Whatever happens, happens for a reason..... Its just we realize it a bit late...
.....
"I wanna look drop-dead gorgeous today Ash!! There will be seniors too and handsome single boys ready to mingle. Who knows I might have my first kiss here at freshers!!", Arin said excitedly while curling her hair.
"Don't expect much Arin. Didn't you see your senior yesterday? Its better we do not get involved with these jerks and focus on our studies and graduation after three years.", I replied.
"Oh Ash please don't kill the mood. Why do you have to be so practical every time? If one senior is a jerk doesn't mean all would be like him. Plus I also noticed some good guys in our class too. We should have multiple options you know.", she replied.
I had kept my red birthday dress for freshers here but what happened yesterday has killed my mood for dressing up even. Its good Lilly bought a few dresses for me too. I went with a floral dress and sneakers.
"Are you kidding me?", Arin asked surprisingly looking at me. "Are you gonna wear sneakers today? I understand that you have a boyfriend and you don't want to impress anyone but at least be relevant Ash.", she added.
"I don't feel like dressing up much. I wish to be comfortable today. So that's why. You'll get used to me and my habits soon. Just don't mind me. I'm okay.", I said.
Arin sighed and gave me a look. She understood that it was meaningless to convince me because I'll not be convinced. We left for the freshers. Sarah didn't come to room since yesterday. Although she texted me the location. It seemed like someone's home and not a cafe.
"Holy Sh*t!! Is this a house, a mansion or a hotel? This is the most beautiful house I've ever seen.", Arin exclaimed.
I agreed. There was a huge lawn with tress around the corner. The sun had already set and the lights were on. The place looked magical with the lights. I could hear loud music coming from the inside. There were so many people inside I could tell because of the voices and shouting coming out from the place. We headed inside.
"Arin I don't think this is a place for us. Let's go back.", I said while holding her hands.
"Oh shut up! Everything and everyone look so cool. Come on its our freshers. Lets have fun Ash.", Arin denied my request and took me inside the main hall.
The place was distributed in various sections and group of people. There was no single party but multiple parties going on in this villa. Alcohol, cigarettes, girls with very very short dresses, boys half naked and loud music was everywhere. This was totally not my vibe. I was feeling really uncomfortable. I was anxious but Arin on the other hand looked so happy and excited like a 12 year old in Disneyland.
"Hey babies! So glad you came. Lets go to the main party dedicated to freshers.", Sarah said and took us both to the backside of the villa.
This place was something else. Where Sarah took us was the backyard. It had a huge pool, a bar on the side and a DJ was playing music. I could see some classmates there. I was just looking around when my eyes caught someone. It was HIM. Definitely not alone and MAKING OUT.
The sight of him with someone broke something in my heart. I felt sad. Although I didn't want to because of what he did to me yesterday but still for some reason I felt bad. I quickly turned around. I just don't want him to see me even.
"Enjoy babies. This is all for you. Make today the best day of your lives. But first let me introduce you to the owner of this place and my best friend.", Sarah said excitedly.
"Thankyou Sarah for inviting us. I love you.", Arin said happily.
We started moving towards them. I feared he might see me. They were still doing their thing when Sarah stopped just in front of them. Sh*t! Please don't tell me that this jerk is your best friend and the owner of this villa.
"Ahemm Ahemm, Excuse me guys!", Sarah said.
My heart stopped when he looked at me. What I feared today was happening. I didn't want to see him but I did. And now he's my roommates best friend like why is everything just going against my wish here at Princeton.
His eyes were sharp as usual and he looked a bit drunk. When I shifted my eyes from him I saw the girl he was kissing. She was the same girl who I saw at the cafe with him back home. She gave me a mean look like I disturbed their making out session. She was just in a two piece dress, hair dyed red and smokey eyes makeup. Exactly the type this jerk likes I guess.
"I want you guys to meet my new roomies, Ash and Arin! Aren't these girls cute. They remind me of my freshman year.", Sarah introduced us.
"Hey girlies! Nice to meet ya!", the mean girl said forcefully.
"Roomies this is Laila my friend and classmate and this is my best friend Chris. This beautiful villa belongs to him.", Sarah said.
All these jerks are rich and spoiled.
"Hmmmm..I see. Good to see you both. Enjoy this party. And now if you'll excuse us and let us finish what we were doing.", Chris said with a wink.
