The Last Supper

“Stop running your fingers through my neckline, its tickling.” said Shikha giggling.

“Sorry love, but it’s what I’m meant to do. It’s called passion. We’re in love.” Rohit said pulling Shikha closer to him.

“Passion! Love! I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. By the way, we are there.” She said as the car screeched to a halt at the entrance of the restaurant.

Rohit got down and tossed the keys to the valet attendant. He walked around to the passenger seat and escorted out Shikha. Both of them walked into the restaurant, unaware of the black car which stopped on the other side of the road.

Rohit led Shikha to the lobby and asked her to get settled while he got a call. Shikha was escorted to their usual corner table overseeing the moving traffic outside. It was a perfect weather for a romantic dinner. She settled in her chair and started staring at Rohit who was on call on the other end of the room. Rohit was a successful businessman’s son and a certified playboy. He was in a dark leather jacket standing at 6 feet. She could not ignore how handsome he was with the stubble-wrapped jawline. His spiked hair and boyish charm was making him even more endearing. He saw her staring and tossed a flying kiss to her. She blushed and started wondering- Is it going to be today? Is this going to be his last supper? She has been putting away the task from past three days. It has to be done soon before someone gets to see them together and she became a suspect. She fiddled through and found the glass vial marked poison in the secret chamber of her purse. She was told that it was king of poisons for its discreteness and potency- it was virtually undetectable.

On the other end of the room Rohit was speaking to Tony- his loyal man. He was listening attentively and processing all the information being provided. He air-kissed her and she blushed. He wondered how stunning she looked in that flowing blue dress. Her long unending legs were to die for. He wondered how this is going to end. He pressed against his side pocket to make sure his revolver is firmly fastened. He ended the call and knew what to do.

Rohit came back, kissed her gently and took the seat next to her. They held hands and started talking when the waiter came with 2 glasses of wine. They ordered and got into their usual conversation. Rohit told Shikha how much he loved her and passed on a small package. The gift had a card which said- “For the love of my life”.

Clasping her hands like a child she said- “Wow! All my favorites are right here, you, the wine and the surprise gift is perfect.” She told him with a giggle. She slid the satin ribbon and opened the package to see a beautiful bracelet shining at her. Her face lit up like a 4 year old toddler looking at her mother at the end of the school. She kept staring at it while Rohit got up and offered to place the bracelet on her hand. She obliged and they kissed.

The man on the other side of the road was watching all the action unfolding through his binoculars. He gazed at the couple from distance. His eyes seem cold and steely. He took a flask out of his jacket and gulped a big swig of rum and waited patiently. He reached to the dashboard and took out his 0.22 revolver. He double checked it to be loaded and started fitting the silencer. He was all set and was waiting for their last supper to end.

Meanwhile at the corner table in the restaurant love was blooming. Shikha tilted her head slightly and asked- “So how many girls did you bring to this place?”

“Many but none was like today.” He said equally cocking his head.

“What’s so special about today?”

“It’s special today because I am in the presence of my true love.”

She wondered how many times the line was used. “True Love, hmm? What’s that?”

“hmm…True love is one soul’s reflection in another.”

“Wow!!That’s really cheesy, but it works for me.”

Shikha thought expensive gifts and such make believe cheesy lines are what girls are falling for. But she had to admit he has got those good looks and confidence to turn girls to him.

“So are you saying I am your true love? You are lying and liars go straight to hell.” Though she knew there were stronger reasons for him to go to hell.

“If you promise to be with me, I am ready to go anywhere. But let’s finish our dinner; and then I will take you to heaven.”

He gave a devilish grin squeezing her palm and thought, enjoy your last supper sweetheart.

Shikha teased and excused herself to the ladies room leaving Rohit alone.

********

Rohit was a 30-year old who fitted the bill of a rich spoilt brat perfectly. He was Ambadas’s only son and his reputation of Casanova preceded him. He was very charming and had the charisma to make the girls swoon over him. When Shikha left the table he wondered what she might be up to. The conversation with Tony flashed back in his mind.

“Sir, she is Mia’s elder sister and has been enquiring about you since her death.” Rohit always had the habit to get a background check of his dates and Tony was his guy to rely on.

