Rhapsody of love

09: "Claws of Fate"

Samar raghavan

             I trudged through the parking lot, exhausted from the marathon of meetings. Days of non-stop negotiations had left me drained, with no time to even glance at my personal phone. Reaching my car, I noticed a tiny ball of fur sleeping beside my tire. A kitten, with black and white fur, lays innocently, unaware of the chaos it was about to bring into my life.

My heart melted. I've always been a cat lover, but never had the time to adopt one. Maybe, this little one was sent to change that.

I gently scooped up the kitten and placed it on my lap. It stirred, meowing softly, probably hungry. I smiled, feeling an instant connection.

I dialed my maid's number, instructing her to order cat essentials. "Get everything we'll need for a kitten. Food, litter, toys...the works."

My maids suprised tone amused me. "Sir, you're adopting a cat?" I glanced at the kitten, now purring contentedly on my lap. "Looks like it." I studied the kitten's tiny features. It's big green eyes sparkled, and it's soft fur felt like silk.

"What shall I name you, little one?" I whispered.

The kitten meowed, as if responding. I chuckled, "I'll take that as a suggestion."

I drove back into my mansion, spent from the day's ordeal. Handing the kitten to my maid, I instructed, "Please feed and pamper her. I'll take over later."

Upstairs, I shed my exhaustion under a refreshing shower. Changing into my night suit, i felt rejuvenated.

Downstairs, my kitten awaited, curled up on a nearby table. Her big green eyes sparkled as I approached. "Hey, little one." I scooped her up. She nuzzled my chest, purring contentedly.

"My loneliness ends with you," i whispered, earning suprised glances from my staff.

"Serve dinner," I ordered, cradling the kitten. As I dined, she played with my sleeve, batting at the fabric. Her tiny paws danced on my arm, sending shivers of delight.

After dinner, i retreated to my bedroom with my new companion. She explored her surroundings, pouncing on shadows.

Finally, I checked my phone. Messages and emails flooded my screen. And then Ruhi's text.

A photo of ashes—the flowers I'd sent.
"You think you can own me?"
"Burn the flowers."
"Burn your expectations."

My anger simmered, but the kitten's gentle touch soothed me. "Ruhi, why push me away?" I whispered, frustration etched on my face. The kitten, sensing my turmoil, nuzzled my hand. Her soft fur calmed my racing thoughts.

I stroked her head, and she meowed, as if urging me to consider. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but the kitten's playful antics distracted me. She batted at my Phone, her tiny paws dancing on the screen.

I chuckled, my irritation melting. "You're right, little one. No drama tonight." Setting the phone aside, i indulged in the kitten's carefree spirit. She chased her tail, her paws waving in the air like a ballerina.

Laughter escaped me, and tension dissipated. For the first time in months, I felt serene. This bundle of joy had already woven herself into my life.

Ruhi could wait.

As sleep beckoned, the kitten snuggled beside me, her gentle purrs lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

The following morning, I awoke later than usual, a groggy haze lingering as I slowly sat up. My hand instinctively reached to where the kitten should have been, but the space was empty. A chill settled in as I glanced around, realizing she was gone. Heart pounding, i leapt out of bed, my voice trembling as I called for my maid and the other staff.