Intertwined

Chapter 3 : Curiosity Killed The Cat

Why ? Did he have his hands on Croesus' treasure which he was hiding from everyone ? Or was he making nuclear formula and didn't want anyone to know ?

Those were the thoughts running through Sneha's mind in annoyance as she really wanted to go inside. Then suddenly, an idea struck her.

“I want the duplicate key of the room.” - she demanded from the servant, shocking him.

“But madam-”

“Now.” - she cut him off authoritatively.

He stared at her for a moment in nervousness before nodding his head and headed downstairs. It took him two minutes to return and her face lit up when he handed over the key to her. The servant was sweating profusely, dread visible on his face as she inserted the key in the lock.

“Don't worry. You won't get into trouble. I promise.” - she assured.

He looked unconvinced but went to resume his work nonetheless. Pulling the doorknob, she walked inside the room. A smile came on her face as she took in the interiors. Last night, she had not been able to because the devil himself had her on chokehold.

Mahir's room screamed Mahir from every corner. It was a black dominant space with subtle grays here and there. A king-size gray bed at the centre with black velvety sheets. A book shelf to the left with another shelf beside it full of awards, medals and certificates. Smiling, she moved towards it, a sense of pride rising in her at his achievements. He was always ahead of her and Kabir in academics. And she felt elated that it continued even after growing up.

Beside the shelf, there was his study table. A mug over it having different pens and she chuckled at the letter ‘M’ on it. So he is still into customed accessories. There was also a laptop on the table, its shining black surface winking at her.

She bit her lip.

Her brain already started giving signals of ‘don't you dare’ and the voice suspiciously resembled her mother's. She peeked over her shoulder at the door again, then looked to her left and right.

The path was clear.

‘For the love of God woman, STOP!’ - her inner voice screamed as she lifted the lid open. The pressure on her lip increased in guilt, but she proceeded further and pressed the power button.

Until the screen blurred and demanded password.

‘Ha! Serves you right for trying to breach someone's privacy!’ - her brain taunted, doing a victory dance as she groaned.

Frowning heavily, she focused on the screen and realized the password required was of 5 letters.

“Can it be... Mahir ?” - she wondered aloud and typed his name before pressing enter.

Incorrect password!

She tched, getting impatient as the screen alerted her of the remaining two chances.

“Kabir... ?” - she pondered over the possibility, as the two brothers were really close. At least, they used to be as far as she remembered from their childhood.

She entered and got the ‘Incorrect password!’ warning again along with the caution that she had the last chance to insert correct password else the device will be locked.

In other words, death.

Because Mahir would definitely get to know if his device would get locked. And she didn't want that at all. So giving up, she powered off the laptop and closed the lid again. Every fiber of her body — that she didn't know was on edge — relaxed as she moved away from the table.

And came face to face with his portrait on the wall.

Her breath hitched. It looked like the photo had been taken in the room itself because he was leaned against a black wall, wearing a stylish black denim jacket over black jeans. His left hand was placed in the pocket of his jacket. She couldn't be sure of the right because the photo was taken from the side, covering his left profile. His heavy black boots clad feet were crossed in style as he looked at the camera.

And what a look it was.

He was not smiling, oh not at all. He was as arrogant as last night, his eyes holding the same intensity and his body language screamed superiority. Dominancy. And there was a hint of smirk playing at his lips as if he knew it as well.

“Curious little Sneha, since childhood till eternity.”

Her heart dropped to her stomach. Even if she had not seen his reflection in the portrait, she had already recognized that silky voice which was echoing in her head since last night.

‘I told you so.’ - her brain whispered, taking its imaginary steps back and making a run.

Gulping, she slowly turned around and found Mahir stood at the door.