Chapter 8: Loss

The much dreaded day of life has arrived. Standing outside the class, I took two deep breaths before entering. A few students were there scattered all around the room. I found my seat empty. Calming my nerves, I walked up to the empty desk by the window and sat down on the desk to its right.

So he hasn’t come even today?

It has been a week since Miroku last showed up in school. I didn’t have his number and neither did I know where his house was so I didn’t have a single idea as to what happened to him. Sure I knew who his friends were but I couldn’t muster the courage to ask them about him. Perhaps I was shy to?

I was worried about him, although he had shown no sign of illness the last time we had met. I distinctly remembered the ‘date’ we had. It was my first ‘date’ and I was pretty tensed but it was quite odd and somewhat funny. Yes, when you consider that he was the customer at the place I worked at, and me his waitress!

Finding no one to talk to in class, I gazed out of the window. The cool, gentle breeze hit my face and fanned a few loose strands of my hair. It continued for some time until a black object came in front of me and blocked my vision. As I looked up at the figure that came between me and the window, I realized that it was Miroku.

“Had great holidays?” I smiled at him.

He said nothing, simply smiled back at me.

There wasn’t anything usual about his smile. He could make anyone believe that his smile was genuine but not me. I had faked a lot of smiles to tell which smile was a fake and which wasn’t. But I didn’t question him.

He took his seat and surprisingly without making any passes at my hair, or clothes or how beautiful I was, which he usually does, he simply looked out of the window. I didn’t quite understand what he was doing or if he was planning anything or not, I simply looked away from him. For I didn’t want to get caught gawking at a lecher by other students.

Before long, Ms. Brookes came in and after keeping her belongings on the desk, she took her seat. She was currently at the top of my hate list.

I was tensed and had been gulping all the time. I looked at Miroku from the corner of my eye to see if he were doing the same, but to my surprise he wasn’t. He had a calm composure.

Something’s wrong with this guy. Definitely!

I didn’t question him though. I was beyond tensed to do anything but hear my own heartbeat and steal occasional glances at Miroku, since he was my only friend in this school. I tried to calm my nerves and get ready for the inevitable and long awaited call from Ms. Brookes. And I didn’t have to wait longer.

“Sango, the principal needs to see you. Could you please go and pay him a visit?” She said politely; too polite for my liking. Then she adjusted her glasses and fixed her eyes on Miroku and added: “You too have to meet him.”

Without any response whatsoever, Miroku left his seat and walked out of the room and I, knowing arguing would be futile, did likewise.

In the corridor I caught up with him.

“Are you alright?” I asked, walking abreast of him and carefully studying his face. “You’re not ill, are you?”

“Sango, I’m absolutely fine. Nothing has happened to me.” He replied, smiling.

“Are you sure that’s the truth? You don’t seem to be fine at all.” I insisted.

“I can tell the same thing to you as well, Sango.”

“Uhh, Umm, I...”

“It’s okay.”

I let it drop at that.

Soon we reached the principal’s room and Miroku opened the door for me. Without a word I entered with Miroku in tow.

The principal, Mr. Onigumo, was sitting in his revolving chair, resting his hands on the table, joining his palms and entangling his fingers with each other. We stood in front of him with our heads hanging low customarily.

“Miss Taijiya and Mr. Houshi, I’m sorry but I have to call your parents.” He looked at us mischievously with a faint smile adorning his lips. “Here take a look at this.”

He slid the papers to our side of the table. I took up mine and Miroku his.

I got more than I had expected, 20 out of 100. Miroku’s I didn’t know but I was pretty sure that he didn’t get 30.

“Miroku, this is the ‘what-number-of-time’ your father will be visiting me?” Onigumo looked as if he’d burst into laughter.

I looked at Miroku. He had a serious look. Joined brows, clenched jaws and straight chin defined his grave face.

“He won’t be coming anymore.” He said.

“Because you’re promising to get more next time?” his smile disappeared and made way for a frown.

“He won’t be coming, not because I’m promising to improve, but because he isn’t alive anymore.” Miroku paused. A long silence ensued.

Onigumo was gaping for words. It seemed as if he were stumped. As for me, I was too shocked to speak or even make the slightest of movements.

It was Miroku who broke the silence.

“He died of severe head injuries. You can come with me to the hospital if you don’t believe me.”

