I saw Zilo’s terrified face. I didn’t see anything what Zilo was scared off. But then I saw the silhouette of the Bloodsucker. I had seen it in drawings but it was totally different to see one in real. You cannot depict its abominability in a sketch. It was coming for Zilo, and in panic Zilo started to run from the shelter out into the rain. I called him back but it was of no use. The Bloodsucker took a leap and flew after him. By that time, I was used to carrying my weapons wherever I went. I took the knife out and went after it.

  I wouldn’t have located Zilo in the dark and rain hadn’t it been for his screams. I saw Zilo fallen on the ground and the Bloodsucker pushing him down. He was screaming for his life. This was the best chance I had. I came from the back and using all the strength I could muster, thrust the knife hard into its back. It growled and a blackish blood started to flow out of the wound. The knife had hit its heart, if it had one.

  I helped Zilo get up and get away from the creature howling in pain. It struggled but its time had come. As it collapsed, within a minute its body started to ‘rapidly decompose.’ Whatever was left of it got washed off and nothing was left except a darker mark on the ground.

  Although I left college within a few months, Zilo had always stayed in touch. He gives me odd jobs and good payment when I am not out there killing. It’s a great help though.”

  “Arthur, you are the coolest and bravest person I have ever met.”

  He couldn’t believe it. It was one of the nicest things Arthur had ever heard from anyone about his work. People have been shocked, scared and have disbelieved him. But Jan didn’t. She was going to believe everything he said to her. When people put their trust on him, he would start to feel a responsibility towards them. It came naturally to him.

  “Arthur tell me more.”Jan nudged him.

  “There are many things which we think exist only in legends or fairy tales. But the truth is, every tale has truth in it. You may not know how to see it or what to see but with study and guidance you can. There are things like monsters that know how to come into our dimension. It takes years of mental as well as physical training to face these things and look eye to eye. Common people are not aware. If you look at the lists of missing people, you will see a large number that has disappeared so mysteriously that it is just not logical. It even baffles the authorities but no one speaks it aloud.”

  “I have so many questions to ask you. Do you fight alone?”

  “There are others like me all over this country and many around the world. But I do fight alone most of the time.”

  “Your family knows of it? They are okay with it?”

  “My father introduced me to this world. My mother divorced him for that. I don’t blame her. I learned from that and decided not to get into relationships.”

  “I am sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It suits me. No strings attached.”

  “That’s why you don’t give for emotions with a woman?”

  “Yes.”

  “I am sorry Arthur, I judged you without knowing the facts. You are a very good man. It’s an honour to meet someone like you.”

  Arthur started to laugh. Jan was making a god out of him.

  “I mean every word I say.”

  Arthur looked at her. She did mean every word. He looked at her face.

  She didn’t have any make-up at all. She was her natural self. She looked pretty, Patrick had said and he was right about this woman he thought.

  Jan’s phone made a clicking sound. She picked it and saw that a message that come from Ron. She read it and her face lighted up. She looked at Arthur excitedly.

  “It’s a message from Ron. He says he has the money arranged almost all of it. He will pay to Zilo very soon and get me out of here.” Jan was ecstatic.

  Arthur got up from the chair and said dryly, “That’s great. Congratulations. You should to pack your things then.” Arthur turned to leave.

  “Arthur ,just a second.” She came closer to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You are a true hero.”

  Arthur left without a word.

  *****

  Arthur heard a car drive in. He looked outside. It was Zilo’s Porsche.

  He opened the door and went out. One of his bouncer-bodyguards opened the door and Zilo stepped out.

  “Did Ron pay you already?” he asked Zilo.

  “Ron, he paid me? I am looking at this loan as a bad investment already.”

  “Don’t just yet. Ron had told Jan he is getting her out very soon.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it Arthur. But that is a ray of hope if one would say. This gives a better reason for the party.”

  “What party?”

  “Tonight. I have arranged a party here tonight.”

  “You can’t!”

  “Come on Arthur. You both have been sitting like Robinson Crusoes for more than two weeks now. Jan couldn’t go to the party so I brought the party to her. There will be some hot girls from town. You don’t have to do anything. Just relax and let me arrange everything. Let us go to Jan and give her the news.” Arthur reluctantly followed him.

  In the tower room, Jan looked at Arthur and then at Zilo. Zilo loved parties and there was no use arguing with him to change his mind. He probably would have sent the invitations out by now. At last she said, “But I don’t have anything to wear.”

  “I knew you wouldn’t have.” He glanced outside the door, Greg was waiting with a big brown leather bound box. He motioned him to come in. Greg came and placed it on the floor and left.

  “You remember the dress store I own right? I have asked the girls there to pick the nicest clothes for you. I think you will get something wearable for the party.”

  “You don’t miss a thing, do you Zilo?” Jan said. She was surprised but then she wasn’t. It was so Zilo.

  “Now we should leave you. Arthur and I have things to discuss. See you tonight.”

  *****

  Jan was moved by Zilo’s generosity but she wished he didn’t. He had already done a lot for them. She had opened the box and looked inside. Each dress was pretty and expensive.

