We walked from room to room awestruck by the beautiful works of art. We couldn’t wait to see the world famous Mona Lisa for ourselves. The Mona Lisa is displayed under tight security. While other walls covered choc a bloc with many paintings, the Mona Lisa occupies an entire wall! You cannot touch it or go anywhere near it but can only admire this Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece from a certain distance. I looked at her eyes and then her lips curved into a soft smile. Her eyes were serene and seemed to be reflecting my own. It is said when you look at her, she reflects the same expression that you have. I didn’t know if that was true but it seemed she was happy too!
Da Vinci’s other works like Virgin and Child with St Anne, St John the Baptist and Madonna of the Rocks were also displayed in the museum. Famous Italian artist Caravaggio’s Death of the Virgin and The Fortune Teller are also prime attractions. It was a wonderful but tiring experience at the huge museum. We loved it and preserved its rich history in our hearts.
The next day, we visited the engineering masterpiece about which we had read and heard but never got the chance visit; the world’s most paid monument and Paris’ tallest iron sculpture, the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) or La dame de fer meaning ‘The Iron Lady’. It is located in Champ de Mars in Paris and is the second tallest man-made structure in the world preceded by Burj Khalifa in the UAE. It is so high that next to it, one feels like as small as a dust particle.
After passing through the first and second observatory levels where the restaurants are located, we reached the third and highest level which can be reached only via lift. We were spellbound by the view of Paris from this level. As the tower stands proudly in the centre of Paris, it offers a spectacular view of the entire city. The statues of the scientists Sir Thomas Edison and Gustave Eiffel are located on this level and preserve the moment when Edison had come to admire Gustave Eiffel’s creation and had signed a guest book there. We were told that Edison was hugely impressed by Gustave’s unparalleled engineering. I put my photography skills to good use as I captured the tower’s beauty and of the entire city through my lenses. Rajat and I even managed to steal a kiss at the highest point of Paris. It felt wonderful and highly romantic.
Our next stop was the Garden of Versailles. Sprawled over 800 hectares, the beautiful garden is laid out in French style. It is one of the most visited places in France. We spent quite a few hours there. That was followed by some shopping and we bought several souvenirs for our loved ones back in India.
In the evening, we were taken to the Eiffel Tower again. It is said that the illumination of the Eiffel makes it even more magical and enchanting.
When we reached there, the tower was already lit from head to toe. The emanating tower stood like a bronze complexioned fairy princess. I wondered how many strings of bulbs and wires it had taken to light up the mammoth structure. There were many people who had come to see the illumination and their incessant warbling created an ambience of gaiety. Like everyone else present there, Rajat and I were spellbound by the sight. We were talking about its remarkable beauty and like the sight wasn’t enough, suddenly flickering lights started to dance all around the tower’s body.
We were awestruck by the sight. It was as though the iron lady herself was dancing, wearing a dress of twinkling stars. We stood there like statues for the next few seconds. The illumination happens only for few minutes every hour but it is enough to gain your attention. I hurriedly brought out my camera and took several pictures at one go but even the latest technology failed to capture the iron lady’s true beauty. It was an absolutely thrilling experience.
On the third and last day, we were taken to the opulent Opera house and then shopping. Entering the Opera house needs special permission from the city administration. Therefore, we couldn’t go inside but the building from the outside was a treat in itself.
The Opera House in Paris is also called Palais Garnier; named after its architect Charles Garnier and is considered to be one of the most sought after opera houses in the world, sharing popularity with the London, Prague, Sydney and Copenhagen opera houses. What is interesting is that it is made entirely of wood. Some of the areas are painted in such a way that they look like they’re made of marble and stone. There is plenty of elegant gold work done outside as well as inside of the opera house. Many Bollywood and Hollywood movies have been shot in and around it.
We went shopping later on. We walked around the local markets, cafes, and shops. We bought a few mementos, some precious stones and clothes for our families and relatives. France is also famous for its cosmetic brands and chocolates. Thus we bought a good stock of both.
It is said that the French people are the most romantic in the world. In fact, one French lady explained the French kiss to me. We ran into the people kissing each other around the corners. It was so different from India where we are so reserved when it comes to expressing our feelings in public places. I didn’t mind it at all. Love is love after all and people have every right to express it in acceptable ways. Later in the evening, we went back to the Opera house which looked even more spectacular after being lit up.
The trip had been memorable and we had immensely enjoyed each and every moment. I loved everything about Paris, but the best part was the time we spent with each other. Despite all the travelling and sightseeing we managed to steal some romantic moments alone. Rajat made me feel so special, like a princess. He drove me crazy as we made love. Each touch brought us closer together. We couldn’t stay away from each other. It was like living a perfect dream. We wanted to live in this dream forever. It had indeed been an exciting trip. We talked about it on our journey back to India and didn’t seem to get enough of it. Paris indeed is resplendently beautiful.
