Chapter 6

Unlike yesterday morning today, Manpreet didn’t have the spring in his walk. He had his tight grip on Anshuman’s palms. Just like yesterday, Anshuman first took the boy to his condo and gave him a filling breakfast of oatmeal but there was no sparkle in the boy’s eyes. The boy should have been glad he was visiting his mother who wasn’t home for two nights in a row…. Then what was the matter…? Anshuman refrained from asking though. He had read about stuttering yesterday and it mentioned the symptoms aggravated when the child was stressed or anxious. He didn’t want to subject Manpreet to any more stress.

The hotel as Manpreet led him, was not very far. After about 20 minutes of walking, they reached an area little after the central market. The hotel was a three-storied building completely white in color and not very appealing at all from the exterior. Anshuman’s businessman eyes took it all in and he despised the exteriors immediately. There was a crumbling gate to a dilapidated compound wall that had lost the cement plastering. The name board was hanging precariously bent and on just 2 of the four screws which had seen better days. The name read P NA  E. The middle alphabets had eroded off. The bushes around the building needed upkeep and the trees too needed trimming. He wondered who on earth would visit the hotel which looked more like a haunted house. He wanted to move ahead but Manpreet pulled him back… He saw the boy looked scared out of his wits.

He kneeled before Manpreet and held his sweating palms. “…Buddy… we are in this together, all right…? No one is going to tell you anything… do you trust me…?” Manpreet nodded bobbing his head in quick successions even as his eyes filled. Anshuman stood up and pulled him closer and slowly made his way through the clearing on the ground, inwardly cringing on the bad business acumen of the hotel owners. They reached the reception where a bespectacled woman was furiously typing away. Anshuman looked around and realized though the place was clean the interiors were in dire need of a facelift. The sofa covers in the reception were faded and even torn at the corners. The plaster on the walls had begun to peel off leaving a world map-like structure where ever the residual paint remained. There was just a single framed photo of the Goan physical map. The place looked more like a small-town bank waiting area than a hospitality entity.

Anshuman always believed, if an opportunity didn’t knock on your doors we have to build one…and here these guys seemed hell-bent on breaking the only door. He would have a word with the owner. He wondered if anyone ever visited here and how the owner-managed the running expenditure. Before the entrepreneur in him spread his fangs further, he decided to go ahead with the reason for his visit. He tapped on the reception counter and the bespectacled woman looked up with a scowl at being disturbed. “Hello, ma’am I am looking for a staff of yours… Uh…this little fellow’s mother…” He turned towards Manpreet. “…Buddy what’s her name…?” Manpreet waited a while even as the receptionist arched her eyebrows and sighed.

Manpreet had still held his hand and he spoke softly. “…Ssss…ssssim…rrrat… kkkkaur…Gggg…gil…”

Anshuman turned back to the woman who shook her head and picked up the intercom. “…yeah, it’s Julie… Simrat Kaur Gill is wanted at the reception… her son is here…”

There was a pause and then she nodded and placed the phone back on the receiver. “…Sorry but Simrat is running a major errand and won’t be back before afternoon… you can leave a message…”

“… It’s all right…” Anshuman interrupted. “…I think I will call her…”

“…Oh it’s of no use… Simrat never carries her phone…It must be lying in her locker…” saying the lady got back to hitting the keys dismissing them.

Anshuman looked at the little boy who was now staring at the broken edge of the Formica attached to the reception counter as if he was looking for some inspiration. Probably his life lay in tethers just like that. But not if Anshuman could help it. He wanted to meet the mother no matter what. But instead of waiting for 3 hours in this drab, he got an idea. He Googled the places around and decided to visit the Mall De Goa… which was in Pilerne and it was about an hour away from where they stood. There was some advertisement online about some kind of fair going on there and he decided to make the most out of it for Manpreet. He called the boy’s grandmother to inform her about his change of plans and as expected she wasn’t too happy to hear him. He disconnected before she started her tirade. He hired a cab and they went to the place. It was morning time so the crowd was limited and Manpreet’s face lit up after a long time. There was a flock of pigeons gathered to feed on the jowar strewn around without a care in the world and Manpreet rushed towards them, watching them with intense attention. Strangely it gave Anshuman a huge sense of satisfaction. An inner voice told him not to get attached to the little fellow but his heart wouldn’t have it any other way. He now loved the boy and had a strong urge to save him from all harm. Just like a father… now where did that come from…?

 The mall was decorated with balloons and there was a central stage setting strategically placed given the Covid constraints. Currently, there was no DJ and Anshuman liked it like that. He took the escalator to the first level which had the kid’s area. He brought him a few clothes of his choice and the way Manpreet reveled in the selection process it was a given he didn’t have a choice in buying his clothes. His ill-fitting ones were an eyesore. Anshuman then took him to a play area where there were very few kids and Manpreet though initially hesitant, on Anshuman’s persuasion went for it. The boy had a blast and Anshuman couldn’t help but click pictures. After a while, they went to the food court and Manpreet ate junk food to his heart’s content. He spoke to Anshuman about how he missed his school and especially the art class. The boy had difficulty in reading and writing but could copy down everything with the most beautiful handwriting and his drawing was out of this world. Anshuman realized the boy needed help. He decided to speak to his mother about it and if any financial support was needed, he would provide it for him. God… how much he reminded him of Meera…. He had to get a hold of himself.

Soon it was time to leave the mall to face the reality that awaited them. Anshuman saw the crowd had swelled to twice the size when they had arrived. As the duo moved towards the descending escalator, there was some commotion on the floor and before they could react, everyone was running around. Anshuman saw a crowd rushing towards them to run away… what was going on…? He was sure there would be a stampede and Manpreet would be injured. He held the boy’s hand and rushed towards the nearest toy store. It was a huge one filled with toys and clothes for kids. He moved between the racks. The owner wasn’t seen, probably had gone out to check the commotion. He made Manpreet sit inside a doll house in the extreme corner and drew the curtains to shield him in case anyone looked that side. Manpreet looked terrified but did as told. Anshuman was overwhelmed by the boy’s trust and said. “…Just be here buddy and no matter what happens you aren’t moving unless it’s me who calls you out…Got it…?”  Manpreet nodded and Anshuman rushed outside the store.

