THIRTEEN
As per Sanjay's instructions, Urmil had to leave Navya's apartment and shift to a one bedroom flat of her own.
After the successful completion of the 'Panther Project', Urmil returned home. She was fatigued and wanted to have a cold water bath before she could rest. Although she was hungry, she didn't feel like eating. She made herself a drink and got drowned in deep thought.
… what would have been Mother Patricia's reaction if she saw her in that condition?
News of Mother Sebastian's demise reached her just in time. Urmil cried a lot… Mother was everything for that orphan.
There was no way out from the darkness in which she was gradually sinking down but to get deeper and end herself.
The golden liquid was burning down her throat and the warmth was spreading all over her body. No friends, no lights... what an endless darkness! She missed Asthaa so much.
Asthaa had opened up her heart to Urmil which revealed everything through the events of her young life.
Asthaa wanted Urmil in her life as she loved her crazily.
For Urmil, Astha was just a good friend… she didn’t feel any physical attraction towards her.
Urmil realised the source of Asthaa's kiss on her lips the other day… wiping Urmi's lips off after the kiss wasn’t unnoticed and Asthaa was sad… no doubt about it.
But, it was for sure that Urmil could never treat Asthaa as a lover… she was a friend and would always remain so. She wouldn’t allow the friendship to ruin.
Urmil came out of her deep thought as the sound of the keys turning on Godrej door lock made her alert. She looked at the clock, it was ten past twelve in the morning. Sanjay had the duplicate key with him and could come whenever he wanted. As soon as the door was opened, Sanjay's strong body appeared on the door frame.
Urmil's head reeled as she tried to stand up. She was still not well accustomed to drinking alcohol.
"Could you complete it successfully? Your drinking pattern is conveying the triumph of the mission.”
Urmil turned her head on hearing Sanjay's deep set voice.
Sanjay came closer and grabbed her hands to twist them backwards. Urmil cried out in pain.
"You must be aware of the consequences if things don't go well!"
Urmil tried her best to work according to Sanjay's directions and never ever hesitated to put her life at risk. Urmil could not understand why Sanjay was so rude and cruel to her... what did he gain out of it?
Urmil was startled by the sound of the phone ringing. Sanjay picked up the phone and said "Asthaa... why are you so close to that lesby, what does she want? Get her in our team too!"
"No." A shriek came out of Urmil's mouth.
Sanjay squeezed her cheek.
"Chop Sally. Don't make a fuss, just take out the money."
"Leave me, I'll bring it."
Urmil handed the small leather bag over to Sanjay.
"Didn’t I ask you to call me after work?"
Sanjay asked with a frown.
"I tried… the line was busy. I thought you would come or call."
Sanjay slapped Urmil's cheek hard. She was thrown away and her head hit the wall… blood started oozing out.
"You keep your bloody thoughts for your lover, is it clear?"
Sanjay opened the leather bag, peeped in and looked satisfied. He threw a plastic packet towards Urmil which fell at her feet.
"I don't want anything Sanju, please leave me… let me go. I will not utter a word... I will leave this city and go back to my home town… please."
Urmil pleaded with joined palms.
"Get ready for Saturday's work. Instructions will reach you in time."
Sanjay went out and the door slammed behind him.
Urmil was choking… how would she escape? Sanjay had innumerable arms like octopus. One or the other would surely prevent her from bolting for freedom.
A lit cigarette in between her fingers Urmil lay on the floor of her drawing room like an unconscious soul.
