The Tv flickered on to a movie channel showing an amateur horror tv movie where a bunch of teenagers were being chased down by a slasher killer. It was so predictable and mind numbing failing to engage Ayeshas fleeting attention as her mind raced back and forth onto bigger issues. She was trying to work out why she was here in the first place. She did not fancy the prospect of spending a night in an unfamiliar place that belonged to someone she couldn't care for. And with someone she had already had intense moments with. She never got intimate with anyone before this. It was unlike her. And what if Randeep and Ashi had gone out till late. Ashi had not responded to any of her texts. It was unusual of her not to but then she was fast becoming used to Ashis uncharacteristically irresponsible habits since she had started dating Randeep. Ayesha and Raghav had decided to stay at Randeeps place and watch the movie till they got news of them although Ayesha didnt want anything more than to go back to her house but she wouldnt have known the way back without Ashis guidance.
Raghav appeared from the kitchen with a huge bowl of popcorn in hand. He set it on the roundtable and sat next to her on the sofa without so much as a glance at her while she watched him curiously. It was a small and cushy sofa and she was conscious of the slight brushing of his arm and thigh against her as he planted himself next to her. As if things werent ackward enough already. She tried to shuffle as much as possible to the edge but it was all in futile and it didnt help that he sat with his legs spread out so she crossed her legs instead to maximise the space between them.
'Anything interesting on?' he asked oblivious to her annoyance as he leaned forward and shoved a handful of pop corn down his throat.
'Not really'
"Good. Lets just put Insidious on then, their loss if they arent here to watch."
'Insidious...uhh..'
'Chicken?' he said with a sly smile at her
'No' she responded with indignance. 'I think we should wait for them'
'Chicken.' He said with resolve.
'Fine put it on!'
He smirked and slid the disc into the player while she scowled at him from behind.
He flicked the lights off and flopped back on the sofa throwing one arm on the back of it and cocking his eyebrow at her while she kept her eyes fixed on the screen determinedly trying to ignore him. Which, wasnt too difficult as the movie quickly proved to terrify her with its creepy music and deathly atmosphere. The intensity was heightened by the fact that she was sat just inches away from him which didnt serve to quell her paranoia at all and he didnt give her much leg space either. She swore she felt his eyes on her and snuck a quick look at him out of the corner of her eye. It was hard to tell in the dark but it could be that her mind was playing tricks on her and her nerves were naturally piqued as the horror in the movie unfolded.
As the movie rolled forth she found herself increasingly gripped so much so that she had subconsciously grabbed a cushion and squeezed it tightly to her ducking behind it during the scarier parts.
'Omg tell me when its over'
'Its over'
She peeked up from the cushion but jumped dramatically just as the scene switched into a more horrific scene with the demon that leapt into view. She heard Raghav chuckle and was almost about to whack him with the cushion but something she saw across the corridor to the kitchen made her halt instantly. For there lurking in the dark stood a figure casting a shadow, long and menacing. It was motionless. Still. Silent. She froze for a split second hearing her heart thump inside her.
'Pppandit' she stammered gripping his arm tightly
'Hey! Geez whats wrong with you, you made me jump'
'Sshh someone..theres someone in the kitchen..'
'What? Get out, if this is your idea of a prank-'
'Please Raghav, Im not kidding, I saw someone' she whispered her eyes welled up in fear. The shadow had vanished but her fear wasnt dispelled one bit.
He looked at her suspiciously.
'Oh come on theres no one here, just us.' He got up to have a look
'No! Dont go' she pleaded tugging at his tshirt. He smirked as she held onto him
'Theres no one, youre getting worked up because of the film thats all. Let me have a quick look.' h
He disappeared into the kitchen and it was eerily quiet the only sounds coming from the movie. She called out his name in a loud whisper but there was no answer. Her heart thumped louder against her chest. Why wasnt he replying. She got up slowly, grabbed a lamp stand and tentatively tiptoed to the kitchen. Dread filled her to the core as she saw no one there. She half wondered if she was having another bad dream again, or sleepwalking.