Rohit thought what Shikha might be up to. Does she want to talk about Mia? Does she know about Mia’s pregnancy? Does she think he was responsible for her death? He was not able to figure out her intentions. Come what may, he was ready to face her and all her interrogation but will wait for her to initiate it.

**********

As Shikha left the table, she felt her heart was pounding so hard that it would explode out of her chest’ chamber walls. She went into the ladies room and took a deep breath. When she looked up she not only faced herself in the mirror but her fears also. She seemed nervous thinking of what she was going to do. Her last interaction with her sister- Mia came flooding.

Few months back…

It was late that night when she called which was not normal on Mia’s part.

As soon as she picked the call, Mia told in a panicky voice- “Shikha, I got to tell you something and need you standby me.”

“What happened? Are you alright?”

“I am pregnant and just got to know today. I am very scared.”

“Chotu! What are you saying? Who is it?” Shikha knew it was not the time to scream and give her lessons on morality.

“It’s Rohit. We have been seeing each other for some time now.”

“Rohit, who? Did you tell him? What did he say?”

“He is very nice guy dids. He is Amba Textiles Company owner’s son. Today after the tests, I met and told him. He was very happy and asked me to marry. He will be speaking to his parents today and he wants me to meet them tomorrow.”

“Mia, everything is happening so fast and I don’t know anything about this Rohit guy. Somehow I feel something is wrong.”

“Ufff oh Didi !!! Don’t get paranoid. He is really sweet and tomorrow I’m going to get him to your place in the evening.”

“Yeah, please do that. We need to talk and also I need to meet your Rohit also. I’m so happy for you chotu”

“I Love you Dids. Catch you tomorrow”

“Love you too. Take care Good night.”

Shikha was experiencing the complete spectrum of feelings at the same time. She wished her parents were alive today to handle the crisis. At the same time she knew she had to be strong to let chotu sail through with ease. Finally after lot of agitated rounds of the room, she thought of holding her calm till she meets Rohit next day. Strange dreams kept her awake all night.

Next day Shikha woke up to the call of Mia’s suicide. She was shattered and it didn’t take her long to figure out that it was not a suicide. Her chotu was not brave enough to bleed herself to death. But she didn’t have anything to prove and decided to solve the mystery herself. She enquired all of chotu’s friends of any possible leads but it was not going anywhere. Finally she thought probably she has to get it from Rohit himself; But how? He won’t admit to the heinous crime. But does she need him to approve? Who else could gain from Mia’s death? She knew that she doesn’t need any proof because deep within she knows that it’s Rohit and he has to pay for it.

Flushing sound from the stall behind broke her train of thoughts. She fiddled through her purse again and left the washroom.

*************

Rohit looked nervous when Shikha returned back to the table. Their meal arrived. Shikha noticed that Rohit was poking his steak without eating much. She placed her hand on his and asked- “What happened? Why did you get quiet all of a sudden?”

Rohit didn’t say much, but he could feel the sudden tension building between them.

He continued eating. Shikha noticed he seemed absent minded at the moment and this could be her moment.

She needed a diversion. She opened her purse and let it fall from her lap making all the contents spread around. “Shit, how clumsy am I, I am so sorry.”

Rohit offered to pick-up which is what she was expecting.

As Rohit got down collecting all the scattered stuff, she plunged and dropped few drops from the vial into his wine glass. The mute lights and corner seat made it easy for her. It’s done.

She thanked him and they continued eating. She finally did it. She overcame her fear and avenged her sister. Now, it’s just a matter of time. She waited so long but these few minutes seem like ages.

After what seemed like centuries he finished his drink and they were ready to leave. She had a satisfied look on her face. Mia would be happy where ever she is. Her death has been avenged. They finished their meal and got up to leave. Rohit and Shikha came out of the restaurant and waited for the valet to get his car. They got in and left. The black car from the other side of the road also left tailing them.

She was wondering how long it’s going to take for the effect when he complained of severe stomach ache. He stopped the car on the deserted road. He got down and tried to throw-up when the black car chasing them came to halt behind theirs. Shikha got down the car and before she could reach to Rohit, the man got down from the car and shot her in the head. She flew back and dropped dead. Rohit didn’t know what to do and took out his revolver but he was too weak to do anything and he fainted.

