Healer Killer

Page | 1 Pranav R. Maxim

 

 

PREFACE

Being Jay Vasan is one of those horrible and at the same time adventurous feelings, which one’s always want to feel. As I already confessed that Jay Vasan is not my character but this is my property because Priya is always mine and she always will. I never write this kind of stories, but this was her wish that I should write something with her character.

I fear that Jay Vasan may become like one of those popular tenors who, having outlived their time, are still tempted to make repeated farewell bows to their indulgent audiences. This must cease and he must go the way of all flesh, material or imaginary. Perhaps in some humble corner of such a Valhalla, Jay Vasan may for a time find a place, while some more astute sleuth with some even less astute comrade may fill the stage which he has vacated.

His career has been a long one—though it is possible to exaggerate it; decrepit gentlemen who approach me and declare that his adventures formed the reading of their boyhood do not meet the response from me which they seem to expect. One is not anxious to have one’s personal dates handled so unkindly. As a matter of fact, Jay Vasan is going for his debut in Healer Killer.

I had fully determined at the conclusion of Healer Killer to bring Jay to an end, as I felt that my literary energies should not be directed too much into one channel. That pale, clear-cut face and loose-limbed figure were taking up an undue share of my imagination. I have never regretted it, for I have not in actual practice found that these lighter sketches have prevented me from exploring and finding my limitations in such varied branches of literature as history, poetry, historical novels, psychic research, and the drama. Had Jay never existed I could not have done more, though he may perhaps have stood a little in the way of the recognition of my more serious literary work.

Honestly I thought sad endings will attract readers towards this novel but this was not a fair decision with Jay Vasan.

And so…, this is Jay Vasan story!

Pranav Maxim

 

1. ACQUAINTANCE

“Healer?” The word is piercing my ear now. I’m still interesting and excited to see the case update.

A serial killer case file is still open after more than three years had been passed. But in all these three years the file is updated regularly and well… it is increasing day by day.

The police whenever finds a clue it takes the case on another direction. Many inspector reports that they get a call from Healer. Surely an imaginary person. He always left clue for the police, like he was playing a game. His murdered list now increases to Two Dozen, surely it was interesting because the one man named “Healer” makes the entire police station depressed and give some real work for the police.

Sometimes I think about that what police officer did without criminals, some people get jobs because of the criminals. Although police won’t think about the worlds without criminals.

“There’s a CD inside again.” I screamed in excitement. I read the line which was written below the CD.

Updated at March 23rd, 2006.

Healer left this in the Police station washroom. The CD was founded by Sub inspector Dev Mathur at 11:20 A.M on Thursday, March 21st, 2003. It came after 3 weeks of any murder had happened in the town. It was suspicious that if letter arrived then he’ll do the murder soon. He wrote many letter to police, sometimes his future plans of murders and sometimes praise for inspectors for their futile work, telling that he is still beyond reach of the inspector. And this time he slapped on police system’s face. He left clue in the police station.

I, Jay Wasan, am the gentle college boy. I came with my family in Delhi to live, after the death of my mother or probably because of my father’s transfer. My father is a chief inspector of a small area of this metropolitan town named Delhi. I came in New Delhi since I was of a few months so I hadn’t remember much of that place where we used to live before, and also nothing much about my mother, Only my sister had.

I haven’t any special friend like everyone has. I didn't relate well to people of my age. Maybe the truth was that I didn't relate well to people, period. Even my sister, who I was closer to than anyone else on the planet, was never in harmony with me, never on exactly the same page. Sometimes I wondered if I was seeing the same things through my eyes that the rest of the world was seeing through theirs. Maybe there was a glitch in my brain. But the cause didn't matter. All that mattered was the effect. And it would be just the beginning.

Here I gave a brief description about Delhi, New Delhi, although this city needs no description at all. A small place…Um…only when we see the map of India, A point more crowded than any other cities today is the one of the oldest cities on earth. A small point “big town” in the Northwest side of India is the capital of India. Many kings found it for good Kingdom, and it was also fucked by many rulers and foreigner’s gangs, according to my history teacher. But it makes their appearance best every time. New Delhi is the city of Monuments and it apparently has great place to study. Surely this is one more reason for people to live here. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to New Delhi, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the nations like me are irresistibly drained. There’s many things to see so it is surely a tourist place. Anyway, you must come to New-Delhi once in a lifetime.

About my family, those were the early days at the end of the ’90’s, when Dad was far from having attained the national fame which he has now achieved. He was a young but trusted member of the detective force, who had distinguished himself in several cases which had been entrusted to him. His tall, bony figure gave promise of exceptional physical strength, while his great cranium and deep-set, lustrous eyes spoke no less clearly of the keen intelligence which twinkled out from behind his bushy eyebrows. He was a silent, precise man with a dour nature and a hard accent.

