Girl Friday

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 25

Arav

I drove faster than I have ever driven my Audi TT ever since I bought it. Anjali called me saying that the bus she took to Mumbai from her hometown at night broke down and the driver announced that no alternate transportation can be arranged till early morning. Sweat broke down and my heart did a major flip flop realizing Anjali must be alone in the middle of nowhere. What if the fellow passengers left her alone? What if the place is unsafe? What if someone try to harm her? I wondered where is Rishab? How can he let her travel alone? Morning’s scarce traffic helped me reach the place one hour early than it would have taken normally.

It was still dark for twenty past two. A lone passage covered by trees on either side and distant voice of howling animals created scary scene in the road. Few passengers who seemed like they belong to same family sat few feet away from her on a generously spread sheets. Couple of men stood behind smoking and a couple were sleeping sitting on the chairs of a motel. My eyes easily spotted my beautiful damsel sitting under the street light near a motel in a pale yellow salwar. Her eyes were worried and her lips were pressed together. Her fingers were constantly tapping on the phone screen while other hand held her shoulder bag closer to her.

“Anjali.” I called. 

Her eyes immediately found mine and a relief smile spread on her lips. Pulling her bag over her shoulder she sprinted towards me. My arms widened on their own accord to embrace her. I wanted to hold her to know that she was safe. I pulled her close to me rubbing her back more to console myself rather than her.

Anjali pulled away from the hug and smiled at me gratefully. I cupped her face and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I am now.” she said.

“Don’t ever travel alone.” I reprimanded. I don’t think I can ever take this scene out of my mind. Anjali standing alone in a deserted place sacred, worried, vulnerable and unsafe. No, I will never be able to take a relief breath letting her alone anywhere.

I picked her bag and walked her towards the car. Opening the door for her, I made sure she was settled before I placed the bag behind and walked towards driver’s seat.

“Why didn’t Rishab come with you?” I asked

“He left two days ago itself.” She informed.

“What is so urgent that you can’t wait to take the morning bus?” I asked.

How can she not think about her safety? At least, she should have informed me that she was returning. God! I could have asked Rohan to send his chopper to pick her up even. That reminded me she has not been very communicative over the past week. I was tempted to argue about it; however this is not the right time. So, I let it pass.

The drive to her apartment was quiet. Anjali kept looking out of the window admiring Mumbai as if she is seeing it for the first time and retro bollywood melody was playing in the car. Just savour the moment, don’t complicate it, everything will fall in place. I kept chanting to myself. Rohan said we both deserved a break. If break of past five days was not enough, I am ready to even let her take all the time she wants.

I parked in front of her building and looked at her. Anjali rubbed her eyes trying to get rid of the sleep and looked at me with a smile.

“Thank you, Arav.” She said

I nodded returning the smile. Anjali got down picking her bag and closed the door behind her. I waited until she peeped out of her balcony waved at me. Once I was sure she was safe, I started the car and drove off.

I entered my room exhausted. More than the physical work the mental stress gave me severe head ache. I didn’t bother to take a shower or change clothes, I hit the bed directly. Continuous notification of message disturbed me and I was about to switch of phone until I noticed it was from Anjali. I sat up once to check what it was. Is she fine?

Thanks for timely help.

Read her first message.

Are you free tonight?

Read her second message.

La Intaliano @8?

Read her third message.

Okay.

I replied. Very convenient answer I believe.

Cool.

A dinner? What is it, a gratitude dinner? Nevertheless, I can dream about spending couple of hours with her alone without disturbance. This is definitely a bonus after spending five or rather six days now away from her being ignored completely by her.