The Hell Games (Kalki Chronicles)

The Unwanted "Guests"

Samaira gives a cold welcome to the Guests. They have come, she thought, hiding herself behind a book.

"Hello, Bela. How are you doing? And where is the doll? I want to meet her, said Maria.

She is sitting there. Just go and meet her. Now that you are here, you can meet her more often, began Bela. Maria happily approaches Samaira.

So Samaira, how are you? You have been a source of inspiration for us, spoke Maria.

Inspiration?

Yes. The way you have taken care of yourself throughout the journey in Ahmednagar. You were brave.

Do you remember who I am?

Yes. You are Maria Aunt.

Maria spoke through her transmedium. I have come to kill you. What will you do now?

She showered her anger and frustration on her and left for the inside room.

Samaira got an eerie feeling. "I think I should leave the house as early as possible. By tomorrow morning, perhaps".

Let me take the opportunity tonight to pack my bag with two sets of clothes and some articles of use and run away from here. This place sucks. These gaits suck.

I need to save my life. Thinking about the consequences of staying back at home, Samaira drifts into sleep.

Early morning, she leaves the home on the pretext of going out for an interview.

Why are you taking the bag with you? asked Bela

I am going for an interview to Jadavpur branch office of TIME. I need the bag. I have kept my resume and other papers in the bag. Now shall I take your leave?

By when will you be back? added Maria Aunt who stood behind Bela. She wanted to play dangerous.

I don't know. I will take a lot of time. Perhaps by evening. Samaira looked pertubed.

While Maria gave an unusual stare at Samaira, Bela smiled at her only to make her feel insecure of herself..

I will have to go to Victoria first and stay there for sometime. Then I will visit some more places and choose where to stay for times to come, she thought.

I will never return back. They want to kill me. Thinking so, Samaira sits on the grass alongside the only patch of land in Victoria's dimension. She hears someone humming a tune.

Who is he? Why is he sitting beside me? thought Samaira.

I am new to this place. Can you help me with something? My name is Rahul.

Ohk...I don't know you. How can I help you?

Let us know each other first. I am a photographer. What about you?

Photographer and in this magical world? It cannot be so. Samaira was amazed by his talks.

Hi, My name is Samaira Sidhwani.

Hi, I have been watching you for a long time now. You were sitting here since a long time. Is everything okay?

Oh that. I was enjoying the scenery here - The trees, the birds and all passersby.

May I join you? If you don't mind.

Sure. You are anyways sitting beside me.

No. I mean can we share talks for sometime.

Oh why not. Why are you sitting alone? I mean don't you have anyone with you - your family or friends.

I have left my home.