Him
Today feels special. The kind of special when I first laid my eyes on her. The way it heated up my entire existence; until my soul was nothing more than a blazing inferno of love, lust and greed. It is one of those days that you get once in a lifetime.
She’s going to be introduced to the one man who has been haunting her existence for a decade. And she is going to love it! Because she wants to meet me.
When she messaged me to come meet her at the much-anticipated art festival, it was absolutely clear that her love has grown to the point that even fear can’t let her have her escape.
But when she came upstairs, I froze for a few moments. The prey was heading straight in the predator’s den. The chase had reversed itself for a few moments. But then she grew suspicious.
And then the little chat she had with her long-time bestie, the things she came to know. New things about me; and that damned photograph. I mean such a bad quality photograph; I don’t know why Anu even has it on her profile.
It tarnishes everything I have changed myself into. Plus, it was the thing that made my muffin realize who she was or must be involved with. Busting my little plan for a surprise gift.
That and the backpack I saw her move out with. She saw me downstairs and avoided approaching but that’s something she’s been doing for so many days now, it’s kind of routine to me. And although her avoidance still burns an ache in my soul, her little escape backpack seemed to make the whole ordeal a little lighter. She’s still the little lamb I met years ago. Adorable!
And I laughed so hard after she left, people looked at me with eyes that spoke for themselves.
She thinks she can escape me. But then she invites me to visit her at a remote location where her alleged stalker can’t find her talking to her alleged boyfriend. I chuckle as I look in the mirror.
What do you think, is she going to approve your ways when she comes to know everything about you?
Probably nah. I mean I wouldn’t, if I was her.
But I know how to make her want me. She’ll get why I did what I did.
I hope.
Losing sleep before something big is a sign that it matters to you. She was awake almost half the night before sleep pulled her by the leg. It was no point sleeping with her awake, so my eyes were pinned at the screen looking at her, trying to understand what was going on inside that na?ve little head of hers.
But that backpack. That look on her face, like she was on a run after a burglary or something. I crack again.
I take out the black tee for today with the leather jacket and the boots so her subconscious gets a hint before she does. But the lenses will go on top, can’t let others recognize me before she does. There will be people who have no business in knowing the transitions I create during the day and night.
This operation as is already quite risky with the event being during the day. Although I doubt any shit will go down before sunset. We still will have to lookout for any signs throughout the day. That’s the toughest part; the part where we have to roam without covering our faces. Good thing there’s a face paint booth in the festival.
Kraken and Black will also be looking around for any suspicious activity. My lovebirds will be covering another event going on from three o’clock onwards at a hotel garden. Some kind of private event with only VIP invites.
I am more bothered about the nemesis being together. Alpha and Hades are paired for today; mostly because we wanted Kraken to be with us for tonight. Keeping a gym bro by our side wouldn’t hurt.
I have a strong feeling this event is the one Kulkarni had informed about.
Finishing my look with my favorite helmet I let my Ninja roar to life.
Fingers crossed.I need to tell her. She needs to know that she’s safe. I can do this!
It feels like butterflies in my stomach and a kind of nervousness I’ve never known before; not even when I first made out with her. The way I’ve planned my confession is unconventional but have I ever been conventional when it came to her.
I take in a deep breath before taking off for the festival.
Today is the day when I end the chase and catch her. Once and for all.
THE PARKING WAS FREAKINGcongested. Good thing I passed by to look for the spot where my buddies were waiting for me. Far from the crowd but not far enough, to facilitate escape after we finish what we came here for.
“You’re not creating any mess today. Am I clear Scorpio?” Black says with a serious expression.
His handsome face showing signs of stress. He has been like this ever since I killed the man whore on tenth level. I mean we had it planned, but not the way I did it. He said it was all too sudden and unorganized.
Can’t help; he was being a bitch to my woman.
I nod in response. An amused salute, “Aye-Aye Captain!”
“I hope you’re serious. We might not have a chance to clean up tonight. Try to keep it clean, or just break bones. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Sure, I’d love to do that. But if they...” I start before black jumps in to recite my lines he has by heart.
“...lay one finger on her hair, you’ll wreck all hell,” Divit finishes for me.
“Ah, yes. Right.” I smile back.
Kraken chuckles, while Divit huffs frustratedly, “What’s with the humor? Is something special about this raid?”
“Kind of...” I shrug with a sheepish smile.
