KATHA

16 KATHA - ANGEL OF DEATH

Note - Italics are flashbacks.

I excused myself and quickly rushed towards the bathroom. On the way I met Karina, my assistant cook and the girl was my back-up in this business. I took a pink backpack from her and told her to inform Rishi and Kalki that I wasn't feeling well and left. Then I took a discreet turn and landed right into Pulkit's lounge booth. Unsurprisingly, it was filled with young girls with close to no clothes, the scrapes trying too hard to cover their skin. What surprised me was that endurance of my molars. I was surprised how they didn't shatter by the force with which I was grinding them. I was battling my anger as I sat beside him like a trophy. His hand on my thigh bringing alive the touches I'd buried so long ago.

With a twinkle in my eye and a carefully measured smile, I leaned in closer to the old man, my words flowing like honeyed melodies as we engaged in a playful banter. I willed my breathing as the disgusting stench of cigar smoke assaulted my nose and threatened to choke me.

"You see, Mr. Kumar," I purred, "A fine gentleman like yourself deserves only the best."

The old man's laughter rumbled like death wails of a rabid swine, "My dear, you flatter me. I must admit, you're quite irresistible."

I rewarded him with a smirk, my fingers grazing his arm. "I do have a way of making evenings unforgettable, if I do say so myself."

As Rishi skillfully diverted Kalki's attention, I seized the opportunity to deepen our connection, my eyes locking onto the old worm with an intensity that spoke volumes. "You know, I've heard whispers of the fascinating treasures that adorn your abode. Rumor has it, your wine celler is quite extraordinary."

"Indeed, my dear. I've spent a lifetime amassing vintages from far-off lands, each with it's own unique story to tell."

"Well, I must confess," I whispered, "I'm quite the connoisseur of stories myself. Perhaps you could regale me with tales of your treasures over a nightcap ?"

His smile was a testament to his growing eagerness. "Stole the words right off my lips."

And so, with a wink and a flirtatious smile, I bid a parmanent farewell to Blue Nile, leading Pulkit Kumar away from safety and into a night of intrigue and awaiting death.

The ride towards his mansion in his white Ambassador was short and silent. I clutched my pink schoolbag close. When he asked I said I loved girly things. If his shivering was any indication, he was eager and dying like a fish out of water to devour me. In his lavish mansion, he took me to a rather impressive wine cellar, blabbering about how he'd amassed such a trove of priceless and rarest diamonds.

Every wretched inch of the extravagant house was laced with dirt of that man.

The next stop was obviously his bedroom. And then my demons possessed me.

I stood there as he started undressing himself halfway to the bed. I gagged at his body. Slabs and slabs of fat holding onto weak bones and dirty blood for dear life. It hurt my head and eyes to look at him. "Do you have a radio here ? I love listening to music while engaging in activities that please me."

"Sure, Sweetheart. It's on the table by the dresser."

Smiling, I walked towards it and set the volume to the highest point. Not that there was a threat of anyone listening in. I had him dismiss the staff so they couldn't disturb us and because I didn't like other people hearing the loud noises I made in the bedroom.

I was going to kill that man.

Actually I didn't want anyone hearing the loud noises he made while I tortured and killed him. The addicting adrenaline surged through my veins in the form of a wild, untamed force, setting aflame every nerve ending in my body. My heart thumped against my ribcage, a rapid rhythm that echoed through my mind. The weight of my past and unfulfilled vendettas pressed upon my shoulders, awaiting relief. The rush of power surged and sent my senses into overdrive. My fingers twitched with an uncontainable urge, aching to grasp the instrument of my retribution and drive it right into his groin. The darkness that had taken root within me awakened, it's tendrils branching into my consciousness, urging me forward with an insatiable hunger.