The Rules Of Pursuit

71. Return of the Darkness

His phone was switched off. I tried calling on Vrinda's number, but it went unanswered. I knew things were slipping away as water slips away from a closed fist.

Brute's absence only worsened things. Why couldn't Ba think of some other punishment, instead of separating me from Brute?

"Don't worry about him." Shivam assured me as we boarded the yellow cabs, which were to take us to the airport.

Even though my flight was scheduled to depart before the one the rest of the gang was boarding, my friends decided to leave for the airport with me.

"Arjun is going to be there with Avinash," Shivam informed me while the cab drove to the airport, "He will drop him at the college before leaving for Mumbai."

I felt mildly relieved. Arjun Mathur cared about Avinash like an elder brother. With him around, chances of Avinash harming himself, was out of the question.

We reached the airport sooner than I had expected. Paying off the cabbie, we fell into the queue at the arrival gates. My backpack hung from my shoulder, while I clutched the ticket print out and Passport tightly.

The CISF guard at the entrance asked for the tickets and identity proof. Handing my documents to him, I turned back to take a last look of the city, that had gifted me some of the most beautiful memories. It stood tall, with its regal monuments ready to welcome new arrivals.

If Avinash's mother was moving to Kolkata, there was hardly any chance of me visiting Jaipur again. The CISF beckoned me to move ahead and turning my gaze away from the pink city, I followed the rest of my friends inside the artificially cooled airport hall.

*************
Avinash's P.O.V

I wasn't able to sleep the entire night. It was nearly dawn, when I managed to doze off, but was woken up by urgent ringing of Vrinda's phone.

I hadn't been able to buy a new phone, so she lend me hers, while she used Dad's phone. My sister knew, I wouldn't be able to bring myself, to use Dad's phone.

"Yes Danish." I muttered swiping the green icon.

"We are leaving for Dehradun."

Shit! I had forgotten Naxi was supposed to leave today too.

"When is her flight?" I asked, sitting up on the bed at once.

"In an hour," Danish sounded a little hesitant, "are you coming to see her off?"

I wanted to meet her. I wanted to hold her and tell her how sorry I was. But last night's resolve came flooding back.

"She isn't your love Avinash." I told myself, "Love never changes the person you are. She is just an obsession. You just have to get away from her, and you will get over it."

"Avinash will you be coming to see us off?" Danish asked gently.

"No. Have a safe journey, and thanks for coming down Danny. I owe you people." I disconnected the call, preventing him from saying anything else.

For a second I sat on my bed, while my heart palpitated, breathes coming out in short and quick succession.

"Fuck!" I groaned jumping up from the bed and rushing down the stairs three at a time.

"I will be back in an hour." I shouted to a surprised Ma who was dusting the living room furniture's, as I grabbed the car keys that lied on the coffee table.

I needed to meet her once. Danish said they were leaving now. I had no idea, whether he was leaving from Arjun's guest house or from Naxi's hotel. If I drove fast enough, maybe I would be able to reach the airport before them and meet her once.