The Doppelganger

SAMAR

I woke up from my unconsciousness.

"It's been exact three hours since I got here still I don't know where I am.", I thought within myself as I managed to detect the time from the broken glass of my watch.

Pulling myself together, I strived to find my way out but I'm unable to do it. It's so dark here. I wish I could call mommy, she'll be worried about me. Pondering about this, I remembered today's incident as a baby shriek reached my ears.

"Listen girl, stop crying or else I'll make you voiceless.", I heard.

Kayu... I mumbled her name. She was with me during the abduction. We were playing like everyday in the children's park and all of a sudden they came to us and... and I blacked out. I let out a deep sigh as I don't know what happened next. For now I need to go to her but how will I reach her? I can't see a thing. The next moment idea popped up in my brain.

"You can follow the sound Samar.", My inner voice told me. Kayra's screeches made it cakewalk for me.

While sensing the things in background I stood up and followed the sound, touching gently everything so that I don't stumble. I took tiny steps towards her yet find nothing but a irregular surface around me. There must be a exit and I have to find it. I circled around the space comfortably as find nothing in my way and here it is. I sensed a wooden window beneath my hand. Striving to open it, I shoved it but all in vain. I guess it is stucked.

"God, help me to save Kayu please!", I muttered while finding something to shove the window. At a time I couldn't hear Kayra's cries.

"Why did she stop crying?", I grabbed whatever came in my fist, jolted the stucked window and came out.

"Kayu... Where are you? I'm coming to you, don't be scared. okay!", Moving in a particular direction, I screamed. Before I could proceed further, some men in their 30's wearing all black approached me. I can resemble some of them from today's incident.

*******

"Kayu, don't cry. I'm here, no?", I strived to wipe off her tears as I was confined in their grip. There is nothing I could do instead of consoling her. Although I'm just 15, I was always a big boy to her. Maybe she is right, my mommy always tells me that I'm way more quick-witted than others of my age. I guess, age is just a number in my case. Nonetheless, above all this I'm just yearning for some ideas that can take us out from this shitty place. These miscreants have vowed to frighten my Kayu.

"Just stop blabbering, you little brat. You both... you won't be able to escape from here. Let's just stop this word game and do some real action.", The man who was behaving like their boss passed a smirk to us. I'm getting negative vibes now. Kayra strived to conceal herself behind my shoulder as her eyes caught a sight of his smirking face. I turned to her abruptly, cupping her chubby cheeks which have turned red due to continues cries.

"Sam... They're bad. They... They want to hurt us.", She barely stammered. I want to punish these bad men. How can they make my Kayu like this! She is such a sweet girl. Everyone loves her.

"Kayu, I promise I'll protect you and I'll punish them.", I connect my eyes intensely with hers to bind my words. I know it's not the situation to lie about these things but the promise I made to her is bound with my determination, my heart and my soul. Until she is able to protect herself, I will protect her. I'll have her back till eternity.

SAMAR

"No... Please don't do this... Don't snatch her from me, please...", Screaming aloud like any other day, I thrust my hands upon the bed and catch the sight of mom. She is here as always. These nightmares have never left me alone and mom too.

"Mom, what are you doing here? You should've rested in your room, no?", Getting up, I complained. She passed me a strong glare with her damped eyes. Everyday... I have seen her tears almost everyday for the last 15 years. There is not a single day when she failed to stick by my side. She looks out for me everytime when things go hard. But her worries, her tears bother me. It's all because of my nightmares. I wish I could do something for it.

"How can I rest when my baby is having a tough time? You'll never win this discussion, Samar, so stop trying.", Stroking my hair, she comes to me, pecking on my forhead.

"Mom, don't call me baby. Call your actual baby when you feel like to say baby, okay?", Stretching the 'mom' sound, I objected like a kid. She'll certainly show her toothy smile now. And I was right, she gleamed with happiness in the very next moment.

"My actual baby is having a sound sleep.", She laughed at her own words. We are a perfect mother - son duo, I guess. She understands my words without even saying it. We share silly jokes, we make fun of each other, sometimes I treat her like a kid, I even squeeze her cheeks. Funny, no? But that's how we are. We're different from almost all tycoon families.

"Get up now, you're running late.", While leaving, mom told me. Well, it's still early but she knows that I'll be spending my next hour in the gym.

******

As cold shower splashed over my body, I recalled today's nightmare. It was no different to other one. I saw her again. That innocence filled eyes seeking help still delivers goosebumps all over my body. Her screams make my nights unbearable for me. Sometimes it becomes difficult to even breath.

Nonetheless, I still want to have these nightmares for this is the only way to feel connected to her, this is the only to fill the strange void in my heart and this is the only reason not to contact any psychologist so far. The promise which I had made to her, I couldn't fulfill it. I failed to protect her, I failed to rescue her. That whole day was so unfair to her. At least I can do this much, right? I can have my share of pain!

