Beneath The Storm

Chapter-11:Caught in the Spotlight

The morning sun streamed through the car window as Inaara leaned back in her seat, the city streets buzzing with life.

Her eyes drifted out the window as her car sped through the familiar lanes. As the scent of fresh street food wafted into the car, her gaze settled on a small, quaint restaurant tucked between larger buildings.

It was her favorite place—a simple eatery with no pretension, where she could indulge in food without any of the formality that now surrounded her life.

Without a second thought, she leaned forward, her voice urgent. "Driver uncle, stop the car. I want to eat here."

The driver stiffened, glancing at her through the rearview mirror, his face troubled.

“Sorry, ma’am. We can’t stop here. There aren’t enough security personnel, and we’ve been strictly instructed not to stop at any random places.”

Inaara’s face dropped, frustration surging through her. Her hands gripped her lap tightly as she muttered under her breath,

“Kese log hai... I can’t even wear the clothes I like, and now I can’t eat where I want.”

The car sped away, leaving the restaurant behind, but the sour taste of restriction lingered in her mouth.

Later in the office, the atmosphere buzzed with the usual hustle. Inaara’s thoughts still hung on her earlier frustration.

As she walked through the corridor, she noticed something unusual—several of her colleagues were wearing masks. Curious, her brows furrowed as she glanced around.

In her cabin, she sat down at her desk just as Niti, the office peon, arrived with her tea.

“Niti, why are some people wearing masks?” she asked, taking the cup in her hand but barely sipping.

Niti gave her a casual smile. “Ma’am, it’s the rainy season. Some of them have a cold, so they’re being careful.”

Suddenly, a spark lit in Inaara’s eyes. An idea formed in her mind—a bold, audacious plan.

Her frustration morphed into determination. She would reclaim a piece of her freedom today.

“Niti,” Inaara said, lowering her voice conspiratorially, “Can you do me a small favor?”

Niti nodded, her face curious but ready to help. “Yes, ma’am, of course. What do you need?”

Inaara stood up from her chair, crossing the room to open her wardrobe. She pulled out a simple, comfortable dress she always kept on hand for emergencies—nothing like the designer outfits she was expected to wear.
She folded it carefully and placed it in a small, discreet bag.

“Take this,” Inaara said, handing the bag to Niti, “and place it in the ladies' bathroom near the cafeteria. Don’t let anyone see you, and don’t mention this to anyone. It’s our secret.”

Niti’s eyes widened slightly but she nodded, smiling. “Yes, ma’am. Don’t worry.”

As Niti left, Inaara felt a thrill rush through her. Her plan was simple but daring.