Misc. Erotica After the Ashes (Completed)

[krish_999]

Chapter - Fourteen

After dinner, Anjali went to her bedroom to sleep. Her mind was split in two. One side was filled with calmness - that she had found her way back to Madhav, whose presence in her life had brought a sense of balance amid the turmoil. The other side of her mind was disturbed by uncertainty about the next day. Even though she had agreed to join Vikram for the river rafting adventure, she had no idea what was on his mind. Was he inviting her to relieve himself of the pressure of his business failure? Or was he inviting her to vent his frustration? She didn’t know.
But then she remembered Vinayak’s lifeless body, wrapped in white clothes. Anjali was sure Vikram wouldn’t be able to inflict more pain than that sight.
Lost in many thoughts, Anjali stayed awake for a long time that night. When she checked her phone, she saw a message from Vikram: 5 AM. Seeing his message, she lost what little sleep she had left.

In the morning, her phone rang exactly at 5 AM.
“Are you ready?” Vikram was on his way.
Anjali hurried through her morning rituals and got ready. She chose a dark, practical look for the trip. She wore a sleeveless black top and fitted black pants that allowed her to move easily. Over it, she had thrown on a long olive-green jacket, more for style than warmth. A slim watch around her wrist completed her look. She packed an additional dress and a pair of sunglasses in the bag, along with a small sling bag that hung casually at her side. By the time she was ready, Vikram had arrived.

Anjali went to Madhav's room. He was asleep. As he woke up, he lay there and stared at Anjali as if he had seen a goddess in his sleep.
“He’s come, Dad,” Anjali said. “I have to go.”
Madhav quickly got up and checked the time. “Be careful, Anjali. Don’t do anything stupid, and be alert at all times,” he said.
Anjali bent forward, gave him a light hug, and kissed his forehead. “I will come back safely, Dad,” she said with a smile, despite her rising heartbeat.

When Anjali walked out to the sit-out, Vikram was standing in front of the porch, leaning against his car. The vehicle looked different from the one they had used for their resort trip.
Vikram looked handsome in his grey and blue casuals. His eyes reflected awe as he looked at her. He helped with her small luggage and placed it in the car, and Anjali sat in the front seat. She noticed the extra-spacious front cabin.
“Did you change the car?” she asked.
“Yeah, this is perfect for today’s trip,” Vikram replied.
“Mmm!” Anjali made a face. “Some people are too rich!”
Vikram laughed. “Not rich. Wealthy.”
Anjali arranged her loose hair, which had moved gently with the breeze.
“Madhav didn’t come out to see you off?” Vikram asked as he started the car.
“I told him to sleep.”
“I would have loved for him to stand there and wave his hands.”
Anjali stared at him. “Why?”
“A blessing from the old man. Good for a long trip,” Vikram said with a smile.
Anjali knew it wasn’t about blessings. He wanted Madhav to see him take her away and realise that she would be used for his pleasure. Anjali took out her sunglasses and wore them, even though the sun had not yet risen.

The slightly cold morning and faint memories of the previous night were making Anjali doze off during the drive. Vikram played soft lo-fi music and let her sleep.

Kundalika base was a popular river rafting adventure spot, with many people waiting for the thrill of river rafting. Vikram and Anjali reached there early in the morning and joined the queue. Anjali couldn't feel the same level of comfort as before around Vikram, but she was careful not to make it too obvious.
Vikram had brought clothes - white T-shirts and dark blue shorts for both of them. After changing, when they joined back, Vikram took a look at her.
“We wear the same clothes. But how the hell do you look so damn hot while I look just normal?” he wondered.
Anjali laughed. “You look handsome too, Vickey,” she said.
“But I’m unable to take my eyes off you,” he said again.
“Then don’t. Stand here and keep watching me, hehe.” Anjali walked past him towards the river, knowing that he would follow.

They were put into a group of eight - three women and five men, including them - and taken to an air-filled raft waiting at the edge of the river. After some quick instructions, they pushed it into the water.

