Episode 7

~~~Past Wind~~~

"Kayish enough!!" I cried loudly but he didn't stop punching the guy hard on his stomach. I tried to stop him but he shoved me away and continued his attack on the guy over and over again.

"Leave it Kayish, Please!! He’s not worth it." I begged him to let that poor guy go and sunk to the floor feeling defeated when I figured that he is not going to listen to me. Finally, he met my eyes and his features soften a bit. He let the poor guy go and walked over me. He kneeled beside me and the angry gaze he had on his face replaced with the pure worry.

"You okay?" He asked while cupping my cheeks in his hands. I managed a nod but flinched slightly when his finger barely brushed my lips. In an instant, his features changed and he tried really hard to control it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them with hurt and worry look direct to me.

"Come with me.” He took my hands within his and helped me to stand.

“Wh..Where?” I asked him with my trembling voice.

“Let’s go to the hospital. I need to make sure you’re okay." He grabbed my wrist and guided me to follow him and I hesitantly followed his long step towards the parking lot.

"No Kayish, I am fine. Really... I don't need to go...”

"No argument, Riya!" He harshly cut my attempt of declining his offer; His voice was hard and his angry face covering his feature said to me that there’s no room for any argument. With the defeated sigh, I climbed in his car.

I know at this moment he’s mad at me. He warned me about this several times, asking me nicely to stay away from Jason Khahir but I didn't take his words seriously as I always thought Kayish only didn’t want me to have another guy friend beside him, and I find it amusing when he warned me about my friendship with another boy.

How wrong I was. He said those words just to protect me but it took me this century to understand his scrutiny.

Today Jason asked me to hang out and I gladly accepted the invitation. We were at a bar near the campus as he suggested, and just having some drinks and snacks. But after moments passed, he started to get his dirty way towards me. His hands get all over me in pervert way, and I was getting uncomfortable with his touch. I tried to shove his hands several times, and he always gets another excuse and attempted to touch me in any way.

In the end, I felt really uncomfortable with his way of treating me and told him I need to go. Instead of letting me go, he tried to grab my ass and I slapped him hard before heading to the exit door and started to walk on the street.

Before I understand what’s happening around me, a hand grabbed my shoulder and shoved me against the wall harshly, this made me caught off guard and when I directed my gaze towards the source, I flinched. It was Jason who now, trying his hardest to kiss me.

I bit his lip as hard as I could but it seems my defence to bite him only drove him to be angrier than he already was. He raised his hand and slapped me hard like a rumble of heavy thunder. I let out a scream and cried out when I fell on the floor and my face contacted with a hard metal.

I have no energy left in me to defend myself, so like any other weak girl, I let myself sobbing. I was afraid of his bloodshot eyes which looked fierce, and he was way too strong for my strength, and every attempt to run away from him at this moment will be useless.

As if he understood I was unable to defend myself, he took this as his cue and grabbed my shoulder roughly. When he was about to drag me for God's know where someone threw a punch on his face and he fell on the floor with a heavy thud.

I looked towards the Angel who gave Jason a punch and when I was ready to say my gratitude for saving me, I froze when I met an angry Kayish. In a blink of an eye, he charged towards Jason and threw another punch over his body again and again, almost if he tried to send Jason’s life to hell.

Despite my relief that Kayish showed up, I feel guilt in my guts for not taking his words seriously before and now I got my punishment.

After Dylan's encounter, we became good friends, but I never really think that he would care for me this deep until today. I thought I was just another friend to him, but today his anger showed me he has a special place for me in his life and he cares for me a lot which I failed to notice earlier.

"Kayish." I called his name in a whisper but he only focused on his drive didn't bother to glance at my side. As I understood this situation is 100% my fault, somehow, I knew it's my responsibility to make him feel better.

"Say something please." I pleaded when I only met another silent treatment from him. It hurts, more hurts than he shouts at me or gets a slap from Jason. And at this moment tears were pooled down through my cheeks when I realize he will not answer me or try to talk to me.

He stopped his car after a while and climbed out without saying any words and opened the door for me. I silently hopped out of his car and realized he had parked his car in front of his apartment; well it's not the hospital then. But at this moment, I don’t dare to give him another comment or questioning his action.

