The Lost Thread

Friends in Need

Krish was not sure if Maya got the message. From the looks of it she did not. The school was over at least 30 mins ago, and there is no sign of her outside. She must have left immediately. He could not make it on time. 

He left his motorbike at the school and started trekking up the hill. He really needed to talk to Maya. A month back, he had left for Delhi. He was dining out at a restaurant when he spotted Dhruv. It was definitely Dhruv. He was more lean, more surly and had a completely cold look in his eyes, which he had never seen before. 

Krish was overjoyed. Dhruv had survived!

He realized he was staring, when his companions tried to get his attention. Krish found it hard to look away. Soon Dhruv looked at him and gave him a questioning look. Krish was astounded. He thought they had long buried their differences. Krish smiled tentatively, which Dhruv ignored completely before looking away.

Krish brought his confused glance back at his friends. His friend Punit gave him a puzzled look.

'Why were you staring at the guy like that. I know he is a big businessman, but does not mean you will gape at him'

Krish felt slightly embarrassed. 

'It's not like that. Actually this guy was once a part of my trekking team. I thought he would recognize me.'

'He is a freaking billionaire. His parents own big brands. He probably meets hundreds of people everyday. Why would he remember you?'

'Why indeed!' thought Krish inwardly. 

Krish finished his dinner quickly, all the while keeping an eye on Dhruv's table. He did not miss how one of the women around him kept touching him. She looked desperate, and Dhruv looked indifferent.

Dhruv got up from his table. From the looks of it, he was heading to the loo. Krish made his excuses and followed him at a distance. 

When he reached the washroom, Dhruv was already washing his hands. Krish did not waste time in beating around the bush.

'Do you really not recognize me?' Krish asked curtly.

Dhruv looked up slowly and looked Krish up and down. His glance was dismissive, but Krish could see his mind was working.

'Is that supposed to be a pick-up line? Sorry, mate, I don't swing that way'

Krish refused to be intimidated. This was Dhruv he knew, arrogant and domineering. But the coldness was new. 

'You were in my trekking group three years ago. We lost a few group members to the tragedy. I am glad that you survived.'

Dhruv suck in a quick breath. 'So this is what it's all about.' He thought. 

His demeanor changed rapidly from dismissive arrogance to chilling disgust.

'Listen, I don't know how you found out about the accident, but you will not be able to get a single ruppee out of me by spinning me a brave tale' 

Krish was completely confused.

'What are you talking about?'

Dhruv pushed Krish against the wall and gathered his collar in his fist.

'I don't know who you are, but let me get this straight. I am not interested in the incident three-years ago. So don't follow me around like a lost puppy. That will get you into serious trouble.'

Krish was shocked to the core. Dhruv was arrogant, but this violence is scary. For a while, he doubted if this was indeed Dhruv. He decided he had to dig around a bit, before making any claims. He nodded.

Dhruv let him go and walked out.