"Samar, come fast. We're waiting for you."Dad called me for breakfast.

I didn't know when my tears mingled with sprinkling water. The pain, I have willingly let lingered in my heart is devouring me from inside.

"Yes dad, coming.", I answered. Wiping off my tears, I took a quick shower and came out since, today is the day when half of my dreams will be fulfilled.

I will be launching a new plan to build a resort in Kashmir. Investors are already impressed with my proposal and will certainly go for it as that place is known as a "Paradise on Earth".

Although I have my hotel branches across the world but the greenery, the landscape, the beauty, the magic, the aura, the vibe which that place holds inside it, is mesmerizing. I have tried to intertwin history with modernization in its theme.

I picked a white shirt with a perfect matched wine red suit and a checkered black tie. Struggling with my tie, I called someone.

"Lily, come now. I can't do it without you.", Lily is my longtime secretary and a perfect friend. I have become more comfortable with her over the years. Well, I knew she was waiting for my call. Due to inherited genes from an European mother, she got two blue twinkling eyes, which are always a centre of attraction. She entered my room, giggling.

'Gone is her fear', My subconscious told me.

"Good morning, sir.", She streched the 'r' sound in sir unnecessarily while chuckling, hiding his creased lips with one hand.

"Don't laugh. You're my secretary now.", I faked my anger. Although, I know I'm really bad at it. On a funny note, my acting sucks! I can never hide my expressions with my close ones. Apparently, Lily is in that circle.

"We're still at your home, sir.", She continued her giggles while correcting the knot of my tie.

"You'll never learn it, no?", She said, turning her lips into a cheerful smile.

"What to fear, when Lily is here.", She didn't laugh this time and hence proved, I cracked a lame joke.

"And it's done.", She told me.

In less than 5 seconds, she randomly asked, "What if I'm not here, by your side?" I see, this is turning off topic. Turning my back to her, I grabbed my phone to avoid awkwardness, for I'm conscious of her unsettled feelings towards me which I thought of a fleeting one or an infatuation.

"Oh, Lily! You know, it just can't happen.", I reasoned out, evading her gaze, her question and her expectation. It's very silly of me to do something this trivial to her but when timidity surrounded me with the fear of loosing one of my precious friend, it can't be helped.

"Now tell me my today's schedule.", I forced a smile on my face for facing her again.

"At 10 AM, you have a meeting with investors.

At lunch, you need to meet Mr. Adem....", She continued reporting me.

Mr. Adam is coming from Turkey and wants to set up an Indian hotel there for he knows we're the best in this field in India. As he'll be coming a long way, I need to put proper efforts and attention.

******

"The entrance and interior will be similar to that of Medieval king's palaces and the services we provide will be in a modern frame. We can give them the luxury of royal people while using AI (Artificial intelligence).", I explained to the investors. They're looking quite satisfied with the presentation.

"Don't you think it only targets upper class people? From what I know it's impossible for a middle class family to pay a visit even if it is for a day. So how will you draw their attention?", The person sitting in my front questioned.

"Yes it is. For that, I have thought of a solution. As you said earlier, it'll solely target rich class that means we can anticipate to make a hefty amount of profit and can spend a fragment of it for middle and lower class.

Every month we'll randomly choose a family to visit our hotel without paying a single penny and in exchange we'll ask them to write a proper review.

In the long run it'll also attract the middle class, instead of planning 2-3 short trips throughout the year they can plan a holiday in our hotel. We can offer some percentage of reduction to them.", I detailed my views while looking at them, striving to comprehend their expressions. Well, I'm not anxious still I want to know their thoughts.

"Impressive.", One of them smiled and I earned a round of applause from them. I'm ecstatic, I feel like, I'm on cloud nine, the feeling is just... just beyond indecipherable.

"It was a great presentation, Mr. Oberoi. I'll send you the contract within 3 days.", The one who asked me the question greeted me with an amiable handshake.

******

"Hello, Mr. Adem. Welcome to India.", I have come to the airport to receive Mr. Adem and his secretary. He is similar to my age but a bit healthy in physique and has worn black and white checkered suit. Don't call me rude but he is looking like a chessboard. Haha...

'Be professional Samar.', I reminded myself.

"Oh thanku, Mr. Oberoi.", He checked out the nearby scenario, taking a look around. "I didn't expect India would be like this."

"What do you mean?", I baffled. He was like a easy-going and uncomplicated man over the phone. I hope he wouldn't belittle us and from the 'us' I mean, we Indians.

"It's kinda giving a enchanting vibe.", Breaking the ice, he said something nice.

"Oh, yeah! It's really amazing. Let's go to our hotel. You can relax for some time and then we'll discuss further at lunch.", Saying this, I called the driver to escort Mr. Adem.

