1st August

The best part about waking up to a new day is, not the past, not the future... your entire consciousness lies on the present. It's the only blissful moment when you feel fresh and content. And it feels good.

However, it's a given that this good is short-lived.

The warmth of sun rays coming through the window glass fell on Priyasha's face as she stirred and stretched on the bed. Her eyes blinked open adjusting to the morning light as a small smile crept up on her face. She sat up and looked down at herself. She was still wearing the saree from yesterday and the instant rush of last night's memories caused her face to take a brighter shade of crimson as she covered her face instinctively.

What had she done? She had actually served her unwrapped vulnerable heart to him last night, literally. What was she even thinking? Wait. She wasn't even thinking straight. Was she? She groaned, mortified. It was far from what she had in her mind.

Evidently at some point in the previous night, Abhiraj had left her room after she fell asleep. Her head still felt light, a bit woozy. She made a quick note of rebuking the culprit of all these hazards as she slid off the bed and noticed her bag on top of the side drawer. She had no idea how the hell it got there. She reached for it and fetched out the old cellphone of Kaushik. She had brought it from Asansol, considering it'd be safe for now if she uses someone else's number.

She traversed the corridor silently, too mortified and embarrassed to face Abhiraj just yet. Her mind kept replaying the sensuous moment of last night. It was heated but very much unlike her. A groan left her as she entered the washroom.

Spilling the toothpaste on her toothbrush she eyed the mess in the mirror. Then rolled her eyes and dialed Vinita's number hoping she must have Jeet's number. In between all this overwhelming situation, she never got the chance to seek for his number while in the party. After the third ring a very sleepy Vinita answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Vini," she said while brushing her teeth, "Give me Jeet's number."

"What?" Vinita yawned. "Now? Why do you need his number at this early hour? Couldn't you wait until a little late?" She yawned again. "I'm wearing out from all the previous night's rituals." She grumbled then paused momentarily before asking suspiciously, "And, by the way, why did you leave the party without informing me?"

Priyasha washed her mouth and huffed, "I'll tell you once we take Jeet in line."

"Alright," Vinita said, and the line went in hold for a few seconds before Jeet's voice echoed from the other side. "Hey, good morning Vini."

"Shut up!" Priyasha snapped.

"Whoa! Priya... you're in line too?"

Vinita joined. "What's happening? Someone... please give me some light."

"Jeet," Priyasha spoke infuriated, "It wasn't a minor-class tranquilizer. Was it?"

J: "Umm..."

V: "What's going on, guys?"

Priyasha warned. "Jeet?"

"Alright," Jeet sounded mildly subdued, and that was definitely a good thing. "It wasn't. It was a drug used in manipulation of telling truth."

"What?" Both Priyasha and Vinita screamed in unison.

"Why did you give something like this dangerous to Priya? Isn't it illegal?" Vinita asked awed, then wondered. "What work do you do Jeet?"

"Ah..." Jeet paused.

V: "Jeet?"

"I am an economic offense wing officer in bureau of investigation." Jeet blurted out and immediately added. "And that should remain a secret."

"What?" Again, they screamed in unison.

P: "You're a CBI?"

V: "Why didn't you tell before?"

"I just literally said girls, this should be a secret," Jeet responded, clearly annoyed now.

V: "Priya, what were you talking about?"

P: "He gave me this weird drug telling it's a minor class type tranquilizer when I told him about..."

She halted abruptly while explaining to Vinita, frowning in bewilderment.

V: "About?"

"I'm telling you Vini." Jeet chuckled. "This girl is in love and I just offered my help my way."

V: "Oh, shut up. Wait, what?... Did you say she's in love?"

Priyasha's ears turned hot when she heard her best friends discussing her life's complications shamelessly, not caring to hold back a little.

P: "Shut up, both of you."

V: "Wait, does that mean you and Abhiraj... made out... last night?"

"Shut up." Warmth rushed up to Priyasha's face turning it red as she leaned against the counter, gripping the edge of the countertop.

"I bet something has happened last night which is why she's so furious." Jeet chuckled again.

Vinita's voice sounded amused when she asked, "What did you guys do last night?"

Priyasha squeezed shut her eyes experiencing the flashback from last night all over again. "Nothing happened."

Jeet cursed disappointed. "Damn!"

But Vinita said, "I don't believe that. What happened Priya?"

"You already had sex?" Jeet asked quickly, now a bit perturbed.

P: "What? No! Shut up."

"Priya?" He warned.

