NAIRA'S POV

" Hong Kong," I repeated in a surprised tone.

When did that happen?

" Hey! Naira... Aren't you aware that the boss left for Hong Kong early in the morning?" Rian informed.

" But, how can he go?" I asked like a child.

" What do you mean? And I thought you were aware of the same. Didn't boss tell you this?"

" No..." I felt disappointed.

And why will he tell me anything? I don't mean anything to him. And he can go anywhere and everywhere he wants. Who am I to stop him?
But why didn't he meet me once at least before vanishing like this?

" Naira... " Dane called me.

" Huh! And why did he go?" I asked.

I know curiosity killed the dog and I'm definitely sure that one day it's going to kill me too but am I not in a do-or-die situation between a bunch of dangerous kidnappers? Who cares now?

" Naira... Boss is a very busy man. He has many businesses under his hand and is always out of the country." Rian explained.

" It's impossible that you two aren't aware of why he went. And from what I have inferred you wouldn't even let him go alone anywhere but I am sure he must have asked you to stay here and keep an eye on me so that I don't run away. And that's the very reason the two of you are loitering here since I woke up. " I said that in almost one breath.

"You are a smart girl. But I'm sorry, as we aren't playing KBC, I don't have any cash rewards for your right answer. " Rian joked, and Dane supported him with his laugh.

I was indeed frustrated. Why did I think so much about him? He doesn't require any of my apologies. He deserves my wrath after what happened last night. 

" Naira... Are you Okay... I hope you ain't missing him already. It's just Day 1." Dane said and I glared at him.

" Why would I miss him? It's not like he means something to me." I replied sharply. Also, what did he mean by Day 1?

" So for how many days am I blessed with his absence?" I asked like a defeated person but didn't forget to add a bit of swag. But like a normal human, I have curiosity.

" Uh-huh, not days Naira, how many months?"

" Huh..." These two men in black were getting on her nerves. She narrowed her eyes. 

" It's a minimum of 3 months. It can be more. "

" What the... " I gasped. What should I do for that long? Will I be trapped till he returns? God!!!! Suddenly, the panic building inside me was paramount. 

3 months. Or more... Isn't that too long? What is so important is that it will take him so long.

Just then I remembered something.

I don't want to see your face... Ever...

Mind what you say, Dear...

He had replied. Why didn't I understand it earlier? Oh!! God...

" Hey! I hope you are fine. Dane, I don't understand why is she so affected by him. Instead, she should be happy that she won't see him for 3 long months. I am very happy though. Anyways who likes to see his rude and arrogant self daily." Rian told Dane.

I looked at him with anger.

" I-I don't understand. Wh-what am I to do? " I curled on the nearest couch. 

" What do you mean?" Rian asked.

" Three months? I'll go crazy. I want to go home now. Enough already. I need to leave. I don't care if he doesn't come back forever. I have to leave." I started blabbering but as I was saying stuff that I didn't mean I felt a shudder. A part of me did wish to see him again but I don't want to stay kidnapped. This wasn't supposed to happen to me. 

" Look Naira, I understand your situation..."

" No, you don't. I can't wait this out. This is so frustrating. What if my Dad sends his men and tries to rescue me within this time? What if he wishes to sort this out?" I knew these questions were futile because as far as I know, my dad won't act unless it would benefit his selfish cause.

" Naira, Naira... Relax. We're not gonna eat you." Dane went on and I glared at him, 'as if they could'.

" Why don't you think of this time like a vacation Relax, enjoy, sleep, and read the novels. I noticed that you've warmed up to the humongous library upstairs. " Rian said.

" I don't want a vacation, not like this. Everything is ruined. My entire life." I thought I might even cry but then I didn't. We sat in absolute silence as if someone had died and to be honest, I did feel as if my soul had passed away when I couldn't find a way out. 

" Lucky for you, you've got us. We'll keep you entertained. It's like a vacation for us too. Boss isn't so big on holidays. He's always working but we've thought since you're the fun one, we'll have some fun together. Spend his money a bit. He won't even notice if it's gone a bit. Besides, he has ordered us to keep you comfortable and give in to any of your demands, of course, you can't leave his premises, but then he's not that evil too." Rian informed me as I absorbed the new information. 