Not to speak of my dad, my elder sister Aditi is a level ahead of my dad.

Twice already in his career had Aditi helped him to attain success, his own sole reward being the intellectual joy of the problem. For this reason the affection and respect of the Scotchman for his amateur colleague were profound, and he showed them by the frankness with which he consulted Aditi in every difficulty. Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius, and Dad had talent enough for his profession to enable him to perceive that there was no humiliation in seeking the assistance of one who already stood alone in New Delhi, both in his gifts and in his experience. Aditi was not prone to daughter, but she was tolerant of the big Scotchman, and smiled at the sight of him.

I too just go with my family profession. My habit was unbearable for everyone. It was an evening time and I still continue with agony column of News-paper. I got a talent to read face expressions, and many small details spread out with the person. Sometimes it was right and I got appreciation but many times it was futile and all my deduction was wrong.

“Oh my god, he visited the police station and no-one saw him.” I just read it out and give my opinion. Now his scores increases up to 25.

“Wait…How come you know that Healer is male?” she cut my sentence.

Yes, my sister takes keen interest in this bloody Healer case. She handed me my cup of extra hot coffee in this summer afternoon of March. I’m used to of my coffee in the evening.

She is right, we haven’t any clue for Mr. /Miss Healer, and so we can’t conclude that Healer is male. But I don’t know somehow many inspector think that it was male.

She raised her eyebrow, allude me that I make a silly mistake in the very beginning of case.

I know that she was right but I argued for it, “This time the clue founded on police station toilet, male toilet.” I gave a reason. “And of course… Healer sounds masculine, if it was female then it named Nurse or something like that.” I smiled.

“Really,” she can’t help smiling.

“He uses male toilet, I am sure that Healer is masculine.” I continued with my point.

“Even girl can do so, it isn’t necessary to be a boy, to use male toilets.” She sniffed.

Our short arguments interrupted by Vikas, Vikas Damn Malhotra, Son of Mr. Prabhat Malhotra. His family was one of our frequently guest, so he is the regular visitor of my home. The single word for his description is asshole, yes one of the confuse youngster, As usual dull in studies like me, but the reputation to be a son of S.P makes his life easy, after all the odds and confusion. He is doing LLB now, something that requires to become “liar” oh sorry… lawyer. I know that he has been a bad lawyer, but he has a career that I haven’t. That only makes much difference in me and him. He wore a black shirt, black jeans and black suit, taking his profession very seriously. Keeping my envious nature aside he is the sweet guy with charming personality, so charming that my sister loves him.

He entered in my house singing in his absonant voice.

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Aditi Happy birth…” he continued until he reached to us.

Vikas gave her an awkward, one armed hug surely because of my presence in the room.

“It’s good to see you, Jay,” he said, smiling as he automatically caught and steadied me.

“But I’m not happy to see you.” I said sardonically and smiled under my teeth.

Soon, within a month he’ll going to marry my sister. …And I forget to tell you that today is Aditi’s birthday. Vikas and Aditi are unfortunately of same age group, they are childhood friends and soon being couple. It is complicated to say whether it is love marriage or arranged. I think they love each other and the marriage was arranged by the consent of both families. Now she completed her 22nd years.

She offered him her coffee, and he accepted. Aditi goes to make one more cup for her and he takes her seat for arguing me.

“Today is a big day for me.” He said and tore the purple glittered sheet to uncovered rectangular sweet box that he brings with him.

I observed him with my detective eyes.

“I won the case today.” He said, smiling. He was still in his lawyer uniform black suit, white shirt and black pant.

“I don’t think so. You are lying.” I said confidently.

He handed me a milk cake. “Of course not.” he grew angry by a bit.

“Today your case ends with no result. And due to frustration you also had an accident on the road… near the library of Sec-3.”

His mouth remains open for a while and he forget about his lie. “How could you know this?”

“It is very simple to deduce that result. Your shoes mudded with the cement mixed soil and it is very fresh, it helps me to know that you get accident on the building which was still under-construction… and also nearby. Your hand… the skin of palm, flew to atleast three to four shed down this means only that you rubbed your hand to some hard surface and this case, it must a road. And finally your black clothes wet and shows extra black upon your elbows and knees. There was bleeding inside and also I can’t neglect your shudder whenever you opened your mouth to speak. You didn’t care for the wound thinking that you are going to a doctor so you went to gift shop then and buy a gift but also a box of sweet to get some prestige.” I finished this whole in a single breath.

