The Lost Thread

A Normal Day

For the first time in a very long time, Maya had a dreamless sleep. Almost, as if, the presence of  the subject in the real life has wiped the need for him to be in her dreams. As Maya woke up, refreshed and relaxed, for a moment, she went back to her childhood days. Days when everything was normal, no pressure other than home-work. When her mum would make her garam chappatis for breakfast, and her dad would read her the headlines while she hurriedly packed her school bag. But a few moments was all it took for the reality to sink in. Now she is the mum, cooking breakfast, packing bags and completely cut off from the wider world. 

She turned to look at Kedar. His mouth was slightly open, hands softly fisted and legs spread all over the covers. Maya could not resist placing a small kiss on his cheeks. It felt really rude to wake up a sleeping child, but he needs to wake up now if she can make it back to work on time. 

In what seemed like no time, Maya was standing in front of the hotel gates. She took her time to compose herself. Last night she had resolved to know more about this man, who looks just like Dhruv. Even if she did not want to admit it, somewhere in her mind, she had the niggling hope that this man is someone connected to Dhruv. She just needs to know a bit more about him. If he is family, he might tell her how Dhruv family had coped with the loss. After all, she had never met them, or even know who they are. In all the time they had spent together, they were too wrapped up in one another to talk about anything else. Dhruv had deliberately being evasive about his family and Maya wanted to give him time. Little did she know that time was limited. 

But now, Maya had this strage deside for Kedar to find a family. Somewhere to call his own. So, Maya resolved to use this opportunity to get to know that man more. With this resolve firmly set in mind, Maya walked in through the gates. 

The intense gaze of a man followed her every step into the hotel. He had spent an entire night imagining this girl in his arms. The desire to hold her was so strong that his arms actually ached. Very soon, he promised himself. He will get a taste before he leaves. It can't be that hard. 

Anush was looking very busy and bothered. A brief hi was all Maya go from him.

The day began and continued like any normal day. Suddenly, just before lunch time, Anush got a call from the office in the city. As he hastily excused himself and left the room, Dhruv walked in. A quick glance around quickly brought him face to face with Maya. He was surprised to see Maya look at him without any fear. If anything, she looked alert and curious. Dhruv decided this as a good enough sign to approach her desk. 

'Tell me Maya, if I needed to for a little trek around here, where would be a good place to visit?'

Maya blinked slowly to get accustomed to a pair of eyes that looked so misplaced in Dhurv's face. So calculating and cold, these eyes made her yearn for those captivating orbs that used to capture and hold her attention for hours. Now, the coldness left her bare and hurting. But she must not compared this man to her Dhruv. No one can match him, so it's pointless really.

'There are some waterfalls, caves, and view-points that are withing a few hours trekking distance. If you are thinking of something longer, maybe you can ask one of the organizers, who regularly arrange such trips.'

Dhruv pulled up a chair and casually settled on it. 

'Are you willing to take me to one of these one-day treks? It would be nice to have a familiar face around. You have lived here all you life, I believe?'

Maya was taken aback by the proposal and immediately started thinking up ways to say no nicely. 

'I can't come, as I have a son who I need to look after. But these organizers in the main bazaar can also arrage for a day-trip'

Maya hoped that the mention of a son would tell him that she is off-limits. It usually works on most men, who automatically assume that she is married and leaves her alone. 

However, Dhruv did not even bat any eyelid at the revelation, making Maya wonder, how much does this guy know about me anyways. 

Dhruv leaned in and rested his elbows on the table and looked her over thoughtfully. His large frame overwhelmed the table and blocked Maya's view completely. Awareness sizzled through the air between them and Maya curled her toes in her sandals as a sudden tension gripped her. In a moment of sudden clarity, Maya realised, that this was a man who does not like being told no. 

'I was not asking' drawled Dhruv. 

Maya stiffened. She did not like his tone at all. 

'I was told that this role only involved office-work'

'You will be working, don't worry. Make other arrangements for child-care and arrange for a day-trip. Also, ask Anush to come as well, we need someone to carry you if you faint'

We will be leaving the day after tomorrow.'

With that parting shot, Dhruv left the room. Maya sat there, staring after him, mouth slightly open and shivering slightly. She could not believe the audacity of the man and resolved to hadn in her resignation the moment Anush comes back. 

But it was long time until Anush returned. By  that time, Maya has cooled down, and had decided that the job and the money was more important than self-esteem. She relayed the information to Anush and started thinking about alternative childcare option. The only problem was that she did not have any. 

Anush was puzzled, and a bit apprehensive. A trek, that too with the devil? He did regular exercises but he was no where as fit as his boss. And he was certain that his boss would not hesitate to push either Maya or him into the nearest crevasse, it anything went against his wishes. He started thinking of ways to get out of this. 

Little did Anush know, that the devil was planning exactly the same thing. How to get Anush out of this trip at the last moment.