Russian roulette-part 17

Thoughts about Nina’s sorrowful expression tortured her mind. She wasn’t able to focus on what Shady had said. He had been talking about future plans. Instead of being involved with the discussion, she was thinking about her friend. “ What happened , honey? You look tensed.”, he asked , gently brushing her hair.  She nodded in negative. But he wasn’t convinced. He became suspicious about her. “ Did she get to know about his plans. Hope not! The time wasn’t right for any confrontation. He hated confrontations. He always looked for final solution. That solution included someone’s death.

She had to talk to Nina. There was something brewing inside her. Why would she call her so many times when she knew Shady well?  She waited for the next day desperately. She couldn’t sleep well. Her constant shifting on the bed disturbed Shady. “ What’s bothering you, baby? Why aren’t you sleeping? Is the bed too uncomfortable?”, he asked out of concern.  “ No darling! It’s just that I am very excited to be with you. I still need to believe in this dream.”, she lied. “  Sweety, you don’t even know how to lie. Don’t you trust me? Share it with me.”, he said.  After a long pause, she shared her deepest concern.

“ Hmmm.. don’t worry. Speak to her about you doubts. I hope she clarifies you.”, he said , sounding genuine. He started thinking about the cause of Nina’s doubt. He had to see Nina  during the morning.

Next morning he called Nina to his office. He made sure Inna knew nothing about his meeting with Inna. “ I heard you being worried about Inna’s life. What is bothering you?”he asked. Nina was surprised at his question.  Why was he asking her that?  She had to brush his suspicions. “ Oh no!  I was missing her. You know that she is like a shining light in the house. My place has become cold without her.”, she lied. But shrewd Shady caught her lie. “ Whom are you hiding from? Tell me what you know. I am aware that you know something that you want to tell Inna.”, he said straight forward.  Shock had numbed her from top to bottom. But she didn’t open her mouth.  She dared not to open her mouth even if she had to lose her life.

He lost his patience when he asked her with varying degrees of tones. When talking didn’t work, he took out his revolver and shot her instantly. Nina died on spot due to bleeding in the brain. He got the body dumped and spread the news that Nina had run away.

Inna didn’t digest the news well. She knew Nina too well.  She would  never run away from tough situation. She was going to find her.

( To be continued)