"I spy you!" - 7

She was ready to leave by 5 am.  She was sitting in the car. The youth was back in the backseat.

She might not have even slept. She had sent word for Upendra through one of the servants when she heard his footsteps.

As she was very alert, she peered through the window and found that it was the servant.

Upendra came to her door at 4.30 am and knocked the door. With the help of the servants the car was pushed up the gradient. The radiator was checked for availability of water.

She paid him and thanked him for his hospitality. She was looking behind for Pushpahaasa’s presence. He was not there. If he was there, he must have been well hidden watching her leaving.

Her sole aim was to pursue her journey. So, her judgment was more than clouded as far as Pushahaasa was concerned. In her hurry to leave the place, she forgot to ask Upendra about Pushpahaasa’s presence. But she also knew that Pushpahaasa would have told a like to Upendra too. But still she should have known. But then it was too late!

She stopped once for breakfast. She did not get down the car. She asked to be served in the car. She reached the capital of the State without any untoward incident by 11.45 am.

She checked into a hotel. The youth was put in a wheelchair and shifted to the hotel room.

She called the flight office and booked two tickets for an early morning flight to the Nation’s Capital. Now it was the time to wait and watch.

Just when she was hoping that she is fine and things will go smoothly, her mobile rang. When she recognized the caller, she tried to ignore. But it did not stop ringing till she took the call.

“Hello Vasoo! Where are you? I believe you are out of station? I am stuck here in my place. Please let me know how to come and meet with you.”

It was Amruta a close friend of Vasupradha.  She had met her during her secret stay in a small city. Any other time would have been good to talk to Amruta. She was staying in the opposite house of Vasupradha. Vasupradha became close to her. Amruta had gone out of station. Vasupradha did not know where she had gone. Some times Amruta was secretive. Vasupradha dismissed her absence as some clandestine affair of hers since Amruta did not give any clue about details of her marriage!

‘Amruta is a good woman and she adores me’ thought Vasupradha.

“Ammu! Please! please...!! ask questions one by one. I can’t answer so many questions together. I am on my way to meet a close friend. I will call you once I finish my job” Vasupradha told in as mild a tone as possible.

“Ok ok, but what did you do about your son?” Amruta asked.

“What? Sorry, I can’t hear you. Some signal problem” replied Vasupradha evidently not liking to reply the question.