Chapter 11: Ztracený
ztracený: Czech word meaning lost. As in unable to be found or recovered, or morally fallen or even just having suffered a loss. As is in the case of all the characters in this chapter.
She ached all over. A low throbbing pain that originated somewhere in her hips and radiated upwards. A similar pain reverberated in her head, sharper - making her feel nauseated even before she had opened her eyes. Anika reconsidered opening them - what’s the use? No doubt a bad hangover loomed in the horizon. She didn’t remember drinking last night but that’s when it hits you, when you can’t remember what you did last night. Still… her eyes fluttered open - almost on their own. Where was she? The monochromatic, monastic room she was lying in wasn’t hers, that’s for sure. She hadn’t gone and done the deed drunk, had she? Anika tried to shrug it off and the throbbing shame in her heart so at odds with her life now. She could be blase about it. She could be - as long as she didn’t remember her brother’s disbelieving look towards her when she had come down in her party gear. Who was he to say what she would wear anyway? Anika struggled to focus on a green and grey blur near the doorway talking to another slate grey blur. The picture started clearing up - almost like an old tv, finally working. It was her. Ms. Perfect. Khushi Kumari Gupta. Her brother’s purported mistress. What was she doing here? Who was she talking to? Was that… Arnav Singh Raizada? The hot hot hot Raizada heir? How much did she have to drink last night? What was the media-shy Raizada doing with that… that… perfect bitch? Did he want her brother’s impossibly perfect, elegant, beautiful girlfriend too? Figures. She sighed and focused on Khushi. NK bhaiya wouldn’t ever have a chance to talk about her clothes Anika thought, snidely. Even now, with the sunlight pouring through the blinds, the woman was dressed to perfection. How could a mere mortal measure up to her perfection anyway? Just look at her, she thought, somewhat depressed. A silk crepe de chine jewel necked teal Oscar de la Renta blouse that had just come off the runway, paired with a grey high waisted houndstooth pencil skirt with a thick jonquil ribbon instead of a belt at her waist. She had jonquil yellow satin pumps at her feet. No eurotrash top in sight, she thought waspishly. But then, the perfect Ms. Gupta wasn’t looking so perfect right now, Anika noticed. She looked tensed. Bottom lip quivering. Arnav had a decidedly violent grip on her arm, that alarmed Anika and she almost sat up. Not because she liked Khushi but this was borderline wrong and it was the principle of things. She would have sat up except she heard Arnav’s harsh whisper.
“Think about it Khushi. I don’t care about your sidelines,” he too could be snide it seemed. What sidelines, Anika wondered. “But, if you fail to cooperate with me now, step a centimetre out of the lines I’ve drawn around you - and little Ms. Raina there will be in jail faster than she can say “party”.”
Anika drew in a sharp breath. What… Why? Then she remembered. Those pills. Those fucking pills - bought to freak her brother out. Who’d have thought this is where she would end up? Anika quietly lay down. She needed more information. Might as well piece them together from Arnav and Khushi’s interactions. “Mr. Raizada,” Khushi’s tense voice broke through, causing her to frown. “If I do this, this infraction should be stricken from Anika’s records. There should be no record of this,” she murmured, startling Anika. What was she on about? “I don’t want a young girl’s life ruined because of one miscalculation, and I want it in writing”. Arnav smiled. “Don’t trust me Ms. Gupta? Don’t worry. She’ll be safe enough. I’ll give it to you in writing with the clause that if you step out of the line, we try her as an adult”. Anika could see Khushi grow grimmer. “I’m all yours Raizada. I’ll be the bait for your drug lord. I’ll be your consultant for this case, meanwhile - I will not have you pull NK or his family into this mess. They have nothing to do with this,” the last part was said in a whisper. Anika stiffened, feeling her pains multiply. She almost groaned. Just when she thought that the woman couldn’t get any more perfect, she did something like this. Self sacrifice, Anika had learned from those around her at an early age, was declasse. Something told her Ms. Perfect didn’t get the memo. Between her Pollyanna brother and Ms. Prissy Perfect there - it was a wonder nobody had tried hustling them sooner. Now they are, she realized with a sinking feeling. All because of her. She saw Arnav give a sharp nod of assent before throwing a quick glance in Anika’s way (causing her to squeeze her eyes shut), “NK means that much to you Khushi?” he whispered. Hoarsely? Anika wondered at the tone. What was going on here? “More.” Ms. Perfect intoned quietly. “More than you’ll ever know,” she murmured. “He musn’t know about this either Raizada, I don’t want him to blame himself”. Anika saw Arnav give a curt nod. “As long as you uphold your part of the bargain,” he bit out before spinning on his heels and stalking out of what she had surmised to be the hospital room by now. Khushi stood looking at her for a moment before slowly coming towards her and kissing her very lightly on the forehead. Then, she too walked out. Anika groaned. Not just out of the various pains and aches assailing her body and head. What had she gotten her family into this time? Why did Khushi have to pay for it? She knew one thing though. NK had to know and, her crush on Arnav Singh Raizada was over. Unprincipled Bastard. Now if only she could get up and reach for the phone. Anika struggled up against the headrest before reaching for her cellphone next to her hospital bed. Whatever she was, however she was… Anika Raina was fair.