  She took out a black gown with a slit and put the box away gently. She would pay Zilo for this after she is out of here. She can’t tell Ron about it, he would be furious that she is at a party without him. She thought of calling him up and inviting but that wouldn’t look nice. It was Zilo’s party and she was his guest. If he wanted to invite Ron, he would have. That made it complicated.

  She couldn’t tell Ron about the party, he would tell her not to go. But it would be hard on Zilo, he had made so many arrangements for her. She couldn’t decide what to do.

  She wanted to ask Arthur what she should do when he would come up. When Arthur came, he said he was too busy to talk to her now. She felt he was in a bad mood.

  Arthur was in a bad mood. Since the time he heard Jan would be leaving soon.

  He couldn’t shake off the feeling of anger and sadness coming together. He avoided looking at the screen. He realized that he was getting attached to her. He couldn’t let it happen. Jan was happy with Ron. They might have a happy life together. He had no right to judge Ron. He had no right to love Jan. He can’t even promise a place to live in. Arthur had spent the last seven years sleeping in motels, in his car or with women. Women whose names he didn’t remember. Women with whom he would stay for two to three nights and move on.

  He is not a hero, certainly not Jan’s.

  He should let Jan believe that Ron is her true love. She will have something to believe and live for. Not everybody has that. Arthur focussed on his breath and centred himself. It is imperative to have Jan out of his mind. He tried to think about the party that night and the girls Zilo had promised.

  Jan had a bad feeling about the party. It was evening already and she could hear the sound of the motors in the driveway. Although she was up here, she could hear the music that was starting to get played. This made her nervous. What if Ron calls and gets to hear the music? Should she tell him then?

  There was knocking at the door but no one came in. She got up and opened it. Arthur was standing outside. He was wearing blackish blue jeans and a jeans t-shirt. Two buttons from the top were open.

  “People are getting here Jan. Are you ready yet?” He didn’t wait for her answer. “Anyway the party has started, Zilo wanted you to know.” Arthur walked away.

  Jan stood there looking at Arthur going away. He was so cold to her.

  Jan wasn’t sure if it was just the bad mood or did she do anything to offend him. She thought about the day. They were talking, laughing and eating together. He was fine till then. Was it the kiss she gave on his cheek when she called him a hero? Yes it must be so. Jan didn’t expect Arthur to react this way because of this, but nothing else had happened that could have offended him. She decided that she will go down and apologize to him.

  She took her time. She changed her dress. The gown was gorgeous. The people who packed the clothes in the box had caringly also put accessories with it. She applied lipstick and put on the earrings. She kept a note of everything she used.

  She left her hair loose. She opened the door and stepped outside. Raising her long gown a bit up to watch her step, she went down the stairs and entered the hall.

  If she didn’t know this place, she would have thought it’s a disc. The place looked like a nightclub. Zilo had resources and knew how to put them to good use. The music was loud, and people seemed to enjoy themselves well. She couldn’t estimate how many people were there but the party was definitely big. She saw some familiar faces but couldn’t make out much. As the lights got wilder, so did the people. She was happy she was not in the middle of it. She knew that the best parties happen when the people go into rhythm with music, almost like trance. And it was happening.

  She made a note to stay near the walls, it made her feel saner. She smelled an aroma, it made her head feel lighter and happier. She knew the aroma, it was Ylang Ylang and some jasmine. Aromas like these are meant to be aphrodisiacs. So that people have a good time. In privacy.

  Someone was spraying it, she couldn’t see the face. She wondered if Zilo know of this. She watched the people, she could see the effect of the aromatic spray. Men and women were getting closer without noticing it.

  She decided to find Zilo out and tell him about it. But where was he and where was Arthur? She couldn’t see any of them. Jan decided to stay near the walls and move. This way she had to face less people. She had to move away from the wall when she found a couple pressing each other against the wall and kissing passionately.

  She kept on moving. She had covered almost all of it when she caught sight of the sofa. The sofa was pressed against a corner. She hoped that she would find someone there. She went towards it.

  She did find someone there. It was Arthur, half lying on the sofa, with a woman on both the sides. His front buttons were open but the last, showing off his bare chest and the two women ran their nails on it. The same chest Jan had admired and wanted to touch. Arthur was drinking straight from the bottle. The woman on his right took it from him and smooched him. The liquid trickled from his mouth. The other one licked it off.

  Arthur was too busy to be aware of Jan standing there and watching him.

  Arthur had wanted to forget Jan and redirect his attention to another woman. He spotted the ‘bombshells’ and they spotted her. He was hard to miss. He didn’t pick any of them and let them both come to him. Maybe two girls will make him forget the one. But it wasn’t so easy. He was hardly feeling a thing while they ran their fingers and dug their nails into his skin. He was feeling emptier. He took up a bottle and started to drink from it. It made him feel a little better. He took another sip and the woman on his right took his mouth slid her tongue into his mouth.