“What?” Aditi amused and so did Vikas.

I love to spell this type of speeches when I deduce something easily. “Oh yes.” I jumped on my seat.

Aditi ran for first aid box and did whatever she can, being a doctor.

I grinned. “Really Aditi this Malhotra family is going to torture you unless you can think that, why your future-in-laws agreed for your marriage.” I shouted behind her but she didn’t noticed.

I always doubt Malhotra’s family because of their overfriendly behavior. But they reaches to their extreme point when they agreed for Vikas weds Aditi. Dad and Vicky’s father is fast friends and Aditi and Vikas…as you all know. They also had my match in their family named Jhanvi but I’m not interested.

“Wait a moment, one more thing, you know about accident because of my shudder and bleeding etc. but how come you know that my case ends without result.” Vikas asked when Aditi bandaged him.

“It is so simple, because I know you since childhood. You can’t finished any case so sooner.” I laughed.

“Saale.”

Disgusting, I hate it when someone abuse me and it is official, somehow he gets right to abuse me.

“Don’t call me that.” My voice firm.

“Saale Saab, why’d you got angry?” He grinned.

“Where’s my love, by the way? She didn’t come with you?” I asked. “Huh?”

He fell silent gritting his teeth. It gives the freedom to my Mr. Pessimist to open up. Now Mr. Pessimist speaks through my mouth.

“Please ask to your parents for me too, please Saale Saab… I’m a good boy” I grinned.

“Shut up! And what are you doing?” he stares from his shoulder. “Case files, tomorrow I’ll sent you a court notice for interfering police works.” He said trying to change topic.

“And after that I’ll abduct Jhanvi and…” Mr. Pessimist goes high now. “Think about that, oh I can’t tell you, I’m a good boy, see how good I’m.” I acerbate him.

“I’ll fuck your sister in front of you…, once I married.” He smiles looking my sister, at the kitchen.

“And I need not to get married to fuck your sister.” Mr. Pessimist is more vulgar than him. In reality I can’t do this but it is just to make dirty conversations or for shaking our thoughts.

Then my sister came and we both kept quiet. He stood up from the chair and stand next to Aditi. Now he made his arm around her soldier and slowly reaching to her waist. I see all this with corner of my eyes. Damn, I can’t take my skills off.

“We have to play it.” I screamed again. And it works he distracted.

He take his suit off. Seriously disappointed by my act.

I go to play DVD player, curious about the material inside. The CD plays a song, an old song

“Ek kali jabtalak phool banti nahi,

Intzar, Intzar, Intzar karo, humse pyar…”

The song is melodious, lyrics are beautiful but this time, it is little horrifying. The killer who called himself Healer, lynch the people mostly the girls of 17-18. Who is one of the great killer, of Indian police record like the song “Ek kali…” totally unmatchable what he did, strange. The song says, wait until the flower being adult, or to wait to turn bud to bloom, and he murdered most of girls who was at 17-18.

What is this? I think it is just for distraction or for make confusion. However I can’t show this theory to Aditi or anyone.

“Am I forgetting something?” I asked idly distracting myself from Hiller the mystery killer.

“Yes you forget to glue your butt to the end of my shoes.” Vikas grinned.

The song is still running in my mind, Intzar… kali…. Phool…, I’m trying to figure out something and somehow it relates me.

Oh my god, how can I forgot this… my face turn hard.

“What’s the time is going?” I asked to my sister.

“It’s 5:20 now.” She eyed her wristwatch.

“I have to go.” I said staring at Vikas. “Shit! I have to…”

“Where?”

“I’ll take your bike, and thanks.” I take the keys from the table and headed to the door.

He didn’t stop me, Aditi shouted behind me but I didn’t listen any of her words.

I started his bike which was really nice. It takes atleast two minutes to reach to nearby park, ignoring all traffic rules. Where she was waiting for me, she is…well Alia Kashyap, now I’m going to introduce you all to a girl. In my school days, I want to ruin her life or simply become Healer killer of her life but she turns Mr. Pessimist heart too and now she had been my official girlfriend since two years. We were together in 10th as well as 12th and now we are doing our graduation in the same college.

I take a glance of park, “There she is on the track, on the jogging track.”

“Hey, I’m sorry.” I apologize making my feet near to her.

She didn’t react, and continued with her jogging. She wore a track suit and had ear-plugged in her ear. So she has another reason too, for ignoring me.

“I was just coming to you and then Vikas came, and you know that I can’t leave my sister alone with him.” I lied.

She didn’t responded.

“Alia… please, I’m sorry.” I hold her hands to stop her and make her ear-plugged off.

“Excuse me?” she questioned.