Lavanya hung up the receiver with a sigh; a strange tension and an eery feeling of foreboding running through her. Arnav Singh Raizada, Deputy Director, CBI and The Raizada had just called. Asking for- no, demanding- her cooperation with their office. They suspected that her recently murdered boss, had been involved in something illegal. Drug Trafficking. Lavanya shuddered, thinking of the irritating man who had judged her capabilities to be low based on her gender ever since she had started work in the Custom Offfices. He had apparently been into something way over his head and had tried to back out… and been offed. She flinched at the language, even if it was just in her head. But that’s how it had been told to her. And now, they thought that there was someone in her Department who was still involved. “I need you to work with my officer Ms. Kashyap. Or this is going to get real ugly real fast. Do this and you and your Department avoid the vicious scrutiny… Refuse, and, well you know what the media circus does to the upward mobility of a career diplomat, don’t you?” Those had been Mr. Raizada’s exact words. Spoken in a cool, controlled, even pleasant, tone. But the menacing threat cum demand behind them hadn’t gone unnoticed. But the threat was the last thing bothering Lavanya. And No, it wasn’t even the thought of sharing a workplace with a potentially dangerous criminal. No, it was- surprisingly the detective in Mr. Raizada’s posse that she was going to have to cooperate with. Aman Mishra. Lavanya looked around the room, finding it empty - she quickly jumped a few times in frustration before she took in another deep breath. She was a career diplomat. That meant, she was used to hassle and psychological harassment but this seemed to be more than that kind. She had been trained to withstand pressures from all fronts. Mishra wouldn’t one up on her. Or so she hoped.
There were only a handful of times in NK’s whole life that he’d experienced fear. Real gnawing-at-your-guts aching fear. The last time had been when he’d gotten the phone call telling him that his precious little baby sister had been caught by the police- high on drugs. And now this. He ran a frustrated hand through his already dishevelled hair as he sipped his coffee. Was it his third? Fourth, perhaps? Who cared? NK certainly did not. Not when his sister- yes, the same one who’d been high on illegal substances some hours before, and who was also, incidentally underaged- had called him telling him in a quiet, almost defeated voice, about the “deal” Arnav Fucking Raizada had struck with Billu. “He trapped her into agreeing, Bhai. If I had known she would do something like this I would have turned myself in. In fact- I could still-?” his sister had told him, her small voice trembling- and for a nanosecond, NK had been relieved to find that under all that bravado and spitfire attitude of hers, his little Baby Anny was still there. She was still that sweet little girl who had liked to hold his hand tucked under her chin to ensure he didn’t escape while she slept. But then the fear had come back. Khushi would do whatever it took to clear Anika’s name. That was how they worked. That was how much they meant to each other… and in any case, Khushi was one big softie. she was an easy target for Bastards like Raizada. NK frowned. But why target Khushi at all? It couldn’t have been their gig of the other night. Nobody knew of the Jewelry they had stolen- in fact, courtesy of the old goose that had been sitting on their golden egg, the thing didn’t exist! And he was too good at what he did to even consider that somehow they’d been caught. No. That wasn’t it. But then what was it, that had Raizada sniffing after Billu like a mongrel? Goddamned Fucker. He’d have to find out. And also, put a stop to it. Now how to go about it? Khushi wouldn’t tell him anything- the girl was too proud and stubborn for her own good. No. It would have to be Payal. Payal, of the beautiful inky eyes. The fiery beauty who tried to hide herself behind a stern tightly wound exterior. Could he use her that way?
