High School Romance Revisited

Chapter 20 - The Kidnapping

"I am not sure that he is coming back Deepa. He clearly informed Koushik that he won't be staying for the wedding," when Rai called me it was around 05:30am. Last night's practice had left me with almost no energy and I had immediately collapsed after returning from Chitra's house. So by the time Rai called I was awake.

"I remember he left after Prasun dada's first song," I said remembering the way Mahen had left without having dinner.

"So you noticed?"

I kept quite. Ofcourse I had noticed. I had also noticed the way his expression had changed throughout the day from rage to tension and finally to despair but I didn't tell that to Rai.

"But Rai, why are you saying that he might not come back? May be he needs a break? And this is not the first time that he ran away from situations."

"Koushik's conversation with Mahen was not a positive one. He was saying that he had never seen Mahen in such a state. He said and I quote, 'Mahen looked emotionally broken'. May be he thinks you are ready to move on with Alok but then again he never mentioned having any feelings for you even when you two landed in several awkward situations over the past weeks."

"Rai, I can't believe you are concerned about him," I tried to divert the conversation. I cannot deny that whatever Rai was telling me was making me uncomfortable. And I don't want to think about Mahen anymore.

"No Deepa, I am not concerned about him. I am concerned about you."

"But Rai, his absence doesn't bother me anymore. I have learned the hard way."

"I agree that you had learned the hard way but no one is prepared to face the unforeseen situations while walking down the memory lane."

A sudden thunder startled us both. I stared out of the window.

"It's almost time for the Nor'westers. I hope it doesn't cause much damage like last year," I said.

"What if it causes more damage?"

"What do you mean?" Sometimes I too had to think hard understanding her words.

"Nothing. See you tomorrow. We are going for Chitra's bridal make-up trial."

"I am not sure I'll be able to join. I have assignments, I might have to go out of station."

"Okay I'll handle Chitra. Bye."

"Bye Rai." Disconnecting the call I went to freshen up. In all this chaos I was neglecting my work. Hence I decided on starting early today.

Workplace was dull and most of my employees had taken off due to the bad weather. It was just Rob, Akhil, Lofa and I. Akhil kept on talking about Mahesweta's wedding as most of the planning about Chitra's wedding was done. Lofa reminded again that I might have to join our freelance photographer for the birthday assignment in the outskirts of Kolkata tomorrow. It was a three day event that the uber rich family were celebrating at their farmhouse.

"Yes I remember. I'll join."

The three of them spoke about some more issues that required my immediate attention but my mind kept drifting to the conversation I had with Rai. No matter how hard I tried I can't stop thinking about Mahen.

The landline at our office reception rang. Lofa went to answer it and called, "Deepa this is for you."

I got up and went to answer it. "Who is it?" I asked Lofa.

"Someone called Alok. Is it a new client?"

"Oh Alok. He is Rai's friend," I said and took the receiver.