Russian roulette-part 11

He continued the meeting with his staff and ignored her completely. She didn’t take it lightly. She walked up to him and screamed, “ How dare you ? Last night you made love to me and now you treat me like shit. Am I nothing to you?”  “ You are like every other girl I spend the night with. Don’t make a difference… and you have already done this with Boris. Why do you act strange as if you have lost chastity?” , he mocked. She was surprised to hear from the man she gave everything. “ Who are you? I don’t understand you.”, she said. “ You and I share only an employer-employee relationship. Last night was a mistake. Hope I made it clear and now you can leave.”, he said firmly.

She left the room , shocked and heartbroken. She wanted to lock herself in the room. But she couldn’t do that. Her life was not hers… she lives for serving others. There was no escape for her. She was in this business for long time and it would remain till she died.

She prepared for the night. She had to make the people beg for more. She practiced her moves for hours together until she mastered it. She chose the dress and matched it with the stilettos for her act. She tried to take beauty sleep before the show began. But the letter and his words reminded her the worth of her life. 

She cried for sometime till her heart felt better. But she felt miserable and wasted.

He was alone, thinking about what he had said. He knew that he was red. But he was always that way-snobbish was his middle name. He had explained it clearly in the letter that he wasn’t a lover boy. He was a heart breaker. Although there were times when he wished that he wasn’t. These moments were with her when he could hold and never wanted to let her go.

He should have spoken to her instead of writing her letter. It was better he could have heard her speak too and settled this issue then and there itself. Unfortunately he had no courage to face her. Her big wide eyes were more than enough to melt him.

She had done this before – while she was furious about him using her. Her angry eyes had already made him change his mind unless he didn’t control it. Love! He had tried to not to fall for this sweet trap. Alas! He had fallen for her and there was no way out. However this new found was not going to last because of the person he is.

He had to be bad and evil towards though he didn’t want to. But what else could he do? He didn’t want her to get attached to him…and even worse was disappointing her.

(To be continued)

Russian roulette -part 10

She felt tiny under his huge arms.  He wasn’t bulky though. But his stature made him look that way. He was only inches taller than her. However he was stronger than her.  After few minutes, he released her and only held her face. He stared at her red lips, touching it with his fingers. It was soft and kissable. He tried to control his desire to kiss them hard. He wanted her bad and in the same moment questioned his desire.

He released her suddenly and walked back. She looked stunned at his sudden withdrawal. Later he stopped and rushed towards her. He took her once again and kissed her. He kissed her hungrily. She wished the time to stand still.  She wanted to capture every moment and hide it deep inside her heart.

He loved her sweet breath and soft lips. He also loved the way she became vulnerable when he touched her. As the kiss became more intense, he moved his hands from her face and brushed her hair softly. He then caressed her neck and petite waist. He released her from kiss and took a deep breath. “ You are so beautiful.”, he said with warm smile and took her in his arms. He moved towards the bedroom where they passionately made love. He showed her love that she was waiting for so long.

She had become a part of him that night. But whether he belonged to her was big question. The birds chirping outside gave the sign that day had started. It was impossible to know whether it was a day or night with dark curtains shielding the sun rays. She woke up to see him missing. She didn’t realize when he had gone.  She saw a neatly folded letter kept on the bed side table. She opened it eagerly which read :

“ Inna,

Yesterday’s night was splendid. I enjoyed every bit of it. I bet even you enjoyed it. Yours eyes speak a lot and I feel you might take this seriously. But I wish you haven’t. You and I cannot be together. I am not the kind of person that you would like to lead your life with. I have dark past and that will come between us.
You are sweet and young. You deserve the best.

Please forget what had happened between us. I can’t be the guy who was yesterday. I hope you have understood what I mean.

Love,

Shady

Inna was furious and perplexed. She should have known before. He would leave her anyway. He was known to do that. She dressed soberly and marched to his office.

He was discussing about the club with his staff. “ I need to talk to you now.”, she said angrily. He looked at her standing next to the door. Her body was shivered due to anger. He knew why she was here. However he pretended as if he didn’t know.

(To be continued)

Russian roulette-part 9

It was her turn to entertain the audience. She took nervous steps towards the stage. She felt people’s constant stares. She wondered whether it was her skimpy clad body or fear that dragged their attention towards her. She didn’t have any choice but simply ignore. Before she took big leap, Nina whispered, “ Don’t look at them, look at the mirror.” It left her confused. Why did Nina ask her to look at the mirror on the wall?

She was on the stage within minutes. The music was already playing. As she looked at the people, she understood the reason Nina said not to look.  She was numb and her mind was not working properly. Her gaze moved across the room and stopped at Shady. His cold stare gave her Goosebumps. His presence reminded her of the reason she was on the stage. “ This is for you, Patricia!” she whispered to herself.

