Darkness. A word depicted in multiple ways. A word expressed in different forms of art. But despite the over usage of the word itself, it never deviated from what it wanted to deliver.

Suffocation. Despair. Fear.

It was completely dark that time too. Except it accompanied with blotches of light that wasn't welcoming in the least. It brought my numb senses back to life, bringing pain to my head that felt as heavy as a weighing stone. I sucked in a deep breath through my mouth.

"Say it," A voice came from far, far away. Just as I was getting used to the air around me, the voice made its existence known again. Louder. It felt like hundreds of needles, prickling my brain nerves. I yelped in pain as I felt my hair being pulled by my scalp, forcing me to look at the ceiling. He brought his stagnant mouth to my ear, "Swear that you'll keep it a secret. Swear on it, Natasha!"

I was beginning to recognize the cold voice and the events surrounding it. The nightmare hadn't ended yet. I was still breathing, unfortunately. At this point, I had no choice. There was no choice. I opened my trembling mouth to speak but all it could manage was a choke of air. My throat was too clogged to pass a sound. I parted my trembling lips to try once again.

"I... I sw- se... cret..."

"Nah, I couldn't hear you. Be more clear, my child." He emphasized sweetly, above my cry as he tossed my head down like a toy.

"Sw- e...r."

"Louder!"

This whole time I was panting. Trying to infuse breath in my empty lungs. It wasn't enough. Nothing seemed to be enough. My body was behaving weird, like a foreign object. I couldn't feel it and yet I could feel its weight. It weighed like a metal so heavy that I couldn't lift a finger. Blotches appeared in my vision as I blinked my wet eyes rapidly. Never in my entire fucked up life did I fell so useless, so powerless. It was cold and dark. So, so dark. Maybe I was dying. Atleast there would be one good thing out of this nightmare. I would be free from the sickness of this world. It was okay. I was ready to be killed by this monster. No one would care. No one did anyway.

“Louder, cunt, louder!”

“I... swe... awk!” I sputtered, shedding bitter tears as he punched my jaw. A sob escaped my throat though it only came out as a mere whisper of sound. I lifted my hands to his, trying to pull his strong fist away from my mattered hair but my jelly hands couldn't push an inch. More tears fell. If he could just stop pulling me for a moment. If I could just relax for a second. Why wasn't this ending already? “Pl- please ki- kill me-”

“Tch, still not good enough. You disappoint me, Natasha. I thought you were a good student.” His voice was sad like he was actually disappointed. At one moment, he was shaking his head, at another he was dragging my head close to his face. I paled further if it was possible. Even through my half closed eyes, I could see his eyes flashing red. He was angry.

“Guess my lesson wasn't good enough.”

And then, I fell deeper into the pool of darkness once again.

*

I woke up, screaming.

It took a moment for my senses to snap. It took another moment to make it understand that I was having a nightmare. Understandable since it had been a while. Scratch that, it had been a long while. All thanks to that dirtball I saw in the mall that day.

Breathing methodically, I undid my hand gripping my neck and rubbed my shaking arms to calm myself. I looked around and felt an unnecessary rush of relief in the knowledge of sleeping in my own room. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I walked upto window to get some fresh air. After I brought my erratic breathing to normal, I checked out the time. It was fucking four in the morning. There was no way I would let my brain fuck with my dreams by sleeping again. Great, just great.

Khushboo questioned about the supposedly scream she heard at night. I confirmed her suspicions but turned it into a dark joke on my side. We laughed it off and just like that, it was forgotten. That's where it was supposed to be. Besides I had much more important things to look forward to. The farewell party being one for instance. It was all I could think about.

*

“You look gorgeous,” complimented one of my classmates as I waltzed my way to the University garden. Well that sure paid off the effort Khushboo and I put in decorating me. My saree was mostly peacock blue, though the color faded towards the pallu from blue, to orange, to yellow, with a design of a peacock feather. The blouse was a sleeveless deep blue one. I aimed for a modest look this time with a half exposed back and a waist, only exposed at it's sides. Ayesha had styled my straight hair into curls and gathered them to one side supported by clips. She was good with hairstyles. A pair of aqua blue oval earrings, bangles, a necklace and a faint eyeshadow of blue completed my decoration.

