Three updates in a row. Yay!!! That's my way of making up to you guys for not updating a whole week.

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I tried avoiding my husband in the next few days. I can't afford to lose my temper; it's not good for my baby. As much as I was dying to ask Prof. Parvathi, I didn't; thinking it's too early. I know I shared mine on the 1st day we met but I wanted to develop friendship before asking something so personal.

During my second week at the college, I finally gathered courage and strutted to her desk, sitting on the chair opposite to her, waiting for her to return from her class.

Five minutes after the lunch bell rang, she came to the staff room and frowned, seeing me at her place. It was always her who came up to my desk to talk to me.

"What's the matter?" she asked in worry.

"I wanted to talk to you about something" I said calmly and she took her seat frowning at me.

"Yeah, tell me" she said casually.

"Why do you feel worried and protective about me? We knew each other---"

"You remind me of my daughter" she said simply making me frown.

"I didn't expect that" I said shyly "So, what does she do?"

"She is no more" she replied gravely and I gasped in shock "My husband and I got her married to a guy; giving dowry of about fifty lakh rupees. We gave everything we saved up all our lives hoping she'd be happy. But, that wasn't enough for them"

She wiped the tears off her face as she added "Her husband and family wanted more money for some business he wanted to start. We told them that we didn't have any more left with us. We thought everything was fine when she stopped asking but she committed suicide after a few months unable to bear their tortures."

She clutched her handkerchief against her mouth, trying to mute her sobs of pain and I stayed silent, not knowing what to say.

"And the worst part?" she continued and my blurry vision shifted to her "She was three months pregnant when she killed herself"

"What happened to the guy?" I questioned, after a few minutes of silence.

She chuckled humorlessly "He married another woman within six months of her death"

"Wasn't he punished for everything he did?" I asked fiercely.

She shook her head "They created gossips that she was having an extra marital affair with her lover from college. They even said that the baby must have been his which was why she killed herself"

I gasped in shock hearing her. How can someone be so cruel?

"My daughter was my best friend and she never had a boyfriend. I'd have gotten her married to him if there was someone and she knew it. She will never hide something like that from me. I know her more than anyone else. But, they made her look like a slut in front of the whole society"

She was sobbing hysterically and so, I walked up to her, wrapping my arms around her. She hugged me and I closed my eyes painfully, feeling the depth of her pain.

No parent should ever endure such pain. This is too bad.

Now, I understood why she was furious that day. My life is so similar to that of her daughter's. She didn't want me to end up like her.

That minute, I promised myself that I won't. I will not end up like her daughter. I would rather drag Vinay and his family to court before accepting defeat.

****

Seeing a sudden call from Karthik made my heart leap with excitement. I hadn't spoken to him since I returned to Vizag and so I came out of the lab, taking his call. It's only two more minutes for lunch bell and so, I left the lab strutting to an empty corridor at the other end of the floor.

"How are you?" His voice brought a smile on my face; something that I forgot ever since my return.

"I am good" I said trying to sound cheerful.

"You don't need to act as if everything's fine Tul. You can tell me anything"

And so I did. I couldn't help it. I was relieved however, ranting all of my troubles to him.

He was a very good listener; as usual.

"I am happy you didn't follow Sindhu's ideas. She's crazy sometimes"

I chuckled "I know but you love her crazy self too"

He smiled "That, I do. Sometimes, I feel her craziness is what keeps my life entertaining. You know she--" He stopped himself before saying further "Actually, I think we should talk about you"

"Because a phone call isn't enough to talk about her?" I said in a teasing tone making him chuckle.

"No. Because I won't stop" He paused and I felt him smile "So, about you.."

"I can take care of myself Karthik. Don't worry about me" I said calmly.

I don't want him to be disturbed. He only got Sindhu back, a few weeks ago. He should be happy.

"If your husband is still an idiot, you can come back here. We will take care of you. Sindhu would love to see you back" he explained patiently.

As much as I know that's an easier solution, I don't want to run away from my problems. If I have to fight for my unborn child, then I will.

"No, Karthik. I need to do this. How many more days am I going to stay under your roof? Sindhu and you are really good people and I know that you guys don't mind but I can't do it"

I heard him sigh "Remember that you can come anytime. And any problem, just call me or Sindhu"

"Sure" I replied with a smile, happy that he let it go "And what about that advice of mine? Did you use it? How was---"

"Shut up" He snapped, making me chuckle. I heard him say something about 'Ravi' before he disconnected the call.

Shaking my head with silent laughter, I put my phone in my wallet and looked up to find Vinay, standing a few feet away from me, watching me with a frown.

"Who's that on the phone?" he said, seriously.

"Karthik" I replied casually.

"Your ex-boyfriend?" I nodded "You are still in touch with him?"

"Yes, I am. What's your problem?" I said irratedly, trying to walk away from him.

He caught my hand before I could pass him as he asked me in exasperation "What's my problem? You are really asking me that?"

"Yes, I am. What's your problem? He's my friend and worried about me, unlike you. He wanted to know if everything's fine with me and my baby" I replied furiously, removing my hand off his grip.

"Why does he want to know about your baby? It's not like it's his----"

I slapped him, hard on his cheek before he could say anything further "THIS-- is for accusing a person who loves his wife dearly. And THIS" I slapped his other cheek "is for your sick behavior"

"I should have done this long back. How dare you accuse me of that?" I spat, as angry tears filled my eyes. I wanted to kill him for saying that.

"I—I am s-sorry" he said rubbing his cheeks.

"Oh, you should be. You don't even know what you're talking. It was Karthik who took me to his home when you graciously threw me out of your house. In spite of having problems with his loving wife because of me, he stood by me. He tried to find me a job and it was because of his wife, I landed here. So, don't you dare speak about my friends like that! " I snapped, feeling anger that I never felt before.

He lowered his head in shame as he finally spoke "I am v-very sorry. I was furious thinking that you went back to him. I was scared that you thought I am no good for you"

"It's no doubt that you are no good for me but I would never disrupt Karthik's life again"

"Please. I am sorry. Truly"

"Get lost" I snapped at him, leaving him alone in the corridor.

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- JANAKI S