There was indeed a terrible commotion and before he could react he got pushed towards the other side. He barely escaped falling and moved towards the men’s washroom that was close by. He had to wait for this phase and when things would quieten he could emerge. Through the cracks between the hinges, he saw children ruthlessly falling and parents struggling to protect them. He entered a cubicle to relive himself and waited. After about 5 minutes he decided to come out… it was then he heard footsteps coming in and he stopped right where he was.

“…So what should we do now… the boy was not here…” a gruff voice spoke.

“… let’s call Boss and tell him…” there was some noise and the earlier guy spoke.

“…hello boss… the boy wasn’t here… we searched the entire place… our guys are still looking… but there is no one…the information must be… no…ok Sorry… I didn’t mean that…ok… Sorry boss…”

The guy paused and spoke to the others. “…Boss has said not to get noticed and just return … come on… calling the others… no police business…”

They shuffled out of the bathroom and it was then Anshuman released the breath he was holding… What on earth was going on…? Those looked like goons… who were they looking for…?

Just as he was to emerge out of his hiding, he heard a shout out. “…Faiz… there is someone in this toy shop… near the doll house… I think we got him….”

What the fuck…? Manpreet…? Anshuman didn’t bother to think anymore as he sprinted out of the washroom.

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 5

Anshuman couldn’t wait to go for his run the next day. He didn’t know how correct it was to interfere in someone’s life but he couldn’t hold back anymore. He had to see the boy who had stolen his heart in barely two meetings. For a decade or so he hadn’t known such emotions even existed in him. He ran today against the morning sea breeze, the salty drops hit his face as the waves greeted him while he ran close to the shoreline. The enormous sound of the sea calmed him to the core and rejuvenated him. He had slept fairly well last night albeit for 4 hours. But given his usual, it was a lot.

Lost in the sea-induced stupor he continued his run till he reached the clove. It was just like he had left it last morning. He has been intrigued and couldn’t get much of his online work done. He was invested in a few start-ups and provided them guidance from time to time. Last year he had invested in Vedshastra nursing home in khopoli near Mumbai. It belonged to his friend Keshav Goyal a self-made pharmaceutical honcho. The nursing home was his pet project as well and also Keshav’s sister and now his close friend Nirvika’s workplace. She was a doctor and very good at that. Anshuman’s sharp eye for talent hadn’t been wrong at all. Within few months of starting the nursing home was looking at an expansion. He intended to convert it into a full-fledged hospital soon and was in talks with his other financer friends as well.

 His vast entrepreneurial experience helped in troubleshooting to a great extent and most of all getting work done kept him busy. But since yesterday he had been disturbed and wanted to see for himself if Manpreet was all right. That little boy intrigued him to the core. He felt like he was seeing Meera’s childhood all over again… He knew he was a fool to do so but that boy’s innocence tugged at his heartstrings. He walked up to the gate and knocked but there was no response. He wondered if they were all sleeping and felt like a douche for disturbing them. He decided to complete his run and turned back. He ran towards the rock ahead and just as he passed it, he saw Manpreet seated hunched on a drawing book he had got him yesterday with his crayon box next to him.

“Hey, buddy what’s up…? What did you make today…”?

Manpreet looked up and his face brightened up with a full smile reaching his gleaming innocent eyes. “…Anshuman… look…” He spoke without a stutter and held up his drawing. Anshuman sat on his haunches and peered at the creation. Oh goodness…it was him and he had worn the same checked shirt to the market trip. He was teary as he saw the detailed sketch. It reminded him of Meera… she was a sucker for details as well. She got the emotions so well on the sketch book and later on the canvas. Probably if she had lived and had a child there was a chance, he or she would have some of her talents passed on hereditarily. Anshuman for one would have left no stone unturned to pamper and spoil the kid… He continued to stare at the masterpiece. Right then he decided he would do something for this gifted child.

“…So, buddy can I keep this…?”

Manpreet happily nodded and tore out the sheet at the dotted line before handing it over. Anshuman rolled it and pushed it into his tack pant and helped the boy gather everything. They walked back towards the clove and he realized Manpreet hesitating to go in. “…What is it, buddy…? Did your mom say something yesterday…? Do you want me to talk to her…?”

Manpreet tightened his grip on his palm and spoke softly. “…Mmmmma dddint cccc….cccome lllaast nnnnight…” His face crumpled as he tried to hold back a sob. Anshuman pulled him into his arms and rocked him rubbing his back. What kind of a woman didn’t bother to reach out to her child for two days? He held him with his shoulders and wiped his tears.

“…Buddy, where does your mom work…? Do you know…?” Manpreet nodded and he continued. “…can you take me there…? We shall find her together…?”

Manpreet hesitated but eventually nodded. Anshuman went on his knees and spoke. “…Ok where does she work…?”

“…hhhh….otel…”

“…A hotel…?” Anshuman wondered if Manpreet would be having his mother’s contact information given the secrecy around it.

Manpreet nodded. Right then the gate opened and Manpreet’s nani walked out. She didn’t acknowledge Anshuman and tried to drag a resisting Manpreet inside. He squirmed dropping his booty and she slapped his back. “…Why on earth do you torture this old woman…you brute…” She panted.

