Chapter 2 The Familiar Stranger

I tried to open my eyes. The light seemed too bright that it was hard to open my eyes. My head was throbbing. Somehow I opened my eyes. I tried to move but I couldn't. My limbs were numb but I could feel the soft mattress beneath me.

It was good, I guess. At least I am not on cold floor of any dungeon. I could feel the warm rays of sun on my body. But I was having hard time to move my body. I didn't understand that what the hell had happened with me?

After struggling for so long, I finally gather enough strength to get up and sit. But my head was badly pounding which causes my head fall back. When I finally steady myself, I started to scan the room.

The room was large and clean. Walls were painted with off white colour. Two chairs with a centre table at the one corner of the room, a dressing table having different type of makeup boxes and perfumes on it and an almirah. I was sitting on the large bed in the center of the room.

Was I dreaming or what??? I don't know that but the place was unfamiliar. But it was not looking any kind of prisoner. Was it??? Where the hall was?

I started to pace in the room. I tried to open the door but it was locked. There was a big window. I looked outside from the window. But all I can see was big garden with colourful flowers.

I was trying to seek where I was when I heard the clink of the door. The door was unlocked and two women entered into the room with some dresses and boxes in their hands.

I recognized one woman. I sat beside her in bus. At that time she was in Punjabi suit but she was in completely different look. She had worn Rajasthani attire. I was completely surprised.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I asked to the women.

But none of them answered; instead she looked at me angrily. "Wear these clothes and jewellery and get ready. Madam will see you shortly." She said bitterly.

"What do you mean? Who is going to meet me? Where I am?" I asked in one breath. Hot tears started to burn into my eyes.

Woman was about to leave without answering my question when I picked up the tray and threw it on the floor with full of anger.

Both women looked back. fine lines appeared on her forehead." You have to wear these clothes if you want to get out of this room until then you will remain here". She said frustrated and left.

I had got warning loud and clear. "Wear these or not out of room." It was scary. The door was locked and I was left alone in the room. I looked outside the window as my safe escape. From the outside view, it was clear that I was on second or third floor of the building. If I'll try to escape from window, I will definitely broke my bones or most likely to kill myself.

I was in dilemma. After thinking hard for some time, I put up the clothes and jewellery. It was lehnga and cholli. I had never worn them. The clothes were little uncomfortable and the jewellery was very heavy. It was like I had worn iron as my clothes and jewellery.

After waiting for some, the door was opened again and same women appeared from the door. They looked at me. Then a woman went towards the dressing table and picked some makeup articles. After brushing my face with makeup, she had satisfaction on her face. I was full of confusion. I had no idea why they were doing this to me.

Women took me out of the room. The corridor was painted with pale mustard colour and expensive paintings were decorating the walls.

Finally, we reached in a large room which seems like centre area. A woman was sitting on the sofa. She had very strong aura around her. Her presence was raising my adrenaline giving me negative vibes. Her skin was dark whitish and eyes were large and brown in colour. She had large and thick silky hairs which were set in a low braid. Her satin silk saree was improving her personality.

Women brought me in front of her. She stood up and looked at me like she was trying to study me. Then she carefully caressed my cheeks. I flinched with her touch but didn't go back.

Panic had replaced with fear. My guts were telling me to run far away from here. But I had no power. She guided me towards sofa and sat me up on it. Then she sat beside me on sofa. She held my hand in her hands and started to caress it carefully.

My whole body was shaking by her this kind of behaviour. Who was she? And what she wanted from me? I had never seen her before but still she was looking familiar somehow.