Was bored of studying so wrote this thakela update... try to enjoy
The walk from the gate to the lobby of the building seemed to take ages. At every step she debated her decision of going to her apartment.
It was pitch dark inside the lobby She stood there thinking how she was going to make it to her apartment The thought of her apartment being doused in darkness scared her even more. She even contemplated spending the night in the lobby for a moment but dismissed the idea considering that it was not the safest option. She hardly knew the area and its people She had to go home the closest place which would be safe. All that she needed was just a little light and she would quickly rush up the stairs to reach her apartment. She searched her hand bag for her phone thinking of using the back light. That could be her saving gracing.
Much to her disappointment the battery was dead She cursed herself for procrastinating charging her phone Putting the phone back into her bag, she took a deep breath, reassured herself 'That all was going to be fine' and started ascending the steps. She had to get back to the safety of her apartment.
Sid stepped on the accelerator and raced on the dark empty roads. It seemed it was a race against time. What if he did not reach on time, the thought tormented his mind. Riddhima's fear stricken face kept flashing before his eyes. He cursed himself for leaving her alone. He accelerated the speed each time the thought of Riddhima being alone in the dark crossed his mind.
She shuddered with fear of the unknown that lay in the darkness of the staircase.
She wondered if she should make a dash and get home but ruled out the thought Slow and steady was a better idea
Holding firmly to the railing she started threading forward Each step was a great effort for her Before each step she reiterated 'I can do it I have to It was just a matter of six flight of steps and I will be home'
There was pin drop silence except for some sounds that came from the ruffling of leaves outside and the nocturnal animals that had ventured out Each sound making her jump crushing her resolve to a thousand pieces
She collected herself made a fresh resolve and restarted her ascend towards safety of her house.
She was had almost completed the third flight when she heard a screeching sound. The sound made her jump almost throwing her off balance She quickly gripped the railing tighter managing not to fall
It seemed to have come from immediately neighbourhood or was had someone entered her building compound. She listened intently for a while but soon dismissed the sound being of some reckless young kid passing by trying to show off his driving skills
The man scanned the area. It was completely deserted. Riddhima was no where to be seen.
'Where is Riddhima? Darkness scared her? Is she safe? His mind worked overtime thinking of all the possibilities. Had she gone back to the hospital or was she at her house or ... ?
He looked towards the lobby. It felt as if darkness would engulf his entire being. He shuddered at the thought that Riddhima would need to get through that darkness to reach her apartment.
He needed to rule out the possibility of her being here before searching other places. He rushed into the lobby. Not even a ray of light. The darkness hurt his eyes. He needed some light to see where he was heading. He pulled out his phone and clicked it on. He flashed the light down to see the steps and started ascending the stairs; careful not to make any noise. He did not want to startle the neighbourhood and especially Riddhima knowing her possible vulnerable state
Riddhima heard some noises downstairs. 'Footsteps' She stood there frozen. Was she imagining them or was someone really present in the staircase? The sound of the footsteps seemed to be coming closer and closer every passing moment. Momentarily it used to stop and restart again. She turned around to check if there was anyone but could not see anyone. She could not hear the sound anymore. Assuring herself that there was nobody there she decided to continue. She took her first step when she once again heard footsteps. It started unnerving her Was there someone really there? Who was it? Was that person there to help her or was it some unscrupulous people who typically lurk in the dead of the night. Juhi and Sid would already be home resting while no other knew about her new house. It had to be someone else. She shuddered at the thought. She had to get home at any cost. She could not let her fears put herself into danger. She said a silent prayer took a deep breath and started climbing the stairs this time more rapidly.
He clicked on his mobile again to turn on the backlight and started ascending the second flight of steps. He could hear someone breathing deeply followed by quick footsteps. Yes, she was here. It could be none other. He wanted to call out to her announcing his presence telling her that she was not alone, there was no reason to be scared anymore but dismissed the thought. He did not want to alarm the neighbours. He started ascending the stairs briskly.
Hearing the footsteps quickened, fear gripping Riddhima She quickly turned around to check when she saw a small light 'Who was it? Kaun hai?' Her mouth had gone dry that those words hardly came out 'Riddhima' a voice called out She shut her eyes tight Chiding herself Woh nahi ho sakta Nahi koi nahi hai Its your imaginations Nothing else
She held on the railing tighter as if she was it was her life she was holding on to
She could still hear those footsteps Her heart was beating quicker and louder Was she going mad? The thought of constantly hearing those footsteps psyched her Yes she was going mad She had to get out of there She did not want to go home She turned around and once again heard that voice 'Riddhima' Her eyes still shut tight she screamed Kaun hai? She thought she screamed but she had only gathered enough strength for a whisper She stood there frozen mind and body
Man thought she recognized him so kept closing in on her
She waited with baited breath when the voice again whispered 'Riddhima' It was too close She jumped letting a scream this time She let go off the railing losing her balance for a moment almost bumping into the man
Main hoon...Riddhima!!! Shhh!!!
He lost his balance almost dropping the phone He quickly gripped the phone tightly while balancing himself That phone was the only hope of some light He tried to see if the person who had almost bumped into him was alright or not
The suddenness of the events had unsettled Riddhima She gripped the railing once again trying hard to make sense of what had just happened Was it her imagination was he actually there she questioned herself doubting her luck to shine in these dark hours.
She strained her eyes to see the person but only could make out his outline. He shifted the light from the phone towards his face for a moment and then to hers to find peaceful face staring in his direction.
Link to the next part
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42301937
Edited by DJ.. - 15 years ago
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