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Life back in India went on smoothly too. Both of us worked hard at our jobs. We wanted a home of our own so we gave it an early head start. After a frantic search, we booked a two bedroom flat at a pre-launch price. The flat would be ready only two years later. As we were not in a hurry, we waited patiently. As soon as we got our dream flat and shifted there we planned to have a baby. Rajat and I were ecstatic at the arrival of our baby girl Sejal. I left my job after Sejal stepped into our lives and happily settled down to become a doting mother. Our home was complete now. It was our own little world of happiness.”
A Night of Terror
Icoiled under the blanket as I came back in present. It was lovely to walk down memory lane. We always went on trips together. It was the first time that Rajat had gone alone. He didn’t want to and nor did I want him to. For me one day was fine to deal with thinking how much his presence would glorify the wedding for his sister. I so wished I could have gone too.
I remember how excitedly I had done my packing. Sejal too was looking forward to the Mysore trip but the recurrences of fever and other symptoms ruined my plans. Had I been healthy and fine, I would have been with Rajat in the car. I looked at the clock. It was half past twelve now. Rajat must have reached to Mysore. But why hadn’t he called me? Was he okay? Had he manage to find Kavya di’s house? As these thoughts ran through my head, my phone rang. It must be Rajat I thought and ran to pick up the call. It was indeed him.
“Hello Rajat! How are you? How was your journey? Where are you? Did you reach Di’s house?” I spoke in a single breath.
“Whoa, Maya! Calm down, baby. I am fine, don’t worry. I am at Di’s house right now. She is in the kitchen getting something for me to eat. The car gave me some trouble and I had a hard time finding a mechanic at such an odd hour. That’s the reason I reached late. But I am perfectly all right. Do not worry, Maya. How are you feeling now? Have you had your medicines and why you are still awake?” he asked. I heard Di’s voice in the background, “Take care, Maya. We miss you.”
I was relieved to hear that everything was fine. “Yeah I am fine, Rajat. You don’t worry. I miss Di too. Do tell her that. I have had my medicines and am not sleepy. Another thing, is it possible for you to recharge my mobile n
ow?”
“I don’t think so, Maya. Actually everybody is asleep and Di just left as she was very tired after the day-long rituals and she has to get up early in the morning. I won’t be able to recharge your mobile right now but will do it as soon as I get up tomorrow morning. Promise. You take good care of yourself, Maya. I am very worried about you. You take care of your health,” he almost whispered.
“Oho baba, I am all right. Stop treating me like a small baby. The thing is, I am really missing you here. I was in the balcony when you called and you know how many lovely nights we have spent there on our swing. I was just missing those moments. But you don’t worry, I can take care of myself. You too take care and convey my regards and best wishes to Di. She must be very happy to have you there, right?”
“Sure she is. She is really very happy. She thought I would never be able to make it. I don’t feel happy leaving you there, but thank you, Maya. She is really happy to see me here. She has sent her good wishes to you too and wishes you a speedy recovery. She also wishes you and Sejal could be with her.”
“I wish that too, Rajat, but it is okay. Di is a very lovely person. Do take lots of photos. I will see them when you get back. Also, recharge my phone as early as possible Rajat. I can’t call you otherwise,” I reminded him again.
“I’ll Maya. Don’t worry. It’s just a matter of one night. You close your eyes and before you realise it, the day will be knocking at your door. Now you go to sleep as you need to rest. The wedding is in the afternoon so I’ll leave after that. I will be with you say by six or seven in the evening tomorrow so cheer up.”
“Okay. Come soon, honey. I miss you. Bye and good night. Love you,” I said.
“I love you too, Maya. Don’t be sad. Take care of Sejal. I will be there very soon. Bye and good night to you too” he yawned and hung up.
‘Damn! I am alone again,’ I thought. The coffee was finished a long time ago. My body ached and signalled me to get some sleep otherwise I’d feel worse the next day.
I stood up and went to the kitchen to put the coffee mug in the sink and fetch a bottle of water. I was drinking a glass of water when I heard a sound. My hands stopped in the air, with my lips still touching the glass rim. I stood still, all ears. Click-clat click-clat. I shook my head and ignored it as I thought it was coming from outside. I continued gulping the rest of the water but I heard it again. Click-clat click-clat. And this time it seemed to be coming from somewhere very close to me. I creased my forehead and wondered, why is the sound continuing? I finished the remaining water and waited for some time. When I heard for the third time, I realised it was coming from a place very close to me.
I put down the glass and came out of the kitchen and stood in the hall. I was completely wary this time. I heard it again and this time more clearly. Click-clat click-clat. It sounded as though someone was keying a door I silently stepped towards the front door and stopped a few inches away. And what I heard sent chills down my spine.
Someone was at the front door, trying to unlock it!
I gulped the saliva in my mouth for I could not believe what I was hearing and it took a few moments for me to register what was the meaning of it all. To verify the situation, I tiptoed to the window next to the door and carefully peeped through the curtain. I saw a shadow at the door. There was definitely someone there. I heard some hurried noises. Someone was desperately trying to unlock the door as quietly as possible. I stood in a daze and suddenly I heard a voice; more like a whisper.
“Do it fast, you idiot. We don’t have time. But be careful.”
