23rd April 2020,

New York

In Dean’s house,

Vanshika was in the living room and she heard someone’s footsteps in the hallway she stood and walked towards the sound.

“come, come Dean I was waiting for you, where were you all this time? And what did you wanted to tell me? Say it quickly.” said Vanshika as she came into the hallway.

“Dean, are you there? Dean...” but no one was there. She went forward towards the door. “ouchhhh…..ohhhh ahhhh… ! You… but why? What have I done..?” said Vanshika and she fell down on the floor. Blood flowed through her head which made the entire white floor RED.

After some time the doorbell rang ‘ting tong’. Dean was outside the door he called out “Vish, hey come on Vanshika open the door” but he got no answer so he tried the knob “oh the door’s open. Surprise!! Vish!! Oh my god, how does this happen? Vanshika tell me who did it? please tell me? No!!!!! Vanshika…..” and she laid in his arms DEAD…

Some days later

In a café

“Hey guys!” said Divyanshika and she sat down beside Mihil. “Hey Div” said Mihil “what brought you here?” “Come on Mihil, Vanshika was my friend too.” Said Div. “‘IS’ Div Vanshika is your friend too” said Akhil “she is missing not dead”

“sorry to say that, but it’s been almost a month and the police department has no clue about her neither we have anything.” Said Div.

Akhil, Mihil, Divyanshika and Dean were Vanshika’s friends. They were tensed and confused because the death of their friend Samaira and Vanshika’s disappearance.

As they were discussing two people, a girl and a boy of same age as that of others (Vanshika’s friends) entered in the café. They looked around but there was no vacant place for them to sit, only place they had was the table were Akhil and the group was sitting. So they went towards them.

“Hey, if you don’t mind can we sit here?” said the girl.

“Off course you can” said Mihil. “Thanks” said the boy and he sat next to Akhil.

“Hi I am sandy and he is Ben” said the girl.

“I am Akhil, he is Mihil and she is Div and that’s Dean” said Akhil.

“Nice to meet you all” said Ben. There was an awkward silence, everyone suddenly stopped talking as Sandy and Ben joined them. Sandy and Ben did notice it. “Is everything alright?” said Sandy looking at everyone. “You all look really tensed, what’s the matter” said Ben. But he got no answer everyone was silent.

“If you all aren’t comfortable, we can leave” said Sandy.

Finally Akhil said “No it’s nothing like that”. “You all were discussing something, we don’t want to disturb you” said Ben.

“Truly, we are ok, it’s totally fine” said Mihil. “No its not, look at you guys, anyone can tell that something’s wrong with all” said Sandy.

“What are you talking about? Seriously there is nothing as such, everything is cool” said Akhil.

“Tell us Akhil maybe we can help you” said Sandy. “You cannot help us, actually no one can” said Div.

“Why? Tell us at least” said Ben. “Even the police is unable to figure it out” said Dean.

“What, Police? Why? I mean what’s the matter” said Ben.

“Actually it’s about our friends, we lost them lately” said div.

“Oh, I am sorry about it” said Sandy “was it a murder?”

“Yes” said Akhil.

And Akhil told them Vanshika’s story……

1st Jan 2016,

Mumbai

Vanshika’s house,

“Come on Mom I am getting late” said Vanshika looking at her watch standing near the main door. She was taping her left foot continuously because she was waiting for a long time.

“Coming” said Vanshika’s mom from the kitchen “Just a min”.

“I will miss my flight mom, be quick” said Vanshika. At last Vanshika’s mother came out of the kitchen with a box in her hand “take this and share it with your friends” said her mother.

“Thanks mom” said Vanshika and she kissed her chee

k “ Bye mom take care” said Vanshika and she sat in the taxi which was waiting in front of their house.

“Bye my dear” and she waved.

Vanshika was smart, independent girl who was appointed as a surgeon in the best hospital in New York City. She lived in New York with her best friend Samaira who was also a doctor and was trying for a job in the City Hospital were Vanshika was appointed.

“Wow finally got what is always wanted” said Vanshika to herself looking at the letter from the City Hospital.

While she was wondering a man approached “hey, can you please excuse me?” he said but Vanshika didn’t reply him.

So he asked again “hello, hey are you here?” waving his hand in front of her.

“Oops sorry, I completely lost what you said” she said. “It’s all right” said the stranger.

“So it’s your seat I guess” said Vanshika. “Yeah that’s right” he said.

“Hi by the way I am Dean” he said sitting on his seat.

“I am Vanshika, nice to meet you” she said shaking his hands.

They talked all the way about their lives, jobs, and many things.

“hahha really! That’s something I would love to do” said Vanshika.

(Please tie your seatbelts the plane is about to land)

They arrived at the New York airport.

“I really had a good time, see you then” said Vanshika. “Okay, bye. It was nice meeting” said Dean shaking hands with her. “Me too.” She said with a smile.

She came out of the airport and started looking around. “What….! Again late oh my! this Samaira what should I do with this girl?” said Vanshika to herself.

