I could not sleep the whole night. I kept thinking about Akka and Jiju. They were out the whole night, I was worried for them. I kept thinking that, would they be really safe in their night date.? I kept turning left-right, right-left, and all-of-a-sudden, ended up on the floor. That sudden fall hit me. I checked for the time in my phone, it was 3:49AM. I did not know what to do so just opened the door, and walked out. I went to the dining room, opened the balcony door and went out. I thought of walking in the garden for sometime.

I walked about in the garden, it was still dark. Slowly, little by little, the clouds started to turn bright, and I heard the birds chirping. I went on walking, I had almost walked for 45 minutes. Akka's thought kept crossing my mind. She is blessed to have Jiju, I kept thinking again and again. Not a day I have been thinking of Akka like this. I don't know what will happen to me when Akka gets married and leaves..

Suddenly I heard some loud sound. It sounded like someone had jumped hard. But who could it be, at this time.??? I saw someone standing near the compound wall, the bushy plants hid the person. I went near to check who it could be, and who else, Akka!!

"Akkaa.. Thank-god, you are safe..!! Nothing happened na..??" I asked hugging her.

"What do you mean by nothing happened??? Poovu, I had so much of fun, you won't believe me.. trust me, Krish made my day..."

"Made your night I suppose!! lol!!" I said with a smirk.

"Whatever you want to call it as, come sit I need to tell you lots..!!" she said and pulled me in.

We sat in the dining table and spoke. She went on telling me all that happened the night, and she even showed me the pictures of all the places she went with Jiju. They had taken a lot of selfies.. both together looked really adorable.

"Thank-you so much Poovu for being a part of this wonderful surprise. I completely enjoyed it!!"

"That's fine akka.. I did not do much, Jiju only planned it all!! I just gave him some ideas!!" I said and gave out a wide yawn.

"What are you both doing here, so early..??" asked Amma as she entered the dining room.

"Amma, we woke up soon, so we were just talking!!" said akka.

"Happy birthday Swadhintha..!!! God bless you..!!!" she said hugging her. Akka bowed down, to touch Amma's feet and took her blessings.

"Thank-you Amma!!!" she said.

My phone vibrated,which meant I had a notification. I walked on top to my room checking the notification, and with no doubts it was Rakshan.

>> Good Morning.. I guess you had a good sleep last night. Started to Cochin. Hoping for the best..

This was the message he had sent, I laid down on my bed and replied to his text.

>> Good Morning Rakshan!! Well unfortunately I could not sleep the whole night, the worst of the nightmares about Jiju and Akka were disturbing me. Just now Akka came home.. All my worries are down after seeing her..

... And yeah, hope the upcoming days bring in a lot of good luck for you, so that you rock in the competition! All the best once again!! I will pray for you.

I typed in that message and sent it.

Now the time was 5:08 AM. I regretted for not making my mind calm last night. I could not keep my eyes open, they looked like as if I hadn't slept for about a week. I looked like I was working day and night, 24*7 continuously. I placed my head on the soft pillow, pulled the blanket over myself, and went into a deep sleep.

I guess I had hardly slept for an hour, and Rigesh came in banging the door open, which had disturbed my sleep.

"Happy Birthday Swadhu Akka..!!" he screamed.

"Idiot!! Don't you have manners..?? Look for Akka downstairs.. Get lost.!" I said throwing a pillow at him.

He threw back the pillow at me and went shutting the door. I tried to sleep again and this time I slept for about 2 hours without any disturbance. It was time for breakfast, and I was dying to eat. I put on the stereo system, and went into the bathroom. When I was done with my morning chores, I came out changed to a casual outfit. I wore a black palazzo pant, and a red top. I sat in-front of the dressing table and dried my hair. I brushed my hair and pinned the fringes with a small catch clip. With that I went down.

All were at the dining table. I saw Abhi sitting in the drawing room, I went to him and asked him about Akka's birthday plans. He explained everything to me, crystal clear. I gave him a reminder that I would be baking Akka's birthday cake. He agreed with it.

