Slap Clap...

They met finally. He started in his ever-so-routine-conversation-starting style. "So,..... did Dad tell you what happened during that evening's meet?", he asked. She was not fully interested in knowing it and raised her eyebrows and started, "You think your meet with my Dad is so important after screwing up everything at home?". He insisted, "Did he tell you? Because, I insisted him to convey what had happened, if not fully, at least about what his accomplice had done. So, did he?"

He started, "It has been exactly four long weeks since that day. Although a bitter day, still, I got a chance to talk to your Mom and yes, it was so exciting to meet your Dad. Such a long pending dream. The moment he asked me to come to that place, I knew he would come there. Wow, it was so exciting. I rode my bike standing on the foot pegs to reach the place on time in spite of the hectic weekend traffic and bad roads. Still, I reached almost an hour late. And, I don't know if it happened by chance or by destiny, as I reached the place, I had stopped just few feet from them standing there and waiting for me. I felt so bad for making them wait. Damn, the traffic." She interrupted, "Listen, I don't have time for all these. Just tell me what happened so worthy of you insisting me to know about it. Else, just leave it."

He knew what she meant by that. Her curiosity to know about it was making her impatient. He continued, "So, we met. As I expected, Dad had his men posted here and there. And, specifically, one filth was standing right next to him and was showing off. I offered to give a hand shake and Dad said it was not needed. So, I turned towards Dad and we were discussing as I handed over what your Dad had asked me to bring. Suddenly, this filth calls me when Dad had taken a break to make a call. I turned towards this filth. It asked for my name and details. I politely answered although I was not interested to talk to it because, OMG! It was Dad and I am meeting him and the moment is happening and I was so eager to spend most of the time talking to him and knowing about him and so on, as you know how I jump all around even while meeting you. So, this is how the conversation happened,

Me: Yes?

Filth: What did you say your name was?

Me: I am *Name*.

Filth: What do you do?

Me: I am looking out for business ventures.

Filth: You should mind only your business. Ok?

Me: Yes. I understand. It did not work out the way we had planned. So, I....

Filth: *Took his right hand and bang! It was a tight slap*

I knew he would do it. I did not protest or raise my hand. I stood there. I did not even budge. I stood firm and stared at him. My eyes were fiery and I wish I had just burnt that filth right away. I had received what no one had ever done to me. Not you. Not even my parents. Your Dad immediately intervened and brought me to his side. I asked him and told him,

Me: Sir, Is this needed? You asked me to come. I came. I gave you what you asked for. What is this all about? If you had done this, I can understand. It is your daughter and you have the right to do this. But, who is he? 

Dad: What to do? He is from the "department". They will be like this one moment and the next moment they will forget what happened. I apologise for what he did. 

Me: Sir, there is nothing you have to apologise for what he has done. So, please don't apologise. He will answer for this.

Dad: If I have to curse you alike,....

Me: Nothing would happen Sir! Because, I have God by my side. That fellow will definitely pay for this. And, I bow down only to God and no one else. And, for what he has done, he will pay for it.

Dad: Alright. I don't want to continue further. They are alike. You can't help it."

She interrupted, "What? You were beaten?". He replied, "In your Dad's words, Yes, I was Manhandled. The term you used against me that I had manhandled you sometime during our meet, but this time, factually, I was manhandled. That was not all. I placed a request to your Dad before leaving the place. I asked him to inform you about what that filth had done to me. He asked why? And, I said, Maybe she will feel better knowing about it. Although I had a bit of sarcasm there, I really wanted you to know it. For, If you had revealed that it was a mutual relationship that we had, he wouldn't have included third party involved in it. Maybe or maybe not. It doesn't matter. But, it would have been a different discussion. Not the one that happened in the streets, with so many people watching, so many hearing the sound of me beaten, all the shame I carry day in and out. I ask you, even during all these years, how many people know about you and me? Have I not kept ourselves under wraps till date? It has been four long weeks since I have eaten or slept properly. Anyway, I do not know how long I have in this Life. All I was afraid of was to reach this message to you before leaving. Now, tell me. Are you happy to know that I have been manhandled after being blamed for manhandling you and that too by a person accompanying your Dad(who is so known for manhandling even family members)?"

She was about to answer and.................... a ringtone was playing from no where. He opened his eyes and realised it was a rare nap that he had taken which was soon spoilt by the phone ringing. He woke up and banged against the wall. He wanted to know from her as to when he had "manhandled" her exactly. He wanted to know if her Dad had informed her about this slap clap or not and how she felt to know about it. Damn, this phone call spoilt the nap. He had so many questions to ask her and few answers to get from her. At least, he conveyed what mattered. Now, she knows. Maybe she would feel better. Maybe not. We will know sooner or later..... for sure! -rPhoenix