Her Betrayal His Revenge

Character Description

VINNI,My alarm went off at exactly 6:30 am. I didn’t sleep all night due to both excitement and nervousness. Exactly one month ago I got my results from the Pratt Institute,Brooklyn,New York. Although they only take a few international applicants, I got accepted.

Pratt Institute is one of the most competitive and prestigious private Universities in the United States. And it was my dream to get into this college. In normal conditions, it wouldn't be possible for me to afford to get into Pratt, because it's expensive, at least for a student from a middle class Indian family. But since I got a scholarship, which covered all of my academic fees, it wasn't a problem anymore.

Actually, I have been saving some money for the last three years from some events, part-time work and pocket money. I was able to save around sixty thousand rupees which won’t be much in US dollars but it would still help me with few expenses. Luckily, all the huge expenses from college fees to books would be taken care of through my scholarship.

My happiness knew no bounds when I came to know that I finally got into Pratt University. I have always dreamt of becoming a Fashion Designer. Staying in Mumbai, I also thought of applying here, but I couldn’t have developed myself staying here. I also wanted to explore the world. And watching all those Hollywood movies and American web series of course drove me to the city of New York.

To be honest, my family isn't doing very well. My dad is a businessman and mom is a professor at a government college.  But my dad's health deteriorated some years ago, one disease and another. And now, my dad has cancer. So, I was a little hesitant to apply to study in the US, but my parents convinced me to go for my dreams. Last year, I applied to many universities in the US. However, I didn’t anticipate that I’d get into THE PRATT INSTITUTE.

Honestly, I had never been a scholar student, in fact I never liked studying. But seeing my family’s grim condition I decided to work hard and get out of here. So, I can fend for myself and my family. And also, I had always taken interest in fashion and styling. Whatever be the occasion I would always take care of the kind of clothes and the right kind of accessories with them. I was all about fashion and that’s what drove me to work hard and get into one of the best institutes. I was happy that I got into the Brooklyn campus. It's the main campus so it’s the most crowded one but I could easily get a job there.

I am a free bird today because finally my day has arrived. Today, I will be flying off to my dreams. I will be off to New York today. My flight was scheduled at 11:40 am. It will be a 21 hours flight and I can’t wait to swiftly hop on the plane and walk into one of the best institutes of design.

Me and my parents are going to miss each other. This room, this house will be missed but nothing compares to what I am going to have next. I had already packed all my stuff, checked my passport, ticket and other documents a hundred times over. After taking a shower I got dressed in my favourite navy-blue skirt and white-tank top and a black jacket. I kept my hair straight and wore very light make-up. I decided to go as casual by pairing my look with white sneakers.

When I went downstairs my breakfast was ready and my mother was all dramatic, while my father was swelling with pride. We had our meal and left for the airport. Driving through the streets of Mumbai for the last time made me quite emotional, I was going to miss the vibe of the city but I guess not more would change as NEW YORK is even more crowded. At the airport I didn’t have to go through much trouble as my flight was on time.After bidding-adieu to my parents and Mumbai I was ready for this new chapter of my life.

VINNI MALHOTRA!!!....  The receptionist called my name for the paperwork. After landing in New York exactly after 21hours of an anxious flight, I was not at all tired, due to the excitement maybe. My heart was doing somersaults and I had butterflies in my stomach all ready to fly.

Yes, I was finally here, in New York city. God! I couldn’t believe I was standing in the city of life, the most populous city of America. I couldn’t wait to just go on a quick tour of my city of dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I would watch all the movies and shows showcasing New York, in fact my own room was adorned with all such stuff. However, after my father had to suffer losses in his business our upper-class lifestyle in Bandra was over in a New York minute. However, I am here now and I am going to start afresh.

From the airport I went to the campus to get into my hostel. I was happy with my room. It was bigger than my own in Mumbai. After we shifted from our 4 BHK villa  “Malhaar” in Bandra to a small flat in Andheri west, my queen size bedroom was transformed into a single bed compact one. Yes, it took me some time to adjust for I was habitual of living a queen size life. But I had to adapt to the new mediocre lifestyle. And to be honest it wasn’t that bad, because it taught me how to live with less and be happy with what you got, earning me an added benefit to reside in New York.

So, here I was at the Pratt Institute. Oh my god! I couldn’t put into words what I felt standing in front of the rock -solid building. It was almost as if I had Hogwarts before me. It is a 25-acre wide campus, with a variety of trees encompassing it. I was grinning widely at the thought of even standing here let alone living here. It was like a dream come true.

As I was walking to explore more of my new college, I was getting more excited. Being the Brooklyn campus, it was crowded with students all around. Everyone was in their own world minding their own business. Treading through the entrance into a grand hallway of yellow and grey walls with white and black furniture. I was ready to make this place my own.

I was waiting in the office area for my turn to get my admission formalities done. And then I was called.

“Hey, Vinnie, how are you?” Pamela asked. I knew her as I had talked to her a couple of times on call to enquire about the University.

“I am good, but quite nervous. It’s my first time in NEW YORK and I’m just trying to settle in”.