“What are you mumbling?” said a voice from behind

“ahh! Samaira! Why are you standing behind me?” said Vanshika astound due to her sudden arrival. “And why are you late again?” said Vanshika looking at her with a cold stare.

“wooo..! Calm down are you going to kill me for being late.” said Samaira.

“This is not the first time is it?” said Vanshika. “I swear I left early but you know how my boss is she never late of me easily and you how important this job is for me” said Samaira trying hard to make a cute and pitiful face. “Please Vish you are my only best friend”

“fine fine, you don’t need to act like this anymore” said Vanshika

“Really?! I know you cannot stay angry over such a dumb thing like this” said Samaira “come lets go, let me help you with your luggage for being late”

They drove back to the house where Vanshika and her friend Samaira used to stay. Samaira and Vanshika were classmates and are best friends.

“So how are your trip to your house after so many years” said Samaira sitting on the sofa.

“It was amazing I met everyone after so long time, I am so happy” said Vanshika “Sam you should definitely come to India, you will have a great time there”

“I wish, but what can I do, I have to focus on my studies as well as my job” said samaira.

“Here take them these are sweets that my mom made especially for you” said Vanshika giving sam the box. “Thanks! aunty is so nice I just love the sweets made by her..” said Samaira.

“ok so lets have dinner I am really hungry” said Vish.

They both ate their dinner and talked about India and what all things Vanshika did.

The next morning Vanshika woke up and she realized that she is late so she hurriedly got ready and came downstairs.

“Good morning Vish, come on breakfast is ready” said Samaira and started putting the dishes on the table.

“Morning Sam but I am late for work I must hurry, so see later bye. Sorry I can’t have breakfast with you let’s meet for lunch I will give you a call” said Vanshika

“Okay bye” said Samaira. And Vanshika left for the hospital.

“Taxi taxi!” shouted Vanshika but she got no response “oh god I am going to be late” she saw a car going in the same direction as her.

“Lift lift” she said. The car stopped and Vanshika entered the car. There was a handsome man who looked like a wealthy businessman.

“Thank you sir” said Vanshika with a formal smile “can you please drop me near the City Hospital?”

“Sure” he said and told his driver to do so. He was looking at Vanshika for long time it made her a bit uncomfortable.

“Sir, is there anything you want to ask me?” she said.

“You really don’t remember me, do you?” he said with a smile.

“Have we met before? I am so sorry but I really don’t remember you” she said with a hesitant tone.

He laughed at her stressed face and said “you don’t need to push yourself, actually we met some days before, while travelling back to New York I sat beside you, its me Dean”

“Ooo! It was you I am sorry my memory is not so good” she said.

“Its fine now that we met again, don’t forget me easily this time” he said in a teasing tone and looking at Vanshika.

“Here you can drop over here” she said to change the topic.

“But the Hospital is still a few blocks away” said Dean

“No its fine I can walk till there” she said “And Thank you for helping me today”

She hurriedly got down from the car and began to run fast.

“This is interesting” said Dean with a smirk as he saw Vanshika running away. “Sir, are you not going to visit your father and brother today?” asked the driver looking at the hospital. “let’s go, they both are doctors they might be busy saving people” said Dean.

Vanshika entered the hospital. It was her first day so she was excited to be a part of the New York’s best hospital. She went towards the reception to report.

“Good Morning, I am Vanshika Roy its my first day here I am here to report” she said.

The lady at the reception told Vanshika to meet the

Chairman Mr. Fergusson. Vanshika went in the Chairman’s office she greeted him and told him everything. He welcomed her and told her that from now onwards she must be working under him. In the Chairman’s office she also met his Son Joe who is a very talented and chief heart surgeon of the department. They both encouraged her and wished her for future.

“Thank you for your support and wishes” she said “I will take over the cases that I given to me” and she left the office. Vanshika took the files of the patients and began to study their cases.

It was noon so she called Samaira for lunch. They met at the restaurant near the hospital.

“So how was your first day?” asked Samaira. “It was pretty good actually, I am assigned a few cases of patients and in future I am going to work under the Chairman” said Vanshika.

“That’s great you can learn many things” said Samaira.

“Yes I know but I am also a bit nervous I don’t want to make any mistakes” said Vanshika “Just complete you degree quickly so we can work together it will be so fun”

They both ordered their food and were discussing about various stuffs.

“What a coincidence miss Roy” said Joe looking at both of them.

Vanshika stood up and greeted him. “Hello Mr. Joe this is my best friend Samaira and Sam he Mr. Joe Fergusson the head of the department”

“Nice to meet you miss Samaira” said Joe and they shook their hands.

“nice to meet you too Mr. Fergusson” said Samaira

“Please don’t be so formal both of you just call me Joe” he said “Mind if I join you?”

“off course not please have a sit” said Samaira

They all had their lunch together and Joe left. “Vish, he is so handsome! Is he your head?” said Samaira looking at Vanshika.

“no he works in Different department he is an heart surgeon and let me tell you he does all the high risk operations” said Vanshika.

