you want to do this for me or... " but I cut her off before she could finish and added, "nothing like that. It's just that you've already started eating, so I can go get her because I haven't begun eating yet." As I was dishevelling my hair, I said that. Everyone chuckled at me and gave me a sarcastically 'we believe you ' look. I dashed away from them and headed to her room before they could tease me any further.

I knocked and cautiously opened the door as soon as I arrived at her room, just to make sure I didn't barge in. After fully allowing myself inside her room, my gaze was drawn to a cute sleeping girl who is curled up like a baby and cuddling the pillow. My gaze softens as I take in the sight in front of me. The captivating view has a hold on my heart. She looks absolutely adorable.

"Ugh! Shivaay, what's the matter with you? You're not here to ogle her." I mumbled as I palmed my face.

Even though I couldn't bring my heart to wake her from her sleep, I quietly made my way towards her bed and attempted to wake her up. "Wake up, Evlyn! Everyone is waiting for you, "I whispered loudly as I leaned down near her ear, not wanting to wake her up by touching her. She hummed and turned her back on me.

Cute!

Ugh! Shivaay puts a stop to it.

"Evlyn, you didn't eat your lunch, so don't skip your dinner. Eat something first, then go back to sleep. Get up. Mom and the others are expecting you "I said this with concern, hoping she'll wake up when she hears it.

"Since when have you cared for me? Why is Mom suddenly waiting for me?" She mumbled to herself as she nestled beneath her pillow. Mom? Which mom is she referring to?

Argh! So, what did she mean when she said, "Since when have you cared for me?" Who does she think she's talking to? Don't worry about that; all you have to do now is concentrate on it to get her to wake up.

"Wake up, Evlyn, it's becoming late," I urged, raising my voice.

"Ugh! Just leave. Don't disturb me because I need to sleep and my head hurts like hell. It's not like I'm going to die if I skip two meals a day. I will eat when I want to eat, so please leave, Erwin." She grumbled as she pressed the pillow against her ears.

Why on earth does she continuously bring up self-harm and now death? I'm not kidding when I say she’s affecting me.

Now, who exactly is this Erwin? Well, maybe it's none of my business, but I'm curious who he is.

I deduced from her appearance that she would not wake up. As a result, I leave her room without attempting to rouse her up again, despite the fact that she claims to have a headache. Perhaps I'll just check up on her later. Guys, don't overthink things. Since she is my guest and it is my obligation, I simply wanted to check in on her later to see if she needs anything.

As soon as I stepped out of her room, I went straight to the dining table and informed everyone about her headache and that she would eat later. I returned to my room and collapsed on the bed after finishing my dinner. I immediately fall asleep unknowingly.