Strangers In The Night – A Short Story

Strangers In The Night – A Short Story

Strangers in the night
Exchanging Glances,
Wondering in the night
What are the chances
Before the night was through….

A soft jazz was playing as Nilambari was sipping on her Vodka along with her best friend Nilay. It was all perfect, a candle light dinner, on a rooftop restaurant, which was one of Nilambari’s favourite places. Nilambari wore a beautiful black dress with just a pearl bracelet on her wrist which has stars dangling down. Nilambari was a lady of great fashion sense. She always felt like Princess in her own right. Her dressing and her demeanor used to match all the qualities of an erstwhile princess. Nilay had always been a fan of Nilambari, when they dated, even when they did not date, he was her confidante. Nilay was a confident and ambitious young man wanting to get a lot from his life. He was ambitious but much less as compared to Nilambari. Though Nilambari was a quintessential woman, she was more of a dude when she used to be with Nilay. She knew Nilay in and out and Nilay was always very confident that he understands Nilambari very well.

“Yes, yes, I am working on it, why don’t you understand and let me be?” Nilambari disconnected a phone call. It was the third time that she had got a call which made her upset. Before Nilay could say anything, she left the table and stood near the railing.

Fierce breeze was brushing through her hair and all she had was a sheer disgust on her face.

The gates open at the Royal Orchard, a very renowned bungalow in the plush locality in the city and everybody gets to know that it is 9.00 am. Ratish Malhotra, a famous industrialist is returning back from his morning workout in his black range rover. Once he is back, the Royal Orchard comes to life. He is first greeted by his staff and then the people waiting in the lobby to meet him,

As he enters the lobby and goes up to get ready, it takes exactly 10 mins for him to hold the first meet at the breakfast table along with Coffee. His secretary Mr. Anandan calls out the first name, Ms. Nilambari Iyengar, MD of Sundaresan and Sons. The file is kept on the table.

The sun rays seep through window curtains and fall on Nilambari’s face. They nearly wake her up to a severe headache. Unable to find aspirin, she reaches the table and drinks a couple of glasses of water only to realize that it was the second time, despite 3 calls from the office, she has missed this meeting. She hardly remembers the conversation she had with Nilay and how exactly did she reach her home.She makes her a fresh cup of coffee and tries to find out ways to face Mr. Ratish Malhotra.

Ratish before being a successful industrialist was her colleague. They used to work together in a law firm. She was a successful lawyer and won a lot of accolades in no time and he was struggling with every case. He simply could not understand the way Nilambari would handle a case and win it. He would often conclude that being a lawyer was not his cup of tea. Belonging to a very rich and famous family of lawyers Ratish had to take up this profession. There was a sort of competition and comparison between these two. One of who was self made and other one had a legacy. One who was patient and other was ambitious.

After a great courtroom drama which unfolded  in the morning, Nilambari was unfluttered for she knew that the case was hers. She was steering clear from the courtroom and suddenly saw Mr.Ratish Malhotra coming towards her . She was surprised to see him in the corridor..a very unlikely place to meet for a billionaire like him. He was fitter than before and was wearing a nice blue shirt with dark blue trouser, neat leather shoes..shirt with the diamond cufflinks and a rado watch..she was in short of a sigh when she saw him suddenly emerging from the white walls of the court corridor it was certainly a sight to behold. Nilambari always liked powerful men. She always respected the hard work that it takes to reach at that place and adored Ratish for his tenacity. Ratish came close to her and gave a peck on her cheek, as nothing has ever happened between them. Nilambari was startled with sudden display of affection. He just caught her off guard. He was just being himself Nilambari thought for a fraction of second. He stood in front of her and she was fidgeting with the file in her hand.

Why you did not turn up for the meet today? Nila..asked Ratish..

And why have you been avoiding me? That hit Nilambari very near to the hurt that she had from a long time. She tried to be a professional citing reasons but her eyes spoke the truth. Ratish had got the papers to be signed and asked his secretary to get it done..he once again looked at Nilambari and held her hand as if he was assuring. In a fraction of second, he left. Before she could think anything, she had to return to the courtroom and had to win the case, with some final argument. It was just a cakewalk for her.