We arrived in his apartment and he told me to wait in the living room before he suddenly disappeared in one of the rooms that I assume is his room. His apartment is big enough, but it's too quiet here.

He is living alone in his apartment as he told me he never interested to share his room with anyone. He said he would like to have some privacy. But I thought he never shares whatever is rightfully his.

I snapped out of my surroundings when I saw Kayish coming to the living room; his hand held a first aid kit. Without other words, he just sat on my right side and tried to clean my brushed lips. I struggled to hold back my groan but flinched lightly when he applied some iodine.

We stayed silent for a moment and the air getting heavy for me.

“I’m sorry...” I mumbled in an attempt to make him talk to me. But he remained his silent treatment, and it hurt me more to witnessing him this way.

"Please say something." I cried and I felt tears are rolling down through my cheeks like a waterfall.

"What do you expect me to say Riya when you are not ready to take my words seriously; you do not care enough for yourself." He endured an answer and I can tell that he is maintaining his calm tone, but it doesn't fail to show the authority in it.

"Let's get you home, it's getting late. Your bruise is not really serious, just cleaning it with alcohol will be fine. No need to go to the hospital, or are you hurt in another place?” He asked without taking a glance in my direction and started to search the key.

“I will drop you, your parents may not worried about you but still, people outside care for you...." he added without waiting for another reaction from me, and from the way he told me, he almost referring that it's him who will care for me even my parents not.

"I won't....." I whispered the words that came into my mind first to make him face me.

"What?" He looked in my direction and I forced myself to glance at him.

"I won't repeat the same mistake again, please.... stop your treatment." For the first time after getting me from the bar, he bestowed me full of his relaxed gaze and saw me in the eye just like he always did. He even managed a small smile as he satisfied with my words

"Okay then, let's get you home. You’ll be fine.” He said with a more calm voice this time and took my wrist to follow him.

We stopped at a restaurant to have dinner before he dropped me to my home. Points to mention, My parents didn't bother to ask about my bruised face or why I was late and I am more than glad about it, I didn’t need to explain myself.

After changing into my pyjamas, I jumped on the bed but my mind is wondering what just happened with Kayish. He changed a lot and he changed me too. He brings happiness in my life and teaches me a real life. Yeah! a real life.

At first, I was not sure about us hanging together. I kinda feel uneasy about him but he never forces me to do things and somehow, this small act from him, makes my heart bloom with happiness for his care.

I continued to think about him, and when my eyes getting heavy I realized my heart and mind is still full of him. “What did you do to me Kayish?” I asked myself before drifting into a peaceful slumber.

*

"Dad! I didn't expect this from you!" The angry voice roared from behind me that made me freeze on my spot once again.

Mr. Miller went towards his son and tried to embrace him in a hug so I moved left side a little to give them some space but Kayish shoved his hands away. How rude? My beating heart became lauder and my worries became worst. If I stay here Kayish will figure out who I am, and he probably will start a scene.

I know him well, he’s the type of person who doesn't care much about people around him except himself, and I don't want to involve in any scene at this moment, especially in front of Mr. Miller.

I took this time as my cue to leave and prepared a better excuse to face Kayish in another moment. I know it will be soon but not at this moment. When I was about to turn my heels Mr. Miller called my name.

Oops!

"I'm not finished yet, Miss. Kader." I let out a sigh of defeat and made myself looked down in an apologizing gesture and I hope Kayish didn't have recognized me right away.

This time, Mr.Miller came back to his chair and sat down, his fingers latched together giving me a sign that he’s serious for what he had said. Meanwhile, Kayish still stood behind me even just a mere inch away and this situation, really makes me uncomfortable. Technically, I'm standing between an angry dad and an arrogant son who happened to be my ex-husband and new boss.

To my relief, Kayish seems not to notice me yet and I need to make myself out of here quickly before I would trap here for another conversation.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I promise you it won't happen again. It’s totally wrong for me to not responsible for my duty." I tried to reason out and assured him that he didn’t need to worry about my work here. I let my voice barely audible just enough for Mr. Miller to hear.