Onigumo had no words for him. He looked at him for some more time and then finally he spoke. “Try to improve next time, boy.”

“I will.” He responded.

Knowing his loss reminded me of my own mother’s death. I fought back my tears and awaited the principal’s attention on me.

“You joined the school only recently, so you’re excused. But don’t fail next time.” I didn’t half expect him to say that exactly but I knew something soft would be coming my way. “Both of you can go now.”

Miroku was the first one to leave and I after him.

We reached the class room without talking to each other and even in class I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him, neither look at him, for fear of crying.

Time flew by and soon it was lunch time. Everyone was heading out to their respective special places for having their lunch. Only Miroku and I were inside the room sitting at our respective desks. After some moments of silence, Miroku finally spoke.

“You didn’t bring any lunch, Sango?” he asked, finally turning towards me.

“I have but...I...umm...I-I” I was so nervous that words didn’t form in my mouth.

“Sango, I haven’t brought my lunch, would you mind sharing yours with me?” his tone was completely innocent. He wasn’t being a lecher for once. Knowing about the tragedy in his family, I didn’t think of any other alternative to honesty from his request.

“Sure, Miroku.” I accepted his request. “You want to eat here or outside?”

“If you don’t mind then, I’d like to go to the roof...” he shyly replied. I blushed but nodded in agreement nevertheless.

Once at the roof, Miroku seated himself on one of the stairs that led to the top of the water tank.

I sat down beside him and looked anywhere but him.

“Wow! Sango, you cook quite well.” He complemented my cooking while having some dumplings and rice balls.

“Thank you.” I mumbled.

I wonder how his mother might be feeling...

“How’s your brother, Sango?” He asked.

“Oh, Uhh, he’s fine...yeah, absolutely fine!” I smiled at him.

“Glad to know.”

A few moments passed in silence. He wasn’t eating anymore. He was trying to say something and I could clearly see his hesitation. I helped him out of it.

“You want to say something?” I asked, finally making eye contact, sending shivers down my spine at the sight of those violet eyes speaking of nothing but pain.

“Sango, I’m done with lunch. It was great. Thank you for the delicious food. Now, I think you should eat some.”

“You’re welcome Miroku, but I kinda don’t feel like eating.”

“You’ve to look after your brother and go to work...you better eat something.”

“I-I...Okay, I’ll eat.” I didn’t want to upset him by arguing with him so I gave in.

“That’s better.” He put his arm around my shoulder and gave me a gentle squeeze. His arms lingered around for a while before suddenly going away. “I’m sorry...”

“It’s okay.”

I began to eat without feeling awkward. Surprisingly enough, his touch didn’t bother me, maybe because he wasn’t being lecherous.

I feel comfortable when I’m with you, Miroku.

*****

Miroku’s POV

I have wept enough. I won’t weep anymore. He told me all that so directly maybe because he thought I was mentally strong enough to deal with it. If he thought that and trusted me then there’s no way I’ll misplace his trust.

I just reminded myself of my resolve I had made before leaving for school in the morning.

My phone in my jeans’ pocket rang and it reminded me where I was. I was in my bedroom, on my bed, lying down, waiting to fall asleep, but the phone call had to be taken. Bringing out the phone from my pocket, I checked the number. Sighing, I took the call and mouthed off a lazy hello.

“Houshi, you alright? Did you eat or should I go there and thrust something down your throat? Inuyasha was as rough in his accent as ever.

“I’m alright Inuyasha. And yes I’ve eaten and no, you don’t need to do all that.”

“Who cooked for you? Where did you eat?”

The guy might be rough at words but he really cared for me. We are friends no doubt but the bond we shared was more brotherly than anything else.

“I ate at school today. Sango brought some nice dumplings and rice balls.” What will you know of dumplings? What will you know about their taste? You only know ramen and nothing else!

“Keh, whatever, just make sure you don’t fall sick and die.”

“Trust me I won’t.”

“Sesshomaru said he’ll meet you right after he returns from his trip to the east.”

I sighed, “Okay...”

“Call me if you need anything, okay?”

“I will, Inu.”

“Bouzo!” he hung up.

I hadn’t put the cell phone back in my pocket when I heard a knock at the door. I sprang up from the bed and went downstairs and before the fourth knock was at place, I opened the door.

