Zain got up late. He hurried to get ready. He noticed the door was still closed. It didn't strike him why the door was locked or whether she was still inside. His mind was absorbed on how he would reach office early for client presentation. He quickly ate few slices of bread and drank cold milk. His phone rang. It was his friend. He didn't pick up. He scooted towards the door and rushed to office.
She lay on her bed. She didn't feel like getting up. She wanted to sleep and remain hidden from people. She knew people wouldn't care if she was there or not in this planet. Her parents were miffed with her for running away from home to start a career in hair styling in Mumbai. Her friends and cousins were struggling with their lives. Her best friend Tina was flying high and wouldn't bother to notice loser like her. Her boyfriend was annoyed with her constant complain. No one was happy with her. She wished she was not born.
It was afternoon. She still lay on her bed like vegetable. Her phone rang. Some calls were from her boss and some were from Tina. She didn't pick the calls. She was tired of speaking to anyone or answering everyone's questions on where was she or what happened to her though she hadn't answered to anyone or spoke to anyone. She felt low.
The meeting was success. Zain was happy to bag the offer. He had just settled in his seat and was about to switch on the monitor to check few mails when Tina called him. "Hey Zain ! How are you? Is Jasmine okay?", she asked nervously. "Hey Tina ! I am fine ! How are you? Jasmine is fine, I guess. Why do you ask?", he replied. "Jasmine hasn't come to work. I only wanted to know whether she was okay. She seemed upset yesterday.", she said ,concerned about her friend.
Zain was worried. He realized why the door was locked and it alarmed him suddenly. "Lord ! She is at home. I don't know how many hours she is locked in that room. She didn't have any food. I am coming. Can you meet me near my place? She needs us. Let's surprise her.", he said anxiously. Tina agreed to come.
It was evening. Jasmine's tummy growled. She got up. She was hungry. She dragged herself to the kitchen. There was nothing that enticed her taste bud. She remembered about the restaurant that served hot dosas next to the apartment. She took bath and dressed up in plain T shirt and pyjamas. She tied her hair into a simple ponytail without brushing the ends of her hair. When she reached downstairs, she saw Usha Tai standing at the entrance with her back towards her. Tai was watching outside with keen smile. When she saw Jasmine's dull face, she quickly said,"Look, don't they make good couple. Your brother look so perfect with that girl. Jasmine watched in horror. Tina and Zain were hugging.
(To be continued)
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