Courtroom was always her favourite place, she felt secured there. Mentally and emotionally. There was one more place which she felt at home “A Racecourse”. While studying in Lawschool, it was the place which Nilambari and Ratish spent most of their time. Ratish was from a very wealthy family, which owned race horses. Watching them getting groomed and all ready for the races was their favourite thing. Nilambari had this fetish with animals, she always felt closer to them, hence, it was natural for her to get attracted to horse training and working with animals. Besides, much like the law school, horse training was a mind game.

Sundaresan and Sons was the company which hired both of these graduates as trainees. As time passed Nilambari became a successful lawyer and was considered to be the board member of the company. Ratish was just a normal lawyer making money and contacts for his future endeavors for he always knew that there is something else awaiting him. In no time, Nilambari became one of the board of directors and soon she took over the company. It was her dream to be there at the top of her game, Ratish had been with her throughout and he was glad that she finally received what she deserved so much. Was he really?

Racing was a mind game and Ratish knew when it was the time to pull the horse and make it win the race. As Nilambari was busy winning the cases on behalf of Sundaresan and Sons, Ratish was building up his empire slowly and steadily. He knew Nilambari was heading from the heart and also knew that it was a mistake. She headed the firm with a lot of heart and passion, which was not the sustainable way of heading a firm after all. Heated arguments, blame game, politics and so on was the daily business at the company. Nilambari knew it all but could not change much of it. Ratish left the company as he realized that the situation is more about Nilambari and her ego. Soon, Sundaresan and Sons started to raise debt from the market, without much repayment capacity, leading to bankruptcy. Though Ratish raised his empire slowly with patience, he had an eye on Nilambari and the company. The moment the assets were up for sale, Ratish wanted to acquire it. Nilambari was avoiding the meeting because she had never considered Ratish in her league. She wanted to ace it all, worked for it and underestimated Ratish, which was apparent and now when the company was up for sale, Ratish was the first person who had finished the deal as if he was waiting for this to happen. In the corridor when Ratish came to meet her, she was in deep anguish. She was not sure whether Ratish is doing her a favour or it is a revenge for the way she treated him. But being a horse racing fan, all she knew was to win.

She contacted Nilay and asked him to arrange for the table for two as he would always do. Dressed in a Tiny Black Dress looking beautiful, Nilambari arrived at her favourite rooftop restaurant, a moment later Ratish arrived in jet black tuxedo looking as handsome as ever.

He took her hand and asked her for dance to the tune of…

Strangers in the night
Exchanging Glances,
Wondering in the night
What are the chances
Before the night was through….

In her mind Nilambari kept thinking “ Do I not destroy my enemy when I make him my lover?”

This post is a part of the Valentine’s Day blog train hosted by www.prernawahi.com www.vartikasdiary.com, sponsored by Shilpsa,  Kalpavriksha farms & Neha from @bloggingmadeeasier .

Blog prompt – Enemy/Friends turned lover

Snehal Joshi
mugdhaaa@gmail.com

Snehal is a Certified Nutrition Coach by National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is writing about her persuits of Nutrition Science since last 4 years.

55 Comments
  • Vani Kulkarni
    Posted at 17:09h, 18 February

    Very imaginary and creative..you have the perfect flair for writing dear! Enjoyed reading the story.

    • admin
      Posted at 18:46h, 18 February

      Thank you so much Vani. Glad you liked it..

  • Anagha Yatin
    Posted at 17:26h, 18 February

    A friend with benefit? How I wish Nilambari could see beyond glitter of the top and race to ace the world.
    Wonderfully woven riveting tale

    • admin
      Posted at 17:48h, 18 February

      Hey..thank you so much for your comment. Glad you liked it…

  • Surbhi Prapanna
    Posted at 17:41h, 18 February

    Great characterisation and loved each and every word of your narration. really an awesome start of blog train. keep up the great work. #Vdayblogtrain

    • admin
      Posted at 17:48h, 18 February

      Thank you Surabhi. Your comment means a lot..