The first splash made Anjali shiver. The water was very cold, and she gasped as it touched her skin. Every time the raft hit a wave, she screamed, holding tight. But slowly, as they moved toward the middle of the river, the cold didn’t feel so sharp anymore. It started to feel fresh and even enjoyable. Gradually, her fear faded, and she began to laugh and chatter with the group. The excitement of the ride took over. She paddled along with the others, following the guide’s calls. Without saying much, the group started to feel connected. They leaned together, shouted together, and cheered after every big wave.

Soon, they came upon a stretch where the river narrowed and rushed faster, twisting sharply between dark, jutting rocks. The guide shouted instructions, and the raft plunged into the churning water. It shook wildly as waves slapped against the sides, cold splashes drenching everyone. For a few thrilling moments, fear disappeared completely - replaced by pure excitement. It was as if an adventurous spark had come alive in all of them. They whooped and yelled, gripping their paddles and riding each turn with growing confidence.
Not long after, the river calmed - but too much. The water became shallow, and the raft scbangd against the riverbed before coming to a stop. Laughing, they all climbed out and lifted the raft together, carefully walking it across the rocky stretch to deeper water. By then, Anjali’s top and shorts were completely soaked, clinging to her, but she didn’t mind at all. It only added to the fun, and she found herself laughing harder than she had in a long time.
When they reached the wider part of the river, they noticed other rafts nearby and started racing them. Everyone screamed and laughed loudly, trying to move faster. The river was full of energy, and so were they. For once, Anjali had forgotten all the grudge she had been carrying in her mind.
Then, at a calm part of the river where the water slowed down, Vikram suddenly pushed Anjali into the water.
She shouted in surprise as she fell in, but quickly came up, pushing her wet hair back. For a second, she was annoyed - but then she laughed. Vikram jumped in after her. Anjali splashed water into his face.
The water didn’t feel as cold now. It felt light and fun. She tried swimming a little, and it helped that the water wasn't deep enough to be scary. When it was time to get back on the raft, Vikram lifted her in his hands and helped her climb back in. Anjali then helped him by pulling him back on board.
She caught her breath, completely soaked, tired, and laughing, with water dripping from her hair and clothes. Her white T-shirt clung to her, slightly outlining what she wore underneath, and her sun-kissed legs shone under the splashes of the river. She didn’t seem to notice, as other members of the group were almost like that and too busy laughing and enjoying themselves.

By the end of it, Anjali realized she had actually enjoyed the whole experience. Her guard around Vikram hadn’t fully disappeared, but it had softened a little, as if the river had the ability to wash away the grudge and fill her mind with a sense of relaxation. For a brief period of time, the fun of the river had taken over everything else.
When they finally returned to the ground, Anjali felt extremely hungry. When Vikram asked her what she wanted to eat, she replied without thinking, “I’m so hungry I could finish an elephant.”

They went back to the changing room and changed clothes before going for breakfast. There was a nearby restaurant. It seemed to be the only option. They didn’t have much to offer on the menu. Anjali didn't mind. She ordered a plate of idlis. Vikram had just a sugar-free coffee, but after watching Anjali eating quickly, he joined in and took a piece from her plate.
Anjali paused for a second, then continued eating.
“What, now you feel hungry?” she asked.
“Watching you, yes. My appetite is back,” Vikram said with a smile.
Anjali saw the shine in his eyes. She felt he was hungry for her. A sense of tension slowly started to take over her body. She looked down and tried to concentrate on her plate.
“We're going back after this, aren't we?” she asked while waiting for her tea. She was sure she wouldn't follow him to a resort and stay overnight with him this time.
“Are you in a hurry?” he asked.
Anjali was unsure what to say. “I’m tired, Vickey.”
“Did you like the experience?”
“Of course, I did,” Anjali said honestly. “It was my first time. So, thank you.”
“Thank me later, my girl.” Vikram put his arm around her and squeezed her towards him. Anjali didn't resist.

She noticed a bearded man sitting alone in the farthest corner of the dining hall, and his eyes were on them. She had seen him looking toward them more than once, and she felt he wasn't just glancing. He was watching; observing.
Anjali felt a slight uneasiness. She lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked again. The bearded man was still watching, and she felt like he had been following them.