"Hey.. By the way, what's going on between you and Rakshan..??" he asked just when I stood up to go to the dining room. He pulled me back to sit near him, and looked at me. "What..??? Tell... You were out with him last night isn't it??"

"Umm.. well Abhi.. Nothing serious.." I tried to explain it to him.

"You think I would believe you, when you say there is nothing serious..?? Am I blind Poovu..?? I can see everything right in-front of my eyes.. Tell me are you guys dating??"

"No Abhi. Not at all. See.. Jiju wanted to meet Akka and wish her at 12, so Jiju, Rakshan and I planned it all! Akka and I took your bike and went out last night.. as-usual. We went to Raju Bhai's Stall, I just made things to be casual, so that it remains as a surprise to Akka!! Jiju came there and took Akka with him like they went for an outing, or a date call it whatever you want to.. I was with Rakshan.. And he dropped me home on your bike. That's it.!!" I said within a breath. He gave me doubtful look.

"That's all happened uhh..?? Are you sure..??" he asked.

"Yeah!!" I said.

"Then why was Rakshan asking about some complaint being booked against some man at the Police Station..??" he asked that looking into my eyes. Which made me skip a few heart-beats. I thought I would keep last night's incident from everyone except Akka. But here, how does Abhi know about it??

"How do you know that.. .. .. Rakshan..? Did he call you..??" I asked puzzled.

"Morning you were sleeping when I came in-to your room, I came there to wish Swadhu, but she was not there. That's when your phone rang and it was Rakshan's call. Before I could say a hello, attending it, Rakshan asked.. Poornitha.. When are you planning to go to the Police station to file a complaint against that man..?? I hung up the call telling him that you were sleeping and that you would call him later."

Ohh my.. I wish I had put my phone on silent before sleeping. Abhi wouldn't have spoke to Rakshan!!

He continued, "I kept thinking what could have happened.. the man.. Police Station.. Complaint..and all..?? I even thought of calling Rakshan, and getting the information from him, but then I thought that would hurt you. I don't know if this is as serious as I am thinking but, as a brother I need to check with my sister's safety."

"Abhi.. Fine I will tell you everything!! But promise me you will not reveal it to anyone else without my knowledge... Please!" I said holding his hands.

"Fine..!! Deal !!" he said.

"Let's go upstairs.. This is not a suitable place to talk about this!" I said.

"Ok" he agreed and we went on top to my room.

I told him everything, Our talks sitting on the wall, Rakshan and my walk, then realizing that the bike key was in my bag, I not agreeing to walk back with him, the solicitor's appearance, getting back to Rakshan, I becoming unconscious, getting back my senses, argument about the complaint with Rakshan, and finally coming back home.

"Poornitha. . . . are your nuts and bolts tight?? Have you lost your senses..?? Do you even realize what could have happened last night?? I think you are not even fit to go out of this house without any elder! Why in the hell do you do such unwanted things Poovu??" he asked holding my shoulders. I could see fear in his eyes, his voice trembled while he said that. The way he shouted I was taken aback, my soul almost left me for a second. I had never seen him like this before.

"Abhi.. look.. I know what happened last night was something serious, but I somehow tackled it.. isn't it..?? And.." before I could finish with my explanations he cut me saying. . . . .

"If you weren't able to escape from that man then?? If they happened to come in a gang, what would you have done in that case? I hope you know all that is going on around us? How a girl's life gets ruined in just a second.. You write news articles about such cases.. and I very well know you would have analyzed the case completely before bring it in the papers.. Knowing the seriousness of such things why do you involve yourself in such idiotic stuffs..??"

