Transit- Chapter 4

Ayaan entered the apartment. It was almost 3 in the afternoon and he was exhausted. Making his way to the bed, he threw his shirt and jeans on the floor. In his boxers now, he turned up the air conditioning, cooling his body as the sweat slowly dried. Slumping on the bed, he reached for his jeans. Pulling out his wallet, cell phone and finally the car keys, he began singing. Throwing his pants back onto the carpeted floor of the bedroom, he walked over to the bathroom, turning on the shower. A quick wash would help him drift into serenity a lot sooner. He went back over to the bed and slumped onto the mattress. He reached over to his wallet and pulled out a tiny slip of pink paper, the receipt from the Rent-a-Car. The limousine would be here at 7 which gave her plenty of time to dress once she came back from the spa. He explicitly requested that there be a bottle of sparkling wine cooling in a bucket, and on the seat, a box of chocolates along with a bouquet of lilies. The driver wouldn’t know anything, expect the destination and that meant, only the person making the arrangements knew what was really going on. The car would drop her at the spot where he would be waiting to meet her. The long week of planning was finally coming together tonight and Ayaan was now getting anxious. As the minutes ticked away, he started to quaver. Whether it was the now chilly room or his nervousness, he wasn’t sure. All he knew was that he was starting to panic. The kind of panic people felt before a big exam or when they’re awaiting their results. He stepped into the shower, bathed and went to bed.

********

Sharon stepped out of Careno’s and waved goodbye to Alicia and Nikita. Gaurav was probably eager to know what happened so she hurried to the coffee shop just as she was out of their sight. Gaurav greeted her at the door even before she could fully enter. “Why’d she run out like that?” he asked, unable to contain his desperation.
“You could at least greet me Gaurav,” she said, hoping for a little respect from him.
“What happened?” he forced, more sternly this time.
“I don’t know why she ran out like that. All she said was that she needed to be alone. She went into the ladies room after lunch and the next thing I know, she couldn’t wait to get out of there. Maybe she’s gone crazy...really Gaurav, what do you see in her?” she said, in a condescending tone.
His tone was more annoyed now. “That’s none of your business. What I do should be of absolute no fucking consequence to you. So stay out of it!”
“Hey I’m much into this now as you are. I didn’t ask to be brought in, you’re the one who needed me remember?”
Gaurav fell silent. He knew he couldn’t afford to be rid of her so soon. After all, she was good for his ego and one of the easiest lays he ever had. He shouldn’t be spitting in her face this way. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Did you find out anything?”
She was a little skeptical with his sudden change in demeanor but she was glad that he apologized. His apologies were hard to come by and she was going to enjoy it. “Hmm…I really don’t know Gaurav…I know you can do better than that…” she said, grinning to herself. “Don’t push it Sharon! I’m in absolutely no mood. She’s gone and I don’t know where she is,” he snapped.
“Relax…” she said in calm, gently voice in an attempt to lull him. “We may not know where she is now but I know where she’ll be at 4…” she said, stressing on the word four with a teasing, playful tone.
“What do you mean?” he asked, intrigued by this sudden mischievousness in Sharon’s behaviour.
“Well…I know her boyfriend has her down for a 4 o’clock massage and facial at the Four Seasons…and she will be alone…” she said, letting her voice trail off, leaving them in silence. An instinctive grin spread across his face as he glanced outside the spotless glass window, thinking… plotting… scheming. The smile quickly faded. It was now replaced by a serious, purposeful look. “I’ll catch you later. I have something to take care of.” He leapt off his chair, and was out the door quicker than Sharon even had the chance to say bye.

********

Trisha blared music as she walked, almost ran down the street. Her iPod held firmly in her hand, she moved past shops and apartment buildings. She didn’t care where she was going, just as long she as she was far enough to be with herself, with her thoughts and memories. Stomping past people, Trisha moved in frenzied trance, almost like she had lost her mind. The events from this morning, the week kept playing in her head, the crank phone calls, that message that still lay in her inbox, and this morning. The vivid pictures rattled around her head, slamming her thoughts in every conceivable direction. Her head was splitting with all the anger, resentment, hate, fear and defeat she felt. Why had he come back? Trisha began to sweat, slowly feeling the release of the torrent of emotions she was going through. When she could see clearly, she realized she had walked almost all the way to the spa. Checking the time on the new watch she got as a present from the girls, she realized that she had about 15 minutes before her appointment so she decided to continue on foot the rest of the way.

