Secrecy Novella

Zara loves travelling but the place she visited earlier was something she didn’t expect; Of course problems do not come knocking the door. Her summer vacations were near and she wanted to spend a beautiful vacation at her grandma’s home, she stays at Mumbai.

When she visited her native place for the first time she didn’t like it because the house was in an isolated area, no sound, no clubbing, and no children around. She thought who could live in such an isolated place! She shrug off that thought and went towards the parking area, it was dark there still she drove her car inside and parked it.

She started walking out of the parking area, there was total silence. She didn’t like that silence so started singing a song, “Waiting for your heart …”

“Let’s start over again…” somebody sang the verse that she was about to sing, she thought maybe, she’s over thinking then she walked out of the parking lot.

Grandma welcomed her with a glass of lemon juice, “Oh, how much I love it!” she exclaimed and sat on the sofa. She watched some old movies with grandma, though she didn’t like them. After her grandma fell asleep she put on ‘The Date’ she had watched the movie before but the thrill of watching the ghost again and again never halts was her view. The movie got over by 02:45 pm; she switched the TV off and went inside the bedroom to take rest.

She freshened up and lay on the bed, her back got relaxed and she slowly dwelled in that night after a one day journey from her new house. She kept rolling while she was asleep; this habit always dropped her down from her bed. She was dreaming about she going to the club and dancing with her childhood friends to her heart’s content, meeting new friends and having fun with them as well.

In the club she sees the blood… wait, “Why did she dream about blood in the club!” she went out of the club and dreamed about her house. When she was about to drive her car towards the basement she saw a person’s dead body… “What is dead body doing in her dream?”

She tried to come out of her dream but was fast asleep, in that paralysis mode she managed to wake up.

A black shadow was looking at her from the window. She went to see who is there at the window; it was 3:45 pm. She opened the window saw no one, shut the door but before she could shut a hand caught her wrist. She was horrified; she peeped out towards the right and saw a guy standing in black suit, light brown skin, blue eyes, and his hair covering his forehead.

Zara asked, “Who are you?” He said, “I’ll tell you everything but let me in first.” “I can’t until you tell me who you are? What if you’re a criminal or something…?” she said.

“I am Richard. Stop investigating and listen some people are following me and they have guns!” he said in a fearful tone.

“Get in…” she said.

He jumped through her window and had a weird look on his face, she asked, “For what is that weird look?”

He said, “No…I was just thinking about you letting me in because I knocked other people’s door but they didn’t lend me a hand…”

“If you scare them in the middle of nowhere, then why would they? Also who wants risk at their house?” she said.

He spoke in a serious tone, “Zara, I need to stay here for a while…when the situation is sound then I will leave.”

“How do you know my name?” she inquired.

“You’ve worn a locket with alphabet Z…” he said.

“And how does that bring you to this conclusion… that my name is Zara?” she said.

“Is that so important than my situation?” he asked.

“Genuinely, not that much… don’t worry I’ll help you…” she said.

He felt relieved hearing her say she will help and replied, “Thanks!”

They chatted for a while about their lives and then she offered him her grandpa’s clothes, he changed over and then he took over the bed and she ended sleeping on the sofa where her grandma lay before. The room was his, grandma in her own room and she in the hall.

Next morning her grandma was reading the newspaper. She asked, “Zara, even you should read the newspaper.”

She took the newspaper that read the headline, “The richest businessmen dashed by a car, died on spot.”

She read the whole article but the image was missing. She left the newspaper on the table and spoke about this to her grandma.

She exclaimed, “That’s why I tell you to stop wandering like a ghost whole night!”

Zara said, “Ma, it’s not about the accident… it’s about the image. The image is missing from the newspaper.”

She went in the hall and took a look at the newspaper and said, “I think you should get your eyes checked. The image is here but your eyes need to go somewhere else.”

She looked at it carefully but could see no image.

Her grandma asked, “Zara, everything, okay?” she said, “Yeah…” Zara assured her so that she doesn’t stress out but she wasn’t satisfied with her grandma’s statement.

She went in to check with Richard, he was dressed. He said, “Finding something?”

