19. Help

Ruhi's POV

We all ran towards the backdoor as soon as we heard Siddharth. I did think of fighting in the beginning, but after getting a glimpse of those goons, running seemed to be the best option.

Honestly, this doesn't even feel as scary to me as it should. I mean, I live for this adventure, this adrenaline rush I feel as I run. Everyone else is ahead of me. I run as fast as I could, my hair flying in the air, dupatta accompanying it as it flares in the air.

I feel like the main character of a movie. I might sound crazy - but it is what it is.

As if to break my dream and the main character vibe, my dupatta got stuck somewhere. The sound of my dupatta ripping was accompanied by my yelp as I twist my ankle and fell face first on the floor.

Ouch! Reality check has never been this painful before. I sit up on the couch and look at my dupatta, which was now in two pieces.

Ugh! It was brand new!

As I sit there, mourning for my torn dupatta, I'm reminded of the 'adventure' I was loving just a few moments ago as I hear footsteps getting closer.

Shit!

I somehow manage to stand up, wincing, thanks to my ankle.

I look up to see the goons. I look around for a weapon to fight with. Just as the goons were about to step forward, the back door opens and in steps a panicking Siddharth.

He looked relieved as soon as he saw me, but that expression changed back to panic when he saw the goons just a few feet away from me.

He was beside me before I could even blink.

"What is wrong with you? Can't you just run with us instead of trying to be some kind of hero?!", he shouted in frustration.

"Don't shout at me!", I snapped back.

"Then don't do such things!"

"I didn't even do anything!"

"Yeah right! I am the one trying to be the hero!"

I opened my mouth to argue back, but one of the goons interrupted me, "Aye! Is this some kind of joke!? We are standing here, and you are fighting with each other?!", he looked more hurt than angry because we weren't giving them attention.

"Are ruko na bhaiya! Aap se bhi ladenge hum! Pehle inki to zara khatirdari karle!", I said, which surprisingly made the goon shut up.

Wow. They aren't as dangerous as they seem.

I turned towards Siddarth, ignoring the pain in my ankle. Crossing my arms, I said, "Who told you I am trying to be a hero here?"

"No one needs to tell me. I can see it!"

I roll my eyes, "Wow! Such great observation. What else can you see? Can you see my torn dupatta here? Or the pain in my ankle because it bloody twisted?! Can you?"

His expressions changed from frustration to - is that concern? - in a split second.

He took a step closer, "You are hurt?", he asked, his voice softer than before.

The goons had now had enough of us, so one of them again spoke, "Aye! Ye kya nautanki hai?!"

This time, Siddharth spoke, "Are ruko na bhaiya! She is hurt!"

Wow! Does he care for me?

One of them, utterly frustrated by us, took a step forward, "Aye! Ye miya - biwi wali harkate band karo tum log!"

I gasped, "Chhi! Chhi! Chhi! Mein or yeh? Miya - biwi?! Aisa toh mein sapne me bhi nahi soch sakti!"

Siddharth rolled his eyes, "Yeah sure! As if I am dying to marry you!"

"I'd rather you die!"

Ouch! Was that too harsh? I obviously don't mean it; I just said it in the heat of the argument.

He stared at me for a few seconds and then nodded, "I shouldn't have come looking for you here, forget it! Bhaiya, fight with her now, I am leaving."

Is he really hurt? Should I apologize?

Before he could take a step away, one of the goons stepped forward, "Aye! Where do you think you're going, huh? You think we'd let you go so easily? Kab se bak bak sehen kar rahe hai tum dono ka!"

Cursing under his breath, Siddharth immediately pushed me behind him and stepped forward, ready to fight. "Stay back.", he instructed.

Who is trying to be the hero now? I thought but didn't deny because I knew that he asked me to stay back because of my ankle.

There were four goons. One of them lunged forward. He tried to throw a punch at Siddharth, but Siddharth was quick as he grabbed his wrist before it could touch his face and twisted it brutally.

I swear I heard a bone cracking.

The goon staggered back, wincing.

Another goon lunged forward. Siddarth kicked him before he could even attack, and the goon stumbled back and fell on the ground.

Wow! It feels like I am watching a South Indian action movie.

The third goon ran towards Siddharth with a rod in his hand. Siddharth managed to grab the rod in time, but the goon lifted his other hand and threw a punch at Siddharth.

