The Shadows from the Past (1039 words)

The resort was nestled amidst the verdant plantations and the undulating green plains. Their room was overlooking the lush garden with flowers of different hues. It had been drizzling since last night, and the morning sun was not yet visible. Pranesh and Praveena snuggled together on the sofa and were sipping tea. They were married just a week earlier. The ambience was peaceful and ideal for newlyweds on their honeymoon.

Just then, the phone rang. She rose to pick it from the bed. A voice, in almost a whisper, said, “Praveena, don’t be shocked. This is Vijay, your forgotten and ditched lover. It was by chance that Reddy told me of your marriage to some well-heeled bloke and your honeymoon trip. Sorry, I forgot. Hearty congratulations. I wish to meet you and your hubby to greet you in person. I know where you are staying” 

“Hmm………thanks……………,” she could not say anything more with Pranesh watching her. 

“Dear, do not be scared. I will never harm you. You were so generous with your love in the past. I would be an ungrateful wretch to put you in any difficulty. I just need a tiny help to get over some pressing financial problems. I need one lakh rupees immediately. Pity you didn’t have a computer, and you wrote by hand all your passionate and romantic letters. Keep the money ready. I forgot to hand over your letters after you parted from me. I will bring them for sure. I am unable to forget you easily after our intimacy, “Vijay said in a soft voice. 

But she knew the viper had returned to bite her by blackmail. She looked at the sofa and found to her immense relief that Pranesh had gone to bath bathroom. 

“Look here, Vijay. I cannot talk much now. I have no money to give. I beg of you to leave me alone and not harm me’ she pleaded with him 

“Sweetie, I am told he is a rich guy. If you cannot pay, I will talk to him and make an honourable deal for the exchange of letters to the sum I need by tomorrow. How you play your cards is up to you,” he seemed adamant. 

As she was beseeching him with her pleas for mercy, Pranesh came out of the bathroom and asked her,” Who was on the line?” 

“One of my friends. He couldn’t attend our wedding. He wished to greet us in person. I told him we are away on honeymoon,” she replied 

“Ask him to attend the reception on Sunday at the hotel,” he said. Rushing suddenly towards her, he snatched the phone and said, “This is Pranesh, Praveena’s husband. Your name, Sir…. Vijay? Thanks. Please attend without fail the reception at Golden Hall on Sunday. I would be happy to meet you and talk to you. Bye till then,” said Pranesh in a warm tone before disconnecting the line 

“Why do you look so pale and haggard? What is bothering you, Praveena? I think it is a lack of adequate sleep these last few days ‘he teased with a mischievous wink. 

She knew Vijay was wicked only after being tricked by his sweet talk and handsome looks. Within a few months, she decided he was not made for her and broke off the relationship. No doubt she had committed a few indiscretions, and her letters to him were one such. Hr did not let her go easily and pestered her. She did not succumb to his threats. But she dreaded him now that she is married and shuddered at the harm, he could do to her. 

The reception hall was crowded, with guests coming one after another to the couple shaking hands, wishing them well, handing over the gifts, having pictures taken and walking towards the dining hall. It was hot and sweaty despite the AC hall. Praveena saw Vijay at a distance and started trembling. Pranesh, who was holding her hand, saw the change in her and quietly whispered, “Do not worry. The crowd is too much and would soon be over” 

“Congratulations, Praveena and Mr Pranesh.I am Vijay. We spoke the other day. Praveena is a very close friend of mine. I wish her all the best. Kindly accept this small gift, Praveena. I have another gift for you, Pranesh, which I wish to hand over after a small talk with you in private,” Vijay said 

“Thank you, Vijay. We can meet in half an hour. The guests are still pouring in. Meanwhile, you may kindly rest in the adjacent AC room,” Pranesh said. 

He signalled to someone standing nearby and said, “Take join you in 30 minutes” 

Once inside, Vijay saw four more heavily built men in the room. They closed the door as they approached him with a smug smile. Abruptly, one man punched his nose, asking him,” Buddy, don’t you wish to live peacefully? Since when have you taken to blackmailing?” 

When Vijay protested, more blows rained on him from the four men and his clothes were removed, leaving him in his underwear. Someone took the other gift packet and tore it open to find innumerable letters. At the same time, another guy lit the letters with a cigarette lighter to see them burn to ashes. Another guy kicked Vijay in his groin.

“Stay away from the couple if you value your life,” growled one.

It was then that Pranesh entered the room and asked with a feigned concern,” What is all this? Vijay, are you alright? 

Turning to the four men, he spoke sharply, “Can’t you people have taken the letters from him without being rough? Give him back his dress and take him to the dining hall.” 

“Sorry, Vijay. You wanted to say something. Do you still have anything to tell?’ he asked 

When Pranesh went back to the reception hall, Praveena asked, “What did he say to you?” 

“Nothing. I asked him to have his dinner, but he pleaded his inability due to urgent work. I don’t think he will come again. Do not worry,” he said with a smile 

What he did not tell Praveena was that he had overheard every word of their conversation through the parallel line in the bathroom.