Illusion Chapter 4

4 . No Autograph, no photograph.

 

Manik

Passing by  the  living room of my mansion I was greeted by my one and only companion Loneliness. Screaming things that I would like to discard from my mind.

Shaking my head away from the thoughts of past , I climbed up the stairs  sparing a single glance at the corner where stood the idols in all its glory in its own kingdom, Feared by all and indifferent to all who prayed to him .

Sighing I went straight to terrace , dropping my blazer at the floor I leaned on at the recliner . Too tired to call the staff for some refreshment .

Conversation with Anny flashed before my eyes and a small  chuckle left out from my throught. A painful chuckle .

She is too naive !

A light sound snapped me out and I found Mariya bringing the tray of food near the recliner . 
Her tired eyes with prominent wrinkles are give away of her age. The only one in the mansion who cares  for me more then her paycheck.

She   smiled brightly by placing the tray in front of me while preparing to serve the dishes .

" It's late Mariya , you should go home now , the driver will drop you and send my pills with someone. " I said and started digging in my food .

" Okay Manik Baba , sleep well . " She said smilingly and left the place.

After a while,  another worker came up with the pills and handed it to me . 
Leaving the food I walked up to the railing to glanced at the sea . The shores were glistering with the moon light . 
As I inhaled a deep breath my mind drifted back to the lady at the beach.

Will she be here ??

There is only one way to find out.

~

Parking my Jeep at the same spot . I curiously strode towards the place where she was sitting yesterday.

With every step I took my anticipation grew . I was very determined to find if that voice was my mind playing games or the effects of the pills .

My questions were soon answered as the same melodic voice reach my ears yet again singing a melody song . 
At first I could only hear some humming but eventually when I got closer I could comprehend the song . It was one of the hit melody in the industry.

She must be a singer ! Her voice is so soothing.

"'phir le aaya dil majboor kya keeje
raas na aaya rehna door kya keeje
dil keh raha use maqammal kar bhi aao
wo jo adhoori si baat baaki hai
wo jo adhoori si yaad baaki hai
wo jo adhoori si yaad baaki hai

(the helpless heart has brought me here again, what to do,
staying away wasn't good to me, what to do..
the heart says go complete-
that talk that remains still incomplete,
that memory that remains still incomplete,
that memory that remains still incomplete..)'"

I walked at a low pace listening to her voice . I stood a few feet away from her yet again she was so engrossed in her song that she hardly noticed .

"kismat ko hai yeh manzoor kya keeje
milte rahe hum badastoor kya keeje
dil keh raha hai use musalsal kar bhi aao
(The fate wishes this, what to do,
let us keep meeting as we do, what to do,
the heart says, go make it forever,)"

I inched a little bit closer and sat beside her leaving a handsome distance between us.

"wo jo ruki ..
(That stuck..) "

Her voice stopped and she visibly stiffened sensing my present . 
She clutched her bag tightly which was paying in her lap . 
She snapped her head towards me and I came face to face with the owner of the voice .

Round doe eyes stared back at me, shock registered in them , the orbs widden a bit then blinked as if recognizing me she let out a breath .

Must be a fan of mine !

My eyes travelled down to her small nose , a plump lips with slight chubby cheeks. The moonlight casting a golden glow to add to the surreal face .

Her eyes narrowed at me making me snapped out of the haze , when the reality crashed over me.

Why is she not reacting ?

I too reciprocate her action and narrowed my eyes at her to which she rolled her eyes and looked back at the sea.

How can she not know me ? She seemed to recognize me earlier ?? .

" Hey  !"  I  greeted  unsure , my voice ditching me . It didn't even sound like mine . 

" You talking to me ?" She  replied hesitantly still gazing at the waves and eventually her lap .

" Who else is here   ?, " I reasoned while she  turned towards me . Her eyes bright not a slight evident of fawning . Her gaze was stren yet calculating as if assessing me.

I was confused , no one acted this indifferent in front of me before . 
Whenever I met someone it's either they run behind me for a selfie or willing to throw themselves at me by their slutrey talks.

"  Do You know , who you are talking to ??" I asked a little bit irritated from her lack of appropriate response.

" Yeah , who doesn't ?  " She said while drifting her eyes back to sea. 
Shoulder slugged back , tiredness evident in her features.

Strange !! No Autograph! No Photograph?

Smiling internally I sat in a comfortable position. Instantly missing her song .

" I must have disturbed your singing , you carry on please ." I said rubbing my hands together to dust off the sand . Finally I can listen to some good music.

Did I just said  please ?

A beep sounded from her bag and she let out a sigh.

" It's okay , the beach is all yours . Goodnight ." She said while standing and turned away .

I frowned at her words.

Even before replying that The beach she was sitting at is my private property , I saw her retreating figure in the dusky moonlight.

Long gone was the wish for some good music.

Who is she ? Your personal singer ? 
Taunted my inner voice and I let out a shakey laugh.

I sat there listening to the waves , watching the stars and eventually went back to the mansion for my pills.

                       ____________