Hi Everyone, this is my first attempt at this sort of thing. Forgive any errors. Constructive criticism welcomed. Thanks in Advance.😃
Flying without wings Part 1
Chapter one
Today Being Sunday just happened to be Anaya's day off. She
was really looking forward to some me time. And also spending time with her
sister. She was reflecting on all the flights she had flown this past week and
each day bringing a new experience. She really loved flying with Captain Saluja
now, he always had good humor which kept her happy considering how their first encounters
had gone. She remembered the dream of him where he had looked so menacing. He
really was a sweetheart, but she'll never tell him that she thought with a
smile.
ohh didi!! dii? where are lost? in whose thoughts, ohh let
me guess it's Captain Akash right?
Ananya pretended to hit her sister and she started laughing
and said who? him? not all why would I be thinking of him?
oh didi I want to see him, please do tell me what he looks
like.. or better yet take a picture of him.
Or maybe we can look for him online..
I'm going check for him, she typed in Akash SALUJA BUT NONE
OF THE SERACHES turned up anything. hmm that's strange,
Ananya?, I can't find anything on him. He probably uses
another name Di said Ananya, anyways leave it.
Today is our day just the two of us, I want to have some
good memories. Who knows you'll be in London soon.
''Let's get dressed we'll leave in 20 minutes'' said Ananya
Ananya and her sister got into the car and Ananya asked ''
So where do you want to go?''
''Lets go get some ice cream first'' her sister said
excitedly.
Akash had just got off the phone with the airport where they
had just informed him , he would be flying to London in 2 days, along with
Ananya. I hope everything goes smoothly,
every trip with her is surely full of extraordinary events he thought with a
smile.
He looked into his kitchen and noticed his stocks were
running low. ''Looks like I have to go shopping'' ''Maybe mom's right, I should
get married'' he laughed out loud where did that thought come from .
I'm Captain Akash Saluja, man on a mission I'm also an
Intelligence officer, I don't have time for all that. If or when I do decide to
marry, I don't expect her to be at my beck and call, I would love that she would
be having her own life. I'm independent enough to take care of things myself. I
just want a companion to love, understand and accept me for who I am.
With that thought finished, he grabbed his wallet and keys
from the side table by the door and proceeded to lock the door on his way out.
He bided a good day to the females passing his way who were blushing as he
smiled at them.
''I've really got to stop doing that'' he thought out loud
as he got into his car and started the engine as he pulled out of the drive way
and onto the main road, the traffic wasn't all that bad today and the weather
was lovely.
Ananya and her sister got to the ice cream parlor and Ananya
was finding it hard to choose what she wanted.
''Di I'm not sure what to buy''
''How about the vanilla, strawberry and butterscotch'' a familiar
voice chimed in suddenly.
That voice sounded oddly like Captain Akash, which was
confirmed as she turned to look at him. Surprised she asked ''What are you
doing here Captain?''
''What do people do at an ice cream parlor First officer?''
he said smartly with that dashing smile of his.
''Oh I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting to see you here''
''Does that mean you were thinking of me First Officer''
''Don't be silly'' They laughed together when they were interrupted
by Ananya's sister who asked ''Aren't you going to introduce me dii?
''O I'm sorry This is Captain Akash Saluja Di'' ''Captain
Akash this is my younger sister.''
''So this is Captain Akash Saluja!'' '' Nice to meet you''
said Akash as he extended his right hand for a handshake which was exchanged
quite happily.
''Di, talks about you quite often Captain''
''Oh really? does she now? I hope good things..right first
officer?'' he asked her questioningly Ananya just smiled and averted his
questioning gaze.
''So are you ready to order guys?'' asked Ananya's sister
''Well I've already decided what I want, 'What about you
Ananya, I mean first officer?''
''I'm not sure'' '' okay would you mind if I give the order
for you?''
''no not at all'' '' okay!''
Akash give the orders for him and Ananya, and her sister
gave hers, Akash then paid the entire bill to a loud protest from Ananya but
she eventually gave up.
''You'll pay next time first officer'' said Akash
''Do you ladies mind if I join you? It's rather too awkward
to be seen having my ice-cream all alone.''
''No, we would love it if you join us, you can give us your
perspective on flying, I've only been hearing it from dii's point of view.''
said Ananya's sister
The three of them then went outside into the gardens which
had chairs under these beautiful coloured tents that overlooked a pond that had
ducks swimming by. It was quite peaceful and serene.