" Wow, such a good pool of employees he has. I remember how you bitched about your boss. Aren't you worried I might be a snitch?" I asked with a smile. If there's nothing I can do about my situation right now the least I can do is smile a bit because when I think about it, I'm not that bad. After all, I'm kidnapped. 

" Don't worry, he knows already. " Dane winked and both of them laughed. 

" But, I might tell him. " I went on.

" I knew that you wanted an excuse to talk to him. Should I call him?" He handed me the cell.

At once I declined it.

" No... I don't want to speak to him. I'm not that eager. Besides, I'll have 3 months of intel to impart. I'll wait." At this point everything I was saying was gibberish but I have learned to make the best out of the worst scenarios in my life. 

" That would surely be a very long wait and I'm sure till that time you will have a lot of say to him. " Rian spoke making me shiver for a second. 

Why the hell are they like this?

" Well, then pray he doesn't fire you." But both were still laughing.

I shook my head and started walking toward my room. I'll accept it as 'my room' since I'm starting to feel as if I'll be staying here for some time now, not that I don't plan to escape but I'm not gonna act foolishly and ruin a good plan. I have three months and I'll wait it out until the time and the perfect opportunity comes. 

" Naira, we'll just pray that you survive that long without missing him. Ask us if you want to talk to him... "

Now they were teasing me. 

" Very funny. Shut up now. Have a good night..." Saying so I went to my room.

But I wasn't at peace. I couldn't even sleep now. I stood beside the window. The crescent moon was making the dull night look somber. I should be happy that I won't see him around for many days. His arrogance and all the more his shirtless self. Be Happy... Naira... Be Happy...

But I wasn't happy. I wanted to go back home now. More desperately. I can't wait for three more months now. I will surely die. I don't even know what is he planning and when will Dad adhere to his demands. Will he adhere or just abandon me like always?

I miss Simi. I want to meet her. I missed our old days when we used to chill out. My entire life has been turned upside down and I feel like a prisoner. That Mafia Boy must be having a gala time while I am sulking here.

I have to plan an escape. Sooner or later and this is the best time now. Those idiots... I can fool them easily. All I have to do is make them believe that I am very happy living a lavish life. I will try to be more friendly with them and I will extract a lot of information from them.

♣♣♣

The morning was fine. I went downstairs in a cheerful mood and smiling face. Rian and Dane were already waiting for me at the dining table.

" Morning Naira. Boss has reached. Safe and sound." Rian spoke first.

" Did I ask?" It was rude despite the initial cheerfulness. 

" Well, we assumed you'd be interested. Nevermind. " 

" So, are you guys staying here?" I asked.

" No... Actually, Yes. Dane is staying here while I go home at night. Ela is waiting for me." He replied.

" Ela? " Now who is she?

" His beloved wife. It's a wonder how is he still smitten even after years. Naira you should meet her. She's a gem and I still can't believe how she fell for this idiot. " On hearing that Rian punched him hard in his stomach.

" Ouch!! That hurts. Be grateful, Rian. Since you wish to spend your nights with your wife I've to bear the brunt. Do you even know how many blind dates have I canceled this past month? At this rate, I'll die single. " I had to smile at their candid conversation and for a brief moment everything felt normal. These seemed normal people with ordinary lives but then I still had no role here whatsoever. 

" You've been promised an entire week off when the boss returns so take the win. " Rian reminded Dane who sulked more. 

" Guys, stop bickering. Rian, when did you get married? I presumed that your life revolves around your boss. Henchmen and all that stuff. " It wasn't my place to get personal but making a couple of friends wouldn't hurt either. 

" Hmmm... Good question. But first of all, we aren't henchmen Naira. You should seriously not compare reel lives with real ones. We're his employees and on his company's payroll. It's not exactly like you think." Rian said. 

I nodded. In my defense, I honestly had no idea how these organizations work so technically they shouldn't blame me for being so naive. 

" I met Ela three years ago when boss and I went for a meeting in Bangkok. She was working as an air hostess in Air India. She took my breath away the very first time I saw her. I knew I felt something I never had. It was her smile. She was like a ray of light. " As he went to describe all I could do was smile like a teenager. Love is indeed a beautiful thing. 

" When we landed I was sure we'd never see each other again. I thought I'd be one of the guys who fell for a stranger and then would spend my entire life dreaming about her. " He stopped in between.

