The Rules Of Pursuit

40. Library

"Natasha Mahtre, You are a genius." Avinash held up both his hands and bowed.

Avi and Mandy had just joined us in my room. After taking care of Akshay's video, Natasha and I had excused ourselves and returned to my room, where we sat discussing studies.

"I told you I could handle it." Natasha said smugly.

"Hey how was my acting?" Mandy asked excitedly.

"A liiiiiittle over board." Avinash said teasing him. Mandy's face fell at his comment.

"He is just pulling your legs, you were a natural." I tried cheering him up.

"Well I have good news." Mandy said recovering from the initial disappointment over Avinash's words.

"Danny and Oly are coming back today. They will reach Auli around evening." He held up his phone, to show us Danish's message.

"This day couldn't have been any better." I beamed. If only Junaid and Mia were here with us too. Suddenly a thought struck me.

"Hey, ask them if they want to camp at Dehradun tonight." I told Mandy, who looked at me a little confused.

"Well, we can then all hang out together tonight, maybe go for a movie. Tomorrow we can explore Dehradun, then celebrate the New Years Eve there, returning back early morning on the first."

"Why didn't I think of that?" Mandy looked taken aback. He furiously texted Danish about our plan.

"He is on." Mandy announced. "So when do we leave and how do we leave?"

"Let's ride." Avinash winked.

"No way," Natasha looked horrified. "Do you know how reckless it is, riding down slippery hilly terrain after dark."

"Relax Nuts, he is pulling your leg." Mandy grinned.

"I will speak to Shivam, and see if he can arrange something." Avinash's words finally made the horrified look disappear from Natasha's face.

"What are you going to do about the video on Damini's phone?" Mandy asked.

"I need you to be in the library in fifteen minutes." Avinash told him. "I have something on my mind."

"What about us?" I asked, since he had only told Mandy to accompany him.

"Well, we will be leaving for Dehradun right after lunch" Avinash looked at me, "so you girls can make a list and pack your things for the trip."

"Who makes a list for packing?" Natasha scoffed.

Avinash's eyes twinkled, but he didn't answer her question.

"I want to go to the library too." I nagged.

"More the people, more the risk." Avinash warned me.

"Nonsense. I am coming." I said stubbornly.

"So am I." Natasha said smirking, "I really want to see what trick you pull on her."

Avinash shook his head in frustration, but had to give in to our demand.

************
"Hey Baby," The nauseating squeal again.

"Hi Mini." Avinash said.

Mandy, Natasha and I were hiding behind a long book-rack. Avinash and Damini were on the other side of the rack.

"Why did you call me here baby?" Dumbini sounded confused.

"Because this is deserted and the librarian has gone for an early lunch." Avinash's voice sounded raspy. I had no idea what he had in mind.