House of Glass | Complete ✔

Chapter 3

*Flashbacks in bold*

The clock struck noon by the time she wrapped up her chores. It was a typical weekend, Mihir was busy with his school homework and Tara was planning out the works she had to do for the coming week.

Their small 1 bedroom apartment in a colony near Dadar Station was anything but perfect. But to most residents of Mumbai, it was a luxury not everyone could afford.

"Mihir, you stay put and finish your work. I'm going down to get some groceries. I'll be back in a while. Lock the door and don't go anywhere okay?"

"Okay, okay. Not like I can run anywhere either."

Tara frowned at his last sentence. She wished he would not undermine his capabilities like this. Closing the door behind her, lost in thoughts, she walked down the stairs. As she was exiting the building, her eyes fell on the figure nearby that was standing beside a familiar black jeep. He lifted his head when he saw her coming and took long strides, stopping right in front of her.

"What is it now? Why are you stalking me? I've assured you that I won't talk –"

"Shhh." He put a finger on her lips. "You talk a lot."

Taking down his finger he ever so slightly gestured her to look behind him.

"You see those men there? They are Lala Pasha's men. And they have an inkling that you might know something about that night."

Tara tilted her head to look at the men he was talking about, careful not to make it too obvious. They were standing near the stalls outside their building. She stopped talking and listened to Jamal.

"Those people over there? They make sure no witness is left behind."

"But I assured you that day that I won't say a word. To anyone. Then why?"

"Just because I believe you doesn't mean everyone else has to right? These guys don't work under me. I've convinced them with great difficulty to let me talk to you."

"So you're going to threaten me now?"

She stared at him with anger starting to brew in her eyes.

"No. Just pretend to do it. Now be a good girl and play along so they let you go unscathed. Right now as we speak, they are constantly scrutinizing us. So gulp down your anger and come with me. We'll go somewhere away from their radar. Not too far. I'll drop you back right here in a while."

"And what makes you think I will trust you?"

Jamal heaved a sigh. He took a step closer to her and stared into her eyes with a cutting gaze, almost as if he could stare through her soul.

"Look Tara. Either you can put your trust in me and come with me now, or you can deal with these men yourself. Mind you, they don't carry an ounce of empathy in their hearts. They just follow orders. If they are asked to shoot, they shoot. The choice is yours."

He moved back and waited for her response.

"Okay fine," she finally scoffed. "I'll come with you but, only for a few minutes."