There was an unusually tall man clad in black coat and trousers, having a hat on his head, hiding most of his features, standing at the door.

“You’re Miroku if I’m not wrong?” he asked.

“Yeah, and you might be...?”

“I’m Kyokotsu, an office colleague of your father. I was told to express sorrow for your late father and deliver this letter. It’s coming directly from the director, Mr. Bankotsu.”

“And...?” I questioningly looked at him and awaited more news from him.

“That’s all. There’s nothing else. You just have to go through that letter. There’s something important mentioned there is all I know.”

“Okay...”

“Goodnight.” He bowed and walked away.

I closed the door and carefully tore open the envelope and brought out the paper. I read the letter not once but twice, and even then I wasn’t satisfied.

“Something isn’t right here...” I went upstairs and read it again. But still it bothered me.

Although I left the letter and got into my bed to get some sleep, I couldn’t quite manage to fall asleep easily. The things I read in the letter were enough to rob anyone of their sleep and I wasn't any exception.

Chapter 7: All Alone

I was never the one to cry so I didn’t shed a tear. Battling my emotions, I opened the glass door of the hospital and ran to where the lady with computers and telephones was sitting.

“Excuse me, ma’am, can you tell me which room Mushin Houshi is kept in?” I asked, breathing heavily from all that running I had done to reach the hospital from my house.

“Wait just a minute, I’m telling.” She took off her eyes from me and put them on the computer screen. The blue and green reflections played on her glasses and after one minute or so she replied, “Room 101, 3rd floor.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled as I dashed towards the elevator.

Pressing the blue button, I opened the elevator door and entered. Some more pressing of keys and I was all the way up to the third floor.

The room right opposite to the elevator was numbered 90 and the one to its right was 91. Not waiting for any other direction specific clues, I walked with quick strides towards the farthest point of the corridor.

Without paying any heed to whoever might be inside, I pushed open the door. There were three people other than my father. From appearance, one seemed to be the doctor and the other two nurses. The man in apron walked up to me.

“You’re the doctor?” I asked gruffly.

“I am...and you might be...?”

“Miroku Houshi,” I replied, and after a few more moments I added: “He’s my father...”

“Thank God you came. Now listen carefully. This is about your father’s condition.” He took some papers from the nurse and after giving a look through, he began, “He sustained grave injuries in his skull and neck. Limbs are okay, only minor bruises but...”

“But what, Doctor?” I interrupted.

“There’s a clot inside his skull, it must be removed before it gets any worse.”

“You mean operation?”

“Yes.” He nodded in the affirmative. “We don’t have much time. He’ll regain consciousness in awhile and we have to make him unconscious again and then start the operation.”

“Doctor, prepare for the operation without delay. I’ll bring whatever amount of money that might be needed.”

“Good.” He turned to a nurse and whispered something to her to which she nodded in reply.

I wasn’t out of the room yet. I was standing in the centre of the room and from there I could see how pale my father had become. Anyone from a farther place could’ve mistaken him for dead.

There might have been a knock at the door for the doctor and the nurses went towards it. I wasn’t bothered about that.

Slowly I walked up to my father. The man was literally wound in thin pipes. A channel was dug into the veins of his right wrist and that was connected to a saline bottle. He had some pipes around his mouth as well. I didn’t know the use of that though. In a word his condition was miserable and seeing his state, I couldn’t fight back the tears anymore.

“Are you crying, Miroku?”

“Huh? You’re awake?” I moved closer to the pale man. He spoke so softly that I could barely hear. He was so weak that he couldn’t even talk properly, leave alone the slightest of movements.

“Listen carefully to what I’m saying...”

“Yeah tell.” I moved more close to his face and leaned forward to hear what he was saying.

“Don’t cry for me. I’m not your real father.”

That one line was a bolt from the blue for me. I could hear my own heartbeats and feel cold sweats trickling down my temples. A strange throbbing of my temples began shortly.

Who is my father then? I’ve known all along the he is my only family... So was it all false? Untrue...Fake? Who am I then? What am I to him? It was all too much and too sudden for me to bear.

I fell back on the chair that was kept beside the bed.

“That was too much of a shock for ye? Well, that’s the harsh truth. You have to face it, whether you like it or not.”

Someone please tell me he’s drunk! Tell me this is one of his usual drugged ramblings! Please!

