Need (2)

"Can you come outside for a minute Gawri" I leaned a little and whispered. She nodded and followed me outside to my car. I gestured her to sit inside and she complied. The driver turned on the AC and offered us some refreshments.

She eyed me like seeing me for the first time. I get lost in her tired face which was relaxing slightly.

"Thanks, Miller, if you haven't helped today, I don't know what would have happened."

"Miller, I have 3000 rupees right now. I will return you the balance as soon as possible" I felt offended.

"You keep this with you" I refused her money but she insisted.

"Look Miller, I don't want to offend you, but I don't like anyone to do charity for me." She explained bluntly. She pulled out her gold earrings and put them in a handkerchief and handed me.

"Please don't say no! Just keep it Miller. Don't pity me." She requested and tears rolled down her eyes.

I signaled my driver to leave us alone. She looked scared but I didn't care. I reduced the gap between us till our faces were just inches apart.

"Gawri, don't take stress, everything will be fine." I wiped her tears.

We were lost into each other eyes. For the first time, I was looking at her closely. She had almond colored eyes which vaguely reminded me of someone. I tried many times to remember that someone but didn't succeed.

"Miller you can leave. Thanks again for everything" She retreated back and left me alone in the car.

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I opened the white hanky and picked an earring. It was a small golden loop with some different colored stones. When she was laughing, it was dancing in her ear, shining like sun but it has become dull and lifeless after parting with her.

'My heart always wants her to be always happy but why I am feeling like that for her. Am I sympathizing with her? Maybe!'

She has captivated my heart since I met her. She was different from other girls for many reasons. She had a funny name and a lot of attitude. She never gave me attention like my other female classmates. She was strong but sensitive at the same time and on top of that, she had self-respect.

Every time when she was around me, I feel peaceful and happy but today when I saw her, her face was pale and dull, her body was exhausted, and her eyes were not sparkling like last time and that was annoying me.

"Alex, where have you been after school" my dad's voice boomed behind me. I hid the earrings in my pocket.

"Dad, one of my friends needed me" I replied casually.

"You could leave a message, don't you think so" he snapped.

"Dad, I don't want to discuss anything with you" I got irritated.

"Whatever you want to say, just say and leave me alone" I snapped as I didn't want to argue with him, I was exhausted enough for the day.

"Control your anger and remember the manners, young boy." His warning infuriated me.

"I asked you because I am concerned about your safety" I eyed him. He was frustrated but concerned.

"Oh really dad, where was your concern when you left us. You remembered us after five years. I don't want to see you dad. I came here because mom insisted. PLEASE LEAVE" I was pissed off.

"Son, we can talk about it." I left the room before he could finish his sentence.