# Foreword

> Picking the threads from my first book, [Define 36](https://github.com/shikhashikz/the-lift-saga/tree/35f5b8b24a4ceab88ad285e38272fb9b3c8623b7/www.bit.ly/define36/README.md) which was a collection of shortest ( flash) stories, my second work of Fiction, The Lift Saga, is a novelette. I have a long way to go before I will pen a full-fledged novel. Nevertheless, writing is meditation for me, and I have promised myself that I will never stop it.

***The Lift Saga represents that I have fulfilled the promise which I made with*** [***Define 36***](https://github.com/shikhashikz/the-lift-saga/tree/35f5b8b24a4ceab88ad285e38272fb9b3c8623b7/www.bit.ly/define36/README.md)***.***


# Preface

Krittika was pressing the button umpteen number of times. She just wanted that damn elevator to come fast and pressing the button, again and again, was not helping her either. The crowd was slowly building up around her which was making her more nervous. She was sweating profusely. Did she apply the deodorant before she left her home? She was not able to recollect. Finally, the lift came. The lift was her safe zone. Nobody could touch her once she enters the vicinity of her office.


# Those Eyes

She boarded the lift and shrunk within herself. She brought her handbag closer to her chest as if it was some shield. Drops of sweat were visible, and she did not have any clue that people were staring at her. Have you ever seen anybody sweating when the outside temperature is 5 degrees? Any reasonable person will think of you as a weirdo. She wanted to scream " Stop looking at me. I have not come from an asylum. I am just coming from my home and would like to reach the office and my home safely" She was checking the floor number continuously. Finally, the lift hit the seventh floor, and out she rushed like a mad girl clutching her bags. She dumped the bags in her cubicle and proceeded towards the washroom. She went to one of the loo and relieved herself. She closed her eyes and sighed. The penetrating bloodshot eyes were still staring at her. She got startled and got up from the commode. In this haste, she spoiled her trousers. She flushed and came outside. She was almost in tears and started splashing water on her face furiously. After a while, tears started tasting like the cold water. As if the incidents from the morning were not sufficient to keep her on toes, she felt the warmth of a hand on her shoulder.

>

"Are you OK Krittika?"

Krittika turned with a start and splashed the person with some water. While Krittika was wiping the water from her face, she heard an angry voice

" What the hell" This was a familiar voice. It was Riddhima's.

"I will kill you Krittika for this. I had to go to a meeting and see what you have done."

"Why are you giving me a dumb look? Can't you see what have you done?"

Krittika took some time to come in a normal composure and meekly said " Sorry yaar."

Riddhima did not expect this answer from a fiery Krittika.

To ease up the situation, she said " *By the way, if you have not noticed, you have soiled your trousers. What on earth were you doing in the loo? Trying to climb the commode*." Krittika gave a hard look at her pants, and they were indeed dirty. The water was peeping out from all the wrong places. She sighed and was contemplating if the washroom dryer could help her. She told Riddhima if she can be her watchdog for a while and lock the door from inside. She will try this idea and move out of the washroom in a decent shape. Riddhima agreed. Krittika warned her not to look back and removed her trouser. She placed the trouser below the dryer with a hope that it will dry. There was a mirror behind Krittika, and the wall of the dryer was reflecting her back. For a moment it seemed that those eyes got fixed on her back projection. It seemed scary, and she tried to look carefully so that at least in the reflection she could emerge as a winner. She dropped the gaze after a while. She got defeated once again. Riddhima's voice brought her back to the reality.

"Hello, madam. Are you also taking a dry bath? Hurry up, move your ass. I am getting late."

The trousers were much better, and Krittika said thanks to Riddhima. "I will speak to you later Rids" and Krittika went to her desk. The eyes were mocking at her from the screen as well.

**"I am a winner today as well. Enjoy your day and I will see you tomorrow"\***


# Who are you

Krittika got ready for her office. Her wardrobe had latest designs, in vogue dresses, but these days she was picking up only grey and whites and that too plain trousers and shirts. Riddhima did poke at her, that why suddenly she was promoting the plain jane look. Was this look in fashion? She made a joke out of it.

Krittika used to board the bus, the transport provided by her office. In the bus, she had companions from different companies. Various organisations had started this initiative of bus-pool to reduce the carbon footprint. The bus ride was one hour to her office. It was not that she did not know how to drive, but the journey used to give her time to finish her reading and spend some time meditating. She was staying with her parents, and once she was back at home, she was not able to get her " me " time. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with her parents before she gets married. Krittika was the life of her house and in the office as well. A girl who can talk non-stop when she is awake. But the recent incidents transformed her into an opposite character. Everybody around her was worried. Her parents thought that she was involved in a one-sided affair, and Riddhima felt that she is pregnant.