“Hey, I said I’m sorry.”

“You and your sorry, you use this word since we met.” She said scathingly.

She is right, I use sorry every times but it doesn’t work when I had my tuff days. “How do I look?”

“By the way, who are you?” She wrangled.

“What? You don’t know me, I’m your mother’s son-in-law.” Here my waggish nature, going for her waist under her tracking suit.

“I have to laugh on it?” Her sarcasm back again. She moved slowly out of my reach.

“Only if you want, let’s go to ride, I have a bike.” I said pointing towards the keys on my hand.

She raised her hand to take the keys. I placed the key on her hand with a bit of hesitation.

“So, where’s the bike?” she asked while her eyes traced the park.

She loves driving, she too has her own bike but she always interrupted by her family.

“Give me your jacket,” She demanded and I looked at her amazed. So this is how environment work, I affect her with a great extent. First only I was crazy, but now we both. I always teased her by saying her ambitionless.

“C’mon J…..Do some men things.” She said and I smiled because she shortened my short name a bit more. I gave her my jacket. We started the ride, “So, Where you want to go.” She asked me.

“Wherever you want? And… except from highway.” I said.

Ya, it is a curse to be a son of police inspector, you just can’t break the rules even by mistake. If I broke the traffic rules they charged me fine as usual plus complaint to my father.

During bike ride, I hold her with both of my hand so tightly that even air can’t passed through the gap. And the air waves, cold air waves shrilled my body continuously. I gently placed my head on her soldier and closed my eyes, after a while I was in sweet agony. The cold air waves didn’t hit me anymore, a peace music struck my ears like the heaven music, the sweet smell of soul after rain, a three dimensional space, a sweet feeling to be alone in the universe. “I like it.”

She stops the bike on our initial point. I still hold her with my grip.

“Leave me,” She said when she removed my hands that gripped around her. “I love my backseat ride, I still have goose-pimples all over on my body.

“Okay bye, see you at night.” She said when she left. I too make my way back to home.

We did all accoutered for tonight birthday bash but she is still confused for her dress. Actually to impress her future in-laws she tried a bit more than usual.

“Where’s Vikas?” I asked after taking a glance of hall but I didn’t find him.

“Your Jiju is here.” He raised his hand behind the sofa. “Idiot”

I take an apple from fridge. I take a bite when I go to him and join him on T.V.

I threw his bike keys to him while I take my second bite. I simply avoid conversation with Vikas.

“So, where did you go?” He asked when he takes his bike keys.

“Your house,” I grinned.

“My house.” He didn’t understand my joke at all.

“Park, for friends…” I pauses to take my third bite. He seems satisfied with my answer.

He too, stick with the news channel. Sometimes I think stick with news channel shows you are not child anymore and to uplift your image in your relatives, you’re pretending to be news lover.

I take two more bites of my large apple. I didn’t asked him for an apple yet.

“Oh no, Healer again,” I read the news channel headlines.

“HEALER REACHED TO 26 NOW” News headlines said. This time Back to Back, he didn’t wait even for a day. Threating letters, back to back murders, and police seems paralyzed. It is interesting.

Finally I ate my last bite and make a shot to dustbin.

“Four years completed now, I think.” I shake my thoughts. He nodded.

Aditi took the remote from the table and switched off the T.V. “Hey, what are you doing?” We both said in unity.

“Hurry, Go get ready for the party.” She said to me.

“I think, this party is for you.” I cleared.

Vikas smiled and she tugged me with my shirt. “You have to go,” she made me to stand.

“Okay, I’m going.” I said as I moved to my room.

 

2. BIRTHDAY BASH

“She comes on like a rose but everybody…” I usually prefer night bath whether it is birthday night or not. It will help you to get relaxed before sleeping.

However it takes more times to arrange her birthday, the most difficult task to convince her for birthday party. Vikas, her future husband want to throw a party for her, obviously it was going her last birthday before wedding.

I remembered the moment when Vikas came to me with a plan.

“She was very explicit, Vikas,” I told him. “She wants everybody to ignore her birthday.”

“What type of brother you’re? You don’t want to celebrate her birthday.” He perplexed.

“I do, but…” I pauses for a second. “Truly, Vikas, you don’t have to convince me. I’m just warning you that it’s unlikely to be appreciated. She might even refuse to attend.” I tried to understand him what kind of girl Aditi is.

“Wants, schmants. It’s not really about her, is it? It’s more about me and my family and how we care enough to ignore her silliness and celebrate her big day anyway.”

“You’re right, but what you want from me?” I asked for the reason why he was bothering me with his plan.

“Please help me to convince her.” He begged.