She glanced at the mirror. She was embracing herself on the mirror. It did look awkward for her . She hated her body- her skinny hands and legs. Her skin was too fair. She despised her hair too. They were too silky to remain tied. A few strands had already come out… She had to stop looking at her skinny image. She had to do something. She had to divert her mind to something good… beautiful. Voila! She got it. She imagined about a beautiful nymph. Her fine hair perfectly bounced and danced as she moved. She imagined her skin to be milky and soft. When she blushed, her cheeks turned red. Her legs were slender and long.

She grabbed the pole and locked her legs on it. She stretched her leg to the right after few minutes and did a half altitude. Next she climbed the pole and this time she left her legs loose. She did a showgirl spin which got the people glued to her. Thus her affair with the pole started. She did it so effortless and stunned everyone who thought she would fail.

Shady was surprised with this angelic girl. His plan to kill her was shelved. He left the club speechless. Who was this girl? Why did she leave him helpless whenever he challenged her? He had lost again. He never took his losses in right way. However he was amazed to see that he didn’t feel that way. No! He would never fall for her. He wasn’t Boris. Boris had soft corners for girls. But Shady had no such feelings for anyone. He had no heart.

Shady sat on his couch contemplating his next move. He was so deep into it that he didn’t notice her standing at the entrance of his room. “ Hi Shady, I need a minute with you”, she said softly. “ What are you doing here? Who allowed you in?” he roared. Tears started pouring out of her eyes. “ I am sorry that I came here. I…wanted to thank you for pushing me to perform. If you hadn’t .. Thanks.” , she cried.

He didn’t realize when he had walked towards her and why he hugged her. He hugged her tight, letting her tears wet his black silk shirt.

(To be continued)

Russian roulette-part 8

Shady sipped his last drink. Today’s events replayed in his mind. Why?  Why did he do something that he would never do? Forgiving someone was never one of his principles. He would punish a person for even tiniest mistake. He should have not listened to her. He should have done his way. But he didn’t. Her innocent request had melted his heart. No girl had such an influence over him. He had to stop it right now. He didn’t want to fall for sweet traps.

Inna was practicing her moves as directed by Patricia. She had tripped several times while climbing the pole. It was tiring as well as discouraging. A month had passed and she hadn’t progressed from beginner’s stage.

“ I don’t think I can do this…” she said disappointingly. “ What do you mean you can’t do this?  You are not Boris’s girlfriend anymore. Let me tell you something! I decide who stays and who leaves.”, he yelled at her. 

He looked at Patricia and said, “ I want her on floors within next few hours. If I don’t see her, I will take your precious life.”  Patricia nodded with fear. Inna felt guilty for her inability.

 It was show time. The club was packed with both men and women looking out for great time. Inna had practiced hard. But it wasn’t that great. Nina had  kept the audience glued to her performance. As Nina came down, Inna grabbed her hand and whispered into her ears, “ How am I going to perform? You have performed so well. I can’t even match up to your dance.”  “ Don’t worry, love. Don’t care about people. They are drunk. They will overlook whatever you show. The only thing that matters to them is your body. You have great body.. embrace it.”, Nina convinced her.

The stage was at the center of the club. It was round shaped with chairs kept around for people who wanted to get closer view of the girls. There were people gathered around the stage. These people were mostly men from the upper class of society.

 She stepped with difficulty on the stage. Her feet ached due to high heels.  It was going to be her first performance that decided the fate of Patricia. Her mind had become blank. Her body was tight due to fear. 

She was unable to move her body freely. Her eyes became moist as she saw many people staring hard at her. “ Hey girl, we don’t have whole day to watch you cry.”, one of the audience yelled at her.

She felt a hand pull her out from the stage. She had no courage to notice at the person who had grabbed her and pull out from the stage. They stopped at the dressing room. She looked up to see Shady staring with soft grey eyes. “ I am sorry..Don’t kill Patricia. It has got nothing to do with her. I.. failed. Kill me!” she cried. He hugged her tight, giving her shoulder to cry.

“ I won’t kill anyone. I knew you weren’t ready. It’s not your mistake. Don’t blame yourself.” , he said softly. She felt relaxed until she felt someone shaking her. She opened her eyes to see Patricia waking her up. “ Wake up!  You will be next. Nina finished her performance. I had instructed you to be take position near the stage.”, Patricia scolded her. Inna was disoriented for a moment. So whatever happened was a dream. Inna was heartbroken. She wished from bottom of her heart that her dream never ended.

( To be continued)

Russian roulette-part 7

Torture, Insanity, Evil and abuses were only words Shady knew. Compassion was long gone when he lost his family to the crime lord- Boris. He had become dismal about all the warm feelings after avenging the death of his loved one. He never showed any mercy to people who stabbed him on his back. Even if it was his closest friend Paul and that’s what he was going to do on this summer afternoon.