It all started from last Monday. She was waiting for her bus to come. She was looking casually around and then her gaze stopped at a person who was standing right opposite to her on the other side of the road. It seemed that he was staring at her. Krittika dismissed the thought initially thinking that it might be, just by chance, that their eyes met. She shifted her eyes from that person and was looking in the direction from where the bus comes. It was still five minutes to go for the bus arrival. She saw her coach friend coming, and she waved at her. Krittika waved back and saw that person was standing next to her friend. Her friend was moving and crossing the road, but that person was still holding the same place. The eyes were still looking at her. It was a cold Delhi winter, and everybody was wrapped from toe to bottom. He was dressed up as per the weather, and his face shrouded with a scarf. Krittika now gave him a hard look and checked him out from top to bottom. He seemed like a guy of a high built with big shoulders. Dressed in a formal suit, the only visible part of his body were his eyes. It was strange to see that the person didn't blink at all and also why he adored a scarf with the business suit. It did not go well. She was sure that this person is a male figure. The gaze and the thoughts were interrupted by the bus. When she was boarding the bus, she could see still the prying eyes.

It was best to ignore incidents like this and hence she carried on with her bus routine. She finished the fifth novel and with a happy mood the bookmark got shifted to the first page. Books were her best friend. She was still in the world of the book characters and was contemplating the climax. She was getting down on the bus, and when she moved her head up, she saw the same eyes. Her feet froze, and she stood still. What is he doing here? Billions of questions glazed in her mind in that short span. Her bus friend nudged her to get down. She quickly got down and moved towards the office building. She could feel that a shadow is following her. She fumbled for her access card and getting to the lift seemed like a big task. She made her way to the queue. She felt a little safe as he could not enter inside. She turned to make sure that her assumption was correct that the person is not working here. He was standing behind the access zone, in the same pose when she saw him one hour back.

The prying eyes became her companion every morning. It was happening for the past one week, and Krittika wanted to know who is that person and wanted to put an end to this. It was affecting her mental being, and she had the feeling that somebody is watching her steadily for twenty-four hours. The waiting area next to the lift became her safe zone. She was hysterical in being the first person to enter the lift.

***She wanted to shake that person and ask him "Who are you "***


# The Pendulum

*"Should I speak to my family about this person"*

*"Should I tell this to Riddhima and we solve it without involving my parents."*

*"Should I tell the security person and inquire about him? Then his entry at least in the IT park will be banned."*

*"Should I approach the police but they will ask me what he has done? He is just staring. Ok, it's not just staring, it's disturbing me a lot, and I am uncomfortable and not able to carry my routine."*

*"Should I tell Vikrant? But sitting in Bangalore what can he do?"*

*"Should I tell all my guy friends? They will go and bash him up. But what if he comes back to take the revenge and ... "*

Krittika screamed and said, "Shut up." She was sitting on the bed, sweating and staring into the darkness of her room. She has not shared this incident with anybody. Her parents, her best friend, her boyfriend, nobody is aware of her present state of mind. Nothing could pull Krittika down, and here she is contemplating if she should share about the stalker with her family members or friends. How could she be so scared? She is a confident, successful person who never shied away from speaking her mind. And look what a pair of eyes have done to her. She picked up the phone and dialled Riddhima's number. When it was about to ring, she disconnected. She decided that she will speak to her in the morning. A midnight call will scare her and plus if she doesn't answer the call, then Krittika will become more impatient. She kept her cell phone aside and tried to sleep. She did not want that morning should come.

She did not want to go to the office. But for how long she will avoid her work. Her boss will throw her out of the office. Plus today it was the review. She forced herself to get ready and left the home. Her mother was pestering her to speak up as these days all Krittika used to do was stare, and not even a single word came out of her mouth. Her mother had even threatened that she would call Riddhima.

Krittika reached the bus stand and had a wishful thinking that the stalker should not be there. The stalker was more punctual than her. The stalker was already there. "There are more beautiful girls than me; pls spare me" Krittika thought and then realised that it was so mean to think like this. She had decided that she will speak to Riddhima today and try to find a solution. She reached the office along with the stalker. She was mentally exhausted and after being stalked for straight two weeks, did not have the energy to think about where he lives, is stalking his day job, why his dressing sense is weird, why nobody else notices him, is all this a creation of her mind, etc

Riddhima was all excited and nervous at the same time for the review. She was giving the final touches to the presentation. Krittika had prepared a very lame one which was starkly opposite from the previous presentations which she made for the review. Krittika was not able to find a time to speak to Riddhima. Now the new plan was to open the can of worms after office to Riddhima.