"I think I need to take my leave, sir. I have things to take care at this moment." I found another excuse to leave the place.

"Yes-- you may leave, Miss Kader. And can you invite all the board members and managers to attend the meeting with my son about an hour from now? We need to sort things with them, at least try to do this by yourself, Miss Kader. Your father gave me a high recommendation for your work and professionalism." He said rudely.

I wanted to tell him that I am not his PA or it's not my place to do but I listened to his authority tone for the sake of escaping from this hell, So I managed a nod instead.

“Yes Sir,” I answered and turned my heels to leave the room but Kayish’s hard voice stopped me in my track.

Don't tell me he recognized me. Please! My body is aching and I can't throw a heavy punch on his face right this moment.

"Listen!" I felt his presence behind me and my worries grew more when I reckoned that he was looking at me intensely just like studying me. To my relief, it seems he still didn’t recognize me, cause what he said next was a simple announcement.

"Make it fast." He ordered and I took a long deep breath in relief before managing a quiet 'yes' and half ran out of Mr. Miller's office and from Mr. Arrogant's sight.

Juliet seemed to notice my pale face once I’m out of Mr. Miller's office and came towards me. "Riya are you okay? You looked pale," She asked, her brow furrowed in worry.

"I'm okay, Julie. Could you please do me a favour?" I asked her hoping she could help me in this circumstance.

"Of course, I will." She replied.

She is such a pure soul.

"Please call the managers and board members to attend the meeting with Ka... ehm... With our new boss. He asked for a meeting an hour from now. I think my stomach is still bugging me and I'm not sure if I can make all calls." I said nervously.

She blinked once, twice but somehow nodded her head and replied with an ‘okay’ but worry still lingering in her face.

"Thanks, Julie. It means a lot to me." I hugged her and released her from my embrace.

"I will let you know once I finish the arrangements until that please take some rest," She said and I nodded my head. With that, we both pulled apart and I walked towards my office. I felt guilty for bringing Juliet to do what Mr. Miller asked me but it won't happen again, cause this time I only need to prepare myself enough to face Kayish and his devilish side.

About 20 minutes later, Juliet called and informed me that all managers and board members can make it on time. I thanked her for her help and inhaled another deep breath that I lost count of how much I take for today. There is no way to escape from him again, I need to face him and let him know that I am not the old Riya who he had played about the years ago.

I gathered all my courage and walked towards the conference hall where the meeting is going to start. As I reached the hall, I saw everyone was seated in their respective place. And just like the bad luck not getting enough of me for the day, my name was placed in the second row and it's clear and near enough for the new boss a.k.a Kayish to have a direct look from where I sit. I took another long deep breath before sitting in my so-called respective seat.

A moment later, Mr. Miller and the arrogant devil revealed their presence to the meeting hall and everyone greeted both of them. Kayish did not bother to greet them back or give them a smile and just switched his focus on the projector without saying a formal 'Hi'.

“Yes... he is still the arrogant devil jerk from hell,” I said to myself.

Well..What I can expect from him? After all, he is known as a certified arrogant.

"Listen, Everyone! As all of you know that I was forced to take my dad's company but I expect each and everyone to be perfect and put your hard work on here." He started up his speech in his intense tone while he was scanning all members.

“I don't like to waste my time for any of-----" He stopped for a moment as our eyes met. I kept my gaze on him as well and told myself to remain calm. It's hard to read his facial features for a moment as he only gave me a blank look but whatever it was, he recovered so fast and the blank look he had before has replaced in his face with a smirk.

My heartbeat heightened promptly as creating a loud thudding sound whenever it beats. I can feel my palm is sweating from the way he is looking at me and it’s causing me a pain in my chest when I saw him smirking devilishly. It seems like he got an evil plan in his dirty mind towards me.

"Finally... I am glad to take over my dad's company. It will be a tough time for you guys." He added the rude announcement to his speech in a more relaxed tone; Still holding his eyes on me for a moment after those words. I know it's his hidden message he threw directly towards me but who cares.

I will show him the Riya he used to know has changed.

*

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