Chain Reaction

Nisha

I have to arrive early today. She must be quite upset. An apology from my side, will that be enough? I will do anything to earn her forgiveness. But will she accept? I will try. Although I am doubtful, my subconscious mind knows she will be friends with me once again. She is kind, and kindness can cure every mistake. I know it was a mistake on my part, but I was so overwhelmed that I was not even aware of what I was doing. For who had been so friendly with me, ever? Nobody. I was roaming on earth just like a shadow, a ghost. 

My parents left me for the heavenly abode when I was a toddler, leaving me to be unwillingly taken care of by my uncle's family. They were already struggling to make ends meet with two of their own children, and I appeared as a third burden by choice. So, what I used to get were leftovers—leftovers of everything: food, clothes, books. I cannot recall a single day when I was spoken to nicely. I only found out about my birthday because that was the only day my Naani came home and took me out for the day. I was given a new dress, treated to a meal at a restaurant, and taken to the beach. That day was like a paradise in my gloomy life, and it came every year, but one day it also stopped. I heard my Nani was no more, and I only learnt about that on the day of my 11th birthday. I knew that one day of paradise was also taken away from me by fate.

Yes, fate. My fate has ruled me since my younger days. Still, I remain positive, strive to earn good marks, and do my best. I do this by reading the torn, leftover books of my elder cousins, even after finishing all the household work my aunt assigns me. I don't have friends because I wear old clothes and smell. I teach small kids at a nearby school to pay for my college. But still I study. 

So, when she said she was my friend, it meant the world to me. Who doesn't want her friendship? She is popular, bright, and beautiful—a standout among her peers in college. I don't know what I mean to her, maybe nothing, but she means everything to me. Yesterday, when I broke my silence and told everything about me, I saw tears in her eyes. Was she crying for me? Is that possible? I saw the genuine sadness in her when she hugged me and said, " Don't worry, Nisha, I will be there for you" I could not hold myself back; I kissed her. Yes, I kissed her on the lips. I wasn't thinking; I did what I felt like doing. She pushed me away. Her expressions transformed, as if she were shocked. She went away from there, without uttering a word, without looking at me. Silly me. What did I do? I broke a budding friendship? Did I break her trust? I don't know.

Why is there so much of a crowd on the campus? What is everyone looking at? And why is everyone laughing at me, talking to each other while pointing at me and looking at their mobile? What has gone wrong? What are those posters stuck on the wall? That's me. That's me in all the posters. In some, I am turned into a witch- while it reads" Pyasi Dayan" In another one, I am seen in a compromised position with a foreign girl, supposedly a porn-star, that reads " Hungry Slut."

"Oh, you've finally become famous... "It is Arav, holding his mobile phone in front of my face. It is a video clip of what happened between Myra and me yesterday. It is edited to make it look like I was forcing a kiss on her, and she was disgusted. The title of the video is " Chali Nisha Famous Banne"

I can even see the comments: "Rapist", "Bitch". Everyone is laughing, everyone is staring at me. I have to run. Where will I go? They are everywhere. Here, I can see the chemistry lab. I will shut the door from the inside. Yes, I am here, alone. No one's inside. I will hide from her, from Arav and the entire world. No one has to see me.

Arav

What does she think of herself? Stinking pig! How dare she touch my Myra? I don't understand what Myra sees in her. She is a loser, and she will remain a loser forever; no amount of sympathy or kindness will change her. She was born to be like that. But Myra does not understand all these. She is too kind, too sweet to understand the realities of the world.

She does not realise that the whole world does not deserve her kindness. Some people should be left the way they are. And see what happened. She was left disappointed. Once given a chance, that filthy girl tried to force herself on Myra, my Myra! I won't leave her. Good that I have recorded everything. Now the whole college will know the truth about that ugly girl.

Here, the video has come out quite clear; I am surprised. Good, the clearer, the better. Her face should be clearly shown so her mask is pulled off in front of everyone. Let everybody know what's hidden behind that seemingly innocent face—a monster who steals from others' girlfriends. I will show her what happens when one does that. I will shame her, so that she will never even dare to go close to Myra. Here, I will edit the video, forward it to all the college groups, and upload it to social media. Let her get expelled from college. I will make sure to turn her life into a living hell. 

Ah, look at everybody. They are shocked. They might not have even thought in their dreams that she could be like this. But now that they know her reality, they will hate her. And that's what I want, the more they hate, the better. This is what you deserve when you do wrong with my Myra.

Myra

Why did Nisha behave like that with me? I was genuinely sad for her. I just wanted to console her and assure her that she can rely on me. I just wanted to be her friend. She is very lonely and sad. She has no one to talk to, nobody who can talk to her. Perhaps she became too emotional, and her response was sudden and might not have been thoroughly thought through. I could have asked her at that time, instead of pushing her and leaving. But it happened all of a sudden, that was the only response that came out of me. I want to speak with her today. I will clarify that I am a friend, but I cannot be her girlfriend if she has that impression. I have Gaurav in my life. I am sure she will understand. She is a good person. Our reactions can cause a lot of trouble in our lives. Often, momentary decisions can strain relationships and ruin lives. I will handle this carefully, though, I am sure I can do this. I will not let any misunderstanding come between any of my relationships. I prefer clarity and understanding, and I expect the same from my relationships, too. 

What is this constant ping in all the College WhatsApp groups? What is this video now? Oh no, what! Who has done this? OMG. They have edited it so it appears she was forcing me.

That's not true. I have to do something. Why is this bus so late? Why can't I reach Gaurav?

Who is he talking to?

Finally, I am here. What are those posters? What the hell? Who has done this? Who recorded us? 

"Myra, are you okay, dear?" Gaurav is rushing towards me. 

"Gaurav, what is all this?" I ask him.

"Even I want to know why she behaved this way with you? People should know her truth now. Arav has done the right thing; she had to be shamed."

"Arav took the video? Has Nisha seen it? I have to know."

"How does it matter who took the video? She has been caught red-handed, that's all that matters. I think she has seen it. She is hiding in the Chemistry lab. But don't worry, darling, nothing will happen to you. I am there for you."

Without wasting a single minute, I have to rush to the lab. The door is locked. I hope she has not done anything stupid. 

"Nisha, come out. I believe in you. I am your friend and will always be your friend. No video or poster will come between our friendship. I will tell everyone that you are not at fault. The real criminal is the person who took the video; he is the one who has to hide. But where will he go, where will he hide? The police will surely catch him. You come out. No one can harm you, I promise. "

After two Weeks

Myra and Nisha are now the best of buddies. Nisha is slowly becoming more active in college activities with Myra's help. She is starting to socialise more, and that has helped her secure a part-time job. She has moved to a hostel now. 

Myra has broken up with Gaurav.

Arav is in jail, still on trial for defamation and spreading rumours on campus. He has been expelled from college.