Krittika and Riddhima reached the conference room together. There was no order in which who will present and everybody was hoping that their turn should come last. It was pin drop silence in the board room. The boss came and took the seat and said " Krittika, let's open the floor to you. Go ahead; we are waiting to see the amazing graphs from your side." She trodded silently towards the projector and stood in front of all. All she could see was clones of the stalker occupying every single chair in the room. She uttered good morning and fainted.

When she opened her eyes, Riddhima and female colleagues from the HR team were in the medical room. A doctor was checking her pulse. "Welcome, Krittika. Are you skipping meals? Your haemoglobin levels have dropped to dangerous levels. You better eat and rest, else I will be admitting you to a hospital."

The doctor turned to Riddhima and said," Make sure that she is eating properly. Rest all is good. Don't give me a look where the question which is meandering in your head is, if she is pregnant. She is not pregnant but under high stress" Riddhima nodded like a small school girl.

Admin team arranged for a vehicle to drop Krittika at her residence. Krittika's boss cancelled the review meeting and allowed Riddhima to take a day off and be with Krittika. They both were alone in the cab, and Riddhima wanted to punch her hard.

"You better vomit what is eating your head or else I will knock you off. I do not want to keep guessing what is bothering you, so you better tell me the truth."

***The pendulum stopped, and the vibrations went off. Riddhima had just one wish " To kill the stalker "***


# Chasm

Riddhima stayed with Krittika the other night. Krittika made an excuse to her parents that because of too much stress at work she has decided to take a day off from the office and rest at home. She did not tell her mother that she had fainted in the office else they would get more worried. They were happy to see her best friend and felt assured that their daughter is still sane and friends with her old pals. Krittika's mother prepared food for them, she kissed her daughter and left the two girls in the room.

Riddhima's mind was racing, and they have to make a plan to sort this out and get Krittika out of this rut. She did not start drafting the plan before yelling and giving Krittika a piece of her mind. A best friend has every right to be angry when her friend hides things. Krittika did not interrupt her and let her vent out all. She did apologise to Riddhima. After the anger, tears and hugs, they pulled a pen and paper to draft their master plan.

" Riddhima will stay with Krittika for a week and accompany her to the office."

"Riddhima will click pictures of the stalker."

"First day: Riddhima will only accompany Krittika. No action will be performed. Second Day: His picture will be clicked."

"Further steps to be decided by stalker's actions."

This was quick. The girls were wondering if they did a good job or not. Now they were waiting for the morning to ascend. Riddhima was quite excited to don the detective hat and was trying to make the situation light. Krittika's parents did not have any clue of what these girls were up to. They were just happy that their daughter was ok now. You can not keep on prodding a 28-year-old every now and then and need to trust their mature angle.

**Day One:** Riddhima and Krittika are both waiting for the bus to arrive. Krittika nudged Riddhima and secretly pointed out on who the stalker is. Riddhima gave her a sharp look, but his eyes were fixed on Krittika. The bus came, and they boarded it. There was no change in stalker's routine. He was present near their office tower when they were getting off the bus.

**Day Two:** While waiting for the bus, Riddhima pulled out her phone and clicked a couple of pictures. She had to do it discreetly in order not to attract attention from other passer-by and people who were standing near the stalker. She made sure that the stalker sees that she is clicking the picture.

**End of Day two:** Riddhima and Krittika were sitting in their room and looking at each other blankly. Nothing happened. He did not do anything. No action from his side and now they were confused what to do next. Krittika hid her head in the pillow and was crying silently. Riddhima tried to console her and was praying that God should send some flash of an idea by which this situation is sorted out, and her friend is spared from this agony.

***They both felt that they were getting swallowed by the dark chasm of fear.***


# Runaway Girl

Riddhima had to return to her place now. Her folks were getting into a panic mode as what was happening and what are girls planning. Parents have a fixed way of interpretation. If their girls are not speaking, they are not in their usual self or staying with their girlfriends for a reasonable time. The conclusion is: a guy is involved, and parents might go to an extent thinking that their girl is pregnant.

Krittika was on her own now, though Riddhima assured her that they spend most of the time together in the office, and they will sort this out. Krittika had to get her wits together, as a jerk is not accepted in the corporate world. She was listening to inspirational music and had opted to give a blind eye to the stalker. She reached office today and was happy that she was not feeling nausea, no urges to go to the washroom every minute. The work day will be starting with the team meeting. It was almost time to rush to the conference room. Her team members asked Krittika on how she was feeling. She nodded with a smile and Riddhima pressed her hand in assurance.