Suddenly someone seized her from behind by her waist and clamped a hand over her mouth.
'I am going to kill you and every one close to you' the voice said sinisterly into her ear.
Ayesha squirmed and grappled helplessly against the persons arms till they let go, her panic mounting by the second. How did she not hear anyone creeping on her like that. She turned on her heels just as the person let her go and gaped in shock at the person before her. It was Raghav. His mouth curled into a sneer.
'You jerk! What the hell is wrong with you.'
He sniggered as she started to pound him and tried to duck away.
'Thats not remotely funny.'
'Chill girl, why are you so edgy'
'Maybe its because not just 3 days ago and no more than 3 occasions has an attempt on my life been made. Not to mention that shadow I just saw.'
He put his pulled his earlobes in gesture of forgiveness as she turned sharply away from him.
'Please pretty please maaf karo. It was just a joke.'
'A joke in bad taste'
'Im sorry Ayesha.' He followed her back into the living room and bent down on his knees as she sat on the sofa with folded arms.
He sidled up to her on it lightly brushing his leg against hers but she turned her head sharply away and crossed her legs. He offered her the bowl of popcorn but she wasnt in the least interested and made a point of showing him how annoyed she was. She had been certain of seeing the shadow of a figure. But her mind was now scrambling for other explanations like a swaying tree from outside. Raghav didnt take it seriously either and it was bugging her.
As the film moved into the final 3rds, one scene made her jump from her seat and cower behind raised hands. She didnt notice Raghav who was scrutinising her closely, unflinching. He leaned in close to her whispering into her ear
'Want me to turn it off?'
A shudder ripppled through her in surprise of the proximity, the sound of his voice and feel of his breath on her. They were inches from each other now, his breath on her lips.
'No' she said breathlessly hypnotized by his gaze
His eyes lingered on her mouth as he fought with all restraint to taste them again with his own. Her heart raced once more in anticipation of his next move but he simply moved away leaving her with an empty pit in her stomach, her desire unfulfilled.
She twirled her hair and tried to compose herself while his gaze returned to the screen though his mind was elsewhere..
They heard the rattling of keys in the door and both jumped as Randeep and Ashi walked in through the door apparent a tipsy state.
'Where the hell did you 2 go. We were worried sick.' Raghav called out in a rather bored monotonous tone
'Oh yeh, you sure sound it, is that why you went ahead with the film without us?' sameer replied sarcastically
'Yeh, you snooze you loose and sometimes you dont want to picture the worse so this was a good distraction just in case something bad did happen to you guys.'
'Buddy your dark sense of humour will never get old' he chuckled while Raghav clicked his fingers at him in acknowledgment.
As Randeep and Ashi scampered in the background going back and forth into the kitchen to prepare some food Raghav and Ayesha shared a secretive look. Their privacy had been disturbed. Not that they were doing anything dodgy but having each other for company was all they had wanted at that point. Though they were on the edge of doing something, she had sensed it in his eyes. Raghav picked his coke up while watching her. His eyes travelled to her thigh as he took a sip. Ayesha took an intake of breath feeling a rush of adrenaline surge through her as she realised he was watching her with avid interest not even trying to mask the seemingly innappropriate looks he gave her. She rubbed her neck ackwardly as his eyes did not leave her, hovering over her body, a ravenous look in them. She felt pinned to the sofa by his intense gaze that skimmed slowly up her body to her parted mouth. Her breath quickened as she met his eyes that twinkled with mischief and his lips curled into a faint smile.
As Randeep went on about something or the other Raghav slid his arm round the back of the sofa. She felt his arm right behind her then the tickling feel of his fingers stroking her shoulder and neck. She winced at first but gradually closed her eyes reddening at the feel of his skin on hers as he feigned interest in what Randeep was saying from the kitchen. He enjoyed the way she tilted her head back as his hand trailed up and down her skin and along her arm sending shivers through her.