They sat and chatted, the conversation consisted mostly of
Akash and Ananya's sister, with Ananya piping in every now and again.
Ananya's sister suddenly got a call from her friend.
''D, I'm sorry but you'll have to forgive me, my friends
just called they're going to see that film that I've been talking of all week
and we're going for a drive afterwards, please let me go dii?''
''Okay, alright you may go, stop looking at me with those
puppy dog eyes.'' said Ananya a bit sadly, her sister then requested her car
keys which she gave up.
''I'll take a cab back home'' ''ok dii see you later'' and
with that she left.
''Going home already?'' asked Akash quietly
''Well I was planning to spend the entire day with my sister
but I Don't want to see her unhappy''
''That's really sweet of you to just let her go like that, I
would probably do the same.'' ''So today is your only day off for the rest of
the week right?''
''Yes'' ''Have you been informed of where you'll be flying
this week?''
''Isn't it the usual, domestic flights around India?''
''I guess you haven't been informed yet anyways I won't
spoil the surprise but you should probably be getting the call soon''
''Okay..is it some problem, anything serious?'' asked Ananya
''No, it's a brilliant piece of news actually''
Just as he finished, Ananya's mobile phone started ringing
''You should probably get that, it must be from the
airlines'' interjected Akash.
Ananya answered her phone and her face soon erupted in an
enormous smile, she ended the phone call very happy and exclaimed to Akash
rather loudly ''I'm flying to London!''
''Correction, we're flying to London first officer Ananya
Rawat'' said Akash matching her smile quite reverently.
''The layover is expected to be 4 days, so you can have a
small holiday'' continued Akash
''That's awesome isn't it?'' said Ananya.
''Yes It certainly is, it's also Inde Airs Inaugural flight
to London as its destination. We'll be flying with Captain Verma and another
first Officer since it's a long haul flight.''
''So how has your working experience with the airlines been
so far?'' asked Akash
''Well it was a bit unsettling at first, I'm sure you
remember how my first flight went''
''Sure do, but that's all ancient history now, we have since
moved on from that'' added Akash
''I'm actually happy, sure there are some issues at times
but that's life isn't it?'' finished Ananya at last.
''So is there anywhere I can drop you?'' asked Akash
''Well I have to go do some shopping for the trip ahead''
''Don't buy too much, else you won't have space for your
shopping in Europe''
''Europe?'' questioned Ananya
''Well seeing that we're going to be in London for 4 days,
why not take a trip to Paris, France?''
''It's just a short train ride from London. So what do you
say, it'll be fun'' said Akash
''Well I'll decide when that time comes'' said Ananya She
and Akash got up to leave.
''Well let's get going, I'll take you wherever you want to
go, you can say I'm your own personal chauffeur for the day madam'', he said bowing his head in mock salute and
laughing out loud as looked at her.
Akash opened the car door for Ananya as she got in and he
drove them to the city centre where they both went their separate ways but
Akash said he will drop her home after 2 hours.
Akash promptly arrived to pick her up when she asked him
''Are you always on time?''
''I always try'' Hearing this she just smiled as he helped
her with her bags. They drove mostly in silence before Ananya pointed out where
her house was.
''Well I guess I'll see you on Wednesday then, First Officer
Rawat'' as she got out , he walked her to her door.
''Yes, Goodbye then'' she said to which he replied ''have a
good day'' and then left , she smiled at his retreating back as he got into his
car made one final wave and drove off into the sunset.
Why have I been smiling so much all day, she asked herself
as she got into her home. No was home at the time which she was glad for. Since
she didn't want anyone questioning her about Akash.
Ananya spent the evening preparing dinner for her family and
spent a relaxing evening with them when she shared her news about flying to
London. Everyone was excited but few looked less than disappointed but didn't
say much. Her sister was over the moon with joy and looked forward to hearing
about the trip when she returns.
Ananya slept peacefully as she thought about the upcoming
trip. She was so excited.
Her flight to London would be departing Delhi Wednesday
Evening, which gave her more than enough time to be ready and settled. Akash
called her on Wednesday morning and informed her about the pre-flight briefing
before takeoff that was pushed forward by one hour. And enquired if she wanted
a drop to the airport since he would be passing her way to which she gracefully
denied thinking she was spending too time with him already.
It was no lie that she was beginning to like him a bit more
than she should. But she tried to convince herself he's just one of her colleagues.
