by Manasi Joshi
“Ayaan now is not the time to discuss the past. It’s gone. I want to find my best friend. She is all I have. Pri is family. I can’t think of sitting idle and crying over my past while she is in trouble out there. My gut feeling tells me she is in trouble and I can’t sit doing nothing about it.” She said quietly to Ayaan.
Ayaan had regained his masked expression. “Yes I understand. Keep in touch with the police and keep me updated. I am going to Chennai for work. I’ll return in two days. If you need any help don’t hesitate to call.” He said.
“Okay. Thank you.” said Ishani.
“Have a good day Ishani and take care of yourself” said Ayaan walking out of her cabin in his usual controlled manner.
Ishani realised there were so many complicated emotions between her and Ayaan. So much she still couldn’t comprehend.
CHAPTER 13: THE PHONE CALL.
Ishani had forgotten to pack her lunch again since she was running late. She went to the A.I.L canteen. She had a light lunch of salad and coffee since she couldn’t bear to eat much. The morning’s events kept replaying in her mind.
Her attention turned towards the television set as she heard her name. “Miss Ishani Kirloskar clears the air. Clarifies things and cooperates with media. Media is thanking her for her honesty.”
Ishani was startled. She wasn’t expecting to be the day’s headlines again; that too so soon and in a positive manner. She thought she had said too much. Some people in the canteen spotted her and started whispering. All of a sudden the eyes in the room were on her.
She felt awkward. She decided she should head back to the cabin. She stood up. Three people came to her. One of them spoke “Miss Kirloskar, we are happy that such a honest person is working with our boss and our firm. I am very pleased to meet you.” They shook hands with her. Ishani was baffled.
“Err... well thank you so much. I’m pleased to meet you too.” She muttered. “Now if you excuse me, I have some work.” She smiled weakly and left.
She went to her cabin and buried herself in work. After an hour or so, her phone rang. It was from an unknown number and the number didn’t show up in the caller id. She wondered who it was
“Hey bitch, pleased with all the attention you are getting? The media seems to love you, huh?” said a rough voice.
“Who is this?” Ishani snapped back
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that I know where your best friend is. “said the voice. It was male rough voice.
“What? Please tell me the details!” Ishani exclaimed
“Not so soon, you attention seeking brat; your friend Priya is with me. If you want her back I have a condition for you.” snarled the voice.
Ishani was now sweaty and hyper “What do you want? Money? How much? Why haven’t you called as soon as you kidnapped her? I want her safe and I want her back.” yelled Ishani.
The voice laughed “Money? No. I don’t want money. I didn’t call you before because I was enjoying seeing you getting all worried about your friend. It was fun” said the voice. “Anyway, getting to the point, I have a condition for you. You quit C.T.I. tell the media that you are an incapable and employee and I give Priya back to you, safe and sound. You don’t and I chop her into pieces. I mean it. “said the voice.
Ishani trembled. “So it is about me? Who are you? You have a problem with me? Then why don’t you face me and deal with me directly. Why kidnap Priya. What’s her fault? You can harm me. Come get me, if you wish. Why Priya? ” said Ishani.
The voice laughed. It was a menacing laugh, a laugh which was harsh and unforgettable. It sent shivers down Ishani’s spine. “There is no better way of hitting you were it hurts most, Miss Kirloskar. I know you can do anything for your friends. You care about them more than you care about your own life, silly woman that you are. You interfere in your friends’ lives; you advise them and consider them family. I know you aren’t worried about your own self as much as you are about them. “The man said.
Ishani closed her eyes for a second. She couldn’t believe what was happening.
“Who are you? How do you know so much about me? Why do you want me to resign? What benefit will you get from it?” she asked
“That’s none of your business. You just have to think whether you want to stick to your job or you want your friend dead. Don’t worry I am kind. I’ll give you some time to think. Either you admit to the media that you are incompetent at work or your bestie dies. ” Said the voice
“You make me sick.” said Ishani.