After breakfast, Anjali went to the washroom and quickly phoned Madhav.
“Dad, did you send someone to follow us?” she asked in a low voice.
There was a short pause before Madhav replied, “No. What are you talking about?”
Anjali believed Madhav would have sent someone to follow her, because he knew Vikram could be a danger.
“I saw someone,” she said. “A man. He’s been watching us. I feel like he followed us here.”
“You’re overthinking,” Madhav said calmly. “I didn’t send anyone. You must have misunderstood.”
Anjali hesitated, then added, “If I noticed him, it’s possible Vikram did too. That could make things risky for me.”
Madhav’s tone stayed firm. “There’s no one, Anjali. If I had sent someone, I would have already told you.”
When the call ended, a part of Anjali's mind believed him, but another part didn’t.

When she returned to the car with Vikram, she glanced inside the dining hall. The man was gone.
She looked around once more, but there was no sign of him anywhere. Anjali let out a quiet breath. Maybe Madhav was right. Maybe she had just misunderstood.

Vikram handed his bag over to her and went to the washroom. Anjali walked over to the parking area. From a distance, she suddenly noticed the bearded man's head rising from behind Vikram's car. Anjali paused before deciding to hurry up and confront the man. She quickly decided to tell him that she had told his boss to call him back. However, by the time Anjali reached, the man had disappeared.
Anjali unlocked the car door, quickly got in, and wore her olive-green jacket. She wondered if she should tell Vikram about the bearded man, but decided against it.

Vikram returned soon and started the car. Anjali didn't know what his plan was.
“Where are we going now?” she asked.
Vikram smiled at her. “You don't look tired now.”
Anjali smiled back. “Yeah, I was hungry then.”
The olive-green jacket Anjali was wearing was just thin fabric meant only as a style garment, but she felt warm. Part of the road was wet due to recent rain. She was amazed to see the road curving through stretches of green.
“Do you think you missed it in the morning ride?” Vikram asked.
Anjali nodded.
“I have an idea,” Vikram said and turned the car onto a narrower road.
Anjali became alert. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a waterfall nearby,” he said casually. “We’re going to check it out. I'm sure you'll love it.”
She looked at him, unsure. “Now? Aren’t you hungry? I don't know where those two idlis went. And you too, barely ate one.” She didn't want to show hesitation in following him.
“I have packed a tiffin for us. Don’t worry, babe.”
“But it seems like a dense jungle,” Anjali said, looking around through the windshield.
“Trust me,” he said, glancing at her. “It’ll be just us.”
That’s what worries me the most. Anjali didn’t say.
For a moment, she thought of objecting, of insisting on going back. But she stopped herself. A part of her was genuinely curious about the waterfall in the forest, and Vikram's assurance about the tiffin left her with no option to back off.

Vikram took a couple more turns, and the road almost became non-existent before they reached a small clearing where he parked the car. He then took his bags out of the car.
“An SUV, a packed tiffin… you’ve come prepared for all this,” Anjali remarked when she got out of the car.
“I’m always prepared, honey.” Vikram winked at her. Anjali was left pondering whether he meant something more than a casual remark.

Vikram checked his phone to confirm the location and then led her on foot along a narrow trail shaded by trees and thick ferns. Anjali kept looking around, wary, but still followed him. Within a few minutes, she started hearing the growing sound of water. A stream was nearby.

The quiet of the jungle otherwise kept reminding Anjali that they were completely separated from the outside world. She had almost started wondering if she had made a huge mistake by getting into this.
Before her apprehensions grew out of proportion, they reached the place.