" Then... " I nugded. 

" However, luck was in my favor. Fortunately, she was staying in the same hotel where we had our meeting. I bumped her into the corridors and we exchanged numbers. No one can deny a handsome face such as mine. " He boasted and laughed. 

" Good for you Rian that she saw you first or else if she had laid her eyes on our boss then I'm pretty sure you'd be single just like me. No one can evade his charms. " Dane added and somehow even I agree with him. Shivaan is a very charming man otherwise. But, I pushed his thoughts away. He shouldn't be my concern. 

" You're just jealous Dane. I know that from the very first day, Ela had eyes only for me." 

" That's it, then you got married? " I jumped in. 

" Of course not. It wasn't that easy. She was, no she still is a very difficult girl. She was extremely devious and the number she had given was her dad's. She thought I was a bloody stalker. "

" Oh!! God, really... " I exclaimed and burst into laughter almost spilling my water.

" So much for having eyes for only you." Dane mocked. 

" I know it's funny but back then it wasn't. I was so shocked and embarrassed. All I knew was her name. Her father was ready to kill me when I asked for her on the phone. So like a scared little boy, I hung up. "

" Did you call him again? "

" I didn't have to guts to do it. I liked her a lot. But then I could see that she wasn't interested in me so why trouble someone unnecessarily? "

" So... You gave up on her. "

" If I did we wouldn't have been married Naira, right? " He grinned and I agreed.

" True that. There's more then? " I asked finishing my milk. I was entirely engrossed in the story. All three of us ambled from the dining area to the Shivaan's lavish gardens and assembled in the sitting area underneath the trees. The morning was pleasant and the sun wasn't that aggressive today. It felt like a good day.  

" Continue... " I said.

" I did some digging. It wasn't that difficult to look her up. She lived with her parents in Mumbai. Her father was a retired government officer who wasn't exactly that well off. But, they managed. Ela was quite capable of supporting her parents. She had no siblings. "

" Hmmm... "

" Actually, it was boss who spotted her in a shopping mall one day. He helped me pull our contacts and get the information I needed. I knew she'd be flying soon so I had to confront her with my true feelings. If she rejected me then it's fine I won't ever contact her. By that time, I had her number too but I didn't wish to spook her up. I rendered that I'd bump into her and pretend it was another coincidence. "

" Wow, deviously gentlemanly. " It was like a fairytale and despite knowing the ending I was inquisitive to know how it started. I can be a hopeless romantic at times. Well, most of the time. 

" Despite not wanting to be creepy, I followed her that night, and just as I was about to confront her a couple of men surrounded her. Anyone's instant reaction would've been obvious. I thought she was in danger. I held my gun steady and slowly approached them. They were conversing but it wasn't the friendly sort. "

" I understand, sir. It's a huge amount. I'm working hard to repay it. I'll need two more months at least. " Ela said. 

" 20 lakhs is indeed a huge amount Miss. I hope you understand the consequences too. " A tall man replied.

" I'm very well aware. I've already paid 5 lakhs. If you'll be patient I'll pay the rest 15 soon. " Ela was sturdy with her replies but I could feel the cracks in her voice. 

I was trying so hard to not rush and hold her. I wanted to comfort her but I was nothing but a stranger. I had no idea what was happening and it'd be foolish to intervene and cause trouble. I had to be patient. From across the street, I saw her pretty face glistening in the dim streetlights and I knew I had to help her in any way I could even if she didn't want me. 

" That's only the interest. If you don't repay the entire amount in one month then you know what shall ensure. I'm just warning you. " The other guy said.

" One month. That's too little. I can't make it in a month. Please be reasonable. " She replied.

" Your father should've thought about it before asking for his money and slandering it elsewhere. You know what he wants and he most definitely ensures that he gets it. Or else you can accept his proposal. It ain't that bad. " The tall guy went on to say. 

I could feel my knuckles go white even though I didn't know what was happening. 

" No, never. I ain't doing that. I'll never marry a criminal. Tell him that I'll repay his debt or I'll die doing that. " She replied boldly.

" Think about your parents before doing that. You don't want them dead, right? " He was threatening her now. I wish to squeeze him then and there but I couldn't put Ela in more trouble. She doesn't even know me at that frame in time. 

" You can't do that..." She shivered. 

" Of course... We can." Saying so they left.

