Her Betrayal His Revenge

7

VINNI,

“Are you sure about this?” Erika asked, passing me her sipper. We were sitting in the volleyball playground. We came here to play after our classes. Since I came here, I haven’t really exercised or gone jogging. Back in Mumbai I used to go for a regular run. But here amidst all the settling and adjusting I hadn’t got any time. So, I decided to play volleyball that day. I was quite good at volleyball in school, but never really took it that seriously, it was just a hobby which I got because of my highschool best friend. Girls here were professional and competitive. They were gearing up for the upcoming tournaments. However, when they saw me playing, they were kind of impressed and allowed me in their practise session.

“I know it's not just a great idea. But you know I am really struggling for a good job. The bookstore thing is okay but it isn’t enough at all, and I don’t even enjoy it either. So, I was already thinking about finding something more interesting. Seeking help from him could be troublesome, but as you said they control this place, if he helps me by just referring me to some good options. Then it would help me a lot. My dad’s been suffering and I really need a proper reliable work with a good pay.” I tried to convince her even though I was suspicious as to why he would help me. It could be a prank or some sort of dirty game they would like to play. But anyways I just wanted to try my luck.

“These guys never just help you. They always want something in return. Profit is what they survive on.” She warned me and even I was not sure why did he out of the blue wanted to talk to me, in fact help me. It was strange though that his friend on one hand was downright rude and obnoxious. And on the other hand, Nate wanted to help me. Was I landing myself into trouble or maybe I was overthinking? I mean what did I do to offend them so much that they would play games with me. Whatever it was, I had to go to meet him.

“I know but that’s why you’re coming with me. That was the condition.” I said.

“Wait! What? Excuse me?” She didn’t know that she would be accompanying me too.

“Yes, you are. I wouldn’t go without you” I affirmed.

“Are you out of your mind Vinni? I mean here I am asking you not to go, and you are telling me that I have to go too. No ways I ain’t going.” She panicked. I know she would. Everyone there would behave like that.

“See, I understand your concern. And don’t worry it will just be the three of us. It’ll be fine, okay?” I assured her.

“But---?” She pressed more but I wouldn’t go without her.

“He would be meeting us in the cafeteria and if we didn’t go then he would come after us. Do you want that? Because that definitely could be dangerous.” I tried to convince her but she looked rather afraid.

“No, please no. I’ll come with you.” And finally, I won.

“Oh, thank you so much Erika. I owe you big time.” I hugged her in excitement. We went to the cafeteria. As it was day time after the classes it was totally packed and Nate wasn’t there anyways so after waiting for sometime we went to the basket ball court. I had assumed I would find him there. At first, I felt why was I even bothering, I could straight away go to my room. But I didn’t want him to barge in my room like his uncivilised friend.

“Let’s go Vinni. I am telling you nothing good will come out of meeting him.” Erika pleaded, and even I agreed because the basketball court was empty.

“Okay, let’s go. He isn’t here so.” I spoke. But just as I was about to leave, I saw Nate walking towards us from a distance. He was wearing a white shirt and dark blue pants with brown sneakers. I hadn’t noticed but he was really charming. His hair was dark brown, with an under-cut hairstyle. He had a tattoo up on his neck and another one on his forearm. The sleeves of his shirt were nicely folded up and he looked decent yet attractive.

“Hey” He said standing in front of us. Even though I was kind of taken away by him, I didn’t forget who he was and what he was capable of.

“You’re late. And couldn’t you already be present at one place where you want to meet us.” I sternly said. I know I was being rude but he had to know that it was strict business.

“I know, but that’s why I asked you for your number and I came to the cafeteria and saw you leaving. So, I followed you here.” He said. What do I say now? I looked at Erika but she was in some other world. She was looking at Nate as if he was going to eat her. And I guess she was petrified of these guys.

“Yeah, whatever. This is Erika, my friend.” I gestured towards Erika and also pinched her to bring her down to earth.

“Hey, you good?” He brought his hand to Erika. But she was not in her senses. I jerked her and she shook her hand with her.

“Hiiiii! I am... am Erika. And you? Sorry you’re Nate everyone knows.” She chuckled weirdly. Both me and Nate were confused.

“Yeah! So, you'll be ready? Let’s go then?” He asked.

“Wait? Where do you think we are going? I told you yesterday that it's just a discussion about internships. You tell me about some good ones and I’ll hunt them down on my own.” I blurted out.

“Look Erika, I am not some counsellor or a job website, whom you ask certain questions and you’ll get a compact list of top 50 internships. I wanted to help you but even you have to cooperate. I know you don’t trust me, and I don’t care either. However, the site you registered on for internships is my company. We offer internships to college students who are talented and smart and are looking for work to earn a living. We have offered such internships to thousands of students. As I realised that you came all the way from India and are new to this institute you might want to know about the site you logged into.” He enunciated. His company, now he had a company of his own too. Actually, why not? This whole city belongs to these guys. A company is not much right?

