The soft morning rays lit her straight in the face.She stirred slowly.She kept her eyes closed yawning.She wondered why she was feeling so drained.Then the events of yesterday rushed in and she sat up with a jolt.
The room which was so very dark last night was now brightened by the sunlight streaming in through a small window at the very top of the high ceiling.The room was small.There was a small wardrobe with two sparkling mirrors on the wardrobe doors and the small bed she now sat in.
Clenching her fists she stood up and looked around.There was no means of escape,not even an attached washroom.The room was like a prison.Correction it was a prison!
Fear threathened to engulf her again but she fought against it.She had been scared enough,she had cried enough.It was time to face the problem and fight it out.
She tiptoed to the door trying to listen to the noises outside.To her surprise the door was unlocked.Thanking heavens she opened the door with a smile.There seemed to be noone in sight.She almost raced to the front door.
"Wrong way Damini."
Her heart thudded hard and she turned around.Prithvi was lounging on a black couch on the other end of the living room.He looked relaxed to the core.
"The washroom is actually on the left."he said with a polite smile.
She glared at him.Wrenching her hand from her heart,she sighed and adopted his tone.
"Thanks."
His eyebrows rose at the smile she flashed him before she went to the washroom.In the washroom she drenched her face with water.It was helping her to think.
Shouting,begging...nothing had worked.Enough of child play.It was time to take things into hand.
She went back to the living room and settled down on the loveseat infront of him.
"Prithvi lets talk."
He looked even more surprised at her gentle polite tone.
"Talk?"
She nodded.
"What is the problem?"
"Actually there would be no problem if you co-operate.I have no wish to harm you..."he said.
She smiled.
""I wasnt talking about my problem.I was talking about yours.""
His eyes turned wary.
""My problem??""
""Yes!We both know that what are the consequences you might face for what you did to me.Knowing that you still didnt stop and that is what makes me think you are in enormous trouble so that even taking this step didnt matter to you.""
His jaw clenched but he said nothing.
""I dont know what the problem is but I am willing to help.You dont have to force me.For the sake of-""her voice trailed off..
For the sake of what....her insane obsession with him!!
She shook her head and began again.
""For the sake of humanity I am willing to help you.""
There was a silence.Prithvi looked at her with an unreadable expression.
""You are willing to help me?""
She nodded.
""Yes..prithvi...I-""
Then he started to laugh loudly.It was as though he was mocking her.
""Tch tch!""he said and he moved closer to her.""Damini Gujral and her pride.""
""PRITHVI..""
He stopped moving closer.
""DONT COME NEAR ME...OR ELSE...""The moment the the last words slipped from her mouth he moved closer.
She tried to scramble away but he reached out and pinned her to the wall.
""Dont threaten me.Listen to me carefully Damini you are not here to help anybody.If anyone needs help it is you.Stop trying to act like a Gujral and I will stop treating you like one.""
His fingers left her shoulder then and he turned around,grimacing.Damini stared at his back trembling with anger.
He turned back and looked at her murderous expression with amusement.
""Can you cook?""
The words made no sense especially in the aftermath of his cold anger.
"Dont just stand there Damini.I asked you something.Can you cook?""
She shook her head.
He tilted his head.
""What kind of a woman doesnt know how to cook.?""
""The one who is sane enough not to marry chavaunistic males like you.""
He looked at her.
""Well you have to do the best you can.""
""I am so not...""
Before she could finish the sentence he propelled her forward towards the kitchen. ______________
Arjun
