Transit- Chapter 3

Ayaan pulled up to the corner of the restaurant, turning into the parking lot. He drove around a few times looking for a space that was easily accessible since he wasn't going to be long. He'd just take his cell phone and head to the 'Rent-a-car' which was on the other side of town. They were the best when it came to keeping things vague and secretive. Pulling into the space, he turned off the ignition and sat there, contemplating. No matter what he did, he couldn't bring himself to move from his seat. His fears and irrationalities were starting to surface again and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't push them away. Sighing, he held onto the steering wheel and pressed his head down onto his hands. He couldn't understand why he was so worked up, anxious and excited all at the same time. Contradictory images of the two of them kept flooding his mind. Mental images of them away on their honeymoon and on the other hand, Trisha back with one of her exes. She had had quite a colourful past, something he accepted but could never really let go off. Now and then her past crept back into his thoughts, lingered there for a while eating away his calm; then suddenly disappeared, crawling back into that darkness from which it came. Like a ghost that preyed on his doubts and insecurities. There was no second thought to whether he loved her, he was certain, but there were times when he found himself doubting her words, when he didn't completely trust her. He forced himself to brush the thoughts aside and when he was sure his mood was restored to the cheery, excited, and exceptionally happy disposition from only moments ago, he stepped out into the afternoon sun and locked the door behind him.

As he walked to the restaurant, Ayaan couldn't help but take in the fresh air from all around him. He found himself in the middle of one of the most beautiful days he'd ever witnessed. If it was merely for the bright blue sky and cotton candy-like clouds that seemed to loom high above his head or the fact that he would soon be meeting Trisha, it didn't matter. All he knew was that nothing except the two of them was important and he wasn't going to let anything ruin his high spirits. Suddenly, an unexplainable surge from within made him do something completely unexpected, it came as a surprise even to him. He began to whistle and the tune that came through his lips was that of their favourite song. As he neared the corner of the restaurant, he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. Like someone was waiting to hurt him or waiting for him to leave to make themselves known. He glanced over his shoulder but he didn't see anything suspicious, just a few people walking past, chatting loudly into their phones while some seemed to be rushing to catch the bus, but nothing out of the ordinary. He pulled on the glass door of the restaurant and walked in, scanning the room for Trisha. Instead, he found Nikita sitting alone, talking into her cell phone. She noticed him and waved for him to join her.
"That was Trisha. She'll be here soon."
"That's good," he said, smiling. "How are you?"
"I'm alright. Just busy with work but that's usual."
Ayaan hadn't really spent much time getting to know Nikita mostly because he was never around when she'd drop by the apartment. What he knew about her was just the little that he'd hear from stories. Trisha always chatted about the girls so that's how he was fairly acquainted with Nikita. Nikita was almost always on her phone, texting or chatting with someone or another. Ayaan was thankful that he didn't really have to say much to her. He just tried filling the awkward silence with small talk about work or the boyfriend while he waited for Trisha. He was slowly getting impatient. He kept looking at his watch every few minutes while he sat, shaking his legs anxiously in his seat making this desperation obvious. Finally, he jerked up announcing, "I'll be outside. I need a smoke."

********

Gaurav sat at a coffee shop at the corner of the street, just out of sight. He wanted to stay just far enough from Trisha but still know where she was so he could get her alone again. He wasn't going to give up on the idea of charming her back. He had too much of pride to fail. That meant he would do anything to try and win her over. He sat, brooding, slowly sipping on the non-fat latte the waitress had just brought over, intently staring at the entrance of Careno's. The events from earlier in the day kept playing in his head like a CD that seemed to be caught in the player, dusty and scratched. Holding up a newspaper, he glanced from the words to the door, hoping it didn't seem obvious that he was spying on somebody. "You're not fooling anybody by hiding like that," said the soft, sensual voice from behind him, inches from the nape of his neck. Gaurav quickly turned to find Sharon standing wide eyed, with a crocked smile, enough to make the deep impression in her right cheek visible. "Don't scare me like that! I almost spilled my latte," he yelled, scaring her just a little. "Jeez, lighten up! You know I didn't mean to startle you." Sharon stood in front of him, leaning forward to reveal just a hint of cleavage. Her olive green t-shirt clung to her curves, accentuating her very delicate, slender frame. Her long, spiral curls were pinned up in a bun, with a few strands falling gently around her exquisite, ethnic oval face. Her black eyes sparkled as she pulled out the chair to settle in. He eyed her before her turned away, focusing his attention once again at the glass doors of Careno's. "Why do you dress like that? Do you want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself?" he said, without so much as a look in her direction. "I don't understand why you try so hard. You're the one that's not fooling anybody with…those…" he said, looking at Sharon's perfectly perky breasts, particularly happy that he managed to vent and use Sharon as his punching bag. That's what she was around for anyway. He didn't love her, nor did she appeal to him as someone he'd want to have a lasting relationship with. She was just the unfortunate girl who happened to be head-over-heels in love with him—the perfect door mat; in the right place at the right time. She would do anything he asked of her. She was so desperate for his approval and his affection that she stooped to levels he didn't even know, existed. And the sex! Talk about kinky... the girl definitely knew her way around the bed. She did things right out of his wildest, dirtiest, most sadistic fantasies. But she wasn't the one that got away, the one he wanted so he could boost his ego—to prove to himself that he could have anybody he wanted. Not that winning back Trisha's affections would really make a difference to him. He didn't really love her either. For him, women were just games, mere conquests, bets that he made with his friends. She was just another one of those bets but it lasted longer than he planned; too long that her memories became hard to erase. He remembered every curve of her body vividly; her scent; her taste; the way she looked when she dreamed. He couldn't explain why but this girl had definitely done something to him, almost cast a spell that made him so obsessed. He had to be free of her completely. So he had to resort to begging and pleading, the only thing he thought would work. But he was way off base. Something now told him that he'd need more than the whiney boy routine to make her listen; he needed to deceive and manipulate. All this so he could have the pleasure of being rid of her once and for all. That she wouldn't govern his thoughts and dreams anymore. He wanted his life back and he was going to take it.

