He Hates Me Or Does He?

PART 39 : THE INVESTIGATION

As I subtly try to observe everyone's change of attitude towards me, I tell di that I feel a bit sick and I should be leaving anysoon.

I have a plan of action with me now. The first thing I need to do is to break in Aadarsh's public library office and look at the files he has been working on from so long. Maybe, I'll find some financial transactions details there. It's a do or die situation for me now and I can't give up.

I see Krishant Bhaiya standing near the entrance inviting people. I go over to him. " Bhaiya I feel sort of sick. Can someone drop me?"I ask politely.

" Hey don't worry. Let me call Sanchit to drop you." He says directing waiter to serve the first two tables again.

I wait for approximately 10 minutes and then leave towards the library. After arrival, I check the main door that's already open thankfully. I take a peek here and there to double check and then open the public library. It's very quiet at the moment although I was expecting someone to be there but I guess it's late for the people living here.

I slip into Aadarsh's accounting office secretively. I feel double relieved to find that the shelf is unlocked. I skim through the files hurriedly but nothing. I flinch at the sound of door cracking but thankfully it's nothing. I check the files for another one and a half hour but there are just balance sheets, slips, acknowledgements etc.

Suddenly, I notice a red file with a big headline written over it " FINANCE". I grab it quickly and finally I found something related to the finances of this library.

There are some big costs involved into the building of this, the profits and losses of the cafe, the guest house, the garden, the open gym etc etc. I finally reach the file containing the details of the NGO.

The very recent transaction I see is of the recent educations trip for the students. I try to find something under the Items and rewards for students and finally I see the spending of approximately 5 lakh rupees done under my demand withdrawn in cash. But I didn' t do it. Damn. I click a photo of those transactions for future reference.

But I cannot convert this bullshit into an evidence for my defense. This clearly shows that I did a scam and I am the offender. I clean up the mess I made quickly as the heat from the weather and my anxiety is getting over me. I exit from the public library hurriedly only when I observe them laughing and chitchatting outside the main gate. I notice Vihaan talking to some men while walking towards the entrance. I make it quick and climb the stairs to hide myself somewhere near. I notice a small space left near the water refrigerator just in front of the Premium library. I hide myself there folding my lehenga in my hands and making it very quiet.

I hear footsteps approaching near the entrance of Vihaan's library office aka our premium section of the library. It sounds that there is just one person approaching. As I hear the door opening and then being closed, I wait for another 20 25 second and peek through the wall to notice. It's clear. I quietly try to come out and head downstairs only to see the door opening again and I try to hide myself again in a matter of few second. Oh god. Thank god. My heart is beating louder but still quieter.

I put my hands over my mouth for extra care only to see Vihaan standing right beside me staring at me like I looted his library. I take my hands down. " I just wanted to read something." I say looking sideways.

" Why aren't you reading then?" He says folding his hands.
" Uhhh I thought it's not allowed this later." I say quietly.
" You know the rules very well Anika. Stop pretending." He says blankly.
" Uhh I know but since I got in bad terms with everyone so I thought..
" You thought what?" He says taking a step forward towards me.
" that I cannot visit." I say frankly too without fearing or I would stay trying not to look fearful.
" I see. Why did you take the risk then?" He says now standing inches away from me putting his one hand on the top of the water cooler right over my head.
" Sir I really didn't intend to break any rules or anything. I just wanted to pick a book that's it." I say again.

" Then why aren't you reading. Why are you hiding here?" He says again too but louder this time.
" Becuase you asked me not to come near you again." I say honestly.
" I did not ask you. I ordered that. And yet you're playing your little games to catch my attention all over again." He says staring at me angrily.

" You need to get over yourself. Why would I... "
He thumps the cooler with his other hand beside my shoulder. " Quiet." He snaps.
I shush myself up. I don't wanna argue especially at this point.
" Tell me honestly, what were you here for or should I go and take a look at the CCTVs." He warns grimly.

I feel heavy in the chest just listening to that. He can't know. He must not know.
" Sir, I just got a bit startled looking at you since you warned me last time. I got scared and hence I hid myself here." I say sweetly.
His eyes soften a bit I guess. " I don't want you to obey or fear me, but to listen and acknowledge to what I say. If you cannot do that, stick to the first line then." He says in a husk tone.
" Okay sir." I say because I don't know how to reply to that.

He takes a step back and moves towards his room. I notice him going away and then I make a quick run to my room fearing Aadarsh's presence.