Tanya could see that the restaurant was crowded but almost miraculously a seat was found for them in a secluded corner, away from prying eyes. She looked at the menu, her mouth drying up at the exorbitant prices. She could not afford anything on the menu, not even the bottled water which seemed to cost the earth. Neil clearly understood her predicament, for he took the menu card out of her hand. "Let me order. I am a regular here," he said gently. Tanya heaved a sigh of relief. The meager amount she got as pocket money from her mother mostly went in bus fares and the lunch she sometimes had at the college cafeteria. She felt guilty in taking even that from her mother who had to work extra hours to make ends meet. Her father only did odd jobs on his good days, and that money went in his drink.
The food arrived and she bit into the succulent chicken, closing her eyes for a moment in enjoyment. It tasted heavenly, subtly flavored yet delicious. Neil watched her eat covertly, until she felt his gaze on her. Embarrassed, she looked up from her plate. "The food here is really good," she commented, just to say something. She really felt ashamed. Had she made a pig of herself? "Don't," he said. She looked questioningly. "You don't have to feel bad. I am hungry myself." He took a huge bite out of the chicken leg. Instantly she felt at ease, wondering at his sensitivity. She had always considered him arrogant and a snob, someone who would never be seen dead talking to a girl like her, but here they were, sitting in a posh restaurant enjoying a meal. Later, he took out his card to pay the bill and they walked out.
"Where do you live?" he asked before starting the car. She mentioned the name of her neighborhood. It was in the less salubrious quarters of the city, characterized by narrow lanes and by-lanes. She asked him to drop her off at the main street but he refused, driving right up to her door. She was afraid his car would be damaged, but he did not seem to mind in the least. Once there, she saw herself out, thanking him for the lift and the lunch. He nodded, before driving away. As Tanya walked inside, she wondered, had she really spent the last two hours with Neil, the most mysterious boy in college or was it all a dream?
For once her father wasn't home and she felt relieved. Going into her room and changing into more comfortable clothes, she sank on the bed, lost in thought. The whole afternoon had a dreamlike quality. Why had he singled her out? What did he want with her? With a sigh she buried her face in the pillow and promptly fell asleep.
The street was deserted. Darkness prevailed all around. The young man was walking with hurried steps. He was late, the shift had seemed never ending. The pub usually closed by eleven but the owner had insisted that he serve the rowdy group of youths even after the hour. As he neared a particularly lonely stretch he felt a shooting pain in his back. Turning to see what had caused that tearing pain, he found himself face to face with a huge strange beast, half man and half wolf. Its eyes burned with an unholy intensity and its deadly claws were extending towards him. It bared its fangs and lunged towards the young man, throwing him to the ground in one fell swoop. A heart rending scream filled the air before everything grew silent again.
Neil walked into the bathroom. Turning on the shower, he entered the cubicle. As the cold water rained on him, he looked down with distaste at the mess on his chest and hands. He was fastidious about cleanliness. He poured the pine scented body wash and lathered himself well, washing away all the stains. Then he rinsed his mouth thoroughly, before walking out with the towel draped around his hips. His phone rang at that moment and he bent to pick it up, his lips breaking into a smile to see the name flashing on the screen. "Hello sweetheart," he spoke, sitting down on the bed. "When are you coming home? I miss you badly," Renee said, her voice petulant. He closed his eyes, and her face swam in front of him. Gorgeous yet innocent. He had been in love with her since they were teenagers. They would have married by now, except for the insurmountable problem he was facing in his life. "I will sweetheart. Soon. I miss you too, but you know what I have to do before I can return home," he stared at the wall in front of him with unseeing eyes. "Hmm….I don't like the idea of it though," she grumbled. "Neither do I, but it is the only way I can think of." There was regret in his voice. "Well, the sooner you do it, the sooner we can be together. I shall wait for you. Goodnight darling," Renee rang off with that. Neil got up to pour himself a drink and ruminated on the only course open to him to get out of his troubles.
As Tanya alighted from the bus, she looked up at the sky. Dark nimbus clouds had gathered on the horizon and it looked as if it was going to rain. The air crackled with static indicating that a storm was brewing. She hurried inside the college gates, walking straight into the class. Monica was already waiting for her there. "What on earth happened to you yesterday? You went out with Neil?" she inquired, her voice low and disbelieving. Tanya felt blood rush to her cheeks. "He approached me in the library and then offered a lift home. We stopped on the way to eat at a restaurant," she confided. Monica was astounded. "I can't believe it! He has never exchanged even two words with any other girl on the campus and he offers you a lift?" she rolled her eyes in wonderment. Tanya shrugged. It was probably a one off thing. They may not even greet each other when they meet again.
Tanya was waiting at the bus stop. A steady drizzle poured on her, turning her clothes wet. Her hair was wet too, resembling a rat's tail. She smiled to herself. In her disreputable jeans and shirt, she looked a sight. The bus stop didn't have a roof, it was no more than a sign hung on a pole. She had forgotten to carry the umbrella in the morning in her rush to leave before her father woke up. She had seen Monica off ten minutes ago. She had left with her boyfriend on his bike. They were going to take in a movie as it was Friday. College would be off for the next two days. She just hoped that she won't spend those two days in bed with a cold. The rain was like ice, needle sharp against her skin. As thunder cleaved the sky, turning it purple, the rain poured faster, drenching her fully. She felt a sneeze tickling her nose, and looked for a tree to take shelter beneath. At that moment a car appeared, coming to a stop in front of her. It was familiar. Neil got out to open the door for her. "Get in," he indicated. She looked around herself. Most of the students had left the campus and a few were making their way towards the bus stop , carrying umbrellas or in rain coats. "Hurry up, will you…" he snapped, running a hand through his hair which was fast getting soaked. Without much ado, she slid inside, heaving a sigh of relief to get out of the rain. His expensive upholstery would be ruined, she mused.
"My house is nearby. Why don't you come with me and get into some dry clothes? In these ones, you will catch a cold in no time," he suggested. She was surprised. He lived nearby? Then why on earth had he driven all that distance to the heart of the city to drop her home on the previous day? Whatever the reason, his suggestion seemed practical. She nodded her head in agreement. They drove into a posh locality, with houses, or rather mansions situated along the wide tree lined avenue. Neil stopped in front of one, pressing a button to open the huge, automatic gates, before driving inside on the long driveway. They came to a stop under a porch, facing sturdy wooden doors. As she got out of the car and ascended the couple of steps to the doors, they were opened by a sullen faced servant in a uniform. Neil ushered her inside, a hand at her back, almost touching her, but not really.
Inside it was all marble and polished wood, with heavy drapes, Persian rugs and antiques placed strategically under discreet lighting. Neil guided her towards a curved staircase, and she followed behind him to the upper floor. They walked down the corridor before he came to a stop in front of a door with an ornate brass knob. "The guest room. You can change in here. I will bring something for you to wear," he assured her before walking away.