The Vampire's Revenge

15

Zaan POV

The sound of turmoil and screams interrupted my slumber. Then I slowly stood up, rubbing my eyes. “Where were you last night?” my older brother Azom scowled at me.

His yelling astonished me, and my body stiffened. “I came to the backyard to meet Kosho,” I inform him.

He snatched my hand and dragged me across the room. When I watched uncle Marco and my mother arguing, my breath caught in my throat. Meanwhile, Uncle Marco slapped me across the face, causing a stinging sensation, and bowed my head.

My mother dashed up alongside me, attempting to calm Uncle Marco. “This is what you're doing,” he said, clenching his jaw. “You went to meet Kosho's sister, and there you were caught by her mother.” I felt humiliated in front of him, and he was so angry with me that he chastised my mother as well.

“It's determined that Zaan will leave this city and his continuing studies will be done in Delhi,” he added sternly, “he will not remain here till Richard's fury is finished.”

My mother wept at his decision, but she agreed to send me away from her; it's the first time in her life that she's done so. I'm devastated, and I'm lying in my bed. After a few hours alone in the room, my mother arrived with a tray full of food.

“I would not eat, take back the food,” I muttered as I took the pillow and turned my face away from her. “It's for your goodness to attempt to comprehend us,” she murmured gently as she sat alongside me. “If you were here, it would be perilous for your life, and perhaps you would forget Kaya as well.”

“But I don't want to depart from here,” I replied, my lips curled in disappointment.

“I have made so many sacrifices for you,” she groaned softly, “please try to understand us there you go and study harder. Then we would be proud of you one day, and that girl would probably have no problem with you, but for the time being, you must leave this city for your own safety.”

My eyes became watery, so I went to the terrace for some relief. I stood in front of the memories of our late-night conversations, and each moment with her began to spin in front of my eyes. I prayed to God that I could at least speak with her once. I tried to call her the next morning, but her phone was shut off, so I contacted Ashi and asked her what had happened to Kaya. I messaged her and told her about the situation, and I urged her to go to Kaya's place and check her out at least once. My worries calmed somewhat once she agreed to go to Kaya's place and act as our primary means of communication.

As they prepared to send me to college tomorrow, Uncle Marco and my dad discussed my college options. Uncle Marco was furious, but he cared about me, so he asked me to sit in front of him to have lunch, and then he raised his eyebrows and asked, "Have you packed your things for tomorrow's departure?" I hummed while eating my lunch in silence.

“You will change your mobile number tonight,” he added, clearing his throat.

“No, I won't do that,” I said, shaking my head. “Many of my friends have my phone number.”

“First, you finish your academics, then make any friendships, and no one save family members will have your new number for a few months,” he said, his face solemn. “Can I use face time?” I asked, nodding my head. “Ok, you can use it but no contact with that girl,” he said after a moment of contemplation.

Uncle Marco had always been a guiding light for me and my family. He was like the patriarch of our clan. As a result, we must adhere to his instructions. He loves me like if I were his son, but he never shows it to us. I had a lot of respect for him, and this was the first time he was furious with me, and he smacked me. But I know he was acting in my best interests. “Eat properly, you have to struggle a lot,” he added as he offered me chicken.

“At least tell me why I'm leaving,” I muttered, gnashing my teeth.

“Because Kaya's mother contacted your mother today and warned us to stay away from her daughter or you will be killed,” he added, his eyes narrowing. "We don't want anything to happen to you, and your mother wished for you to become a civil engineer and bring honour to our family. If you do choose to continue, you will be earning reputation and bread for us. Things would deteriorate from there. It is up to thee, my son, to comprehend.”

His speech astounded me, and I agreed to travel to Delhi. Though I would never forget Kaya in my heart. I walked into my room and began packing my belongings in preparation for my departure. I stuffed the cards and wilted yellow rose she sent me during the valentine weeks into my backpack with a broken heart. Then my sight was drawn to the shirt she had given me for my birthday. These were the things that made me feel her presence, so I kissed it. I wished I could see her at least once before leaving town. My phone rang, and I received a message from Ashi. I opened the conversation and saw a letter image. I deduced that it was Kaya's message, and that she, too, was having difficulties.

Furthermore, I said, "Please inform her that I would be leaving for Delhi early tomorrow morning. My phone number will be changed, and I may or may not be able to attend. However, I would love her forever and felt bad that she was having these troubles as a result of my actions. If I ever return, I'll make an attempt to contact her. Please look after her."

Uncle Marco knocked on the door and entered my room. My body tightened as I locked my gaze on him. “Change your old sim with this new sim tonight,” he grumbled and handed me a fresh sim. I snatched the sim from his grip and replaced it with the old sim. He touched my shoulder and smiled at me. With an aching heart, I imitate his smile. My entire family arrived the next day to drop me off at the airport. I was overcome by their devotion, and each family member's eyes welled up with tears. I had the impression that they were sending me for my own safety, not to separate me from Kaya. My mother embraced me in a strong hug and sobbed uncontrollably while kissing my entire face. “Please forgive me for sending you away from us,” she begged, her voice cracking, “and make us proud when you return.” I said my goodbyes and continued on my way, leaving everything behind.