Crossing The Devils Path

chap 16-shadows

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Sometimes our past becomes like a shadow silently following us everywhere. Even in the broad daylight and even in the darkest of hours. A past that you have been trying to run away from, hide, fight and struggle to get free from. Imagine if it pops up in front of you in circumstances and ways you would never have fathomed in your worst nightmares.

Richa's pov:
Sleep did not come easily to me that night. I lay wide awake in bed thinking about what Richard had said. The ball is tomorrow. You know the deal. Get ready to face everyone and i don't want you screwing up. Get yourself together and do as i say.
Was i always just a puppet in his hands? A thing to be used in a deal?
I sighed loudly knowing i had no option. If i wanted to go back home safely with my career and life intact i would have to do it. Whether i liked it or not. But one thing made me smile. Now i looked very different from what i used to before my makeover. I looked hot in a way, i had to admit. I let all these thoughts consuming me like a whirlpool consuming every inch of anything in its reach. I don't know when but gradually i fell asleep.

I saw myself in a beautiful wedding dress standing in front of the mirror. I was wearing a dark pink and silver embroidered lehenga (indian traditional wedding dress).
Today was the day my life would change. After the wedding today i would ne Mrs Sameer Malhotra. Oh how i loved this guy eith every fibre of my being i thought.
I was standing at the podium where the wedding ceremony would take place. But i stood there with a shocked and expressionless face. My face paling after getting the news. Everyone stood there waiting for me to cry or breakdown or show any kind of reaction. But i was numb. A few minutes ago Sameer's best friend Rahul had informed that
"Richa i am so sorry but sameer..he is...gone. There is no trace of him. We checked everywhere and evn tried calling him. We went to his house to pick him up but all we saw was a big lock at the door"
My mother came rushing towards me shaking me to bring me back to reality when all i did was stare blankly. Looking at the guests leaving and above all seeing my wedding, my dreams, my future and my heart all broken....
But then i saw Sameer's face laughing at me. Mocking me. With a devilish smirk on his face he said
" Get ready Its time now.. "

I woke up sweating and grasping for air. Looking around i didn't understand where i was or why i was here. After some deep breaths reality sinked in. I came to terms with the fact that it was only a dream...no a horrible nightmare! I thought. But what confused me was the last part. When i saw Sameer saying
Get ready Its time now
In reality nothing like that happened so why would i see something like that. Burying my head in my hands i tried to calm myself and stop the rising headache. I got up from bed and decided to go to the washroom. But on my way i caught a glimpse of the sky peeking through my curtains. I went and opened the curtains to see outside. My breath caught in my throat. The sky looked like a canvas, a beautiful view. With a tinge of red of spread across the navy blue sk and the sun behind the clouds, ready to make its appearance anytime. It was such a beautiful early morning view.
Wait what? Morning!! No no no no... Shit! I muttered angrily. It meant i saw my dream early in the morning. In india it was a saying that " dreams which you see early in the morning are very likely to come true"
I wasn't a superstitious person or someone that easily believed in such things. But i couldn't brush away the weird feeling i was getting. A feeling like something was going to happen something big. As if my sixth sense or instincts were kicking in.
I rushed to the bathroom and freshened up. I looked at myself in tge mirror and gasped. I looked pale really pale just like i saw myself in my dream. I quickly pinched my cheeks and tried to lighten up.
Remember your motto i told myself- SMILE THROUGH YOUR TEARS AND LAUGH THROUGH YOUR PAIN.
Smiling, i took a towel and dried myself and changed into a yoga pants and a nice long tee. Tying my hair up in a ponytail i exited the room. I had discovered an empty room near the gym so i decided to practice my ball dance a bit. Dancing always cheered me up. I carried Richard's spare laptop and speakers from his study and walked towards the room. It was early in the morning so the house was pretty still and soundless.
I chose my track and decided to dance free style a bit as warm up. I played my favourite song
Laugh till you cry and got lost in the music. After the song ended i changed the track to soft music to practice the ball dance steps Dante had taught me. When i was halfway i sensed someone staring at my back. But i ignored it. After a few seconds i felt a hanf on my waist and the next thing i know was that i was swirling in a man's arms. Richard! God he was so annoying. I glared at him while we kept dancing and i visibly relaxed my stiff body while dancing with him. He must have noticed it because he smiled. A genuine beautiful smile. I don't know why but looking at him i smiled too. We got lost in our dance and music until a maid came knocking at the door. She announced that breakfast was ready and left as soon as she came. I was about to get out of his arms when his hold my waist tightened as if he didn't want to let go. I glared at him but he shrugged it nonchalantly.
"Richa i am really sorry for last night. I know i behaved like a jerk and i promised to make things work between us atleast like friends. I am really sorry i will be more considerate from now on. Now can we get back to being friends and be naughty together?" he said, guilt evident in his eyes. Although i knew i shouldn't have forgiven him so easily but he genuinely felt bad so i chuckled and said
" being naughty friends? What are you five" i asked
" anything for you baby" he smirked.
And just like that everything was back to normal as if yesterday hadn't even taken place.
We walked together to the breakfast table and ate while chatting and laughing. God i really felt good. But Richard's question caught me off guard
"umm Richa i was thinking you haven't still told me your story i mean your past that troubles you so much."
Hearing him, images of my dream flashed in front of me and i became still.
" hey are you okay babe? Here have some water. I am sorry you don't have to share until your ready ok?" i nodded silently and drank the water.
" one more thing how abt we change your name to Rachael. " he asked with a contemplating look on his face.
" umm will do" i said