Passing a huge play ground, she noticed some children lying around in the sand box and she fought the urge to go and join them. She stopped to catch her breath before she continued on her way, still gazing at the sand pit. She was almost at the Four Seasons when her phone began buzzing in her pocket. Every time her phone rang, she froze, hoping it wouldn’t be another one of those crank calls. She pulled out her phone, checking her caller id before answering it. “Hello?” she said, relieved to see Nikita’s name flash on the screen.
“Hey sweetie, I couldn’t wait to talk to you. What happened?”
“Nothing… I just couldn’t shake off the book store.”
“Do you need me to come down there?”
“Ha-ha…No, I’m fine… seriously. Don’t worry…”
“Are you sure? You looked pretty worked up…”
“Yeah don’t worry. Besides, I don’t want you to wait while I get pampered. Relax. I’ll call you when I get home.”
“One more thing, why did you have to invite Sharon? She totally made things weird today.”
“Ha-ha…Goodbye Nikita…” she said, feeling a little better after the conversation. Nikita was almost always weird when it came to inviting another person when we met up. She shoved the ell phone into her handbag this time and entered the lavish lobby of the four seasons. Walking over to the reception, she reached into her wallet and pulled out the certificate. She was greeted by the warm smile of the receptionist who almost immediately seemed drawn to her. “Good afternoon miss, how may I help you?”
“I have a gift certificate for a massage and facial at the spa. My name is Trisha Shah. I think you have me down for a 4 o’clock appointment.”
“Yes ma’am. If you could please have a seat, one of the spa attendants will be with you shortly,” he said, flashing his perfect set of teeth. Trisha waited, still listening to her iPod when a young Asian girl, dressed in a crisp while tailored coat with matching white pants came to greet her. “Hello, I’m Kayo Kazuko and I’ll be your therapist for today. Please, come with me.” Kayo Kazuko led her through a marbled hall way with high pillars that lined the walls. Trisha followed her petit Japanese frame until she came to a halt in front of a huge wooden double door with large ornate gold handles that seemed to match the writing on the gold name plate nailed to the wall that read ‘SPA’. Pushing with a certain amount of force, Kayo led her to the allotted cabin leaving her to change into the robe and disposable underwear from the cupboard. Before calling Kayo back into the room, she looked around, taking in the atmosphere. The lighting, the massage table, the tiny shower, all seemed like the perfect place to relax. She de-robed and climbed onto the massage table, waiting for kayo to return.

Ten minutes passed but Kayo hadn’t returned. Trisha was well aware of her nakedness and began to feel exposed and helpless. She was about to enter when Kayo quietly entered the room, holding a bunch of towels and massage oils. “Sorry I took long. I couldn’t find fresh towels,” she said, with her distinct Japanese accent. “Oh that’s alright,” Trisha replied, smiling, relieved to be rid of her vulnerability from a few moments ago. Setting the pile down on a nearby table, Kayo grabbed hold of a fresh towel and spread it out on top of Trisha, covering her entire body. She moved over to the corner of the room, turned a few knobs that seemed to be a permanent fixture in the ivory coloured walls of the cubicle. In an instant, the lights were turned down to the gently yellow glow, similar to night lamps. Soft music that can only be described as the gently tinkling of bells that one could hear in the distance. Everything about it seemed authentically Japanese, the sights, the sounds and the smells. The atmosphere of the room completely relaxed and soothed Trisha’s restless nerves. As Kayo slowly but firmly massaged the sweet smelling cherry blossom oils into Trisha’s back, her anxiety faded and gradually, so did her consciousness.

********

Gaurav raced into the lobby, pushing the guests as he made his way to the reception. The clocks on the wall behind the reception told the time of all the major metropolises around. New York, Taiwan, India, all prominently displayed for all the hotel staff and guests alike. Gasping for breath, Gaurav checked his watch, 4.49 p.m. He was on time and he couldn’t wait any longer. Fidgeting with his watch, Gaurav waited for the elderly couple to finish with their check-in. As soon as he reached the front desk, he blurted “Where can I find the spa?” completely side-stepping the receptionist’s afternoon greeting. “Do you have an appointment sir?” he asked, with a straight face. “No, but I’m looking for a Ms. Trisha Shah. I believe she had a 4 o’clock appointment.”
“I’m sorry sir but I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to divulge that information. We respect the privacy of our guests and Mr. Ayaan Dadarkar specifically requested that she not be disturbed.”
“It’s important. There’s been a family emergency. You have got to help me.”
“Alright sir. One moment.”
The receptionist checked his records before continuing. “She’s in cabin 6 and her therapist is Kayo Kazuko.”
“Thanks. Which way do I go?”
“Follow that passage,” he said, pointing to his left. “It’s the big wooden doors at the end of the corridor.”
Gaurav ran in the direction he was pointed to and stopped in front of the big wooden doors. He paused for several minutes, composing himself, think of his opening line. Now that he got her completely alone, he knew that there was no way she could run anywhere. He took a deep breath and tugged on the handles. The scent of fresh cherry blossoms and incense filled his nostrils in an almost sickening, suffocating effect. He approached the Spa reception area and asked for cabin 6. “Third door on your right. Take the first left from here,” came the non-interested response of the Japanese girl sitting at the counter. She had been reading a magazine and hadn’t bothered looking up from the page. Stopping right outside the door, Gaurav gently turned the knob peering through the tiny crevice. The room was dark, mellow with the yellow light that fell through from the tiny oil lamps placed around. Kayo had stepped out, letting Trisha sleep before it was time for her facial. He quickly entered the room, gently locking the door behind him. He didn’t want to wake her up just yet. He tip-toed over to the massage able and gazed at the sleeping Trisha, lying unaware and naked in front of him. The ache in his pants began to grow but he fought back the urge to ravish her right there on the table. Staring at her oiled, naked back, he couldn’t help but gently run his finger down the middle. He felt her stir under his touch, making an evil smile play about his lips.