I gasped. But Siddharth completely ignored that punch and moved swiftly, kneeing his groin. The goon was still not ready to back out as he tried to punch Siddharth in his stomach, which he dodged by just an inch. Siddharth threw a punch on his face, his fist connecting to the goon's jaw. The rod in the goon's hand fell near me.

Before he could recover from the impact of the punch, Siddharth kicked him hard in the stomach, which had him flying backwards.

So filmy!

Siddharth took a moment to calm himself as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, not noticing the one remaining goon coming towards him to attack. Without thinking twice, I quickly picked up the rod that was lying near me and threw it with all the force I had inside me. The rod flew past Siddharth and hit the goon square on his forehead.

Bull's eye! I never knew my target was so good! Should I try archery?

The guy landed on his back with a thud. Siddharth was too stunned to speak. He couldn't believe my target was so perfect, well, I couldn't too.

I grinned in victory.

Siddharth turned to me, "I thought you wanted me dead."

Okay, he doesn't look hurt. That's good.

I smirked, playing along, "Yeah. But only I have the right to kill you."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah, of course."

We didn't notice the goon lying on the ground doing something on his phone - probably calling back up - as we were reeling with everything that happened.

We heard more footsteps approaching, signaling more danger.

"We need to run!", Siddharth said.

I nodded and tried to move, but a sharp sting in my ankle stopped me. Siddharth noticed it and without thinking twice, bent down, and lifted me in bridal style.

I gasped, my eyes widening as I immediately circled my arms around his neck for balance.

"What are you doing? I can-", I tried to stop him, but he cut me off.

"Yeah, I know! Now keep quiet.", he said and walked fast towards the back door.

As we walked out of the back door, I tried to speak again, "I am heavy! Put me down! I... I don't want you complaining about-"

"Lock it.", he suddenly commanded.

"Huh?", I asked, confused.

"The back door! Lock it so they don't follow us.", he explained.

I immediately unwrapped my arms from around his neck and locked the door before circling them again.

As we walked - well, he walked out carrying me in his arms, I finally take a close look at his face. The corner of his lip was bleeding, the side of his jaw starting to swell. I feel an unknown ache in my chest at the sight, maybe because I am the reason behind his pain? Yeah, that might be it.

I unwrap one of my arms and remove a handkerchief from my Anarkali's pocket. Yes, it has a pocket!

Slowly, I raised the handkerchief towards his jaw and gently dabbed the soft fabric on the thin line of blood. He winced and looked down at me, slightly startled.

I didn't raise my eyes to meet his and focused on treating his jaw. Gently and with utmost care, I continued cleaning his jaw. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, trying not to wince.

He was now staring ahead again. I leaned forward and gently blew on his jaw. He clenched his jaw, his eyes fluttering close for a second.

He took a deep breath and then spoke firmly, "Okay, stop this now. I am fine."

"But your-", I tried.

"I said I am fine!", he said, his voice controlled.

I pull my hand away from his jaw and tuck my handkerchief back in my pocket. "Okay."

My gaze drops from his jaw, down to the skin of his chest that was peeking out from his kurta. I immediately looked away.

I cleared my throat, "Thank you for today."

He smirked, throwing a quick glance at me, amusement dancing in his eyes, "Ah! Ms. Ruhi Mehta being grateful! I am blessed!", he teased sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes, "I am not that ungrateful, okay?"

He nodded, "Maybe. But I don't want your thank you this time."

"Huh?"

"You owe me one.", he simply stated.

"Hey- you can't always come and help me without even me asking for help and then call it a favor!"

"See. You admit that I did help you."

"Yes, but-"

"Actually, you owe me two favors. I've helped you twice, now you're in my debt for two things. I'll ask for something when I need it, and you'll have to say yes."

"That's so unfair!", I complained.

"Everything is fair in love and war, sweetheart."

I huffed, rolling my eyes.

Everyone else were already at Aditi's house because Siddharth insisted them to leave, saying, "I will handle everything here, you guys should go home. Let's not take any more risks."

That's what he told me. I had to hold back another eye roll on his heroism because - well, he indeed helped me.

After a few minutes of silence, Siddharth spoke, "For the record, you are not at all heavy. You feel like a feather as compared to the weights I lift in the gym."

I blinked, not expecting him to say something like that. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I closed it again and swallowed, mumbling, "You can put me down now, I can walk..."

He didn't listen to me and continued walking.

Soon, we were standing outside Aditi's house.

"Ring the doorbell.", he commanded.

"What- You can't be serious! I am not letting you carry me inside for everyone to see!", I exclaimed.