Anshuman had enough. “…Look aunty… please don’t do it…”

She glared at him. “…Stop interfering in our lives… wait here… I shall return your things… my grandson doesn’t need alms from strangers…”

Anshuman tried reining in his anger. “…Aunty… it was a gift to a super talented child… Manpreet is amazing… if his mom has a problem…let me talk to her… he can…”

The woman held her trembling hand up. “…stop right here mister…” Gone was her soft demeanor from the first day he had met her. “… Look Mister, kindly leave us alone… we don’t need any stranger butting into our peaceful life… yesterday you shouldn’t have taken him to your place… his mother will throw a fit if she finds out… so do us a favor and go away…” She turned to leave and tried to pull a wailing Manpreet who chose to lay on the floor.

She gave Anshuman an angry look. “…this boy has never thrown a tantrum his whole life and look what you have done…”

Anshuman pushed open the gate and walked in. Manpreet got up and rushed towards him holding him tightly around his hips even as his grandmother looked, horror written all over her face. Anshuman inhaled deeply and spoke. “…Look Aunty, I don’t know you at all or your circumstances, but Manpreet here is extremely talented… he is unable to attend school as well… and whenever he is out with the boys… you saw… they bully him… how can a child develop without adequate exposure…?”

“…So, you… a stranger is going to tell us how to bring up a child…” the woman spoke with sarcasm dripping from her voice.

Anshuman sighed. “…Aunty I want to talk to his mother… give me a contact number…”

“…I can’t give away her number like that…” She abruptly said.

“…Fine then… Manpreet here will take me to her… won’t you buddy…?” Manpreet nodded into his belly where he had dug his head and not moved since, his grip tightening around his hips.

The woman’s face was drained of colour. “…No… please don’t… she wont like it… she will be furious… she is working her ass off to earn a living… please don’t jeopardize anything…”

Anshuman now felt for the torn woman. “…Don’t worry aunty… I can handle it and trust me… I will do nothing that will put Manpreet or his mother in any kind of peril.”

“…It’s a lot more complicated… I don’t think you should…” The woman tried a last feeble attempt to dissuade him but Anshuman stood on his ground. He couldn’t help Meera but he would do everything possible for this boy.

“…I promise you, aunty, nothing will go wrong…” he assured her. Even as the woman panted and looked on, he held Manpreet’s little hand as they walked out of the gate. Somehow taking up a step for this little bundle of talent gave him a strange sense of gratification. He had never felt it in the last ten years.

Was this Meera’s way of forgiving him…?

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 4

Anshuman had a fairly good amount of sleep which translated into fewer nightmares. He woke up early morning and as he set out for his run, he took the direction towards the same stretch as yesterday. He didn’t know why but his curiosity about the boy had piqued up. The speech impediment the boy faced as well as the raw innocence reminded him of Meera at that age. She spoke late and his parents had been worried sick. Also, she was very weak in her studies and clumsy in school. He had once found out she was being regularly bullied but she had never complained about it at home. Even after he told his parents and his father had visited the school to give the teachers a piece of his mind, Meera had forgiven all of them and had pleaded with the teacher not to punish anyone. Anshuman had thought she was scared of backlash but he was wrong… within a month those tyrants were all her friends. Her goodness had won them over. That was his sister Meera… she was a kind soul. It was beyond him why someone would want to kill her….

Anshuman rubbed his face and began his run towards the clove as he called the place where Manpreet lived. After about ten minutes of slow running, he reached the stretch but there was no sign of anyone. Disappointed he crossed the place and moved towards the rock. But as he neared it he heard sobbing and he didn’t have to look inside the cave to see who it was. The sunrays were yet to get stronger and he had to squint to peep inside. Manpreet sat on the cold hard floor hunched and holding his knees together as he sobbed.  Anshuman rushed inside. He bent over but refrained from touching the boy. “…Manpreet… buddy… what is it…?”

Manpreet startled and looked up, his tear-streaked face causing a strange kind of emotion through Anshuman’s body. He kneeled next to him and raised a tentative hand to touch the boy and the very next moment Manpreet rushed into his arms catching him unawares. He held the little boy close to him and rocked him as he cried. Anshuman blinked back tears wondering what had caused such turmoil to the little being in his arms who wouldn’t stop weeping. After a couple of minutes, the crying ceased but Manpreet didn’t let go of him.

“Manpreet… dear… what happened to you…? Will you tell me…?” Anshuman asked softly.

Manpreet hiccuped and nodded wiping his eyes as he moved a little away. Anshuman held his tiny hands and nodded to cue him to speak.

“…Ma… ma… ddddddint ccccome home…ag…ag…again…”

“…Your mom didn’t come home from work last night…?” Anshuman clarified. From the looks of it, it seemed like a frequent occurrence. The boy nodded even as fresh tears crowded his eyes. Anshuman asken him again. “…Did she call? Did your Nani say something…?”

Manpreet shook his head. “…Nnnnnani nnnooot ww… well… sssshe haaas ffffever… ssssleeping…”

Anshuman’d heart broke. “…Since when is your Nani unwell dear…?” he ran a hand on his head not letting go of the boy’s hand.

“….Ye…. ye…. Yesterday… eee… evening… ssshe haaas bbbeen ssss…. Ssssleeping since…”

“…She is sleeping since last evening… and your mom isn’t home… did you eat anything… buddy…?”

Manpreet shook his head. “…aaaa….aaaa… I dddon’t like mmmmmilk ffff…fffrom cccartton… Nnnani dddrank and ssss… sslept…”

Anshuman again ran a hand over the boy’s head. “…Was this today morning…? Did your nani drink milk and sleep…?”

Manpreet nodded in the affirmative and Anshuman asked again. “…OK then let’s eat something, alright…? I will drop you back at your house…? Is that OK with you…? Or if you can give me your mother’s number…I can speak with her…”

Manpreet flinched this time as if he had been slapped. “….nnnnno……nnnnooo… Dddont cc…cccal her… Sh…sh….she gets aaangry…”

Anshuman held his cold little hands and spoke. “…Ok …Ok…Don’t worry buddy I won’t tell your mother… come… let’s go and fill our tummies… alright…?” He wondered what kind of mother was she who didn’t like her child calling even during emergencies as this.

