Two servings of biryani were served plus two glasses of orange juice. Seeing the large piece of chicken thigh perched on top of the yellow rice made Praveen even more hungry. He took a sip of the juice first to moisten his throat and then said,"Let's eat. I'm getting hungry,""But I still want to hear from you, Prav!" Zoya half insisted. Praveen stared at her."You just called me, what?""Prav! Why?"Praveen smiled. There was a blush on his face."I'm glad you call me that. This is the first time someone calling my name like that. Sounds fun too."Zoya smiled back. She also wondered why suddenly mentioned Praveen's name by shortening it."Come on, tell me about yourself even if we want to eat. I want to know!""I already told you! There's nothing more to tell," said Praveen starting to eat. Of course he didn't want to say that his mother raised him by selling vegetables at the Chandrapur market because his father had died of TB. Or how he worked in a pottery factory to raise money to
They had been circling in the mall for more than two hours, but Avni, didn't want to leave the mall. Sunil had also complied with her desire to buy dress. The girl was good at choosing expensive clothes. But she wasn't happy and unsatisfied."Where are we going next? Eat, done! Shopping already! What else? Aren't you tired?""Ah, honey! It's as if you don't even know girls! If a girl goes to the mall, she won't be tired even if it's just window shopping.""But you've been shopping for clothes, haven't you?" asked Sunil looking at the girl.Avni did look beautiful, but thanks to the makeup on her face. He didn't know if the face without makeup, Sunil was not so sure."Let's walk around," said Avni."I'm tired, Avni!""You're tired of walking like this? How about we watch a movie to relieve your tiredness?" suggested the girl, but sounded more sulky."I'm not in the mood this time," Sunil refused."Come on! You can sleep while watching!""Sleeping while watching? How come?" asked Sunil
The sun was already leaning west, four o'clock in the afternoon. Praveen still hadn't found a place for his new rent even though he had been touring here and there with Zoya. The place as his wishes was full of all, nothing was empty.Dharavi was indeed the most densely populated place in the world. The area which was only 2 km square meters inhabited by more than one million people. You could imagine how crowded people were there. Although the buildings were mostly semi-permanent, but one room could be filled with five to ten people. They slept like sardines. Most of them were workers trying to save on rent so they could raise money to send back home. Usually those who had rented didn't care how many people live in one room. What was clear that every month they receive money according to what they have set.Not surprisingly, usually the room doubles as the kitchen as well. Every inch of space was so valuable, and utilized optimally.It's stuffy, maybe that's the impression that came
The room looked dim, but it could still be seen it was empty. The man immediately looked for the switch on the wall and turned on the light. In an instant it became brighter.Only a loose room with one small room which may be a bathroom that doubles as a toilet. At the far end, there was a door leading to a small balcony and a window.The size of the room was no more than four by five meters. For one or two occupants it may be more than adequate, as long as there was not a lot of furniture.It was pretty clean too, with plain walls with no scribbles or poster marks."How is it? Do you like this room?" asked the man."I like this room. Pretty clean," even Zoya answered. Praveen sayid nothing.Of course, compared to renting in densely populated Dharavi, this was much better. More representative and adequate. Moreover, there were bathroom and toilet facilities inside, of course they would not mix with other residents. It's just that the pocket was not yet reachable."This room was just v
The day was almost dusk when Sunil finished fulfilling his desire with Avni. He repeated it several times because of the girl's request. Of course he didn't refuse, happily doing it again until he was exhausted and fell asleep.He quickly pulled the blanket aside and found himself without a single clothes and the girl still sleeping hugging him.He slowly let go of her hand and slowly got up and sat on the edge of the bed.It was hot outside, but not in the girl's room because there was air conditioning. Once again he glanced at Avni who was sleeping exhausted.Sunil smiled to himself. He did not think, the girl was quite skilled in bed. Not just giving up, but repeatedly taking action until Sunil got even more excited. Not in vain he spent to fulfill his desire. Comparable to the service he provided. He liked the girl's service, but not love. Just having fun driving away loneliness.He quickly gathered his clothes and went to the bathroom."Where are you going, honey?" suddenly Avni
"So you want to move tomorrow?" asked Aunt Raju when Praveen had reached the house."Yes, Auntie. I've got a new rent," Praveen replied curtly."Where is it?""In rental flats.""Rental flats? Where?" asked Aunt Raju curiously."Still in this Dharavi area too, Aunty! On Dharavi Main Road to be precise!""You mean the six-story, cream-painted Bharat Building?""Yes!" Praveen replied curtly.The woman's eyes widened and there was a look of disbelief."Over there? That's pretty expensive, isn't it, Praveen?" she said."I've been looking around all day looking for a rental but nothing can be found. Only there are empty units.""How much a month?""10 thousand rupees, Auntie!""It's very expensive. Can you afford it?""I'll try my best.""Well, I hope you feel at home there. My advice is, take good care of yourself. Work diligently. And don't forget, please come by here if you have spare time. Don't be arrogant, when you're already famous," she said at length. Praveen just nodded. Of cours