“See its almost time now I should go back” said Samaira looking at the watch.

“Yes I must take my leave see in the evening, bye” said Vanshika and they left the restaurant.

In the evening Vanshika returned home but Samaira was not there so she made dinner and waited for her. After an hour Samaira came back. They had their dinner and they both went to their rooms to rest.

Vanshika was acquainted with her new scheduled as surgeon and she started working hard. On other hand Samaira graduated from college and was appointed as a doctor in the City Hospital as Vanshika. They both were really happy by the news and were excited to work together.

Samaira was working under Joe while Vanshika was under the chairman. Vanshika, Samaira and Joe were most of the time together and now were good friends.

Vanshika was in the hospital and was about to go home. ‘tring-tring’ Vanshika answered her phone “Yes Sam I am on my way don’t worry I will be at their soon”

Vanshika was on her way but she suddenly felt that a car is tailing her. The car came by her side and the window went down.

“Hey! Vanshika” said the person in the car. She turned to look who was it and she saw Dean. “Dean? It’s you! I thought you were human traffickers” said Vanshika jokingly

“Look at my handsome face do I look like one of them?” said Dean making a sad face.

Vanshika couldn’t help but laugh at his face. “do you want me to drop you somewhere?” said Dean.

“Yes you are on time my friend, I am already late can you please take me to the West Restaurant?” she said.

“What a coincidence I am also heading towards it” he said “come on”

They both entered and Vanshika looked for Samaira and Joe. She saw Samaira waving her.

“There she is, Dean Come I will introduce you to my friends” said Vanshika and they both walked towards the table where Sam and Joe were sitting.

“You both are late” said Joe looking at Vanshika and Dean.

“Wait, you both know each other?” said Vanshika.

“Yes, so let me introduce you he is my elder brother Dean” said Joe “and Dean they are my friends Samaira and Vanshika, they both work in our hospital”

“Hello” said Dean and they all sat down.

“So you are Joe’s brother” said Samaira “Joe told me that you are a businessman and also one of the shareholders of our hospital”

“Really?” said Vanshika looking at Dean with a doubtful look.

“Hey what’s with that look?” said Dean “what you don’t believe that I am not only handsome but also quite capable”

“God! You are such a narcissist” said Vanshika laughing.

They all had a great time and they left. Within a short period Dean became their close friend and all of them spend more time together. They all went parties together, picnics, and treks. Everything was good and Vanshika and Samaira were very happy to meet Dean and Joe.

Some months later

“Come on Samaira wake up! It’s not at all a holiday” said Vanshika pulling off the blanket from Samaira’s body.

“Five min please Vish, I promise just five min more” said Samaira

“No! Not even a sec more, get up” said Vanshika.

“Fine stop nagging like my mom” said Samaira sitting up “I am up now, happy?”

After a while they both had their breakfast and came out of the house and locked it.

“Can I drive today?”

“Sure”

“Thanks”

“So let’s go”

“What a busy day it was!” said Samaira as they completed their work.

They both came out of the hospital and sat in their car. ‘ring-ring’ Samaira’s phone started ringing but she rejected the call. But again the phone started ringing but Samaira was staring outside the window.

The phone kept on ringing.

“For god’s sake Samaira pick up your phone!” said Vanshika while driving the car.

“Sam!” she said loudly

“Yeah… what’s it Vish?”

“Your phone, it keeps on ringing what on earth are you thinking?”

She again rejects the call and suddenly her mood changes and her face turns pale.

“Sam tomorrow let’s go watch a movie, what do you say?”

“No I am not in a mood, I will need some rest” said Samaira and she went upstairs to her room.

“What’s up with Sam today?” said Vanshika to herself “something is not right”

“Don’t you dare to call me again! Just go to hell! I don’t want talk to you ever again. Do you understand never again! Leave me alone for god sake. Please leave me plee...ase… stop haunting me (sobs sobs ).

Samaira was shouting on her phone and she suddenly burst out in tears. Vanshika entered the room and saw Samaira crying.

“Vanshika…sob…” said Samaira but she was shaking and was unable to say anything.

“Calm down Sam here drink some water and sit down” said Vanshika handing the glass to Samaira. “Now tell me calmly what happened? Why are you so terrified all of a sudden?”

“Vanshika he will kill me Vanshika, he knows….he….knows!” exclaimed Samaira in terror.

“What are you talking about there is no way they can suspect it’s us” said Vanshika while comforting Samaira “Don’t over think things unless you are sure about it”

“But..”

“No more buts just sleep”

Vanshika came out of the room after Samaira was asleep. She closed the door behind her and slide down on the floor touching her back against the door with fear.

“What if they really suspect us? They will definitely kill us. No I must talk with Dean and sort the things before it’s too late. Looking at Samaira’s condition it’s clear that Joe knows about it.” She said to herself.

She went to her room quickly. She was searching for something very frantically. She opened a small locker inside the cupboard and took out a pen drive. “I cannot keep this here anymore.” She said and kept in the bag and went to sleep.