The boss came and seemed in a hurry.

" Sorry, guys for calling this unplanned meeting. It's an urgent situation. One of our most important account, NeoDigital, wants one person to be based at their Mumbai office for one month. Who would like to pick this up? A Quick decision needs to be made. The person needs to leave tomorrow for Mumbai."

Within a flash of the second, Krittika's hand went up.

" Meeting adjourned. Thanks, Krittika. Come to my cabin at 12 pm and I will give all the details "

"Atta girl. Go for it and come back rejuvenated" Riddhima said.

When Krittika returned to her desk, she saw five missed calls from her mother and two messages on reminding her to eat the supplements which she had packed for her. She called her up and assured that she ate everything on time and felt much better. Her entire day was spent in taking all the details, making travel arrangements and arranging for things. Life seemed better as she did not have a minute to think about anything else. In the ocean of work, a stalker got drowned like a small unimportant leaf.

She was boarding the flight and was thinking if the stalker will try to find her. These thoughts were brushed off, and she called up her mother.

" Mum, I will be boarding soon. Do remind Papa to apply for leave for one week. It will be good to visit all after a long time. I will also call Massi in the evening. Don't worry too much. Take care. I love you."

She switched off the phone and mind too from the " worldly " things. She wanted to give her best in the upcoming one month and forget the torturous two weeks of her life.

Krittika dived deep in the action the moment she landed at NeoDigital's office. They had arranged for her accommodation in the nearby hotel so that time does not get wasted in commute. They booked a suite for her! She was working almost round the clock. Her boss did nudge her to take it easy and look after her health as he did not want, that any unpleasant situation should occur at client's office. Though the feedback which he got from ND's team was that she was always high on energy and looked incredibly fresh ( after sleeping for only 6 hours ) She barely went out and was only found in the office or her suite. Stalker thoughts used to haunt her as ultimately she had to go back. She used to park those thoughts outside her workstation and then hide under her work shroud.

Time flies and when you are enjoying it, a month seems like a minute. Krittika's boss flew down for the review meeting and to ensure that NeoDigital's requirements were met. With the kind of efforts which Krittika had put, NeoDigital team was on cloud nine and for all their future assignments they only wanted her! Krittika's boss was very pleased, and the review meeting ended on a positive note. Krittika had planned to extend her stay in Mumbai to spend time with her cousins. Her parents had already reached. Her one week leave was sanctioned then and there. This break was good. But the stalker's image was buried deep in her subconscious. She had performed all the rituals and bid him a final goodbye, but he kept on rising like a phoenix. She was departing from Mumbai to Delhi tomorrow and was dreading the morning when she will catch the bus. She wanted this dream to last.

She can not be the runaway girl throughout her life and had to return to her abode.

Surprisingly during all this fiasco, she had hardly spoken to Vikrant.

***Was the chemistry and love between both of them dead?***


# The Knight in Shining Armour

Rather than feeling fresh, Krittika was all tired when she reached home. Her parents were happy though with this one week vacation. When children grow up, they have their priorities and are involved in the mad race to achieve their goals. So when children spend time with their parents, parents treat that as the precious gift and especially with daughters as they will get married and move to a new house.

Krittika's mind was caught up in an unnecessary tussle: " Why one month has to come to an end? Can't I stay in Mumbai forever? Can somebody abduct the stalker and so on."

They reached home around 9.00 pm, and she was supposed to be at work tomorrow. She kissed her parent's goodnight and went to her room. She was not in a mood to change and dropped herself on the bed. Sleep goddess made sure that she goes into a slumber soon.

"Who on earth is playing the rise up in the middle of the night?" Krittika was about to shout. She moved her body to look for her phone and was almost on the verge of dropping it as it was her phone which was spitting rise up song. She forgot to keep her phone on silent. With half open eyes, she looked at her phone, and it was not an alarm, but a phone call. The hello sounded like as if it was coming from a crow's throat. She thought she heard Riddhima. Why is she calling in the middle of the night?

"What do you want Riddhima ?"

"Open the door you lunatic."

"Which door should I open ?"

"The door of your house or if you want I can ring the bell thrice and uncle and aunty can open the door for me."

"Whaaaatttttttttt? Are you here? Wait, hang on, don't ring the bell."

"Yes, I won't. So better move your bum and open the door."

Krittika jumped out of the bed and tried to rush to the door silently. She switched the light on and peeped through the keyhole. Yes, It was Riddhima. Krittika opened the door quietly. Riddhima entered immediately and swirled Krittika. Riddhima put her hand on Krittika's eyes and instructed her not to look back and move quietly to her room. Krittika could sense that there were few more people around.

