Chapter 5

The next day in bureau -

'Shreya! How was your day?' asked Daya.
'It was great! Thanks!' said Shreya enthusiastically.
'What were you going to ask me yesterday?' asked Daya.
'Oh! That!' said Shreya blushing slightly. 'It was nothing. I will tell you later!' she said.
Daya was about to say something but then ACP Pradyuman arrived and they went back to work.

O-o-o-o

One week later...

Shreya was just about to leave the bureau when her cell phone rang. It was an unknown number.
'Hello? Who is this?' she spoke.
'Hi Shreya... Which is your favourite scary movie?' spoke a husky voice.
'Who is this?' she demanded in a steely voice.
'Answer me! Else you will be sorry!' replied the caller.
'Cut the crap! Who the hell are you?' she replied in an agitated voice.
'Answer me! You fool! You are minutes away from your death! Which is your favourite scary movie?' the caller shouted.
'Just get lost!' She yelled and disconnected her phone.
She quickly grabbed her purse. But she was scared to step outside. What if the caller was waiting outside? She dialled Kavin's number but he didn't answer it. Then she dialled Daya's number but it was switched off. She was wondering what to do when a loud ring made her jump. It was the same unknown number. She was shivering head to foot. She threw her cell phone away as if it was a deadly insect. Then the phone inside the bureau began ringing. Shreya was sure it would be the same maniac. She covered her ears to stem the noise and yelled for help. But then she heard laughter. She looked towards the door as Kavin emerged. 'Hello sacredly cat!' he said grinning.
'Kavin?! What are you...? Oh I get it! You were calling me right?' she asked angrily.
'You are so easy to scare!' said Kavin laughing his head off.
'Shut up! Just shut up! Go to hell Kavin! How can you do this to me? Do you know how exposed I feel when I am alone? I never show it but even I am a human being. The killer is on loose. Even his thought freaks me out! You think this is a joke?' said Shreya flaring up.
Kavin was silently listening to her. Now he felt really guilty. 'Hey! I am really sorry. I really wasn't aware you are so scared. But I won't let anything happen to you.' he said.
'Leave me alone! I can protect myself thanks. Just leave me alone' said Shreya and almost ran out.

A warm fog was beginning to descend and the cold bitter wind hit her hard. She realised she had forgotten her jacket into the bureau. But she didn't want to see Kavin's face. She continued walking. She was unable to stem her tears. Kavin was being stupid as usual. She knew he didn't mean to really scare her. But anger overpowered her. Why couldn't he try those dumb pranks on somebody else? Why always her? She wanted to be in someone's arms. Someone; who would hold her close and console her. She kept walking with quickening steps looking at the ground and bumped into someone. 'Hey watch where you are go - Shreya?'
She looked up at the grave face of Daya. Fresh tears formed after looking at him.
'Hey what happened? Why are you crying?' he asked gently.
She kept crying refusing to speak and merely nodded her head in a 'No' There was a silent moment and then he did something he had never done before. He hugged her.
'Are you okay? Just tell me what's wrong? Just stop crying' he said caressing her hair.
She felt cosy in his arms. She wished they would stay like that forever. But then he pulled her away from his hug. 'What are you doing at this hour in the night? And where is your winter coat?' he asked.
'I... I forgot my winter coat' she said stifling a sob.
Daya took off his jacket and put it around her.
'Daya... you really don't have to...' she began.
'You will fall ill! You are shivering!' he said a bit angrily.
An awkward silence settled between them.
'Can you drive me home please?' asked Shreya.
'Yeah sure... Come on... You want to talk?' he asked.
'No... I mean I will tell you... I just over reacted... Kavin and his stupid tricks... It's just that I wanted to be alone for sometime' she said.
'Am I intruding your privacy...? I am sorry... I will leave if you want...' he said.
'No... I want to be with you!'
His eyes widened in surprise at her reaction.
'No I mean... I would be glad to have your company... I will feel better once I reach home' said Shreya.
'Okay. Let's go' he said.
They drove to Shreya's home in silence. He accompanied her to her doorstep.
'Thanks for dropping me home' she said smiling at him.
'My pleasure. Well Good Night. I will see you tomorrow' he said.
She had hoped that he would stay for a coffee.
He took a few steps and then came back again. She stared at him.
'I wanted to say something' he said.
'Yes... what is it?' she asked.
'I am sorry... I hugged you... Don't be angry with me please... I just couldn't see you crying... I am really sorry' he said and moved away.
She kept staring open mouthed at him disappointment washed all over her face.
Forty five minutes later, Shreya was talking to Kavin on phone. He made her laugh. He made her feel better. They chatted till 2 am and then finally Shreya lay on her bed. She felt a bit better. In fact she felt really happy by the sudden realisation which had hit her. Yes. She was in love with him.

Chapter over! I know it's very short… Next one will be longer… Review!

I have posted a new DUO story 'Chasing Darkness' Read and Review on that too!