“Kind of?” he shrugs; confusion littering his amused face.
“You know what I told you last time. Some things need time. Guess my time is up.” I chin up and say with finality.
“You are confessing.” His voice is filled with shock while his face looks freaking proud at my decision.
I grin back.
“What the hell is going on here. Will someone tell me?” Kraken speaks up, hesitation lining his thoughts.
“I promise to tell you everything once we get back, brother. But right now, I need your prayers. Pray that everything goes by right.”
“I’ll do. And you’ll owe me a drink if it does?”
“Sure thing!”
Heading in we take a note of every nook and corner that does not have a security cam. Although a jammer is handy in the back of Kraken’s car, and he’ll soon be back there for monitoring.
Rubbing my palms together I whisper to myself. This is it!
THE FIVE O’CLOCK SUNis a beautiful one; as cold winds blow, making way for the evening to end. Clear crimson on the horizon; the blue skies fading into a light grey. The weather is hinting; this is perfect. Perfect day to propose...
I spot her on the entrance and ring her once, like she directed. Make her believe she’s the director.
She looks out for me, when I approach her from behind.
“Hi muffin...” I whisper close to her ear.
She startles, “What the f... I’m sorry. It’s... you!”
“Why? Were you expecting someone?” I ask playfully.
“No... I was looking for you,” She licks her lips.
I want to lean in and kiss her wet lips, but I know her enough to know that she wouldn’t like it in a public place like this.
“But how did you get in?” her brows are creased in confusion, “Don’t tell me you bought the VIP pass?” eyes widening as she says.
I shrug with a wide grin; making her shake her head in defeat, blowing out a tired exhale.
“Why did you want to talk to me?” she asks me, walking as she talks.
“I like talking to you,” I grin a little wider, earning an eye roll form her.
“Okay, I wanted to confess something... I –” I try to match her pace, as she keeps strolling away.
“Listen... I got a lot on my mind. And I cannot keep meeting you, even if it is outside. Please Nakul... keep your distance with me back. There’s too much danger.” Her expression shifts to stressed. “And I can’t imagine what would happen if...”
“If what? What’s going on? You won’t tell me a thing and expect me to leave you alone to tackle God knows what?”
I grab her by the shoulders, slowly gentling my hold as her eyes drift to where my hand touches her.
“Look, I can assure you; there are about zero things that I would not do for you. You tell me to wait for you, I’ll wait for you. You tell me to run away with you, I would do that in a heartbeat. You tell me to punch someone in the face, I would do that too. No questions asked. And if you’d tell me to kill someone, I would not think twice. That’s the kind of hold you have on me. But don’t tell me to stay away from you; because I’m pretty much incapable of doing that.”
She blushes, but the worry in her head is overpowering her emotions.
“I’m trying to figure a way out of this mess, Nakul. You’ll have to cooperate if you want this to work,” she bites her lip, “Please... trust me just this once.”
“Why? What’s troubling you so bad that you have to handle it on your own. Don’t you trust me. Nobody in the entire world can so much as breath towards you with bad intentions. Trust me when I say that I’ll fucking pull their throats out.”
She clasps her head for a few moments before releasing as she meets my eyes, “You know saying those things are cute, but what if you know someone deranged enough to do it? Would you want someone you love dead only because you were selfish enough to defy a clear order? Is it worth it?”
A message tone distracts her. She’s still trying to dig out more information about me.
I take at a look at my phone when she takes a short leave to text Apeksha back. Taking a look at the thread, her buddy has a shift at nine so she is promising to get her a picture of me before time. They have been discussing all about everything I’ve done in the past years.
I might have been questionable at times, but that was something she controlled ever since she decided to bewitch me. She captivated my mind to the point that worshiping her was the only way out of this lunacy.
It was like I have been under a spell ever since she locked eyes with me. Like she’s been ordering me around, to dominate her – to bow down to her.
No matter where she went, I’ve followed her everywhere. Mesmerized...
My devotion unending. And she’s the one to blame; so, she’ll be the one to bear it.
Because as despicable as it may seem, but there is nowhere in the eleven dimensions known to man, that she’s going to be free of me. I’ll be everywhere.
She way too engrossed to notice the one thing she never misses to notice; the heat of my stare. Her phone pings again.
Apeksha: Wait, I think I found something.
Disha: ??