"Why? Don't want everyone to know how you had to cling to your enemy because you can't even walk properly?", he smirked.

I sighed in frustration, "Why do you always think like that? You really think it will hurt my ego to tell everyone that you helped me? Seriously?"

"What else could be the reason?", he asked, as if it wasn't already obvious.

I took a deep breath, "Well, because if we go in like this, don't you think they'll kill us with their teasing?"

"You do have a point - but you want me dead anyway, so I think I'd go in like this."

"Oh God! Why do you always have to go against me?"

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, the door flung open. It was Aditi who'd opened the door, who was now gaping at us, stunned.

She didn't say a word and stepped aside, for everyone to see. They all had their jaws lying on the floor.

I shut my eyes tightly, cursing under my breath as I waited for the teasings to start.

But none came.

When I opened my eyes, the shock from their face had vanished, replaced by concern.

Thank God.

Siddharth gently lowered me on the floor and stepped back. Before I could even steady myself, strong arms were wrapped around me.

Raj bhai.

I smiled as I hugged him back, whispering, "I am fine."

He tightened his arms around me which made me chuckle. "What? Are you going to kill me by suffocating me because I didn't die there?", I teased.

He finally pulled away, "Shut up! Don't say something like that!"

I couldn't help but laugh at his concern. I didn't realize how much worried they were until now.

He patted my head lightly, saying, "I love you."

"I love you too, bhai.", I replied, smiling.

"Yeah, but just so you know, you are still ugly.", he said, trying to lighten the mood.

I laughed, "I am your sister after all!"

"What? Who said you are my real sister? Don't you know we picked you up from the dust bin?", he teased.

I roll my eyes, "Yeah sure!"

Raj bhai then turned towards Siddharth, "Thanks, man! She wouldn't have been safe if you weren't there."

Siddharth smiled slightly, "It's alright. I did what anyone else would."

I roll my eyes playfully, "You guys speak as if I can't take care of myself!"

Aditi smirked, "Yeah, we saw that. Tell me, Ruhi, why was Siddharth carrying you if you can take care of yourself?"

I pointed an accusing finger at Siddharth, "He picked me up even though I denied!"

Siddharth narrowed his eyes at me, "I had to pick you! Those goons were coming and you couldn't walk because of your ankle!"

Raj bhai immediately stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "What happened to your ankle?", he asked.

"Nothing, bhai. I said I'm fine.", I tried to brush it off.

Ignoring my protests, he gently guided me to the couch and bent down to check my ankle. I immediately pulled my feet away from him, "It's nothing, bhai!"

"Shut up!", he scolded me, but there was no anger in his voice, only concern.

He examined my ankle, which was now swelled. He asked Aditi to get the sprain relief spray which she quickly handed him.

He treated my ankle, spraying it and massaging my ankle.

Despite the pain, a smile tugged at the corner of my lips, "You pamper me way too much, bhai! I'm not a baby anymore!"

He replied without even looking up, "You'll always be my baby."

I sighed and leaned back on the couch, crossing my arms as I look down at Raj bhai, who was massaging my ankle. This much wasn't even needed for such a small sprain, but who can stop Raj bhai?

"You know, you're going to make it very difficult for my boyfriend to handle me. The way you pamper me has raised my standards quite high now.", I say.

"I'll pray for your future boyfriend, Ruhi. He has to bear a lot more than just your standards.", he teased me.

I smacked his arm playfully. He finally stood up and I tried to move my ankle, it was much better now.

"Seriously though, my bhabhi would be really lucky to have you as her partner.", I smile at him.

That's the truth. My brother is a whole green forest, just like my father. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such gentlemen.

He gave me a cheeky smile, running a hand through his hair, "Stop flaterring me now! I know I'm the best!"

I chuckle softly.

Suddenly, I remember something.

I looked up at Siddharth, who was already looking at me. I point at the corner of my lips, and then at him, trying to signal him to treat his wound too.

He blinked, and then nodded, as if he'd forgotten that he was hurt.

Everyone was so busy caring about me that no one had even noticed him and how the corner of his lips was slightly red.

He was about to excuse himself, when out of nowhere, Rishi gasped loudly, "SIDDHARTH HAS A LIPSTICK MARK ON THE CORNER OF HIS LIPS!"

I blinked.

Siddharth blinked.

Then we realized that Rishi had misinterpreted our actions.

He was standing in a corner, far away from Siddharth, so Siddharth's right side was visible to him. And Siddharth was punched on the left side of his jaw.
Which means, Rishi came to a conclusion, just by seeing a glimpse of the redness.

