Narendra Prasadh's family mansion looked deserted with the gates closed. Shady trees made the atmosphere more calm and the plants that adorn both sides of the entrance added to the beautiful atmosphere. At the entrance of the house, two large white pots bloomed with colorful flowers. Sunil could only observe from a distance from inside his car that stopped right at the main gate. More than four years had passed, the big house hadn't changed much, it's just getting more beautiful. Only really rich people have houses like that in India, especially in Mumbai. Limited land and expensive garden maintenance, most people chose to live in buildings in flats or apartments. It was indeed more practical and did not bother taking care of it. The Narendra family even had a tennis court and a private swimming pool.For a moment Sunil was in doubt. Come in or not. What if Zoya's family would not accept his coming? Will he be expelled? Oh, of course not! Even though he had broken up with Zoya, he
"Nothing cheaper than this?" Praveen asked the used phone seller in the cellular shop while observing the cellphone in his hand. Even though it's a used phone, it still looks good and well-maintained, it's just that the RAM and storage capabilitiy was not that great. He was actually interested in the cellphone, but the price was still a bit expensive. For now, he doesn't really prioritize the specs, the important thing is being able to make calls and surf the internet. He really needs a cellphone to look for opportunities to audition. “3500 rupees is quite cheap. Trust me, you have nothing to lose. It's still in good condition as you can see, "said the seller reassuringly. Praveen gulped. For his current financial condition, 3500 was quite expensive. The savings were only 7000 rupees only. If he decided to buy it, he only had half his savings. But isn't he working now? Even though the daily wage was not so big, it was enough to cover daily needs. The house was not rented anymore.A p
Her heart melted when she saw the cheerful faces of the little kids who were excited that morning. The classroom felt more cramped because it was filled with children. It was still ten minutes more to begin the class. But it seemed the children could't wait to study. They were noisy to see there was a new teacher. They glanced at Zoya. Zoya knew that, she smiled looking at them. Today was her first day at Doorna Kindergarten. She wore the best suit as a kindergarten teacher. Blue patterned salwar with dupatta. She kept her hair neatly combed back and tied in one ponytail, and black framed glasses. She looked much more mature and looked conservative. Earlier when she arrived, she was introduced to two other colleagues, namely Shanti and Harshida. They were no older than Zoya, so Zoya immediately felt comfortable being friends with them. They were busy managing the young students. The tables and chairs were put away because they were about to do their morning exercise first. Yes, th
“Good morning, Mr. Chakrapani!” Zoya tried to hide her surprise at the man's presence. "Can we talk for a minute?" he pleaded. His gestures looked awkward, and his eyes looked guilty. "Can't you see I'm busy?" Zoya said with slightly raised eyebrows. "I know, but there is something important I want to talk to you." “Nothing important to talk about,” Zoya said firmly. "I'm not interested to teach at your school anymore." “Miss, but I…” "Well, if you still want to talk to me, please wait until I finish teaching. These children are distracted by your arrival!" Zoya said like turning things around at that time. But actually she couldn't bear to see his hopeful expression. "Okay, I'll wait." He inched closer to the door. Mrs. Fateema then served him and invited him to talk. This is the right time to show off. Zoya picked up one more English story book. She read it a loud in front of the children, then immediately translated it. When she read it, she spoke an American accent, not
Morning at Dharavi Market. This was Praveen's second day to sell Idli there. The atmosphere was not crowded yet because it was only 6 in the morning. Many seller who just came to arrange their goods to sell. Praveen brought more than yesterday, of course with the hope that all the food would be sold out. He was in the same place as yesterday, next to the banana seller. He had begun to understand, one way to let people know what his sell is by shouting. Otherwise most of them were just passing by. And sure enough, just five minutes later he was shouting someone approached and immediately bought his idli. A woman who seemed to be in a hurry to go to work. "I want ten idlis. Wrap it up! The chutney is separated.” "Okay, Do You wanna buy Vada, too?" "Yeah, okay, just five." Praveen deftly prepared the girl's order. "You're new to sell idli here, huh?" She asked. She looked At Praveen's face with amazed. "Yeah, start from yesterday." "Where did you sell before?" Praveen shook hi
A week had passed.Sunil's dismay still persisted and didn't go away. His days are filled with Zoya's shadow. Somehow the girl haunted him and followed his every step. Since met her at Ramya's birthday, the image of the girl had managed to destroy his relationship with Sharmila. Made him restless and not focused on work. He didn't regret breaking up with Sharmila. During 4 years did not really make him fall in love with her. Sharmila was just a form of escape as he was so disillusioned by Zoya's departure abroad. Moreover, Sharmila's attitude was so restrained and jealous. Honestly, from the bottom of his heart he wanted to go back to Zoya. He wanted to be more serious about build a relationship with Narendra Prasadh's daughter to a higher level. If necessary he would redeem for all the mistakes he had ever done. But his arrival at Zoya's house last week made him even more upset. Why didn't Zoya's parents tell him where their daughter was? Why was Zoya not reachable? What had she
