Dark Love

CHAPTER-3. HIS GIFT

AUTHOR POV:

After waking up, she completed her daily routine and got dressed in a white kurta. With minimal makeup, she had her breakfast and headed to the office. Upon arrival, she found out that the company was organising a party for its employees as they had a new owner. She also received an invitation to the party.

This is new for her as she is attending a party which is making her a little nervous. The thing is, the party is after two days and she doesn't know anything about how to dress up and behave. She is also unaware of the party's theme. So, she decided to seek help from her friend Nidhi to get ready. After discussing it with Nidhi, they decided that since it was an official party, Meera would wear an Anarkali and Nidhi would wear a gown.

Leaving the office, Nidhi and Meera went to shopping for a party. They spent around 2 to 3 hours in the market and purchased many things and dresses for the party. They also ate some street food and ice cream from roadside stalls. After shopping, they said goodbye to each other and went their separate ways home.

After reaching home, Meera freshened up and changed into a yellow t-shirt and white night pants. Since she had eaten many chat items at the market, she skipped dinner and went to sleep.

After waking up, she realized that she was late for the office. Because of yesterday's shopping, she was so tired that she slept more. Hurriedly, she went to the washroom and freshened up. Then, she wore a black salwar suit and without having breakfast, went to the office.

MEERA'S POV:

I arrived at the office and settled at my desk. After working for some time, I went to the snack area to get some coffee. There, I met Nidhi who informed me that some of our employees have been transferred to the main branch in Rajasthan due to the new company takeover. Additionally, some other employees have been transferred to different branches of the company.

They are leaving after a party, which is held by our new company. I feel bad for them because they cannot refuse the company's order. If they did, they would lose their jobs. Some of them are good friends of mine, and I will definitely miss them here. We have been working together for two years. However, I am also worried about my own future. If I get transferred like them, I will have to go somewhere far from my family, just like they have to.

I am already away from my family. It is only my mamma (VIDYA SHARMA), who is living with her unmarried younger sister and also my maasi (MAANSI GUPTA). After the death of my father (MAHESH SHARMA) due to some health issues, we have been living with her in Bangalore. When I got a job, I returned to Mumbai again and began to stay there alone.

Two days have gone by working with my colleagues and today is the day of the party which is being held by our new owner of the company.

When I was busy searching for my new dress in my wardrobe, one thing caught my attention –which was my orange Anarkali suit. Then, the message incident played in my mind like a short movie, and I realised that I hadn't received any messages or calls since that night. I thought I was right - maybe it was some unknown number or spam - so I shrugged it off and continued searching for my dress. At the same time, my doorbell rang, and I thought it was Nidhi who was supposed to come over, so I went to open the door. When I opened it, to my surprise, it was not Nidhi but an unknown person with two handbags.

I didn't approach him first because he was an unknown person to me. Even he didn't ask anything. After getting irritated, I approached him and asked,

"Namaste, may I know you?"

But he didn't answer anything and looked at me with a straight face. He also looked like a commoner, so I asked him again,

"Sir, can you please introduce yourself? And what do you want?"

I was surprised when he handed me two bags and said,

"This is for you, ma'am,"

But he didn't say anything else. I asked him if he was at the wrong address, but he left without answering. I was confused for a few seconds, but then I closed the door and went to the living room. I sat on the couch and placed the bags on the front table.

I was sitting on the couch with my legs folded, staring at the bags in front of me. At first, my mind was blank, but soon curiosity took over and I decided to unwrap the bags. The first bag was slightly bigger than the other, so I picked it up and began to unwrap it. Inside, I found a beautiful red off-shoulder gown with gold and silver thread flower designs. The dress had a simple elegance, and there was a pearl chain hanging from shoulder to shoulder at the back. I really loved it!

After checking the dress, I noticed that there was a chit inside the same box. Out of curiosity, I took out the chit and was shocked to read what was written on it. It said,

"It's for you, Jaan.

You will wear this dress for today's party

Love you, Jaan."

After reading that note, I felt numb. My mind went blank. In that state, I started to unwrap the other box. Inside, I found a diamond necklace and earrings. I was stunned, completely taken aback. While I was still examining the jewellery, the doorbell rang. Hearing the sound, I snapped out of my thoughts and went to open the door, thinking that the person who left these items had come back to retrieve the items.

But it turned out to be my friend Nidhi. I felt relieved seeing her and brought her to the hall, where I made her sit on the couch. She noticed the tension on my face and asked me,

"What happened, Meeru...? Why are you tense?"

Then she noticed the mess on the front table and asked with excitement,

"What is this? Who gave you all these? Oh God, this dress is so beautiful! My goodness, this necklace is also so pretty, Meeru. When did you get all these and from where ?"

Upon hearing her, I got frustrated and stared at her for a few seconds. Then, I proceeded to explain all the incidents to her with a sad face. After hearing my stories and explanations, it was her turn to be shocked.

"I don't know Nidhi, I can't figure it out," 

 I said with a pout when she asked me who I thought it would be. After thinking for a while, she asked,

"kya lagata hai tumhai ye rahul ho sakta hai?" ("Do you think it could be Rahul?" )

Hearing her question, I was shocked and started to figure it out

"woo kaminaa"....(that bastard....)