'Ayesha I tried texting you why werent you checking your phone?' Called Ashi from the kitchen.
'Huh? I..' Ayesha broke off unable to focus. She opened her eyes and was about to say something to him when he edged close to her and with his other hand pressed a finger to her lips.
'Ssshh' he whispered
He looked at her as if to test her reaction from the effect of him on her as he precariously rested his palm upon her knee. She looked at him in alarm before he slowly lifted her skirt upwards fixing her with a hard stare slipping his hand beneath. She sighed deeply as his hand grazed her thigh teasingly.
Ashi was calling her name at this point.
'Hmm' Ayesha responded meekly while he continued to touch her. In the dark they could barely see what they were up to and it made it all the more exciting. Ayesha stopped him from going deeper resting her hand on his and looking into his eyes beseechingly.
'We shouldnt' she whispered softly as he probed her with hungry eyes.
'Why not' he growled into her ear skimming his teeth down her neck
'no stop' she pushed him away startled by his bold streak just as she heard footsteps shuffle down the corridor as Randeep and Ashi reappeared.
'Whats going on? Ashi enquired suspicion colouring her face.
'Nothing' Ayesha answered thankful for the dark that hid her shame and any sign of mischief that would have given them away.
'Scooch over' Randeep said and squeezed himself next to Raghav while Ayesha stood up at the instant of Raghav crossing her personal space a bit too closely for her liking. Raghav curled his lip in annoyance at Randeep. Ashi eyed her little sister dubiously before saying
'Then where do we sit?'
Randeep wrenched her till she sat on his lap.
'This is your seat' he said encircling his arms around her tightly
'Randeep thats quite innappropriate' she scolded and shrugged him off her.
Raghav looked up at Ayesha while sweeping his hand through his hair as she looked back at him helplessly.
'Whats this? Coke? What are we children? Wheres the booze?' Randeep quipped
'I was waiting for you guys. Let me go and fix us some drinks. Ayesha you could help me to carry them.' Raghav said gesturing to her secretly.
She shook her head at him wide eyed and realised Ashi was watching her so relented with a nod before following him to the kitchen.
When they were out of earshot Raghav turned to face Ayesha and approached her slowly.
'What?' Ayesha asked warily.
'Well?' he drawled
'Well what?' she was getting impatient.
He pulled her roughly into him.
'Admit it' he whispered
'Admit what?'. She was gripping his tshirt putting her arms in between them as a barrier.
'You know'
'You dont even know' Ayesha said narrowing her eyes
'Fine, I admit we arent what Randeep and Ashi are, you know the whole boyfriend girlfriend thing.'
Even though they intermittently acted like them with their hormones flying uncontrollably all over the place. It tugged at her again. She didnt understand what they were. There was that undeniable thing that neither wanted to admit.
Ayesha felt herself flush and pushed him away.
'Theres nothing to admit. But yes I do find you cute..' she said turning her back to him before looking at him again to gage his reaction.
Raghav looked down at his feet and smiled almost shyly and she found it so endearing that she kissed him on the cheek without thinking twice.
He was about to take a step to her but she spun on her heel and darted out of the kitchen in embarrassment.
Ayesha found Randeep and Ashi huddled close together eyes glued to the screenb their hands weaved through each other. She smiled to herself seeing them like that not knowing why she had and sat close by on the dining room chair. Her phone buzzed on the table and in a split of a sec Ayesha had gone from feeling warm and fuzzy to a feeling of deep seated fear as she read the text.
ENJOYING THE MOVIE?? The number was unknown. She froze with abated breath expecting something to happen but all was silent and still in the room. Another buzz.
GOOD BECAUSE SOON YOUll BE THE ONE SCREAMING FOR YOUR LIFE!