“Ok, I’ll try.” I smiled feeling that how hard to convince her.

He showed his victory smile.

“Do you want to have input on Aditi’s gifts or just let me decide everything?” He was hoping for the latter response.

“She doesn’t want gifts, as I said, but if you’re going to do it anyway, then I might make a few suggestions.”

“Okay, then, lay it on me! We’ll assign the gifts to the rest of the family. She can’t get mad at my parents, can she? No, she can’t,” he said, answering himself.

“She is a book-warm, a set of encyclopedia was the best for her.” I chuckled.

“What about dress.” He asked ignoring my PJs.

“She has much, I don’t think so.” I declined.

“What about cosmic items.” I advised again, maybe she needs it. I think of her non makeup face. Being a chismis medical student, she never attracts towards cosmetics and she didn’t even need it. I always though, she looks so beautiful without makeup, then how do she looks when she passed through make-up kit.

“Best,” he seems satisfied by my advice. “I hope she’ll like it.”

“Oh, she will, definitely! You’re a good present giver. Have I ever told you that?” I encourage him.

“No, I don’t believe so, Jay. Nice of you to say. What is it that you present her?”

I laughed lightly. “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll let you know.”

“What is uncle is going to give?” he asked.

“Dad gave her some dresses.” I guess. Being a detective I didn’t give any sigh that I guess or I’m not sure. I keep on my confidence.

“So everybody is ignoring her wishes, I see.”

“Yes, except for you. You will be the obedient brother who always does the right thing, though some might argue that when a girl says she doesn’t want something, she probably does.” He said. I didn’t know whether he says it in good sense or bad.

“I think she’ll like my homemade gift.” I said.

“Okay, Sunday evening then.”

Today is that Sunday evening, her birthday, our plans… and lots of gifts. My thoughts were shaken.

I continued my bath.

“But everybody knows, you can use this soap…” I take my soap from bathroom drawer. Now I’m giving my own lyrics.

“You can use but you better not loose” I soaped my body and still singing the tune. Now the time for shower, I take the shower. It was like a mild rain and the best thing is that you can adjust what kind of rain you want to take bath. After my long, more than 15 minutes bath “I have to get out” I try to understand a part of me who didn’t want to come out.

I emerges from the bathroom wet and glistening from the shower, still unshaven, without towel, and there is a girl on my bed. Our eyes met for a moment and then the instant reaction she cried aloud and looked away and then she burst into laughter.

“Aah…” I stepped back to the bathroom again. “Jhanvi… what are you doing here, in my room?”

I breathe continuously trying to regain my consciousness. I looked outside with the little hole at the door of bathroom. She was looking aside, her cheekbones uplifted. She had my towel on her left hand and my diary was on another. I forgot my diary on the bed and obviously to lock the door.

I’m confused that what to say her, “Put my diary down or to give me towel first?”

“Jhanvi, put it down.” I screamed behind the bathroom door.

“What Towel or Diary.” She laughed reading my mind.

It was hard to face that girl who saw you naked, who heard your singing skills while bathing and who had with all your secret now. She was just… playing with my secret diary.

“The party is in the hall not in my room, what are you doing here.” I asked again seriously upset with her act. My voice is firm.

“Yeah, that’s a pretty good question, Aditi send me to bring you down.” She clarify the reason to be in my room.

“Ok, I’m coming, you can go now.” I said. My voice is still firm.

“No way, you have to come with me.” She demanded with her grinning.

“Ok, give me the towel.” I ordered.

She didn’t responded.

“Jhanvi…” I shouted and there is sense of crying in my voice.

“Say please…” she smiled on her personal jokes.

“Forget it. If you’ll not give me then I’ll come outside.” I warned her.

“Oh baby, you can’t…,” She said and placed the towel on the chair. “If you have guts then came outside.”

I didn’t came outside for a minutes, she begins to laugh.

“I warn you that I’m coming.” I said again. She starts staring the bathroom door for welcoming me. She was thinking that I couldn’t.

I opened the bathroom door a little, all nude, smiling at her. She takes her eyes off from me. I didn’t came out.

“What happened dear, you didn’t like it?” I said.

“Don’t you have the shame?” She gave me dirty look.

“Oh please, it is awkward to hear from your mouth.” I said ignoring her looks.

“Behave yourself I’m a girl” she said.

“What you mean by girl, it doesn’t mean that you allowed to men’s room or snatching their towel.” I hide back to the door. “Can you please give me the towel, now?” I begged.

“So, you uses diary now.” She said in familiar voice while she stepped to hand me towel. She is trying to suppress her smile.

