The Curse of That Night Read Online Free PDF

in the evening,” said Aarti and left.
    Malvika looked at Abhijeet. He was wearing a blue shirt skipping two buttons at the top. He was looking too adorable with that stubble on his face.
    “Malvika, what are your plans for the evening?” he asked her.
    “Nothing as such. Why? Anything special?” she asked surprisingly.
    “Yes, I have planned something for us,” he said.
    “What!”
    “Well, that’s a surprise,” was all he said.
     
    Romantic rides have been around since the horse and buggy. Young couples would pack a picnic lunch and pick a day for sightseeing. Of course with the automobile, it does not take the whole day to reach scenic vistas. And, while romantic rides are most often taken by young couples, even older married couples can enjoy a romantic tour of the countryside. And Abhijeet too had planned the same.
    Abhijeet wanted to do something nice for Malvika. Having a day off, he got up early and made her breakfast before driving her to work. Then Abhijeet sat down to plan a perfect romantic drive for her. Looking at the map he knew that even with traffic they should be able to reach the outlook in plenty of time to enjoy the sunset together.
    Next, he made out a grocery list for the picnic dinner he was planning for Malvika. He needed champagne, some cheese and a little chicken, as the cheese dip was Malvika’s favourite. He also needed some strawberries, tangerines, apples and whipped cream. For the finishing touch he grabbed a box of expensive truffles and a bouquet of flowers.
    Once home, he took the picnic basket kept in the kitchen and began to pack: plates, champagne glasses, napkins. Then he cut up the fruit and the cheese and cooked chicken before packing all the food.
    Next, he washed the car, vacuumed the seats and washed the windows. He put a CD of romantic Bollywood songs that Malvika liked. And made sure her seat was adjusted properly.
    Then he put the picnic basket and a couple of blankets on the back seat and went to pick her up. Instead of waiting downstairs, he went into the building to tell Malvika he was there. He held the door open for her on the way down to the car, and he opened the car door for her when they reached the parking. Malvika was too surprised, shocked actually.
    “I love you so much!” she screamed when she got to know about Abhijeet’s plan.
     
    It was pitching dark. They both were standing on the bridge. Their faces, partially visible in the moonlight. She was lost in deep thoughts and was staring in the blank space ahead of her, standing on the edge of the bridge. He came from behind and held her by her waist.
    “Leave me ok!” she resisted.
    “Audi R8 haan ! The costliest car. My foot.”
    “Baby, it’s not my mistake if the engine broke down. It’s a machine. And it was your idea not to bring any cell phones in order to have complete privacy. And look we are all alone here on this stupid bridge!” said Abhijeet.
    She was surprised by his answer. He turned her towards him, looked her into the eyes with a slight smile on his face.
    Abhijeet bent towards her and their lips met. It was a long, romantic kiss. They were lost in each other. Finally, Malvika pulled away.
    “I think we need to find some place to spend the night,” said Malvika.
    “Let’s check out that road. I think it leads to a small village,” suggested Abhijeet taking out a torch.
    The road grew steeper as it led them into the cliffs, and Abhijeet occasionally slipped in the mud though Malvika’s heels seemed sure. She should stop somewhere, she knew. She had to rest even though she was afraid that if she halted she would not be able to keep going, and afraid that if she slowed even for a few moments it would not be safe for both of them. Abhijeet sought a benign looking house. There were cottages painted in blue and green, built on poles on the gradient, along the side of the road towards the cliff-top. The closest had burned to the ground, its support beams like giant black bones