Ayeshas heart skipped a beat as she took in the message. She was being watched. She looked nervously about her but the rooms curtains were drawn and it was shrouded in pitch black except the crack of light from the curtains edges. She looked back to her phone again.
'THATS RIGHT, I CAN SEE EVERYTHING. UTTER A WORD TO THE COPS THEN YOUR SISTER IS DEAD. HOPE IVE MADE MYSELF CLEAR.' Ayesha pushed her phone away and jolted up out of her chair at the exact moment when a scary scene appeared in the film.
'Oh Ayesha the drama queen' Randeep quipped turning at the sound of her chair scraping across the wooden floor.
Ayesha ignored him and tried to compose herself. Raghav had returned with their drinks set on a tray and shared them out. He gave one to Ayesha examining her with furrowed eyebrows. Her face was marked with fear. She sat down and knotted her fingers together. Raghav picked up her phone from across the table and handed it to her as he sat next to her at the table noticing how she recoiled as he put the phone into her trembling hand.
'Are you ok?'
'Yeh I'm fine'
'You sure?'
'Yes just didnt see the scary scene coming'.
'Ah, yeh you just dont know when to expect it.' He threw a glance in Randeeps direction before leaning closer to her and speaking into her ear.
'Sometimes the creepy slow build is more impactful than the occasional jump scare.' She winced and looked the other way.
'It crawls under your skin, gets inside you, inside your head' he said whispering into her ear and stroking her hair from her face, his lips lightly touching her skin. She turned her face to his meeting his fervent gaze, her eyes dropped to his mouth and back to his eyes again.
'Raghav..'
'Hmm'
'Ive been sent threatening texts from the stalker again'. Raghav pulled back slightly and followed her with narrowed eyes as she lowered her head.
'Really. Show me'
She was debating whether to tell him and in the spur of the moment chose to, holding it to herself would do her little good.
'I think he is watching us.'
'Thats mad. How can he watch us, its just us 4 here.'
'I dont know who knows what hes capable of.. maybe he snuck into Randeeps house and installed a cam. Maybe hes right outside waiting for one of us to slip out. I wasnt lying when I saw his shadow.'
'Maybe or.. maybe he is in here.' He said it very calmly.
She stared at him pale faced. If he was feeling anxious Ayesha wouldnt have a clue as his eyes betrayed not a ounce of fear in them.
'Look' he continued; 'We could sit here and start to speculate on all kinds of possibilities or we could actually do something about it'
He grabbed her phone and started to tap the keys on her phone, 'who is this?'
Ayesha gripped his arm tightly
'Are you crazy?!'
No response came.
He dialed back and a distant ringing was heard. Ayesha and Raghav exchanged a look.
The sound appeared to be coming from outside.
'We need to call the cops'
'No! Please dont! If you do Ashis life will be in danger!'
'Look Ayesha if hes out there roaming theres a likelihood that he may enter these premises and when he does get in, all hell will break.'
'And if you call the cops hell will break, he swore he'd kill Ashi!'
'So we should just sit here, do nothing and play to his tune?'
'I am not risking my sisters life!'
'Then we are trapped. Hes out there and he wants to keep us locked in here before he plans his next move.'
'Its me hes after. I will be accountable for what happens. Im not going to let anything happen to Ashi even if that means keeping this away from the cops. You have to promise me you wont tell them either.' He looked at her concernedly and ruffled his hair.
'This is surreal. I mean Id never thought I would be involved in a psychotic stalker's mindgame despite my dad being a cop.'
Ayesha was struggling to keep herself from shaking and looked over to Ashi who was lying sprawled in Randeeps arms. Raghav squeezed Ayeshas shaking hand and looked at her in the eye.
'Hey, its ok, Im glad you told me'.
'I didnt want to drag you into this'
'Ayesha, dont worry, we will figure something out. He cant harm us.'
'How can you be so sure of that?'
'Because I wont let him.'
A prompt-based original story.
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