SS: The Hunt [Chapter 3: Page 22]

SS: The Hunt

Chapter 1: The Game Is On

Khushi strolled from one display case to another. She was not satisfied with anything she saw. And, she didn't dare to return home without buying anything, especially after she, herself had made a huge fuss about Arnav having to drop her so that, she can FINISH her shopping for their wedding.

'Tough huh? Standing upto the expectations of others?' Rhea said closing some jewellary sets.

'You have no idea. Being perfect for someone perfect is the hardest thing ever. Anyways, can you show me something fresh? Lastest?'

Rhea pulled out a box from the top most shelf. Opening it she pushed it towards Khushi. 'It came this morning. The latest piece of Tanishq' she said.

Khushi traced her fingers along the diamond wreath. The design was simple, but, there was a certain charm to it. Millions of small diamonds studded on it, gave it's beauty a whole new dimension.

Suddenly, Khushi's phone rang. Reaching to her bag, she pulled out her phone. 'Yes Arnav. Yes, I'm done. I just chose a set. One moment. Hold on'

'I'm taking it. Please make the bill' Khushi said, smiling, handing over her credit card.

'I'm sorry, Madam. The card reader hasn't been working since last night. You'll have to pay in cash' Rhea said apologetically.

'WHAT? Do you expect me to roam around with 3.5 Lakh in my bag?' Khushi asked raising her eye-brows.

'I'm sorry, Madam. What can I do?'

'Okay, do this. I'll come back with the cash this evening. Just reserve the set okay?' Khushi said walking out of the shop.

'Sorry, Arnav. Got caught up in something. What were you saying?' Khushi asked getting inside the elevator.

*****


Khushi's car stopped outside the Jewellary shop from afternoon. She walked inside the store.

'Hey Rhea. I'm here to pay for the diamond set I chose this afternoon' Khushi said smiling.

'I'm sorry, Madam. The set has been sold' Rhea said apologetically.

'EXCUSE ME? What? How's that possible. I said I will be back to buy it. You couldn't hold it for two hours?' Khushi accused.

'I'm sorry, Madam. But, someone else came to buy the set and he paid double the actual price of the set. So, the owner sold it to him. I didn't have a say in it' Rhea explained.

'What should I do now?' Khushi sighed exasperated.

'Oh, I forgot. The person who bought the set left something for you' Rhea said, pulling out a pale pink colored envelope from the desk.

'What?' Khushi said surprised, as she opened the envelope. 'Who would buy MY set and leave ME a note. Stupid' Khushi muttered under her breath.

To whoever it maybe concerned,

I am so sorry I had to take your set. I know, you must be cursing me in your mind. But, I can help you get back your set. Just follow the instructions to reach it. Rules are, you play alone. You know where to find your next clue.

-L

'What the hell is this?' Khushi asked shocked. 'Seems like someone is having too much free time and needs entertainment. Maybe he/she doesn't know that my name is Khushi Gupta. and I never lose' Khushi huffed walking out of the store.

*****

'What does it mean, you know where to find your next clue. There's nothing in this envelope' Khushi said throwing the envelope towards Sunaina,
her best-friend.

'I don't know. Why don't you just call Arnav and ask him to go to the shop, make the owner pee in his pants and get the diamond set back' Sunaina said laughing.

'He's probably landed in Canada now. Some business thing. GOD! If I don't get this set before two days, which is when Arnav will be back AND my also my wedding day, I am doomed' Khushi concluded.

Khushi shook the envelope in despair and out of it fell a small piece of paper. The words Orchid Lounge was scrolled on it.

'Hey, isn't this the night club that recently opened? One with really hi-fi and posh stuff? Khushi asked, passing the paper to Sunaina.

'Yes, you are right. Natasha went here last week and she wouldn't stop talking about it. Apparently, it's too awesome for words' Sunaina replied.

'I should get going then' Khushi said picking up her car keys from the table.

'Want me to come with you?' Sunaina offered.

'No, I am supposed to go alone. Play the game alone' Khushi said rolling her eyes. 'I'll call you later, Su. Take care'