"What are you doing moron? Make sure that the door is locked and since when did you don the hat of a stalker."

Riddhima ignored her and firmed up her hand on her eyes to make sure that she can not see. She quietly whispered to the gang who were with her "Have you guys locked the door?" The reply came from a hushed male voice," Yes, it's closed."

"Let's move to her room."

They all marched to her room quietly so as not to wake up her parents. When all were in, the door was latched.

"Riddhima who all are there? And what are you all doing at this time? And remove your hand, I can not see anything. It's hurting."

Suddenly Krittika felt that someone is hugging her, and simultaneously Riddhima removed her hand. The musk fragrance was familiar, and her arms automatically wrapped that figure. She could hear the breathing sound and then heard Vikrant's voice," Happy Birthday Darling."

She melted in the hug and hid her head. Her eyes refused to open, and it felt like ages that they have not met. Vikrant pushed her back gently when he felt the tears on his shirt.

"Now I know why Riddhima calls you lunatic et al. Instead of a kiss, I am greeted with this salty water." Everybody started giggling and sang the birthday song in a hush-hush manner. Krittika was wiping her tears and gave a big hug to Riddhima.

"Thank you stupid and to all you insomniacs as well."

Vikrant was looking at her lovingly and came closer to her. All her friends circled them.

"You did not even remember that it's your birthday. I hate you for what you have done with me. I hate you for keeping secrets from me. I hate you for loving Riddhima more and sharing minutest details with her. But still, I would like to marry Krittika, the moron lunatic. Let's get together and beat the stalker black and blue. And to emerge as a winner, I will present you with a magical ring which will bestow supernatural powers. Give me your hand old lady."

Everybody clapped silently. Krittika graciously offered her hand, and Vikrant slipped the ring on her finger. Riddhima opened the box of chocolates, and the newly engaged couples performed the sweet ritual. Riddhima had to become the villain and nudged Vikrant that they had to leave. He signalled her, and all moved slowly out of the room. They were alone in the room.

"I am sorry Vikrant. I was, rather, I am, too scared. I do not know what to do."

"Krittika I never gave you any reason to question my love. I am there for you, and we will fight this. Tomorrow morning I will come and pick you up."

He gave her a long warm kiss and softly said: "Got to go."

Krittika bid goodbye to all. Riddhima stayed. She was roaming with these guys entire evening and had already told her parents that she would stay at Krittika's place. Best friends gave a tight hug to each other.

***Krittika's knight in shining armour has already planned the rescue operation.***


# The Retreat

Krittika woke up fresh and all energetic to take on the world. She was not planning to take a day off as she had forgotten that it was her birthday. Vikrant had messaged her that he will reach at her place by 8.00 am. The girls need to get ready by then. Krittika had no clue what was going on in Vikrant's head. Krittika and Riddhima were ready on time. Krittika's mum had prepared birthday special breakfast. Krittika was in love with gobi parathas, and she had put an extra dose of white butter. She kissed her daughter and made a silent wish to God to ward off all the problems from her life, and she gets settled in life soon. So when a parent wants their daughter to "get settled.", their intention is to find a groom and get her married.

"Mum, open your eyes. The perfect guy for me will run away. Don't pray too hard." They all had a hearty laugh.

Girls gorged on to the parathas and left for the office. They reached the bus stand exactly at 8.00 am and Vikrant was waiting right there. Krittika was dressed in a feminine floral top with skin hugging jeans which did justice to her svelte figure. Her hair was loosely tied in a plait. Her signature ( big fat ) bag was swaying and her phone in another hand. She waved at him, and he waved back. Girls were giggling on something, and the smiling face made Krittika more adorable. He could not ask for more. The serenity of the situation brought a smile on Vikrant's face.

"I am sitting in front with the handsome lad Kritti..You sit behind."

"Ok," And Krittika sat behind.

"OMG, you are such a bore. I was expecting you to put up a fight. Come in the front and don't try to be the best girl."

Riddhima sat with a thud and Krittika had a mischievous smile on her face.

"Let's get back to work girls. Krittika, when I am taking the turn, and the car is pretty close to the stalker, make sure that you point correctly and show me who is the stalker. You need to point your finger at him in such a manner that he sees all of us. Ok?"

Krittika nodded in affirmation.

