KATHA

5 KATHA - STALKER

I was sitting on one of the bar stools of the Royal Regency Club. One hand holding a whiskey glass and the other clutching a wrinkled note, a gajra and a single red rose which was halfway bloomed. It's thorns were digging into my palm as I willed my anger to bay.

Nestled in the heart of Bombay's affluent district, it was a den of opulence and refinement that housed angels and monsters alike. Melodic live jazz floated around, filling the air with an atmosphere of sophistication so in contrast with intentions of men there. No matter the age. Most of them were the same breed of dogs. The interior was a maze of rich mahogany, plush velvet, and glistening crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow. Intricate tapestries depicting scenes from Bombay's history adorned the walls, a subtle homage to the city's vibrant heritage.

The heart of the establishment was the lavish lounge area, where plush leather armchairs and velvet sofas beckoned patrons to relax and unwind. That's where my target was lounging with a barely dressed girl in his lap. She was old enough to be his granddaughter. I sneered in disgust. At him, myself and,

My stalker.

I got a wolf on my back, chasing me through the woods.

The forested nights held secrets that whispered on the winds and I had unknowingly become a part of them. With each passing second, I felt magnetic a pull as the knowledge of unseen eyes bore into my very soul. He was watching, sating whatever twisted appetite he had.
I wrapped the gajra, the fragrant string of jasmine, around my wrist. Then I put the rose behind my ear, gritting my teeth when the thorns pierced my skin. That's what the bastard wanted from me maybe. A little pain, a little bloody fear. But then again, you couldn't expect decency to clip thorns from a stalker that's probably a psychotic serial killer who got off on the taste of fear. I sighed as I opened the crumpled note, eyeing his neat yet rough scrawl for the millionth time.

Sensual silhouettes, painful pleasures. I know you chase after them, Little Gazelle.

The web of mystery that had been woven around me was drawing tighter, a convergence of fates that would soon intertwine in ways I could never have fathomed. The predator-and-prey game had begun, and I was being hunted in the shadows.

It was the third note in past week, I knew what that bastard meant. I checked the entire woods after finding the second note along with the budded rose on my bed after coming back from following my next target which I was still doing thanks to my stalker. He followed me everywhere. Now I couldn't put on a psychotic serial killing show for him. I even knew he was in the club. I was angry at the stupid note because the bastard was goddamn right. Pain and pleasure always went hand in hand for me and there were not many who understood my need.

I looked to my side.

In that refined room among rich old predators in tailored suits and waistcoats drowning in the tendrils of smoke that escaped their fat cigars, Rishi was somehow untouched. I was so thankful he was there to keep me together. He always did. He always kept me from shattering. 

But at the moment, he was getting on my nerves.

Rishi flashed me a grin, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as he eyed the note and flowers. "You know, Katha, if this secret admirer of yours keeps up the pace, you might have to start considering a career change. From serial killer to romance novel protagonist, perhaps ?"

I shook my head in disbelief. "Right, because nothing says 'romantic lead' like leaving cryptic notes and being chased in the shadows."

"You've got to admit, it's kind of romantic in a twisted sort of way. Roses, cryptic notes…?"

I smirked at his theatrics. "Romantic, huh ? Well, I'll make sure to keep that in mind while I'm cleaning up my next mess."

He raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, I'm sure your secret admirer would be more than happy to help clean up. I mean, they're clearly dedicated to being a part of your life."