''I can't let this get in the way of my job, stay focused
Ananya'' she chided herself. ''Besides Natasha is like a kitten all over him quite
irritating thing she is, I sincerely hope that she's not working this flight.''
she thought to herself.
Ananya bid farewell to her family as the airlines bus
arrived to pick her up. She greeted the crew, everyone was happy for the trip
abroad, it wasn't often they got such an opportunity.
As the bus pulled up at the terminal entrance, Ananya beamed
with happiness her face was absolutely glowing with joy. She loved flying and
airports brought a feeling that adventure awaited as soon you get onto a plane.
She met up with Akash and the others, the meeting went by
quickly and everyone left for an early coffee break. Ananya spent most of time
chatting with Captain Verma who was well and had returned to work recently. But
she didn't notice Akash glancing at her every now and again, she eventually
caught him and flashed a smile which he returned and walked over leaving the
other first officer alone.
''Everything Alright Akash?'' questioned captain Verma ''
Yes Chief'' ''I was just confirming with First officer Rawat here that she'll
be flying with me for the second half of the flight.''
Ananya nodded in the affirmative as Akash picked up his hand
piece and walked out to catch the plane.
Everyone got up to leave, Ananya caught up with Akash who
was conversing with Natasha who looked extremely disappointed, Akash looked
like he was preparing to run from there.
He saw Ananya and quickly told Natasha'' Sorry Natasha,
there's nothing I can do for you, it's all been confirmed perhaps next time but
I've got to run now''
''Come First officer, we have to go'' he said hurriedly
grabbing her free hand and walked very fast away from Natasha who if looks
could kill looked positively murderous.
Once out of Natasha's view he let go of her hand and
muttered a quick apology. He then excused himself and went somewhere else
informing her he'll see her in the cockpit. Ananya was curious to his sketchy
behaviour at times but didn't give it much thought after that.
Akash meets up with an unknown fellow having a drink at the
bar who said to no one in particular,
''Be careful on this trip, I've got intelligence that we've
got suspects hiding out in London, whatever you do don't draw suspicion to
yourself, these people have to be caught''
''You know where to go if you need help, and he handed Akash
a small white box adding '' it has everything you need'' and drank his beverage
as Akash answered in the affirmative ''YES SIR''.
For some strange reason, Akash was not having a good feeling
concerning this trip but somehow Ananya kept passing through his mind whenever
he thought so.
''Forewarned is forearmed'' marked on the box quite faintly.
he hastily placed the package in his bag as he proceeded to board the flight.
By the time Akash arrived onboard it was 5 minutes before takeoff,
he took his seat in the crew's cabin beside Ananya who was distracted by some
paper and having another coffee.
''Planning on being up all night First Officer''
''What?'' she said looking up quizzically before realizing who
was talking to her ''oh no, it's just tea not coffee Captain Akash''
Final announcements were made and all preparations for takeoff
had been done as the plane started taxing along the runway.
''Well have a good one'' he said as the flight was airborne
and the seatbelt sign came off suggesting it was safe to take them off.
''If you don't mind, wake me up when we're ready to take
over, don't worry about my dinner I already ate I'll have something later and
with that he closed his eyes and reclined
leaving Ananya in Silence. who just merely nodded as if commanded.
He really behaves like an officer of some kind at times,
then all Charming when he wants to be..who does he think he is the Indian James
Bond?'' she thought being a bit annoyed at his abrupt dismissal.
She watched his face as he slept his chest rising and
falling, his face did have a look of worry when she saw him arrive on board,
''whatever it is that's bothering him I hope he gets it all sorted out soon''
she thought and dozed off herself.
Little did she know of the impending events that lay ahead
of them on this trip. Ananya had a pleasant dream this time around, she dreamt
of her and Akash dancing and awoke feeling a bit awkward as she looked over at
Akash. Who was still soundly asleep, at the same time dinner had been brought
for the pilots.
Pooja the airhostess handed Ananya her tray and proceeded to
Wake Akash when Ananya stopped her suddenly ''leave him! don't wake him, he
said not to. You can serve him it later when he awakes''.
Dinner went by quietly and Ananya started to chew on her
chocolate biscuits rather too loudly because Akash suddenly scolded her ''what's
the tornado'' he looked over at her with
a plain look on his face.
''I'm sorry'' she said quietly he said nothing in response
as he got up and went to the washroom to freshen up. She watched at him with
silent disgust but straightened herself and pretended as if nothing had happened
as she went back to reading her novel.