"See you at the hotel.", I told him and proceed with my car too. As I love to drive my white BMW all over the Jodhpur city, I do not prefer drivers.

Within a couple of seconds, I get reminded of something. Where is his secretary? I didn't meet her and Mr. Adem didn't even mention her once. Should I go to the airport? Concluding everything, I called Mr. Adem to confirm whether she landed here or not.

She'll be coming by herself, Mr. Adem told me. To recheck all the arrangements, I called Lily and advised to be prepared, considering the distance between our hotel and the airport.

******

"And this is my secretary, Lily. I'm sure you met her earlier.", Introducing Lily, we take a seat inside a tinted glass cabin cornered from the whole restaurant of our hotel. The reason why I preferred a tinted glass cabin for conference is due to my secretive behaviour. I don't like people to observe me.

"Oh yes! No need to introduce her. She is really an ace in her work.", Mr. Adem complimented Lily.

"I got lucky then.", I quickly added and beamed. With only a slight glance of her I can estimate the contentment she felt.

"My secretary is on the way, till then why don't we begin the discussion?", Mr. Adem suggested.

Only when I was going to speak, the door to the cabin opened and came in was a beautiful young lady but I bet she can't beat my Kayra in this. She must be Mr. Adem's secretary.

"Oh! Here comes my secretary, my right hand. Meet Kayra. And may I say, she is as meticulous as Lily.", I was stunned as I heard Mr. Adem statement.

Is it Kayra? Is it really her? Appalled by her presence, I just gawked at her without blinking for a second, observing her every single detail, leaving myself teary-eyed. Despite of having numerous thoughts in my subconscious, I followed my heart and hugged the hell out of her.

LILY

When Samar said, "I got lucky", it was the biggest praise I've ever get. The man of my dreams and imagination, that flawless, charming, graceful man is complimenting me, saying he is lucky to have me.

Over the last 6 years, I've strived to work shoulder to shoulder with him. It was my passion and hard work that brought me at this position today.

As we were carrying on with the symposium, hearing a slight creek sound I turned around, only to caught a sight of an elegant, charming lady. She must be in her late twenties.

"Oh! Here comes my secretary, my right hand. Meet Kayra. And may I say, she is as meticulous as Lily.", Mr. Adem stated.

"Kayra...", Hearing it, I mumbled unwillingly. Perplexion could easily be seen on Samar's face as Kayra strode towards us. His face stiffened, voice stucked and eyes hardened on her. It's getting out of control. I've to handle this... And I know what I need to do.

Before I could take any step, Samar hugged her out of nowhere, leaving Mr. Adem in a big dilemma.

"Do you happen to know her, Mr. Oberoi?", Striving to end his confusion, Mr. Adem reluctantly asked Samar, not sure of his answers.

Endeavouring to put a halt to the dispute, I was coming with all the lame excuses in my mind.

"What? No! I don't know him personally. At all!", Kayra, whom Mr. adem introduced as his secretary literally screamed at the peak of her voice and gave a lurch to Samar to drift away.

While I was trying to grasp the situation, Samar was appalled by her expressions. I incessantly dragged him out of the cabin with me, excusing us from our guests,

"Please spare us a moment!", That's what I told them.

SAMAR

I need to give an explanation to Kayra. We met after 15 long years. Isn't it obvious that she doesn't know me? I have to tell her the situation we're in, that, I'm her Sam.

Before I could apprise her of my intentions, I found myself hauled away from her. It was all Lily's deed.

"Lily... Leave my hand! I'm your boss goddamnit.", I got rid of her confinement giving a quick jerk to her. Her nose flared and face turned bright red while her eyes were ready to devour me right away.

"What's your problem, Lily? I'm literally sick and tired of this never ending discussion!", I snapped at her.

"Sorry, Mr. boss! But it's my duty to protect you from any embarrassment. This is the thirteenth time when you are meeting a girl named Kayra and I've had enough of it. It's time for you to snap out of your phantom or else you'll be handed over my resignation letter tomorrow.", Initially, I thought that her calm emotion dominated over her rage but her threats gave me the ultimate warning.

Yes, this was the thirteenth time when I realised that Kayra is nowhere in my life. And I hate to admit but Lily is right... So fucking right that I shouted at her for saying the truth aloud.

"Behave or else I'll leave!", She snapped me out of my inner thoughts and strode towards the cabin without waiting for me.

It seems like my thoughts are intertwined in such a manner that it can never be resolved and it kinda confuse me. But the only thing which I'm sure of is I can't reiterate the same blunder. Lily should not be disappointed in me.

Gaping for the air, I puffed repeatedly before entering the cabin to wipe my stress off as it'll not leave a good impression before the client.

"My apologies, Mr. Adem! It's just...", I was halted in the midway of completion.