He checked his (loaded) gun once again. He wanted everything to be perfect. He had made sure that no one except his men was there at the club. Paul had arrived on time like always. Paul’s punctuality had always impressed him. But it didn’t matter now. “ Hey Shady, I am your friend. You have to believe me.”, Paul begged.

“ Believe! The word doesn’t sound right from your mouth. Don’t say it! Friends don’t backstab. They don’t leave a friend in need. You showed me that I cannot trust anyone.”, he sneered at him. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I was influenced by Lev. He had kidnapped Marina.”, Paul defended himself. “ I have always told you to never fall for these sweet traps. See what this has done to you!  You had forgotten to open your eyes. You failed to see that Marina and Lev were undercover cops. They used your heart to bring me down. Well! They are going to lose again. They will never get me.”, Shady said without any emotion. He shot his beloved friend on his head.

 Inna was at the wrong place at wrong time. She had come to meet Shady Zhane. She hid herself behind the wall when she saw the commotion. It was horrifying for her to see the monstrous side of Shady. She wanted to get away. But it was too late.

“ What are you doing here?”, he shouted.  Her body shook due to fear. “ I was… I came here because you had asked me to start work today. I didn’t..see..anything.” she stammered. “ I TOLD YOU THAT I DON’T WANT ANYONE HERE.” , he shot back at his men . Before he could do any more damage, she said, “Your men didn’t see me get inside. I swear I didn’t know anything about the lock down.”

He dropped his weapon down. This was the first time he had shown mercy on someone and he did listen to someone. He left the room without saying one word. One of his men approached her and thanked her for saving his life.

The day had been normal for Inna. She was shown around by one of girls working at the club. There was not much work for her. She was given the work of greeting the guest. It was simple for her. She had been doing this when she was Boris’s mistress.

At her room, she was sharing her first day experience with Nina. “ I am sorry, sweetie. I forgot to inform you about the lock down. But I am really amazed that Shady listened to someone. Shady has never done that. He only does what he thinks. He doesn’t consider anyone’s opinion. I guess he has a soft spot for you.” 

Nina said. “Stop it, Nina. He isn’t that bad.”, she said with her cheeks turning red. “The way he kissed you says it all. He has a crush on you.”, Nina said. Inna playfully hit on Nina’s shoulder and laughed. Was it true that Shady was falling for her? He was her boss. But he was known to be heartless. Did he have a heart? She lied on her bed wondering about Shady.

(To be continued)      

Russian roulette-part 6

Shady Zhane had met many beautiful women and even bed them too. But Boris’s young mistress had left him speechless. How could he overlook her at the party? But if he had got distracted, he wouldn’t have executed Boris.

He had heard angels come down to earth. But now he witnessed it too.  She was barely sixteen. She looked naïve to be Boris’s girl. However he never trusted any girl who entered flesh trade. These girls would use love as means to trap poor men like him to get away from the business. But he was clever enough to not fall for any such sweet feelings.

“ So can you dance?” , he asked snobbishly.  “ Shady… She has no experience in dancing. But she is a fast learner.”, her friend said. “ Ah! No experience. But I heard you were Boris’s favorite toy. Astonishing!  Dancing is very important in our trade. If you don’t know how to dance, then what use do you have for me?” he said . “ But…”her friend defended her. “ Nina!! Doesn’t she have a tongue?” he chided her friend. Inna had remained silent for a long time.  She wanted the job badly to recover her financial strains. Boris bought her gifts and also let her stay with him. But he never paid her in monetary kind.

“ I can dance.” , she broke the silence at last. “ Show me then! “ , he asked and ordered his henchmen to put music.  The music played- an English pop song.  She stood numb. He made himself comfortable on his couch. Nina encouraged her to dance. His henchmen smiled secretly at girl’s incapability. Images of Angel teaching her dance for the first time replayed in her mind. She had told her once about the three magic steps – feel the music, embrace it within your heart and drive people mad that they come again and again to see you.  ‘ Make them here come again and again” were Angel’s last piece of advice.

She closed her eyes and felt the music. As the she swayed to the music, she embraced it. In the end she gave a spectacular performance. It was wild yet sensuous. Her body moved to every beat of the song. She didn’t understand the language except the beats.

He got up from his seat and walked towards her. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her passionately. His tongue forced into her mouth as he explored every bit of her. He didn’t care how she felt. He knew that she enjoyed it. He didn’t care about anyone in the room. Everyone was puzzled as it was not usual sight to see Shady to kiss a girl all of a sudden. He was a man of few words- the inexpressive type.

He tasted good and different. His breath was fresh and minty. It had left her with desire for more. When he was done, her lips were swollen red. Her pony tail hair was open loose now.

“ You will start from tomorrow.”, he said and left her with wondering about him. He was different from the guy who kissed her. That guy was warm and affectionate. Was he always snobbish?