When he came back Captain Verma had just informed her that they
would be taking reins in the next hour. She informed him of this he just said
''I already know that, but thanks for the reminder''
He then moved to front of the cockpit and relieved the other
first officer who was more than happy to get some rest.
The two Captains Verma and Saluja had a great conversation
where Akash asked for some much need advice,
Well Akash being rude to her is not the way, you will hurt
your working relationship, you'll just have to learn to keep a cap on your
emotions if that's how you want it.
''She's a wonderful girl''
''I know that chief, that's why I don't want her to get hurt
by me or because of me''.
''Well first things are always first, you must apologise for
your recent lack of good behaviour towards her before things get worse. She
needs to be able to trust you as long as where work is concerned''.
''I hope understand well what I'm trying to convey to you''.
''Yes chief''
''Well Akash time to take over, I'll take your leave now and
remember what I said''
Akash nodded as Captain Verma Left.
Akash got in the senior Pilot's seat as Ananya arrived
''Good to see you First officer'' said Akash ''Same here''
she said in return as she went back to reading her novel since the aircraft was
in autopilot anyways.
It was Akash's turn now to endure the silence, but he wasn't
having any of it he finally decided.
''I'm sorry for being Rude to you earlier, I shouldn't have
spoken to you like that ''
''It is fine, you're forgiven''. ''No further explanation
required'' she added with a small smile as looked up at Akash and ordered a cup
of coffee from Pooja, Akash also did the same and requested a snack .
The plane landed in London very smoothly by Akash and her
just as the sun was rising over London. I t was a glorious sight to behold as
Akash did the welcome announcements.
The pilots and crew were no doubt very tired and hastily
cleared immigration as they boarded the bus for their hotel. Everyone bid goodbye
to each other as they entered their rooms with no further plan to meet until
they were ready to for the return journey.
Akash and Ananya's room were on the same floor and right
across from each other so there was very little chance of them not running into
each other.
The both got to their separate rooms and said see you later.
But Akash asked ''see you at 3pm?''
Not wanting to wander about in an unknown city all alone she
said ''yes'' and with that both closed their doors and went to sleep.
Sunshine was a bit faint as Ananya got up, it was October,
the season being autumn which was beautiful. The clock on the dressing table
read 2:30pm, she quickly showered and got dressed in a casual jeans and floral
blouse with her jacket ready. The doorbell rang at exactly 3:00 pm and she
opened it to find Akash patiently waiting for her. They greeted each other and
she picked up her handbag and locked her room as they proceeded out of the
hotel for a bit of an afternoon stroll.
Chapter two
As they walked down the hotel's corridor towards the
elevator, neither said a word to the other. The silence was broken when
Ananya's shoe got caught in some lose threads on the carpet. Akash was quick to
hold onto her before she fell.
She looked a bit out of it.
''Are you feeling fine Ananya?'' Akash asked very concerned
''I'm not so sure, I feel a bit tired and somewhat light
headed''.
Akash laughed as Ananya asked ''Is it so funny?''
''My dear you've got the classic case of jet-lag, it
happened because your body is yet to get accustomed to the change in time
differences''.
''But don't worry; I've got just the trick to help you
relax''
''Are you sure it will work?''
''Obviously, this is my 8th Visit here; it doesn't bother me
at all''
''So what do you recommend?''
''Coffee for now! How about having a mocha latte?''
As they entered the lobby Akash excused himself to the front
desk where the clerk informed him that his rental car was ready and waiting, he
collected the keys, signed some papers and was off to rejoin Ananya who was
admiring the lovely gold fountain waterfall.
''Captain...''
''You can call me Akash; we're off duty no need for the
formal address''
''Also I hope you don't mind me calling you Ananya either,
don't worry I'll call you first officer on the right occasions he added with a
smile.
''It's alright''
They got outside to the waiting car much to Ananya's
surprise.
''You're driving!!?''
''No need to so alarmed, I can drive...''
''I know, but how are you going to know the routes?''
''GPS, SAT navigation''
''Oh yes, I'm sorry''
''Shall we''? He said beckoning towards her as he opened her
door. She got in and fastened her seatbelt as he closed her door. He then made
his way to the driver's side.
He put the keys into ignition and started the car, driving
onto the main highway out of the city it was beautiful the autumn colours being
of different colours.
''So where are we headed'', she asked
''You'll see'' ''By the way Ananya what do you prefer vegetarian
or non-vegetarian?''
