‘So tell me Himanshu, what are you doing here with me? If you want, you can ask me the same question in return! I don’t use words all the time to respond back though.’
Saying this, Priya started kissing Himanshu passionately. Himanshu kissed her back and started feeling her. Priya stopped him immediately and said, ‘For this, I know a better place. Would you be able to drive right now?’
‘Sure as hell!’
‘OK then drive towards Golf course extension and then take a left from the second red light. We are going towards Sohna.’
‘I am new to Gurgaon so you would know better. I have maps on my phone so we can’t get lost in any case.’
When the actual turn came, Himanshu saw a broken road that was probably under construction. He anxiously asked. ‘I hope you know where we are going?’
‘Dude there is no five star hotel here but trust me I know the right spot.’
‘You seem to know this area well.’
‘Soon you will know it too. This is the only place that works for me. Hotels are damn expensive and I can’t take you home. You can’t take me home either so just shut up and keep driving.
Priya was experienced and knew everything about the road, including the safe time to go there and deal with cops if needed. Himanshu had his own share of fun but in a car. He was used to plush hotels and his luxurious home. At this point of time he wanted to avoid a paid relationship and he felt a connect with Priya, at some level. He wanted to take her out to nice places and spend time outside the bounds of Delhi. But all that required money.
A chance meeting in a pub in Hauz Khas turned into a close relationship.
The Office Party
Himanshu and Priya had discussed an after party plan for themselves. The party happened two weeks later and Neeraj was the first ones to arrive at the party, along with Veer. They reached early to review the readiness for the party. The venue chosen was a new uptown bar, Pekos, in Cyber hub. Pekos was famous for hosting parties of famous Bollywood celebrities. The manager assured complete readiness but they went with him to check availability of requested alcoholic beverages. While most people were happy with high-end Indian brands, Akshay preferred Scotch and was very choosy about his drinks.
Neeraj then proceeded to check the music arrangements and reviewed the collection of songs with the DJ. He knew the mood of the office crowd and provided timely inputs to the DJ. Veer also checked on the logistics and transportation arrangements for after the party. By 8:00 pm a few had started coming in for the party.
Neeraj was also responsible for entertaining the senior employees of Hailthy and more specifically guests from Akshay’s VIP list. To avoid gatecrashing in these highly sought-out parties, each guest had to sign in after which they received a band for identification.
After some time, employees started coming in groups. Neeraj was enjoying himself and really looked forward to this task. This charge gave him an opportunity to build his network as well as getting maximum pictures clicked with celebrities.
Soon, with everyone trickling in, the party was on.
When Akshay entered, Neeraj took him around to familiarize him with the place. Before heading to the bar for his Scotch, Akshay met and welcomed a few new joiners to the company. He stood at the bar with a few other employees; when Tanuja arrived along with Surbhi. She was looking stunning in her black dress. Akshay saw her from distance and his face lit up. Tanuja headed to the bar. Akshay greeted Tanuja and mentioned, ‘I hope you are not driving!’
Tanuja replied, ‘Am I drinking tonight?’ Akshay said, ‘I think it is your call.’ Tanuja smiled and said, ‘Look you will get busy soon. Just stick around with me for some time. I can already see the gang of girls ready to pounce at you.’
Akshay asked, ‘Sure let me grab a drink for you. What will you drink?’
‘Large Vodka!’
‘Hmm hope you are not in a hurry Tanuja!
‘I am never in a hurry and you know that quite well by now’
Akshay kept quiet for some time. Tanuja came closer to him and said ‘If I don’t get your attention after some time, I will follow you throughout the party!’
Akshay was on his second drink and was feeling relaxed by now. He said, ‘You already have my attention. What else do you need? Just remember that we are not Mumbai!’
Tanuja just gave a flirtatious smile.
The music got louder and some employees came forward for dancing. Few more VIP guests had arrived and Neeraj informed Akshay about their arrival. Signaling to Tanuja that he would be back shortly, Akshay left with Neeraj to welcome them. Tanuja just smiled. She was happy; for her the party had started on a positive note.