The man dialed a number and waited for it to be answered. The moment the call was picked he narrated everything that happened. Tony screamed and asked the man to rush Rohit to the hospital immediately. He picked Rohit and rushed to the hospital. The doctors declared Rohit dead on arrival. Tony reached hospital as soon as he disconnected the call. He was a loyal person to Rohit but only after Ambadas. He had been giving all updates of Rohit to Ambadas. He was the one who killed Mia on Ambadas’s order to uphold the family prestige. He has arranged to kill Shikha also but he was late this time. He dialed Ambadas and the line went dead on hearing Rohits death.

If Only Trees Could Speak

Anita stood in front of the mirror and watched herself before gliding fingers through her dark flowing hair. She admired what she was seeing. And then she spotted the new grayness that started budding up in her sideburns. It was not there few days back. Anita realized she was getting old. She grabbed the chair and sat in front of the mirror applying eyeliner to her eyes. She bent forward and took a closer look at the mark on her right eyebrow. It has been more than 8 years since the incident but the gash was still there reminding her of that dreadful night. She suddenly felt her stomach churning loudly. She seized her tummy and slide down on the floor. It’s happening again. All her memories were emerging back from the darkest corners of her mind where she thought they have been locked. She gasped for breath. She held the sill of the window and stood up inhaling the freshness of the garden. Weakly she scanned the beautiful garden in her front yard but her eyes glued to the jasmine tree which never bloomed in past 8 years. Her thoughts came flooding.

8 years earlier…

“Congratulations, you are pregnant and all your reports look normal. You just have to keep eating healthy and have sufficient sleep.” The doctors’ voice echoed in her head as she entered the house with a big smile on her face. They have just shifted to their new house on the outskirts of the city. Her complaint of sparse population and no neighbors around were ignored by her husband- Ravi. But she ensured that the boundary walls were high enough with barbed wires for her safety. She got inside and lit some essence sticks in front of the deity thanking for the good news.

Ravi was on his way from his business trip and she can’t wait for him to hear the news. She went into the kitchen and started making preparations for the special rice pudding her mother had taught her. She was totally charged up and was waiting eagerly for the clock to strike 8 PM. She finished mundane household chores and waited for Ravi to get home. Finally the clock chimed 8 PM. She was elated; Ravi would be home any moment now. Anita checked herself in the mirror again and made sure she looked her best. She went near the window and excitedly waited for the gates to creek open. The hands on the clock seem to be moving faster than usual. It was half past 8 now and there’s been still no sign of Ravi. She was still standing at the window with her eyes racing between the clock and the gate. She was feeling agitated and started pacing the living room. Her pacing was interrupted with the loud clang of clock banging 9 times. She got into the chair near the window and kept staring at the gates. All kind of negative thoughts were making her more restless. She started cracking her knuckles nervously when she heard the gates open. She was relieved and rushed out.

Anita noticed that Ravi was drunk and hardly able to walk straight. She rushed towards him and tried to support him on her shoulders. She was horrified to see his bruised arms and clotted blood on the forehead. Slowly she took him into the house and put him in the sofa. She rushed and got some Dettol to clean the wounds. “What happened to you? Why are you so drunk? How did you get injured? Did you get into a brawl in some bar or were you attacked by someone?” She started shooting a volley of questions breathlessly. He didn’t reply to any of her questions and tried to get-up. She held his hand but he pushed her away and started going, mumbling something which she could not make out. He started climbing the stairs to go to the bedroom. She ran and supported him lest he slipped. He pushed her aside again and yelled- “I don’t need you. Get away from me.” She stood there looking at him with tearful eyes. She couldn’t understand what’s wrong with him?

She followed him and went and tried to speak to him. “Ravi, what happened? Tell me please” he looked at her and handed her an envelope. Anita was not sure what it was. She opened the envelope with trembling hands to find her pictures with Sameer.

Sameer was Ravi’s friend and a bachelor staying alone. He used to be a regular visitor to their place for dinners. Ravi’s marketing job kept him out of town all the time and Anita was left alone.

Anita started finding company and comfort in Ravi’s absence. His constant travels and lack of companionship she expected got her closer to Sameer eventually. It’s been sometime they have developed a connection and their love had bloomed. Ravi was unaware of all this development and never suspected either of them.

