The new moon night was dark as it ought to be. Darker was the room Anya was in. She tossed and turned but could not be satisfied. Then she opened her eyes for a brief moment before closing it again. She stretched her arms and legs before groaning softly. Her hands, unlike usual, could be stretched as far as she wished to. Turning to her right, she curled like a foetus, intending to go back to sleep. A sense of unfamiliarity made her open her eyes and look around. After some seconds of observation, her mind could capture where she was. Bolting up she looked around once again. Having lived in that house for years she knew where the wall clock was. Darkness prevented her from knowing the time hence depriving her of doing anything further. She could locate the centre table in the darkness. She moved her hands over it. There were a few things on it but nothing of her benefit. Giving up on the table she widened her eyes. She saw a bag on the chair. Getting up with a jerk gave her a headrush. She ran her fingers through the handle of the bag. It was her bag. It had everything but what she was looking for. Disappointed again, she walked to the switchboard. She wished to refrain from switching on the lights, and she was in luck as she saw her phone on the table below the switchboard.

Troubled by the sudden brightness she closed her eyes while walking back to the sofa she had been sleeping for the whole night. First thing after settling down was to check the time. It was three in the morning. Next, she checked her messages. Dia had messaged her a couple of times, all regarding where she was. Himani had messaged her regarding the same, and surprisingly Ali did too. Not wasting any time she called her cousin. She did not answer the first time nor did she for the next four times. Giving up on her she dialled Ali's number. After dialling the number she felt guilty for disturbing him in the middle of his sleep. She felt worse when he answered the call.

"Hello?" Ali said in a deep voice.

"Sorry. Any Idea how my cousin is?"

"Any idea what the time is?"

"I should have not called. Why did everyone message me asking my whereabouts?"

"You were missing. When you did not reach home till ten-thirty, your sister called my sister to inquire. I didn't know so I called Himani and she was clueless too. We all kept calling you but you were not answering."

"I slept before eight I guess."

"Yeah. Your mother answered Himani's call after half an hour or maybe an hour. She told us you slept as soon as you got home. Kumbkaran."

"Did you all tell Dia?"

"Khadijah did."

"Was she scared or worried? She has never been alone before."

"I have no idea."

"How can you not have any idea? Didn't you feel the need to see if she was fine?"

"I am sorry for not being a pervert who keeps information about a woman he has no connect to."

"Did she sleep?"

Ali exhaled deeply. "Talk to Khadijah."

"Hello?" Khadijah said softly.

"Did I wake you?"

"Anya di? No. I was going to the kitchen to get some water when I heard his voice. What happened?"

"Was Dia fine when you last talked to her? She has never been alone before."

"She told me that. She is fine. She was worried for some time but then managed to get distracted and eventually slept."

"So she is sleeping?"

"I didn't get a message so I assume, yes."

"Thank you for being there for her."

"Don't worry about that. Go back to sleep. She is fine."

"Thank you. Sorry for disturbing you and say sorry to your brother, too."

"That's not necessary. Have a good night. Sleep well."

"Goodnight."

Keeping her phone on the centre table she lied down on the sofa. She was unable to go back to sleep. Her mind wandered around. She thought about the day and everything flashed back. She stopped when she saw Kabir. She looked away to distract herself. Her eyes fell on the door to her parent's room. It reminded her she had missed her dinner. She was in a dilemma whether to have it or to sleep. She was tired but hungry too. After debating for ten minutes she proceeded towards the kitchen to see what was available. Her decision was left on the food that awaits her. There was boiled rice on the kitchen counter but nothing else. Checked the fridge and found her favourite curry. She took it out, then took a plate and a spoon. Before she could proceed further her mind remembered her of what was said to her. Immediately she decided to go back to sleep to forget it for some more time. Keeping back everything where it was she went back to her bed for the night. Tossing and turning for some time she eventually fell asleep after fifteen minutes. She woke up at six in the morning. After getting fresh she knocked at her parent's door, waking them up. She made an excuse that she must visit her house before going to her office as there were few things she needed for the day. She asked if she should go alone or her father would be her driver again. He narrowed his eyes before getting changed.