The voice laughed the same laugh again. “You have three days to think Ishani Kirloskar. I hope you are smart enough to know that if you goof up or go to the police, I am not going to spare your friend. Not that they can even touch my shadow, but still, trust me I will chop her to pieces, cutting her to bits making her watch her own death, if you do that.”
Ishani’s stomach churned with fear. “No!! Don’t you dare harm her! I won’t involve the police I promise.” she cried.
“Good. I’ll contact you soon. Have fun.” said the spiteful voice.
As soon as the call was cut, Ishani dropped her phone. She screamed out loud with exasperation and stress. This couldn’t be seriously happening she thought. It was hard to believe that someone out there hated her so much that they could go to an extent of killing someone she cared about. She couldn’t let anything happen to Priya, especially now that she had come to know the reason for her disappearance.
She ran her hands through her hair. What should she do now? She just didn’t know.
CHAPTER 14: THINKING MODE.
As soon as the call ended Ishani slumped on the floor. She just didn’t know what to do. Who could it be? Who was so desperate? Who was so insecure that they wanted her to leave her job at C.T.I? Why? Who could be so crazy that they would think of harming or killing an innocent life just to blackmail her? What should she do now? She had to save Priya at any cost. There was no question about it; but should she sacrifice her job and moreover lie to the public that she is an incapable employee? Would that be right? Should she even think about herself after knowing Priya was in grave danger?
Ishani was sitting on the floor, numb for a long time. She was totally unnerved and bewildered. She wasn’t expecting this at all. Then, after a long long time, she got up, snapped out of her gloom and dialled Raghav’s number. “Hello Raghav. Meet me at the Café near Bandstand ASAP. It’s urgent. I can’t discuss over the phone.” She said ended the call curtly without bothering to hear Raghav’s reply. She knew he would show up anyway.
Ishani met Raghav at Bandstand in Bandra. She narrated the entire phone call conversation to him, in detail. Raghav was furious. Actually furious was a small word to describe what he was feeling. He stood up and started pacing and thinking. He broke into sweat despite the air-conditioned café.
Ishani didn’t speak. She waited for Raghav to get over his initial shock.
“I can’t believe this is happening Ishani! This is totally crazy!” he said finally.
“I know Raghav. I felt the same sometime ago. It took me one hour to even call you. Then I realised, this is really happening. We must accept it Raghav and start taking some action before it’s too late. “said Ishani quietly.
“I know, I know! I can’t let some dim-witted insecure man harm Priya or ruin your career. We must do something about this.” He replied. He sipped his coffee lost in thought.
After a while Ishani spoke “Raghav, what do you think? Should we do a private investigation? I am sure if we go to the police he will get to know. Whoever he is, he is smart. Should we just try to find out who this person is on our own?”
Raghav was silent for a moment before he spoke “Hmm... you know what, this is the only option we have, other than you giving in to the dimwit’s demands and quitting your job and defaming yourself. If required, we will inform the police. We can’t let Priya be in danger.”
“That’s what I thought. Should we inform Priya’s parents? I can’t let some lo
ser ruin my life or harm Priya. There has to be some other way through which we can get to him and this seems our only option.” said Ishani.
“No, let’s inform uncle and aunty if required. They are already under stress. Their worry will increase double fold if we tell them Priya is in danger. Right now they just think she’s missing and will come back soon.” Said Raghav, still lost in thought.
“Okay. Well, if we are going to find out who this person is and nab him, why don’t we get into action mode. Don’t think Raghav, it’ll just bother you further.” said Ishani, gently placing a hand on Raghav’s shoulder.
He smiled sadly “You are right. Let’s do this!” he said trying to add excitement in his voice. “
“Raghav, how and where do we start?” asked Ishani. “Do you have any ideas?”
“First, you need to think of all the potential people who dislike you, hate you or could have any intention of harming you. Let’s start with that first. Since you have the liberty of not working, courtesy Mr. Arora, you go home and make a list of such people. I’ll go back to work. We’ll meet at the café again after sometime.” said Raghav.
