Like a Shadow to You

Chapter 18. Like a Shadow to You

The drive towards Banu's house went with no one speaking a word. Akash played a melody of Banu's favorite singer. The song strangely reminded her of her mother. When Kailash was alive, he didn't leave a moment for her to wonder how it would be to live with her mother.

His absence kindled an emotion burried deep inside her heart. She wanted to feel the warmth of her mother so badly at the time. Since Akash observed her every movement through the side-view mirror, she pretended to be calm contrary to her mindset.

As soon as Akash parked the car near the house, she got out of the car. Akash had a couple of important meetings scheduled with his clients. He wanted to inform her of that before leaving. So, he had no other go but to follow her inside.

Banu changed into one of her comfortable pajamas. He waited in the living room and knocked her door twice. When there wasn't any response, he twisted the door knob and entered inside the room.

Banu sat on her bed staring at her childhood picture with her mom and dad. Tears failed to fall from eyes, thereby causing her a numb feeling. Unable to watch her misery, Akash settled down near her and tapped her shoulder.

Banu turned toward him and looked deeper into his eyes. To the surprise of him, she laid her head on his lap and held his right hand tightly. She gave him a vulnerable look while whispering the words, "Don't leave me."

Her words bought a strange calmness to his heart. He nodded at her with a smile and stroked her hair a little. Banu drifted to a sleep within a few minutes. After ensuring she is asleep, he gently placed her on the bed and stood up.

Akash ordered lunch for her and arranged it on the table with a note after it was delivered. He had a word with the security personnel before leaving the house to handle his clients. Banu woke up from her sleep after an hour. She was disappointed to notice the absence of Akash.

Then, she took a bath and changed into a lavender floral printed top and white bottoms. There was a business meeting in a 3 star hotel which invited the fastest growing startups all over the state. Banu went through their presentation and conducted a small meeting with the employees in her boutique. She, along with her support team member, Radha, went to the meeting by car.

Everyone presented their ideas in brief and some of them showed interest in collaborating with her boutique. She spoke in a professional tone and interacted with nearly half of them. After a while, she needed a break. So, she informed Radha and left to the cafeteria where she got herself a cup of coffee.

When she felt a presence near her, she plastered a smile and turned towards the person. But to her surprise, Aravind stood there with one hand in his pockets. He showed a sign of surprise on seeing her. Her smile faded but maintained a neutral face.

"Long time no see, my friend," he patted her shoulder before staring at her from feet to her face.

She moved a bit away from him and stiffened at his touch. When she proceeded to walk away from him, he started to speak.

"You need not run away from me, Banu. I've explained that I did not have any wrong intentions that day. I lost a huge deal because of it anyway, thanks to your father.."

The mentioning of her father created a warmth in her heart of his memory. So, her steps halted involuntarily.

Noticing this, Aravind continued to say, "Well, I heard about your father's death. It is such an unfortunate incident. I know we had a lot of disagreements. But his loss is irreplaceable. Forgive me, Banu. I should've visited you then. I was stuck in London that day. Moreover, your dear friend wouldn't let me hundred feet near you."

Aravind's words kindled the raw emotion she felt for her father. She tried her best to remain stable. All she could do was to nod at him in acknowledgement before continuing with the meeting. Banu could not decide if she should be alarmed of Aravind or leave him as it is. Everytime they meet, he acts in a confusing way.

While she was perplexed about his motive, Aravind's eyes never left her. He knew that there's not much hurdle to his desire following the demise of Kailash.

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