FADING DARKNESS

CHAPTER 9: RESTLESS

"Papa, u forgot ur lunch" Piya said,entering her father's office cabin, lunchbox in hand. "Oh I am sorry—"

She stopped speaking as her eyes fell on the person who was sitting on the chair opposite Arnab's. Abhay. Abhay's jaws tightened as his eyes met hers, and as usual Piya felt herself drown in that intense look he was giving her.

"Piya, sweetheart" said Arnab, hurrying forward. "What was the need the need to come by urself dear? U know u r not fully recovered, u need rest, the doctor said that. U could have sent someone—"

"It's okay papa" said Piya forcing her eyes away from Abhay. She could still feel his gaze on her. "U know Mama's busy and Bhai is not at home either and the driver's on holiday. Besides, I needed some fresh air—"

"I'll have someone drop u home" Arnab started but Piya stopped him.

"It's okay Papa, U know Jeh's giving that party tomorrow, I wanted to buy him something as welcome home gift" she said smiling. "So I guess, I'll just go the mall before heading back home.."

"Piya, don't take too much stress...u can buy something later" Arnab said.

"No Papa, I'll be fine, honestly" said Piya. "I'll call u as soon as I reach home"

Arnab sighed. "Kay, I'll wait for ur call, sweet. Take care."

"Bye Papa" said Piya" she threw Abhay a glance, a blush unexpectedly creeping up her face as he noticed that he was still staring at her. She quickly looked away and left.

Abhay stood up, looking at Arnab. "Well, I should get going as well, Mr.Dobriyal. I'll get back to u on the second deal."

Arnab nodded as Abhay left.

*********

Piya had just finished her shopping and come out of the mall. She took a short cut from the mall, through a narrow alley that linked the road in front of the mall to another road, where the bus stand was. Piya smiled, feeling better in a long time. She had bought a wrist watch for Jeh. She knew his fascination for watches. It would be a perfect gift for him. Tomorrow was the party, and the day after that she could join her newspaper again. Her suspension period was over. This time, she was determined not to let anybody ruin her career or life, she thought, anger and hurt rising in her as Abhay's face flashed in her mind. But she forced herself not to think of him.

"Mish is coming the day after tomorrow as well" she thought gleefully. "After work she could catch up with her best friend! It had been almost a year since they'd last seen each other. It was going to be so much fun.

Lost in her thoughts, she did not realize that two men were following her.

"In a hurry, flower?" one of them called out suddenly.

Piya stilled as she realized she was being followed and as she heard the words of the man. A chill ran down her spine. With horror, she realized that she had even finished her pepper spray, and that she was absolutely alone in this deserted alley. She started to walke faster, trying to ignore the men or the fear rising In her. If she could just reach the end of the alley, maybe she could scream for help—

A shadow appeared at the other end of the alley and Piya stilled. They had covered her from all sides. She had no way of escape. With a deep breath, she stopped and turned around to face her stalkers. They weren't very old, but the way they were leering at her made her skin crawl.