"What is troubling you?" Her father asked after they had been in the car for some time.

"Work, " she replied without putting many efforts.

"Is it really?"

"Yes."

"OK. You will get stressed. That office." Anya shook her head. "You will learn how to deal with it." He paused for a turn and then continued. "Worrying will never do good. Go through your situation mentally.  See what needs to be done. Organise your thoughts and then work. That will solve the issue. Sitting and worrying never helped and will never do. Take action, that will make you get rid of your problem." She nodded her head following which their ride was quiet. The distance between the two buildings was not long and soon they reached their destination. Anya bid goodbye to her father and came out of the car. Before leaving he told her to call whenever she wanted. That made her feel lighter. Thanking him with all her heart she dragged herself up to her flat. With her father, left the little energy she had gained since the last evening.

It was quarter to seven and Dia was still asleep. Not wanting to get in a conversation she made as little noise as possible. There was no time to spare so she went to take a shower quickly. When she returned it was two to seven. She was wiping her face with a towel when she came out and upon opening her eyes she saw Dia sitting on the bed with her eyes wide open.

"Gosh! Why are you scaring me?"

"Why didn't you come back home yesterday?"

"I don't remember when I slept and I woke up around three in the morning." She kept the towel on the bed and opened the cupboard.

"I was worried. I called Khadijah which led to calling a couple of people. Your mother finally answered the call. Very late."

"My phone was on silent. Thankfully she saw someone calling. And not you. I should change your name on my phone." She closed the cupboard after taking her outfit out. "Sorry I am getting late."

They both got busy then. Dia did not disturb Anya as she could sense something was not normal. The later quietly got dressed in another room and the former went to the kitchen. By quarter past seven, Anya was ready to leave. She opened the door and her cousin came running and handed Anya her tiffin.

"Can I marry you?" Anya asked while taking it from Dia. "Can I please?" Said her cousin. Anya smiled at her cousin's reply. Her mind relaxed which made her feel fresh. "Do you have an appointment today?" Anya asked to which the reply was nodding of the head. "I will go myself. Don't worry," Dia said with a smile. Her cousin observed her for some time. Samar was right, she thought. Placing her hand on Dia's shoulder she said, "I am proud of you." Dia did not understand but smiled. They both parted in good spirit. Her journey was peaceful with no interruption. At work, she avoided Kabir so did he. It was a quiet day, unlike the previous one. Everyone in the office was aware of her bad temper. No one bothered her, not even her friends. Kabir, when they met near the staircase, tried to talk to her but Anya coldly walked away without giving him any chance. That was the only hyper moment of the day. The next few days were lived in the same way, two friends avoiding each other, one cousin being distant, and Anya distress. She hoped no one would ask her questions as she did not wish to let people know what Kabir had said. She was worried about it for a long time but her prayers were answered as no one troubled her with questions. She was disappointed for some time due to the lack of concern people showed but it did not last for long. The week, without any disturbance, was slow and long. But the end of the week brought the end of the illusional peace.

It was eight in the morning on a Saturday when Anya was returning from central park. Due to her circumstances daily runs had lost their frequency to which Anya compensated that day. She was breathing heavily and was tired when she returned. Her legs were hurting and she did not have the energy for anything but dragging herself home. Everything was forgotten and she gained energy when she saw visitors at her door. Aman was ringing the doorbell and her uncle was standing next to him. For a moment she mistook him for her father which made her heart miss a beat. Releasing it was her uncle made her breathe.

"She is not at home!" Exclaimed her uncle.

"She is inside, " Aman said.

"What is happening?" Anya screamed, unable to control her emotions.

"Open the door!" Aman demanded.

"Why are you here?"