The waterfall was hidden and beautiful, just a few metres high, a thin stream falling into a clear pool below. It felt untouched, almost secret. Anjali stood there, watching the scenery. The water, though making a sound where it fell, seemed to flow slowly for a stretch before moving faster between the rocks. It looked like a pond with crystal-clear water.
When she turned, she was stunned to see Vikram taking off his shirt. He had placed the bags on a rock.
“Are you sure you can get into this?” Anjali wondered. “What if it has crocodiles or something in it?”
Vikram laughed. “If it had crocodiles or dangerous snakes, there wouldn’t have been river rafting in the area,” he said as he removed his pants too and stood wearing just his briefs. Anjali pretended not to see the bulge between his legs.
“Let’s go,” Vikram said, reaching for her hand.
She hesitated for a brief second before letting him take it.
“My dress…” she said, glancing down.
“You’ve got another one in your bag, don’t you?” he replied easily.
“Where would I even change?” she asked, looking around.
Vikram laughed again. “How much do you still feel like hiding from me?”
Anjali gave a shy smile. “Nothing.”
The answer came out more easily than she expected.
Before she could think further, he pulled her gently into the water. She gasped at the cold, instinctively stepping back. But he splashed water at her, laughing.
She reacted without thinking, splashing him back.
For a few moments, it felt light. Easy. They laughed, moving through the water, the tension fading just enough to make her forget herself. Vikram slowly pulled her towards the center of the pond. It was only up to her neck in depth.
“You've been here already. You know this place very well, don't you?” Anjali asked.
“What do you think?” Vikram moved closer as he asked. “Do you think I’d bring you here if I wasn’t sure whether it was safe or not?”
Before Anjali could reply, she felt his arms surrounding her under the water. The touch of his bare hands brought a sense of warmth against the coldness of the water.
And Anjali froze completely as Vikram pulled her closer and kissed her. She felt her lips being drawn into his, and she forgot to breathe.
After breaking the kiss, Vikram stared deep into her eyes. “Anjali, this is my world. There is no place for crocodiles or snakes between us. You can trust me.”
Anjali's heart skipped a beat as her subconscious mind decoded the meaning of his words. For a second, she wanted to scream and run away from him. But his arms were locked, and she knew there was no way she could move back.
She closed her eyes and meekly whispered, “I trust you, Vickey.”
“I know, my love,” Vikram said, and the next moment she felt his hands grabbing the lower edge of her black top and pulling it upwards. Anjali opened her eyes.
“Vickey, no!”
“It feels awkward when only I feel the cold water!” Vikram applied a bit of force and easily overpowered her and removed her top. Anjali found some relief in knowing that she was wearing a bra underneath.
Vikram threw her top onto one of the rocks along the edge of the pond. Next, he grabbed the edge of her pants. Anjali tried to move away from him, swimming towards the other side of the pond. But Vikram swam faster and caught her by the waist. Not only that, he simply sank into the water and pulled her pants down. The more Anjali tried to move away from him, the easier it came off. Vikram laughed victoriously as he stood away from her and lifted her pants above the water.
“You scoundrel!” Anjali yelled and jumped towards him, trying to snatch it from him. Vikram tried to escape, but Anjali got her arms around his neck. They fought with each other for the pants, and in the end, as Vikram tried to escape by sinking into the water, Anjali managed to climb over his head in a moment of bewilderment. However, Vikram suddenly got up and lifted her onto his shoulder before throwing her into the water. Anjali almost felt her bra come off her breasts. She hurriedly rose to breathe, only to realise that her bra had indeed come off. Anjali turned around and saw Vikram holding it with a victorious grin. A moment later, he simply threw it behind him into the water.
“You're such a motherfucker...” Anjali forgot herself and yelled, charging towards the bra before it could float away. But Vikram held her tightly.
“Hey! Stop!” Vikram grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, tight enough to hold her firmly. Anjali felt the whole of her front pressing against his muscular body; more importantly, her breasts were pressed against his chest. Anjali exhaled into his mouth. “I’m not the motherfucker, sweetheart,” Vikram said, and after a pause, he went on, “it’s actually you - the father fucker!”