“This isn’t any rambling, boy. I’m speaking the truth and I’m not drunk.” He said as if reading my thoughts. “Listen, your parents died a long time ago and left you in my custody. I was a friend of your father. When your mother died right after your birth, your father couldn’t bear it.” he gasped for air and then continued, “He left the city and went north to some monastery. News arrived a few years later that he died during a blizzard but there was no sign of his body. Till date his remains are unfound...”

He paused for a moment or said something but those went over my head which was finding it too tough to absorb what he was saying.

“It’s true that I raised you, but as I ain’t your real father, you mustn’t cry.”

“Shut up!” I snapped. “Just shut up already!”

He didn’t look panicked, sad or angry at all. He was rather calm, quiet and sober.

“I don’t know if you’re drunk or not. Yeah, even if you say you aren’t drunk, I don’t trust you. I don’t know if you’re making this up or simply rambling. I don’t care if you’re my biological father or not but let me tell you one thing very clearly: you’re the only family I have and I’m not gonna give up on you! I’m gonna spend all your money on you if that’s what it takes to get you up and running again!”

I gasped for breath after yelling at him at one go.

“I’m leaving.” I finally caught breath and managed to mumble those words.

I hadn’t even walked two steps when his words brought me to a standstill.

“I haven’t got much time left. I know it. Don’t spend money on an old geezer like me. You might need the money for future.”

I felt like beating him up for that and I’d have done that if the doctor hadn’t bumped into the room at that instant.

“Take care of him...” I turned towards the patient and turning back again I added: “take care of my father, doctor.”

“Don’t worry about that.” the doctor kept his warm hand on my shoulder in a reassuring touch and after feeling it for a second, I walked out of the room without any response.

*****
Sango’s POV

Sleep won’t get me so instead of a back-aching experience in the couch I decided to stand in the balcony.

My apartment might be rundown with most of the insides needing serious repairs but the balcony was anything but. Sure it was a part of it but somehow it didn’t feel like it was. It provided one of the finest views of the city around me. I could see the Higurashi Shrine, my school, my workplace, the hospital, the bank, the park and even the small lake inside the park from there.

I didn’t know for how long I stood there, but it sure was long, for the wind was becoming colder with every passing moment.

“I wonder what he’s doing right now...” subconsciously my mind drifted towards Miroku again.

I’m thinking about him again!? I became fully conscious but that didn’t stop me from slipping back to my subconscious state again.

There was something about Miroku that attracted me. Sure he was handsome, understanding, and had all those qualities that a girl might look for in a boy but I knew there was more to him than met the naked eye. Somehow I felt an odd connection with him, somehow being with him just felt right. And I won’t deny that I like him, not in front of my own self at least.

Are you alone like me, Miroku? Are you? I hung my head low and putting the entire weight of my upper body on my hands which were kept on the railing, I looked at the dark streets below.

“Sango, don’t do that, dear. It’s not safe.”

“Don’t worry, father. Nothing will happen to me.”

Nothing indeed had happened to me that night. Nothing happened to me in the many nights that followed. Months passed, years passed and I was a teenager.

“Sango look after the house okay? I’m going to bring your mother back from the hospital. You might have a brother, little one.”

“I will look after the house father but please don’t call me little one!”

“Ok, ok, I won’t!”

That was the last time I saw my dad in his ‘human’ state. The calm, caring, cheerful and loving man whom my mother and I respected and loved so much changed as he re-entered the house that night.

“Where’s mother?” I had asked.

“She’s dead.” He had replied coldly.

My entire being was brought to a standstill.

Two drops of tears had trickled down my cheeks then and...Two drops again at present rolled down my cheeks and fell to the streets below.

I won’t cry again. The resolve I had made after seeing my newborn baby brother in the hospital was broken finally. The mental barriers which I had erected in all those years had threatened to fall apart for many a times in the recent past. But I had held them together firmly. But when the memories flash back into my mind all my barriers seem to fall apart.

Amends can be made though. And I just did that. I knew they would be temporary but as long as I didn’t show my emotions to anyone, as long as I didn’t show my weakness to anyone, I’d do just fine. I could afford to show my weakness to myself. For I knew inwardly I was fragile.

