All day I did not see Tanushree. Is she absent at home today? I don't know.
It's evening now. Sunset is complete. But the combination of blue and pink remains in the sky. I am sitting on the balcony of my room. I am enjoying a unique form of sky by looking at one glance. I am also worried about the coming days. Nature left me. But did not give concessions. I had time then. Now is the time Tanushree. How will she use this time? I don't know. But I can only imagine the horrible future, not normal. Undoubtedly, the fire of vengeance is very terrifying.
'Dominic?'
I heard an unfamiliar male voice. It brought me from the world of thought to the real world. I stood up from my seat. I said to explain my presence,
'Yes?'
I came back to the room. A man in formal clothes is standing. Judging by his face, he is older than me. He smiled to my surprise. It was the first time I saw any employee smile in this house. He extended his hand for a handshake,
'I'm Marshall.'
I shook hands and smiled and said, 'Nice to meet you. You are different from others.'
'So did Tanu,' He paused for a moment.
Why is every soul present in this house remembering the name of Tanushree? I didn't understand. I was a bit taken aback. And Marshall understood my bewilderment.
Marshall pointed to the bed and said, 'Oh! Dominic. Your college ID along with other essentials. We will leave by seven o'clock in the morning.'
'Okay.' I nodded in agreement.
'Take everything easy. Life will be easier. If you think the battlefield is complicated, you will lose the battle at the beginning.'
Marshall tapped me gently on the shoulder. I'll try to follow his advice; I promised this but in my mind.
He headed for the door to leave the room. Thinking of something, he looked at me again.
'Dominic?'
I looked at him curiously. I like him already. So it is not unusual to be interested in all his words.
'Get ready. We have to get out.'
'Excuse me, but where?' I asked curiously.
'Club. Tanu madam and her friends will get together. You and I are responsible.'
I was disappointed. Tanushree goes to the club! She was an ordinary girl. Time changes people. Or past education?
'We are not bodyguards but his companions. Make sure you wear something like that.'
I couldn't say anything other than nodding yes to Marshall's words. His departure took place. And I let out a sigh.
Marshall is driving the car. I am sitting on the seat next to him and biting my nails. Tanushree is sitting in the back seat. She is busy on her mobile. She is typing something and smiling. I could see through the glass. Is she in a relationship? Does she have a boyfriend? Nothing unusual.
Colorful lights flash in the night city. Various vehicles are rushing past us. Sometimes our car passes them.
'Tanu?' Marshall called Tanushree and looked at the glass.
Suddenly I found myself interested in their conversation. Because I looked up to Marshall. Then towards Tanushree sitting behind.
Keeping the mobile on her lap, Tanushree said, 'Yes, Marshall?'
'Shall I turn on the music?'
'Yes. But keep the volume down.'
Marshall played tge music with Tanushree's permission. But in a soft volume. Based on Marshall and Tanushree's usage, I guess they are very close to each other. I focused on the music. And after a while again tried to see Tanushree through the glass. But I got caught. Tanushree was looking at this.
She frowned and asked me, 'You want to say something, Domin?'
Hearing Tanushree's 'Domin', I looked back. This nickname was used by her during high school. I was amazed. But Tanushree's expression remained unchanged. She repeated the same question with a hand gesture.
And I replied, 'I think your beauty will be enhanced with your hair exposed. '
Which I assumed was true so I told him. Tanushree reacted unexpectedly. She got a little angry.
'I knew in high school that you have a good knowledge of girls fashion. Thank you. But sorry, I think I look pretty like this. And I am satisfied. Right, Marshall?'
' Apologies, Tanu. But I think Dominic is right about this.'
Marshall's reply did not satisfy Tanushree. She looked at me displeased. I smiled and looked ahead. I know my reaction will worry her. Because I know she gets worried when the opposite happens as she expects. All is in the past though.
Marshall parked the car in front of the club as per the address. I and Marshall got down from the car before Tanushree. Then Tanushree. I was quite surprised when I saw her. Because she exposed her hair. She smiled arrogantly at my reaction. But didn't say anything.
We entered the club. We found a group with both boys and girls. A girl pointed towards us and I recognized her. That Smriti. She also has a boy with her, who hugged her waist.
As I watched the people around I felt the touch of another cold hand on my own. I looked down and saw Tanushree's hand holding mine in a fist. When I looked at her she looked straight into my eyes. She said as she fixed my golden hair,
'Father must have told you that my lover has to act. You said you would like open hair. I did so. Like I like you from your point of view and you can play my boyfriend effortlessly. Like doing it in high school.'
She hurt me a bit with her words. But I stopped the hurt from appearing on my face. I smiled And fixed Tanushree's hair.
Marshall sits at a table at a distance from us. Smriti looked quite unprepared when approached by Tanushree's friends. She pointed at me and said,
'Dominic! I never imagined that your relationship is still alive.'
'Hi, Sirti.' I smiled.
I touched the neck with my hand and started rubbing gently. It always helps to overcome my nervousness. Tanushree came closer to me showing Smriti.
She replied, 'I told you, Smriti. Domin loves me very much. And he will not cheat on me.'
Tanushree looked at me. She had a little trouble looking at my face as I was taller than her.
She said, 'I didn't say it right, darling?'
I didn't understand what I should do. But at this moment I must say something to prove her point. I failed to form sentences. So I did what I thought was right. I smiled at Tanushree. And in front of everyone I kissed her forehead gently but with time. I don't know how Tanushree will react later. But her circle of friends chimed in to encourage us. They all enjoyed the event. As if it is part of a romantic movie.
I smiled shyly. But that was not part of my acting. I looked at Tanushree. She stared blankly at me for a while. There was something different in her gaze. Which is beyond my understanding.
TO BE CONTINUE …