I thanked and complimented the commenter back before proceeding to the middle of the garden where most of my classmates were. It was straight out of a Cinderella story. The ugly ducklings were transformed into princesses while the beauties were upgraded into angels. They were barely recognisable. Even the guys looked handsome and intimidating in their suits. My eyes swept across the place in hopes to find a certain dark brown eyed guy. I let out a sigh of relief and disappointment at his absence. It wasn't like I was expecting him here. I was more than fine on my own. Perfectly fine.

“Natasha,” A female voice called my name and I turned around.

“Shivani, Devki.” I addressed with a small smile as I approached them. Devki was clad in a black saree with dots while Shivani shined through in yellow. We made a small talk, complimenting each other before walking over to the drinks stall. Since I already sat with them a few times in the past, I decided to spend my time with them. Better than nothing I suppose.

*

“... still couldn't find it. It's so hard to find matching earrings you like. In the end, I borrowed my cousin's earrings in a hurry. It's decent but... N? What happened?” Shivani asked, suddenly turning to me.

“Nothing, I just... I was about to sneeze, achoo!” I faked a sneeze for the sake of it, but that wasn't what happened.

It was him that happened. He was here.

In order to make sure my mind wasn't fucking me in illusions, I turned to the front. My breath hitched as I spotted Rithik Arora in navy blue coat and pants with a small fake rose in his chest pocket. He was chatting amongst a group of Cinderellas. The way he groomed himself could give models a run for their money. Crap. I knew he talked about coming here but I didn't think he would actually come. He never talked about the farewell after that day. Of course I would take it as a joke.

Devki was the first to notice as she nudged us to glance his way. Shivani was about to call Rithik but thankfully Devki stopped her from disturbing him.

“I wonder who he came for?” Devki voiced out.

That woman is right under your nose, ladies. Then again, he could always pick up one of those Cinderellas he was so merrily chatting with.

“That woman is so lucky. She must be one of a kind.”

Gee, thanks for boosting my ego.

Still, I couldn't understand what made him tick amongst the female population. Rithik wasn't popular like a movie star but surely known enough to be recognised by a quarter of the population present. I could sense the admiration from those dick- whipped females a mile away.

“O' he's looking at us. Hey, Rithik!” Shivani called out suddenly making me flinch. He certainly heard her as he addressed her by 'Shiv' in return. He took one more glance at her, before turning to me.

His cool demeanor vanished, replaced by that of intensity as he sized me up from top to bottom in my peacock blue saree. My fists closed involuntarily. It was like he was touching me with his gaze alone. And when they lifted to my eyes, I felt exposed. I could bear no longer as I averted my eyes away, exhaling. My hands were itching to touch my heart that refused to calm down. He was rattling my nerves without doing anything. Did I ditch my nonchalant suit or what? Despicable.

He was on his way towards us when a Cinderella grabbed his arm, demanding his attention. When he was done greeting her, two another Cinderellas joined the fandom.

Bloody chick magnet.

“What are you laughing at?” Devki asked. And I thought I did a good job, covering my mouth.

I waved my hand, still giggling. The scene was becoming hilarious now. Apparently, those dick whipped females were on a roll. His smile that was cool before, seemed a little too forced now. That was what happened when you sprayed too much pussy- whipping deodorant. “Nothing, let's head over the stalls to play games.”

The three of us roamed around, getting ourselves entertained while devouring light snacks in between. And, of course, talking. A lot of talking. Made a small conversation with few guys and girls we encountered in between as well. A guy even gathered balls to ask me for a dance, but being the twat I was, I turned him down. Nonetheless, it felt good to be complimented and wanted. As for Shivani and Devki, they were still toddlers in front of Khushboo and Ayesha. They were nothing like those hoes but they were still better than a bunch of high and mighties from my class.

Soon it was time for the overrated couple dance. The individual dancers who were moving their hips to the beats earlier left, while few remained for the couple dance. The music changed into a slow, romantic one. The pink coloured lights were up to bring the vibe. A poor host was breaking a sweat, trying to encourage her seniors to join the floor.

“Will this Geeta ever shut up? I feel so single already.” Shivani complained about the host with a forced smile. “I can't believe I'm graduating off college without a boyfriend. How tragic.”

“I'm suddenly regretting that computer science student I rejected a year ago. So much for focusing on studies and being single.” Devki added, with a dejected sigh.

“Chill, ladies. Being single is no big deal. I mean we will be committed for half of our lives, right? Probably more so why the desperation?” I shrugged. “Also, didn't you flirt with Amir earlier? We got the compliments too, so mission accomplished.”