The AMA (Adore Models Agency) office was located in Andheri West, in a row of buildings that resemble shophouses. Praveen didn't have much trouble finding it because he had already seen it on maps.The office had three floors, and the entire facade was made of black glass so that no activity could be seen from the outside. When he opened the door, only then did he know that there was someone inside, even beyond his expectation. There's a receptionist behind the desk and the AMA logo and stainless steel sign is shiny, just behind the reception girl. In the guest chair there were five people waiting. Praveen looked at them. All of them looked beautiful and handsome. Were they models too?"Good morning! I am here for Mr. Deepak Rajapaksha's invitation for a photo shoot casting. My name is Praveen."The girl with shoulder-length hair smiled kindly."Good morning, too!" she replied . "You brought your own portfolio?""Portfolio, what is it?" asked Praveen innocently.The girl's brows furro
Praveen just got out five minutes from the agency office happily. He had gone through the photo shot . He was told to wait within the next three days for the results. He had done his best in front of the camera, trying to be as relaxed as possible. Passing or not, didn't distress him too much even though he hoped for the best.He was waiting for a taxi to take him home. He would stop for a while to the housewares store to buy home stuff. Of course small and cheap items f so as not to drain his pockets, such as a dipper, a broom, a set of utensils. Later, when he had more money, he would buy rather expensive items such as fans, irons, mattresses and others.A taxi stopped right in front of him and offered his services. The driver looked over and questioned him."Want to take a taxi?"Praveen nodded. Without a word he opened the the door, got in and sank into the passenger seat."Take me to Dharavi," he said."Where to be exact?" asked the driver. He wore a baseball cap. But the way he
It was almost midnight when Zoya was finally able to go to her room.“Aren’t you tired, Danishka?” Zoya asked her sister.Danishka shook her head. Her face looked cheerful.“I won’t just let this party pass me by! You’re so lucky, Sis! Dad threw a party this big for you!” said her sister.“What’s lucky? Being mated suddenly is lucky?”“Your mate is your ex, right? You’ve both dated before?”“Actually, I didn’t intend to get married! But never mind! After all, everyone gets married eventually, right?” said Zoya, not wanting to prolong her conversation with her sister.What is clear is that she is now in her room and carrying out her next plan.But no! She had to wait for Danishka to sleep first. If she didn’t sleep, Zoya had prepared an alternative scenario.But honestly, she didn’t have the heart to give Danishka sleeping pills.But what if there was no other way?Zoya went to the bathroom to freshen up and call Praveen.While in the bathroom, she immediately took out her phone and ty
“They’re coming! You should stay in your room! Don’t go anywhere!” Rajesh said over the phone.Rajesh was still in the cafe across from the hotel monitoring the situation.As he watched Narendra’s family group enter the hotel, he swallowed his saliva and felt a bitter sensation in his throat.He cursed his fate for no longer being a part of Narendra’s family. Ten years of devoting himself to Narendra and being his confidant, did not end his life well. Instead he ended up as a loser.It was so easy for Narendra to dump him.Just because of Sunil Chakraborty.But he did not regret it because now he had the chance to get back at him.He would embarrass Narendra and Sunil. He swore that the wedding party would end in vain.He would help the bride run away with another man. A man Narendra hated.He never imagined that he would end up in a reverse position like this. He still remembered how Narendra ordered him to get rid of Praveen. With the power he had, he beat the young man until he alm
“They’re coming! You should stay in your room! Don’t go anywhere!” Rajesh said over the phone.Rajesh was still in the cafe across from the hotel monitoring the situation.As he watched Narendra’s family group enter the hotel, he swallowed his saliva and felt a bitter sensation in his throat.He cursed his fate for no longer being a part of Narendra’s family. Ten years of devoting himself to Narendra and being his confidant, did not end his life well. Instead he ended up as a loser.It was so easy for Narendra to dump him.Just because of Sunil Chakraborty.But he did not regret it because now he had the chance to get back at him.He would embarrass Narendra and Sunil. He swore that the wedding party would end in vain.He would help the bride run away with another man. A man Narendra hated.He never imagined that he would end up in a reverse position like this. He still remembered how Narendra ordered him to get rid of Praveen. With the power he had, he beat the young man until he alm
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