“No, problem dear, you’ll be just fine. With all the hustle bustle, it might look a little daunting but you’ll shine out. Anyways, may I have your documents, please?”

“Thanks a lot. And yeah sure. Here you go!” I handed her my file and waited for her to complete the formalities. While she was doing her work, I tried to look around and take in the surroundings. The campus is exquisite and so New York style. It instantly gives you the adrenaline rush to dive straight into some amazing work.

The academic year had already started back in January, but since my exams back in India were not over by that time, I got the permission to start my session from Summer sem. So I was totally new here, whereas almost all other students were already familiar with the campus and with each other. 

As I was walking around, I heard loud cheering coming from round the corner of the hall. I turned around and saw a group of boys coming in their basketball attire. Maybe after a match or something because everyone started clapping and cheering.

There were four boys in red boxers and white sandos. Tall built, muscular physique and stern attitude. Judging from the way the crowd became so alert, they must be important.

I was a bit taken aback by their intimidating personalities even from a distance. I was standing there like an i***t gazing at the guys, and also curious as to why people around were showing them so much respect. Like they were some powerful gang who must be feared. In my hunk watching moment I almost forgot that I was standing in the middle of the hallway, restricting their path.

As I came out of my gaze, I noticed that the guys were standing right infront of me, asking me to get the f**k away with their daunting eyes. But something inside of me was so curious I just stood there. Or maybe I was trying to be stubborn because no one can ask me to get aside like that. Everyone in the hall was eying me, astonished at my audacity or stupidity.

“Hey you? You want something?” One of the boys asked mockingly.

“Seems like you’re a new-bee.” Another of the Alpha pack spoke

 “Am! Well, I…. I… I am, yes”, I was dumbfounded, I couldn’t speak.

“Oh! Man, she is stammering now. God! You have a bad habit of getting stuck, don’t ya?, just like you're stuck in our path”. They laughed at my dumbness except the one who was standing a foot ahead of others, maybe he was their leader, I guessed. He was constantly gazing at me, with a smug grin. I don’t know but I couldn’t let this ruin my whole day. So, I summoned some of my strength and finally spoke,

“Yes, I am new here and I was just getting done with some paperwork”. I spoke

The boy who mocked me first gave out a loud chuckle, he had green eyes and an uneasy vibe to himself as if his eyes were trying to scan my mind.

“Looks like we have someone all the way from INDIA…umm, interesting, it’d be fun to dribble you since you would obviously intrude.”

“Hahaha…Kai!! You piece of…. Ha ha”, another guy said.

The guy with green eyes was Kai, who just mocked me again. I mean how dare he!!!

“Well technically you’re in my path, as I was here first, for my paper work. You can just go your own way. I wouldn’t intrude”, I said standing my ground.

“Woah! Man! Miss. India has a mouth I see. I would love to have a one-on-one match with your mouth, baby girl.” The guy who kept staring at me the whole time said this, and the other three started laughing. I was dumbstruck with this kind of offensive statement.

I was feeling weak in my knees. I had never felt so anxious around anyone.

Everyone was intently watching us debating. The guy who just spoke to me came closer to me a little, hovering me like a devil and looked me into the eye,

 “And for your information sweetie, we don’t get in your way, you clear way for us, now back the f**k off, for you don’t want us actually getting in your way”. He said every word sternly. I was very scared with his breath on my lips as he was so close but still, I couldn’t take my eyes away cause he was that…...mesmerising.

Why was I not able to say anything?

“I…I…I will”, that’s all I could say.

“Well, it’s okay to stammer in front of us, baby girl, we seem to have that kind of effect, don’t we?”. The guys chuckled and groaned behind him.

“I am not your baby girl, understand that?” I said shakingly

“Yeah, but believe me, you won’t be able to resist being one, even if I bring a finger close to your skin…...baby girl!” He said mockingly and whispered the last word in my ear seductively, caging me with his broad shoulders and tall height. All the other guys started laughing like a beast except him.

His eyes were stark black and his looks were enough to send someone straight to grave. The way he was trying to scare me was actually making my stomach flutter and my thighs were throbbing. Which was unusual.

I have never felt this way. His breath was so fresh and cool on my lips but was swift enough to send shivers to my spine.

I finally summoned some strength and spoke,

“I’d never want you anywhere near me.” I looked him in the eyes, losing my breath.

Looking at him I noticed a look of surprise, he wasn’t expecting that, but he still very calmly raised his hand and brought it near my face.

So close….

I was shocked at his sudden movement. But at the same time, I was electrified, a chill ran down my spine and my body stiffened. He didn’t even touch me while my body was reacting this way.

“Your body obviously doesn't mean that, I can have it whenever I want, but naaah! you don’t deserve my time…”

All the boys were now growling and I couldn’t contain my anger and embarrassment. I felt like crying, I have never felt so weak in my life. I tried to say something but then they just waved me off walking into me and I reluctantly stepped aside as they almost crashed into me.

I lost all my power, it was as though I was having a slight asthma attack, panting heavily I watched them walking upstairs.