Vikrant took a turn, and the car was slowly moving towards the bus stop where the stalker was standing. Vikrant made sure that car is just trailing, Krittika pointed the finger towards the stalker and uttered to Vikrant, " He is the one "

Stalker did not pay any heed to Krittika's gesture and was looking at the opposite bus stop.His reaction confused all three of them. Krittika increased the volume of her voice and again repeated " Vikrant, this is the stalker" No reaction again. The stalker's gaze was fixed. Vikrant could not park the car on this busy road and had to speed off.

"Where was he looking Riddhima. Do you think he is blind? He did not react and was not staring at me." Vikrant's mind was busy in processing the information. Either this guy was just avoiding them because a male person was present with the girls or his target was somebody else. He had to get to the root of this issue else Krittika will be living in this perpetual fear. He dropped the girls to the office and told them to take a backseat for few days. The agreed arrangement was Vikrant would stay at his friend's place which was near to Krittika's house and keep a watch on this man. He had taken few weeks off from his work to finish the pending tasks in Delhi.

Before Krittika marched off, he pulled her back gently and wished her happy birthday again.

"We will have lunch together, just you and me. And while going back home, I will drop you at home. Let's follow this routine for few days."

Krittika was all smiles and could not have asked for a better birthday gift. Vikrant had planned to start the action from tomorrow.

Birthday was busy for Krittika, office colleagues wishing her, cake cutting, then pizza lunch with Vikrant. By the time, dusk came, she was all tired.

She was sitting beside him, with eyes closed. She had no clue how the evening will shape up.

"Hey, Krittu. Can I meet your parents tonight and we all can have dinner together "

"Yes, why not. They will be more than happy to meet you."

This was easy. Probably, Krittika does not know what Vikrant intends to do during dinner time. Vikrant parked the car and checked himself in the mirror. After all, he was going to meet the parents of her leading lady. Krittika was fatigued, and she did not notice Vikrant checking himself out. Krittika rang the bell, and her mother opened the door.

"Hello, mummy. What did you make for dinner? My day was very hectic. Mumma meet Vikrant. The answer to your morning prayers."

She chuckled. Her mother gave her a gentle slap and welcomed him inside. Krittika brought water for Vikrant and excused for few minutes to change. Krittika's father joined Vikrant and greeted him. They got engrossed in a conversation pretty quickly. The table was all set for the dinner. Krittika's mother called out.

Vikrant nudged Krittika to bring her mother. He wanted to talk something before they go for dinner. "Beta, this girl did not even tell me that you are coming else I would have cooked something special. As it's her birthday and she loves paneer and aloo gobi, so that is all there on the menu."

Vikrant smiled and said "No problem aunty. Menu items do not bother me. The food should be edible and tasty. And I am sure you would have cooked fantastic food."

Vikrant wanted to come to the point soon without losing his confidence.

"Uncle and Aunty, I am sure Krittika might have mentioned about me. I am sorry I came unannounced but today was the best day to discuss this topic with you. I am in love with your daughter and would like to marry her. If you are ok and accept me as your son-in-law, then I can ask my parents to meet you and take it further."

Vikrant's throat was all dry, and he finished the entire sentence without taking any break. He finished the speech and could see three blank faces. There was no reaction, and Krittika was the most startled one.

Krittika's father sensed the situation that the ladies of the house do not know how to react. He stood up and hugged Vikrant.

"If you can promise to keep our daughter happy and love her till eternity, we accept you as a family." Vikrant smiled and pressed Krittika's father hand in assurance. More hugs followed, and he bowed to take Auntie's blessings.

"Auntie, are you happy?"

"I am beta. A mother only wants her children to be happy. Let's have food. It's getting cold." Mothers have a fixation for warm food.

Vikrant and Krittika were exchanging secret glances and the moment their eyes used to meet, Krittika's face used to go crimson red. Vikrant was feeling at ease now. It was not easy for him to discuss his marriage proposal and that too in the first meeting.

Dinner was followed with homemade gajar ka halwa. It was time to say good night. Krittika's father took Vikrant's number and told him that they are eager to meet his parents. Vikrant took their leave and Krittika accompanied him to drop him till the car.

Vikrant held Krittika's hand which sent shivers across her.

"Hey, are you happy with the birthday gift?"

"I could not have asked for anything better."

She smiled shyly.

"I am amused to see this shy girl Krittu" Vikrant teased her and gave a small knock on her head. "Good night darling. I will see you tomorrow at the bus stop. I still need to deal with this stalker issue."

***They exchanged a quick hug and retreated to their individual nests.***


# Drawing Board

Vikrant wanted to end this stalker story soon. It was getting on his nerves. There was more to this situation which he was not able to understand. He had to unearth the secrets, The plan was he will accompany Krittika till the bus stop, wait with her till her bus comes and then keep a watch on the stalkers activity.