Nonetheless, they walked hand in hand to his condo. During the walk, Manpreet pointed to different points at a distance and told him about the places and their specialties. Surprisingly, he stuttered bare minimum when he did and Anshuman was eager to know more about this fascinating kiddo who was wimpish and a coward. But whose eyes sparkled as he struggled his way to show Anshuman around. The kid was smart. Anshuman got to know he was in the 3^rd grade but due to the pandemic, the schools were online. However, the internet in his house was bad so he couldn’t attend most of the days. Anshuman decided to have a word with his absentee mother. How could she not know all this…? The boy was missing out on education along with a lot of other issues.

Back to his condo, he made Manpreet freshen up while he cooked him a breakfast of eggs and toast. He was surprised to see a skinny Manpreet gorge on it voraciously. Anshuman’s heart went out to the boy… he probably hadn’t eaten since last evening. Manpreet then washed down the breakfast with a glass of warm milk. Manpreet pushed back the chair and stood. “…Tha…Thank you…um…” he looked questioningly at Anshuman probably confused about what to call him.

Anshuman wondered if the boy who stuttered on practically every word would be able to pronounce his name at a go. “…You can call me Anshuman buddy…” he smiled as he said.

Manpreet smiled brightly and something churned inside his heart. What was it about this boy that fiercely tugged at his heartstrings…? Why did he have that urge to protect the boy…? Was it because he was vulnerable to get bullied just like Meera was in childhood…? Was he displacing his emotions towards his sister towards this little boy…?

He wound up in the kitchen while switching on the TV for Manpreet in the living room. By the time he came out he saw Manpreet had arranged few show pieces on the side rack, all were a gift from his friends Amandeep, Keshav, and Nirvi…. neatly and in a manner that put life into that dull corner. He was scribbling something on a paper. As he went close, he was stunned to see the boy sketch out the wooden elephant piece down to the t, including the intricate jewelry pattern on it.

“…wow… that’s amazing buddy… you are too good… you are so talented…” Anshuman could help the tears that sprang up into his eyes. His Meera was just like that… she loved sketching. Even during playtimes whenever the cousins would gather and play, she would prefer to go to a corner and sketch to her heart’s content. She always told everyone to gift her the needed stationary for her birthday and not to bother with clothes and toys. Anshuman couldn’t contain his curiosity. “…Do you sketch often buddy…?”

Manpreet’s smile fell and he shook his head. “…nnnno…mmmmy bbbook… ggggot oo…over…” The boy’s mom needed to be spoken to. The kid was such a mess, his speech issues, low self-esteem, and now exceptional talent going down the drain.

“…OK buddy let’s go to the market… know any place nearby…? We can buy you some books and other stationery…” Manpreet looked away sadly and Anshuman’s heart broke again. “…hey what’s it, buddy…? Afraid of your mom…? Don’t worry I will convince her…”

This time Manpreet grinned happily and there was a bounce in his steps as he directed Anshuman to the nearest market. The place was slowly opening, and very few shops were up and running. Fortunately, the stationary shop was open and Manpreet scrouged through the booty eagerly. Finally, after about half an hour Anshuman’s hands were fully loaded with proceeds and Manpreet barely walked. He was jumping and running and stopping to tell Anshuman what he intended to draw, and now he didn’t stutter at all. What was the transformation Anshuman couldn’t tell… But it thrilled him to see the little boy act normal for a change.

They walked along the waves and finally reached the clove hiding his house. Manpreet unlatched the gate and they walked inside stamping on the overgrown shrubs lining the thin pathway leading to the house. They knocked at the door and waited for a while before his grandmother opened the door. The woman looked worn-out and tired as if she had aged much in a day. She was surprised to see Manpreet outside and if she was annoyed, she didn’t show. She hurriedly ushered the boy inside. Manpreet carried his gifts happily and walked in. Anshuman asked her if she needed anything but she refused and said she was OK. Her demeanor was a far cry from yesterday. What had changed suddenly…? He tried to take a glimpse of the dark interior behind as he informed her about the stationary but before he could complete his talk, she nodded and saying a thank you, shut the door.

Anshuman stood irked with his arms on his hips as he took in the exteriors. The entire single-storied house was surrounded by climbers growing along the walls and creating a thick blanket of green camouflage. There was a wild growth of thick bushes surrounding the house on the sides that he could see and many had thorns to keep away strays or any children. He walked a bit to the sidewall and was repulsed by the odor of rotting foliage. Why couldn’t they un weed the place…? It wasn’t healthy for them either.

The entire place reeked of secrecy and as he left, he wondered what had caused a single mother to move to this atrociously secluded corner with a child that young who craved human contact. From his decade-old experience in looking for his sister, he could only conclude, the woman was in hiding…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 3

Anshuman parked his rental close to the lit-up area outside the new nightclub. He didn’t want to be conspicuous and just wanted to observe everyone around. He was fiercely uncomfortable in the complete black-colored outfit fitting him like a second skin. He thought it was enough camouflage. He walked across the road to where a whole new world awaited him. He took in a deep breath and relished the salty sea breeze bring along with it traces of humans busy littering the shore and also the nicotine puffed up by the youth gathered. The club building was lit up throughout and the crowd was swelling by the minute. Most of them were young locals out for a free inaugural drink. He made his way towards the entrance where the bouncer was checking the ids of a group of young guys for their age. It was obvious they had just made the threshold as they screamed and hooted as soon as the burly man stamped their wrists. Anshuman closely followed them as he entered a dark new cosmos booming with the latest hit numbers.

