The Forbidden Touch

The Departure

The car stopped at my home. I walked inside only to realize that the doomed had already fallen. My brother and father rushed outside to get me. I was given 10 mins to get my clothes and essentials, so while I was packing I told my father and brother everything. 

"This is it, there is no need to go there. He can't do this." Irom said.

I looked at my father he was crying. I had never seen my father crying, the last time he cried was when my mom died which was 5 years back. 

"I am sorry, I am really very sorry. I can't help you or support you. I failed at my job as a father." he broke down while crying. 

"No dad, it is not your fault. You have been the best in fact I could have never had any better father than you. I just want you to take care of yourself and not worry about me it is just about one year after which I would be back here with you.No worries and you know your daughter is strong." Although I said that I was strong but I knew I was everything but strong right now. I was scared, nervous, anxious, I didn't know what was going to happen. 

I started to walk out of the house." Sister". Irom shouted back and came running towards me. 

"Don't worry I will get you out of there even if I have to kill that Apollo." 

"Just shut up Irom! I don't want you to get into any trouble during this one year. I just want you to be with him and take care of him. Please don't do anything that will cause more problems for dad." Did you get it?"

"Fine. But if you feel anything wrong come running. " Irom said. 

"Excuse me, if this family reunion is done. Shall we go? I have to keep my job." the driver scolded. 

I finally got inside the car which drove me to my doom. 

Colonel Apollo's (POV)

After sending Irene to home I went to a local bar. I was drinking heavily I don't why. So she really didn't recognize me. I can't believe this. I thought the moment she would have seen me she would have realized I am Apollo. 

I still remember the first time I had met Irene it was during the war, I was trying to run away from the opposing army but had got myself brutally hurt. I remember bleeding badly when Irene saw me first she was a little girl of 16 years, she came running towards me and gave me a cloth. After some time, she brought medicines, food, and water for me. She was my good samaritan. I remember that I decided at that time that I would one day meet her and tell her about my love. 

Since then many things changed. After the war, I was busy rebuilding the country until one day when I suddenly saw her on her way to school, she was a serf. This was the worst thing that could have ever happened to me, the person I wanted the most was from a community I hated the most. She was a betrayer. 

As I drank more I got angry more. First, she was a Serf, then a rebel rat she hurt Shane my best friend, and on top of all she didn't even remember who I was making it as if I was no one for her but just some social charity. This is it, these serfs are ungrateful people and needed to be taught a lesson. This time I will make sure that Irene remembers me for her entire life. The only way I can make sure of that is by making her remember every single day of her life and she will remember her every day when she won't be able to forget it. I won't let her forget me this time. Apollo called his driver.

"Hello, where are you? Have you picked that serf? " asked Apollo to his driver.

"Yes, Colonel. We are on our way, I would have reached earlier if it wasn't for that serf's crying and drama. I will reach the mansion as soon as possible." the driver replied.

"Okay," Apollo said cutting the call.

They are on their way to the mansion. This would be the first time I would meet her as Colonel and her master. This should be made memorable and she should remember this for the entirety of her life. This time you won't forget me Irene you will remember me from the starting to the end. I promise that.

IRENE'S POV

As we drove, I realized that I may not see my family for a very long period of time and it filled my heart up. I had no idea who would take care of my father and brother. It almost felt like I failed in life. My heart was heavy and tears started rolling down my cheeks. As I kept weeping driver got a call from Colonel Apollo to confirm our whereabouts. 

Colonel Apollo was keeping a check on me. I thought to myself probably he has got a special hating from me. Colonel Apollo was known for his hating for the serfs but I think his hating towards me would be even more personal as I hurt his brother like friend Lord Shane. He is definitely going to make my life hell. 

While this thought scared the daylights out of me. I was more scared for Rosa who was going to workshops.That place would torment her. This train of thoughts was broken when I heard someone call

"Hey you", the driver questioned while staring at me from the back mirror. 

"Yes," I said in a teared up and feeble voice. 

"Really? I thought the girl who dared to hit Lord Shane would have a rather heavy, stern voice", the driver said mockingly. " Listen, I know what you did. Truly speaking I thought they would hang you in front of the public but then I realized death would be an easy way out for ungrateful sluts like you."

I was sobbing and it took me time to register how badly he was talking about me. It fired me up I can take s**t from the master but not from this uncultured swine driver but was not in a mood to fight.

" Keep your eyes on the road, otherwise you and me we both will die". I said in a stern voice.

" Oh! so now you are going to order me you serf slut. You see I serve Colonel Apollo and he is my boss, not you. And the kind of person you are even if I throw you out of the car, nobody will care any less." the driver replied while speeding up the car.

"Okay, then do that. Stop the car and throw me. You coward chauvinistic driver. What do you think of yourself? Just because I don't want to get in an argument with you, you will say whatever you want. Let me tell you I couldn't care less about your opinions. But since you have mentioned it, I also work for Colonel Apollo, he is my master so you keep your mouth shut. And whatever I am, I am still better than you as I fought for my rights and not lick boots like you in the first instance. " 

Wow,!that was a hell of a speech. I couldn't take it anymore and had to spit it out. I looked directly into his eyes and he stared right into mine. I thought he would reply again but he didn't and started driving back. 

As we drove and left the main city behind we entered into the cantonment area where all the military officials resided. This area had a vibe of its own, much quieter, greener, lavish, and cleaner of course the officials lived here. There were mansions in line with the same archetype and nameplates at the front of mansions mentioning the name of the officials. The strong concrete buildings made me realize that if I want to get out of this and be with my family again. I also have to be as strong and sharp as this. I can't let myself be weak and emotional.

As I was analyzing suddenly the car stopped and the big gates opened to Colonel Apollo's mansion. My heart raced so fast I thought it would jump out of my body. As the car drove inside towards the mansion I realized my fate and now I couldn't turn back.