The day preceding Kritikka's birthday looked beautiful. Krittika appeared to be calm and at peace with herself. Now with Vikrant around she was sure, he will handle this situation, and they will live happily ever after. Krittika left for office. They were not able to talk much as Vikrant's eyes were fixed on the stalker. Vikrant started feeling that though his gaze is on Krittika, he is looking far beyond. The bus came, and Krittika left for the office. Vikrant crossed the road and stood at a comfortable distance from the man in order not to make him vigilant. Krittika has left, why this guy is still staring. And where he is looking?

There was an apartment behind the bus stop. Just above the roof of the bus stop, there were several overseeing balconies. Vikrant's eyes were switching places. He was trying to identify where the stalker was looking at. He came a little closer to the stalker to study his body movements. Vikrant noticed that the stalker's body loosened up a little. But what prompted that change. He tried to follow stalker's gaze, and he saw that the stalker was looking at one of the balconies of the apartment which was behind the bus stop. In that balcony, there were two children, and they were playing beside an old lady. Was he looking at those kids? Vikrant got confused. A car stopped at the stand, and the man boarded the car. It was not a taxi but a private car. He made a note of the number and also looked at the time. By the gait of the man, he appeared to be a working professional.

Next day, Vikrant was well prepared. He had asked his friend to be ready with his bike. The option of following him via bike was better as it can cruise anywhere. Chasing a car with a car and that too during morning office hours and in Delhi traffic was a real bad option. The Same routine was followed, and Vikrant noticed that the same car came to pick him up. He followed him. Traffic supported them, and they did not loose him. The car was about to halt and reached opposite to Krittika's office and at the same time when her bus arrived. The stalker was still there long after Krittika had left. His moves were confusing Vikrant and creating a spider web.

Suddenly Vikrant noticed a change in the stalker's demeanour. A car stopped, and a lady came out of it. She must be in her late 30's. The car went off, and the woman started walking in the stalker's directions. Vikrant quickly instructed his friend that he will follow the lady and Vikrant will keep an eye on the stalker. The woman and the man exchanged few words. And by the sound of it, it seemed that the lady was angry. The next scene was intriguing for Vikrant. The stalker was seen folding his hands as if asking for forgiveness. The woman furiously nodded her head in disagreement and walked off. The man hid his head in his palms and seemed that he was sobbing. Vikrant was tempted to go and ask the stalker what exactly is going on and how Krittika is related to all this. The man left in the car, and Vikrant was keeping an eye on him. Meanwhile, his friend returned. He had some interesting tidbits to share. When he was following the lady in question, she had called up somebody, and this was the conversation,

" I still do not understand why he is chasing up for the past one month. I have told him umpteen times that I will not forgive him, but he does not understand. I fear for my children. Though his mother stays with me, I hope he does not use her as the bait. I should better leave this city asap."

Inside the tower, it was a restricted area and only people who work there are allowed, Vikrant's friend could not go inside and returned.

Vikrant and his friend needed coffee after this cat and mouse chase. They went to a nearby cafe and ordered strong coffee with sandwiches. He asked for a pen and paper.

"Apparently it seems that the stalker is not following Krittika and his point of interest is some house behind the bus stop. Coincidentally the lady also works in the same tower as of Krittika's. So now we need to make sure that our finding is correct."

Next step: Vikrant will contact his detective friend who will don the character of a policeman. They will take the man to a secluded area and make him reveal his real motive.

***The homework completed, and it will be show time tomorrow.***


# It's War

It was the day of the climax. Vikrant hoped that at least things will be cleared, and he can concentrate on the new phase of his life. They did not change their routine. Vikrant accompanied Krittika, and once she boarded the bus, he went on to the other side of the road. He could easily narrate the stalker's routine. The stalker's gaze was fixed on the balcony. Kids were playing nicely there.

Vikrant's friend was standing at a comfortable distance to take charge in case the situation goes out of control. Detectives, dressed in plain clothes arrived. One stood next to Vikrant, and the other stood next to the stalker. Stalker's daily gazing was finished, and he was about to board the car. Detectives came in action, they circled the stalker and showed the ID cards. ID Cards presented them as police officers. One of them quietly whispered in his ears " Let's not make a scene here. We will board the car with you. We do not intend to do any harm to you. We just need some information. We are three people. Two will sit with you in the back seat, and one of our allies will sit in the front. Pls instruct, your driver, to unlock all the doors."

Stalker understood that fighting with these guys here will not be of any use, and he followed the instructions.

Task one Completed!

