KRITIKA in PROGRESS

When the clock hand struck again, I was glad it was 10. It had been a really long day and I was exhausted making Reeya do her homework, make her eat all the vegetables, including capsicums and running after her all over the house to put her to bed. Boy, do kids have a lotta energy! But after the story telling session, Reeya drifted into a light slumber, if her snoring was any indication. It was late evening and I finally had time to myself, that is if Reeya doesn't wake up again. She is a lousy sleeper.

Reeya was sleeping at my place again as her darling parents and, apparently my only two friends, Nandini and Rahul Baweja, were going out, AGAIN!!!! Not that I mind having Reeya over. Of course not, she is a darling. Its just that lately, Nandini and Rahul have become very vulnerable...... As for Nandini, it was kind of expected and acceptable. What with her being pregnant with a second child the hormonal imbalance is explainable, but Rahul? It seems like he also developed some kind of paternal hormones which drives him off the edge. Ever since last week when Nandini slipped on the wet floor of the corridor of our building, Rahul has been watching her like a hawk. Surely, she had remained unharmed and Nandini brushed off the topic but Rahul doesn't want to take any chances. Although now that I think about it, it just might be his OCD kicking in. Nevertheless, Rahul's relentless hovering irritated the shit out of Nandini and Baweja residence became my entertainment channel of the week. Anywho they decided that they needed to calm their qualms by taking a quick time-out a.k.a. a two-night package . Yes, TWO NIGHTS! Not two days, two nights! Well, I smell shennanigans..... which leaves me with Reeya tonight.

On friday night, being single I don't have much to do but hang out with my friend's four year old daughter. Doesn't sound rad, I know. But I am happy.........I guess.

It's friday night and I have finished all my chores and according to the T.V. guide, Notting Hill was on air, just what I wanted- a JULIA ROBERTS movie. With Reeya here, cartoons is all we watch. Night-time is my only opportunity window. I was about to switch on the television when all of a sudden my doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone this late. Unless Nandi and Rahul backed out of their sex-errand. Was something wrong with Nandi? Is that Rahul on the door? Maybe last week's fall has afterall taken a toll on Nandi? I hope everything is......

"Ting Dong" rang my bell. I was snapped out of my monologue when my bell went off again and I rushed to the door to open it. I was having this bizarre feeling in the pit of my stomach, the one which says- this is not gonna be good.

Pushing all thoughts aside, I unlocked the door and held it wide open- something which you shouldn't do at such a late hour. Well I realized this rather late, when I saw a male figure standing in my doorway. I adjusted my eyes to the dark outside and saw that the man was tall and leanly muscular, his head hung low and a tired expression on his face. His face. THAT FACE!! And I froze...