(To be continued)    

Russian roulette-part 5

She had one good look at the man who stole her heart. He had strong features-  dangerous cat eyes, pointed nose,  broad shoulders and proud chin. But the scar at top of his right eye gave a notorious edge to him. Who was he? She tried to nudge that question out of her head. But he was very charming man. Thus she found herself drawn towards him and didn’t realize the calm atmosphere before any havoc.

Suddenly he took out his .22 pistol out of nowhere and pointed towards Boris. No one noticed the two shots hit from his pistol. It was only when the mafia lord fell to the ground that got everyone’s attention. His men searched everywhere for the shooter. But they didn’t suspect the man who had stole the heart of their mafia’s mistress.

Inna didn’t feel remorse for the death of her caretaker. She left his body in care of his well wishers. She ran towards the man of his dreams. Where did he go?  She smiled secretly though she was disappointed that she couldn’t meet. She wondered, “ So there are knights in dark horse in this part of world too! Great!”

Now that Boris had gone. His empire was taken over by a newcomer called Shady Zhane-she hadn’t heard of. Thus she was free.. free to do as she pleased.  She decided to visit her hometown. With help from few of her friends, she reached her home to find her dad.

She reached a ghost town that she called her home once upon a time. It was normal place until a nuclear leakage from a nearby factory caused loss of life. The town had few dwellers still making livelihood from lost town. She found her home amongst the empty house. Her house was empty too like the others. She asked one of passerby about the owner of the house. The passerby narrated an emotional story of a father who lost his mind when his child was gone. Later he committed suicide by hanging himself. Inna couldn’t control her emotions and sobbed hysterically when she was alone. She bought out all the emotions that she had within herself.

She returned back with lost hope. She was clueless about what she wanted to do. Since she was no longer Boris’s property, many men tried to buy her. But she refused all of them.

She was with one of her friends who were girls of Boris like her. She shared her problem with them and everyone directed her to Shady Zhane. “ Who is Shady Zhane? Why would he help me ? I was his enemy’s mistress.”, she asked. “ Because you are his enemy’s mistress.” , they replied.

Her friend took her to Shady Zhane’s den ( Boris’s mansion). The familiar place that reminded her of Boris had gone. Every place was owned by Zhane now. In the large room , he was chatting with one of his associates. When her friend introduced her to him, similar chill ran over her spine. She blushed and became numb. She could only feel her heart beat as their eyes met for the first time.

(To be continued) 

Russian roulette-part 4

She stood blinking at her abductor as he made himself comfortable on the bed. She had never felt so miserable. She could imagine those filthy things that her abused girlfriends had told her. She was going to witness all that for real.  But she still didn’t get the idea about why her captor didn’t sell her unlike other girls.

“ Come closer , girl. You won’t enjoy if you stay there forever.” he cajoled. Nervousness had made her senses weak. “ Bilad’! I don’t have the whole day for all this.” he snapped at her. She rushed to him with moist eyes. She didn’t cry. She had learnt a long time to control her emotions. When she was close enough , he dragged her toward him. “ I was waiting for you for so long.” , he said and pulled her dress off until she lay naked  next to him. She laid like a plank while he explored her body. She didn’t resist with fear of what had happened to the girls who did. There were many instances when a girl resisted, she was abused and beaten up so brutally that it made her vegetable and thrown out to beg on roads.

He was very aggressive on her. The pain was too revolting for her to bear. But she tried her best to bear it.  His every touch disgusted her. The way he had held her hands while he did the nastiest things to her, had borne marks on them. She had lost her chastity to a monster like Boris. This made her feel appalled for rest of her life.

 He finished his fill by dawn. She was tired but she didn’t lie. She walked to the bathroom where she cleansed herself. The water only healed her physical wounds. But her emotional pain was never going to be healed.

 He would come every night for her to induce himself into pleasure gratification. Each night was more torturous than previous for her. She felt impure and dirty. However he would pamper her with expensive gifts and luxurious lifestyle. But these things only reminded her that she was his toy.

As the three years passed by, the painful nights became bearable. She had become his arm candy for all occasions. Boris’s parties were known to be wild and happening. It attracted rich and famous- politician , senators, governors, businessmen , and film stars  from different walks of life. He shared all his girls with his friends. However Inna was his property and he would never share it with anyone.

It was celebration at mansion. Boris was contesting election for the role of Mayor. He had won by few votes against his opponent. Many people irrespective whether they were his friends or enemies had come to be a part of his success. Inna was dressed as usual-pretty and perfect as Boris’s arm candy. She wore blue lace fish cut gown that showed her gorgeous back. She accessorized it with fur coat. She looked taller than Boris though her heels weren’t that long. Her red hair was tied into a bun.

 She looked bored as Boris was busy in conversation with one of bureaucratic. As her eyes gauged at guests at the party, one particular man caught her attention. He looked quite young and suave. But he didn’t fit into the crowd. He had something in his eyes. For the first time, she felt her heart beat shoot. Who was this guy who had bought chill to her spine?