“Yes, you are right. Let’s start with that first. We don’t have much time. See you.” said Ishani.
He nodded anxiously and both of them left the café.
Ishani didn’t go home. She boarded a local train and went to marine drive. She had many memories related to the place and she longed to go there and sit and think.
She sat on the platform of marine drive, watching the waves of the water hit the rocks before the subdued.
She looked at the vast bay which surrounded her and also at the couples around her who had come there for a bit of romance.
She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, the smell of salt filling her nostrils.
She began to think. Who could it be? Among those she knew, who could have the motivation to harm her?
She pressed the rewind button in her mind, replaying her entire life till date.
She was six. Playing hide and seek with daddy.
She was twelve. Some boy called Pritam in her locality used to fight with her.
She was thirteen. She saw Ayaan for the first time. He looked cute. She was fourteen, roaming around with friends, discussing puberty and boys with her classmates. Was there anyone she had a tiff with? Yes there was a girl named Anne with whom she fought in her class. They soon passed out from school and she never saw Anne after that. Surely she couldn’t be the one.
She was nineteen. She was studying in college. She had a crush on Ayaan. Oh man! He was cute.
She ventured into her college days. She saw a girl who disliked her since the beginning of college. It was evident that this girl was full of herself and considered herself smart and treated everyone with an air of superiority.
Ishani hated her for her pride. This girl tried to demean Ishani in every possible way she could. Her name was Natasha Bhatia.
Ishani opened her eyes. Natasha!! How obvious was it! Who else but Natasha would want to see her fail? Natasha loved to be the centre of attention wherever she went, didn’t she? She had always disliked Ishani and would love to see her going down the dump. The question running in Ishani’s mind was would she stoop down so low that she would be ready to kill Priya just to get Ishani out of her way?
CHAPTER 15: CAT-IFIED.
“You are late Ishani. I have been waiting for you since long.” said an impatient Raghav as Ishani walked towards him inside the café.
“I know. Sorry. Let’s discuss.” Said Ishani sitting down on one of the chair’s next to Raghav.
“Okay so have to thought of someone who would possibly want to see you lose Ishani?” asked Raghav getting straight to the point.
“Natasha. Who else? I thought a lot Raghav and the only person who would love to see me going down the dumps is Natasha. I can’t think of anyone else. “said Ishani firmly.
“I know Natasha has a peculiar dislike towards you Ishani and I can never understand why. The thing is, does she hate you so much that she would be willing to harm Priya? To me, she doesn’t seem to hate you that much. It’s just mere office politics if you ask me. I don’t think she could be that bad. ” said Raghav
“That’s the exact question going on in my mind Raghav. Besides, the person who spoke on the phone with me was a man. Not a woman. He talked very confidently about himself. “Ishani said.
“Well Natasha could easily hire a goon and make him do the talking so that she isn’t suspected. We can’t rule out that possibility.” said Raghav.
“Yeah, that’s true. You may be right. Her boyfriend Sahil could also help her in this.” said Ishani.
“Hmm.” said Raghav.
They both sipped their coffee lost in thought. Nothing like cappuccino to soothe the nerves, thought Ishani.
After a while, Raghav spoke.
“We need to find out if Natasha is the one who’s doing this. We need to keep a watch on her. I can do that easily whilst I am at C.T.I but what about after office hours? We need to keep a tab on her all the time.” He said.
“Well you start keeping a tab on her at the office. We just have three days to figure this out. I’ll come up with something so that we can keep a tab on her all the time. “said Ishani. “Let’s leave now. I’m tired.” Ishani yawned.
Raghav stood up and gave Ishani a quick hug.
“Take rest Ishani. Let’s speak tomorrow.” He said and left the café quickly.
Ishani was glad he was there with her.
She went home, flopped into her bed with exhaustion.