"Hey, where are we going?" Sunil asked Girish who continued to drive the car."I'm taking you home.""I don't want to go home! I want a drink. I haven't had a drink in a long time!”"You're drunk, so let's go home!""I told you, I'm not drunk. We've only been there for a while. I want to go back, I want to see the lion. You know, I saw a lion over there.""No lion! It was a discotheque, not a zoo!”“I swear, I saw a lion over there! It was just didn't roar. She just groaned at me. Ah, that must be a tamed lion. I'm sure the lion didn't eat people.""What are you talking about, Boss?! You're drunk! I told you earlier, don't get drunk! But when I leave you, you're straight up high. How many glass did you drink?” Girish nagged. He felt confused."None of your business! I'm sure I'm happy this time. Come on, let's go back!""What? You want to come back again? Want another drink?” asked Girish annoyed. He suddenly stopped the car.“Go there yourself! I don't want to be with you anymore. C
Girish released his grip on Sunil's arm. Immediately he gave a respectful attitude to the number one person in the Mumbai Police But not for Sunil. When he released Girish, he stumbled and almost fell. Quickly again Girish grabbed Sunil's arm. "Where have you been?" he asked coldly. Girish couldn't answer. If he's honest, he would be punished, but the fact that Sunil was drunk, he couldn't help it anymore "Answer me! where have you been?" “From the nightclub, Dad!” Sunil even replied while hiccupping. In the dim living room, Mr. Amaneesh's face was filled with anger. "Take Sunil to his room!" he said commandingly. "Yes, sir!" Girish immediately took Sunil to his room. He breathed a sigh of relief. What he was worried about didn't happen. He thought, Mr. Amaneesh would punish him, but no. The man was silent. In the room, Girish threw Sunil until the bed shook. He was very upset to see Sunil's behavior. But he couldn't do anything. Sunil slept on his stomach with one leg danglin
Praveen was back in the hotel room when Narendra Prasadh's family troupe arrived. Two luxury cars entered the hotel grounds in a convoy and stopped in front of the entrance. Not far behind were five more SUVs carrying employees and servants.Narendra Prasadh was in the first car. He got out of the car after the hotel staff opened the car door for him.He appeared to be wearing traditional clothing instead of a suit, and that did not diminish his authority as a wealthy businessman.His wife, Pratyusha Beniwal followed after him. She also appeared to be wearing a saree with gold ornaments. Precious stone jewelry in the form of a necklace and bracelet added to the luxury of her appearance. Truly extraordinary. Then followed by her youngest son Rahul.Before entering, the graceful woman stood for a moment waiting for the next car. The sedan carrying Zoya and her sister Danishka.The hotel staff also swiftly opened the car door for Zoya. She got out of the car carefully while fixing her sa
That morning at Amaneesh Chakraborty's residence, there was also a lot of activity.They would perform Ganesh puja, a ritual to ask the god for blessings.The procession will be held this afternoon. Many of Mr. Amaneesh's extended family had also attended.The joy radiated from the face of the Mumbai Police Chief. Of course, this was a happy day because his proud son, Sunil Chakraborty, was getting married.As a father, he could imagine how lucky Sunil was. Having a good career in the police force and also having a beautiful wife who was the daughter of a rich man in Mumbai.It felt like a dream.All preparations had been done well by a third party. They just went through it. Everything went smoothly according to expectations.Sunil should have also been very happy that day. But it was as if something was bothering him, and it was visible on his face. He was not completely happy because of one problem that had not been resolved until now.He should have been able to overcome Praveen a
Praveen was still lying in bed that morning. Even though the hotel room was so comfortable, he had not been able to sleep at all since last night.This was a very decisive moment in his life, preparing himself to carry out the plan he had made as best he could.He had thought about it down to the smallest detail so that this plan would succeed. There should be no gaps or opportunities for him to fail.If he failed, he could end up in prison.Taking away the prospective bride who is none other than the daughter of a prominent conglomerate and the prospective daughter-in-law of the number one person in the Mumbai police?It would definitely create a scene and become national news. More sensational than the kidnapping that Zoya experienced before!If he failed, his face would adorn the front pages of newspapers and even television, not as an actor or model, but as a criminal. The career he had built with great difficulty would end tragically.No, that couldn't happen!He immediately got