“No… you’re planning to go somewhere?” she asked with hesitation.

“What do you mean by I am going? Even you are coming along.”

“No, I actually have some work… sorry can’t join.” she said.

“Fine then, I’ll drive and you will relax, we are going for sky diving and after that there is more to do in my list… so come fast. I’ll be waiting in the parking lot.”

Before she could make an excuse he took the key and jumped through the window.

She had to dress up and go with him. He took her to the airport; stood in the waiting area and said, “Whatever formalities they’ll ask you, answer those with confidence, I’ll give you the details.”

She checked the details and noticed that he owned a plane. She exclaimed saying, “Why don’t you go?”

He said, “I could have but yesterday I told you something…”

“I remember… I’ll go” she said.

They sat in the plane, wore their outfits, she wanted to confirm Richard’s faith, “You know sky diving?”

“Yeah, I’ve been doing this since 5 yrs… I know you don’t.” he spoke with confidence.

“Don’t you think you’re getting to close to my instincts?” she said.

“Still not close…” he said.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked in curiosity but instead of replying he grasped her hand tightly and jumped.

Her heart was throbbing pathetically, she looked at him with terror in her eyes and coincidentally, he too was staring at her, he smiled warmly and said, “Do you trust me?”

“No?” she said.

“Then start doing it…” she found him to be full of surprises. He knew almost everything about her, his thoughts looked creepy, his expressions felt like she was safe with him. She was just going with the flow.

When they landed down, they changed over and then he said, “Zara… you’re feeling hungry?”

“Will you just stop reading me…I’m getting uncomfortable!” she said.

“I heard your stomach’s voice and nothing else. When I’ll start reading your mind…

He stepped closer staring in her eyes no secrets… Saying this he stepped back”

“I’m tired, so I’m going home…” she said.

“You’re not, first you will have something and then we’ll leave. You’ve not eaten anything from last night, after all… the movie was important than food?” he said.

She had to because she was really feeling hungry and whatever he said was right. They sat in a restaurant close by; he asked, “Order Spanish roll. You’ll like them…”

After she ordered the waiter exclaimed, “Nice choice ma’am, even Richard Sir used to have them!”

She asked, “Used to?” before he could say something, one lady passing by dropped her drink on Zara’s dress.

She went in the washroom, cleared the stain and looked for the waiter but he disappeared.

They left immediately from there and then he asked, “Would you like to have a walk at the beach?”

“You aren’t tired?” she said.

“I know you want to spend some more time with me…” he spoke in a charming tone.

“What makes you think that?” she said.

“Your comfort zone with me.” he said.

Zara smiled and they had a walk for a while and then left for home. He rested on the couch laid in the hall and said, “I’ll sleep here.”

“Why?” she asked.

“You could not sleep properly yesterday. You looked like a cat. Don’t get happy it’s only for today.” he said.

She felt that the person was not… that bad, she wanted to introduce him to her grandma.

Next morning she woke him up and said, “It’s been long and I haven’t introduced you to my grandma…”

“Don’t do that because I met her before, she had refused to help me but if I meet her again, she will screw you and kick me out of the house…” he said.

“Okay… I get that…” she said.

She switched on the music and it was quite rocking, too much loud and enthusiastic, she wanted to change the song but then he came closer, took her hand and said, “You know dancing?”

“No.” she replied.

“Then let me teach you…shall we?” he said.

They danced slowly, motioning peace and comfort in each other’s arms, then it went to crazy dancing, laughing and then they called it a night.

Next morning, somebody knocked at the door, her grandma opened. Some dealers were standing at the door post. She welcomed them in and they bought a deal claiming, “Ladies, we are builders and dealers as well, the land you are residing on is supposed to be refurbished as commanded by the land owner”

“But we own this land and even if he wanted to, it is against the contract signed. The contract’s expiry is after 4 years. He didn’t even send us a prior notice!” she said.

“I know dear but we cannot do anything you have to speak to him… after he agrees you can continue. Now, let us carry on with our work.” the dealer said.