Apeksha: Karishma told me she found a picture of him from some party he attended two years back when he was in town. I’ll send it as soon as I receive it.
Disha: Okay. Waiting.
One more picture. Why are they playing this stupid game. I’ll just confess everything now...
Apeksha: Btw, are you not going to introduce me to him.
Disha: Him? who?
Apeksha: Disha, don’t play games. I need to see who my best friend is obsessing on.
Wait! What? Nice turn of events!
Disha: Lol! Obsessing? shhh... don’t tell anyone or I’ll kill you. I’m calling you now.
I smile when she comes back and I do not know anymore whatever I am doing. This wasn’t my plan but I might play along.
Because it is ultimately coming out one day or another. And right now, I don’t seem to have another option; or the time to run away, without disappointing her. Which obviously I don’t want to do anymore.
But that means she could very well get the bombs dropped on her right here – right now. Because the moment Apeksha sees me, she’ll know who I am and calculate from there. And I won’t get the chance to explain anything to her.
Maybe I could try and do what I do best. Scare them!
Perhaps, she’d take the hint and keep it to herself; just for the moment.
And then I could take time coming out in front of my muffin. After all, she deserves one heck of an explanation.
“I wanted to introduce you to my best friend... Is that o – okay with you?”
Why so unsure, baby?
“Your wish is my command, sweetheart.”
She laughs heartily; and I want to memorize every curve and crease forming on her face, because she might hate me after this.
The video call connects, while I hold my breath. Time’s up!
Apeksha wows over the lighting and décor on the background, “This festival looks fun! I wish I was there with you.”
“Yeah, I wish too. Apeksha, I’ve got someone I wanted you to meet.” She blushes, moving beside until the camera is angled at us, “Meet my boyfriend – Nakul.”
“Hi Apeksha...” my voice dropping low to a threatening level, as I smirk at the poor creature before me. Blood draining from her face when she sees me; her overly sharp brain probably telling her the rest of the story.
“H – hi,” Apeksha stammers, catching her breath; desperately trying to look unaffected while avoiding eye contact with me.
“Disha, can I talk to you after some time, I remembered something urgent.”
Her friend beside me looks embarrassed; confusion lining her eyes. Red seeping beneath that silky skin; brows furrowed.
“I’m sorry. She is always so busy.”
I know what got her busy. Now, I can go ahead and talk my baby out.
“Not an issue. I’m sure there must be something urgent,” I say calmly.
“Give me a moment. I’ll just be back,” and she walks away again. Probably going to message her buddy asking whatever happened.
Oh God! not again. But there’s pretty much nothing I can do about this now. Apeksha is a smart woman; she probably has everything figured out by now.
Disha: What the fuck went wrong there? Why’d you behave like that?
Apeksha: Can you get the fuck away from him. Just leave right now. And don’t turn back.
She’s turning to look at me all confused, when I smile back at her looking up from my phone.
Disha: Why? What’s wrong with him?
Apeksha: You don’t get it. Wait.
Apeksha: This was the guy you were standing with.
A photograph of me from two years ago is attached with the text. And even a child will recognize me in it. It’s not like the one she sent to her last night; the one from years ago when I looked quite different.
Apeksha: Your boyfriend is Anushka’s brother. Nakshatra Arora, aka Naksh.
I watch as she freezes for a moment, before turning to look at me with disbelief in her eyes. The fear is back; and when I wave at her with that knowing smirk, she’s sucking in sharply. Definitely, getting the storyline.
Her phone pings again.
Apeksha: Get away from there D. He’s most probably the guy... the one who’s been haunting you. Your stalker. Your creep. The one from ten years ago.
I rush towards her as she trembles. Almost losing her balance, before Jessica appears from somewhere. Holding her up wide eyed. Asking questions which she may not be able to answer at the moment. She’s panicking and anything I’ll do or say will make her more panicky.
I stop in my tracks.
That’s my cue to leave her alone for some time to process things. She needs space, that’s clearly written all over her.
In the meantime, I’ll tackle the raid. Then I can come back and answer every single question my sweetheart has, all night long.
On my way out of the emergency exit, my phone buzzes.
“We got some shady business going on here. I think this is the one he was talking about,” Black says; his tone lethal.
“Will be there in about a minute. Call the others, redirect everyone to here, we’ll need them.” I hang up the call reversing, my track to the section Black stood in. Everyone on standby is rushing in for some action.
Let’s pull this thing down!