Oh God!

The reactions were instant.
Naman, who was sitting in a corner drinking water, almost spat it out as he choked on it, coughing.

The sprain relief spray, that Raj bhai was just passing back to Aditi, dropped on the floor as both of them froze.

Radhika and Isha di's heads snapped at me so fast that I thought their necks would break.

I face palmed, not even in the mood to correct him.

Siddharth was shocked at how Rishi could even think of something like that.

"Seriously, Rishi?!", he asked, frustrated.

"What?! It is slightly red! Looks like you tried to wipe it but it didn't fade away, huh?", Rishi smirked.

Siddharth ran a hand through his hair. He was probably reconsidering his friendship with Rishi at this moment.

I finally spoke, "Oh God, Rishi! How can you even think of something like that? He was punched by the goons!"

Rishi's smirk faded, cornern taking over his face, "He was- what?!"

Siddharth rolled his eyes as Rishi walked towards him and tilted his jaw slightly, examining his wound.

"Oops! I'm sorry, bro. You know I was just messing with you, right?", Rishi chuckled nervously.

Siddharth narrowed his eyes, "You- let me mess with you now!"

Saying this, he grabbed a nearby pillow and started hitting Rishi.

"Ow! Hey! Chill! I was just joking!", Rishi tried to stop him, but he didn't stop, so Rishi started running around the house, trying to escape.

They ran around the house like little kids, jumping over the tables, hiding behind the couch, it looked like we were watching some cartoon.

Rishi, while running, accidentally bumped into Radhika. Due to which, she lost balance and stumbled backwards.

Rishi stepped forward to help her, but before he could, Radhika was saved by Raj bhai, who was standing just a few steps away.

Raj bhai gently grabbed her shoulders from behind, steadying her. He let her go once he was sure that she had regained her balance, "Careful.", he muttered softly.

She smiled at him thankfully, nodding.

Rishi watched everything, his arms still raised from when he'd stepped forward to steady her. He lowered - or more like slumped his arms to his sides, taking a step back.

Okay. That was weird. The fictional, delulu and hopelessly romantic part of my mind screamed that Rishi felt jealous just now.

Was he?

It looked like it from his expressionless face and his body language that he was jealous.

Maybe he was. Seems like something happened.

See! That's what my problem is. Reading all those romantic novels has resulted in me digging up every small interaction between people and overthinking it.

Like just now I tagged Rishi as 'jealous'.

Or how I thought a while ago that 'Maybe Siddharth cares for me.'

But no! I was wrong! Because 'he just did what anyone else would have'!

These delulu thoughts are getting out of hand now.

Everyone was now seated peacefully, the room was quiet except for the quiet whir of the ceiling fan. Everyone was exhausted from the day's events.

We were supposed to be playing cards and then binge watching some random show all night. But the sudden turn of events has everyone in no mood of doing anything.

But a punishment is a punishment.

Aditi, Radhika, Naman and Isha di have to clean the house before everyone leaves because they'd lost the game of dumb charades.

Unwillingly, they stood up and started cleaning the house.

Meanwhile, we all sat down, scrolling through our phones. Rishi was seated at the far corner, away from Siddharth, who was sitting beside me on the couch.

Raj bhai had to leave before everyone else because he got a call from his university regarding something about his studies or some paperwork or whatever it is.

Though my ankle now feels better as I even had turmeric milk - Raj bhai made me drink it, I'll still ask someone to drop me home because I'm in no mood to walk this late.

I glanced at Siddharth, who was busy on his phone. He had treated his jaw too. He confuses me. One moment, he'll act all nice and the very next moment, he will fight with me.

I sighed inaudibly and turned my attention back to my phone, going through tomorrow's schedule and everything related to my first day at job.

Yes! The day has finally come! I'm going to start my new job from tomorrow!

This is not going to be my first time working in a company because I worked at my parents' company for 3 months before I entered college. I had several months after my 12th boards and before college, so I thought why waste it?

I asked my father if I can get some experience and he suggested that I should accompany him at the company and learn a few things.

I had to leave that job because, of course I can't work there without any proper degree just because my father is the CEO. I am against nepotism.

So, in order to get some pocket money and pass my time, I started working at that cafe.

And the rest is history.

Suddenly, Siddharth cleared his throat.

I looked at him, waiting for him to say something.

He didn't.

I raised an eyebrow.

He looked away, mumbling, "Nothing."