Anjali felt all her strength melting and washing away in the water. Perhaps Vikram had sensed it, either through his touch or her eyes, and he grabbed the opportunity to make his final move. He kissed her non-stop, and his hand reached over to feel the softness of her breasts under the water.
“I love you, Anjali. You know you are my dream,” he whispered as he took a break and then kissed under her chin. Anjali felt his mouth moving downwards along her neck, and her body felt as if it were being lifted. His lips moved further down her skin as he continued to lift her, and eventually her breasts came above the water level, only to be covered by his mouth one by one. Anjali, for fear of falling into the water, grabbed his head, ending up giving him ample freedom to suck her breasts.
“Vickey, my bra...” Anjali tried to stop him and find the lost piece of clothing. It was nowhere to be seen by now. “I’m completely nude, please find it.”
Vikram stopped, but only to bring up a piece of cloth in his hand. It was his own underwear. He had removed it, thereby becoming completely nude under the water. Anjali lost all hope of stopping.
“Happy now, sweetheart?” Vikram asked as he threw the cloth away. Anjali didn’t bother to look where it went.
“Come,” Vikram invited her to the other side of the pond, where the water level was just above the waist. As her upper body came out of the water, Anjali felt colder, becoming more aware of her nudity in the middle of the jungle. But then she noticed Vikram’s dick, considerably erect and shining just under the water.
Vikram leaned his back against a rock at the edge and smiled at her.
“Come, baby,” he said and brought her hand - that he was holding - onto his dick.
He made her hold it, and Anjali didn’t show any will to protest. Her fingers wrapped around it. She was pulled further into him, and he kissed her again, this time with more hunger. His hands ran around her body, caressing her lower back and then moving inside her panty to play with her ass cheeks. Anjali felt his mouth opening and inviting her, and she pushed her tongue into his mouth. She had surrendered. Her hand had started to move back and forth on his member.
A few moments later, Vikram broke the kiss and climbed backward onto the rock behind him. It placed his crotch at the height of her chest. He spread his legs and invited her, pulling her hand with one hand and grabbing the back of her neck with the other. Anjali knew where it was leading. The moment to resist and refuse had passed long ago, without giving her a chance. Anjali’s head sank between his legs, and he pushed her downward to ensure his whole length went down her throat in the first attempt itself.
“Mmm...” Vikram moaned. “That’s my girl...” The thrill of feeling the warmth of her mouth on his cold member dominated his voice. His hand behind her head remained like a wall beyond which she was not allowed to move back, and he kept pushing her forward to keep her sucking him. His length had reached its hardest state. After a while, he let her pull it out, only to lift it with his other hand and push her head, bringing her mouth to his balls.
“Make it warm too, baby. It’s all yours,” he said and pushed his balls into her mouth. Anjali sucked, showing no evidence of the soreness that was growing inside her. She knew she was being used like a toy, and she felt she had made up her mind to play it out.
As she rolled her tongue around his hairless balls, Vikram grabbed his erection firmly and slapped it across her cheek. Anjali blinked. Vikram was thrilled by her reaction.
“I’ll teach you things that Vinayak never showed you,” Vikram said in a voice filled with ecstasy. “It’s bad that he never got the chance to know how good you are at this.”
Anjali paused and stared up at him.
“Are you sure of that?”
The grin on Vikram’s lips slowly faded. “What?”
“Are you sure that Dad didn’t get the chance?”
The lack of expression on Vikram’s face made it obvious that he was still processing it.
“You told me...” he blurted.
“I lied.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m telling you the truth... because you love to hear it, don’t you?” Anjali slowly grabbed his member and pushed it into her mouth. But in an instant, she recognised the dip in its firmness as she tried to take it past her lips. Anjali gave it a couple of deep-throated sucks before pulling out. “I’ve given him this kind of pleasure. He’s not like Vinayak.”
Anjali spoke through panting. She was still mindful enough to notice the weakening of his length in her hand.
“You said it was accidental...”
“The first time it was...” Anjali hesitated, then went on. “The next time it was intentional. The third time, it was pleasure - purely for pleasure. Like you do.”
“You bitch!” Vikram yelled and pushed her away. Anjali almost fell back into the water.
“What happened to you, Vickey?” Anjali yelled back at him. “You wanted to talk about it - that’s why I’m talking!”
“Holy shit!” Vikram jumped into the water and grabbed her. “Tell me you’re saying all this just to make me angry, aren’t you? I don’t like it. You are mine, Anjali.”
“Of course, I’m yours, Vickey!” Anjali stood up in front of him. “That’s why I’m telling you the truth. You said you’d marry me no matter what, didn’t you?”
“But that doesn’t mean you can fuck your father-in-law every night and then come back to me.”
“For fuck’s sake, have you forgotten what you promised my daddy? You told him you were ready to forgive me. Come on, Vickey!” Anjali was suddenly having fun, watching him burn with frustration.