''Non vegetarian is fine'' she replied
The drive around London city was very scenic, Ananya didn't
know if she had enough time to see it all. The history and quaintness of the
place had a sense of magic. The cobbled stoned streets with the cute little
shops inspired fairy tales. She was making a mental visit of all the places she
wanted to go into when they went walking tomorrow.
She had some wonderful brochures which she had picked up
from the tourist table at the hotel. There was quite a lot to see and do. The
ones about the country side were really getting to her. She happened to love
being outdoors. The one on the English Riviera seemed to be calling her name
but she doubted whether they had that much time to go exploring. Perhaps on another
visit she thought.
There is Lots to eat as well according to the brochures.
Akash seemed to be a big foodie. He spent a great deal of time telling her
about his favourite choices. She
wondered where he was taking her.
Akash really knew his way around; it was very nice of him to
take her along. She thought to thank him. Ananya was soon interrupted out of
her thoughts by Akash
''Enjoying the ride?''
''Yes it's quite lovely, I must thank you for taking me
along with you'', answered Ananya with excitement.
''Don't mention it, besides no fun exploring all alone and I
thought you would like to.''
''I love it!'' She exclaimed with a look of pure joy on her
face
He saw her looking at the brochures and asked
''Found anywhere you want to go?''
''I wish I could go everywhere'', she answered with a smile.
They both laughed
Well for today there won't be much as we started out a bit
late but don't worry I'll walk you out so much tomorrow you'll fall asleep by
the time we get back. so be ready early tomorrow morning okay?
''Yes Sir'' she mockingly saluted him
As they both laughed
Akash pulled up at this lovely little cottage, it looked
like one of those you usually see on Christmas cards. You would think it was an
abandoned cottage if it wasn't for the twinkling lights and the bustle of
activity going on inside. Ananya felt as if she had gone back in time.
Ananya took her time to get out; she was looking for her
camera frantically hoping she hadn't forgotten it. She eventually found it as
Akash enquired if she was alright.
''I'm okay; I was just looking for my camera to take some
pictures. My sister Shaifu specifically told me not to forget 'she said
Akash extended towards her to link arms as they walked up
the driveway. She found him very hilarious but went along with it.
It was huge inside; never take outward appearance for
granted thought Ananya
It was very cosy and warm inside more like a home than a
restaurant
She was already in love with the tempting cakes and pastries
and was spoilt for choice. She looked like a child in a candy shop thought
Akash he was waiting for her to choose what she wanted.
It was tea time and the place had quite a few patrons but
not overcrowded.
Akash ordered one of each of things she liked and said they
would share.
He ordered hot chocolate for both them. But before he could
pay Ananya said ''let me''
''You did say next time Akash''
''Ohh Yes I did''
They got a table at the back away from most of the others and
for the first time Ananya wasn't sure what they would talk about. It felt like
a date, not that she ever went on one of those, mostly out with friends.
Akash seemed to pick up on her thoughts
''Don't worry it's not a date!''
''Really? So what does constitute as a first date for you
Captain?''
''Candle light outdoors, dinner and dancing under the
stars.''
Wow!!, you're fast wooer, ever heard of taking it slow?''
''Slow isn't for me Ananya, if I see something I want I try
to get it, in the most humane way possible'' he laughed as he finished
''But love is serious business for me, I won't take it
lightly.''
What about you First officer?
''I though no formalities''
He laughed ''you did call me captain a minute ago''
Yes!''
Well what can I say, conservative family but they'll let
me choose who I marry. Guess I haven't found the right guy as yet''.
Or probably he's right in front you''
Righttt... ''she said taking a sip of her hot chocolate
to avoid his stare, those eyes made her thoughts muddled at times.
''These are really good'' she said as she ate her blueberry
muffin
Hey! You're having the whole thing I thought we were
sharing'', he said with a pout on his face which made Ananya almost choke on
laughter,
''We can get another or here'', she said offering him the
half bitten muffin which he took without hesitation.
''So any decision yet on the Paris trip?'' he asked her
while having a piece of cake.
''I'm not sure''
''What about the logistics?''
''Not much, we can go there and be back in a day''
Your choice of train or I can drive''
I think the train would be better
So that's a yes, I take it? He said looking at her intently
''Yes''
''Who knows you might find your prince charming, it is after
all the city of love'', said Akash
''So it's settled then
day after tomorrow!''
