An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 26

Today's the day. Bashar has asked me to meet him today and I am still short of money. I check my documents once again, hoping against hope he agrees to keep these paper's of my funds with him in return of the money I took from him. The documents still have a fifteen-day grace period before maturation.

I look at the watch, it's 3:30 pm. No one is at home except for the guards and I have to reach the cafe street till 4. Hurrying, I put everything in my tote and turn around to the mirror and check to be sure I am not wearing something revealing. Checking everything I head towards the door, the cab is waiting for me near the main gate of the mansion.

"Going somewhere ma'am?" Nikhil, the security chief, immediately cuts the call noticing me.

I clutch my fingers tightly, "Yes," I smile.

"Should I drop you?" He stares at me intensely, demanding an order.

My eyes widen in shock at his offer, but I quickly adjust my expressions and give him a tight smile.

"Not required. I have already ordered a cab, meeting a friend." I pause, considering my options. "I might return in the evening or maybe go to my parents' home if it gets too late. Look after Ivaan till I come back."

Nikhil nods, seemingly satisfied with my response. I turn away from him, relieved to avert him from further questioning. As I stop out of the mansion's main gate, the cab is already waiting for me. I slide into the backseat, my tote bag clutched tightly in my lap.

My hand gets clammy as I instruct the the driver to take me to the 21 street cafe.

I shut my eyes to calm my nerves. This meeting with Bashar is my last hope to rectify the situation. I glance down at the documents tucked away in my bag, the papers that could be my salvation or my undoing. 

The ride seems to pass in a blur, my mind racing with possibilities and contingency plans. Before I know it, the cab comes to a halt, and I find myself standing on the bustling cafe street. I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves for the confrontation to come.

My phone pings with a message, come to the back entrance of bella rosa through the alley.

Tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear, I look around for the said cafe. 

Spotting Bella Rosa, I make my way through the narrow alley. The passage is somewhat secluded, the smell of stale garbage bins and damp concrete lingering in the air forcing me to cover my nose in disgust. I clutch my tote tightly, the eeriness of the alleyway is making me uneasy.

Nearing the back entrance, I notice a car parked alongside a deserted building. My heart skips a beat as I recognize one of the men climbing out of the car.

I stop cold. The men are walking straight to me. It's too late now, I'll have to deal with Bashar's ruthless ways. 

"Let's get straight to the point," Raj's raucous voice hits me, making me clench my hand. He is Bashar's henchman. "Where's my money?" His words clipped.

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly turning dry, "I don't have all of it yet_"

"That's too bad." He steps closer to me, while his men stand behind him. He looks pissed.

My toes curl in my shoes.

"Raj I don't have it all yet, but I'll have the money till the end of the month, and I have something that can assure you of it."

"Oh I don't think so. Now you either pay me the whole amount and get over with it or...get in the car , and we can find the ways you're going to repay us...."