Journey To The OtherWorld

Packing up

For the first few minutes, I kept staring at Archit like he was the Creator. He stared back at me with his mocha brown eyes, smiling a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. I hoped that he was kidding, that all this was a very ugly joke but no, those eyes said it all.

"You.. you want me to do what?", I asked. Rather shuttered.

"Kill your alternate form.", he replied calmly, as if he has just asked me to stroll in a garden.

"You mean murder?"

"Yes."

My mind grew even more confused. He was supposed to help me, but here he was leading me to crime. Was he really a human? I searched in his brown orbs for any signs of hatred or lust. i found none.

"Don't you realize that murdering someone would lead to jail time? Are you really pushing me to risk my morality?", I retorted, a pinch of anger in my voice.

"If you kill yourself, you're murdering someone else. You're taking your own life, at your own will. That's suicide. There's a difference.", he replied in his gravely yet smooth voice, using air quotes.

Okay, I have to admit. This guy is not just someone with his brains in his pants. He's got the looks and he's got the intellect. Great.

However, I'm not the one to be outwitted.

"Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code states that whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine, or with both.", I mocked him, impersonating his air quotes.

"My dear Anushka.."

Gosh! What was that? My name never felt so good before. The depth of his voice sent waves of pleasure through my body.

"As much as I admire your smartness, I can't help laugh over your innocence. Remember, we're in a whole different dimensions, where murder and abuse is the alpha and omega of the day. if you don't eliminate your ghostly version, the demons would know there are two Anushkas and they'd be hot on your trail. They hate intruders, even I had to do the same."

For a moment, it had slipped out of my system that I was in a malicious, agonizing dimension brimming with dead demons waiting to suck my life. I dreamt of a life with Archit, but reality is a bitch.

"Okay. I'll do it!" The determination in my own voice surprised me.

"Hmm, I wonder how I haven't still met your demon. I mean, it surely be the most beautiful one around the block." He grinned.

I flustered. This man had a way with words. I need to be careful. My only motive should be to escape this abhorrent world and save Lara from the perils of Tina.

"So maybe, we should start with suicide mission right away?", he quizzed.

"Yeah, whatever.", I shrugged.

Suddenly, Archit started frolicking around the cottage, picking up items hither-tither in a frenzy. In went knives and guns and adapters and pop tarts in his Skybag. He seemed to be very nervous, thoughtfully scrutinizing each and every object. Sunglasses, clothes, soap. How long will this thing go on for?

Blushing furiously, he approached me. That behavior stuck me as highly odd. He scratched the back of his head vehemently before nibbling on his lower lips. I couldn't help gush over his cuteness.

"Umm, I'm sorry. I don't have those..", he started, his tanned face turning redder with the minute.

"What?"

"You know, ladies stuff?", he timidly said, as if I would slap him.

He was litterely the defination of every school boy hiding dirty magazines in his bag.

"Ohh, it's k. We can buy tampons and lingerie at the store." I enjoyed teasing him. Finally, the great Archit Verma's weak spot has been discovered.

His face seemed as if he want the earth to swallow him up. But then, it isn't quite impossible, everything seemed plausible in this turpitude dimension.

He handed me a cute, pink sling bag. On examining the contents, I discovered he has packed clothes, soap, shampoo, perfume, cream, sunglasses, knives, guns and a sleeping bag.

"Why all this?", I inquired.

"We must abandon this cottage. It's already in their radar. Once you've killed your demon, you must not appear in front of the residents for at least a week. Tina must've tipped off us. You must make up your mind to stay and survive in dense forests and run- down shackled until and unless we find solutions. And don't worry, I'll always be there with you. Have I made myself clear?" he asked, demanding a reply.

I nodded. Somehow, Archit made it feel less burdened. I looked at his chiseled face and suddenly wondered why was he doing all this.

"Why are you doing all this?"

"Doing what?", he asked.

"You know, helping me to survive in his dubious world. You won't be able to return back anyways and I'm nothing but a sales managers, I'd never be able to pay you back"

"Why do you say that you're nothing but a sales manager? Thinking of it, I actually know nothing about you.", he seemed to focus on some other part.

"Anushka Chawan. 22. Junior sales manager at Hungry Deals. MBA from IIMs but still stuck with a shitty job. Plans to pursue photography courses in London"

Archit smirked. "Also a 32-28-36 with thick, lavish curls, deep chocolate eyes, with the best smile and the best brain ever."

My heart fluttered. He must've been a dirty playboy back in our World. Like who could tell my size by just gazing at me.

Archit held my hand and ushered me outside. It was a warm, sunny day with the clouds bouncing around happily. A sudden wash of regret consumed my body and the  journey ahead terrified me. However, I had to reach back home and save Lara and I'd rather die than let anything happen to her.

"Are you ready for this, Marshmellow?"

"Aye, Aye Captain"

Cause saving myself wasn't my only motive. I'm gonna free Archit from this World.

A/N: Phewww. Just a filler, but gave some scope for characterization. I suck at that!

So. Mission Suicide, eh? Will Anushka be able to achieve her goal?

Isn't Archit a thoughtful and witty darling?

Anushka wants to save Archit?

This will my last update for the 2 week break. Thanks for your support, my readers and don't forget this book. Constructive feedback always welcome...