Beginning

' Natasha another letter for you'. Her friend Celene said with anger laced in her words.

She looked at the letter. Yes it's nicely packed like the past 3 ones. She opened it and like she thought it had only one sentence

" You are as smart as I thought you were " She flinched at the words.

' Ash.. ' That is what Celene prefers to call her. ' Please take it seriously he is really crossing the limits. You should report it to the police. '

' What should I report? That an unknown person is constantly sending me one sentence letters! '

' But he is obviously stalking you. He knew your ex-boyfriend for sure. '

' I know Celene. I have my own thoughts about it. ' Natasha broke up with his boyfriend last week due to such a letter. Apparently he was two-timing.

' What are you going to do?' Celene said curiosity brimming her eyes.

' I have found that the last 3 letters were posted from the orphanage which I grew up in.'

' Little hearts orphanage? '

' Yes! So I am gonna visit there tomorrow. '

' Is it somebody you know then. I don't know I am not sure.' Natasha said her words stuttering a little.

The next day the two of them decided to go to the orphanage together. It was a 4 hour journey. Looking out through the window, the path felt oddly nostalgic. Memories kept rushing in.

The orphanage was Natasha's home for nearly 16 years. She got adopted only at 16. She had a best friend there, whom she cannot forget this life, whom she wish to meet again. But the busy life she had and an unknown fear kept her from searching for him. His name was Arnav and he was 2 years younger than her. She wondered where he might be.

The car entered the orphanage compound. On the way to the sister in charge of the orphanage, she saw two girls playing together. She felt guilty for not visiting there sooner. It has been 10 years. Even though she would call the sister at times she never actually visited there.

' Oh, Natasha. It's a pleasure to see you again. I thought you forgot the way here.' Sister said smiling at her.

' I am sorry, sister. How can I forget! ' Natasha said embracing the sister. Tears fell down her cheeks

' Still a crybaby I see' Sister said wiping her tears off.

They talked for nearly an hour about her life. Then Celene finally managed to come to the topic proper.

' Sister she has been receiving letters which are posted from here. '

' Here? I didnt write any letter though.'

' Do you have any idea who might be the person? ' Celene insisted.

' I don't know. I don't think anybody here know Natasha other than me. It has been nearly ten years most of the staff retired and all the children back then got adopted.'

' What about Arnav? Where is he? ' Natasha asked hiding her curiosity.

' Arnav... Oh he got adopted soon after you left. He was actually not willing to get adopted because of you so after you left he agreed for adoption. '

' Do you know where he is now? '

' No I think the family was from Florida or something'.

Then they checked the adoption register and found the address.

' It will take 2 hours from here.' Celene said searching in Google. ' Let's get going' She added.

' Are you being serious. We are going now?' Natasha asked.

' Yes, or else what. We have to confirm that it's not him , right? What if you get more letters.' Celene said rashly.

Celene was always like this, a straight forward person. She was a free spirit while Natasha had her boundaries high. She was calculative and meticulous at times.

They bid farewell to the the sister and left the orphanage.

On the way Natasha kept thinking what she should tell first when she meet Arnav. She was anxious.

It was already evening when they reached the address. The house looked old like big but uninhabited. Shrubs covered the front of the house.

Natasha felt as if the journey was a waste. It doesn't look like anybody live here.

Still they ran the calling bell and to their surprise a feeble voice came from inside. ' Coming..'

They waited and an old lady opened the door.

' Is this the house of Mr. Bernard?' Celene asked. That was the name written on the adoption register.

' Yes it is. What do you want? ' The lady said calmly.

' We wanted to meet Mr Bernard.' Natasha said swiftly.

' Oh. Mr and Mrs Bernard passed away last year. '

' Sorry.' Natasha paled.

'Do you know about Arnav? ' Celene asked.

' Arnav.. yes the son of Mr and Mrs Bernard. It's a pity that he died at such a young age. They were a really happy family. '

' What happened? ' Celene asked admist her shock but Natasha was speechless. Her friend with whom she shared an unbreakable bond is no more there. Guilt filled her up.

' It was a road accident. They died on spot.'

As they stood there frozen a shadow appeared at the door behind the old lady. It was a young man.

He asked. ' Who are they? '

' They came looking for Bernard.'

'Who are you ?' Natasha asked hiding her broken voice.

' It is my son, we live in the city but we visit here at times.' The lady answered.

' I am Leo. Nice to meet you' He said extending his arm towards Natasha.

' Natasha. Pleasure to meet you. ' She said half heartedly and held his hand. But he didn't break apart he held her hand tight.

' What the..'

'You are as smart as I thought you were! To leave that fool of a boyfriend'. He whispered but the sound resonated jn her ears. She couldn't believe her ears.

' You...were the.. stalker. ' Natasha stuttered.

' I wouldn't call myself a stalker, I am more like an informant.' She smirked and said.

' We will report to the police if you pull any of your acts. ' Celene threatened.

' She is crazy right?' He said to Natasha refering to Celene without looking at her.

' Celene I will handle this.' Natasha said softly.

' I will wait for you in the car. ' Celene said and left the two of them.

The old lady was nowhere to be seen. She might have left when Leo showed up.

' What do you want? Why are you writing me letters? Natasha asked. But her voice betrayed her sorrow. She couldn't process all these. Her childhood friend died and suddenly a stranger was trying to barge into her life.

' Oh! Don't cry ok! I didnt mean to disturb you. I was really close with Arnav, he was my best friend. He used to talk a lot about you. So after his death I thought you should know about it. That's why I searched for you. Your ex happened to be my co worker. I happen to know he was two-timing and so I tried warning you. That's all !' He finished in a rush a bit panicked by her sadness.

' I see.. Thanks! ' Natasha managed to say. She walked towards the car.

' It's not the end it's just the beginning' Leo said a bit like screaming.

Natasha looked back and saw him smiling at her and waving a good bye.

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