The evening was lively with the booze flowing all around and it was a far cry from the lousy nightclub he had seen in Mumbai. Whoever had done this one had left no expense to layer up the interiors or if the bar was any indication. If he had been depressed then the atmosphere here infused a little spirit trickling back into him. He took the drink offered and moved to the corner from where he could observe the proceedings. The mixed scents of everyone, cocktailed with the air freshener was intoxicating in itself. He got it why people came to claustrophobic places like these… The revolving colored strobe lights took turns to focus on every patron who was dancing or chatting in oblivion. Though he wondered if anyone could hear themselves in the ear-splitting DJ noise. Anshuman didn’t even know what he was looking for but his gut that was nature ordained, told him something was in store for him…

Almost an hour into the place Anshuman’s ears went dead with the blaring music and vision was precariously on the verge of collapsing if he remained more in the now oppressive insides. He was hungry since he had skipped lunch so he walked outside to their outdoor units lined along the shore where one could enjoy the food and booze along with the warm evening breeze. He settled in a corner shack and placed his order for some local delicacy that the server recommended. He loved Goan cuisine and the limited times that he had ventured out during the time he was here, he had enjoyed the food. He didn’t even know the names of the dishes but none of them was something he could complain about. Tonight he feasted on Goan fish curry which was a coconut-based dish flavored with red chilies and fresh fish served with fluffy rice. He was also served the Sol Kadi.  This he had tried everywhere. It was a  popular and soothing digestive drink made from dried kokum fruit and coconut milk. The food calmed his insides and he felt good after ages. Was it because this was Baga, where his sister passed…?

He felt as if her soul was calling out to him. He was looking around for a pretty woman with curly hair and a cleft in the chin with a tiny birthmark on her forehead and someone who drew and painted well. Yes, his Meera was an artist in the true sense of the world. She had made countless paintings which at one time adorned their proud walls in their Haveli back in Hissar. But after she had escaped to Pune to enroll in the famous art school of her choice all hell had broken loose in his stereotypically set household. The archaic standards didn’t allow for such frivolous pursuits by young girls and Meera was a free bird not willing to be caged.  Nonetheless, his father had burnt away all her canvases and all Anshuman was left was her sketchbook that he had managed to salvage hiding from the family. He had helped her with the funds to pursue her dream and was in regular touch irrespective of his booming real estate business. Should he have paid more attention to his sister? Was she so lonely that she had to run into the arms of a terrorist…? This is what he was told by the Crime branch last month. Could he have saved her if he had known she was in murky waters and finally that last phone call…where she had been scared out of her wits? She had suspected her now-dead husband and had witnessed something she shouldn’t have. The call was made from a local payphone right in Baga. The number no longer existed just like other traces of his beloved sister.

He felt the cold on his cheeks as he stared towards the dark horizon. No matter how far one went, one couldn’t reach the narrowing vistas… Was his quest to find out about Meera just that…? A lost cause…? He realized he had been crying and wiped the moisture away. Just as he was about to get up a tall dark good-looking man probably in his 40s walked up to him.

“Hello there… I am Kader Shah the owner of Passion… I have been watching you for a while now… I hope you liked the food and the ambiance… is there anything that you are upset about…? Can I help…?”

Anshuman looked at the bearded man adorned with superior quality of the chequered suit and matching trousers. The man knew about fashion because the outfit suited him. Anshuman shook hands with him. “…I am Anshuman and I have recently moved to Goa….”

Kader gestured him to take his seat while he sat across and ordered a drink for them. “…So what can I do to help you…? I am not imposing I hope… I have been here for ages and it’s a part of my job to observe people around… and today you caught my attention… So if there is anything you need help with… I am at your service…”

Anshuman smiled despite everything. The guy had stayed away from his guests just to check out on one upset person and that spoke a lot about his credibility. Being a businessman himself Anshuman couldn’t help but admire the quality in the guy. “…So Kader, can you help me find some old-timer in this place… someone who can give me information about…uh… a decade ago…?”

Kader sipped the wine placed by the server minutes ago and thought for a moment before he replied. “…Well Anshuman, there are many but it depends on what you are looking for…accordingly people will warm up to you… if you know what I mean…”

Anshuman nodded. “…a decade ago, my sister’s… body…was washed ashore right in this place… I didn’t even get her remains… I have no information other than the fact that she died here and was cremated…”

“…I won’t get your hopes high Anshuman, but ten years is a long long time… Also I am sorry but bodies get washed often here… but I promise I will find what I can… why don’t you give me your contact number…?”

They exchanged numbers and chatted about business in general. Anshuman promised to visit the club again and shook hands with Kader as he left the happening place. He was not wrong after all.

A little hope had been rekindled deep in his heart…

 ©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 2

Anshuman tried talking to the boy again. His sobs had reduced to hiccups and the tide was also setting in. He wanted to reach back to his condo before being caught by the officials. He also wanted to drop the kiddo at his home. “…buddy… are you alright…?” He asked softly and this time the boy didn’t shirk away. He nodded bobbing his head in quick succession and Anshuman found it way too endearing. He didn’t have experience with kids but gave it a shot nonetheless. “…so, what’s your name buddy…? Are you from around here…?”

The boy gave him a guarded look and Anshuman watched a play of different emotions passing the cute round face. The boy turned towards him. “…mmmmm ….my name… is…. Mmmman… ppppppreet…” he stuttered and immediately looked away. Aman’s heart went out for the kiddo.

“…Manpreet is it…? Lovely name buddy… so you are not from Goa…?”

The boy nodded again. “….aaaai…. sssstay…. Heeere…” he pointed towards the rock.

“…. You stay in a rock cave buddy…? What about your parents…?” Anshuman was now curious.

Manpreet shook his head and gave him a tentative smile the dimple in his left cheek suddenly coming to life. “….aaa…. aaaafter the rrrrock…”

Anshuman stood up and held his hand. “…come on buddy… time to go home… let’s get going….”

The boy looked down and away and it was then Anshuman’s eyes fell on his shorts. They were wet. So was the area around it. The boy had probably wet himself. “… was this why those boys were bullying you…?”