(To be continued)

Russian roulette-part 3

It wasn’t easy for Inna to adopt to this new lifestyle. It was horrifying for the five year old to witness girls who were years older than her being abused brutally. As time passed, these nightmares became part and parcel of her life. She knew what was stored in her future. She didn’t want to grow up to witness such torturous life.

Eight years passed by like months. She was no longer the innocent toddler. Her beauty had enhanced with every growing years. Her beautiful red hair had grown long and smooth. Her skin was pale yet soft. Her beauty was slowly becoming a curse and she knew the fact.

It was her thirteen birthday- the day she wouldn’t forget.  Angel was teaching the girls some dance moves. The girls followed her like robot with few glitches.  Suddenly Boris men arrived. The girl’s heart jumped with fright. They knew the purpose of the men’s visit. Today was the day where few girls would be handpicked for Boris’s trade.

“ Aren’t you guys early for the selection? It was supposed to be next month. These girls aren’t ready. They are raw.”, Angel said. “Raw… ( loud laugh) We need raw. Boris is going to make millions today and he hates waiting. Send the girls.” Viktor said. Angel wasn’t ready for the fight. She controlled her temper when she heard this. She lowered her tone and said, “ See.. The clients would be disappointed if you take them. 

Give me a month’s time. I promise they would be better.” “ Shut up, women! You don’t decide what time is fine. Boris does.” , he snapped. “ These girls are mine and no one can take them without my approval.”, she argued.  In frustration, Viktor took his revolver and shot her at point blank. The girls screamed at the sight of their dear guardian.

Boris was at the place within minutes after news reached. “ What did you do, Eblan!! I told you to not to use your weapon. She was my precious asset.” Boris scolded him. “ Sorry mactep! She was not listening to us. I didn’t know what else to do.”Viktor whispered in fear. “ Take this man away and bury him alive. Anton, bring the girls here.” , he ordered.  Viktor pleaded for his life. But Boris was man of his words.  

Anton bought the girls and made them stand in line. Boris carefully looked at the girls and called the ones he liked by the colour of their dress. While he handpicked the girls, he looked at Inna. After deep thought, he chose her. The girls didn’t respond as they were pushed into a small delivery truck. They were bought to a mansion where the sins took place afterhours. It was a place where rich men spent money for hours of pleasure. The girls were decorated in order to make them look mature for their age.

Inna’s heart was beating loud with every passing hour. She wished that a shiny armor clad man would take her away. However it was useless to hope and she knew that. Her turn had come and she was taken to a room where a fat man waited for her. He had his back turned towards her. She looked at the room. It was large room with red lights. There was a round shaped bed on the center. As the man turned towards her, she was stunned. It was Boris. He was the same guy who had ordered to get her abducted when she was child. 

He was the same guy who had handpicked her so that he could use her body for his pleasure.

(To be continued)

Russian roulette-part 2

He was cold and dangerous. He wore suaveness under his sleeve. But that slickness only suited his exterior personality. His cruelty and evil nature hid unctuous in him. No one ever wished to awaken the evil. His eyes showed no remorse for what he was going to do next. He was known as Shady Zhane.

He was pointing the revolver at her. Her eyes were wide open with fear. She pleaded him for her life. However Shady was not in mood for any mercy.

          

                                     ******** Before Twenty years*****

It was hazy day. This was normal in Eastern part of Russia. But the day wasn’t going to be normal for Putin Avilov. His five year old daughter Inna was busy drawing her imagination on a scrapbook. He had set dinner table. He was about to call his daughter for the supper when group of large men barged into the door. He was surprised with their presence. “ Your time is up, Dolboeb!” one of bulky men swore. “You can’t do this!  Vetrov promised me that he would give time. I paid him half and I will pay the other half to you in week’s time.”, he said in his native language. 

Inna looked clueless at this commotion. She had never seen her dad so tensed since her mother’s death. Her mother had died due to incurable disease. Her dad had taken huge debt from the Mafia lord -  Boris Vetrov. The medicine didn’t bring back her mother and now the debt was going take her dad. She was so little but quite mature for her age to understand that something was wrong.

“ You have no idea what you have gotten into. Take the child, Viktor.”, the burly man said. Putin rushed toward his child while Viktor pulled her hand. Inna cried due to pain. Her father lost the fight against the bad men.  “My child has got nothing to do with all this. Leave her alone! She is only one I have. Don’t take her.”, he cried. But they simply ignored him. It was last day she saw her dad and she couldn’t even say a proper goodbye.

She was bought to Boris. Boris took one glance and said, “She will be a golden egg to me when she grows. Take her to Angel. She will groom her well.”  They took her to Angel who had prepared girls like Inna to serve men’s desire. Inna sobbed continuously as men left her in care of Angel. “ Darling, you will get used to this life..and it isn’t bad until you embrace it.”, Angel said. Her voice sounded sweet and motherly unlike her seductive looks.  Inna didn’t understand her words then. Her innocent heart melted when she was hugged by Angel. It had been long time since any women except her mother hugged her with love.

