Change Ahead

Chapter - 6

It was Varun's birthday on that day.

Swathi came in with so much excitement and a lot of bags in her hand.

She called me, "Gaz, Can you come and help me with this?"

I gave her a hand. We both brought all the things in.

I asked her, "What are they?" I tried to open a bag and see what is inside. She snatched it from me saying, "Don't you have manners? They are not for you. It is for Varun. It is his birthday today."

I could realize why she was over excited and had a makeover like she was a bride. Swathi could never stop talking about the plans they had for the evening. She was totally blinded by Varun's thoughts. She waited till evening while our boss gave her a good shout saying, "This is not a place to love. I don't see anyone working." She was sad. Moreover she was angry that she was insulted before everybody. Poor thing, Varun did not show up. She had to take all the gifts back home.

In the evening, while I was walking back to the bus stop, I saw Varun waiting in the bus stop. He was sitting on his bike, as if he was waiting for someone. He waved at me as I went near.

He said, "Hey..!!"

I said, "Hi!" and smiled. I paused for a second and said, "Happy birthday."

He said, "Thanks. How did you know?"

I told him about the big scene that Swathi made at the shop. He laughed and said, "Thank God, I skipped today."

He joined both his hands and looked up as if he prayed. I smiled.

I asked him, "Why are you here now? Are you waiting for someone?"

He said, "Yes. I am waiting for a friend. We had some plans to go out."

Swathi came into my mind. I remembered all that she said about the plans that they had made for the evening.

I looked at my watch and said, "Ok. I will get going. I'm running late for something."

He said, "Hey.. Gaze. Wait. Shall we go for a cup of tea?"

I said, "Not today. You have some plans. I also have my plans."

He said, "It can wait. Also, my friend is running late."

I said, "Its ok. Let us go another day."

He asked, "I'm the birthday boy. So I rule today."

I said, "You are the one who rules every day. I have to go somewhere now. We shall go tomorrow."

He showed his face as if he was sad. He had drawn a sad smiley with his lips. He looked at me sadly.

I saw a bus coming in, I said, "Sure, we will go tomorrow." I waved at him and took the bus. I went home.

'Beep,' along with a vibration. It was my mobile. He had sent me a text message. 'I had a surprise for you.'

I replied, 'What surprise?'

He said, 'Not today. I will tell you tomorrow.'

I said, 'Ok.'

Another message beeped from him, 'But I'm hurt that you rejected my offer on my birthday.'

I replied back, 'I thought you were waiting for someone else.'

For a long time, I did not receive any message.

After a while, I heard someone banging on my door. I was afraid. I could see the clock showing 10 pm. I doubted who was banging my door at that time. I was in so much fear. I double checked the locks and went to bed. I took out my pocket knife to be ready when someone breaks in.

I was awake for a long time and slowly I dozed off...

My mobile displayed, 'Varun calling...' It was almost 12 am.

I wondered why he was calling me now. I avoided his call. He kept on calling. 'Should I pick up the call? What if it was an emergency? Or no... will he take advantage if I pick up the call?' I had mixed thoughts.

I heard loud banging on the door again. I panicked and picked up the call. I thought I could call him for help if it was someone else.

Varun's voice on the other side, "Open the door."

I could say I was a little relieved. But still I was so full of questions as why he came here now and how did he know my place.

"Are you the one who is banging the door like this?" I asked.

"Yes. It was me."

"Are you an idiot? Do you even know what time it is?"

"I know. Now please open the door."

"No. What do you want?"

"I will tell you after you open the door. Please open it."

"No. Until I know the reason, I am not opening it."

"Someone is coming after me. Please open the door."

"What do you mean by some is coming after you? Why are they following you?"

"I don't know. Suddenly they started chasing me. Oh my god. They are here. Don't open the door now. I will call you back." I could hear his heavy breaths and someone shouting in the background. The call was abruptly disconnected. I stood there not knowing what I should do next. I was afraid, but at the same time I thought I should help him if someone is chasing him.

I remembered swearing that I would help the people in need when I first joined the martial arts class. I opened the door and went out to check on him.

I came out and I walked around to see which direction they went. I could not see anyone. 'Left or right... left.. right.. no left.. ok. Let me go left... but what if he went the other direction. Oh my god what if I took the wrong direction and miss him.'

It was an unknown fear, anxiety for him. I could not explain it. I stood there and tried to relax. Calmed myself and took in the direction I was intuited.

I walked for quite a distance and looked around. It was an intersection of two roads. I saw a group of guys standing in a very long distance and looked for a place to hide. I was not sure if it was them who chased Varun, at the same time, I was also careful that I should not get caught with something else.

I looked for a place to hide. I saw a pile of papers and worn out things. I went and hid myself behind them and waited for them to pass.

In a few minutes after that, I could see Varun running towards me. I thought I should call him to hide with me. But then I realized he was actually running towards those guys. He called for them. They came closer and they gave a group hug and they took him. I did not understand anything. But, I know for sure, I had to be more careful, even from Varun.

I went back home pondering about the actual scene going on that I did not even understand a bit. 

As soon as I reached home, I got a message from Varun which stated, 'Thanks for coming for me. I see that you reached home safely.'

Was he following me or was someone else following him? Who is he actually..??