Manoj was keeping an eye on Priya. His mandate was to save her from Himanshu, at any cost. Clearly, he was quite away from the reality and living in his own world.
Priya entered the party along with Himanshu, while Manoj who had timed his visit with Priya was waiting outside. Manoj was the next one to reach the venue. He quickly scanned the party hall for a good location – good enough to track Priya.
Manoj had a secret crush on Priya for a long time but he never dared to reveal it. He silently admired Priya and always kept an eye on her during office parties. As he helped Neeraj prepare for the party, he noticed an interesting pattern in Priya’s relationships and interactions. He was a keen observer and had noted a pattern about Priya’s behavior.
The pattern that drew his attention was that few weeks before each party, Priya would chat, drink coffee and interact with a new person. This would be followed with late night projects and dinners. This time it was Himanshu. Manoj was not aware of the budding relationship between Himanshu and Priya. He wanted to warn Himanshu and tell him that Priya would dump him after the party and move on. However, he could not strike a conversation with Himanshu before the party.
Manoj decided to keep an eye on both of them. He had also planned to tell Priya about his own feelings towards her.
Half-way through the evening, Priya had started drinking aggressively. She was on the dance floor and did not look in control of herself.
Himanshu came close to Priya and asked Priya, ‘I hope we are on track as per our plan. I am finally coming over to your place tonight. You need to slow down on drinks now otherwise you will not enjoy our session later tonight!’
‘I am enjoying and please don’t count my drinks, Himanshu. I need to dance a lot before doing anything naughty! This gets me into the mood. Do you have the stuff?’
‘Yes I have it but we can’t leave so early.’
‘O, yes we need to listen to the big speech from the Boss also.’
Sourabh sat close to Manoj and watched Priya - but from a very different perspective. Sourabh was in his late thirties and he had gotten married very early in his native village. He found no excitement in his arranged marriage. Gurgaon was a happening place and he was not part of any of it not only because of his marital status but also because of his potbelly. He projected himself to be too old for parties but in reality he never missed even a single party.
He hated his job, that of an accountant but had no skills to move ahead in his career. Akshay had tried to mentor him for some time to go for higher studies but he was not motivated enough. He found his escape in these parties where he would watch and learn more about new joiners and then secretly live in his fantasy world. Of course these fantasies were private and he had never shared this with anyone at office.
When Neeraj met him about a discussion on potential dates for the party he had asked, ‘What is the big fuss?’
Neeraj replied, ‘We got a new round of funding. The venue has to be good. Go buy a new party shirt for yourself too this time!’
‘It is just a party with the same office people. What is the big deal? I don’t even understand all the girls going crazy about buying new dresses and spending too much money on hair and makeup.’
‘Sourabh, I have seen you appreciating these girls in all parties!’
‘What
?’
‘It is in your eyes Sourabh. You don’t drink but I do know what keeps you busy!’
‘That is your area, Neeraj, not mine. So don’t bother me with all this. Go prepare your cab drop off schedule. I know the reason you enjoy all this.’
Deep down Sourabh knew the truth. After the party, anyone could ask him what each person was wearing. He was always the first one to reach at the venue and greet everyone. He used to grab a drink and start tracking all girls from a convenient location, typically closer to the drinks area. Some employees even thought that management had given him task of counting drinks! However, no one could guess his real purpose. His probing eyes were no less than a roving camera and he never missed any incident. For him this was just an escape from his dull and boring life. Around 9 pm, the party was in full swing. Manoj was watching continuously and now he looked visibly irritated. Sourabh noticed him and asked, ‘What happened? Why are you so perturbed? What is bothering you?’
Manoj responded, ‘Nothing much as such but I am a worried about Priya right now. I think she is quite drunk by now and will not be able to protect herself.’
‘Protect her from whom?’, asked Sourabh.
‘Can’t you see? That asshole Himanshu is getting closer to Priya every minute?’
‘Chill! They are friends and this is safe. You should enjoy the party.’
‘But what will happen once she leaves?’ asked Manoj.