"Open the door!"

"Aman leave! I told you not to disturb my niece."

"If she has nothing to hide then why can't we see it?"

"You cannot barge in my house like that. You are a lawyer I don't need to tell you about the law!"

"Open the door."

"Do you have a search warrant?"

"Anya don't test my patience. Do as I say."

"Aman talk with respect. She is not your servant!"

"Chachu, why is he here?" Anya was annoyed but more scared. Her tone luckily only showed her annoyance.

"He has lost his mind."

"Anya."

"Stop saying my name!"

"Open the door at once."

"I won't! It's my house and you cannot enter in."

"Why not? What are you hiding?"

"I am not like you, Mister. I have no sins to hide."

"Stop taunting. Open the door."

"I will not!"

"Do you know who I am?"

"A jerk!"

"Enough you two!" Her uncle could not be quiet anymore.

"Chachu, tell him to leave."

"Tell her to open the damn door." He banged the door loudly.

"That's my door!"

"Open it!"

"Enough Aman!"

"Yeah!"

"You too, Anya. You have nothing to hide what's the problem then?"

"He cannot come to my house like that! How can he even think that? That's unethical and it's my house and I decide who will go in!"

"But allowing him will reduce our troubles. This idiot will not be quite unless."

"No! He is not coming in my house. I live here and I want no one like him here!"

"But I can. Can I?" Asked the uncle politely.

"Of course you can."

"Then open the door and let me in."

"Ah." She got nervous but regained herself quicker than she expected. "It's not about that. It's about principles. You are always allowed. It's your house. But not for this reason! I am not going to tolerate this nonsense."

"Anya," Her uncle said calmly. "Don't act like him. Let me in so that we can shut his mouth for once and for all. And you." He looked at his son-in-law, "You won't come in. I will go by myself. Do you have any problem with that?"

"No. But I want evidence."

"What?"

"Take a video of the whole house."

"Shut up!" Anya exclaimed. "That is not going to happen."

"Then I am coming in."

"You are not! Anya, I will take it from my phone and delete it as soon as he is satisfied. That should not be a problem. Will it?"

"Chachu, why are you letting him do anything and everything he wants?"

"Because I cannot hear his voice any more! I am done with him. Open the door."

"But chachu."

"Anya, please."

Anya could not refuse his request. He was her favourite uncle. Someone she respected and loved a lot. She felt obliged to obey him. She opened the door, ready to collapse in fear. Her uncle entered the house and Anya quickly followed. As he was walking towards the kitchen she turned around and warned Aman not to come in. Her heart started pounding when she saw her empty. When her uncle proceeded to the bathroom she called tried to stop him but he did not stop. It was empty and so was the whole house. It was deserted with closed curtains and doors. They came back out where Aman was waiting for them. He saw the video made for him which was deleted immediately once the purpose was fulfilled.

"Now Mr Aman, you better follow me back to your house and this is going to be the last time you pulled such a trick. You ruined my daughter's life and that was enough. I don't want to see you or hear any of your stories. If you contact me again I will not let it go."

Giving anya one last stare he left with his father-in-law. Anya waited for them to leave before running back inside the house and closing the door. She locked the door with a latch, a door chain and a vertical bolt. Then she froze in her spot. She felt numb, helpless and captive, something she had never felt before. Leaning her back against the door she took the deepest breath she could. Next, she scrunched down finding it difficult to stand. At that moment, she was feeling blessed and relieved. A big problem was solved. She did not think they could escape it but they did. She had never felt more thankful before. But contradicting her thoughts her eyes became moist. She wiped it thinking it was meaningless but her tears could not be controlled. Chewing her lips she struggled to stop them. In her mind, she was sure they were wild for a short time. Without thinking, she covered her eyes with her hand and in no time started crying. She could not tell how long she cried but it was until she could not feel anything. Resting her head on her knees she wished to get vanished and never return to that place ever again.