Anvi

******

"Oh come on, Anvi. I know you very well and don't forget that I am your best friend."

"I know Ms. Sara Ahmed."

"If you know then tell me what's bothering you. It's written all over your face that you are not fine."

Sara had been pestering me with her questions but I didn't want to tell her what happened. I will tell her after all she is my best friend but not now when I am not sure if I have completely got rid of the journal or not.

"You again zoned out. See if you will not tell me then I will ask your Mom."

No, that's not happening. Mom will surely get to know about the journal and what if something happens to her. So, I decided to lie as I knew my best friend won't stop till she gets an answer.

"Vidya got into an accident."

"Vidya, your cousin Vidya?"

"yes."

"How? When?" I told her everything and she got sad too.

"There's nothing more to it, right?" she was still suspicious.

"No miss CBI agent," I replied rolling my eyes at her.

I went to meet Vidya right after school and Maasi had already come in the morning. She was about to take Vidya with her and I was not happy with the fact.

"Don't worry, di. I will come soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise," she said and hugged me. I went home in the evening.

I was going to my room when I heard Aunty, "Anvi, the books you ordered had come. I have kept it in your room."

"Thanks, Aunty."

"Welcome, sweetie." I was hell tired so I decided to take a nap. Changing my school dress I slept for an hour. I woke up to the shrill sound of something.

As I opened my eyes I saw Arpit standing with an alarm clock in his hand.

"What the hell Arpit? You never let me sleep."

"Sorry, di. Your sleeping time is wrong."

"Yeah, exactly," I replied sarcastically.

"I came here for the books."

"Arpit the books are on the table itself."

"I know but you know I don't like touching other's stuff without their permission."

"And you like to disturb people in sleep?" I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

Rubbing the nape of his neck he said, "Sorry, but please give me my books fast. I have to read them."

"Ok, ok," I said and got up from the bed to open the package. Arpit and I are fond of novels, and while he loves to read horror, I am a mystery-thriller fan.

I was unwrapping the parcel when Aunty called him and he went to her not before telling me to keep his books in his room. The books were 5 while I remembered ordering 4.

I thought to check which extra book I have received only to be horrified at the revelation, The Red Journal. I thought I was hallucinating. I picked up the red book and stood in front of the mirror. It was not my hallucination, it was real just like me.

How did this happen? I checked the book inside and the contents were the same except it had a new note too.

'You broke rule no.1 that said Don't back out. Be ready for your next punishment.'

I was afraid and tears started to come out of my eyes at its own accord.

"Di." I heard Arpit and wiped my tears quickly. After hiding the journal I took his books and went out. I found him on the way only and handed him the books. I was about to go back to my room when Arpit stopped me.

"Di, were you crying?"

"What? No. Why would I cry?"

"You are fine, right?"

"Of course I am."

"Don't worry Di. Vidya will be fine," he said smiling.

"I know." Replying I went back to my room. I should have never accepted the challenge.

Now, what should I do? Wait for the punishment? No, I can't let anyone hurt my loved ones.

I need to be extra attentive around those whom I love.

The next two days were troublesome for me as I didn't sleep well. Whenever I used to hear any sound at night, I use to wake up and check out if every family member of mine is fine.

I have been bottling up my emotion and felt helpless because I couldn't even share it with anyone.

******

Two Days Later

******

I got ready for Sudhir Uncle's party even though I didn't want to. I wore white jeans and a black tee pairing up with my not-so-high heels. I was not yet punished and was scared something might happen to anyone and it won't be easy for me to keep a check on everyone at the party. I had checked the diary before going to the party and it had a new riddle,

"Be a brat,

And let the mouse sneak away from the cat."

The date for this riddle was 27 August which was today.

Mom, Arpit, Grandpa, and Grandma went in another car, while me, Uncle, Aunty, and Bhaiya were in another.

Uncle was teasing Aunty about the amount of time she took to get ready and even Bhaiya had joined Uncle and I was just lost in my thoughts.

"Anvi" Aunty called me.

"Hmmm," I replied but didn't remove my gaze which was fixed outside the window.

"Are you fine?"

Her question caught me off guard and I looked at her.

I lied, "Yes, Aunty."

"You seemed tired and tense. Did something happen?"

"No, I was worried about a test which is on Monday," I said and started looking out of the window. I knew she might not be convinced as I was never the one to get worried about the test but that was the only excuse I could think of at that time.

Soon we reached the venue and very reluctantly I got out of the car. Mom and everyone had reached a few minutes earlier than us. I greeted Sudhir Uncle and his wife Anita Aunty and was glad that Ahana was not there.

I was standing near the drinks section and asked for an orange juice and then all of a sudden

I heard the most annoying voice,

"You are still a kid, asking for juice when you can have something interesting than that." Ahana came with a beer in her hand and my eyes widened.

"Why are you looking at me like that? It's just beer. Here try this." she said and held a can of it near my mouth.

"I don't want it," I said and was about to go from there but she held my hand.

"I didn't tell you to move."

"And I don't need your permission."

"Oh come on, it's my party and you do need my permission," she said bitterly tightening her grip.

I winced in pain and asked her to leave my hand but she didn't.

"Why do you hate me?" I asked.

"I don't hate you. But I don't even like you."

"Ahana, leave my hand," I said a bit loudly.

"What's going on here?"Mom came towards us and Ahana left my hand instantly. Before I could reply anything Ahana said, "Nothing Aunty, Anvi mistook this can of beer as an energy drink and I was stopping her. Mom glared at me and I was in shock that how could someone lie so effortlessly.

"Mom, I didn't. I swear."

"It's not her fault Aunty. Don't scold her." I guess she should be awarded an Oscar for her act.

"Yes, beta." Mom smiled at her and she went away winking at me.

"Anvi, what's all this?"

"Mom she was lying."

"Enough of your drama. Stay by my side all the party, you understood." Nodding I followed her as I knew my explanation will land on deaf ears. I was already troubled and now this.

I controlled my emotions for a while but when I realized I won't be able to do that longer I excused myself, went into the washroom, and cried my heart out.

I was in trouble but no one seemed to care what's going on in my life. Sometimes I envy Ahana. She has everything and is living her life the way she wants.

After composing myself I was about to back to Mom when I saw Shivam Uncle smoking. Uncle used to be a chain smoker at once, but Aunty's and Dad's relentless efforts had changed him. I didn't know that he had again picked up his old habit. The doctor has restricted him and said it might lead to lung cancer if he starts smoking again.

I was about to go towards Uncle and confront him but then saw Aunty coming towards me. If she sees Uncle smoking then things can get worse.

"Anvi, have you seen your uncle?" she queried.

What should I answer? I was thinking when it struck my mind, that riddle,

'Be a brat and let the mouse sneak away from the cat.'

It means Aunty and Uncle. Oh no, what should I do? If I don't tell her then it will not be good for my uncle and if I will tell her then someone will be punished.

What should I do? Should Be A Brat now?