Manpreet suddenly looked up at him and his saucer-like eyes well up once again as he nodded. “…mmmmy… sss…ssss… speech… and tttthis…” he looked away again.

Anshuman didn’t know what got over him but there was something about this kid that tugged at his heartstrings. “…listen, buddy… I will drop you home… I promise no one will say a word about this to you… that’s a promise… alright…?”

The boy stared unsure about what to do and then slowly stood up on wobbly legs. Anshuman dusted the sand from the rest of his body and held his tiny hand in his. This time the boy didn’t pull away. They walked together towards the rock.

“…so, buddy… who is home now…? Mom…? Dad…?” He asked wondering what kind of parent left their kid unattended especially given his issues.

“…Ma… not tttthere… work…”

“Ok…and what about dad…?”

Manpreet tightened his grip on his palm and spoke softly. “…nnnnoo dddad….”

Anshuman was forced to silence. There was no father in the picture? He felt guilty about judging the existing parent. As they crossed the huge rock, Manpreet pointed towards the secluded house and stuttered. “…mmmmmy ha…ha… house…” Anshuman nodded wondering how could the family stay aloof with a kid. Was the mother alone in this creepy place…? They walked towards the house and as they reached the gate covered with creepers, a plump lady in salwar kameez opened it. She had a worried look on her wrinkled face her grey hair all over her face as if she had been busy with strenuous physical activity.

“…Mannu puttar… where were you, beta…? Nani was so worried…” She walked up to them and it was then she realized Anshuman was there as well. Her expressions changed as she dragged Manpreet towards her. “…Puttar go inside… I will come right after…” Manpreet nodded and with a last look at Anshuman scampered into the rabbit hole they called house. The woman looked at Anshuman wringing her nervous fingers. “…er..who are you…? I have never seen you this side…”

“…My name is Anshuman… I have recently moved into my condo right there…” He pointed towards the direction of his home. “…Actually, I was running when I saw Manpreet crying and being bullied by the older boys… so I got him home… I shall take your leave now…”

“…Er… thank you for helping him… its because he stutters badly… he is teased and ridiculed around here… I am trying my best but…” She looked away blinking tears. Anshuman didn’t know what else to say to her and nodded as he left. He felt as if he had left a piece of his heart behind him.

He rushed into his condo and freshened and preparing a late breakfast of scrambled eggs for himself he picked up his tray and went to his favorite spot in this house, the huge balcony. It overlooked the sea and he felt in alignment with mother nature. He had set up a rocking chair there and had most of his meals right there. The balcony had been a witness to his drunken bouts a couple of times. He was ashamed about it but he couldn’t help it. Sometimes emotions surpassed all rational thought. Back at Hissar, it was forbidden to talk about Meera let alone grieve for her. Even the news of her death didn’t make a dent in their opinions and that was when he had decided to move out. His father had been unhappy but he didn’t care about others anymore. He was broken inside and before the dark emotions crushed him totally, he wanted to break out of the shackles and do his best to find out more about Meera’s last days.

He picked up the day’s newspaper. There was the same old news about politics and sports and of course the pandemic. But nothing interested him. There was time he would be glued to the stock market news but no more. Right then his eyes fell on the opening event of a new night club Passion. Goa was filled with the types and he wondered who wanted to enter the cutthroat market during the pandemic lull. However, the picture of the nightclub took him back about 5 years ago when he had met that gorgeous woman in the shady nightclub in Mumbai. Angie… she was angelic. He still saw her in his dreams and woke up the full mast. No woman interested him at a carnal level as Angie did. He had even tried to date Nirvika Goyal, Keshav’s sister last year, with a hope to rekindle any passion left in him. But she was in love with Amandeep and had conveyed it to him. Nonetheless, she turned out to be an amazing friend, and even now she often texted to find out how he was doing. But his fierce attraction towards Angie remained even to date. He chuckled as he looked away. He sighed as he looked back at the advertisement. Something about it intrigued him as if drawing his attention towards the club again and again. His eyes moved around the different little pictures in the advertisement collage and it was then it clicked in. The location was very close to Baga beach.

He stood up making his mind. Would this rendezvous tonight give him the needed direction…? He didn’t know. He was going tonight for the party…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 1

January 2021 Varca, Goa

Anshuman ran along the sea line his shoes digging into the soft sand, the salty morning breeze ruffling up his uncut hair. He loved running on this stretch of the Varca beach because there was barely a human in sight for miles. The pandemic had already put a dampener on local tourism across Goa but Varca always had that virginal aloofness according to his research. He valued his solitude tremendously and even now as he halted and panted looking up to feel the morning sun on his face, he wondered what he was doing here. He found a rock and sat on it trying to breathe life into his fatigued body. As the beads of sweat meandered their way from his forehead through the unshaven cheeks and finally joining their counterparts on his neck, he sighed trying to figure out the direction of his thoughts.

It was over a month that he had known about Meera’s passing… a decade ago. His sister had meant the world to him and it was difficult for him to accept the fact that he had been groping his way in the dark while she had already been subjected to a watery grave. According to reports, she was murdered and her body thrown into one of the Goan beaches and found in Baga where it had washed ashore. He had the information from trusted sources. If he didn’t trust the army intelligence and the Crime Branch whom could he trust? He had good friends in Mumbai, Keshav Goyal who owned a Pharma corp, and Amandeep Singh Sehgal ex-army, all of who had colluded to dig out the truth while fighting their own battles. They had served him the news on a platter. He had begun to lose hope of finding his sister after years of dead ends but the news of her death had hit him hard.

He realized he wanted to know what Meera was doing in Goa when she was pregnant and despised her husband. She had been in love with the wrong guy, Rehmat alias Haider-ul-Rehman a dreaded terrorist as per her last call. She had even married him and walked her way to the funeral pyre. Rehmat had been killed in an encounter with the Army last month but Anshuman was far from closure. He had wound up everything in Hissar. His buoyantly flourishing business, his stakes in the family enterprise… everything. He had sold off his shares and handed over the reins to his cousins. He had then purchased a condo right here facing the empty stretch of the Varca beach and had moved here in time for the New Year Carnival. The fireworks had lighted up the Varca night sky but he had plunged into the amber-colored liquid in the hope of finding solace, but it was of no use.

