Love Story

Chapter 5

Late at night, Pallavi walked home from the emporium, hoping to catch a ride in an autorickshaw. Sadly, there were none to be found. It had been a busy day, making her stay out longer than usual. Her family had called several times, wondering where she was. With Saket out of town, she had to handle things alone.

Pallavi walked along a quiet road, with only the sound of crickets and a vehicle approaching. Fear gripped her when she realized the vehicle was following her. She tried to run and saw a two-wheeler in the distance. She walked toward it and accidentally bumped into the annoyed driver, who snapped, "Are you blind? What are you doing?"

To her surprise, the driver was Raghav, the last person she'd ask for help. Pallavi pointed at the van following her and gasped, "I think someone's following me... I was scared."

Raghav noticed the pursuing vehicle had stopped and said, "They've gone. No need to worry." Pallavi watched as the vehicle drove away.

Curious, Raghav asked, "Why are you out so late?"

Pallavi replied, "I'm just trying to get home."

Raghav nodded and said, "Okay, I'll leave you be." Pallavi wondered why he'd leave her alone like this.

But Raghav stayed on his bike, as if waiting for her to ask for help. Pallavi, putting aside her pride, finally asked, "Can you give me a ride home?"

Raghav, finding it amusing, said, "I could, if you asked nicely. There's something missing in your request. Think!"

Frustrated, Pallavi said, "I asked you nicely, didn't I? Can't you just drop me off? You live nearby, right?". Raghav looked at her with a smirk. Pallavi had to give up - " could you pleeeeeasee drop me home?" She asked. Raghav was satisfied.

Raghav grinned and agreed, "How could I say no now?". Pallavi climbed on the back of Raghav's bike. "Veda manus" she uttered softly. Raghav responded with "pichi ammayi".

Raghav parked the bike in front of Pallavi's house. "Thanks," she said with a grateful smile.

Pallavi hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Would you like to come in for dinner?"
Raghav politely declined, "I appreciate it, but I have somewhere to be."

Pallavi's curiosity got the best of her, "Where are you rushing off to at this time of night?"
Raghav grinned mysteriously, "I'm off to find the people who've been following you."
Pallavi's eyes widened in surprise, "Really?"
Raghav chuckled, "Yes, really."
Pallavi managed a sarcastic smile, "Hehehe, well then, good luck with that." She turned and headed towards her house.

Raghav turned his bike around and sped through the dark streets, fueled by anger. The night air cooled his frustration, but he clung tightly to the handlebars, his thoughts a jumbled mess of anger and unresolved issues. Each turn blurred the world outside.

Eventually, Raghav reached Krishna Rao's mansion, where he spotted the car that had been tailing Pallavi. Its driver was playing cards nearby. Raghav, seething with anger, approached and grabbed the driver by the collar, unleashing his frustration. Confused, the driver struggled to free himself until Krishna Rao intervened, shouting, "Stop it, Raghu!"

Raghav released the driver and turned to Krishna Rao, his anger evident. "I told you to trust me and leave them to me!" he exclaimed. Krishna Rao responded, "I know you can handle it, but it's taking longer than I expected."

Raghav explained, "I need to gain their trust, and you have upcoming elections. I want to resolve this discreetly. Until I say otherwise, no one should get near them. Let me handle it my way."

Krishna Rao, though furious, had no choice. He reluctantly agreed, saying, "Fine, do what you need to do, but I want this resolved quickly."

Raghav took his leave from Krishna Rao, casting a warning glance at the van's driver before departing.