I snapped, cutting through the tension like a blade.
“You can keep saying that again and again, its not going to change the truth and I am going back to India tomorrow. You will never see me again. And you better stay the hell out of my life, Damon Knight.”
He just smirked, then turned, his figure silhouetted against the ambient light, and began to walk away, a nonchalant swagger in his gait. I didn’t want to provoke him anymore, but the ruby ring, heavy on my finger, felt like a burning brand, a symbol of his unwanted claim. I had to return it. I had to break free from this unsettling connection, from this dangerous game he was clearly playing.
Gathering every shred of composure I had left, I called out, my voice surprisingly steady.
“Wait!” I began to walk towards him, determined.
“
