On the Run

Chapter 3: Violent Tendencies

No, Aiyappa this can't be happening! I can't be falling for him! Why does nothing ever go according to plan in my life?

I was so sure that I wouldn't like Madhyam. I mean, everything about him screamed "weird" when I tried to dig up information on him, yesterday!

Which sane person has no picture of himself on the internet? Especially, someone who comes from such an affluent family.

I was certain that he'd be a socially awkward and unattractive person and that I'd have no problem convincing him to reject me! After all, a person who was ready for an arranged marriage in today's day and age without having met the prospective bride, had to have the will power of a peanut!

I was so wrong! He was so different from what I had expected. He was the most attractive man I'd ever seen! In fact, every time I looked at him, I seemed to be going weak in the knees. As if having killer looks wasn't enough, everything about him screamed confidence! His deep and thought-provoking statements, his sly and witty remarks-he had won me over completely!

Instead of convincing him to reject me, I had done my level-best to impress him...What's wrong with me?!

But then suddenly, it struck me... What if I agreed to the marriage, for the time being?

He himself said he wanted to take it step by step.

Maybe, just maybe I could convince him to postpone the wedding, until we at least get to know each other a little better! Also, what if I could convince him to let me stay in Bangalore and pursue my career after marriage? That would be perfect. Everyone would be happy! My family wouldn't be disappointed in me and maybe I could even learn to love him someday.

I found myself blushing at this thought when I looked at myself in the mirror. Just like that, a new plan began to take shape in my mind! I was pretty confident of its success. After all, Madhyam, contrary to what I had expected, seemed to be quite a reasonable person. He seemed to be extremely strong willed as well! I was pretty convinced that no one could make him do something he didn't want to. His reaction when I mentioned marriage made it pretty clear that he was just as skeptical about it as I was.

Aiyappa, thank you so much! Thanks for being on my side!

My vote of thanks to Aiyappa was cut short by a loud crashing sound that emanated from outside.

Bam! There it was again- the crashing sound, confirming that I hadn't imagined it. It sounded like furniture breaking. I also heard some rattling noises, just the kind that result from metallic items falling on the floor.

Crash! This time it felt like glass had been shattered. I was utterly confused. I washed my face one last time and made my way outside.

As soon as I stepped outside, I had an eerie feeling that something bad had happened. The whole restaurant seemed to be empty. However, the crashing sounds were still as prominent as earlier. As I headed back to our table, what I saw made me freeze in my position. There were three men lying unconscious on the floor of the restaurant. They looked like they had been badly beaten up because their bodies were covered in bruises. Two of them even had split lips, probably as a result of being punched in the face, repeatedly. The most alarming thing was that these men were clothed in police uniform. I also noticed that it wasn't the standard Karnataka issue police uniform. Were they from a different state? Slowly, a feeling of dread began to engulf me...what had transpired here in my absence?

Suddenly I remembered why I had come here in the first place- Madhyam. Where was he? Was he okay? I started to worry.

My question was soon answered as I saw Madhyam and another man emerge from the reception of the restaurant. The man was just as well-built as Madhyam and nearly as tall as him. He didn't wear a police uniform though. Both of them seemed to be fighting each other tooth and nail.

Aiyappa, why is Madhyam fighting him? What if something happens to Madhyam?

Madhyam punched the man in his stomach. The man retaliated by grabbing his collar and nearly choking Madhyam.

"Manik!!" He yelled. "Give yourself up! You've already lost. There's nothing you can do now!"

"Dream on, Harshad!!" Came the prompt reply from the other side as he smacked the man who I now knew to be named Harshad, on the chest.

What's happening? Did Harshad just refer to Madhyam as 'Manik'?

"Madhyam, what's happening? Why are these police officers here?" I screamed in order to get his attention.

Before Madhyam could reply, Harshad spoke in a sarcastic manner, turning around. "Well... well...well, Manik, what do we have here? Having some fun while being on the run, is it?"

"Harshad, leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!" Screamed Madhyam or Manik or whoever the hell he was.

Aiyappa, this is so confusing!

Harshad attempted to move towards me and grab my hand. I stepped back in order to dodge him. Before Harshad could touch me, Madhyam hit him with a chair from behind and Harshad was knocked out.

I looked up to see Madhyam's face. What I saw, made me nearly cower in fear. His eyes were filled with rage and hate as he looked at Harshad. The angelic face I had seen merely an hour ago had turned into that of a monster's!

"Madhyam, what is going on? Answer me!" I screamed.

I had to get some answers from him. He better have a good reason to justify such violence!

However, before he could answer me, a group of cops barged into the restaurant.

One of them pointed a gun at Madhyam and shouted. "Hands up, Manik Malhotra! Cooperate with us and come to the station, or else we'll have to take you by force! "

In response, he just smirked. There wasn't a hint of fear visible in his eyes! He moved swiftly and before I knew it, one of his hands were wrapped around my mouth. He picked up the steak knife kept on the table with his other hand and immediately pointed the blade at my throat!

The night was going from bad to worse...

Aiyappa, what the hell is happening?

*****