“Mission accomplished, you say. Are we sure about that, miss Patil?”

Crapity, crap, crap, crap.

A familiar figure walked to my right, blocking a ray of artificial light that fell on me earlier. Just the feel of his body a few feet away from me, got the butterflies in my stomach raging. Rithik looked even more handsome up close. Like a tall, mischievous prince, sneaking out to see his princess. And I hadn't even met his gaze yet. Which was why I was grateful to Shivani for casually entering between us, just so I could step back.

“Ah, Rithik, the 'chick magnet' finally makes an appearance. Didn't think you would have the time to spare with all the pretty ladies springing over you.” Shivani paused to blink her eyes in horror. “Sorry, I sounded like a jealous girlfriend right there. I was only teasing you.”

“That's alright, Shiv. I totally get what you mean. 'Chick magnet' might just suit me right.” His deep chuckle sounded music to my ears. “By the way, you three look beautiful today. Exceptionally beautiful.”

“Thank you. I could say the same to you. Also, Natasha was the one who came up with that name.” Devki thought necessary to mention and I eyed right back at her.

“O,” He dragged the O, raising his brow in amusement. Great, his attention was on me now. He stepped closer. “Ever the witty one, Natasha. Which reminds me. You haven't answered my question yet. Did you accomplish your mission tonight?”

“That's for me to find out and for you to stop asking,” I answered him for the first time tonight and eyed him.

“What about you?” Devki asked Rithik after throwing a suspicious look at me.

“Me? Nope. I have yet to accomplish a major mission today.”

“Which is?”

“Look, they are selling spicy Idli over there. Its looks so yum. Let's go,” I distracted them quickly and dragged Shivani by the hand. I shot a side glance at Rithik. “I also saw a Vada pav stall nearby, if anyone's interested.”

I shot him my best glare, indirectly telling him to fuck off from here. There was no way I was going to do something as stupid as a slow dance, that too in front of the whole goddamn college. Now I didn't care that I sounded like Fifty shades of motherfucking Grey but Natasha didn't do romance. Atleast in public.

Apparently the douchebag wasn't taught the meaning of no as he tagged along. I realised I had to call him out in private in order to make my intentions clear. So I messaged him. Weird, I know.

“We can understand our situation but what about yours, Rithik? I mean you are 'the chick magnet',” Shivani finger quoted. “Surely you could have danced with three girls by now. Isn't that why you came for?”

“I know but I only came here for one woman. She even promised me a dance but she's too ashamed to say yes.” He glanced briefly at me before turning to other two girls. “Pretty cliched, right?”

“No, that's actually sweet. Is she here? We can convince her for you.” Devki asked. No, fuck, no!

“Yes, she is. In fact she's right here, chilling out with you,” He answered with a sarcastic laugh before zeroing his eyes on me. “Isn't that right, Natasha Patil?”

I sucked in a breath while the other two girls gasped in shock. I was sure my gaze was shooting enough daggers to burn him down but he wasn't the one to budge. No. Instead he was smiling widely like a Cheshire cat.

“Is that true, N?” Shivani asked.

“You! I didn't promise you anything,” I answered him instead, clenching my jaw.

“Oh, really?” With his hands on his pockets, he stepped forward, entering my private bubble. My blood pumped faster, my heart missed a few beats. My left foot went back on its own accord as he took another step, smirking. “I clearly remember you permitting me to come.”

“After you so persistently invited yourself. I even told you to dance with anyone.”

“Which I mentioned was you.”

“Fuck off!” I held his chin to make him face the other way. I turned around, crossing my arms. He sighed, breaking off the tension between us.

“Fine, I'll go, but not before a little souvenir...” He covered around my left, appearing next to me. Before I could even pop up my mouth to say 'no need', his lips planted warm on my cheek. “I'll be right around the corner, waiting for you, babe. Take your time.”

The pure smile he shot with his crinkled eyes, melted all my anger there and then. Mindlessly, I stepped back, my back hitting the edge of a table. I remained that way, even after he disappeared from my side. What just happened? Was this real?

“Natasha? Your face... it's all red.” Devki broke the silence, springing me back to reality. I touched my face, stupefied. It was then I was rewarded with an answer. An answer to my un- Natasha like behavior. The reason why I was becoming sensitive to his little actions, despite having done far more sinister things between the sheets.

