Alexander-

The Indian woman stomped away.

"Remind me once again why are we even in this country?" I said, as our driver started the engine.

I know I was the one who started the whole thing but she wasn't supposed to understand. I mean, many Indians didn't understand English, women being part of them. But I think... no, I'm sure, I was wrong.

As I played the incident again and again in my mind, I felt more and more humiliated. She called us filthy. She had no right to talk back at me. I am a British man and she is an Indian woman. She isn't allowed to talk back. That Indian woman! If I ever come across her, then she will definitely pay for today's insult.

We had reached India today in the morning, after a very long journey. I was hoping it would be fine and relaxing here in India, but I was so wrong.

"Well we are here because our fathers want us to be with them." Matthew said, as a matter of fact.

"I know!" I hissed. I shut my eyes tightly, in order to wipe away any sort of lingering anger I felt. It didn't help that the woman's fac flashed in front of my eyes. I opened my eyes quickly, not wanting to be reminded of the reason for my anger.

♠♠♠

We were on our way to my father's office. When we reached there, an Indian guard came and opened doors for us. We were getting much respect here and it was a moment I wanted to relish.

"Alex, are you coming?" Jordan asked me. He was already on the stairs to my father's office.

"Yes, coming." I answered, as I got out of the car and walked towards the stairs.

We climbed the stairs and made our way to the office. As I was walking in the hallway, I realized that all the guards were bowing towards us. I smirked a little bit to myself and then nodded to them.

When we reached the office, I saw my father seated with Jordan's and Matthew's fathers. The office was, to say the least, lavish. Paintings of previous officers were hung at the walls; a huge chandelier was hanging from the ceiling. The floor was made with some shiny marble and my father's work-table was a large mahogany table. The chairs surrounding the table were royally-styled. I was impressed.

"Come son, I've been waiting to talk to you." My father said as he gestured to the seats in front of him. The last time I had seen the man was an year ago in London. And this was how he welcomed me. There weren't any hugs, there wasn't even a nod of acknowledgement... He just wanted to get straight to the point.

I sighed, feeling a familiar wave of disappointment wash over me. I sat down with my friends in the seats. I looked at my father expectantly.

"Right. So, sons..." my father said, nodding to the three of us, "...we have decided that you three will enroll in college here in India. You must have heard of University of Calcutta? You will be joining it. You don't need to give any exam, as you've already been enrolled in the school." I scoffed, but didn't say anything.

Of course... my day had to go from bad to worse.

I was not a great fan of my father. He was a selfish man and did things that pleased him. He didn't care about my ambitions and dream. He was making me do what he wanted. Unlike Jordan and Matthew, I was not into business or joining services.

I was rich. I enjoyed everything a person aspires for. But one thing which was not in my hand was choosing my profession.

But who cared here?

Let me tell, no one.

♠♠♠

After a small conversation we left.

Jordan and Matthew looked satisfied about going to college without giving the exam. I didn't care about any of that. I know I am good in studies, so even if we had to give the exam, I would pass it with great ease.

University of Calcutta was one of the top most universities in the world. I didn't understand the point of making us join university which was part Indian. But we would be joining it on Monday. We had two days in total to discover this city.

As if reading my thoughts, Jordan said, "Let's take a walk to the local market. It's not far from here. Besides, we only have two days to enjoy." We knew about the local market here because earlier a helper told us about the city, the important markets and the attractions.

I was told that this market belonged to the Indian part of the population, but I didn't say anything to my friends. I myself wanted to have a look at the people and their culture.

Irony. I thought, but quickly shook my head.

I and Matthew agreed with him on his proposition. Today had been a hectic day, and I needed to relax myself a bit. Walks always relaxed me.

As we walked to the market, we saw that it was mainly filled with Indians, which proved my previous theory. Some gawked at us openly, and if caught, they would look away. Wherever we went, the path was cleared for us. I think they weren't used to Englishmen walking freely and unguarded around the market. Nevertheless, I liked this special treatment.

As I was watching the shops of spices, jewellery etc, I caught site of a familiar looking woman.

It was her.

She hadn't caught a sight of us yet as she was busy bargaining with the vegetable seller. I felt a rush of thrill in me.

I was about to tell this to my friends when I saw that they had the same expression as mine, which meant that they had seen her.

Matthew kept a hand on my shoulder and said, "Don't." I jerked his hand away and gave him a smirk. I wasn't going to stop. To be true, this was part of my nature. I would do anything to end the things I've started.

Matthew was my opposite. He was the "good guy". He was polite to others, respected them and did everything a true gentleman did. Jordan was somewhat between me and Matthew. He sometimes helped me to do my dirty work, but sometimes even he would back down.

Anyway, it's time for some pay-back. I think of what I would say to her... maybe mock or insult her?

No, I'll just go with what I did earlier.

I walked towards where she was standing and said, "Hey look...who we found! The filthy creature."

The woman gasped, but within seconds, her surprise changed into a look of disgust.

We had caught the attention of most of the people. They turned to look towards our way and a sudden silence stretched in the market. Matthew and Jordan silently came and stood behind me.

"Filthy creature? If I am a filthy creature, then how are you able to talk to me, unless you are one too." she said, without even thinking for a second about what she was going to say next. I heard Matthew and Jordan gasp.

I sucked in a deep breath. Can't she just act like a normal person and start sobbing and begging for forgiveness fro her bluntness before?

"You are not allowed to talk to me, a British-" I pointed to myself, "- like that woman!" I shouted at her, my inner emotions hardly hidden from sight.

The woman visibly flinched and a different kind of emotion flashed in her eyes. Before I could make out what it was, it was gone.

We were now gathering a crowd. Everyone around us had looks of curiosity, surprise and...amusement?

"I am not allowed to talk to you like that, then why you are even bothering to talk to me?" she hissed at me.

"Watch your tone." I snarled. This was getting out of hand. She was insulting me in front of everyone!

"I won't. What will you be able to do?" she challenged.

Deep breaths. Calm. Keep your cool.

"What will I be able to do? Ask me what I will not be able to do!"

"What do you think you are?!" she screamed. She had now dropped her vegetable bag and looked frustrated to the core. The people around us looked at the woman as if she was the epitome of something heavenly they hadn't seen before.

She wasn't shutting up. The people were whispering and some were even commenting on this crazy fight. My blood boiled when I heard a group of children laughing.

I clenched my fists and let out a huge sigh. This really had to stop.

"I am a British and I am above you!" I shouted at her, putting emphasis on each word. I was enraged to the point where staying calm was just out of the picture.

And then she slapped me.

She slapped me.

♠♠♠

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