Chapter 1
"Good morning, ma’am" … her PA, Preeti, greeted her.
Divya nodded and walked into her office. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked.Looking elegant as always. The beige suit embraced her figure, making her look classy and professional. A subtle makeup. Her short mid-hair framed her face perfectly. Simple. Neat. Confident.
“Update me on all the agenda for today,” she said while sitting on her chair, placing her bag aside.
Preeti nodded.
“Bring me a coffee before that.”
“Okay, ma’am.”
The door closed gently.
Her eyes fell on the small Ganapathy statue that always stayed on her table. She touched it lightly and closed her eyes. A small prayer. A seconds. It was one of her daily routines. No matter how busy she was, she never skipped it.
Calmly, she opened her laptop and started her work for the day. The screen light reflected on her focused face. Another busy morning had begun.
“Ma’am… you have a meeting with Vihara Group tomorrow. They want more changes in the values and prices. I already made a few small changes. After you see and agree, we can take it with us tomorrow.”
Divya nodded slightly. “Alright. Show me.”
Preeti placed the file on the table and opened it for her.
Divya leaned back in her chair, scanning the numbers carefully. Her expression turned serious. She didn’t rush. She never rushed when it came to decisions.
They started discussing the details. Page by page. Calmly. Professionally. The room filled with nothing but their voices and the soft sound of papers turning.
It was little late when Divya finished. She walked towards her car that was parked a little away from the entrance. The evening air felt heavier than usual.
Halfway there, she felt it again.
Like someone watching her.
She stopped abruptly.
Her heels made a sharp sound against the ground.
Slowly, she turned to look behind her.
No one.
Just a few employees walking in the distance. Security near the gate. Nothing unusual.
She opened her car door and quickly got inside. Locked it immediately.
Her heart started beating faster.
She placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm herself. This feeling… it had been happening recently. As if someone’s eyes were always on her back.
She didn’t know if it was real.
Or if she was just being paranoid.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
The sound made her jump.
She closed her eyes for a second, calming herself.
She took the phone out from her bag.
Unknown number.
Without thinking much, she answered.
"Hello?"
Silence.
She frowned slightly. "Hello?"
Still no reply.
Only a faint sound.
Breathing.
Her fingers tightened around the phone.
"Who is this?" she asked, her voice firm now.
Nothing.
A chill ran down her spine.
She quickly hung up.
She started the car drove away.
She reached her apartment.
One of the best places in the city. High security. That was why she chose it. Safe. Private.
After freshening up, she walked to the balcony.
The city looked beautiful at night. Lights everywhere.
Cars moving like tiny lines of gold. The cool breeze touched her face gently.
She stood there, holding the railing.
For a moment, she felt calm.
Then her eyes caught something.
Outside the apartment complex.
A little far from the main gate.
A black sleek car.
Her fingers tightened around the railing.
A man was standing beside it.
Still.
Not moving.
Looking up.
At her.
Her heart started beating wildly. She leaned forward slightly, trying to see his face. But the night made it hard. The streetlight behind him only showed his outline.
Tall. Broad shoulders.
Watching her.
Not looking away.
A cold fear slowly spread through her chest.
Divya quickly turned and walked back inside. She slid the balcony door shut and locked it properly.
Her hands were shaking.
She closed her eyes.
Scared.
Who is that?
After a few seconds, she slowly moved closer to the curtain.
Carefully, she pulled it just a little and glanced outside.
He was still there.
Unmoved.
Still looking up.
Her leg started to shake in fear.
A few long seconds passed.
She glance back.
The man wasn't there.
The car was gone.
That was when Divya let out a huge breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
She stepped back from the curtain.
The room suddenly felt too quiet.
More than usual.
She was all alone.
And she was scared.
Made sure her door was locked.
Even though it was a high-security lock, she did it anyway. Just to feel safe. Just so she could sleep without worrying.
Finally, she climbed onto the bed.
Lying there, she stared at the ceiling, her mind replaying every moment from the balcony.
Who was that?
Why was he staring at her like that?
A chill ran through her.
Her stomach twisted.
Something about him… felt wrong.
The city lights outside her window flickered softly.
Her fingers gripped the bedsheet lightly, and she closed her eyes…
trying to tell herself it was just her imagination.
Deep in sleep, she felt it—someone was watching her. It was strong intense.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly.
A man stood there, looming over her, staring.
Divya’s eyes widened.
Her heart slammed in her chest.
Who was he?
How had he gotten in?
The room spun.
She tried to moved.
But her legs gave away.
He stepped closer.
Closer.
She start to felt dizzy, almost fainting, helpless and trapped.
To be continued....
