"Ok class, that's all for today, have a good day!" Sweta ma'am declared as the bell rang indicating the time of the class was over.

I shoved the books inside the bag in a hurry while my eyes roamed over the classroom, searching for Neel.

Neel Agarwal.

My best friend.

We have been friends for three years. Three years ago he transferred here, "The Purple Valley High Secondary School ", where I studied.

We became friends after one day I helped him with the notes needed for the upcoming test. Then gradually we started to sit together in class, at the canteen. We started to hang out, even though it was almost impossible for my strict parents.

It's not like I didn't have friends before him, but I refrained from getting too close to them cause...I don't know...my gut feeling always screamed to me to not do that, I guess?

Anyway, right now I needed him.

Like I very needed him.

I didn't have anyone else to share this with. And if I only keep this to myself any longer, I am afraid I would die in terror. I contemplated enough.

There he is! At the exit, in the crowd. His tall figure and silky brown hair made him stand out. I zipped my bag and rushed towards him, throwing the bag over my shoulder on the way.

" Neel, wait ! '

His steps halted as he looked over his shoulder. I stopped once I stood in front of him. My breathing is uneven.

" Hey.. "

" are you going to the canteen? "

" isn't where everyone suppose to go to eat at a school on lunch break? "

Oh boy.

He was in his cranky mood phase again. Lately, he had been a little distant, he talked less and would reply with annoying remarks, it's something he would do when he is bothered by a certain thought.

I tried to ask him what was wrong, and he just replied with two words "Family issues".So, I did not press him further knowing he didn't want to talk about it.

" yeah, but can we go a little after?.... Please? "

The place between his eyebrows squeezed, "Why? " he asked.

"There is something I need to talk to you " I replied, desperation noticeable in my voice.

A sigh left his mouth, " can we eat first, please? I am very hungry "

" Please Neel, it will take five minutes only. It has been bothering me for a couple of days, I can't keep it to myself any longer "

" Okay then, we can talk about it while eating, "

" No! I can't tell you this with people around! It is serious. "

" And I know what is the definition of the last word in your dictionary. You can whine about your parents as much as you want but let me eat first. "

" what do you mean by whining Neel? Do you think I overreact over small things? I am not a kid, Neel! "

" For god's sake, Neh! You may not be a kid but sometimes you behave like one! Everyone has their own life and own problems to deal with! I have my problems too okay!? So please kindly try to handle your problems by yourself sometimes! "

His certain outburst caught me off-guard. Thankfully, there was no one in the hallway. I felt a pang in my chest. Tears welled up in my eyes but I blinked them away as I looked up at him.

I saw Regret glinting through his eyes, " I - I am sorry,"

His palm ran over his face as he inhaled a deep breath before breathing it out and continuing-

"my mind is messed up right now. I didn't mean that... I am sorry. Just...just give me some time alone. I want to be alone for a while"

Being said that he fled.

I skipped lunch and spent the lunch break alone in the classroom mourning over the argument happened just before a while between me and Neel.

I lost the mood of attending the not-so-interesting lessons so I ditched them and grabbed the most deserted corner in the library and waited until the school broke up.

I made my way toward the school gate. So stupid of me to expect Neel to wait there for me as he always used to do. Of course, he was upset and he said that he wanted to be alone. My shoulders slouched down.

The sun was going down when the bus arrived. I hesitantly got down from the bus. I wished the bus never stopped.

With every step forward my breathing got unstable. The scariest place to cross was the dark, abandoned alley.

The half-broken street light, going on and off then on and again off was the only source of light. The chilly wind passing by made a 'shoo' sound.

I wrapped the coat tighter around me as I shivered. With every step forward my stomach churned. A shadow appeared beneath the street light and my steps halted.

A shiver ran down my spine. I stepped backward with trembling legs as I saw it approaching me.

Run!

Run!

Run!!

My brain screamed but my body didn't co-operate. By the time I gathered myself and hurled around to run it was too late. I was pulled back. My back slammed against the wall and a **** left my mouth.

" where where where ?.... Where do you think you are running, little rabbit? Huh?"

he whispered in my ear. I felt like someone just poured a pail of ice on me.

Oh no no,

No......no way!!

The voice, I remembered it, too well. No way I could ever forget that voice. My knees were on the edge of giving up as I gasped for air.

I struggled under his grip. I tried pushing him but he was stronger than me.

" let me go..."

It came out like a whisper.

" is little rabbit scared? "

Not again! Not again! Not again !!