Ela was still standing alone. I walked out of my hiding place and ambled towards her slowly. 

" Ela..." It was a whisper but she heard and turned. As soon as she saw me, I knew she recognized my face and I gave her a small smile. The one we give when we know we are at fault but we still are proud of doing it anyway. Then she broke down. I don't know why her tears and heart gave up but I was glad she did. She fell to the ground on her knees and I sprinted to hold her in place. When I hugged her she gave in and let her heart pour her feelings into my arms. She was shivering and crying. It wasn't the first time I saw someone cry but it was for the very first time that I felt so bad. I thought I might cry too. I rubbed her back to calm her down but I suppose she had been so strong for such a long time and when she saw me, she broke down.

"Shush, Ela... It's Fine... Look at me." I held her face from her chin and wiped her cheeks.

" I-I am S-Sorry..." She stuttered.

" What happened? Can you tell me please ?"

Her teary eyes met mine. She didn't know how to react and I can't blame her.

" I apologize for chasing you like this but I like you. I really do and it's alright if you don't like me back. But, I'd want to help you." 

" I'm sorry I didn't give you my number that day. I liked you but there are a lot of things happening in my life right now some are quite dangerous and I don't wish to drag anyone with me. "

" Ela... But I really like you. Will you give me a chance at least? " I said. As I said that more tears fell down her cheeks.

" It's fine. You don't have to like me back. I won't trouble you again. Trust me. But please don't cry. I can help you... " Then she didn't say a thing but just went on to hug me. There was something bothering her for sure. 

" I-I like you too. But, I can't. It's messed up. " She whispered. Hearing that sobered my restless heart. She liked me and that's all that mattered. 

" You've made me the happiest man already. If you can trust me even a little bit and tell me what is wrong, I'll do my best to help you and give us the fair chance that we deserve. " I offered. 

Rian had all my attention and he seemed like a decent man. 

" Then what happened? " I questioned.

" It was a messy situation but our boss helped a lot. Ela told me that her father had borrowed some money from some small-time trader to invest in some random firm which turned out to be a fraud. Ela was busy with her training at that time so she wasn't aware. The henchmen of that trader were demanding that Ela repay her father's debt. She agreed and it was only fair to return the money her father owed them but they were charging exorbitant interest rates and engaging in extortion activities and harassing her. Their leader had his eyes on Ela and desperately wanted to marry her. He wasn't letting the matter go. Then one day we nabbed his men who took us to their base location where we had a faceoff with their boss. He was some local gangster who took contracts for blackmail and stuff like that. We settled the matter and then handed him to the police. Ela and I were seeing a lot of each other during this time but after the issue was resolved we started dating and then a year later we got married. Sometimes all it takes is a click and I'm so grateful that she loves me. "

I could make out from Rian's face how smitten he was. She must be something. 

" Don't you think it's ironic? That you guys handing over a fellow being of your community to the police and acting like heroes? Doesn't Ela know that you're a Mafia or whatever that is? " I was so curious and isn't it enigmatic that these guys get to get away with stuff? 

" Naira, are you really comparing us to that lousy piece of shit? " Dane jumped in.

" Well, as far as I can see and given my predicament, I don't think one can blame me if I go to the police and file a complaint." I shrugged and I saw both of their expressions change. They were taken back but those were the facts weren't they? I wasn't really on a vacation at my cousin's house, was I? 

" Naira, we're sorry about how everything turned out to be..." Dane started. 

" Dane, let it be. It's not our place to speak. " Rian interrupted leaving me confused. 

" About Ela, she knows what we do. I can never lie to her or hide anything from her." Rian continued. 

" And she has no qualms? About being married to a Mafia? " I asked and Dane was laughing.

The confusion was still there. 

" Do you think that we do illegal stuff like murders and drug smuggling etc... " Rian asked smiling and that was irritating me now. 

" Don't you? For starters, you've kidnapped me. And your boss likes to flaunt that he's a mafia so go figure... " I replied.

But they were still laughing. I ignored them now.

" Well, you should ask him only. He'll be the best person to give you all the answers. " Rian said. 

I would have but whenever I'm near their boss, my mind and my body don't act in sync and it's a mess. It makes me wanna go home and I know there's another story here but I don't have the energy for that. For me, they're criminals who are being nice to me. That's it. 