(To be continued)   

Russian roulette -part 1

This night was like any other nights.  The streets were filled up with people who were induced to commit unspeakable sins. Skimpy dressed girls stood at the entrance of clubs. It was their duty to attract customers into the trap of lustful sins. They weren’t ashamed of what they were doing. This was the only way of earning bread and butter for their family.

It was midnight where few wise people tucked themselves into bed while others ventured out for dark expeditions. There were spectacular sights of street magicians and dancers, trying to earn quick bucks. But nothing pulled people’s attention than to see pretty damsels arousing them.

Russian Cabaret  was known for it’s girls than any of its other offering. However no one would forget the name of this club and this was because of their star performer- Inna. Men flocked into club just to see her flawless beauty. Her perfect moves with the pole was the main attraction.

“ Make them come here again and again” , her mentor’s words echoed in her ears. She sat in the dressing room. She took one final glimpse at herself in the mirror. She saw to that nothing was a miss. She had to look ravishingly beautiful. She did some final touch ups . She wore 4 inch stilettos that enhanced her stature .

She opened the door to dark world outside. Music was playing at the maximum level. She walked towards the center stage where Alina was performing her last dance sequence. The silver pole stood strong and tall at the center of the stage. Alina got down the stage, giving way for Inna.

Slow music played in the background as Inna got ready to take people with her into dream world. Her body swayed like snake to the beats of the music. She felt the music within her heart. She was trying to get into mood. As the tempo of the music increased, her affair with the pole began. She climbed the pole with strength and stretched one of her leg out. She took a faultless spin to come down the pole.

She closed her eyes and stood with her back against the pole. She reached for the pole by grabbing it with one hand from behind while trying to open the zip of flowing dress. She did a backward wiggle with the pole at the same time as her dress dropped down. She stood half naked in front of her customers.

She opened her eyes to see her features clearly at the large mirror that was pinned on the wall. As a routine, she looked at her clients. The colour of her face changed when she saw a familiar face. He wasn’t supposed to be here. She wondered for what he had come back. But it was too late.

( To be continued)  

Mi Amor-part 7

I didn’t realize when my eyes had closed. I had slept while watching a boring movie. The earphones were hanging on my ears. My stomach grumbled loudly due to hunger. Ah! I had missed lunch. However lunch at flights is usually terrible. So it is better to be hungry than have their bland food. I looked at my side. Shaggy wasn’t there.  I didn’t care. I lazily observed my surrounding. A pretty airhostess was catering to the needs of a stubborn passenger. Some of the child passengers were curiously investigating the buttons on the arms of their seats. They found it amusing to press these buttons to see what each functions. It was more of pain to their parents than being amazed with their kid’s curiosity.

After few minutes, I saw the same black and golden stripped book left unattended on Shaggy’s seat. He must have forgotten to hide his treasure. I took his book instantly and hid it with me. He didn’t notice when he came.

                                                   *********

At home, I celebrated the joy of getting the so called hidden treasure of Shaggy. To add to my happiness, Shaggy had gone to meet his parents. I was free from that monster for the night. I opened the page and saw red bold letter written- Mi Amor. What was this word?  I took out the Spanish dictionary to translate the words. I searched the word impatiently. Atlast I found the meaning. It was called ‘My sweetheart’. It enhanced my curiosity level. I wanted to know who this sweetheart was. Was she his ex girlfriend? Nah! He hated her. I continued to read. It was Spanish!

It took me hours to translate one page. As I arranged the words into sentence, the words made more sense to me. I read the page again and again.

“ Mi Amor,

I am so happy that the grey clouds that shielded your face is now gone. I was waiting so long to see my senorita smile. You don’t know how beautiful your smile is. But you are an arrogant chica. You won’t trust anyone. Why would you? Your heart was broken. This has made you so stiff towards love. 

I wish you would move on… Ashish was never yours. When will you realize that there is someone else waiting for you with love and care?

 I wish that my love wash away all that pain. But how can I do that when you have kept your closed. I hope you open your heart to me. I know you will do this. I will wait for you even if it is for the lifetime. I am always there for you.

I love you, Mi amor.

I was struck by the words he had written. So I was his sweetheart! When did all this happen? I never thought about him anything more than friends. How could I give my broken heart? I wasn’t ready yet to open my heart to someone else, forget about Shaggy. My heart still pained while remembering Ashish. 

I waited eagerly for him to return. I wanted to clarify all this mess with him. But would it ruin our friendship? I shouldn’t have read that damn book.

                                                    ***** The End *****

Mi Amor-part 6

It was my turn to serve the ball. I glanced at him for one last time. With all my strength I hit ball right at him. He dropped the catch. I felt good. So I did once more. I targeted him with my hits becoming more hard and harder to bear. My last throw hit his shoulder badly. Everyone gathered him to see if he was fine. But I stayed without feeling any remorse.