  • Alpana
    Posted at 19:34h, 18 February

    Sometimes ego can and underestimating others can cost us a lot. You have a great imagination perfect for writing fiction. Btw I liked both ‘N’ names.
    #vdayblogtrain

    • admin
      Posted at 15:02h, 22 February

      Hey Thanks!!

  • Sonali
    Posted at 02:42h, 19 February

    Wow.. the fight to achieve something.. Great concept.. Nilambari, pretty name.
    Loved the story.. one lawyer from
    another fromm mind

    • admin
      Posted at 11:11h, 19 February

      Thank you sonali…

    • admin
      Posted at 15:02h, 22 February

      Yes!! Thanks. Glad you liked it..

  • Pallavi
    Posted at 21:43h, 19 February

    I liked your alluring story ,I was deeply emerged into the script,nice names you have chosen for your characters .It’s just different “lawyers love story”.I enjoyed reading this one..I like your style of writing.

  • Pallavi
    Posted at 21:47h, 19 February

    I loved the way you have narrated this story.nice chioce of character’s name.Its a different type of alluring love story..good one.

  • Mahati ramya adivishnu
    Posted at 06:45h, 20 February

    The last line is killer. Ofcourse, there are many ways to win the game. Well written 👌

  • Alka Mishra
    Posted at 10:43h, 20 February

    Loved your narration.Happy reading for me.

    • admin
      Posted at 14:59h, 22 February

      Thank you for commenting and reading..

  • Alka Mishra
    Posted at 10:46h, 20 February

    Narration is good. Overall, liked your blog.

  • Praggatti rao
    Posted at 22:46h, 20 February

    A very gripping and riveting narration of what is the reality these days! Loved your story weaving ability

  • anupriya
    Posted at 11:47h, 21 February

    The story teller and reader in me was stumped by the climax. Kudos to you for putting up such an amazing narrative.

    • admin
      Posted at 14:59h, 22 February

      Wow! I am so happy that you liked the climax.

  • Mayuri Nidigallu
    Posted at 13:14h, 21 February

    Smart move, by Nilambari. Professionally at least. Wonder how it would work out personally, is what you left me thinking.
    Enjoyed reading this . Crisp writing and a surprise ending!

    • admin
      Posted at 14:58h, 22 February

      Thank you so much Mayuri..Glad that you liked it.

  • Varsh
    Posted at 16:56h, 21 February

    I love Nilambari’s instinct to win, come what may. Your character sketching was good and the portrayal of each one was different. Wonder what will happen to Nihal with all this now?

    • admin
      Posted at 14:58h, 22 February

      Nilay* Thank you for the comment. I am glad you liked it.

  • ujjwal mishra
    Posted at 16:25h, 22 February

    This is so gripping, i loved the characters and most of all the way of story telling, you aces it girl.

  • Silja Nair
    Posted at 17:27h, 22 February

    Wow wat a wonderfull way of narration. Story has a smooth flow which make reader connected to it.

  • Ghun jain
    Posted at 23:27h, 22 February

    Loved your story naration… Crisped writing and perfect characters with the surprise at the end… Keep writing, 😍

  • Ghunjain
    Posted at 23:29h, 22 February

    Hey totally loved your story narration.. Perfect writing.. Awesome characters with a surprise at the end.. Keeping wroting😍

  • Noor Anand Chawla
    Posted at 19:41h, 23 February

    That’s an interesting take on the prompt- professional competitors turned lovers! I really liked the last line.
    #VDayBlogTrain

  • Shivani
    Posted at 16:17h, 24 February

    A few years ago I would have called it unrealistic but experience tells me it’s quite possible. The story is nice. Attention is needed in editing. It will save you a lot of repetition and errors making it a smooth read

  • Esha Chakraborty
    Posted at 18:00h, 24 February

    wow…the end was great….I like Nilambari…Hope you are planning on continuing the story

  • Pragnya Mishra
    Posted at 18:31h, 24 February

    Peeling shades of each character, aging them in a short story and narration, everything won over me.