P: "He asked for some more time."

J: "Oh, okay."

V: "That means you have told him about your feelings?"

P: "Ah... kind of."

Jeet and Vinita both chuckled at that, making Priyasha cringe at her own words. Then it dawned on her. "Wait a second. Jeet, why the hell you showed up out of the blue, if it is really necessary for you to stay in secret?"

Jeet paused for a silent moment, then quietly replied, "Have you heard of the HereMoney Scam?"

P: "Yes."

"I'm one of the officers who's investigating that and sure enough, recently found a link to the Satyaki Hazra's murder alongside it."

Priyasha winced. That's Vijay's father. Careful enough to not reveal the fact that she was in fact well acquainted with all these names, she cautiously asked, "Who murdered him?"

Vinita asked surprised, "Did you know him?"

"Uhh - somewhat. I- I read about him online." Well, that wasn't entirely a lie.

But Jeet dismissed. "Let go. What's your plan now?"

V: "About?"

J: "Like you don't already know."

"We'll take it slow." Priyasha tried to sound casual.

J: "Mmhmm! Good."

"That's good," Vinita said then paused and said again, "Uh- guys, someone's calling again. I have to go now. But, I swear, if there are more of these weird rituals, I'll straight of die," she complained exasperated with a groan. "Will talk to you later."

P: "Okay, bye."

J: "Bye. have fun."

She hung up the call causing the line disconnect altogether.

Priyasha wondered biting down on her lower lip. She had a feeling Jeet was hiding something else apart from his occupation. Did he know about her connection with deceased Satyaki Hazra's son? He would have straight away asked her, but then also, they didn't get much time last night. She'd have to find that out.

On the way back to her room, she slowed her pace while passing Abhiraj's room. She heard another familiar voice along with Abhiraj inside the room, which was rather exasperated at the moment.

"But Sanjay Da was shot twice, Roy Sir! You cannot name it co-incidence! And moreover, both the time he was on his own. That only means, He was targeted and not mistaken with you." It was Jai, of course. But, wait. What the hell did he mean by 'Sanjay was shot twice'? He met an accident. That was what she was told. She balled her fists enraged when the realization hit her. Would she ever know how many more secrets were kept away from her?

"Mmm, Jai," Abhiraj rebuked in an undertone, "Don't get excited. Keep your voice low."

"Sorry," Jai muttered.

For a whole minute, she heard nothing, then again Jai's voice rose a little. "That can't be. I am cent percent sure he has something they want."

Abhiraj matched his tone. "Don't jump to conclusion. We don't know it exactly. I'll meet him today and make sure..." then his voice again gone to nothing more than a hush. Priyasha thought to walk away. It was none of her business, first of all. Then, she didn't even know Sanjay personally. She turned to leave which is when she heard it. It was Jai's voice again, and which made her feet glued to the floor.

"I received another news which might upset Priyasha Ma'am."

Her heart skipped a beat.

"What is it?" Abhiraj's voice was now more anxious.

"Since, Vishwa is not in Bengal right now, all his works have been supervised by someone else. And I strongly believe it is his brother."

"What?"

Priyasha's heart nearly stopped beating for a moment. She felt her muscles tense at the mention of Romeo. What did that mean? Romeo was roaming freely out there? Her breath hitched as the burning sensation of fear returned in her mind with a full blast. Surely, the evil's name still had the same effect on her.

"Yes, I have news," Jai responded.

Small beads of sweat broke out all over her skin as her heart palpitated. Why were they talking about Romeo all of a sudden?

Jai continued, "When I was in Asansol to attain the meeting with Vishwa's manager, I clearly sensed, the man was speaking someone else's words."

Wait, what? When the hell did Jai go to Asansol? What was going on here? He told he had his sister's wedding, then it struck her. He indeed told her he was gone working. So, this was the work? Priyasha once thought to barge into the room right away, but then the truth crossed her mind. They knew about her past.

Priyasha shuddered at the traumatic thought.

Abhiraj knew it.

Even after knowing everything, how could he... she couldn't think anymore. She was benumbed, overwhelmed by the burden of the situation.

For a while, she didn't hear anything until Abhiraj's voice was heard again.

"I'll see this. Jai, do me a favor. Contact Vijay, Ravi and Sachin and ask them for a quick visit tonight. I have something to discuss."

"Will be done. But... should we inform Priyasha Ma'am?"

"No-no, absolutely not," Abhiraj replied pretty damn quick than was necessary. "She'll break down unnecessarily, causing us more problems."