Huh? Why would he even grab my attention if he didn't want to say anything?

They finally completed cleaning as I saw Aditi followed by a widely grinning Naman. Radhika and Isha di were the last to enter the room as they whispered and giggled, throwing glances at Naman and Aditi. Wait, why are Naman and Aditi's clothes slightly wet?

What did I miss now?

"What is happening guys?", I asked curiously.

Radhika pouted, "We are asking Aditi and Naman to tell us about their school days! But they just won't open their mouth!"

I totally agree with this. When we became friends with Aditi and she told us about how she had a best friend named Naman and how much she misses him and all that, but she never told us any details about what all things they did back then.

We initially thought she was not ready to open up just yet, but her reason was that she would miss him even more if she started talking about him and would end up crying.

But now that he is with her, she doesn't have any excuse.

I nodded, "Yes, Aditi! You never told us anything about your school life all these years! But we won't let you go without telling us now!"

Rishi said, "Naman never told us anything too!"

Aditi rolled her eyes playfully, "Okay, okay! I will tell you guys everything, but some other day. Everyone is tired and you guys should go home too! Don't you have work tomorrow, Ruhi?"

Her trying to change the topic again made us roll our eyes.

Naman added, "We will tell you guys everything we did back then together. But for now, we should leave. It's already late."

We all agreed and decided it was time to leave. Bidding farewell with Aditi and Isha di, we exited her house.

The big question, who will drop me home?

Rishi and Naman were going on one bike, as they came on one. Radhika didn't bring her scooty because it was out of fuel and her house isn't far away from here.

Shit!

Only one option remains.

Siddharth.

I turn towards where Siddharth was about to start his bike. I gave him an awkward smile.

He sighed, nodding towards his back seat, "Sit."

My eyes lit up as I beam at him and straddle the bike. "Thank you!"

He started the engine and rode through the cold and bustling night of Mumbai.

The ride was peaceful as we both remained silent.

Soon, we reached my place. I get down from the bike and look at him with a small smile.

"Thank you. For everything!", I said, genuinely grateful.

He nodded, "You're welcome."

"And" I hesitated, "I... I didn't mean when I said that dying thing. I am sorry about that." I don't even know why I apologized, but it felt necessary.

He smirked, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Thanking and apologizing? Today might be my lucky day."

Suddenly, his expressions changed, as if he remembered something.

He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it again.

I frown, "What is it? You wanted to say something back at Aditi's house too. Just say it!"

He sighed, "How am I supposed to say this?"

"With your mouth?", I urge him to speak.

He sighed again, "See, tomorrow... If something happens, you know, that... umm... surprises you or something, you know. I just want to say that... umm..."

"Say it clearly. I can't understand, okay? What happens tomorrow? What surprise?!", I ask, impatiently.

He hesitated, "Just... Know that tomorrow something might happen that might shock you... Just, go with it, okay?"

I shake my head, "I still don't understand."

He sighed. Again. "You'll know it tomorrow. I should leave now!"

Saying this, he started his bike and rode away, leaving me completely confused.

What is going to happen tomorrow?

Is it related to my job?

Did he really talk to Avinash Verma?

God! This is so frustrating!

I went inside and freshened up. Raj bhai was in his room, busy on his laptop.

I went straight to bed, exhausted.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. My first day at work. I just hope that Avinash Verma isn't as bad as he seems.

I sigh, thinking about what Siddharth said. Why was he hesitating so much? He isn't someone who hesitates much, then why now?

What could it be?

Okay. I should stop thinking about it. Whatever it is, I will know it tomorrow.

How worse can it be?

Forget it!

In order to calm my mind, I recall everything that we did today.

Went to the temple, decorated the house, did the pooja, burst crackers, watched fireworks at Marine lines.

Pranked Siddharth. Lol! I thought he'd annoy me a lot after that prank, but he didn't react much.

That's good!

Then we went to that house, played hide and seek, Siddharth saved me from the goons.

Damn! It sounds so weird. My enemy saved me.

Speaking of which, are we really enemies?

I mean, do enemies even help each other like that?

Do enemies - Oh wait! He didn't help me! He did a favor!

I scoff.

What am I even thinking? Of course we are enemies! He'd never do anything for me if it doesn't benefit him.

Yep! Definitely my enemy.

Also, isn't he like too good in studies too?

So, he is my academic rival too!

I have to study harder in order to get better marks! I can't let him top!

Ugh! Why am I thinking about him again?

Get the hell out of my mind, Siddharth Thakkar!!!