It was late afternoon when they returned from Dharavi, but nothing happened. Praveen's room was empty just like when Sunil visited earlier. There was no sign of him coming here. Nothing had changed at all.It was just that Zoya felt a different atmosphere when she saw the room. There was a longing that enveloped her, imagining when she and Praveen were alone in the room.She remembered the time she slept over during the heavy rain that caused flooding due to the moonson. Even though the lights were out and it was raining outside, she felt at peace in Praveen's arms all night. The man really took good care of her.There were indeed many memories in Dharavi. If not with Sunil, she would have gone to school to meet the teachers there, Mrs. Fateema and her two other friends, Harshida and Shanti. Or if necessary she would go to her rented house.Had everything remained the same or changed? She really didn't know."Where have you been? Why are you home at this hour?" Mrs. Pratyusha asked wh
A surprise for Zoya, but not for Sunil as they headed to the AMA office. A large billboard on the side of the road caught the attention of passersby.An advertising billboard starring Praveen. Apparently the advertisement had spread to several strategic places.Zoya was happy to see the billboard. She wanted to take out her cellphone and take a picture of it as memorials. But she didn't because didn't want to offend the man beside her. She didn't say a word, even trying to divert attention by pretending not to see it."Damn it! I don't want to see that billboard!" said Sunil."Isn't he the person you want to meet now?""Right, but not with his poster!""Okay! Just look away!" said Zoya indifferently. She tried not to look at the billboard as if it wasn't important.Sunil's gut feeling told him that she deliberately pretended unwilling to see the billboard. He was sure, deep down in her heart, she was happy to see it. It made Sunil even more annoyed.If only he could find him, he woul
Sunil still stared at Zoya with an uncertain look in his eyes. His intuition said otherwise. The girl still had a secret that she kept tightly.Sunil was sure that Zoya knew where Praveen was. They were still in touch until now.Even though their wedding day was getting closer, he felt that something was going to happen.He had to make sure that it didn't happen. He had to find that man right now!"I have to meet him, Zoya!" said Sunil.The beautiful girl frowned, but said nothing."Help me find him!" he said in a deep, commanding voice.Zoya took a deep breath."I told you, since I was kidnapped, we've only been in touch by phone, only a few times. I don't know where he is now. All I know is that he lives in Dharavi. Isn't it clear what I said?""I know you're lying!""I don't know how to convince you anymore! Rather than keep talking, I'd rather go home! I don't want us to fight, Sunil! I don't want to spoil my mood before our wedding day. That's much more important than finding him
Sunil had tried various ways to find Praveen, but to no avail. The man could no longer be contacted. Although he contacted him via Zoya's cellphone, it never connected.He was sure that Praveen already knew everything.***The next day.He had appeared at Narendra Prasadh's residence."I'll take you out, Zoya!" said Sunil when asked the purpose of his visit."I don't feel like going anywhere today!""Come on! I'll take you again to see the preparations for our wedding party!""For what? Didn't we see it yesterday? Just let the hotel and WO finish it! Don't bother them again!""No. We're just looking around! I promise not to bother them even if it's just to give input! Besides, there's something I want to talk to you about," replied Sunil."Why don't we talk about it here?""I want to talk outside.""About what?""You'll find out later!"“There’s no one here! You’re free to talk about anything, don’t worry!” said Zoya.There was indeed no one at home except the servants. Her two younge
Sunil drive his car at above average speed. He felt like a hunter chasing prey, and he didn't want to lose that prey.I have to get him now! He hissed and checked again for the firearm slung at his waist.'Get ready, Praveen! Maybe this is your last day to breathe the air. You escaped death before, but not this time!' He muttered.He accelerated his car. Coincidentally, that afternoon the street was not very busy. Maybe it's not time for people to get home from work so he drive without a hitch.Forty-five minutes later he was on the edge of northern Mumbai. He checked Praveen's hiding location again. It turned out not far away.Without much difficulty he finally arrived. With a faster heartbeat, he got out of the car he had parked three hundred meters from the house where Praveen was thought to be hiding.He wore a baseball cap and covered his face with a face mask. Several people passing by seemed to stare intently at him, but he didn't care. He just kept walking.Then he arrived a
Sunil gestured to Sania to end the call. The girl frowned.That fast?"Prav, I'll call later when it's safe!" she said, still covering her mouth so her voice was still unclear."What?" asked Praveen. Before he got an answer, the phone had already been turned off.“Zoya! Zoya!” he called, of course, he was in vain.His feelings immediately turned bad. Was it really Zoya just called? Why did her voice sound weird?"Who did call?" Rajesh asked.“Zoya! But her behavior was so strange. She doesn't usually act like that.""Didn't you promise not to receive calls from anyone?"“How could I refuse her call?”"This is for your own safety!”Praveen was silent. He had already decided not to receive calls from anyone, but not from Zoya.He tried to contact the girl again but couldn't connect. He tried several times but in vain.Ah, what's wrong with her? Hopefully, she's okay. He put his phone in his pocket.Meanwhile, Sunil has kept the device again. His feelings were filled with joy. He succeed