"Never mind, you've got a very interesting love story to tell, Rian. Ela seems a gem and I'd like to meet her someday. "

" When I told her that you always keep the boss at your fingertips, she got so excited to meet you. She said that Shivaan finally met his match. I'll see what can I do." 

♣♣♣

It's been a month since I was kidnapped and not even a leaf has moved. I don't think Dad is coming to my rescue. The last few days have been the worst. Everyone is busy with their own thing and I don't see them much. Shivaan is still in Hong Kong and I'm sure if he doesn't kill me I'll die of boredom. I think I've started missing him too. Despite just knowing him for two weeks I had no idea why there was a deep void in my heart. Sometimes, when I walk downstairs I have a feeling that I might spot him sitting shirtless on the couch and would have an excuse to nag him. I think I miss the arguing. Well, I don't have a clue why this is happening to me or why am I feeling all this. Perhaps, it's because I'm trapped here by myself. I can't think about him and let him control me even in his absence. 

Although everyone in the house, from the maids to the gardener and the watchmen were sweet to me they looked happy. I wonder how are they not guilty of working for a criminal. Do they even know the truth about me?  Maybe, they're trained for stuff like this. 
Nina has been the sweetest. Rian and Dane kept me entertained. Thanks to them I smiled sometimes even though I felt cut off from the outside world. 

Nina told me about Shivaan and his father. She said that they were close indeed and after his death, Shivaan became very introverted. He missed him. When I asked about Shivaan's mother Nina mentioned that they don't speak about her much. It seemed a sensitive issue and I didn't push her.  

Another thing, I had made an escape plan and I was going to execute it tonight. I had decided that I would run away from the back door after Rian went home. Tonight was the best time as Dane said that he had some work to take care of and wouldn't be present for dinner. 

Both of them were convinced that I wasn't even imagining an escape as I had maintained my calm for an entire month. That was all part of the ruse. But, I had. I went casually to the living room. 

" Hey! Naira, you just missed boss. We just hung up. He asked about you. " Rian said.

" Why?" I asked without sounding eager. 

" He was just making sure that you aren't planning an escape."

" Huh!" Shock might've been apparent. Did he know? How did he find out? Is my room installed with cameras? I was all paranoid and stood motionless. Rian didn't seem to notice. 

" But I assured him that you are enjoying without him here. He seemed a bit upset though."

" And why was he upset?" I relaxed. 

" We don't know. Maybe he was missing someone. " Dane replied quickly.

At once the expression on my face changed.

" Wanna talk to him? " He asked me.

" Why would I want to speak to your boss? " It was a prompt reply. 

" Okay, Okay. We will take your leave. Sleep well." Saying so both of them left.

Actually, I did want to hear his husky voice. A part of me was furious that he had literally left me after that night without even bothering to inform me about his plans. But, he wasn't answerable to me, or was he? Wasn't I, his responsibility? I wanted answers. Why did he do what he did? And I know I had decided to apologize but he doesn't deserve it. 

An hour later Nina retreated to her quarters leaving me alone in the living room. It was midnight and I was thinking about what Rian told me. Was he messing with me when he said that Shivaan was missing someone? It can be his home right? Why was I overthinking everything? 

Anyway, that wasn't my business. I must concentrate on my escape plan. Wearing a hoodie I quietly crept out of the house through the kitchen door. Luckily there weren't any guards.

When I reached the back door at the far end, it was locked. Disappointment filled me. Usually, It's not locked. Then I saw a table nearby. I pulled it and placed it near the tree. I was going to jump over the wall. 

As I was about to climb up something fell in. It was dark and I couldn't make out. I got down and there was a ball of paper. I opened it and a stone fell from it. It was weird and then it struck me. It usually happens in movies. A boy throws a girl love letters wrapped around a stone.

I looked at the paper in my hand. I couldn't read it as it was dark but I'm definitely sure that it can't be a love letter. It had to be something else. 

I glanced at the tree, at the huge wall, at the locked door, and at the letter in my hand. I had decided what I had to do.

_______________________________________________

Hey Guys!

I really hope all is well in this ever-uncertain world. I know it's been so long but life happens. Trying to get back again. Show your support and love.

Thank you for reading and supporting me. Please vote, comment, and share.

It keeps me going.

Luv... ♥
Vruksha.