  • Aakriti
    Posted at 19:43h, 24 February

    Like Ovid said, “end justifies the means”. Loved the story. It’s amazing how thought out the story is. Just perfect.

  • vidhya thakkar
    Posted at 19:53h, 24 February

    Wonderfull!! loved reading it!crisp and gripping

  • Maneet Gulati
    Posted at 19:41h, 25 February

    Gripping storyline, kept me hooked till the end. The detail in which you have expressed every situation is really nice. The love between enemies turned lovers has absolutely sparking chemistry. Good one.

  • Anshu Bhojnagarwala
    Posted at 20:27h, 25 February

    Oh my, she is a hard hearted girl! But then she is who she is, hope she can see Ratish for who he is, one day! Good story, really liked it!

  • Piya Gajbe
    Posted at 23:35h, 25 February

    Lovely gripping tale…loved the narration and the last line nailed it.

  • Roopali kadam
    Posted at 06:57h, 27 February

    What a great characterization! I could imagine the exact characters in the story. I must admit it’s one of the best reads..

  • Ritwika
    Posted at 11:01h, 27 February

    Wonderful flow of words and a very engaging story. Nicely weaved blog!

  • Mandavi
    Posted at 11:08h, 27 February

    What a gripping story, so many twists and turns. How do you manage to write such an interesting plot! Loved it babe. Here is my entry for the #vdayblogtrain https://anurbannomadic.com/2019/02/21/with-you-its-different-humor/

  • Shalini
    Posted at 16:32h, 27 February

    What a read this was. Loved the characters of the story. Kept me captivated till the end!!
    Good going 🙂

  • Vartika Gakhar
    Posted at 17:26h, 27 February

    Ahhh i love the twist in the end, well narrated tale!

  • Priyam
    Posted at 18:38h, 27 February

    Lovely blog. Even I love horses though I have not been fortunate enough to be close to them!
    Also your style of writing reminds me of the magazine womans era which I have always loved!

  • Priyal
    Posted at 23:04h, 27 February

    Wonderful story, I just loved reading it. From this blog train, I am getting a chance to read some wonderful post

  • AuraOfThoughts
    Posted at 13:00h, 28 February

    A perfect angle to the story with great narration and expressions. Loved to read something refreshing and different.

    Cheers
    MeenalSonal

  • Maya Bhat
    Posted at 22:29h, 28 February

    Excellent. I love stories with twists at the end. Great job !! The flow of writing was beautiful.

  • Shraddha Niphadkar
    Posted at 08:46h, 01 March

    I love the name Nilambari. and she is one spunky woman! Really liked this story!

  • Prerna wahi
    Posted at 09:50h, 01 March

    Interesting and gripping story. I liked the twist in the tale and didn’t see it coming. You have a flair for writing. Keep at it!

  • Ila Varma
    Posted at 11:05h, 01 March

    the tale gripped my senses and I felt the scenes moving before my eyes…wonderful, Keep writing. #vdayblogtrain

  • Aishwarya Sandeep
    Posted at 21:57h, 01 March

    been ages since I read such a grasping story.. I love it when stories make you think so much at the end..My suggestion…Leave the emotions behind Nilambari..Ratish is not a trust worthy guy

  • Disha
    Posted at 22:40h, 01 March

    Loved your imagination & the way story moved forward. Would look forward to read more of your stories.

  • MISHA JAIN
    Posted at 22:49h, 01 March

    wow yaa.. I just couldn’t move my mind even a bit away.
    Last Line just killed it..
    Beautifully woven

  • keerthana
    Posted at 22:52h, 01 March

    I love reading about enemies becoming lovers. Your post is so narrative and anecdotal. Totally in love with how the story had got a twist at the end. Great writeup!!

  • Jameela
    Posted at 00:25h, 02 March

    Woahh, imagination on point😍 loved Ur write up… U really got flair for writing 🤗

  • Princy Khurana
    Posted at 01:01h, 04 March

    your love of writing is reflected in this beautiful piece. keep writing. was hooked till the end. #vday #blogtrain