High School Romance Revisited

Chapter 15 - The Power Cut

After talking to Manish I was worried and shocked. If my guess was right then Mahen had the Cherry Blossom painting. But why? My heart was racing I couldn't think of one reason why he would purchase the painting. First he was not at all an art lover and second he didn't like collecting paintings. He didn't even like photographs as well. He used to say live the moment rather than capturing it in the frame. Then why?

I grabbed my bag along with the studio keys and rushed out. Before leaving the studio I instructed Lofa, "If I do not return by the time you all leave please shut the studio. And give the night guard leave for today."

"But why? And where are you going? Have you finished checking the files and preparing the schedules"

"No Lofa, I'll be back and will stay back for the night here. Just do as I say," I pleaded and left.

I had asked Manish which hospital they took Mahen. The place was about an hour away from my studio. I caught a cab and called Chitra on the way. When I asked her about the incident she was clueless. Shit! Now for me Koushik is going to have a hard time. Quickly disconnecting the call, after I asked Chitra not to get mad at Koushik, I dialled Rai's number. But she didn't answer. All kinds of negative thoughts about Mahen crowded my head. I asked the cab driver to drive faster.

Once I reached I quickly paid off the cab and didn't wait to take the change. Rushing towards the reception area I enquired about Mahen. The receptionist informed there wasn't any information about a new admission so he must be at the emergency ward. I ran towards the emergency department. After much persuasion the in-charge there informed the patient had left few minutes ago.

I don't know why I was disheartened? Not getting to know why he has the painting or not getting to meet him even when he went through such a situation? Must be the former one because I had seen him before getting into unnecessary fights. However once he got involved with me these things reduced. Looks like he was back to his old-self.

I pressed my forehead and tried to think from where to get more information on what had happened. Koushik would never tell me the full truth, Manish hardly knew and asking Mahen was out of question. Then it hit me that there was another person who must know.

The Garage or garbage as I used to call it was located in the same area as the hospital. And it was good. Looking at the high rate of drunk incidents that happened there the close proximity of the hospital came in handy.

The place was open 24 hours and round the clock it played loud music. People thought as it was sound proof and located underground police didn't care much, but the reason was different. The owner who himself came from a rich circle bribed the police authorities with loaded cash so they hardly cared what happened down there. However this place wasn't infected with illegal activities yet, thanks to their strict policy of selecting members.

Climbing down the stairs I reached the main entrance guarded by two bouncers. As I wasn't a member they wouldn't let me enter so I told them I was here to meet the head bartender. They called him to confirm and then allowed me in.

This shitty place hasn't changed at all. Walls were decorated with graffiti and iron chairs painted with neon colours scattered on the sides. The dance floor was huge which now looked empty compared to the crowd it gathered during evening. Few people occupied the VIP tables and some played poker at the common area. It was all dimly lit with small lamps hanging over the tables and disco lights flashing across the dance floor. A huge board hanging above the bar had the name of the place written with flashy yellow lights.

I walked directly towards the bar maintaining a low key. The young bartender came to attend me. Just when I was about to tell him my purpose of the visit I heard a voice from the end of the bar. "Have you lost your way sweet lady? For the last time we met you called this place garbage."