I was in a public place.

I diverted my gaze from Rithik's departing figure to Shivani and Devki who have witnessed the entire scene with their mouths open. Alongwith a few by- passers behind them. Add to the horror, I even cussed- something I hardly do in front of these innocent angels.

“Why didn't you tell us... Rithik and you... since when?” Shivani asked slowly, exchanging glances between a faraway Rithik and me.

He had successfully diffused a sweet bomb in his wake, leaving me to tend after. I could see it right then. See the mild curiosity sparkling in those pair of eyes. They looked like policewomen, ready to pull me down with a barrage of questions. I sidestepped from them.

I was so not up for this shit.

I let out a weird laugh. It didn't matter how pathetic it sounded. I had already embarrassed myself well enough. I picked my handbag from the table. “Ah, well, I, um.... I have somewhere else to go. Bye.”

And fled away from them. Towards him.

I called Rithik on my way but the jackass didn't listen. I increased my pace and somehow caught him by the arm, despite my attire. His eyes widened in mock surprise. “Wow, that was fast. Was my spell that strong?”

I slapped his back. “No, dumb-shit! I just fled from the dirt you left earlier. What was that show off all about? You could have talked to me privately. I fucking messaged you.”

“You wouldn't have listened anyway.” He stopped walking to look at me, pissed, “We were supposed to be on a date but instead you were in your la la land with your friends while I was stuck in attending your batch bimbos whose names I vaguely remember.”

“Please!” I rolled my eyes. “We both know you enjoyed the attention. You were pathetically smiling the whole time.”

“Jealous?”

“Not really. I found it hilarious.” But I did feel a twitch in my chest at one time.

“I see...” His head dropped.

I groaned in annoyance, “Stop sulking! I don't like it. I'm already here, right? Let's head over to the Vada pav stall you were gawking at earlier.”

“Hold up,” He deliberately stopped when I dragged him by his wrist towards the stall. Then slipping his large fingers with mine, he took me to the opposite direction. Towards the dance floor. “My Vada pav can wait but not this.”

“Nonono, we are so not going there!” I stopped him.

“Yes, we are.”

Our verbal tug of war went on for a while. In the midst of all that dragging and pulling, I didn't realise how I was actually getting closer to the dance floor.

“Just admit you're nervous.”

“I'm not.”

“Then stop being a party pooper.” Two warm palms cupped my cheeks, bringing me chills. “Just dance with me for a minute. If you feel uncomfortable, we'll step out. Okay?”

His eyes seemed so sincere and mesmerizing that I couldn't find an atom in me to say no. “Okay...” 

I knew how this would end. If I found myself complaining, he would simply extend the time to one more minute then another, and before we know it, ten minutes would have already passed.

Then why the fuck did I agree to this?

~

“You think people are professionals here. We haven't pursued ballroom courses, Madam. Everyone is struggling.” Rithik answered when I told him how I never tried to couple shit dance before. He raised my hands to his and scrutinized our situation like an equation remaining to solve. He directed our positions. “Hm, so my hand goes to your side waist while yours go to my shoulder. See, not that hard, right?”

I scowled in return.

We continued on that way. Whenever we would twist and turn, I'd display my best scowling face. Either I would pull my cheek muscles or twitch my eyes, thus murdering all the romantic vibes present around us. He would mostly end up laughing while telling me to stop. At one occassion, we awkwardly turned around, only to return to each other with a distorted like face. Rithik looked like a grumpy man taking a shit while I attempted a look of a woman about to vomit. What followed next was a continuous fit of laughter, successfully disturbing the other couples around us. We shushed each other at the same time, making it look more comedic. We stepped aside for a bit when it became too much. I had to hold his shoulders to catch my breath from the laughter.

“Well, oh, well, that's some shit dance we did. I won't mind doing it again.”

He took that as a yes, deliberately holding me again. I pulled one of those funny faces again but he didn't laugh this time. He frowned.

“Be serious this time.” To show that he was indeed serious, he circled me around before pulling me delectably closer. His breath was hot my face, his mouth a few inches away from mine. It wasn't supposed to be anything new but the fact that he was in a suit while I was in a saree, standing amongst several people made it a whole lot new. I decided to listen to him this time. The more quicker we got over with, the more better.

Seems like things are heating up now. Please Vote and Comment. The second part of this chapter will be up next. Look forward.