But she didn’t anticipate his next move. It was a slap across her face, and Anjali fell into the water properly this time. Vikram then quickly grabbed her and held her upright, facing him.
“Tell me the truth, bitch. How many times have you slept with him?”
Anjali was scared as hell. She couldn’t think of lying. Her cheek was burning.
“Four!”
“Four!” Vikram grunted in disbelief. “He must have made you cum every time, right, bitch? Otherwise, why would you fuck an old man? Why?”
“He’s...” Anjali’s words broke with her panting. She felt she would collapse. Her head was starting to spin. “He’s not like Vinayak. He’s strong.” Anjali spoke with her eyes closed. She knew she was going to be slapped again, but there was nothing she could do to stop him.
“You’re truly a bitch. Tell me you deserve punishment - tell me!” Vikram pulled her towards him, and without waiting for her response, he pushed her against the rock he had climbed earlier. Anjali almost fell onto it and rested her upper body over her folded hands on the rock. Vikram moved behind her, and the next moment Anjali felt him reaching between her legs and shoving his dick into her from behind. He had pulled her panty to the side and simply pushed his throbbing member inside her.
Anjali hadn’t anticipated this, and she gasped.
“Oh… Vickey!” she cried.
“Stop crying, bitch. I will teach you what pleasure is. I will teach you how a man can please your cunt,” Vikram yelled and started to move nonchalantly. Both of their lower bodies were still under the water, and each time he pushed, the water splashed onto her back. Anjali felt her pussy being filled with water, along with the pain of him pounding hard into her. Vikram had grabbed her hip, and he slapped her ass in between to shock her further as he kept fucking her hard. He went on and on until Anjali could no longer take it. The strength in her hands had evaporated, and her upper body had started pressing against the rock, making her naked breasts rub against it.
“This is how I’m going to fuck you from now on. You want a strong man, don’t you? Huh?” Vikram was at the peak of his vengeance, and his voice had turned animalistic.
“Vickey… please…” Anjali was on the verge of crying like a baby.
“Promise me you won’t fuck him ever again. Promise me you’ll be mine only.” Vikram spanked her ass. The sound and pain sent waves of shock deep into her psyche. For once, Anjali wanted to surrender and tell him that she knew he was the murderer of Vinayak.
But as she opened her mouth, the words came out differently. “I promise you, Vickey. Please. I promise you.”
Vikram’s movements became faster again.
“That’s what I wanted to hear… bitch. You’re mine. I’m gonna fill your pussy… yeah… I’m cumming… take it… haaah!” He pushed and held himself inside her, climaxing. Anjali collapsed completely on the rock, more from relief than exhaustion.
Vikram took a few long seconds to recover, and he slowly pulled back. He then turned her towards him and kissed her lips hard.
“I will never let you go, bitch!” He grabbed her face by the chin. “Do you know why? Because you are what motivated me to become who I am today. Without you, I can’t be me.”
He said this and kissed her again. Anjali had lost the strength to stand straight. Vikram leaned backward onto the rock and held her close, rubbing softly against her bare back. He held her close, and Anjali was taken aback by the sudden transition, as if he had become another person entirely.
He was still an enigma to her.

After a while, when their breathing settled, Vikram led her across the pond to the other side. Anjali didn’t show any sign of shyness as she walked out of the water, wearing just her panty. Vikram too walked out completely nude. He opened the bag and gave her another set of clothes. It was a top and pants. As he turned to the other side and put on his clothes, Anjali removed her panty, wiped her body with a small hand towel, and then wore the clothes. She didn’t mind that she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. The clothes brought back a feeling of warmth and comfort.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you, Anjali,” Vikram said, turning to her.
Anjali stared at him, expressionless.
“What about me? Did I hurt you?” she asked.
Vikram couldn’t reply for a second. Then he asked, “What you said - is it true?”
“Yes,” Anjali said quickly.
“Don’t lie, Anjali. I’m serious.”
“I’m serious too, Vickey.”
“You said four times. When was the last one?”
Anjali paused for a second and then replied, “Yesterday.”
Vikram didn’t know what to say. Anjali didn’t blink. She wanted to etch his response into her memory forever. No matter how he replied, she knew it would be the moment he realised that everything he had done in his life to live the dream he had built long ago had crashed into a whisper - a whisper only he could hear, telling him that he had lost it.