I struggled to free myself. The lack of air made it difficult for breathing, my lungs were not earning enough air. He abruptly grabbed my jaw harshly, forcing me to look up.

" don't ignore me, little rabbit. I don't like it when you ignore me. It's been long since I've seen your pretty face. "

The voice, I remembered it, too well. No way I could ever forget this voice. My knees were on the edge of giving up as I gasped for air.

I struggled under his grip. I tried pushing him but he was stronger than me.

"Let me go...",

It came out like a whisper.

"Is the little rabbit scared? "

I struggled to free myself. The lack of air made it difficult to breathe, my lungs were not earning enough breeze. He abruptly grabbed my jaw harshly, forcing me to look up.

"Don't ignore me, little rabbit. I don't like it when you ignore me. It's been a long time since I've seen your pretty face. "

His face inched closer to mine. A cold hand crawled up to my thigh. "Oh God! Little rabbit....you smell so addictive," his hungry lips brushed over my ear as I shuddered. My stomach churned in disdain.

" Help! Som-mmph" a hand clamped my mouth, stopping me from reaching out to people.

No no... no no no!! This can't happen, think, think of something!

The hand kept going up and up. He stopped me from shifting away from his filthy touch, thrusting his knee between my legs.

Is this it? Is this how I will be used to please male hunger and then throw away like those victims? Perhaps, he will kill me after that. It will be better that way. I don't want to live the life of a victim.

No one is going to come. No one is going to save me. My helpless self is going to watch herself being destroyed and won't be able to do anything.

My scream was muffled when his hand went behind the garment, touching me where no one was allowed. I cried, and tears flowed down but they don't have any value to the monsters.

I kept saying stop!... Stop it!... Please don't but all it could be heard as a muffle. Then suddenly I don't know how...and what came to my mind that I dunked my teeth on the flesh of his palm.

He jumped away from me, holding his palm and groaning. I could breathe again. It was foolish of me not to run the exact moment I got out of his hold.

When he looked up with those dark eyes, mine widened in terror. " You bit-" I pushed him, with all my energy before he could step further toward me and kicked between his legs.

I cringed so hard at his groans. I swear I know he deserved that but...Yeah, I never kicked anyone, not in that part. So, it was difficult for me.

Then I ran. jelly-like legs, drenched in sweat, heart drumming against the chest.... but I ran until my legs gave up, and I fell.

My heavy breathing was the only thing that could be heard besides the crickets. I stayed like that for a while and focused on my breathing. I felt sleepy,...very much.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a room, lying on the bed and covered with a blanket. The view from the window felt familiar. The wardrobe, the study table...I have glimpsed it before.

I tugged myself up to sit and immediately grabbed my throbbing temples. A few groans left my lips. Squinting, I opened my eyes again and took a better look around.

The throbbing intensified, making it impossible to even process where I was and why this room felt familiar. The unbearable pain in my temples forced me to shut my eyes and lean against the headboard.

One deep breath, two deep breaths, and three. I opened my eyes again and it fell on the watch hanging on the wall in front of me.

I froze.....

I am dead.

It was past eight at night and I wasn't in the house. I could imagine what was waiting for me the moment I knocked at the door.

All of the moisture disappeared in a beat from my throat. I have to leave right now!

"I-i have to leave..." I began to panic "I have to leave right now!" I whispered and yelled between my uneven breaths as I got up and flew out of the room, stumbling on my way a few times. My fingertips still pressed tight on the throbbing veins of my temples.

" Woah woah careful " When I looked up, it was Neel. Worry painted on his countenance. "When did you wake up? How are you feeling? Are you feeling nauseous? Is your head hurt- "

I peeled his hands from my arms which saved me moments ago from kissing the ground "I am fine but right now, I need to go, We will talk later, okay? "

I was about to walk past him when he pulled me back to where I was standing before. Frowning, he asked "Need to go where? I am not letting you go anywhere alone in this condition. "

" It's freaking night! I need to be at home as soon as possible, otherwise, there will be a huge problem."

"But you're not okay! "

" I am fine! Trust me, I will be fine. I have to go, please..."

He breathed out, " fine! Let me drop you then. "

"Okay." I agreed without a second thought. I was already late and I didn't want to waste any more time arguing with him. I was scared to go alone, What if ....he found me again? This time I might not be lucky enough to escape.

Several questions were building up inside me but, at that moment, I chose to not let them tempt me. My priority was to get home as soon as I could. I didn't want to let any other obstacles distract me.

When we were about to twist the doorknob, a voice from behind made us halt. I mentally cursed at my poor luck.

"Where are you going without telling kids? "