"What are you thinking about?" Sharon asked, cutting into his thoughts. But he didn't answer her question. Instead, he continued to stare outside the glass window. Sipping on his latte, Gaurav turned to Sharon, "Did you find out anything more?" She knew that he never really appreciated what she did for him when she did something right but she shuddered at the thought of how he was going to react when she told him that she couldn't really find out much. "Umm… no… nothing much really… they invited me to lunch but I turned them down. I didn't know if I could manage to remain inconspicuous." Gaurav's intense look of anger and frustration left Sharon frightened. "You had one job to do! One job… to stay close and keep me informed. Couldn't you just use that tiny brain and stay with her?"
"I'm sorry Gaurav. I-I-I didn't mean to. I could always walk over there and pretend I've just bumped into her," she said in a soft, teary voice. Gaurav looked away from her face, obviously annoyed with her. She always cried. "Arrgh! Why are you so frustrating? Do you have to make a scene everywhere you go? Now stop crying before I-I…" Gaurav stopped mid sentence as he saw Alicia and Trisha walking towards the restaurant. She sat upright in his wicker chair, staring at the now smiling Trisha, her silky dark hair shining in the sunlight. He held his breath, like he had been caught when she stopped just outside the doors, talking to somebody. In his disgruntlement, he hadn't noticed Ayaan waiting outside with a cigarette. He watched, as his blood slowly started to boil, Trisha move into Ayaan's arms as he hugged her in full view of the public, planting a kiss on her forehead. Sharon watched as Gaurav's hands clenched into tight fists, making his knuckles whiten as the blood slowly drained away. Now steaming, he turned to Sharon. "Now's your chance so don't screw it up!"

********

"Thank God you’re here. I was getting restless." Ayaan said as he gently released Trisha from his hold. It seemed almost too long since he held her close that it had started to hurt. "Ha-ha… I missed you too baby. Where did you run to this morning?" Ayaan blushed at the question but quickly brushed it aside.
"Do you have my phone? I'm so late and Kevin is going to kill me!"
"Aren't you coming inside?"
"No sweetie, I really have to hurry. Kevin's probably already waiting for me. Besides, I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on with the girls right?" Trisha turned to Alicia, "Go on inside, I'll be right in." Alicia waved good bye to Ayaan and headed into the restaurant. Trisha then turned to him with a sly smile, "What are you up to?" Ayaan knew that look. Trisha was on to him but she wasn't sure what he was planning. "Nothing sweetie, I left home early to get you this," he said, handing her an envelop. She looked at him, puzzled. "Open it," he said with a big smile. Trisha quickly tore into it like a little girl, excited to open her first birthday present. "What is it?" she asked, staring at a gift card.
"It's a gift certificate for a massage and facial at that luxury spa you've always wanted to go to."
"At the Four Seasons? Baby that must have been expensive…"
"Naah…it was nothing…nothing's expensive when it comes to you, you know that." He stared into her eyes a few moments. "Anyway, I have you down for a 4 o'clock appointment so you have plenty of time."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'll grab a bite to eat with Kevin, finish his work and then head home. I want to take a little nap."
"Ok sweetie, have fun. I'll see you at home."
He kissed her, took his cell phone and headed back to the parking lot. Trisha started behind him, and then shook her head smiling, turned and entered the restaurant.

********

Gaurav watched as Ayaan and Trisha bid each other farewell and headed their separate ways. He ordered an open sandwich and another latte before speaking to Sharon. "Please get this right this time. All you have to do is pretend to run into them and make small talk. It's simple so don't mess this up." "Alright," she said, wiping away the few drops of tears that had managed to escape. "I'll inform you as soon as I know anything." She stood up, straightened her t-shirt and adjusted the pleats of her beige skirt before turning to look at him. She hesitated as she saw that he wasn't paying attention to her but just stared out at the road that led to Careno's. As she left the coffee shop, she pulled out her cell phone and crossed the street. She paused only for a second, held her breath and pulled on the handles.