Last time when I saw her, four years ago, one word I use to describe her that boyish, her short hair, shirts instead of shorts, no make-up that wasn’t easily found on her age group, her attitude and now she changes completely.

She wore a sleeveless eyelet lace Black shirt, blue skin tight jeans and a black shiny blazer. I have to say that she is prettier, and beautiful, and gorgeous and… sexy. More than that she looks like a girl now, she was right.

“Boarding school affect you much, I guessed.” I looked at her again and she sighed. She sighed- it is a rare event.

“You too changed completely.” She said after eyed me again. I smiled.

“What is inside?” she asked pointed towards diary. “Nothing, just try to do some extra act…” I wore my shirt, long-sleeved white with a red-green imaginary flower at left side just close to my heart and pant, Black pant. I’m glad that she didn’t read my diary instead of this she asked me to tell her that what is inside.

“Do you miss me anytime in these four years?” She asked. She was talking like a girl now. Her mother achieved international fame, as she is a doctor in some foreign hospital, keeping aside she is a business women too. So, to be friendly relations with a family like this is a prestigious status for us.

“Every time,” I want to make her comfortable. Her pixie face looks adorable after my answer. “Not at all.”

“Do you miss me?” I asked her, to make some conversation.

“Well… not at all.” She answered with a smile. I think I should continue with the truth but I didn’t mention it to her.

“You take too much time to get ready, even more than girls.” She frowned to me when I continuously stare myself on the mirror. She can say this word because she didn’t take much time to get ready, she is a girl of words only.

“Let’s go.” I said still looking at mirror, I didn’t want her to be in my room anymore. She threw the diary on my bed, and came to the mirror. For a moment we fitted in a frame of mirror. She hold my hands, griped her fingers with mine and acquiesce.

As we left my room she asked “Have you any girlfriend?”

It is strange because a girl who came to you after four years and asked you about your girlfriend. I smiled at her, make the finger grip tighter and said. “Unfortunately yes, but I’ll ready to affair with you.”

I didn’t let it known to my sister yet, I need someone to share these talk.

“Who’s she, is she here? Is she your classmate?” She seems excited.

“Well… a girl, she isn’t here and she isn’t my classmate too.” I answered all her question. “I’m not a gay at all.” I make an expression.

She gave a wry smile.

“Have you?” I flip the question again, I’m best on it.

“Ya, I have.” She smiled. “Would you like to saw him?” She asked playfully.

“Yes, I do if you…” I said as she cut my line.

“Tomorrow at my home, you can see his pic.” She said and ran to my sister where she was waiting for… I don’t know why she was waiting.

I saw the party, that Vikas had outdone himself, I didn’t take credit for it because most of decoration done by Vikas, of course. Blue glass lanterns and bowls of flowers decorated the porch, and inside there were flowers, candles, crystal, more flowers, white linen, presents wrapped in silver and green glittered paper with blue ribbon, and more flowers—red roses, signifying love and romance. The lighting perfect. I had even commissioned an elaborate pink layer cake with roses made from darker pink frosting suffocating the surface.

My eyes darting from one face to another. Everyone finds their group and at the tiny hall of my house there was atleast 13-14 groups contains three group of girls, five of boys, two of middle aged person, one for retired officers and three groups of ladies- housewives.

I look around, trying to find Alia, she didn’t come yet. It was hard for me to find my group so I took a coffee cup from the waiter and fortunately find a corner, I took the seat facing the main gate surely to see her arrival. It was a good seat to view the party, I saw all potential, Vikas friend’s giggle, and retired officers laugh on some of their poor jokes, my sister still with the cake, some of girls around her giving her trifling advice. My father had some tension about arranging things and the waiters enjoyed the environment.

A five year old boy cry without any reason, one girl broke the water glass and trying to behave normal, one of my friend have some problem with their jeans and a girl adjust a boy tie, they must be siblings. I guessed. I memorized the moment when my sister dressed me up or adjusted my dress because I simply believe that a great man is careless about his dressing sense.

I took a sip of my coffee and closed my eyes, trying to remember the scenery that I’ve seen just a moment ago. I didn’t forget anything, even the colors. I smiled on my excellence. My eyes are still closed, I heard a thump on my table like someone put something hardly on my table. I opened my eyes.

Alia…, finally she came. She wore a colorful dress, red T-shirt and navy blue jeans and black jacket. “What happened?” She asked.

“Nothing,” I take another sip. “Is this mine?” I asked pointing on the jacket that she wore.

“Then why you are here, Lonely.” She said when she looked around to get the surety of her words.

“You are late.” I said staring at her because I had to wait sometimes.

“I don’t think so,” she said as she looked at her watch.

“7 O’clock, I said.” I take another quaff of my coffee.

