I yelled at her but she knew. She understood.
"Is it about the NEET tutor issue?
"Yeah but I already knew it's coming. He told us before leaving."
"Then you must be aware that there must be a reaction for his actions too. Don't worry. You are not the only one. Even in my domain staffs had been called."
"What about you?"
"I didn't submit any but they didn't call me."
"Your friends at the office must have helped I guess."
"I'm not sure. Nobody told anything about it. I asked why they didn't call but they said just be happy that you didn't get caught and ignore it."
"Lucky ass."
"Hehe! I guess you got more comfortable with me."
"A bit."
"So what's your plan? Are you going tomorrow?"
"Otherwise I won't get fifty percent of my salary until I provide it."
"Ok. Can I go with you?"
"It's not nearby to commute in a single day by public transport. I have to different buses to get there. Huh! I should've got my bike on the first day itself."
"Why you didn't?"
"I carried luggages so my brother dropped me on the day."
"Ok then... Do you want me to drop you to the bus station?"
"Nah. I can manage."
"When will you leave?"
"Maybe around 8 in the morning."
"Ok. Text me when you leave."
"Ok. Bye."
"Bye."
T'Nana was also moving to her native tomorrow for the same reason. She left around 5 a.m. I woke up the next day and got ready.
*Phone rings*
"Hey! Where are you?"
"In the dorm. About to leave now."
"What about me?"
"???"
"I want to see your native."
"We won't have much time to explore."
"I'm fine with that."
"Fine then"
"Yayyy! I'll be there in 15 minutes. See ya"
She reached at the gate to pick me.
We reached the bus station. She was worn out by an hour. The bus was crowded as it was peak hours. She never travelled in bus or left her hometown before. She used to go by her scooter everywhere so she felt uncomfortable. I finally found her an empty seat. She sighed of relief. I stood next to her.
I bent near to her ear and said,
"My lifestyle is quite different, and it might not align well with what you're looking for. I just want to make sure you're fully aware of what you're stepping into."
"Can't you see? I'm already learning it."
"Will see how far you can go."
"You will."
We almost reached my home by afternoon after 4 hours of travel. My mom was there unexpectedly. She scolded me for troubling Reira to come along all the way but she defended me. We got my University ID and left. She didn't eat from the morning at all. We were in a hurry because the university closing time was by 4 p.m.
We reached there around 2.30. I was nervous a bit because last time when I was here, I used to follow the university dress code and had long hair. Reira told me to relax. We met my final year lecturer. She asked who was with me. I kept quiet but Reira told she was my colleague. We wrote a letter and gave it.
After some procedures we got the certificate and returned back home, had lunch. It was almost 4.30 p.m. We left to the bus station. It was crowded because of weekend She hesitated to get into the crowd. We waited for a long time there but not much of a change in the situation. She decided to get in. Her second brother called her soon after found out that she wasn't back home yet. She did not say a word after that call. I thought she was afraid.
"How did you manage to come today?"
"Dad knows that you are important to me from that day we went to the hospital. As I said, I never done that to anyone."
*Brakes squeal*
Before I could think, she was in arms in an instant. Her weight pressed against me as she clung tightly, her fingers gripping my shirt like a lifeline. Her wide eyes met mine. My right arm went around her shoulder as a reflex to protect her.
“You okay?” I murmured.
She nodded and let herself lean into the safety of the moment. She’s too small to comfortably reach or grip the tall pole for balance. Instead, she clinged to my hand, her small fingers wrapped around mine. My hand became her anchor, steady and reassuring, ensuring she feft secure even with the jolts of the ride. It’s a quiet but powerful act of care, silently telling her, “I’ve got you.”
We reached back around 10.30 p.m which is considered as late night. She dropped me off at the dorm and rushed back to her home. I took my bags to the upstairs. Alice opened to door. I got to bed as soon as I changed my cloths.
*Phone vibrates*
I reached home safe. Brothers are not here. Dad received me and didn't ask me anything about today yet
Ok go to bed. See you tomorrow. Good night.
Good night.
The next day I provided my certificates to the admin office and got back to the class. Everything was set. I felt relieved.
I went to computer lab in the evening after my working hours to prepare questions for the upcoming exam. Reira was also there to do the same. I took the system next to hers.
"Hey!"
"Hey Hi. Finally you found the way here."
"Yeah. Haven't been here before. I prefer to use voice type on my phone instead."
"Smart work huh!"
"Yep. So what happened yesterday?"
"Second brother asked about us to dad why am I doing all this to you out of the blue."
"Oh. They start noticing your change."
"Yeah. Me too. I only realise it when others mention it."
Someone enters the lab searching for Reira.
"Reira mam. Shall we move?"
"Yes mam. Please go ahead. I'll follow you."
"Ok mam I'll wait at the parking lot."
I assumed she might be one of her friends and they both lives nearby so they'll leave together.
"Are you done here?"
"Almost."
"I'll wait for you then."
"You can go. She is waiting for you for a while now."
"Nah she will be fine."
Everyone else left one by one. We were alone.
"Done. Lets go." I turned of the system.
"Yeah."
We turned off all the light as we were the last to leave. It became dark. I was about the pull the exit door. Reira grabbed my hand to stop me.
"I want that again."
"Want what?"
"A kiss."
End of chapter
Stay tuned.
Looking forward to your comments.
So that I can know that you are actually reading.
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