Getting back to the present, he panted and looked across the stretch of the beach. It would be soon time for the high tide and he would hear announcements to stay away from the waters, right into his condo. He squinted to look at the waves gathering haphazardly from different directions and crashing into each other. He wondered if the waves of change in his life would set his direction for him… would the rhythm of the waters set his soul free…? He barely slept in the fortnight that he was here. Strange nightmares haunted him where he could see Meera from a decade ago, drowning and he would be paralyzed to watch her get swallowed by the mighty ocean.

He would then wake up sobbing and couldn’t sleep after that. He had been depressed for ages after Meera had gone missing and even been medicated for a while. But he knew, unless he found out more about his sister, her last days in Goa, he wouldn’t be at ease. He had known that her body had been washed ashore along the Baga beach, and just yesterday he had paid a visit with Meera’s picture in tow hoping to get some information. But again, it had been moot and no one seemed to know about anything that transpired a decade ago. He had however left his contact with a few local shacks which were in business a decade ago to get back to him if they recalled anything. There was nothing more he could do but he couldn’t let himself leave Goa yet. There was this invisible pull that held him back…

He looked along the shoreline and saw he had wandered to the extreme corner of the beach for the first time in the fortnight he was here. There was a huge covering of palm trees and wild bushes and beyond that was a single storied home well camouflaged and unless someone looked closer it was possible to miss it completely. He wondered who would want to stay away in seclusion… probably someone like him who ran away from the chaos life offered. He shook his head and decided to explore a little further now that he had come so far along. There was a huge rock probably formed from years of being hit by the monstrous sea waves blocking the view of the final beach stretch beyond that point. The rock projected ahead like a roof and he gradually walked ahead curiosity getting the better of him. He approached the rock and found a naturally formed cave. He couldn’t tell how deep inside the cave was, but the musky smells and the echo of something that sounded like crashing waves spooked him to explore further. He turned back and was about to leave when he heard some sounds beyond the rock. It sounded like children, making him wonder what were kids doing here on this isolated stretch. He walked ahead crossing the rock and saw a group of young boys gathered in a circle. They were all talking together and the discordance was irritating him.

As he kept looking around to see if their parents were closer by, the group moved and he saw a young boy not more than ten seated on the sand, scared and sobbing while the others were mocking and laughing at the poor kid. Reflexively, he walked towards the group and spoke with a stern voice. “Hey, you… all of you… what are you doing here…? Where are your parents…?”

The other boys not much older than the boy on the ground looked at him in bewilderment and then at each other. One of them, probably their leader walked towards him and said, “…Hello sir, I am Jacob. May I know what brings you here to our corner…?”

“…So Jacob, personal corner… is it…? Ok then I will leave you all alone and make a phone call to the officials on the beach… maybe you can negotiate with them… what say…?”

Jacob looked back at the others and they all gave him the ‘look’ as they walked away leaving the crying boy alone. He walked towards the kid who flinched as he neared him. “…Hey buddy don’t be scared alright…? My name is Anshuman… what’s yours…?” Anshuman sat next to him.

The boy, with his overgrown unruly hair flying across his face, looked up with tear-stained eyes. Gosh, they were brown and beautiful guarded by long fan-like eyelashes and something about them tugged at his heart. Those eyes…they spoke a volume… they held a great deal of depth in them. He sighed realizing he was losing his nuts big time. He only knew one other person in this world whose brown-black eyes spoke to him, ever since they were children…whose perpetual unkept hair kept falling on her face every time she was engrossed in something…  his beloved sister, Meera.

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Prologue

December 2016, Mumbai

The strobe lights blinked into his uncomfortable eyes as Anshuman scouted around to check out for anything familiar. His informant ‘Jhatka’ had emphasized he would get what he wanted to know today… Some titbit about Meera…his little sister. It was over five years now he had last spoken with her. Was she here…? In this shady nightclub in this reprehensible corner of Mumbai…? Oh, how he hated this city… apparently it never slept. Today being New Year’s eve, it was bursting at the seams as callous people ventured out to celebrate. He never understood why would someone want to squander money over trivial celebrations when life had so much to offer… so much more meaning. How could someone celebrate when a thousand others lived in misery…?

He looked around squinting his eyes. He had never been to nightclubs in ages. It never interested him anyway. Not after Meera went off the radar. As he saw the semi-naked women gyrating on the poles in their shimmery nothings, a shudder passed through his body… was Meera…? No… she wouldn’t… she couldn’t dance at all. Despite the smoky darkness and ear-splitting music, he couldn’t help noticing drug exchange. Gosh, those guys were barely out of their teens and they were already stoned. Was Meera too…? No, come what may, she didn’t do drugs… But what if she was forced to…? No, he wouldn’t go there. He would be positive, he told himself. He walked towards the corner and peeped to see a corridor. Probably it housed the rooms for the after-party rendezvous if the blatant solicitation by half-clad girls in raunchy makeup was anything to go by. He coughed as he inhaled the smoke let out by some asshole passing him and covered his face. He cringed at the very thought of Meera being caught in this hellhole… Was she pushed into flesh trade? He knew she had made a lousy decision on getting married. But still, was it possible…? He had heard horrendous stories about the redlight areas and how women serviced men out in shady clubs like these. He almost threw up thinking of Meera soliciting… No… She wouldn’t…Oh God. He hoped and prayed those were just wild thoughts.