"Because I want to put an end to all this completely!! Just the way you are concerned for me, the family members of those girls too would be concerned right??? Those girls also would be having parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and all. When I am completely alright, standing right in-front of you, and still you get worried, then think of those girls who's life is being ruined by those men there in the red-light area. Abhi, I know anything could have happened to me last night, maybe he could have kidnapped me, they would have earned money from me, raped me, or even murdered me.. but I had the guts to show him my bravery, and I could escape from that man!! Now that I am here safe, I will not let this opportunity go away from my hands, I will take advantage of it and will take this case to the higher officials. When I am safe in front of you and still you get worried for me, how much of pain would it be to see their daughter or sister or wife dead after being raped and murdered???? How bad their family would feel knowing a girl from their family is being used as a source of money and pleasure by men?? Don't think about me alone, think about the women and girls in general who face such situations. Abhi please, don't stop me from doing this, if you are not happy with what I am doing, then it's fine.. you can stay away! I will handle it alone!" I said that, turned away from him and stood quiet.

Abhi did not speak for sometime, maybe he was speechless after hearing me. But this time I was serious, with all that I spoke, I really meant what I said.

Abhi came and stood in-front of me, I looked the other way, so that I need not look at him. I was thinking that he would be against my decision, and would lecture me to stop doing all that nonsense stuffs. He placed his hands on my shoulder and said, "I never knew that my little princess had grown up so big!! I am sorry for not listening to you!! I am extremely sorry Poovu.." he said.

I looked at him and he was almost about to let down his precious tears. Looking at him I said, "Abhi, please.. let me do it! I can't leave those girls over there suffer like that. Thinking of bringing in big big changes, would remain a dream for an individual, 90% of people think that all these initiatives would be a waste of time, but what I think is, why can't I try?? And I believe. . I can do it!!"

He listened to each and everything I said and hugged me. It meant he supports me and he stands with me. I was so happy with it.

"Don't worry Poovu, I am here with you!! Both of us together will try the best out to get justice!" he said in a bold voice. Such a sweetheart he is. That's why he is my favorite brother.

I went down, had my breakfast and came back to my room. Akka, was doing something in the laptop, so I came out to the balcony and started playing Word Rush on Hike!! This game is such an addictive one, I tell you, you will not sit still playing this.I got Aakriti's call and attend it.

"Hi Aku!! How are you..??" I asked.

"Where is Swadhintha? I have been trying her phone since long time and it's switched off..?!! Is she with you..??"

"Yeah she is... Talk to her...!!" I gave the phone to Akka.

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At about noon I decided to start preparing Akka's Birthday Cake. I wore my apron, and went into the kitchen. I had experimented all sorts of nonsense in the kitchen when in Mumbai. I hope that gives you an idea of how great I cook. Well, forgetting that, you will have to admit the fact that I bake cakes and cookies well. I started doing it few years back. All my friends enjoyed eating my cake. Even my old boss was a big fan of my baking!! My mom used to tell that, the worse I am in using to stove the great I am in using to oven. Confusing?? No worries leave it.!

I took out all the essential ingredients, and mixed everything and soon the batter was ready. I poured the mixture in the mold and placed it in the oven. 20 minutes and it would be done.

After about 1 hour, after the cake had come to the room temperature, I started with the icing work. I applied the white whipped cream first, then I topped it with chocolate, placed the cherries, and finally finished it with a little bit of touch-ups. And with that the cake was ready!! I carefully pushed it into the fridge, and went to my room to take rest!

I thought of calling Rakshan, to get his updates, from Cochin.

"Hie Poornitha.."

"Hey Rakshan.. Reached Cochin??"

"Yeah.. I am in my hotel room right now.. The shoot is at 9pm."

"What 9..?? 9 in the night..??"

"Yes Hitler. !!"

"Are they mad or what to make you all sing at night??"

"Well I don't know about them.. But I am going mad here all alone.. Thank-god you called."

"Why what happened?? Getting nervous??"

"Not nervous and all!! Getting bored sitting alone. I called Krish but he was sleeping .. I spoke to Amma and Rakshita about 20 times.. thought of calling you, but then I thought you would be busy and so I didn't.. some friends are chatting but still I am bored."

"Well yeah I was busy. . . . . . . . . , I was baking Akka's birthday cake!!"

"Ohh ok!! What cake have you baked..?"

"Black-Forest!!! It looks like a black forest, I hope it tastes the same..!!"

"Fine!! Poornitha. . . . . Abhi. . spoke to you..?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yeah he did..!!"

