~~: Shaurya :~~
After our nightly session of stories, silly chatter, and laughter and tickling, Ami has finally fallen asleep. She is desperately tired. The journey was too long and it didn't help that I could not get over my shock. First was the disappointment that Shruti bailed out on our childcare arrangement and I had to bring Ami with me to Ratiyaal. And the second was the realization of how selfish a father I am. I didn't know Shruti actually sent Ami to that orphanage. When I was out on my hunting trips, secure in the knowledge that my baby was safe with her mother, Ami was actually spending her time in that Home for unwanted kids.
Cold fury burns my throat. For the first time in my life, I am experiencing shame. People like me should never have kids. People like me, who cannot commit to their kids, should never be allowed to have them.
I get up to slide a soft pillow under Ami's legs. They are swollen from the journey. I hope the elevation improves her blood circulation and brings the swelling down. She suffered quietly for three days but never complained. It's my job to keep an eye on her and this time I have failed miserably.
Frustrated, I peck her head for the one last time before shutting her door. It's nearly midnight. Ratiyaal is quiet, but not everyone is asleep. The woods are awake as are the creatures of these woods.
I walk to the open window of the outside corridor to look out at the black night. A sickle moon is peeping out of shifting clouds. The jungle is quiet except for a rustle of leaves, some creaking of night insects, and the distant hooting of an owl. Behind our cottage, the mountain slopes upward, ending in a cliff thousands of feet high. The area is covered with a thick blanket of conifers - pines, cedars, silver firs, and spruce. Their sweet scents seep through the air, but I can easily detect other scents - rotting flesh; dried blood. Shaggy unwashed bodies.
The wolves are about as I know they would. They are watching us. Even a this moment, even through this dark night, cruel and greedy gazes are trained on us. I can see those pairs of liquid amber shifting in and out of shadows. It's a hit-and-miss. Earlier today as well, I noticed those amber eyes on our way to Ratiyaal. I am just surprised Ami noticed them too as she looked worried as she shuffled closer to me. It's a world I always wished to keep her away from, but today she has crossed the borders with me.
Stolen novel; please report.
Pursuing my lips, I shut the window to secure it with all the available nuts and bolts, then stride into the living room. Mayor Malhotra is standing next to the window with his hands stuffed in his trouser pockets.
"You took your time." He turns as he hears my shoes tapping on the wooden floor. His face, although composed, is a curious shade of purple. I cannot tell if he is upset or angry.
"I'm sorry," I shrug. "But Ami comes first."
"Of course," He says crossing his arms across his chest. "So it seems you have made your decision."
"I have no other option." I shake my head. "You saw Ami's condition. It was a mistake to bring her here. As it is, I must return to Delhi. I'll refund your payment so you can hire someone else to do the job."
I sigh and walk to the side table to pour myself a glass of water. Simple as it is, my chest is still tight. I have never done this before. I have never turned down a job after accepting it in the first place.
Malhotra is silent as I gulp my water. The cool drink is refreshing yet in the quiet of the night every gulp sounds like a clock ticking before a bomb goes off.
"Well?" I finish and watch him in irritation. I feel wretched but I know this time, time is not on my side. There will be next time. There is always a next time when it comes to werewolves.
He shrugs. "Why did you come here if you knew you could not do the job with your daughter in tow?"
Good question. One which I cannot answer with full honesty. My reasons are mine alone. I cannot explain to him how important these 'jobs' are for me. Every time I kill a werewolf is personal revenge. Sometimes for Lilly. Sometimes for Ved. Sometimes for my mother. Their bloodied bodies haunt my nights. Every werewolf I kill is a tribute to my murdered family.
"Let's just say I cannot look the other way when someone comes to me for help. I have made it my life's goal to destroy them." I raise my eyes to give him a steady look. It's a promise I made to myself. As long as I live, I cannot go back on it.
He meets my eyes with a queer expression. "In that case, you won't be able to leave here anytime soon." He says and strides towards me with his phone in his hand. I frown. Coming closer, he holds it in front of me. A picture is open on his screen. There are three people - limbs askew, throats slit, bellies ripped apart. Their intestines hang out as if some desperately hungry animal found them at the right time.
They look to be in their home. A place where a person is supposed to be the safest.
"I received this just ten minutes ago." Malhotra's voice is quiet. "There are fresh murders tonight. I cannot let you go, Mr. Khanna. You cannot leave until you make good on your promise."
***** *****