“No, you said 7-8, I think.” She said with a bit of doubt. Surely she is my girlfriend, I mean her musical voice when she argued and I like the moment when she was right and I’m wrong.

“Forget that, I’m here now.” She said as she unzipped her jacket and place it on the table, softly this time.

I forget to take jacket back after evening bike ride. She looks prettier without jacket, her thin arms, her extra fair skin and her long straight hair. I saw the silver wrapped square on the table and asked her. “What is this?”

“Well… surprise it is.” She seems excited. She was full of pep, must have had Grande latte enema.

"Then what is?" We were inclined toward each other across the table now. She had her queasy white hands folded under her chin; I leaned forward, my right hand cupped around my neck. I had to remind myself that we were in a crowded party, with probably many curious eyes on us. It was too easy to get wrapped up in our own private, tense little bubble.

I saw her parents, successfully found their groups.

“Let’s go.” I finished my cup of coffee and placed the cup aside. I take my jacket and she takes the gift in her hand.

I make my way to Aditi among two dozen girls that was everywhere on the party or on my way.

Aditi was in her beautiful new glittering blue dress, like a mermaid that I saw in a movie a few days ago.

“Happy Birthday Dear” I said in my naughty voice that I always used with her and hugged her. I tried to sound eager. Alia also wishes her.

“The cake is looking prettier than you, why don’t you kill the cake.” I suggested.

Everyone around her laughed.

“Seriously Aditi… today no-one can look prettier than you even the cake,” I placed the knife on her hand. “C’mon everybody,” I said it loud enough to make the whole party hear. We started the song.

“Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday Dear Aditi… Happy birthday…” everyone sing.

Vikas had camera in his hand, capturing her future wife last birthday before espouse. I always hold camera to take pics but not in this time. I imagine myself lonely on the house and this thought was too horrifying that I felt goose bumps all over my body, even Mr. Pessimist afraid a little inside me.

I was just right next to Aditi, I looked at her with my childlike eyes she was happy, giving smiley pics for the camera.

She cut the cake and the birthday songs reached to it’s high, some crazy girls spill the balloons, I felt that someone spill me too, I didn’t feel anything inside. I felt someone jabbed a rusty knife on my heart. An unexplainable pain shivers through my body.

“H… Hap…” I tried to sing with others but something choked me. I could not go on. I tried to be normal but I couldn’t. My eyes filled with tears, it was unable for me to see anyone with tear filled eyes. I wiped my tears but again it filled.

“Oh god… plz” after my surety that I couldn’t blame anyone for this, I turned to god. My eyes continuously showed me that pic that I imagined a moment ago, lonely on the house. I’m not sure that it’s my body, there isn’t any harmony on my body parts, and they all work separately. Damn my eyes.

It was one of the joyful moment of Aditi’s life and I don’t want to ruin it with my tears. I tried hard to stop my unwillingly tears but I fail to understand my eyes this time.

I saw the fog stained face of everyone and imagined that all see me with my tears, my body shivers by this thought.

“Oh no, I have to go.” I mumbled, it was unable for me to control myself.

I take a step back, and then another. After four step I was at the end point of this little crowd. I wiped my tears again and ran to upstairs silently that no-one gets noticed. They still singing birthday song loudly.

I reached to Terrace and face the bare sky. I exhaled my emotion.

“Aah.” I squawked. A painful voice came out from my mouth, when I tried to break myself into tears. I still felt something deep on my throat and it hurts. I continuously breathed.

“Thanks god, no tear anymore.” After a couple of minutes I feel relaxed but I don’t want to go inside, I don’t want to feel it again, it is painful. I quaffed the air.

I looked the big buildings, lightening, dazzled. It will attract you, that’s why it is crowed. New Delhi is one of the beautiful place at night, the cold air strike my body again.

“What are you doing here?” A musical voice asked me from the door.

I turned to door. “Hey… Alia… Hows… How’s the party?” I haven’t tear in my eyes but my face and my choked voice gave a solid hint that I cried.

“Oh my god, you’re crying?” She shocked.

“No, I was crying.” I hung my head low.

“Are you mad, there’s party inside? Most of all, Aditi… she needs you.” She pauses for me but when I didn’t responded she start again.

“…And you wandering to find a corner for crying.” She went to sarcastic tone. “Have you any sense or not?” she continued.

It is more painful, because she is right. I almost broke into tears with her heavy words.

“Now, instead of crying alone, join the party for her and if you want to cry then cry in the bed when you’ll go to sleep.” She said and exhaled.

