Pranbir Short Story Collection

The Business Trip Part 2

It was evening and the sky was painted with the red and golden hues of the setting sun, when Ranbir and Prachi drove down the winding driveway, flanked with colossal trees on both sides. The twittering of birds added to the charisma of the enchanting ambience. Nature was at its best in this part of the hill town.

As they turned round the corner, a beautiful, wooden, two-storey bungalow came into view with mountains forming a picturesque backdrop to it.

As their car skidded to a halt, a burly man jogged out of a room in the corner. He greeted them as they disembarked and led them to their respective rooms for their overnight stay. Before they could retire to their allotted rooms, the man intercepted them.

"Sir, I have a request."

"Sure. Please go ahead, Pushkar uncle." Ranbir bestowed him with cheerful smile of assurance.

"We have an auspicious festival today in which mother Goddess will be worshipped, followed by dance and a small feast. We, the natives of this small town, wish to invite both of you to the festival. Others have entrusted me with the task since I am the caretaker here and have better access to you, and hope that you will accept their humble request." Pushkar smiled timidly

"Off course we will come. Just give us an half an hour to freshen up." Ranbir smiled, turning on his charm again.

"Thank you, Sir. I'll inform the others." They were rewarded with a dazzling smile for their compliance.

"You were right to accept his invitation. It was a nice thing to do. Otherwise he would have been disheartened." Prachi smiled

"I know. After all I'm a very nice human being." Ranbir pulled up the collar of his jacket

"Blowing your own trumpet again." Prachi rolled her eyes

"What to do? You never praise me. So I praise myself. Poor me." Ranbir sighed histrionically

"You are impossible." Prachi giggled

"I know" Ranbir smirked

"Now go." Prachi shoved him lightly towards his room.

Chuckling, he trotted off while she too sauntered into her room.

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Barely a minute or two had passed when Ranbir, who was splashing water on his face, was flabbergasted to hear a shrill shriek. It took him a few seconds to register that the voice belonged to Prachi. That realisation galvanised him into action. He dashed out of his room and within the blink of an eye, he was in Prachi's room. To his consternation, she was huddled up on the bed and was staring fearfully towards the washroom.

"Prachi? What's wrong? Why did you scream?" Ranbir strode in her direction anxiously.

As soon as she heard his voice, Prachi jumped off the bed and threw herself in his embrace, hugging him tightly. Still nonplussed, he began to caress her hair in a soothing manner to calm her down.

"Hush! Prachi, calm down. I'm here now. I won't let anything harm you. Okay. Calm down." He continued caressing her hair soothingly.

"Ranbir...in the washroom..." Prachi stuttered incoherently.

"What is there in the washroom, Prachi?" Ranbir stepped back and cradled her face in his hands gently.

"S...Sp..Spider" Prachi managed to choke out

"You are that scared of spider? I thought some intruder broke in." Ranbir gaped at her in disbelief

"I have arachnophobia. Now will you stop talking and put that spider out of the washroom please?" Prachi grimaced