Walking over to the massage oils, he unscrewed the cover of the bottle, pouring the fragrant liquid out onto his palm. Rubbing his hands together to release the aromas and simultaneously heat the oil, he strode over to the table, still grinning evilly to himself. Slowly, he reached forward, finally touching her. His excitement began to grow as he vigorously rubbed the oils into her skin. Moving his oily hands all across her naked back, he began concentrating on her waist. Slowly moving away from the centre, he placed his hands on the side, just above her hips. He gently rubbed, causing her to move, enjoy the sensual movement of his fingers. Moving higher, along the sides of her body, he reached her chest. The flesh of her breasts played about his fingers. The lump in his pants began to grow as he rubbed, caressed the side of her breasts, slowly inching his fingers towards her nipples. He couldn’t contain his excitement any longer. Running to the door to make sure it was locked; he slowly unzipped his pants and pulled down his boxers. His pulsating penis bulged out in front of him. He moved over to Trisha and yanked the towel off her body. He slowly began to turn her over. Her oily body, against his equally oily hands made it impossible. He was going to have to carry her but before he had his chance someone noisily approached the door, rattling the door knob to try and open it. He quickly pulled up his pants and ran over to the massage table where Trisha was now slowly snapping back into consciousness.

She was still groggy from the nap when she saw the door was locked from inside and she realized why. Gaurav was standing close to her, looking at her in frustration. She pulled the towel close to her body, wrapping it around herself as she half sat up on the table. Her body greasy from the massage made her slip off and lose balance. Tears began to fill her eyes as she faced her nightmare again. Twice, in the span of only a few hours.
“Please don’t scream. I only want to talk to you,” he said, moving closer to her now. She couldn’t talk, couldn’t scream. Her state didn’t let her. She could feel hot tears role down her cheeks with every step he took towards her. “Please Trish, you don’t understand. I still love you. I need you back in my life. I’m haunted by your face.” The knocking on the door grew louder. She could hear Kayo’s concerned voice on the other side of the door. Clutching onto her towel, Trisha grabbed the white bath robe and tied it firmly around her. “I don’t care for what you have to say,” she finally screamed. “You’re nothing to me anymore. I cannot believe you are doing this after all this time. How long did you have to apologize? Too long… and you do this now? Just get the hell out of here. I don’t want to have to call the police on you but you’re leaving me with much choice. You’re dead to me Gaurav… along with all the painful memories. Now please just leave me alone. No more crank calls or text messages. Just get the hell away from me!” She was now glaring at him, waiting for him to challenge her. She sat too long waiting just letting people walk all over her but she wasn’t going to anymore. She had had enough.

She pushed him aside and unlocked the door. This time, it wasn’t only Kayo standing outside, concerned. The girl from the spa reception and the manager were also outside rummaging through a bunch of keys, looking for the one that unlocked room 6. “The next time, please have an id check before you tell anybody where your paying customers are.
You’re lucky I’m not suing your asses for this!” she screamed, turning to Gaurav.
“Get the hell out…now!” But he was stubborn.
“No! I’m not going anywhere till I’ve said what I came here to tell you.”
“I don’t care. I’ve had enough of this bullshit! I don’t understand why you just can’t leave me alone. Humiliating me once before wasn’t enough for you?”
“I didn’t know any better. I was young and stupid.”
“Yeah, convenient. This is a typical male response.”
They both went silent for a few minutes. Gaurav opened his mouth to say something but was immediately cut off by Trisha’s heartless tone. “I don’t give a fuck Gaurav. Just leave me the hell alone!” Gaurav turned to leave. “This is not over. I will find a way to make you listen.”
“Whatever…goodbye!”

She slammed the door behind him, locking it before she went to wash off all the oil and madness of the day. She quickly dressed up and went over to the reception. “Here’s the certificate for my massage,” she said, still annoyed with the hotel staff. The receptionist refused the voucher. “Ma’am, we’ve been instructed to decline the certificate. You can redeem it another day. The massage was on the house for the inconvenience caused to you and a way to thank you for not holding the hotel liable for the distress.” News like this would have ordinarily made her smile but not today. She had had the worst day of her life and it only seemed to be worsening. Without so much as a nod or smile, Trisha left the hotel. She wasn’t going to let another moment pass. Ayaan had to know what happened and she needed him to do something about it. She hopped into a cab and headed home. But Gaurav stayed close behind, tailing her cab with the rented ford he was driving.

She was finally home. She paid the taxi and ran into the apartment. Gaurav soundlessly parked at a slight distance from the house and waited in the fleeting sunlight. He checked his watch. It was almost 7 p.m.