Wiping away the dry tear marks, I glanced at the road below. No one was there. Who will be there in this dead of the night? I asked myself. And finding the negative answer, I decided to get back to my room and get some sleep.

When I looked down at my wrist for the wrist watch to show the time, my eyes fell upon a figure running in the streets from the direction of the bank to the hospital.

Who could it be? I mentally asked myself.

“What’s my concern anyway?” I shrugged and yawning I left the balcony.

After closing the door and pulling the curtain over it, I checked Kohaku. He was sleeping peacefully.

“Time to sleep I guess...” I thought out loud and walking lazily over to the couch I languidly sank in.

I fell asleep almost instantly...

...To a dreamless sleep, perhaps?

*****
Miroku’s POV

I ran up to the receptionist as I had done the previous time I entered through the glass door.

“My father’s here and he has to be operated upon. I’ve brought the money...where do I deposit it?” I said, with interruptions from heavy breathing at times.

“Your father is Mushin Houshi, right?” she asked not moving her eyes from the computer screen.

“Yeah,” joining my brows in annoyance I replied.

“Deposit the money right here,” she pointed at her desk and then turned towards the computer screen again and began typing in something.

After a minute or so she gave me a slip and phoned someone.

“You can meet you father now. After some minutes his operation will begin.”

I mouthed off a weak thank you and left for the room where my father was kept in.

The room has the usual four occupants – the patient, one doctor and two nurses. Paying no attention to the others in the room I walked over to the patient and seated myself on the chair beside his bed.

I sat there for some moments in silence before he finally began to speak.

“You’ve brought money then?” he weakly asked.

“Yeah...”

“Wanna save this old fellow that badly, Miroku?”

“Yeah I do...”

“Am I that dear to you?”

His idiotic talks were getting to my nerves and so, losing my temper I raised my voice a little. “Listen you old geezer, you’re my father and I love you a lot. I can’t stand seeing you die such a miserable death.”

He allowed himself a feeble smile. With his half closed eyes he examined the room and finally turning towards me he began to say, “These people...” he broke off but began shortly, “Banks...Banks...”

He broke off and fell silent completely.

The doctor was quite near to me and he noticed it. Before I could even call for him he came over and began examining him.

“Get the stretcher; take him to the operation room! We’ve gotta do the operation right now.”

I stood there silently in shock and awe and watched them take away the unconscious Mushin.

I reached the operation room almost at the same time the group of nurses and doctors entered it.
I wasn’t allowed to enter, but I was allowed a seat in one of the chairs in front of the room.

I sank into one of them without any protests and waited for the operation to end.

God, please let him live!

The door opened after some agonizingly long time and the doctor came out having a mask around his mouth, hiding his expressions.

I didn’t look up yet but when I felt his warm hand on my shoulder, I looked up with expectation.

“I’m sorry...I couldn’t save him.” He removed the mask and showed his stoic face.

My prayers had fallen to deaf ears, my expectations dashed to pieces, grinded to dust and swept away by the wind, and my own self was left without a family that I could once call my own.

I was finally all alone...

Chapter 6: A Day of Days

Miroku’s POV

The bell rang signaling the end of class. Ms. Brookes rose up from her chair and glaring at some of the students began her parting speech.

“I hope the test was good for you all.” She glared at some of us, particularly me. I gulped when she pushed her glasses along her nose bridge while glancing at me. “Best of luck for the results. And those of you who know, are not securing enough marks better tell your parents to be ready for their visit. The results will be out next Monday. Throughout this week you won’t be having classes. I’ve to see your wonderful answers and for that I’ve taken leave.”

She picked up her books and hugging them close to her chest, she began to walk out of the class. But before she could leave the class, the girl sitting on the desk to my right stood up.

“Umm, Ms. Brookes, I, Uh, came here just on Friday and haven’t even attended a single class so...I was thinking if this--”

“Sango, if you couldn’t come here before, it’s your fault. Not mine. If you fail, your parents will be called. There will be no sanctions for a pretty girl. I can pardon Miroku if he manages to get even 30. But I highly doubt he can get that.” Cutting her off, she said at one go.

Exactly! I hung my head in shame, shame for being written off like that in front of my princess.

“But--”

Sango tried again but she couldn’t complete as Ms. Brooks gave her one of her trademark glares and said, “Do you want your parents called today?”

