Chapter 3: Dhanishta Baidwani

As soon as he drives away, I come out from behind the tree where I was hiding. Yes, I have followed him up to here and for a good reason, well not for them. As much I have heard them talk, I can tell that this boy, Darin Santi, has nothing to do with his parents' planning. Does he even know what his parents are into? I don't know but I intend to find. And if I want to succeed in this mission, I have to stay close to them, to him. But what if he is really innocent? I will be only hurting his feelings then! I shake my head. What am I even thinking? I am here to do my job, nothing else. Yes, I am here for my job. I chant in my head as always. And I saved him from being a prey to those bad boys before because I need to keep an eye on him and his parents and their activities. Yes, that is all it is!

I quickly go to my midnight black street bike which I had kept behind the parking area, and ride back to my shabby apartment building. It is not like I don't have money or anything, I just like to stay away from any kind of unnecessary attention which is also important for my job. When I reach at my destination, I park my bike in the underground garage and climb off it. Upon entering the always dark hallway, I pull out my phone and switch the torch on before making my way towards my apartment.

When I open the door, my Bambi comes to greet me.

"Awwe!" I coo as I lock the door behind and bend down to pick him up in my arms. He makes me feel at home. "Aw, my baby! Did you miss me?" I ask him as if he would open his mouth to answer me now. He does though! He brings his claw, yes claw, and place it onmy cheek lovingly. Oh, my good lord! I can die right now. I smile and pat him before taking him into his usual terrarium and switch on his uv lights. It is quite cold outside and he is not supposed to be roaming around like that when I am not at home. But what can I say? He just loves to stray around like a dog. Though he is an iguana, he still acts like a dog.

"Bambi, you stay here. Okay? Do not come out now." I say even if I know that he won't listen neither understand. I never restrict him from coming out and roaming around. Because I know that whenever he feels like he needs to stay in his terrarium, he does by himself.

I make my way towards the small kitchen after washing my hands clean and changing into some comfy pajamas, and rummage through the cabinet. Finally when I find some packets of wafers, I take out the vanilla flavoured ones and go back into the living room and plop on the couch and savour the delicacy. Just as I am about to fall asleep on the couch, my phone starts blaring. I groan and pick it up. Ahh, it is my boss. Damn it!

"Hello, boss." I greet formally.

"Oh, hello, errand girl." He replies and I can tell that he is trying to suppress his laughter.

"Stop it, papa." I say with a chuckle and he laughs too.

"How are you doing, hani?" He asks after a while.

I sigh. "I am doing just fine, papa. How about you?"

"I am good too. How is the mission going?" He finally asks.

"It is going fine too, I guess."

"You guess?"

"Yeah, I mean it was just my second day in the field after all. But don't worry, I am doing perfectly fine on the front." He sighs softly. "I am sorry, hani. I did not want you to go there but after all those things that transpired..."

"You don't have to be sorry, papa. You know why I agreed to do this. She is my sister and I will do everything to protect her."

"I know, baccha (child)." He sighs again.

"Papa, stop calling me that. I am going to be twenty." I whine. He chuckles lightly making me smile.

"I know, I know. But for a father..."

"His child always stays a child." I complete for him. He laughs at that. "Yes! Always remember that. And take care of yourself because I am not there to do that. I always worry for you if you are able to live there alone or not."

"Yes, yes, I will do that. Don't worry about me. And besides, Bambi is here with me so I am not alone." I tell him.

"Alright, papa. I will talk to you tomorrow 'cause I am going to sleep now."

"Okay, baccha. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, papa."

........

Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...

My continuously vibrating phone wakes me up from my light slumber.

"What the fuck!" I grumble as I pick it up from the nightstand. Glancing at the screen, I see that it is Mr. Rossi who is calling me. What the actual fuck! It is just six in the morning!

"Arghhh..."

I pick up the call. "Hello, sir." I greet in a professional tone.

"Hello, Ms. Baidwani. Can you come over to the mansion in an hour? It is quite important." He announces.

No! I badly wanted to blurt out. But I know that I can't do that. I have taken this job by my own consent after all. Not that I will ever disappoint my papa though.

"Sure, sir. I will be there in an hour." I reply before hanging up. I get up from the bed and run straight into the bathroom. After doing my morning chores, I get ready to go to the Rossi' mansion. I dress up in a cream coloured jumpsuit. And I am not going to take my bike. I have to be secretive. I can't afford anyone knowing anything that I am doing. It can ruin our plan.