My cousin barged at me. “How dare you? Didn’t you even think twice before hitting him? He could have fractured his shoulder. I know you are angry  Let me get this straight  : What was between you and Ashish is over!  He loves me now and is marrying me. Get over this soon. It will be better for you.” , she snapped. My face was flushed with embarrassment. My body was numb at what she said. I felt Shaggy’s hands embrace me. I turned towards him and hugged him tight. I shed my emotions in form of salty tears. “That was bit harsh from your side. But what you did was fine. I hope you got your hidden frustration out. How do you feel now?”, he asked. His voice comforted me. I no longer felt alone and lost. I had a friend who was there with me always. However this didn’t strike me then. It took me few days to realize that how blessed I was to have Shaggy in my life.

I was carrying the diamond with me whole time while I was searching for it in wrong places. After that incident I was banned by my cousin to attend the wedding. I was ridiculed by my family for my behaviour. While everyone was taunting me for what I did, Shaggy stood by. But these grey feelings didn’t stay long. I was accepted after a lot of apologies and sweet promises of not being bad. As for Ashish, he took my childish behaviour with happy attitude.

Days pass so soon. The vacation was coming to an end. I bid emotional farewells to my family while leaving with Shaggy. However Shaggy remained their pet. They said that they wouldn’t miss me so much than  they would miss Shaggy. My granny cried like baby and this continued until Shaggy made promises to her to call her twice a day. So mean! I never got any such royal treatment even though I was their own blood.

The flight was on time. We were ready to fly to our so called home. We were busy talking our nonsensical stuff when I confessed to him, “ You are a diamond! I wouldn’t have done this without you.” “ OMG! Is this Lee- who is always complaining about me being a complete jerk?”, he joked. “ Shut up! You are a jerk! Who takes praises and appreciation in wrong way?” I smiled.  We got into one of our playfully fight when an air-hostess intervened us. We got back to our normalcy behaviour.

I was busy listening to music while he took out his mystery book and scribbled some Spanish words. I always wanted to know what he wrote. I tried to steal his book many times but I never understood his native language. Ah! I wish I knew this language .. I could disclose what he wrote in that black and golden stripes mystery book.

( To be continued)

Mi amor-part 5

“ Ah! You have good pair of eyes!” Ashish laughed.  His expressions changed from the confused look to smiling face. Phew!! A relief!  I gave one of my fakest smile to cover up the tensions. Next few hours got over smoothly with Shaggy becoming the star of the party. And I… I was invisible the whole time while allowing my friend to enjoy the limelight.

As we headed towards home, he asked, breaking the silence ( that was there for some time) between us, “ How far is the Blue Ivy Resort?”. I replied with bored expressions, “ Blue Ivy Resort.. It’s quite far.. four hours from the main city if you start early morning. Why do you ask?” “Hmm.. Ashish invited us there.”, he said softly. “ What!! We are not going.”I said firmly. “ Why? Is it because of Ashish?” he asked. “You don’t understand!! Ashish reminds me of the past we shared. The only way I can forget him is to be as far as I can from him.”I said.  “ You are running away again!! Past is long gone. He has moved on from that. Now it’s your turn to move on.”, he said. I was too tired to avenge out my wrath on him. I stomped towards my room.

It was 4 am and I was amidst of my dream of impossible life. Suddenly I feel someone shaking my shoulder.  It was Shaggy. “Wake up! It’s four. We will be late for the trip.”,Shaggy whispered into my ears. I ignored him and got back to my dream. “ Wake up! Ashish is here!”he said.  I got up at the name of Ashish. “ 

Where? What?” I said , bewildered about the fact that Ashish was at my room. I looked around. He wasn’t there. Ah ! So this was his trick for getting me out of my bed. I tried to get back to sleep. Unfortunately I felt water splash on my body. It was my crazy sister who was partner in crime with my useless friend. “ I hate you both! I curse you thousands horrible dreams!” I screamed.  

They laughed mercilessly at my situation during the whole journey. I sulked at the corner , trying my best to cool down my temper.

As usual I moped at the side, trying to hide from vibrant crowd. But when you have Shaggy as your friend, you cannot be alone. “Come on , you old whine!  Show your colourful side to everyone.”, he said, grabbing my hand to volleyball court. Our team missed some potential goals because of me.

Ashish joined the opponent team. I knew he was great at this and I knew losing was my trait. I had lost our precious relationship then and now losing a game against him wouldn’t hurt me.

( To be continued) 

Mi Amor-part 4

“ God! God! You are in love with him!”, he said it aloud. My heart didn’t accept it. “ Hell no! He ‘s my cousin’s fiance. “, I shot back. He could be sometimes a prick! “ Uhhh huh! You are lying. But your face says a lot, chica!”, he said.