The idea somehow felt repulsive… wrong. NK shook his head. No, Payal would serve a purpose… but later. Not now. Later. After he’d had more time with her. After he’d had his fill. No, right now, NK had a bone to pick with Papa Darling.
And there, it was done. NK had known he could always count on his Father for such things. Wouldn’t be the first time he had blackmailed and guilted his Father into giving him something… and it wouldn’t be the last either. But on the bright side- He was in. Whatever Raizada had roped Khushi into, NK had wanted in. And well, NK Raina always got whatever he wanted. And Boy, did he wanted this. He put his headphones on. Whether Arnav knew it or not, school was out for the summer and NK was coming.
Well we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Makin all that noise
'Cause they found new toys
He smiled as he picked up his pen. Time to outline the plan, again. NK would leave no stones unturned. Like the tagging games from when they were young, Arnav didn’t know what was about to hit him, again.
Well we can't salute ya
Can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya
That's a drag
School's out for summer
Song: School’s Out by Alice Cooper
12 comments
I actually laughed out loud when I read the definition of ztraceny and that it related to all the characters in the chapter! You gals are too much.
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Anika is not the tough piece of work she was portraying herself to be! I truly love this new character and relationship you've introduced. It shows a different side of caring from NK, and of course increases the odds and risks of everything.
And Mr. Raizada, a cop through and through, using all tactics necessary to get to his goal of the drug lord! (And conveniently buying time to spend with his elusive Butterfly.) I can't wait to see her on his arm, attending these events! ps - I forget, did he return her hair pin yet?
I also really love this spicy rivalry between NK and Arnav. So different, yet elementally still stemming from the show!
And as I read about Lavanya being nervous to work with Aman I thought, what about Payal & NK, and alas you fulfilled my wish in the end.
False Impressions indeed - The title of this story is sooooo apt. Everyone thinks they know everyone else, when in reality they don't know shit about each other. (Except NK & Khushi, lol)
MOJO POWER SISTERS! Keep 'em coming. <3
I have read both of your work long back on IF but never had chance to read the First impressions. So, I'll now like to read it right from the start. I'm really happy that both of you could get the time to resume writing, I'm waiting for your individual works too :)
ReplyDeleteLadies...this chapter was electric...everyone is zapped by some current.
ReplyDeleteLavanya shocked by Arnav's demand to cooperate with his department....meaning she has to work with Aman and we know there are sparks flying...
Arnav and Khushi encounter is electricity personified and now.....NK getting ready to square off with Arnav...
Looking forward to more....but now I will prove what an ASR fan girl I am by saying that my money is on him...NK had already won too many rounds...ASR is due to win this one...please...
So glad this is back on the fast track.
ReplyDeleteAll of them are well paired, even if ostensibly on opposite sides. Waiting for the electricity to zing.
citi
I am so glad that you're back with your wonderful writing.
ReplyDeleteLoving this story once again. Fantastic part.
Thanks a lot.
I just caught up with all the chapters from this story. It's definitely very intriguing and well written. Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteA_BA (from IF)
ive just read this chapter might have to read the previous chapter to remember the story
ReplyDeleteNK reminds me of Shyam in this chapter
undercoverhappy
Caught up on all chapters ladies. Love your writing.
ReplyDeleteFor me all your characters are mysterious... Each one has a past that you just give a glimpse of.
Please update soon. Can't wait to read more :)
Hiii,
ReplyDeleteI got addicted to your story my midterm week and am officially now caught up with this really well-written story!! I was just wondering if you were going to continue writing and if you were still thinking about it, I really think you should! Hope you continue soon :)
-Maya
Intriguing compelling and spellbinding.how can i receive future updates?
ReplyDeleteGargee, please update this story soon. Its been so long dear.
ReplyDeleteHi pls update I am missing a good story in my life right now
ReplyDelete