“If I had parents I would have called them myself.” She muttered under her breath. “Fine,” she said and sat down.

She was an orphan?! She must be lonelier than even I am. I, at least, have Mushin with me but she doesn’t have a single parent. I wonder if that brother of hers is any good at talking. The last time we met, he didn’t even look at me. A frown appeared at my face as a result of that thought. I didn’t let anyone notice though. My head was hanging low with shame for anyone to notice my expressions.

Ms. Brookes walked away without saying a word more and the others started packing their bags and one by one left the room.

I was, as usual a bit lethargic in packing my bags. It wasn’t that I had many books to put inside my bag but it was laziness mixed with the thoughts about Sango being an orphan that lessened my speed.

I could see she was still cursing the blighted devil woman from her mutters and clenching fists. Ms. Brookes had always got the better of me. Making me work hard, calling in my old man more than once a day and also giving me titanic amounts of homework but to be frank I was never angry so much like I was when she spoke like that to Sango. She should have understood her. Somehow these teachers just don’t understand.

“Damn!” I banged my clenched fist against the wooden desk, making someone stare at me.

Only two of us were there in the room and so I was pretty sure it was Sango.

“Miroku?” She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face.

“Sorry for that one. I just lost my cool that’s all.” I plastered a false smile on my face and looked at her.

“Lost your cool at what?” She asked, giving me a wide eyed, puzzled look.

“She should have understood you. If not that, she could’ve at least given it a thought.” I replied, slinging my bag onto my right shoulder. “You are, after all, a new student.”

“Some people just don’t try hard enough you know.” Wearing her bag, she said. “Never mind that. I lost my cool as well.” She smiled at me.

“Sango, I heard what you said at that time.” I said, changing my smiling face to a more serious one.

“If you’ve heard me telling I don’t have my parents, then you heard it right. I don’t have any parents.” There was disgust clear in her voice when she pronounced the last word.

“You mean you and your brother live alone in this city?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah.” She replied in as-a-matter-of-fact way. “I have an apartment and a job, enough to secure food and shelter for the two of us. So I don’t have any problems as such.”

By this time we were walking through the corridor. Sango seemed a lot more friendlier than what she was a day back. I thought she would be hyper and clobber me or slap me when I’d approach her but it wasn’t at all like that.

We talked about the exam and the other usual stuffs. I told her that I won’t even manage thirty which was my escape route and she said she wasn’t even expecting ten. We sure had reason to laugh!

It felt nice talking to her, laughing with her and walking by her side. We became friends almost instantly. At least I thought it that way. I didn’t have the slightest of ideas as to what she thought of me but I didn’t want to know that at that moment. Being with her seemed enough.

“So Sango, which way are you going?” I asked as we went out of the school gates.

“I’ll go to the Higurashi shrine now. And from there to KFC.” She replied.

“I’ve to go past these places to reach my home.” I said. “So mind if I walk with you?” I gave her a perverted grin.

“Only if you keep your hands to yourself.” She slapped away my hands which were approaching her shoulders.

“Oh, sure.” I said, still smiling.

*****
Sango’s POV

“Thanks for accompanying me, Miroku.” I smiled at the guy. He deserved it.

“It was my pleasure, dear Sango.” He smiled back.

Dear Sango? When was the last time anyone called me that? I remembered my father calling me that when he was sane. After losing his sanity he lost his love for his daughter as well. From ‘dear Sango’ to ‘damned bitch’ such is the power of alcohol.

“By the way, Sango, you told you were going to KFC, what if I go along with you? I was just planning to have some food. So if you don’t mind may I...?” I could see his hesitation so without letting him complete I agreed. I didn’t know why, but I really wanted him to come along. That made me blush and I think he noticed it.

“Just give me a sec okay? I’ll just check up on my brother and return.” I wanted to get away as fast as I could. I didn’t want him to know I was blushing.

“Okay. I’ll be waiting here.” he said.

I could see his wide smile but didn’t have the courage to see his deep blue eyes. Who could tell what his mischievous eyes could perceive from my face?

Was there really anything worth noticing? I asked myself while walking, no running back to the building centrally located in the Higurashi shrine. I’m really gonna pay this time. Out of all people I had to fall for this pervert?

“No, of course not!” I mentally chided myself. I won’t fall for Miroku!