This shameless guy. He didn't even talk properly or looked at us. So impatient to get back to doing that thing with that mean girl. Good for you. I also didn't want to talk to him either.
Both of them left together. Sarah went to the pool with her gf and me and Arin were just standing. I was trying to process everything that was going on there.
"Hey you guys! A great party, huh!", Josh came to us.
"Finally we have someone other than the two of us. Yea a great party. You were true yesterday when you said we would see things which we didn't earlier. I have never been to such a party.", Arin replied.
"This is Chris's private villa. He usually conducts all his parties here.", Josh added.
"How do you know so much about Chris?", I finally asked the question I wanted to ask since yesterday.
"We are related. His father and my mother are dating each other since last two years and will marry soon.", he said in a low tone.
"Why are you sad with this?", I asked.
"Because Chris hates all of us. Specially his dad. And that's why he's mean to me. Although he does not do anything bad but his behavior tells.", he said.
This is one complicated guy. Chris. And he looks like one. I don't know what's his history with his dad but him hating on his father might have a reason.
Excuse me!! Miss Ashtine! Are you now defending your enemy? The one who insulted you yesterday in front of the whole class. I came back to my senses and went to grab a drink.
Me, Arin and Josh were at the bar now.
"An orange juice please.", I asked.
"We both will have a virgin Mohito.", Arin told the bartender.
We were talking and enjoying our drink. Atleast that stupid jerk was not in my sight now. I was relaxed.
"Ash lets dance!", Arin asked me grabbing my hand.
I hesitated and replied, "Oh please no! I'm not good at dancing and doesn't want to make a fool out of myself here."
"I'll go with you!", said Josh.
"Ash will you be fine here alone?", Arin asked.
"Don't worry about me. I'm good here and you are not going to Mars. You are just on the other side of the pool.", I assured Arin.
"Oh you're the best Ash!", Arin replied and both of them left.
One unread message
Paul: Hey! Where are you? Call me when free.
I did not tell Paul about the freshers. He would not be happy about me going to parties organised by seniors. I didn't want him to worry about me.
Me: I'm just studying. Will call you later.
I lied to him again.
I was busy with my juice and replying to Paul when suddenly two guys approached me.
"Hey love! Why are you here all alone? Let us give you some company.", the first guy said.
"No. I'm fine, thankyou", I replied and stood up.
The other guy held my hand and tried to stop me. "Hey hey where are you going Miss? I promise we will not bore you. You'll have the best night of your life.", he said.
I got scared. I tried to free my hand from his grip but he held it so tight. I was fearful. I knew what their intentions were. And I couldn't see Arin, Sarah or Josh anywhere. I was completely alone.
"Please leave my hand. I'm not interested.", I said firmly gathering all my courage.
"We are so interested but. Come on! Let's go love.", the other guy said.
I was being dragged by both of them forcefully. I was crying badly asking for help when suddenly I heard someone coming from behind and SMASH!!! It was Chris. He punched the guy who was holding my hand.
He held my hand and took me behind him as if guarding me from those jerks. I was still crying. The other guy came and tried to punch Chris when he grabbed a bottle of beer and smashed it on his head. I closed my eyes in fear. I was scared.
Suddenly everyone gathered around us. Arin, Josh and Sarah came running from the other side.
"You jerk!! How dare you hold her hand?", shouted Chris angrily.
I hadn't seen him like this before.
The two guys were lying on the floor unconscious. Chris still was holding my hand and his eyes looked furious. He turned to me and asked, " Are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere? No need to cry. I'm here with you." And He suddenly hugged me.
Everything stopped around me. I couldn't control and started crying in his arms. There was a sense of comfort in his embrace. I knew I was safe there with him. He kept rubbing my hair and calming me down. His perfume smelled so good and I got lost in his warmth.
Just when I got back to my senses, I immediately let go of him and took a few steps back. He was still there looking at me with worried eyes. Before I could do anything I heard him declaring something to everyone: "I don't want to see these two jerks at any of my parties now. Never mess with me or my people!"
My people as in me? I asked myself. Since when am I his people?
My eyes were fixated on him when I suddenly saw blood dripping down his hands.
He looked as if he didn't care that he was bleeding. He came forward towards me again, his eyes focused on mine and then said, "I will not let anyone touch you again!".