Priyasha gulped. What should be her reaction to this? Should she be mad or relieved? This man was crazy, and driving her crazy as well.

She quietly backed away and ran from there.

Some serious questions were definitely waiting for him. If needed, she'd not back away from smacking the smugness from his face.

~~~

An hour later, Priyasha was descending the stairs in a hurry, absent-mindedly. After the morning eavesdropping thing, she hadn't encountered with Abhiraj face to face, yet. When she went to the kitchen for having her breakfast, he had already left the apartment. But she knew he wouldn't leave for office without her.

She rolled her eyes at the thought.

Since she walked away from outside of his room, her mind had been continuously contemplating on various possible ways she could throw her raging questions at him.

Apparently, he had more answers than she could ever come up with questions for.

Her head was hurting with such thoughts when she suddenly bumped into a person who shrieked immediately, "Aargh! Are you blind?"

"I'm extremely sorry." Priyasha rubbed her forehead, still catching her breath. Her lashes swept up instinctively and she blinked with sheer terror.

Uh-oh! Mrs. Sethi.

Mrs. Sethi's annoyed glare also traveled up with unnerving focus on her. As their eyes locked, a queasiness shot over her as a warning sign. After all, today wasn't a good day, and meeting with Mrs. Sethi could bring no good news. Evidently, she was the female version of evil personified around the complex. Ugh! She groaned inwardly. What the hell was she thinking? Circumstances had started to get under her skin. There! She watched the lady as a creepy smirk slowly crept up in Mrs. Sethi's face. "Oh, it's Ms. Chatterje, I see. Then what else can we expect right?" She mocked.

Priyasha tried to excuse herself immediately. She could not tolerate another dramatic entanglement with her right now. "Mrs. Sethi, please excuse me. I am in a hurry."

But as soon as she turned to leave, Mrs. Sethi grabbed her hand in a strong grip, "Oh, no, no. Wait, Chatterjee. I have something to say."

Priyasha was fearing exactly that. She tensed and slowly withdrew it from her grasp. "Uh, really? What is it?" She feigned a curious tone.

"Oh, I am really glad that you skipped the Rath Yatra festival, and because of that, I was given a major responsibility, just like every year."

"Oh wow, that's great." Priyasha pretended to be gleeful. "Mrs. Sethi, can we walk while talking? You know, I'm getting a little late." She insisted.

Mrs. Sethi thankfully agreed to that as they proceeded toward the exit. She spotted Abhiraj dusting the car's windshield. She felt extremely helpless right now.

"Ms. Chatterjee, I was discussing with Mrs. Bose, that since you've shown a little respect to the senior members, we should also consider your responsibilities, you know, in the next festival. You see, we're not really awful people to hang-out with. Once we get to know each other, you'll see how friendly we are."

Priyasha faked a smile but groaned inwardly. How dramatic she is! She couldn't put up with this shit anymore. She glanced again at Abhiraj's way. By now he had noticed them and by the disapproving look on his face, it was evident he didn't appreciate the chitchatting with Mrs. Sethi. Their eyes locked for a few seconds as he folded his arms against his chest, before she looked away and focused back on the annoying lady.

"Yes, you must join us at Mrs. Bose's apartment tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock. We have arranged a small party." She smiled wolfishly. "I am very happy to invite you."

"Oh, thank you. I really appreciate that."

"You must come. Because, we really want you to join our side."

"There are sides?" She looked at her surprised. "I thought this is a single association."

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I really don't want you to get engaged with Mrs. Das and her other girl-friends. You join us, and it'll really be beneficial for both of us."

Priyasha was about to say something, when Abhiraj's voice interrupted. "We're getting late for office. Can you not discuss, whatever you are talking about, later?" as he came, stood beside her.

Mrs. Sethi looked at him exasperated then huffed. "Alright then. We'll talk later, Ms. Chatterjee. Consider my advice."

Priyasha consented as the lady walked away frequently shaking her head disapprovingly.

Abhiraj stared at the way Mrs. Sethi went then grunted. "I never liked her. There's a cruel aura around her, I very much dislike."

Priyasha snorted, "Says who?"

"What do you mean? I am cruel?" He raised one of his eyebrows as he eyed her down.

"Much more than that which I doubt I can ever put in words." She bit the inside of her cheeks after blurting that out.

He gave her an incredulous look which Priyasha returned with a wry one.

"Please elaborate."

"I know, Jai was in Asansol. Does that ring any bells?"

"How come do you ..." His eyes went wide. "You eavesdropped?"

"You interfered."

He groaned aloud. "I had to."

"It doesn't lessen the hurt." She looked away.

After a silent moment he said, "You could have told me earlier."

She snorted again. "It isn't something I was thrilled or delighted while experiencing, Abhiraj! I was raped for God's sake! I want to forget it by any means! Besides, would it have made any difference if I had disclosed about my past? You still probably had rejected me, of course, apart from the fact, it was never in your so-called plan." Her throat ached suddenly.

Abhiraj grabbed a hand of her suddenly and turned her around making her look into his eyes, which she did. "There is no place for the word rejection. You hear? I don't care about your past. As long as I can build a future with you, I don't care about anything else. Stop tormenting yourself for something you had no control over. You deserve happiness."

"And who is going to take the responsibility?" She whisper-asked. Her heart was shattering in pieces. She wasn't sure, she was particularly happy or sad. But, sure, it hurt.

He scrunched together his eyebrows, letting go of her. "I am trying to figure out things. I need time."

"Don't make me wait too much, that when finally you have time, I'll be long gone." She quietly cautioned staring into his eyes. He didn't respond back. Instead he averted his gaze while his jaws clenched together, she sighed and proceeded toward the car crestfallen.

Her heart hurt.