“Kindly understand, my family has been residing here from years, recently they shifted to Pune however my son did make a contract with your boss for residing here till 2030. If it’s about talking to your boss then surely I will…give me a week at least…” her grandma requested.

Seeing them, plead for help; to a certain extent he agreed and then they left.

In the evening, Zara went in the parking area and saw Richard standing there, he stood leaning across the car and said, “Where are you going?”

“That’s none of your business!” she replied in irritation, she was already leaving without informing her grandma.

As soon as she made that statement he pulled her close and spoke humbly, “Take me with you… you don’t know how dangerous it can be…” he had a deep concern in his eyes but she freed herself and said, “I’ll manage that… now leave me alone.”

She drove the car in speed and landed at the owner’s house. She rang the door bell, the door was opened by the staff and he asked her to take a seat. When she sat down on the couch, she heard some voices, something that seemed like a heated argument.

Seeing the servant go towards the kitchen she sneaked towards the door and stood to hear, “Get me that land at any cost!!”

“Sir, but she said that his father has made a contract.”

“Go hell with that contract, just get me that land.”

“No sir, I can’t…”

“You can’t? Then what’s the use of you on earth?” Boom!!!

“What about you?”

“Sir, I’ll get it done… In fear”

Hearing that horrified conversation; she ran with great speed towards the car and drove it to her home. She went in the bedroom and latched it.

Richard spoke in anger, “Told you! He is coming with his men towards your house now. The staff member informed about you to him.”

Bang!!! Bang!!

Hearing someone bang the door her grandma went to open the door and when she opened, she began to shiver. One of the owner’s men caught her tightly and pushed her on the sofa.

Zara stepped out of the bedroom and told Richard, “Don’t come out! No matter what…”

The owner walked towards Zara and said, “He was not the only one I shot. I have killed many… my work is more important than anybody’s excuse, one of them was a businessman. I didn’t want to kill him. He refused my agreement, how dare he? Poor boy died so early… but don’t panic I booked a flight of his to heaven, now it’s your turn but before I have… let me tell you that surprisinglyyyyyy, I killed him in front of your own house. I hired one of my men and got him killed.

His business is mine, his assets are mine. Nobody can stop me to become a billionaire! I told you my secrets. I don’t give anything for free, so gift me your death in return?”

He placed his gun in front of her and was about to fire but before he could, the cops broke in and tried to snatch the gun but in that fix, the owner pressed the trigger and the bullet touched her shoulder and passed by.

The cops took charge of him; they made inquiries with her grandma.

She talked in vain, “I should’ve told you before … officer that day, I was leaving from my house to market when I saw a car dashing Richard’s car, in that injured state he came to tell me that my family is in danger. I didn’t help him out of fear… because I couldn’t risk my granddaughter’s life, officer…”

Meanwhile

“You are the only person whom I found genuine in this bribed area, you’re really a good person Zara, and I wanted to spend some more time with you, wish I had met you before I died… I regret it… but had good moments with you… I came to you because my soul stayed unjustified for a long time; fortunately we were linked to the same criminal.

Though I know that I could’ve been saved that day, after my accident, I forgive your grandmother… that photo was removed by your grandma. It’s there in the bin. I was waiting for justice in order to get peace after death… you helped me thank-you dear… make sure that my assets remain secure in your hands. Maybe, in next life we can be together?”

After saying that, he vanished slowly in front of her eyes.

After the soulful conversation, Zara wanted to correct something that should’ve have been done, long back.

“Whatever you did, can be improved only when you stand up against Mr. Ronald, will you?” she asked her grandma.

“Yes, I will. She took a pause and said. Who informed the cops?” her grandma asked.

“I informed…” the other dealer hiding in Zara’s bedroom came out.

“I told him but he didn’t listen. He has committed height of mistakes and crimes. Richard was an excellent businessman… sad that he died at the age of 25… I will support you against that murderer!”

The Aftermath

The owner got lifetime imprisonment as per his crimes.

Today, when she goes in the graveyard, she stands besides Richard’s coffin, cries and weeps because he was a good soul and she had started to like his company. She wished to have him live longer. His restaurant and plane reminded her of him.

Currently, she is the owner of Richard’s business and financial assets.