*****

After two knocks on the door, Kagome opened the door. She was her usual cheerful self. And in her short indigo skirt and light pink full sleeved shirt she was looking gorgeous. Her raven hair was being fanned by the wind that blew from the Goshinboku tree towards the door, giving her a more stunning appearance.

“Hey, Sango, how’re you? I missed you so much!” she flung herself in my arms.

“I’m alright.” I answered. “How’re you and how’s Kohaku doing?”

“Oh he’s absolutely fine! He’s playing with Souta and Shippo. Why don’t you come in and see for yourself?”

“I’ll come at night to take him home. I’ve to go now. I’m getting late.”

“It’s okay, Sango. I can understand.”

I didn’t call Kagome my best friend for nothing. Sure she can be annoying with her questions at times but that’s that about it. She can be as caring as a mother. And in the past when we were small she showed that side of her often. And I loved her cheerfulness. Sometimes I envied her for that but more often than not her contagious cheerfulness affected me and made me laugh and smile along with her.

“Who is that guy?” those words brought back my mind from past to present.

I turned around to look at the direction she was pointing at, and immediately pink color appeared on my cheeks.

“He, um, uh... He’s Miroku!” stammering I answered.

“Your boyfriend?” she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity and happiness.

“No, no, no, not at all!” I could feel my cheeks going red and ears going hot.

The next thing I knew was Kagome calling Miroku by his name. I was embarrassed so much so that I couldn’t turn to face him when he came to us.

“Oh, lovely lady! I think I’ve seen you before. You’re Kagome, right?” he asked.

Thank god he didn’t look at me! I heaved a sigh of relief.

Miroku and Kagome chatted for some time. Miroku admired her beauty and didn’t forget to make flattering comments about that. He also asked if she was single or not. Kagome had answered in the positive. And apart from his flirtatious comments he didn’t show much affection for her. I didn’t want him to either.

“We better go now, Kagome.” I said. “Say bye to Kohaku and the rest for me.”

Waving at her, Miroku and I began to walk away.

“Why are you so tensed, Sango?” he asked while we walked past the old Goshinboku tree.

“I’m not tensed.” I protested.

“You are tensed, dear one.” He gave his usual lecherous grin.

Just then I felt a warm hand on my bum. I knew it was Miroku and without any warning I struck him at his head.

“Aw, that hurt!” He shrieked in pain and I suppressed a giggle.

This guy sure knows how to make me smile. I don’t like that touch of his but somehow feel happy while beating him like that.

“I told you to mind your hands, didn’t I?” I glared at him.

“What can I do if my hands act on their own?” he protested like a baby.

Oh Miroku! At this rate I’ll get fired from this job. You’re making me late on my very first day of work.

*****

Miroku’s POV

Apart from the exam everything went fine today. No, it was actually one of the best days of my life. I could steal a date without even asking her properly to go out with me. How lucky I am!

My mobile started to ring and forced me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah Inu, what’s the matter?” I asked Inuyasha over the phone.

“That damned Kikyo left me for Naraku!” he barked at me over phone.

“Calm down. She wasn’t your type to begin with. Leave her be. And to speak of girlfriend, I think I found one for you.”

“It was you who had found me Kikyo and now she’s fucking ditched me! I ain’t falling for any wench again.” He spat.

“Okay, okay as you say, Inu.”

“I just called you up to ask about your exams...”

I told him how my test went and how my entire day went. He was bored throughout but when I told him about Kagome his interest grew. It was quite apparent from the change of his tone.

After five-ten minutes Inuyasha finally hung up and I got a chance to plunge in my soft, comfy bed.

Some night I’m gonna have! A smirk appeared on my face and I could feel it from the change in position of my lips.

To ruin it all, the phone began to ring again and this time it was the house phone not the mobile. I went downstairs listlessly and picked up the phone and mouthed off a weak hello.

“You’re Miroku Houshi, son of Mushin Houshi?” a man from the other side spoke.

“Yeah,” I replied lazily.

“Your father has been hospitalized. He was severely injured in a car crash. It appears he was drunk.”

“What?!” I was dumb founded, shocked. The receiver slipped out of the hand without me having to do a thing about it.

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A/N: Pardon the author for the lame chapter and the lame chapter's name. Bear with him because he was and is having a writer's block. :(