Another hushed voice replied. “I am trying. Be quiet otherwise somebody will hear us.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stood there, numb. I carefully stepped back. I shivered with horror.
Two strangers were trying to barge into my house at one o’clock at night when I was all alone with my five year old daughter.
I had never ever faced a situation like this. My senses couldn’t get to work immediately. I had been living a hassle free life and had never imagined that I would have to face something like this alone. Life was smooth with few ups and downs but those could not be compared to this one. My life till now seemed to be like a happy movie. None of the big hurdles had barred my way. Therefore, the mere thought of any such thing happening to me never occurred. I was living in denial. But don’t we all live the same way?
Few sweat beads popped up on my forehead as fear started to creep into me. Slowly but steadily the reality of the situation sunk in, I felt like I was hurled into a nightmare. I didn’t know what to do. Rajat’s absence and my ill health made me very vulnerable.
I shuddered with fear.
Many thoughts ran through my head – Did they know I was alone at home? What possibly could be their intention? Theft, burglary or worse, murder or rape? As such fearful thoughts drilled my mind, the sweet memories of Rajat puffed out. Fear crippled my brain and carried on to flow downwards my body, paralysing every body part on its way. When it reached to the legs, they froze. I was simply not able to move my legs. I was petrified. I became too numb to think about a solution. As both the strangers kept trying to open the door, I could not do anything. I just gazed at the door in shock. I was perspiring. I opened my mouth in order to shout but my voice refused to come out. I was too shocked to let out a shout. I stood there voiceless, breathing through my open mouth.
Entering the house was difficult as the entrance door had two types of locks. One that could be keyed and another was a door chain, connecting the door to its frame. I thought of the possible consequences if they managed to enter the house. If they figured out how to unlock the door, they would easily be able to come in, I thought absent-mindedly.
Struggling with the locks, the strangers finally managed to unlock the door. The sound of the door opening jolted me to my senses. I ran into the kitchen to look for something I could use as a weapon. I found a knife and held it in my hands. My hands were shaking. I was breathing heavily and my head was throbbing with pain. I wanted to grab some air but I did not have time. Holding the knife tightly in my hands, I turned around to go out of the kitchen but was horrified to see two men standing right in front of me. One guy was tall and had a French beard while other one was short and rotund with a pot belly. They were smiling crookedly at me. The tall guy was leaning on the wall while the short one was standing next to him. My hand with the knife hung in the air and I froze.
“Look at you. You are a brave chick, aren’t you? Thinking of hurting us with a knife? Bad idea I’d say, baby” said the shorter guy as he tilted his head. He came forward and easily snatched the knife from my trembling hand. The tall guy came forward towards me.
I stood there lifeless. I couldn’t make a move. I was numb with fear. Only my eyes moved as I watched them. My heart was pounding wildly as I thought about the consequences. For the first time in my lifetime, I was in such helpless position; I standing in my own kitchen with two strangers while Rajat was asleep elsewhere.
“Gently, Jackal. You are talking to a lady. You have to be polite,” the tall guy said as he stroked my cheek with his fingers.
“Ummmm… soft. Feels goooood,” he exclaimed with pleasure.
I stiffened. My nerves felt as though they were going to tear. I had never been touched by anyone in my entire life like this. It was humiliating.
“Oh come on, Lion! I am on my best behaviour,” the short one too careened towards me.
“Am I not, my lady?” he smiled crookedly. I could smell the stench of their bodies. They were standing very close to me. I twitched my nose in disgust.
Jackal and Lion? What weird names they had, I thought involuntarily. Or maybe they were calling each other out by different names in order to hide their true identities.
I felt a lump in my throat and pleaded weakly.
“What do you want? Please go away.”
“Go away? Hahahahahaaa,” Jackal let out an evil laugh as he banged his fist on the kitchen slab. He hovered over
me.
“Do you really think we came here to wish you good night, sleep tight and just go away? We want you. That’s all. And don’t you dare think of shouting. You will end up dead,” Jackal said placing the very same knife that had been there in my hands a few minutes ago under my chin.
Their facial expressions were turning dangerous and I was becoming feeble with their overpowering presence. I couldn’t think of any action but one. With all my might, I drove my elbow hard into Jackal’s side. Then I punched Lion’s face as hard as I could and skedaddled. But Lion regained his balance instantly and grabbed me from behind. Jackal shook his head in anger. My action had added fuel to the fire. He slapped me and held both my hands behind me.
“Don’t you dare to try to escape, you bitch! It will only make matters worse. We can easily take you down,” Jackal hissed under his breath. He was clearly fuming with rage.
“Easy, Jack,” Lion said calmly putting his hand on Jackal’s shoulder to placate his rising temper.
“We have some time to play with her. Her courageous attitude will make everything even more fun. Save this knife for the last if something goes wrong. We are going to have so much fun you can’t imagine, lady. Let’s begin the game,” Lion said with a lusty look in his eyes.
He grabbed my hair from behind and pulled it with such force that I landed on the floor. He started to drag me by my hair.
“Aahhh!” I let out a painful cry as my head hurt excruciatingly with pain.
It’s Never Too Late Page 10