The cool air hit her almost immediately as she pretended to stare intently at the screen, typing out a text message. Before she could look up, she heard someone jog up to her. "Sharon?" She looked up from her phone and feigned surprise. "Oh hey! This is weird. Funny running into you here." Trisha smiled at her. "Will you be here long? Coz if you are, the invitation is still open." "Sure, I'd love to join you. It definitely beats eating alone." Trisha guided Sharon over to her table. "That's Nikita and you've met Alicia." Sharon smiled as she settled into the empty seat near Nikita. After a few moments of awkward silence, Trisha called for the waiter to place the order. Sharon sat smiling, listening intently to everything being said around the table, occasionally answering questions that Trisha and her friends asked. From what she gathered, Trisha had everything a girl could dream of—good looks, a great apartment, was adequately compensated for her creativity and she also had the perfect man to take care of her. Sharon began to feel stabs of jealousy but maintained that pasted smile. Here, she was someone who was hopelessly in love with Trisha’s ex that she’d do anything he wanted her to. She wasn’t happy with her job or how much she earned as a bartender at a hot night club. She wasn’t what she thought she would be at 26 and slowly began resenting Trisha for it. “So Trisha, tell me about that guy from earlier this morning,” Sharon said, with a hint of maliciousness in her voice. She didn’t want her tone to be a dead give away but from the pent up frustration and inferiority complex she was tangled in, she couldn’t control herself. Trisha’s smile soon faded at the though of Gaurav. “I’d much rather forget the whole thing,” was all she managed to say in reply. But Sharon pressed on. She didn’t want to be someone who ended up with nothing while the likes of Trisha always managed to be those lucky few to have beauty, intelligence, wealth—every conceivable human desire thrust upon them. She wasn’t going to make it easy for anyone anymore. “No seriously, what do you think he wanted to talk to you about?” Her tone was calmer now. If she was going to make Trisha miserable, she had to be discreet. “Yea, what do you think he wants?” Alicia chimed in, finally letting her curiosity control the need to strangle Gaurav. “Please just drop this! I don’t want to think about it…” Trisha said, almost breaking down again. Nikita glared at Sharon but immediately diverted her attention to Trisha whose head was now resting against her arm, on the white tablecloth. Sharon dropped the subject but she wasn’t going to let it go. If she was going to pry, she’d slowly try getting the truth out of Gaurav. But right now she had to pretend to be her friend, even if deep down, she loathed the very sight of this perfect little princess.

Sharon smiled slightly, a sorry attempt to show that she understood how Trisha felt. Temporarily changing the discussion to something lighter, Sharon tried to learn what the birthday girl had planned for the rest of the evening. “You’re right, you should just ignore him. Men like that only spell trouble…” she paused for a few moments. “Hey, I have an idea, let’s all go catch a movie or something after lunch. It’ll be my treat obviously. That’ll be a good way to put this whole thing behind you. I hear Public Enemy’s supposed to be good…” she said, smiling widely now. “Thanks but I have somewhere I have to be,” Nikita rudely threw in, her way of letting Sharon know that her annoying interesting in Trisha’s personal life was not appreciated… “And besides, I think Trisha has other plans.”
“Well, that’s good. You shouldn’t let this get you down. What are you going to do anyway?” Sharon asked, hoping she could have something concrete to tell Gaurav. “Well, I have a 4 o’clock at the Four Season’s spa. After that, I’m not sure… Ayaan and I will probably just order in and watch a movie or something.”
“That sounds good.”
“Yea… it is.”
The waiter came with the food, a Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a Chicken Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad with a side order of garlic bread. They were four women with tiny appetites so the garlic bread was more of an indulgence. It was one of Trisha’s favourites and after the morning she had, she was definitely going to spoil herself. They ate in silence, occasionally cutting the tension with a few laughs and giggles of trivial banter. Nikita was all too aware that Sharon was not who she seemed but she kept her thoughts to herself. She’d just have to let it go for now. She’d tell her how she felt later. After the hour long goring, Trisha headed to the ladies room. She needed a few moments to herself, to process what had happened before. She splashed the ice water on her face, staring at her reflection as she reached for a paper towel. As she stared unseeing at her collar bone, letting the weight of her torso fall on her delicate wrists, she couldn’t shut out the memories of that night. The night Gaurav accused her of cheating when he hurled abuses at her just before walking out, leaving helpless and alone. She began to feel nauseous. She just had to get out of the restaurant, she needed to be alone. She stormed out of the ladies room and headed to the table. “Alicia, here’s the money for the lunch. I need time to think. I’m going for a walk. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I’ll call you when I get home.” She grabbed her bag and sprinted toward the door, leaving the three of them staring after her.