Vikrant was sitting in the front and instructed the driver to follow his instructions. The plan was to go and sit in a cafe and speak to him. Vikrant knew one cafe which did not see much traffic in the morning hours. They reached the cafe. Vikrant's friend was following the car. He was supposed to keep a watch on the driver while three of them drill the stalker. They made this kind of arrangement to ensure that the driver does not call up the "real policemen" or discuss this issue with somebody. The moment Vikrant and detective along with the stalker left for the cafe, Vikrant' s friend sat in the car. Vikrant ordered coffee for all.

"Hello, my name is Vikrant and pls do not panic. We want some information and it will be great if you answer all my questions honestly."

"My wife had sent you, am I right? And you are her boyfriend."

"No. I do not know your wife. It will be my turn to ask you the questions first."

Vikrant opened his cell phone and clicked on Krittika's photo.

"Do you know this girl?"

"No, I do not know her."

"See the picture clearly. You stand exactly opposite to the bus stop from where this girl boards the bus. You constantly stare at this girl. Moreover, when the bus reaches the destination, you are again near her office. I want to know why re you chasing her and what is your motive."

"I do not know what you are talking about."

"Ok. Let me make it simple. Don't you go every day to Tower No 26 at 9.00 am ?"

"Yes, I go."

"Are you not stalking this girl."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I am a respectable man and a CEO of a firm. I will sue you guys."

The man got miffed up and stood up in anger. The detectives signalled him to sit down so as not to draw attention from few people who were sitting there.

"I think there is something which we need clarification. Why do you keep looking at that balcony which is behind Model Colony bus stop ?"

"I know my wife has sent you, and I do not understand the motive. Does she have a problem if I see my children and mother from a distance?"

Hmmm, Vikrant knew that there was something else to this story.

"If you are a respectable person and a CEO, why have you dressed up as a stalker. Does your wife works at Tower 26 ?"

"I dress up like this so that my wife, children and my mother should not notice me. She does not allow me to meet my children so my only respite is to see them from a distance. I tried to meet her and sort things, but she did not entertain me. She is planning to file for divorce and be the custodian of my children."

"What did you do which prompted this reaction from her side."

Vikrant was surprised to see him break down. He was sobbing and covered his face. Vikrant offered him some water. He took few minutes to come back to normalcy.

"Like any normal couple, we too had differences. I had started hating my wife and because of our hectic life we were not able to spend time with each other. The growing distance took us further apart, and lack of communication worsened the situation. I was always angry with my wife and blamed her for everything. I failed to see that she is performing double shifts; one at the office and one at home. She tried to sort things, but the discussions always ended with heated arguments. I was always angry and after a while, she gave up on me. At one party, I went overdose with the alcohol and had a one-night stand. I was guilty of doing this, and before I could tell my wife about this, she came to know about it. The party had our common friends, and they saw me going with the girl. She just asked me if this was true. I confessed. There were no arguments, no discussions and she told me to leave. It's been six months that I have not seen my children. I know I have behaved terribly and just need one more chance. When we lose something only then we realise the importance of it in our lives. I miss her and my children terribly and want my family back."

Ok, so this is the twist. This guy is buried under his miseries. Vikrant smiled and finished his coffee. He was feeling relieved that at least Krittika is not involved in all this. It is just a coincidence that she waits at the bus stop which is in front of this man's house and his wife also works in the same tower.

"Now some truth from our side. We are not from the police. The reason we brought you here is that; my girlfriend boards the bus from the model colony bus stop and works at Tower 26. She saw you every day staring and following her to Tower 26, and we thought you are a stalker. Thank you for cooperating with us. I can not comment on your personal matter and will pray that things work out for you. I can only tell you one thing; wives can tolerate poverty, bad times everything but not infidelity. You have screwed up things and see how you can mend it up.You can go now. If you do not mind, can you drop us all at Tower 26? I need to give the good news to my girlfriend that you are not a stalker."

*People around us have their share of tragedies which we are not even aware of. It is better to be thankful for what we have and appreciate the small things.*

**With a light head and heart, Vikrant called up Krittika.**


# Back to Life

Vikrant narrated the entire incident to Krittika. She was relieved to know that the stalker did not exist. She silently prayed that the children get the love of both the parents. It was celebration time in the evening. Vikrant announced during the party that the proposal of marriage has been accepted by Krittikas parents and after their parents meet, the wedding date will be announced. Cork popped out from the bottle of champagne, and a toast was raised to the new VikrantKrittika era.

> ***Sometimes what we see is not true, we need to take a step back to assess the situation and get to the "real truth." Dissect the problem at hand and clear the cobwebs from your mind!***