DIVYA
What's painting?? Is it an art or something else?? There are many definitions of painting but for me painting is a way expressing my feelings.
I never got the love of my parents. Diya was a mother and father for me. They were never present in our life. I still remember that i celebrated most of my birthdays with my nanny. Because my parents were to busy in earning more money.
After Diya went to Harvard i was left alone and it was then when i started painting. I wasn't born artist but i became an artist due to some circumstances.
When I was sad or upset i used to paint. I didn't had anyone to share my sadness so i painted to express my sadness.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" I was brought back to reality.
"Yes it is " i replied to Nancy. I was painting a girl who was sitting beside a lake. There is a smile on her face which indicates that she is happy but when you look into her eyes you realize that she isn't happy. She just acting to be happy. You can see the pain and sadness in her eyes.
"Why're all your painting so sad" she asked.
"I don't know maybe I like painting sad things " i said. I wish i could say her the truth.
"Anyways i actually wanted to inform you that the owner of place that you liked in Boston for your art gallery is not ready to sell us" she said.
"Why?? Does he need more money?" I asked.
"No actually he doesn't want to sell the place at all" she said. That's sad. I really liked that place. It was a prime location and perfect for my art gallery.
"It's ok let it go. We can't force him to sell us" i said.
"Ok i will shortlist few more places " she said. I nodded my head in yes. She walked out of the room leaving me all alone with my thoughts.
I looked at my table and my eyes fell on the bouquet of white lilies. I sighed internally. I really don't know whose is the one who is sending me those beautiful flowers.
My secret admirer..
I really want to find out who is that person. I even asked the deliverer guy who delivers this flower everyday. But he has no idea about that person. He is only instructed to deliver those flower to my art gallery every day. Strange isn't it that I get a bouquet of white lilies every day.
I wish one day i can meet that person and thank him for these beautiful flowers and encouraging notes. With every bouquet of flowers there is a beautiful note attached to it.
It might sound weird but i haven't thrown away the notes. I have kept those notes inside a wooden box safely. I didn't had the heart throw them. Those beautifully written notes in a calligraphy handwriting inspires me to love myself.
I have lost the count how many times i have read them but they are lovely.
In the silence of the room all of sudden my phone started ringing. Vaani was the one who was calling me. I quickly picked the call.
"Hello...." she excitedly greeted me.
"Someone sounds very excited " i said.
"Of course I am excited guess what happened?" She asks.
"Ummm....you got married " i joked
"Seriously Divya i don't even have a boyfriend. Then how the hell will i get married" she said
"Vaani i don't know why you're so happy " i said.
"So today i got email from Gucci and they have selected for there winter collection" she said.
"What? That's an amazing news. Congrats!!" I said. I am really happy for her. I don't know why she all of sudden wanted to be a model. She was a bright student and i think she can do better in her life.
"You know this was my dream project and I finally got it." She said
"So when are you going to give me a treat " i asked
"What about today. Let's go to some nice restaurant. Let's go to blue lagoon hotel " she said.
"Yea that's great idea" i said.
"Should I invite Ananya also. I am not sure because she's staying at Aakash's pkace..." she said.
"I think you don't need to invite her. The situation might get a bit complicated" i said. Ananya's life is already is in danger. It don't want create more problems.
"Yea i was thinking the same. Anyways see at 7" she said and hung up.
I looked at the time and realized that it's already lunch time. So i decided to grab a very quick lunch and then leave for shopping mall. I decided to a buy a small gift for Vaani.
I walked towards a small restaurant near my art gallery. When I was walking towards the restaurant i felt like someone was following me but when i turned around there was no one. I think I am been paranoid.
I ate my lunch and then drove towards the mall. The mall was pretty empty because it was too early for people to come for shopping. I really don't know what to buy for her. Vaani already have everything. I walked inside a famous jewelry shop whose name i don't remember but i have seen it's billboard and that's why I think it's a famous brand.
"Good Afternoon ma'am. How can I help you " the salesgirl asked.
"Actually I want to buy a gift for my friend. She just got her dream job" i said. Maybe she can help me to buy something because i am clueless.
"Ma'am why don't you give her a charm bracelet. We have some very beautiful bracelets " she said. That's not a bad idea. I nodded my head in yes. And she brought few bracelets to show me.
It was very difficult to chose one because all the bracelet were very pretty. But i only need one. So finally IÂ choose to buy a heart bracelet. It was very beautiful and i thought that Vaani will like it.
I quickly paid the bill and told the salesgirl to gift wrap it. After that i came back to my apartment. I thought to take a power nap before i get ready for the dinner.
I woke up around 5o'clock. I stretched my arms and legs like a lazy kittens. I yawned few times and then decided to get ready. I walked inside the bathroom to freshen up. I used my usual papaya face wash to clean my face.
After that i walked inside my closet to choose a perfect dress for the dinner. I decided to wear a white high neck ruched dress. I did a simple makeup and wore matching accessories. I paired my outfit with white heels.
When I was satisfied by my look I decided to leave. I placed the gift inside my clutch and walked out of my apartment. I made sure that i locked the door properly and then took a lift.
The blue lagoon restaurant was just few blocks away from my apartment building. So i decided to walk instead of taking my car. After 15mins walk i reached the restaurant.
Vaani and Sakshi has already arrived. Of course it took more time then i expected. I walked towards the table and took my seat.
"You didn't invited Arsh, Harsh and Aman?" I asked
"No, i thought that we should have a girl's night out" Vaani replied. I gave her a smile.