''The time is just passing by so quickly''
''Time tends to pass by very fast when you're having fun''
he replied
''Although I consider Italy to be more romantic, you've got
to visit Venice and Florence it's just beautiful but the whole world is.
Traveling the canals on the gondolas is a great experience. I've always wanted
to travel, trekking through South America is on my bucket list.'' said Akash as
an afterthought
''Sounds like you fly a lot to those places.'' asked Ananya
Not with inde airs''
''I travel on my own or with friends and family, there are
all personal visits. I go during my time off and holidays. Usually I'm off for
a month at a time.'' he said feeling like he said too much
''That's really great, one day I hope I can do the same.''
You're a really great traveling companion'' she said
''Well you've already started, and thanks said Akash with a
slight blush creeping up in his cheeks
They chatted for an hour more before getting up to leave.
The conversation consisted of where they grew up, schools they attended,
hobbies and other interests.
It was 6:00 pm when they left.
He opened all the doors for her, which Ananya thought funny.
She wasn't used to having her doors opened.
After getting into the car, Akash took her on another long
drive, the city looked so much better at night with all the different lights.
He took her to the big giant wheel thing the London eye. They saw the whole of
London city from there. They went a couple of the other major tourist sites including
Trafalgar square and Piccadilly station.
''So how are you feeling now? The jetlag?'' he enquired to
her
''Much better now thanks, I don't feel any way now''
They had dinner at a restaurant and went walking around Hyde
Park. Ananya was having a wonderful time but she didn't want these times to
end.
She was so much fun to be around, Akash loved being in her
company. I'm going to miss her when my investigation gets over and I have to
leave, he thought a bit forlornly
It was late by the time they got back to the hotel. Both
were yawning as they walked together their shoulders bumping into each other every
now and again. Many times they were mistaken for a couple
''What a lovely couple'' was heard several times during
their outing. Both looked a bit uncomfortable by it but didn't say anything and
just smiled.
They had stopped
talking and the ride up the elevator was mostly in Silence even small talk
wasn't working. It was as if there was some unresolved tension in the air.
Ananya couldn't wait to get into her room; the walk down the
corridor seemed so long. She just needed time away from Akash. And she was
regretting agreeing to go to Paris with him but couldn't back out now.
They each bided each other a good night and made plans to
meet together at 7:00am for breakfast.
After she got into her room, she just sat in her chair feeling
lonely after spending a great evening with Akash. She was reflecting on the
afternoon's events before getting up to get ready for bed. Tiredness soon took
over as she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. She quickly brushed her
teeth and removed her makeup before changing into her pajamas. She then
remembered the book she had bought the morning at the book store in the duty
free concessions at the airport. It was called 'The Talisman' by Lynda La
Plante.
She was reading for 5 minutes when she heard the phone ring.
Who could be calling at this untimely hour it was 11:30 pm
she thought as she glanced at the clock on the wall.
She hesitated to pick up the phone but did so anyway. It
could be important she thought.
Hello?'
''Thought you had slept already, she heard Akash on the
other side.
She felt pleasantly irritated at his response and laughed
''What do I owe the pleasure to Akash?
Oh I don't know. I'm tired but sleep isn't coming might
have to pop a sleeping pill.'
How about you?'
A glass of milk does the trick'
I'm not 4 Ananya.'
So...I drink it why can't you?'
Okay I'll see well good night then.'
And that ended the very short phone call.
Ananya was out cold before she hit the pillows ...she
snuggled up for warmth.
Akash was up for a bit more time. He was making a few
transatlantic phone calls concerning his current mission. He was yet to get in
touch with the two agents stationed in London. The package he had received had
to be given to them. The box was unopened; Akash was curious to know its contents
but decided against it. He didn't want to break protocols. He was in enough
trouble as it was already. He now had a personal mission to catch the
perpetrators who killed Mahima. He couldn't quite believe that had happened
right under his nose. He felt disappointed that Mahima didn't feel well enough
to trust him to divulge whatever it was that was bothering her.
Coming to London was anything but lying low. But he needed
to get away for a bit. He was hoping for a breakthrough in the case. He didn't
know why he was getting himself involved with Ananya but he enjoyed her
company. She too needed to unwind. Ever since she began working, she was doing
so without a break.
Morning was hazy as both had overslept. Akash was first to
get up and made a mad scramble for the bathroom after he saw the clock.