She didn’t know how to react or what to say. She stood there motionless trying to figure out what’s going on in Ravi’s mind. She put her hand on his shoulder and said- “Ravi, let me explain.” Ravi removed her hand from his shoulder and slapped her. She fell on the table nearby and her eyebrow started bleeding. He picked her and held her shoulders and asked- “How could you do this to me? I loved you so much.”

He pulled her closer into tight grip and held her throat- “I can’t live with you anymore. It’s over between us.” She was feeling the grip tightening, gasping for breath. When she could not take any more, she pushed him aside and moved back panting. Ravi, in his drunken state lost control and tumbled down the stairs.

Anita ran down screaming- “Raviiii…” but it was too late. His skull smashed open and blood pool was growing with every passing second. She was horrified looking at the scene in front of her. After few minutes which felt like ages, she realized what she had to do. So, she dialed the number and waited with a baited breath for the call to be answered.

“Hello, this is Sameer speaking; who is it?” The voice from the other end echoed. She said- “Sameer come home urgently. Don’t ask anything, just come home NOW.”

“Ok, but tell me what happened? Are you okay? Did you and Ravi have a fight?” He asked realizing her chocked voice over the phone.

She told “I can’t speak over the phone. Please come home immediately.”

“Don’t worry, I am coming right away” He said realizing the panic in her voice.

Sameer reached Ravi’s place and was stunned to witness the scene. He saw Ravi in the puddle of blood lifeless. Anita was on the other end of the room in a shocked state sitting still looking at the body. Sameer entered home and closed the door. He went to Anita and hugged her as she broke in his arms. He tried to console her and told her that he had a fight with Ravi at his place. Anita narrated everything that happened and how Ravi fell to his death. Anita was trembling with fear and could hardly form complete sentences. Sameer was equally worried thinking what to do next? How can this be explained to everyone? Who would believe their innocence if people get to know that Anita and he were having an affair?

Sameer agitatedly started marching in the living room while Anita was hysterically blabbering something in a state of shock. The banging of clock jolted them to the reality. Sameer rushed to the garage and on his way back saw that the street was totally deserted at that hour of night. Few canines were patrolling the street with their tails held high. He got the shovel and started digging ground in the garden. Anita understood what’s happening. When the hole was sufficient enough they checked the roads again. The canines seem to have lost interest in the deserted street and left but their howling could be heard from distance. They went inside and picked Ravi’s body and dumped him in the garden. Sameer leveled the ground while Anita was keeping a watch on the street for any human movement. By midnight they were done with the garden work. They went inside and started mopping and cleaning the living room. By the time they cleaned everything it was well past midnight and they were exhausted.

They went upstairs and took shower together. Anita was still in a state of shock and Sameer was also fatigued. They came out and got into the bed together. They laid there without speaking anything for long time. Anita broke the silence- “I’m pregnant.” Sameer was pleasantly surprised and kissed her. To keep her mind away from all that happened, he asked what the doctor said. They spoke about the probable names and possibility of it being a boy or a girl. Suddenly Anita got up and sat. She turned to him and asked “what do I say when people ask about Ravi? “

Sameer thought for a while and then told her “Don’t worry about anything. Since you moved recently no-one would notice him missing. Don’t say anything to anyone. In-case, anyone enquires, tell them you got divorced. Moreover he doesn’t have any close relatives’ so, no-one would enquire.”

Anita felt little skeptical but thought the idea might work because there were no intrusive neighbors around.

Sameer added, “After sometime we can get married.”

Anita nodded consenting to the plan and they discussed whole night trying to fill any possible gaps in the story. Sameer left home before dawn.

Later around mid-day he went to a nursery and brought grass sod and rushed to Anita’s house. There they laid the new grass sods across the fresh dugout area carefully and watered it. High fence and lack of visitors helped them. He also got a jasmine plant and planted it there.

In the next few days the story of Anitas divorce and second wedding flew across her friends like a wild fire. Even though some might have suspected something to be wrong, no-one bothered enough to probe the issue. It had been now eight years since the jasmine shrub was planted but it never blossomed. Anita thought if only trees could speak what would the jasmine tree say?