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Everyone knows the Cinderella story and it is by far one of my best fairytale stories. The handsome prince who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress. Phew, sounds heroic. But I often have to wake up to the reality of my life. There is no handsome dude waiting to sweep me off my feet.

I'm Mira Dhar of the Das family, and everyone in town knows just how influential my family is, but I'm out of the picture.

Like always.

Today is the worst day of my life. How longer do I have to be here? I flash a smile at Papa but he looks away with a scowl. He's been staring at me for forever and I know he's angry. Why? You ask. Nothing, Dad is always angry with me.

Nandiri is getting married today and her rites are almost done. I stare at her beautifully decorated dress and her well made hair. Her hands are painted with beautiful henna designs and her groom has the Sehra on. They look so good together. How did she get such a fine groom? Speaking of a groom, I'm caught in a deep dilemma.

"Smile for the cameras, don't be yourself."

I spin to see who's speaking. I should have guessed, it's Mom. I force a grin.

"Yes Mom."

I hadn't had the chance to look at her before the ceremony but now as she walks further away, I do. Her Sari is brand new with vibrant colors of love. Her hair is styled with flowers and she let it fall freely down her back. Jewelries? Of course those were bountiful. She looked beautiful and peaceful like a goddess.

Peaceful.

That is the last thing she is. Mother would snap at me at any given opportunity but I don't let it bother me. I'm the family's apamaan anyways.

Someone taps me on the shoulder and I turn to see who it is. Ajunno is standing there, smiling mockingly at me. "Oh God, who invited him here? Does he always have to haunt me?"

" Hi Mira, want to join me at my table? It's up front and you don't have to stand."

"No Ajunno, thanks but I'm fine." I reply, trying to walk away.

" What do you mean by I'm fine? I don't care what you want. I want you to sit with me. " He whispers fiercely, stepping in front of me.

I don't know who named him Ajunno but I'd say the name is as annoying as he is. Who names their child that? I so want to shoot him in the face but I manage a smile I hope is sweet.

"Where is your table? "

"Come." He takes me by the arm and we wade through the crowd together. I sigh heavily. This looks like a terribly long day.

* * * *

What's that constant beeping noise? Argh... And my head feels like it'll split open any second.

Grudgingly, I peel my eyelids open. Light streams in from the open windows and the breeze plays with the curtains. It's morning. The alarm beeps again and I knock it off. I look beside me. I'm not alone in here? Who are these girls? I shut my eyes as another bolt of pain split my brains.

Yeah. I remember now. The party. Yesterday's party.

It was crazy, such a hit.

Who thought I'd ever lay hands on Darken's share of the lot? But I did anyways. Part of why the party was more lavish. I needed to celebrate my victory. It wasn't as hard as I had expected. They didn't even expect someone to come after their share.

I glance at the girls again. They're all nude except for their heels. Their sleeping forms look hot though.

" I'm coming in Aeon, tell 'em bitches to get up. It's morning. Party's over. "

I hear just before the door bursts open. Oh no, it's Ivin and if I call her my Mom, she'll deserve it. Ever since I was a kid, Ivin's been there saving my busted ass. All the time.

Even now.

"Did you come over just to see me? You look suspiciously hot."

I watch her blush lightly, her lips twitching with a smile.

"Ivin... Where did you spend the night?" I ask looking her over. She looks young. Younger than the 46 years old she really is. She looks like she just clocked 26 and she's in a white shirt, black pants and heels. Her Afro hair is not packed. Oh did I mention? Ivin is African American. And saying she's a beauty queen will be an understatement. With youthful elegance on her side, I might as well say she's one of the most beautiful women I've ever laid eyes on.

She gives me a hard stare.

"I'm gonna smack your as.... What the hell was that?" she asks, eyes wide open with shock.

Uh-oh. I heard that too and it ain't good. Definitely not good. That can only mean trouble. Remind me again why I took Darken's share of the stock. Right, because of Ivory. My Ivory.

"Aeon.... What did you do? I know that look."

" What look? "

Another round of gunshots ring out, closer than the first and the girls scurry up, screaming. Ivin glances at their terrified faces as they all huddle in a corner. She gives me an urgent look.

" There's no time for this silly boy. What'd you do? "

"Ivin, I took Darken's share of the lot. "

" What Darken do you.... Oh my God no, you mean drug lord Darken? "

" Uhmm....."

" What were you thinking? "

" I'm so.... "

" Because of Ivory? Is it? Darken's gonna fry your ass. And drugs? "

She flew across the room and took my emergency stash bag. I always have that ready, because there's always an emergency.

The gunshots becomes louder and closer, my heart thumping in my chest. The girls scream louder.

"Get your damned asses out of here and stop screaming. Leave now bitches! " I scream in fury. What on earth was I thinking? What on earth...

Ivin throws the bag at me.

" Now you'd have to go home Aeon. Run. Run as far as you can. To Asia, Africa, anywhere he won't find you easily till he cools off. But first, go home Aeon. " she says, walking out of the room into the corridor, looking for away out.

" No I won't. I won't go home. "

"Aeon, don't be stubborn about this. You have no choice! "

"But Ivin, you know I can't. "

She stops and turns to face me. I can hear the gunshots clearly now.

" You have to Ae.... "

I hear loud cracks just before me and as I watch with trembling bones, Ivin's white shirt turns a bright red. My heart races so fast I can't breathe. No, not her please, this should be a horrible dream. Not Ivin God please. I can't bear this. I rush over to grab her and another shot rings pass my ear by a hair.

"Go Aeon," she whispers and my heart shatters into a thousand pieces. I killed her. She died because of my selfish love. Me. I can't live with myself for this. How do I?

" Leave now. "

I can see the men now, plenty of them and as they shoot at me, I take one last look at her and jump through the white curtains, a stinging sensation in my arm.

"You have to go home Aeon. This time you will."