"Oh, it's alright, Mr. Oberoi. Ms. Lily has already made it clear and Kayra didn't mind, right Kayra?", His secretary nodded along with him, depicting the same thing and for that I can't thank Lily enough.

Relaxing myself, I continued the meeting and it went the way I expected it to be. Though, mentioning his secretary's name distracted me to some extent but I managed to overlook it.

Only when we finished our business lunch, I led Mr. Adem and Ms. Kayra to their accomodation.

"No wonder, why you're world famous for Indian cuisine! The food perfectly suited our taste.", Said Mr. Adem while moving inside the cubicle.

"It's our pleasure to have you as our guest and client, Mr. Adem.", I concluded with a warm smile, exchanging greetings once more.

"And I'm looking forward to our partnership. So be prepared, Mr. Oberoi.", He added.

Half day spent, two deals down and it's meaning to celebrate but before that I need to make it up to Lily. She is certainly way too disturbed with my behaviour.

"Congratulations, sir! On your achievement.", As soon as I turned back, Lily sneered, passing a mischievous smirk, folding her arms and before I could understand her motives, she shoved me, giving me a sudden jerk under my knees.

"Oh, heck! Lily...", I screamed as I was about to fall but this girl... She saved me from distorting my face.

"Next time, my hands will not be reaching out for you, Mr. Oberoi.", She snapped, moving to the entrance, leaving me behind.

"Lily... Hear me out... Lily...", I went after her.

KAYRA

"Dear Pearl, I know it's been so long since I came to you and for a long duration I haven't shared anything to you yet today I need you by my side.

It's the last day of my training and being preparing and putting my efforts for all these years, I'm agitated... I'm messed up! What if something goes wrong? What if all my struggle goes in vain?

I was on a war with my inner self in all this time. My family, my friends and Sam... I lost my everything just in a day. My whole life turned upside down when I was just thirteen. Can you imagine? A thirteen year old who didn't even feed herself on her own, who was a teen yet acted like a toddler, was left with nothing but emptiness. Huh... Emptiness is an understatement by the way.

But now that I will be setting my foot into the company, that too a huge empire, I'm not sure how things will turn out!

Oops! I didn't tell you. I got accepted in SHINING STAR hotel company as a General Manager and you will be delighted to know that it's India's largest hotel company.

However, that's not the point of discussion now. I... I have some ulterior motive and for that I need to be audacious. Never have I ever been afraid before taking an action since I was 14. Back then, six months was all I needed to revive my senses.

But, this time it's different..."

"Kayra, it's time now. Come out.", As soon as the voice hit my ears I stopped jotting down in my diary and locked it with the password.

"Yes boss, I'm coming.", I immediately replied putting on my shoes. That diary is the only thing I have kept from my boss till now.

"I've been training you for 14 years and now that you are well - prepared, it's time to test your strength, your audaciousness and your patience. Let me witness your victory today, Kayra.", My boss cum mentor, Abhijeet who is in early 40s, proposed a new challenge for me.

"I and Neil will be accompanying you.", Boss added.

*******

An intergender wrestling tournament is organised in a wrestling ring and we have come here to test my ability. A playful smirk flashed upon my face as I glanced at my opponent. His eyes glaring at me with an undefined vexation and hands ready to thwack my face right away as if he is showing his defiance to me fighting him. I guess he is a so-called egoist.

"He is one of the best Indian wrestlers and you are opposing him. Do you think you can do it?", Patting on my shoulder, furrowing his brows, boss questioned me.

"Don't worry, I'll give him a tough fight.", I winked at him, ensuring that I'll be doing my best.

Only when the sound of boxing bell reached my ears, I begun throwing punches on his forearms which was structured as his protecting armour against his face. Restricting myself from using my full strength, I continued to punch at the same spot countless times.

I remember my boss' saying, 'Always try to discover your opponent's weakness' and I guess I found one.

This makes me wonder, how come he is India's one of the best wrestlers! May be his over-confident and self-centred personality is defeating him.

"Woah! I can't believe, you won... For real!", As soon as I strode toward my boss, I heard Neil saying this in awe.

"What do you take me for? I'm not merely a street fighter and moreover, when your opponent is a misogynist then you have no choice but to beat him.", I said in frustration, feeling all eyes on me.

Some people from the audience commented that I cheated during the match, some show me their disgust filled eyes and some praised me. Well, I couldn't care less.

"Let's go, we have much more things to take care of.", I suggested and moved toward the exit.

******

"You know who he is, right?", Pointing to a picture pinned on board, boss asked me.

"Tushar Oberoi, the respected chairman of the hotel company Shining Star. Being a patient of heart, he has already experienced Cardiac Arrest for two times. His only weakness is his family specially, his grandson, Samar Oberoi who is in a dispute with his grandfather.", With a smirk on my face, I spoke aloud his whole life history.

"And he is my main target.", I added.