“This flimsy dialogues never work on me.” I turned my back to her. For a moment, I think what kind of prick she was. She advised me to cry when I’m alone or simply postponed the cry till sleep. “It is easy to say but…”

“You have to… do this. Ignoring how hard it is.” She completed her line with a break in the middle. She came closer to wipe my eyes.

She leaned on me a little. We’re alone. Suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, possibly our proximity in such an enclosed space, the atmosphere between us changes, charging with an electric, exhilarating anticipation. My breathing alters at my heart races. My head turns fractionally towards her, I noticed her shameful black eyes. She bit her lower lip.

I lunges at her, pushing her against the wall of the Terrace. Before she knows it, I’m got both of my hands in one of me in a vice-like grip above her head, I’m pinning her to the wall using my hips. My other hand grabs her ponytail and yanks down, bringing her face up, and now her lips are on mine. It’s only just not painful. She moan into my mouth, giving my tongue an opening. And I take full advantage, my tongue expertly exploring her mouth. I have never kissed anyone like this. Her tongue tentatively strokes me and join me in a slow erotic dance that’s all about touch and sensation.

“You. Are. So. Sweet,” I murmured, each word a staccato.

Soon we disturbed by someone chuckled on the gate. We both turn to look at the gate.

“Um… oh, Aditi called you.” Jhanvi said looking away from me. Alia pushed me away from her and without any eye contact she leave me alone with Jhanvi Malhotra.

“Shit.” I turned away from the gate, worried about that kiss which was open secret now.

“You too, Mr. Vasan,” She said after my ignorance.

I nodded still not turned to her, I didn’t think that I bear any eye-contact with her now, when I lied to her. Instead of this I think about my kiss, it hardly seems real, my first proper no-holds-barred kiss. It never happened, it never existed. Perhaps I imagined it all. No. I touch my lips, swollen from her kiss. It definitely happened. I assured myself.

“So, she is not here…,” Her comment on my lie. As expected. I integrated on myself as I heard her footstep coming towards me.

I didn’t responded at all. “Well…” I tried to find suitable word to convince her but I couldn’t.

She lit her cigarette with a little flame of lighter that comes from her jeans pocket. I looked at her with corner of my eyes, the boarding school changes the packaging but the material inside was the same. They were unable to change her even a bit.

“Have you?” She offered me her cigarette to make situation normal.

“Oh, no, I can’t.” I declined her offer. I made a little eye contact and then flushed. I looked my shiny boots that was my sister’s choice. Too shiny for the party.

“I left smoking years ago,” I lied again. The truth is after my hardest effort, I couldn’t able to leave it. Even Aditi’s swear didn’t work on it. But because of my father and my sister I preferred to smoke only at night, in my room, before sleep.

She showed a fake smile. “Really?” she said as she know that I lied.

“Yes.” I nodded with a frown.

“I took it from your drawer,” she smiled again pointing to the cigarette packet.

“Huh.” I smiled on my stupid arguments. I took a cigarette from her mouth and placed it between the corners of my lips. I felt her lipstick, on the edge of cigarette. Her lipstick scent has some fruity smell.

“So…” all my word vanished like a puff of smoke. I take two sip and she jumped a little to grab her cigarette from my mouth.

As she jumped, my eyes took a glance of one of her bare breast to a hole that was because of her deeply unbuttoned shirt. There was something, a tattoo may be starting with J.

I smiled when she take her cigarette back. “J… J for Jhanvi… or something else.” I murmured.

“What?” she asked.

I’m in quandary whether to ask or not. “Do you have tattoo?” I asked with hesitation.

She placed her hand on her heart and reacted like her very secret is revealed now. Then with a bit of hesitation she said yes and exhaled the smoke of cigarette.

“What is this? Something start with J.” I guessed.

She nodded.

“Your name?”

“J is also initial for Jay.” She smiled and patted my soldier.

“I don’t believe you, I want to see it.” I said as I squinted on her shirt.

She hide her tattoo playfully and turned my head another side. “You’re not to… Mr. Jay.” She smiled.

“C’mon you saw me naked, a moment ago. Now my turn, I just want to see your tattoo.” I insisted.

“That’s your fault, you should bathe with closed door, and please sing only in bathroom.” She said and laughed heartily.

She looked beautiful, and I could have sat there admiring her beauty forever but I have a girlfriend and I’ve no wish to be a sandwich between two girls. “Stop it.” I said, moving towards her. I was irritated with her word that she uses for the situation when I’m naked. Her laughter was unbearable. She was laughing so hard that she had to hold her stomach with a hand.

I curled up next to her and held her. She turned her face towards me, almost in reflex. My mouth is close to her, very

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 22.04.2016
ISBN: 978-3-7396-4994-8

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