"I am sorry.. I had never thought that he would attend the call!"

"Well you could have said hello first!!"

"Did he ask you about what I had told..?? What did you tell him..?"

"He asked lots and I told him everything!! Everything Ok!!"

"What was his response on hearing you???"

"How do you think he would have responded..? He acted like a brother first, and then he became a real brother.!!"

"I didn't get you.."

"He scolded me first, for being stupid last night.. And then I spoke a lot to him about the issue, and he finally understood me and the situation. He said that he would support me in this case."

"Wow.. that's really great..!! And not only he I will also support you in this case.. don't worry!!!"

"Thank-you Rakshan..!!!"

"That's fine..!!

"So practiced well??"

"Yes I have! Hope it comes out well."

"It will don't worry boy."

"Hmm.. well tonight's shoot will be telecasted on Durry TV, tomorrow at 8pm."

"Seriously??"

"Yes, it's a reality show."

"Ohh wow.. Everyone here will definitely watch it. I am going to watch you on TV Rakshan.. that's so WoooW!!"

"You are making me more nervous Poornitha.. I am scared of cameras. You don't know how I struggled for the previous two levels."

"Don't think about the camera, be cool and perform well."

"Wish the same."

"Ok Rakshan, I will call you later.. don't be nervous.. stay chill.. you will do well in the competition.. and if you get bored don't think just go ahead calling me if you wish to!! Very much excited to see you on TV.. See you bud!"

"Yeah sure byeee.. Take-care!! Thanks a lot." he said and with that we hung up.

I laid down for sometime, and then cleaned up the mess I had created in my room. Then I gave myself a wash and got ready for the evening's programme.

Akka wore a beautiful, blue full-length dress. She looked pretty as usual in it. I on the other hand wore a black jean and a pink knee length top. We went down and all the family members got assembled in the hall soon.

Jiju and his family were on the way so we waited for them.

After every-body had arrived Akka cut the cake and we all wished her. Who knows next year we would be able to wish her like this or not. She would be with Jiju and his family!! I would miss Akka badly.

All sat for dinner, we kids were out in the garden playing some games and enjoying. We played passing-the parcel, current pass, antakshari, and what not. All kiddish games only we played. We all enjoyed being a kid. Sushant and Rigesh had planned some other interesting stuffs also, we enjoyed that too. And those games were according to our age!! So back to the normal mode!

I felt extremely tired and exhausted. For some-reason I was not enthusiastic as usual. Maybe it was because of the previous sleepless night. After the elders were done with the dinner we all ate, and with that the party almost came to an end.

After the guests left I just went to my room, changed to my night-suit and walked to the balcony to get some fresh air. I found Jiju and Akka in the garden talking. I decided to give them some privacy and got in quietly. I looked at the clock and it was 10:15, Rakshan's shoot would have started, I wonder if he would have sung or would be yet to sing. I thought of messaging him, but then thought if it distracted him, and dropped the thought. Thinking about his competition and the last night's incident I dozed off to sleep.

Next day in the evening I told Akka, that Rakshan's show would be telecasted on Durry TV at 8pm and that we have to watch it. She told it to all the others in the family as well. At around 7:45pm, Rigesh, Abhi, Akka and I gathered in Abhi's room and switched ON the TV. We were all very eager to listen him sing. The show started and the hosts were talking for sometime, after which the contestants were called one by one to sing. There were altogether 15 contestants, Rakshan was the 7th to perform. The hosts gave a quick summary of his previous performances and then let him take over.

He started singing a song from Don - Khai ke paan banaras wala, song. He was totally different on stage, his expressions for that song were different. He is definitely not a person who would jump up, become bubbly, act as if he's got drunk, etc., So far I haven't seen him like that, maybe he is so when home. We were all seeing a new Rakshan on stage and on TV. When he was done he thanked everyone, and the audience clapped for his performance. The judges gave wonderful comments listening to him, and we all had a Hi-Fi for it. He was confident enough throughout his performance, and that's what gave him this victory. He gave his best performance, and he had made it!!

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