‘Look dude! Let HR worry about logistics. If you are worried, tell Surbhi or go talk directly to Priya. You are part of the same team and she will listen to you.’
Manoj nodded but kept quiet for some time. He was simmering from inside. Manoj could see Priya cuddling up with Himanshu and this became too much for him. He did not want Himanshu to take advantage of Priya, as she was looking drunk and vulnerable. When Himanshu headed towards the bar, Manoj confronted him.
They both were waiting at the bar when Manoj asked Himanshu, ‘Dude what are you up to? You can very well see that Priya is drunk and yet you are getting another drink for her.’
Himanshu was a bit taken aback but he replied ‘Look Manoj, Priya is just doing fine and I know her more than you. She is a grown up girl and can take care of herself. We are good friends and are just trying to enjoy this party. You should do that too. Chill man.’
Manoj was livid by now and hated Himanshu but he was clever not to let that come across. Any further interaction would have revealed his true feelings for Priya. ‘Well I am going to HR for this and let them take care of this. You are right, this is not my business.’ Manoj threatened Himanshu and left the party.
A bit disconcerted, Himanshu headed back to Priya. Priya grabbed him by his jacket and pulled him closer. She asked, ‘What took you so much time?’
‘Nothing; your friend Manoj came and he gave me gyan on Party Ethics. Actually, he was worried about you!’
‘My friend? ha ha! Let’s finish this drink and head out. This party is going to be boring now and I have no interest in listening to Akshay’s speech.’
‘Sure Priya,. Let me book a taxi. Both of us are in no position to drive.’
‘Himanshu, I am fine. I can drive; trust me. My car is parked outside and I would not want to leave it here.’
‘Priya, you shouldn’t. I will not let you drive today. You have had too many drinks so let me book a taxi for now. I will get your car delivered tomorrow.’
‘OK OK you can book the cab; I am waiting outside.’
But Priya did not listen to Himanshu. She went out, took her keys from her purse and and decided to drive after all. Some of their colleagues smoking outside. She waved at them and said ‘Goodnight!’ and drove away.
After booking the cab, when Himanshu went outside, he didn’t find Priya. He called Priya but she did not pick up his calls. Himanshu waited for his cab while cursing himself for not keeping any eye on Priya. He wanted to meet Akshay before leaving the party but he was more worried about Priya. He decided to drop and formalities and booked his own cab.
Akshay saw Himanshu leaving the party but he was still busy with some of his high profile guests. Tanuja was looking at him impatiently; he could easily sense this.
After finishing his interaction,, Akshay walked back to where Tanuja was standing. ‘At your service ma’am!’ Let’s get some pictures clicked.’ Akshay was clearly in a good mood. He waved towards Neeraj who went up to him to check. ‘I hope everything is fine sir.’
‘Great venue Neeraj! Time for some team pictures. Some people are already leaving so please get the photographer. After the photoshoot, I want to share Hailthy’s future plan with all.’
‘Sure sir.’ Saying this Neeraj rushed to get the photographer and inform the employees.
Everyone wanted a picture with Akshay but Akshay always preferred group pictures to avoid any complications. Soon the photograph session started but Tanuja stayed away from them. She wanted her picture only with Akshay and no one else. Tanuja waited patiently for her turn.
When the session finally ended, Tanuja approached Akshay. ‘I hope you enjoyed your group photograph session and all the attention. Can I have one picture just with you now?’
Akshay was surprised but Tanuja had clearly stated her desire that she wanted more attention from him. He did not understand this request but asked, ‘Can we do this after I address our team?’
‘Yes as long as you don’t forget, Akshay.’ she replied enigmatically.
The music was stopped and the employees of Hailthy welcomed their boss who was ready to speak. Akshay was about to launch into his presentation when Neeraj interrupted him.
Sir I have some bad news. Priya has been killed in a car accident. Himanshu called now to let us know this. I don’t know any details.’
Akshay was shocked. It took him some time to register this news and he said slowly, ‘This is terrible, I don’t know what to say. Let me call Himanshu and get more details.’ Neeraj said, ‘Sir Himanshu is in a state of shock and is unable to say a word.’