~~~

Throughout the day, it was hard for her to concentrate on work. Her mind simultaneously replaying last night's incident and the conversation of today morning. She was confused by heart. She didn't know to which one of them should she give the higher priority. Since the morning conflict, Abhiraj hadn't talked to her, and it was making her off-balanced of her emotions than she should.

Around lunch hour, he left the office, presumably to see Sanjay and returned after an hour. Priyasha noticed him a little fazed. However, by the decipherable look that he wore, no other person could tell what was going on inside his head. For once, she wanted to ask about Sanjay, then decided against it. She knew, he was right now overwhelmed by everything going on around, and she didn't want to add to it.

Meanwhile, there was another good news, perhaps the only one. Sonya was promoted and giving a treat tonight. Neha called at one point from Hyderabad and congratulated her. She talked to Priyasha too and confessed how much she was missing them.

Although Abhiraj denied going at first. But when Priyasha emphasized, she would no way miss the celebratory treat by her friend and she'd definitely go, he reluctantly tagged along.

~~~

"So, are you considering relocating to Asansol or bringing Uncle-Aunty here?" Sonya asked her in an undertone, while the others were busy munching on their meals.

Two of them were seated separately on a corner table from the rest. Actually, Priyasha insisted to sit separately because she did not want to seat with others. The restaurant was quite crowded, and she never liked crowds, well, except book fairs.

"I am not sure," she responded glumly.

"But you need to give it a considerate thought Priyasha."

She nodded as her eyes darted toward the other side and spotted Abhiraj, who was drinking something while talking on his phone. She turned to Sonya and said, "Sonya, I need to use the restroom."

"Should I come along?"

"No, no. I'll be right back."

Priyasha made her way through the crowded tables, toward the restroom. Once she had done with her job, she stood in front of the mirror and stared at her image. For a quick second, her inside wavered in an unknown fear. She had this unusual instinct nagging at the back of her mind that something terrible was going to happen. She felt her heartbeat rising at a moderate rate. She briskly soaked her handkerchief in the water and dabbed it on her face, assuming the palpitation was from an unstable bp.

She needed to leave the place. Soon.

While returning to her place, her eyes wandered over to the table where Abhiraj was seated. He was still busy finishing his meal. She decided to inform Sonya first, then go over to him. Which was when, someone blocked her way.

In the beginning, it didn't occur to her. But whenever she was trying to get past him, he was blocking her way intentionally. It made her terribly annoyed. What a jackass! She looked up and froze instantly, as if lightning had struck her.

That same blood-curdling terrifying scarred face of the ghost of her past was standing in front of her, with that same old evil smirk plastered on his face. His spine-chilling gaze made her limbs numb. She shuddered in horror as her legs trembled. She took a step back and staggered, her throat closing from the dread. When he wiggled his eyebrows rhetorically at her, her stomach sank. She experienced her slow breakdown. While she was still stuck in a horrifying memory of past, it was preparing itself to make a comeback in her present.

You'll always be mine.

Her vision turned hazy when the word left her mouth as a bare whisper, "Romeo!" just before her head spun and she collapsed on the ground.