At 5 am, Ishani woke up with an uneasy feeling. There was something definitely not right she thought.
She had the sudden uneasy feeling that she wasn’t alone in her house. She switched on the tube light of her room. She was sure she had heard the sound of a ghungroo (musical ankle bell) coming from her living room.
There was no one. Ishani decided to muster some courage and check out her living room and kitchen.
As soon as she went out of the bedroom towards the living room, she felt something soft and warm near her leg. It was wet. Ishani’s heartbeat increased a bit. She went towards the switchboard and switched on the light.
Ishani screamed. She saw a dead cat lying on the floor of her house. It’s blood on her leg. She looked at the floor. On white tiles of her living room, it was written- ‘you have two days Kirloskar; with love- your Well Wisher.’
Ishani took deep breaths. She was terrified by the sight of the cat and the way it was killed. She went inside and fished her phone from her bedroom. She dialled Raghav’s number. He didn’t pick up. She tried thrice. Ishani guessed he must still be asleep.
She wished she could call Ayaan but unfortunately he wasn’t in town returning the next day.
Whom should she call? She couldn’t handle this blood all on her own. She had only one option. She dialled a number.
“Hello” said a sleepy voice
“Hi Kabir, Ishani here. Listen, it’s urgent. Could you come to my place ASAP?” asked Ishani with a bit of uncertainty.
“Oh! Ishani, what happened?” asked Kabir, a bit more alert now.
“Please just come here. I can’t explain over the phone.” said a weary Ishani.
“Don’t worry babe, I’m on my way.” said Kabir, now sounding awake and his usual enthusiastic self.
Fifteen minutes later, Kabir entered Ishani’s apartment opening the door without ringing the bell. “This better be worth disturbing my sleep “he began and stopped. He stood still. He looked at the dead cat and the message written on the floor.
“What the hell!” he exclaimed.
He saw Ishani huddled in a corner of the living room.
He went to her, helped her stand on her feet and hugged her tight.
“What’s wrong?” he asked with concern
“Long story” replied Ishani. “I need to clean the house first though.”
“You aren’t cleaning it. I am making calls. This will
be taken care of.” said Kabir.
“No, I can’t disclose what’s happened here to any random person. Hence I need to do it myself.” replied Ishani.
“I know. I will make sure this remains confidential. Let’s get out of here first.” said Kabir dialling a number on his phone.
They went to a nearby bakery. Ishani narrated everything to him. He almost choked on his tea when he heard about the phone call details.
“Ishani, so much has happened and you haven’t let me into this! Why?” asked Kabir angrily.
“Kabir, I myself am taking time to digest the fact that Priya has been kidnapped and I am the reason.” replied Ishani.
“We should inform my Dad, don’t you think? He should know you’ve been threatened. I am sure he wouldn’t want you to leave the company. You are one of his favourites. ” said Kabir.
“I don’t want to Mr Basu to get worried. He has too much on his plate with the media bugging him every now and then.” Ishani said.
“He should know. Either you come with me now and we tell him together or I will tell him.” said Kabir firmly.
“Okay. If you insist.” replied Ishani.
“So, from what I understand, Raghav keeping a tab on Natasha today too?” asked Kabir. They were driving towards the Basu house.
“Yes. He will keep me updated. Its good Mr Arora is away. At least I don’t have to worry about work for now since I am working on his project.” replied Ishani.
“Ayaan Arora... Hmm….”said Kabir suddenly going silent. “I saw the fuss about you both on television. How true is it? You aren’t dating him, are you? How is he your old acquaintance?” he asked. His face looked serious.
Ishani squirmed in the car seat. She didn’t know what to reply. “Well, you know how such things are blown out of proportion Kabir. Ayaan and I studied in the same college. That’s all. That’s how we know each other.” she said in a guarded voice. She saw his face relax visibly. He began humming a song. “I am thirsty by the way. You have water in the car?” she said carefully changing the topic.