Vikram stared at her for a few seconds. Then he silently turned to pick up his bag. Anjali had finished wiping her wet hair. She then opened the bag to get the tiffin. It had sandwiches, still warm. She took her share, sat on a small rock, and ate. Vikram kept stealing glances at her, unsure of what to say. He was lost in his own thoughts. Anjali asked if he didn’t want to have a sandwich. Vikram said he didn’t have the appetite.
“Yeah, of course. You had your meal already,” Anjali blurted, loud enough for him to hear.

After the food, they returned to the car. The way back was silent. Anjali felt blank. She knew she had revealed too much. Probably she had made Madhav the prime target of Vikram. But she wasn’t bothered. She knew Madhav would find a way to defend himself. And she was going to tell him to choose whatever way he wanted to finish off the killer of his son.

The car left the mud roads and soon joined a narrow road. Anjali felt he was driving faster than during the ride toward the jungle pond. His seat belt indicator was blinking at the beginning, and he didn’t bother to put it on. Anjali knew he was lost in his thoughts, but she wasn’t sure whether it was about the past or the future. She didn’t say anything. After a few minutes, they joined the main road.

And exactly then, a speeding truck appeared from nowhere and crashed into their car from the side. Before Anjali could realise what had happened, the car was thrown down into the deep valley beside the road. The vehicle seemed to fly in the air, then landed and rolled a couple of times. Anjali’s body was held firmly in her seat by airbags from the front and sides, and she almost counted how many times the vehicle rolled sideways. She could sense everything, and she almost wondered why she wasn’t losing consciousness. Finally, the rolling stopped, and the car came to rest upright, as if nothing had happened.
But a lot had happened in a few seconds.

Anjali sat motionless in her seat, thinking about which side of her body might be paralysed. She imagined blood leaking from her body. She didn’t feel any pain, and she thought her brain might still be processing it.
Then the door was opened. The airbag was torn by a knife. Anjali looked and saw a beard.
She recognised him in an instant.
The bearded man.
What is happening? Anjali stared at him.
“This one’s alive!” the bearded man said, looking to the other side of the car. Anjali turned her head and saw that Vikram wasn’t there. The glass was shattered. There was blood everywhere. Vikram had disappeared.

Suddenly, Anjali felt her body being dragged out of the car. The bearded man was pulling her out. She knew he wasn’t a saviour, but she felt he was on her side. She didn’t protest. The man carried her in his strong arms and walked to the other side of the car. Anjali saw Vikram lying there on the ground, his body crumpled like a bundle of clothes. There was blood everywhere. Another man was bent beside Vikram, checking his pulse repeatedly.
“What about him?” the bearded man asked.
“Done!” the other man said. He looked bulky, with a muscular frame. Anjali felt she had seen him before - probably in Madhav’s office. She couldn’t recall.
“Leave her and try to find your thing,” he said, looking at the bearded man.
The bearded man placed Anjali down and made her stand. He then went towards the back side of the car, put his hand underneath, and pulled out a small device.
“Got it,” he said, satisfied.
Anjali turned to the muscular man. “Is he dead?”
He looked at her, as if surprised to see no emotion on her face.
“Yeah, dead,” he said.
“He should have worn the seat belt,” Anjali said nonchalantly. “Otherwise, he would have survived.”
The man looked at her. “No, he wouldn’t have,” he said. “We would have made sure he didn’t.” And he smiled at Anjali.
Anjali sensed something was wrong. There was something wrong in his menacing smile. In a fraction of a second, she realised that he wasn’t a saviour. He was a hunter.
“What about her?” she heard the bearded man asking, slowly walking towards her.
“No loose ends,” said the muscular man, and he pulled out something from behind his body.
It was a pistol.
And Anjali was stunned to see it being pointed at her.