46 Chapter 46
She wanted to explore the area but she decided to stay in the hotel and ask the girl behind the desk to assist her in finding a certain location. The girl directed her towards their concierge. The concierge told her about the location of the place she wanted to visit. He said he would arrange for the taxi in the morning, and Stella said she would confirm arrangements in the morning. Having understood where she had to go, she went to the hotel restaurant and ordered chicken biryani with raita.
She went back to her room at about 9pm. She was wide awake and didn't want to watch TV. She spent some time getting cozy on the bed. An hour later she changed into her nightgown and went to sleep. She knew she had a long day tomorrow.
Next day she was ready at 8:30am. She went to have her complimentary breakfast. She didn't want the taxi which the concierge had so politely offered her and was relieved when she saw he was not present. She marched out of the hotel and took the winding road outside the hotel to the taxi stand. She approached a taxi and explained the location of the place she wanted to go. The driver demanded Rs 300 for what was only a twenty minute drive, but she didn't say a word and hopped in.
Being morning, everywhere was still closed; even the schools hadn't begun, so there were no kids or vehicles and since the offices weren't open for business until 10am, there was little traffic. The driver took advantage of the traffic situation and drove speedily. He took only fifteen minutes to reach her destination. It was a beautiful pink house with lots of greenery around it.
She stepped out of the cab, paid the driver and walked toward the house. She pressed the bell and waited for someone to open the door. Quietly she checked her gun, which was tucked in her purse. She knew this was the best time. A maid opened the door and was baffled to see a stranger. Not many strangers came by this house.
"Yes madam?"
"Hello, I have come to meet Sneha. Is she there? I have come from City M.
"No madam. Sneha baby is not here." She then blushed and said, "Sneha baby has gone on her honeymoon." For a moment Stella thought even the maid was planning to go on honeymoon soon!
"Who is there Sheela?" said a voice, reverberating from inside the house.
"Sir, a madam is here to meet Sneha baby. She has come from City M." Sheela replied.
Raj was a bit surprised, as Sneha never mentioned that anyone was coming from City M to meet her. He went to the door to receive the guest. He scolded Sheela for making her wait for so long at the main door. He invited her inside the house. Stella was angered at knowing that Sneha wasn't in there, but she checked herself the moment she saw Sneha's father.
"Come in. I am sorry, but Sneha never mentioned that her friend would be coming over. We would have come to pick you up at the station. Where is your luggage?"
"Thanks uncle, but Sneha didn't know about my visit. I am Grace. I intended to surprise her," she added with a smile. "It would be great if you could keep the secret until she comes. I wasn't aware of her honeymoon plans…"
"Sure." He was a little perplexed, but rebuked himself. He laughed and thought "Kids these days!" "Why don't you make yourself comfortable? What would you like to have?" he asked.
"Nothing uncle." She was full after morning breakfast.