There was no time for a long bath as he usually liked to
dabble in whenever he was on holiday. He made a special effort to shave today
his stubble had grown too much. He wanted to impress Ananya not that she complained
much. H got dressed in black dress pants with a white long sleeved shirt and
had a black jacket on hand if it got colder. He checked his wallet and picked
up the keys.
He was dreading facing Ananya. He was picturing her already
dressed tapping her fingers away impatiently at him.
He walked across to her door and rapped 3 times. There was
no response. Akash was wondering whether she had already left. But she wouldn't
leave without him. Ananya wasn't that sort of girl. He rang the doorbell again.
He heard something fell loudly and broke like a flower vase. The door opened to
reveal Ananya in her pajamas her eyes still full of sleep. She looked at him
groggily.
Akash looked at her with eyes wide open. She just left the
door open and went back to bed. This made him laugh as he got in and closed the
door behind him. Today was going to be fun he laughed more as he called up room
service for breakfast. It was probably time for brunch anyway.
After 5 minutes had elapsed Ananya now fully awake and aware
of her surroundings was feeling slightly ashamed. She couldn't do much now but
walked to her bathroom she came back soon after to gather her clothes. It was a
quick selection of black leggings and a long blue blouse with a wide gold belt
and booties.
Akash had taken the kind liberty of calling housekeeping as
well to clean the broken vase and dirt that was spilled across the floor.
She did her makeup quickly in the bathroom.
Breakfast had arrived by the time she stepped out of the
bathroom all ready. Akash was buttering toast and pouring the tea. Ananya
muttered thanks to the housekeeper and tipped her before saying sorry to Akash
for getting up so late but he shrugged off her apology as he handed her a cup
of tea.
''No need to apologise Ananya, this will be our little
secret alright''
''So we need to discuss today's itinerary before we leave.''
said Akash before taking a bite of his strawberry muffin.
''Thanks Akash for everything you've done for me today'' I
have no idea how I slept so much. There was something smelling funny when I got
in last night. Akash was suddenly very suspicious and got up to investigate
around. He found a canister of sleeping gas under the foot of her bed but hid
it quickly. He didn't want to alarm her but figured something was definitely
wrong.
''Did you notice anything else?''
''Well my bag was on the bed, I remember leaving it in the
closet but it's probably just my imagination.''
''Akash was suddenly very alarmed but didn't show it. He
knew they had managed to track him down but why did they target Ananya. He
certainly didn't want this to happen. He had to change location, without her
suspecting anything. It was getting dangerous for both of them.
He excused himself. He had to make a few calls. She said
okay. He told her to call him if anything seemed strange. He'll be back in half
hour.
He dialed a number;
Hey Arun'','' hey buddy nice to hear from you. I tracked
you down yesterday. Staying at the regency right?''
Yes, but I've got a serious problem. It's big. ''
The warthog has tracked me down''...Warthog was code for
the enemy.
Ok tell me what happened.'' questioned Arun
Akash explained everything including what happened to
Ananya.
''Buddy you got real trouble there, you've gotten a civilian
involved. You've jeopardized her safety by fraternizing with her. But you're
both in deep now. You can't just ditch her. They obviously presume she means
much to you. ''
Bottom line Akash get off radar immediately.''
''I don't know how you're going to explain things to your
woman but that's your problem. I'll gather some info and meet you at ham's inn
at 4:00... .'' ''That's ham and cheese country inn in North Yorkshire, you'll
have to take a train''
By the way what weapons do you have?''
The usual 38 caliber revolver''
Lie low Akash, really low''
Over and out!'
Akash hung up and began thinking
My woman? Since when ...goodness these guys have some
really strange terminology sometimes...
But he decided the less Ananya knew the better. He would see
to carry on things as normal as he possibly could. He knew very little of how
this could come back and bite him. He was ignoring Arun's suggestion
completely. He had to find an excuse to
tell Ananya or it's probably better if she went with him since they were
already targeting her.
Akash looked with quiet indignance as the photos of the
suspects were sent to his phone. He had asked Arun to forward them to him. Arun
was staying in North Yorkshire at the moment. It was a quiet little place to
avoid the usual hustle and bustle. But mostly it was to avoid being tracked
down. Akash was using his special phone for those top secret phone calls.
The plan was that they would both go to North Yorkshire.
Akash would meet Arun quickly before him and Ananya went off together.
He got back to Ananya's room to see her reading her novel.
''You ready?''
She looked at him '' yes let's go''
Together they headed out into the bright yet somewhat hazy sunshine.
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