He walked through the entire perimeter stumbling often on some zoned-out druggie but finally got pushed towards the dance floor. The crowd had swelled and it was getting on his nerves as the stenchy cocktail of sweat, drugs, booze, and sex wafted through his nostrils wanting to make him retch. He had barely slept for two nights in anticipation of finding out something about Meera. But this looked like a hoax as well… he had hit the dead-end yet again.

As he turned to leave his eyes locked with a set of naïve doe eyes glittering in the sparkling hues of the dark disco. She pranced towards him, her sensual swaying catching him unawares. She had covered her head completely revealing only those mesmerizing eyes. The dance number changed from rock to a romantic number and the people gathered there, slowed down. It was then he saw she had worn a figure-hugging lustrous dress reaching up to the knees of her never-ending legs. She was tall with a good built, unlike those anorexic gals he had seen all this while. Determination shone in the depth of her beautiful orbs and she looked like a woman on a mission. She sashayed against him as she looked into his eyes and something churned inside him. He was instantly hard. He wasn’t a monk but it was long since he had got laid. He never had the urge to, given his constant preoccupation with finding Meera. But this woman… there was something different about her. Like him, she didn’t belong in this shitty place.

Trying to keep his libido in check he asked. “…What are you doing in this place…?”

She chuckled though he couldn’t hear in the cacophony of murmurs, shouts, and blaring songs. She shook her head and spoke. “…The same… what you are doing…” She ran a finger on his lapels. “…by the way… I am Angie…”

“…I am… An…Andy…” he didn’t know why he fibbed but he was transported into another world. “…I am… looking for someone…” He surprised himself. But he was desperate by the minute.

“…aren’t we all… looking for… someone or the other…?” She uncovered her face and spoke moving to the song that had changed. He laughed at her comeback even he couldn’t take his eyes off the lovely patterns of shadows on her pretty oval face. The shining nose stud enhanced her Indo western fusion look. He was bewitched by her smile showing a perfect set of teeth complementing the beautifully arched brows that completed her symmetrically alluring facial features. Soon they began to chat about non-topics. They were both animated using gestures more than talk given the crazy dissonance around them. Mostly about the zombies around them and how they were wasting away. He realized she knew a lot about drugs… scientifically and she knew a lot about the law as she showed him underaged kids who had faked their way into the club. He was mesmerized as she spoke with breaks over the music and a little dance here and there, as to how rules were ruthlessly broken. The passion in her eyes was palpable and he being a sucker for rules, got carried away by her aura. He wanted to keep talking to her…What on earth was she doing in that club anyway…? Was she alone…? She had to be, else she wouldn’t be with him.

He felt light-headed after months and joined her dance trying to match her movements. He lost track of time and his surroundings. For once he didn’t feel guilty about shaking a free leg without worrying about the consequences. He didn’t know when she had snaked her arms around his neck and her perfume had engulfed his senses. The next moment he slammed his lips to her willing softness and they kissed like there was no tomorrow. He was ravenous as he feasted on her plump lips even as she let him explore her wetness. It was electrifying… the atmosphere, the noise, and the pliant softness in his arms. The next he knew they had moved towards a room. He couldn’t see much in the dimly lit space. There were few aromatic candles lit but the ambiance was a dampener with the plaster peeling off in corners of the wall where the water must have seeped in. Overall it screamed of poor maintenance, probably just a getaway for quickies. The bed in the corner had seen better days and he saw spots on the cover, the origins of which he didn’t even want to know. 

But as the woman undressed finally revealing her toned body slithering on the bed, he was a goner. She had the beautiful Indian features now that he observed and that nose stud…? Wow… it was a feather in her splendorous cap. As she lay bare on the crappy bed with her luscious hair fanning her face, she looked like a beautiful lotus surrounded by the gorgeous leaves and the filthy waters didn’t matter.

He hadn’t seen a beauty like her before…not that he had looked that much. Intelligence sparkled in her kohl-laden eyes and it looked as if she wanted to tell him something… rather… confess. He saw a sheet of burn scar on her abdomen… but it didn’t repulse him. He moved towards it and kissed the scar. He then looked up at her. A sheen of moisture, filled those pretty eyes as she looked at him…was she… crying…?

He had undressed and positioned himself on her. He wondered if she was feeling rushed… no it didn’t look like and she didn’t look like someone who could be intimidated.

“…hey… Angie… all Ok…?” he asked.

Her lips trembled as she smiled. “…I will be soon once you get inside of me…”

That was the only invitation he needed. He opened the drawer next to the bed and as expected there were condoms. He picked up one and sheathed himself as she looked at him with dreamy eyes, causing his now painful erection to pierce through the protective latex. He stared into her eyes and as some kind of a mutual understanding passed between them, he slammed into her. He stalled with his eyes shut to enjoy her tight warmth as she circled his hips. She rose her lower back and he got out of his sensual trance. He started to rock with a fervor he never knew existed. She matched him stroke to stroke… and finally, in the next few moments, she convulsed around him holding her lower lip between her teeth, the most erotic vision he had ever experienced. He climaxed the very next moment pouring into her heat all his longing, as his frustration and every other emotion he couldn’t even name. He discarded the condom and came over to rest next to her. She was almost asleep as she snuggled into his bare chest and he could feel himself hardening again. This was also a first for him. Sex had turned from a mere physical gratification to something more… But she looked tired and he wanted her to rest as well. He realized he was tired too after spending the last two nights in constant worry and phone calls with the informers. He barely lasted a couple of minutes promising himself to talk to the beauty the next morning, before sleep claimed him.

He woke up with the sunlight streaming through the blinds right on his face where he had curled to his side of the bed. He shivered with the December chill in the room and he didn’t have to feel the bed next to him to know… Angie was gone. As he moved around feeling the emptiness in the room as well as his heart, he found a little scrawled letter under the pillow. It was written in her neat handwriting, on a page torn off randomly from some pocketbook. It read,

 ‘Stop asking or looking around… it will only cause the ripple effect… go back home and forget everything that happened…’

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.