RIYA adjusted the strap of her new pink top as she logged on to chat like every other evening. The top was expensive but a good buy she decided. The messages started as soon as she logged on.
RaZor: U look good in pink….
Sweet Riya 89: Who r u?
RaZor:U alwayz bite your nails? Riya looked down at her nails, jagged at edges.
RaZor:I'm waiting 4 an answer….
Sweet Riya 89: Who is this?
RaZor: You look good with your hair down… Involuntarily her hands reached out and tied her hair into a ponytail…
RaZor: Why did u do that? Stop looking here and there…no use… She was dumfounded. A strange feeling seized her. Her throat parched and she felt her heartbeat quickening.
Sweet Riya 89: Who r u?
RaZor: Letz celebrate Ur 19Th birthday in some special way….. Is this Aditya or some friend who is playing a prank on me? Is Aditya back from Delhi, wondered Riya.
Sweet Riya 89: First tell me…….do I know u?
RaZor: Maybe………. Riya considered – Maybe they are planning a surprise birthday party?
Sweet Riya 89: Adi…I am not scared…
RaZor: I am not Aditya…….but better than him….
Sweet Riya 89: STOP IT ADI !!!
RaZor: Meet and find out……
Riya hoped for a pleasant disclosure. Suddenly the door-bell broke her reverie. Opening the door, she found an envelope lying on the floor.
"In Hotel Paradise, a girl in pink top was stabbed to death. Both hotel staff and police failed to trace her identity. Her face is distorted with acid. The murder weapon is missing and there are no clues apart from a few blood stains. The decorated room, birthday cake and wine tell a sad tale of a death on birthday. Reporter Jeevan Shingvi with cameraman Prasant…"
Aditya switched off the television and inquired, "Did you ask Sonia to bring Riya here…at eight?"
'It’s already eight thirty…can't wait to watch her reaction…oh!! …where are you Riya?' he muttered.
By Shubha Ranjan Saha, Times Of India, Kolkata