I must say today Vaani is looking very beautiful in a white fur off shoulder mini dress. Sakshi is as usual looking pretty in her light blue high neck midi dress. Sakshi has a aura of elegance and sophistication.
I pulled out the gift from my clutch and handed to Vaani.
"This is for you" she quickly opened the gift and gasped.
"Oh my God this is so beautiful " she said.
"You know you don't need to do this but still thanks a lot " she said
"Let's order something i am very hungry. You all don't know what i had a very tiring day today at court" Sakshi said. I chuckled at her words.
Vaani calls a waiter to take our order. We decided to eat Italian so we ordered chicken lasagna, red sauce pasta, Ravioli and for dessert we ordered tiramisu cheesecake. And of course a bottle of white wine.
Once the waiter was out of our sight we continued talking and cracking jokes. Vaani was telling us her experience in her modeling career. While Sakshi was cursing the client of her new case.
After few minutes our food was served. As usual the food was tasty. This is not a five star restaurant but it's a bit expensive due to its delicious food. Vaani and Sakshi were talking about some new fashion brand that i had no idea about.
I leaned on my seat and slowly took a sip of my wine. I looked ahead of me and my eye fell on a table. Two children and there parents were sitting on that table and they were enjoying there meal.
Today was weekend so they all might have come to enjoy there weekend. This makes me remind how boring childhood i had. Mom and dad never took us out on dinner and i don't even remember ever having a normal dinner with my family.
"Are you ok?" Sakshi asks bringing me back to reality. I gave her a smile and said.
"Yes i am fine but i need to leave now. Actually i want to complete a painting " of course i lied. I just need to get the hell out of here at any cost.
"Ok take care" Vaani said. We said our goodbye and then I walked out of the restaurant. The homey environment of the restaurant was really suffocating me.
Walking alone in the cold night didn't help my raging thoughts. I was only a block away from my apartment building as i slipped my hand in my clutch and pulled my phone out.
There was only one person who could pull me out of this mess i was in. So, i dialled my sister, only she didn't pick up. Her voicemail kicked in and she asked for the person to leave the message. I tried again but this time before it could have even rang, someone snatched if from my hand.
I whirled around around my hand to hit that person but before i could my hand was wrenched back and a man with goatee and black eyes stood in front of me.
"Now, now pretty girl" The man was holding me into captive into my ear, his finger tightening on my wrist.
I opened my mouth ready to scream when his hand covered my mouth and said
"Don't try anything stupid. We just need your money and maybe a little bit of fun" He snaked his arm his around me and gave my breast a squeeze.
I bit down on his hand and slammed my heels on his toes. He let out a growl as his grip loosened. I twisted to run but the man in front of me grabbed me by my hair and dragged me across the road. His destination was clear, a dark alley. I screamed as loud as i could and got a punched in the face.
Right now i regretted walking. I should have taken my car with me. If i had my car then i won't be in this mess.
I grunted seeing the dark spots dancing in front of my eyes. The man with the goatee snatched my purse from me and said to his partner
"Hey man let's leave her alone. We have the money"
"No" he replied and i blinked to get a better view my cheek and temple throbbing from pain. He was mean looking giant with a crooked smile and leering eyes
"I want to play with her"
"Ever heard of consent, douchebag" i snapped at him and as predicted he came towards me with rage on his face, i took the opportunity and slammed my elbow in his gut. He doubled over and then i pulled my knees up and smashed his balls in.
He howled in pain. I didn't wait to gloat over, I ran. My mind went to my purse and my phone, i paused just for a second but then i said hell with it and stumbled out of the alley. I heard their pounding footsteps and made the mistake to look over my shoulder and that's when i slammed into something solid and warm.
I turned around with a low growl. No anothet douchebag. I swear I'd had enough for one night. I looked up and met the pair of eyes that i wasn't prepared for. I never thought i would see again. Strong hands came to my arms to stabilize me, those grey eyes looked down at me and then lifted to look over my shoulder.
I watched as those grey eyes darkened and then his gaze came back to me. He lifted his hand and i cringed back. His expression turned thunderous, but his touch was gentle as he swiped at my lower lip. I winced slightly but didn't say anything.
I watched with wide eyes as he looked down at his thumb which was now smeared with my blood. His voice was silk cold as he said
"No one gets to make you bleed " he slipped his thumb into his mouth. He turned me around and pulled me flush against his chest.
I swallowed my heart racing now for entirely different reasons. He surrounded me like a mountain, he was so big. His unique scent filled my nostrils. Smoky with a hint of pine. My eyes had closed on their own accord because they snapped open at his command
"Open your eyes" i watched as the two men in black uniforms forced my two attacker on their knees.
And then my attention went to Raghav's hand that he held out and i stared at in confusion, until he said
"Rohan" i watched as Rohan stepped forward and placed a pistol in his open palm. "Watch what happens when someone makes me angry "
I frowned but let out a soft scream when i heard two shots rang out. He had shot them on their hands. My attacker cried out in pain. I gulped nervously. I had never seen something like this.
I tried to around but Raghav tsked and i froze against him my wish
"Remember, no one. Except me"
And then he was gone.
It was late at night when i was back in my apartment that i had realized what he had meant by his last words. Noone gets to make you bleed. No one. Except him.
The meaning of his words should've made me cold and nervous, but it only excited me and made me warm and tingly.
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Hey my lovely readers,
So what do you think about today's chapter?? Tell me your view in the comments section.
I'm receiving a very lazy response from my readers. They have this story in there library but they don't bother to give me a like and comment and it really discourages me.
I'm grateful for the readers who have been supporting me from the day first.
Vaani's outfit
Sakshi's outfit