Was Karthik was behaving like a prince charming suddenly?

No, of course not. Still, Sindhu was glad of the slight changes in him. She was glad he was replying back when she greeted good morning and night or called him for dinner; yet, she wished he informed her every day before going to office.

She packed him lunch daily and he would compliment her if the food was great, which happened only twice until now. Most of the times, that's the only talk they have in a whole day.

Sometimes Karthik would watch films with her, just listening to her talk about the characters and plot, saying nothing. She can't help but pray for the day he'd have a loving conversation with her.

One afternoon when Sindhu was sitting in the living, alone in her house, she heard the door bell ring. Thinking it'd be Karthik, early from a crappy day, she opened the door quickly but was shocked to see the guest.

It was Srinivas, husband of Shyamala from the adjacent apartment. Sindhu didn't know what to do. She remembered the way he looked at her the day she met him.

"My husband isn't home" she said hurriedly, attempting to close the door.

"I want a help from you" he replied, putting up an innocent face that she wasn't ready to trust.

"You can come when he is back from office" she said tensely.

"It's you I need a help from" he said, looking distraught and entering the house, without waiting for her reply.

"What do you want?" she said backing off.

"It's very personal and I don't want my wife to know about it" he replied, looking sad while locking the door behind him.

Sindhu's breath got lost in her throat as she gaped at him in horror. She wished he came for help and not to try something on her.

She could have shouted already but since he didn't make an attempt to harm her yet, she couldn't do anything.

"What is it?" she said firmly, trying to look brave when she was sweating with fear already.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a little help" he said softly, walking towards her like a predator, making her walk backwards in defense.

"You know I've been married to my wife for fifteen years now. She is very caring and understanding but----" he drawled in a boring voice "she became fat after our kids' birth and I don't get excited seeing her anymore"

Sindhu's breath tightened as she heard him continue "But you" he said pointing towards her "are really good. You have the right curves that a man like me wants and I'd give anything to be with a woman like you"

"L-leave me. I am m-married" she stuttered, feeling very scared.

"How can I? when you look so delicious" he sneered darkly, moving his gaze up and down her body.

Sindhu's legs weakened and she was terrified of the situation. She wanted to shout, but couldn't find her voice. Even if she did, she wasn't sure someone can hear her.

She was locked in her own apartment with him standing guard against the main door.

Hoping that the odds are in her favor, she mustered all her strength and started shouting "Help!! Help!! Somebody please help"

He quickly advanced towards her, successfully closing her mouth with his hand. Sindhu pounded against him to loosen his grip while he tried to hold both of her hands still, with his other hand.

She thrashed her arms furiously with all her force but couldn't move an inch away from him. Tears started pouring down her face as she struggled against his firm grip.

"It would be easy if you cooperate. We won't let anyone know about us" he said smirking, in a manner that made her shiver.

When he removed his hand off her face to hear her reply, she yelled "You bastard"

"There goes your chance" he drawled, his eyes sparkling dangerously playful as he managed to close her mouth again.

As Sindhu tried to get out of his grip, he became furious and slapped her hard on her cheek making her lose control and fall on the floor.

"You don't listen, do you? I won't leave you because I love feisty women" he snarled.

Sindhu backed up against the wall, her insides shivering about what would happen to her. She'd rather die than give in to him.

Precisely the same moment, they heard the door bell making Sindhu hope for a savior as she yelled "Help!! Help please"

He quickly recovered by pouncing on her, effectively closing her mouth but the damage had already been done.

"Madam!! Madam!!! What happened" they heard Lakshmi's voice from the other side of the door.

She struggled against him to shout again but couldn't; she hoped Lakshmi reacted quickly.

Srinivas can't believe his bad luck. Just when he thought Sindhu can't fight back anymore and he can have her finally, the maid had to arrive. He doesn't have time to do what he wanted before she gathered people and got him caught.

Having no other option, he released Sindhu and said in a dangerously cold voice "Say this to anyone and I will make sure to kill you and your husband"

He heard thumps from the other side "Madam!! Madam!!" and walked towards the door before opening it wide.

He saw Lakshmi's horror stricken face as he walked away from the corridor, towards the staircase.

"Are you fine madam?" Lakshmi yelled, running towards her.

Sindhu couldn't voice her thoughts aloud. Is she fine? No, she is not. She is almost raped by a creep and she didn't even have the strength to fight him off.

She sat like that; with a distant look on her face as more tears spilled out of her eyes. When Lakshmi brought a glass of water from kitchen, she quietly sipped whispering a small "Thanks"

"Do you want me to call Sir?" Lakshmi asked her slowly.

Sindhu shook her head remembering she didn't have his number. What would she say to him when he comes home later? That she was physically assaulted by a pedophile?

She sat in the same position as more horrible thoughts crossed her mind. What if that creep did something to Karthik? He looked like he is capable of doing anything. Still, she didn't want him to be free after what he attempted today; who knows what he might try again later. She might not be lucky to escape from him, the next time.

It was Karthik's voice that brought her back to reality "What the hell happened to you?"

---

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- JANAKI S