The heated argument took place for a long time. In the end, he won with his usual charm. “ Ok ! Fine!! I like… I love him! I thought that I had moved on. But that never happened. I am still in love with him.” I said while trying to control my emotions. However emotions are like melting butter, they thaw out in form of tears and angst that you try to hide.

“ I can give you my shoulder to cry. But you need to do something. Get the frustration out of your heart!” he said, patting my back. Those words were more than enough to make me cry. I cried my heart out while he remained quiet except for the few consoling words.

  It took me a whole night to get my hidden angst out of my heart. “ How are you feeling today?”, he asked.  “ I am feeling better… Hmmm… quite light. Thanks!” I said.  “ Now that you are feeling fine. I have promised your cousin that we are coming for bowling spree.”, he said excitedly. “ What! We are not going!”I screamed at him in top of my lungs. How could he simply do something like that? 

“ Come on!  This is best opportunity to prove yourself what worth you are.”, he said coolly. I stomped towards my room. He followed me like Mary’s lamb. Ah! Irritating prick! Why doesn’t he leave me alone?

“ Hey Lee! I know it’s tough. But you need to be a chica fuerte. ”, he said. I pretended to ignore me. But he did make a valid point. I had to prove myself!  “ Ok ! I will go out with you. But what is chica fuerte?” I agreed. He laughed and said, “ It means strong girl.”

It was half past noon. Everybody had arrived on time except the host and hostess. The game had become boring. I was alone playing while others gossiped.  The ball didn’t hit the pins. I tried to hit the pins several times. But I failed.

As I picked the heavy ball and tried to aim, I felt someone help me hold the ball. “ Can I?” , a husky masculine  voice said. The voice was quite familiar. I looked at the side from where the voice came. It was Ashish. I quickly handed me the ball. He hit all the pins unlike me.

I was flushed with embarrassment. I tried to move out of his sight. But when Shaggy is your friend, he will make you forget the word called running away. Shaggy pulled me. Voila! We were standing next to my dreadful past. “Hi I am Shaggy! I am Lee’s friend.”, he introduced himself.  “Yes, I know. We have met 

before…the club. I am Ashish.”, Ashish said. “ I know. You are Lee’s dreadful past.”, he joked.

Shaggy and his joke! Only I can understand them. Ashish gave a confused look- more of angry man look. I prayed that Ashish took this insult as a joke.

(To be continued)

Mi amor-part 3

Gosh! I did feel isolated and misfit ever since I had arrived. I had never ventured out or tried to meet my friends until Shaggy had pulled me out of my peaceful four walled confinement. The reason was obviously clear. I didn’t want to face the bitter truth- my ex flame.

I had come to California to mend my broken heart. I did move on and achieved a lot in my life. But my dreaded past…never left me behind. I was still in love with Ashish. When I heard he was getting married, I felt insecurity crawling within me. Why was I feeling insecure? I thought that I had kept this behind.

I felt Shaggy shaking my elbow hard. “ Stop dreaming! I was asking you something! Why are you so lost?”, he said loudly. “ Nothing!” I argued. Shaggy and I knew it was a lie.  But he didn’t try to probe into the matter. He knew that I would go mad if he asked me more question about my mood. He kept quiet.

We had our last drink. The day would have ended perfectly if Ashish hadn’t met us. God has different plans set aside for us and these plans are always deviant from your expectations.

“ Hi Leela! What a pleasant surprise! I heard you came here last week. How’s life?”, my chirpy cousin cum Ashish’s fiance said. “ Everything’s fine. You are getting married? “ I said in ironic tone. “ Yes ! We are getting married in a month. And you my lil sister… you are not going to miss my wedding! You have to be there to help us get through with the celebrations.”, she said. I nodded like a dumb girl. I brought a smile on my face to let her believe that I was part of her happiness.

I looked at Ashish face. He was as usual the same person. His cold exterior disguised his warm heart. No one knew him better than him. But all of sudden he seemed a stranger that my cousin chose to be her soul mate. He looked back at me as if no past existed between us. 

I controlled my tears with all my strength. How could anyone be so mean? Did I not matter to him? Why was he ignoring me? Did he still love me? Was he scared that if he saw me, the past feelings would resurface?

Huh! What was I thinking? Who cares about his feelings? He was a past and I wouldn’t let his presence spoil my future.

We bid them goodbye and left the place. As I hired an auto , Shaggy asked me a question out of blue, “ So who was that guy? Do you know him?” “ Oh come on! He’s my cousin’s fiance! What are you? Deaf! She was screaming on the top of her voice- he’s my fiance.” I scolded him. “ Cousin fiance! But it looked like as if he was yours. I mean the way you were staring at him.” he said.

“ I … I… Why ? Cant I stare at a guy for a long time without reason?” I lied.  How did he do that? He read my mind so easily. I wish I knew my heart and mind so well like him.

(To be continued)