‘I understand. You should politely ask all employees to have dinner and then some of us should head out to Priya’s place.’ He asked Neeraj to inform the team and disperse.
Neeraj said, ‘Sure sir, I will inform others. I will arrange a few cabs for going to Priya’s house.’
Akshay added, ‘Let’s be selective about who goes for condolences. So many here are drunk right now. I don’t want any nuisance.’
‘Right sir! We will take care.’
There was lot of confusion as the presentation was stopped abruptly. But no one was aware of the accident. Neeraj met Saurabh and few senior employees and informed them informally about Priya’s accident. The mood turned somber.
Tanuja was watching the interaction between Akshay and Neeraj from a distance. Seeing the anxious look on Akshay’s face, Tanuja walked up to Akshay. ‘What is the matter Akshay? Are you all right? Is something wrong?’
Before Akshay could respond to Tanuja, Neeraj replied, ‘Himanshu just called. Priya has been killed in a car accident.’
Tanuja exclaimed, ‘What? Priya?’
‘Yes. Shocking, isn’t it. She was dancing on the floor and enjoying the party just a while back.’
‘That is really sad! May her soul Rest in Peace. Neeraj are we planning to go to her place?’
Akshay responded this time, ‘Yes, Neeraj is arranging few cabs. Some of us should go their immediately. You can check with Surbhi or Monika.’
‘Sure Akshay I will go to her place with Monika.’
‘Ok Tanuja. Let me stay for a while and then I will come with Neeraj.’
By this time, Vibhor had reached the hospital and was busy doing the paperwork for the postmortem. A while later, Vibhor received a call from his mother.
‘Vibhor, where are you? Where is Priya? I have been trying to call her. Her phone is switched off.’
‘Mom, I am at the hospital and would be back shortly.’
‘Hospital? Why? What happened Vibhor?’ Vibhor tried to an
swer but could not gather courage to say anything. He was now more worried about his mother.
‘Vibhor! Say something Beta! I hope you are fine.’
‘Mom……’
‘What?’
‘Priya had an accident. She is no more.’
There was a silence on the other end. After two minutes, Vibhor said, gently, ‘Mom did you hear me?’
‘Beta What are you…..’
His mother had started sobbing inconsolably.
‘How could this happen?’
‘Mom, there was an accident and we don’t know the details.’
‘Which hospital are you right now?’
‘I am at the Civil Lines Hospital and waiting for the postmortem report. I will send someone to get you here.’
‘OK.’ Vibhor then rushed to make arrangements for his mother to come to the hospital.
Some of the employees, who were drunk headed for home. While other grouped together to visit the hospital. Priya’s mother had reached the hospital by then. Vibhor was still busy with the paperwork and Neeraj joined him to support him. Akshay met Priya’s mother and tried to console her. After condolences, most employees left. Himanshu stayed there for some time but he could not gather courage to meet Vibhor. Himanshu and Neeraj waited till the postmortem report came out.
Nothing significant came out from Priya’s postmortem. Death was instant and due to a severe head injury, caused by the collision. Vibhor waited patiently at the hospital to get Priya’s body but the paperwork was complicated despite a clean postmortem report. Himanshu was with Vibhor for a while but was unable to talk to him. Vibhor did not notice Himanshu. He was thinking about how to break this sad news to his mother.
The Dreamer
Tanuja was in shock after Priya’s death. She went to meet Vibhor and Priya’s mother but fell short of words. She stayed there for some time and then booked a cab. As headed for her home, she thought about her own mother, Nikita.
Tanuja was born and brought up in Bangalore. Her father, Vipul, had his own business and her mother, Nikita, was a homemaker. She was close to her mother, who had invested her whole life in building Tanuja’s career and guiding her through all the stages of her life. Nikita always regretted not pursuing any career herself. Despite being well-educated, she had chosen not to work. She was entirely dependent on her husband and had lost confidence in herself. Vipul was always busy with his business and never had any time to guide Tanuja. Tanuja craved for his attention but she adjusted to this reality.
Sinner's Game: Karma will chase! Page 4