“So ‘The Maverick Creators’ is your company and you will help me with it?” I was so shocked. I mean how could it be that everywhere I was going these guys were ubiquitous.

“Yeah, and as the founder I thought to just help you out. I generally don’t individually advise people and if I do I charge a hefty amount. But last night I saw a bit of your work while I was passing by your table. And I have to say you’re really good, I mean the way you were so engrossed in working out even the minute details of the garment, really impressed me. Therefore, I thought I could just ask you to come for an interview directly. I have done this before. I have a sight for good talent and I never let go of such opportunities. So?”

Wow, I mean just wow. I thought these guys are good for nothing, just some silly rich spoiled brats. But no, he runs his own company. However, his dad surely must have helped him. ‘The Maverick Creators’ is one of the best companies that offered amazing internships and jobs. It typically hunts down young blood who have skill and talent but are unaware what to do with it. They conduct a competency test if you aren’t sure which field you could work in and provide you with the best kind of job or internship. The difference between the two basically is that, if you don’t have any experience but you can work hard with a specific talent of yours, this company provides the right kind of training too. Only condition is that you need to have a unique skill in a particular field, whether it is Arts, Commerce, Management, Science or any extra-curricular activities like singing, dancing, painting, photography,etc. While a person with a job already has experience and is ready to work on some official designations of the company. It genuinely is the best site that works for sophomore and grads students. Many of them who were aimless at one point are now doing some extra-ordinary work. I applied here when I was in Mumbai even before I got an admission here. Because it operates not only in New York but around the world developing young minds. I was really excited to work here. And now when I come across the owner himself, I don’t know how to react.

“If you are the founder of this company, then why isn't there any information about you on the website? The founder of the company’s information was shown unavailable, there isn’t any mention of you. Are you seriously f*****g with me right now?” I argued

“It’s a company policy, Vinni. If everyone knew that I am the founder of this company, half of them wouldn't join it because of my influence and half of them would come after me for recommendation. And before you ask why I disclose my identity to you, let me tell you that you would be our company’s employee and according to our company’s policy you can’t disclose these personal details. And if you did, you’d be sued for life, your career would be finished.” He elaborated.

“But how are you so sure that I will become this company’s employee? What if I don’t join?” I narrowed my eyes on him.

“You won’t do that. I have read your application; you really want an internship here. Why would you deny it when you can directly get in. This offer is a fantastic opportunity for any candidate, hunting for such high-paid internships. You get what I am saying?” He chuckled.

“So, when you have already planned everything then why pull this charade of taking me out and helping me with internships?” I enquired.

“Who do you think you are to ask so many f*****g questions?” A voice came from behind.

Oh god! Titling my head to the side I saw Black standing behind Nate, hands in pocket. He was in cargo track pants and a black sando. Unlike Nate he had more tattoos and his body was more muscular. In fact, he was taller and unfortunately hotter.

He came towards us and stood beside Nate.

“Why do you think that everyone in this world is answerable to you?” Black said contemptuously. And the reaction was mutual.

“Why do you think you are always poking your nose in between?” I taunted back.

“Just shut-up and listen to him. You should be grateful to him for offering an impeccable internship. You unthankful bitch.” He scowled at me.

“First of all mind your tongue, okay? How dare you call me a b***h? Who do you think you are, to talk to me like that? And I never asked your friend to offer me this job, he came after me faking to help me. So, stop flattering yourself, you dumbfuck.” I yelled at him.

“God why are you so sensitive? It’s so easy to instigate you. Are you that immature? Baby girl?” He scoffed.

“f**k You” I retorted gritting my teeth

“You wish darling, but look at you. Who would even touch you?” He insulted me again but I didn’t lose my cool again.

“At least you won’t and that’s the best part.” I stared right into his eyes and this time he was flared up to.

“You—” He tried coming towards me but Nate blocked him.

“Hey, hey just hang on you two, okay?” Nate held him by the chest and looked at me.

“Listen Vinni don’t mind him. He just likes to tease people. I genuinely want you to join my company, at least come for the interview.” Nate urged.

“No, not at all. It’s better that I am in no way associated with you guys. You guys just stay away from me, okay?” I said and began to leave but just then….

“You don’t get the simplest thing, right? Always a stubborn fool.” Black came near me. There was just an inch of distance between us.

“Just get the f**k away.” I stared at him wide-eyed.

“Or what? Huh!” He held me by my left shoulder, jerking me towards him. However, I was so enraged that even that didn’t budge me I kept staring at him. Maybe that’s what pricked him. I was into his face in his arms ready to burn him with my rage.