  He didn’t feel satisfied, he needed another sip. He took the bottle from that woman and got another sip. His eye fell on a beautiful figure, clad in a black gown. Part of her left leg showed. He ran his eyes lustily on the body, he felt desire staring to build up in his lower regions. He needed to have a better look. He removed the woman on the left who was kissing his chest and putting her fingers longingly inside his jeans.

  Jan felt her heart wrenching. Arthur was having the time of his life. Jan had nothing to say, he didn’t belong to her. The woman on his left kissed his chest. She wished she was one of them. Then she would have had the chance to come closer to him. When she saw her fingers finding their way inside his jeans, she couldn’t watch it anymore. She wanted to cry out, but she controlled herself.

  Arthur removed the woman on the left and looked at the woman standing in front. The disco lights made everything look different. He looked admiringly at her waist. He wished to have his arms around it.

  His sight went up the body and his wish turned to want. He lusted for her. He looked at her chin and then into her eyes. He recognized the eyes. It was the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. And right now it was the most expressively sad.

  Jan felt sadder at the way Arthur scanned her body. Jan was disgusted at how could he ever look at a woman like that. That was just not him. When his eyes met hers, she turned and walked away. She was going back to her cave, whether she found Zilo or not.

  Arthur saw her turning away. He made no effort to go after her. It was good she saw him this way, it would make things easier for him. She saw him almost bumping into Zilo. He said something about how great she looked. She smiled at him. Zilo called his friend and introduced her. He offered her to dance with him.

  Jan had turned to go and had almost bumped into Zilo. Complimenting her, he asked his friend Van to dance with her. Jan complied. It would look too rude to decline. She would dance for a while and then walk away.

  Arthur could see her dancing.

  But Jan had forgotten about Arthur. She had to be careful. She had not been able to tell Zilo or Arthur about the aphrodisiac spray. It was heavy in the air. Coupled with drinking, it could have had a serious effect on your brain’s pleasure centre. She cannot go back to Arthur. She turned to find Zilo. But Van turned her towards him and brought her closer. He placed his hands on the small of her back.

  Arthur felt something stirring strongly in his heart. He forgot about the women beside him. He felt jealous, and never had he felt jealousy this bad.

  Van was starting to be affected by the aromas and lose his control, Jan noted. He tried to bring Jan closer. Jan looked around her. All the couples around her were definitely getting closer. With every spray it grew stronger.

  Van tried to kiss her. She moved him and went away quickly. But it only ignited Van. He started to follow her. She almost ran towards the staircase. She started to climb the stairs but then she realized she could not leave everyone in this condition. Things could turn pathetic for the rest of their lives. She had to think of something.

  She had an idea. Turn the fire alarm on. The water will wash off the aroma from the air. People will go outside and get some fresh air. Their brain will get clear of the gas. Perfect idea.

  She was startled. Van had come in and placed his hand on her right shoulder.

  He pulled her towards himself. Jan tried to take the hand away but instead Van’s hand slipped and caught her gown’s strap. He pulled and it tore. Jan held her dress so that it wouldn’t come off the shoulder. Van was not ever aware what he was doing, Jan thought, he wouldn’t even remember what happened today. Such could be the effect of alcohol and the high dose of aphrodisiac together. It activates pleasure and the primitive areas causing a kind of high, and people may not even remember. It would take real strength of character to resist it. Van clearly didn’t have it. He eyes showed the effect of the drugs.

  He was trying to get closer. Jan wondered whether she should take the stairs or go back to the hall. Van tried to get hold of her dress again and pull. But he never reached Jan. Instead he fell down crying out.

  Jan hadn’t noticed Arthur coming in. He looked furious. Jan had never seen him this furious.

  Arthur was furious when he saw Van going after her. He followed them but stopped for a moment before following them to the staircase. He had felt jealousy on Van for touching her. Now he felt rage. When he saw Van tearing her strap, he wanted to kill him.

  Jan saw Van’s drunkenness made him a poor match to Arthur, not that he could anyway. But Van could get seriously hurt if Arthur didn’t stop. She needed to stop him. None had any idea what was really going on.

  “Arthur, that’s enough.” Jan said in a commanding voice.

  Van had passed out, Arthur realized. He looked at Jan, she was holding her torn strap with her left hand.

  Jan had been thinking clearly till now but as she met Arthur’s eyes, she lost her cool. The situation sunk in, Arthur with the women, she standing here with a torn dress. Her eyes began to water and she ran to her cave and shut the latch from the inside.

  Arthur walked up slowly to her room and knocked.

  “Go away Arthur.”

  “Jan.”

  “Please leave me alone.”

  “Jan, I am sorry.”

  Everything was quiet. At last Jan said, “Go and put on the fire alarm on. Let them get wet, Arthur.”

  Arthur didn’t ask why. Jan heard his footsteps going down. He went to the control panel and turned the alarm. Jan heard the alarm go on downstairs with the sound of rushing water. People were running outside. It had worked.

  The alarm went off. It was long past midnight. One by one they all drove away. Everything went quiet. She heard footsteps on the stairs and stop before her door. There was no knock. She knew it was Arthur.

  Arthur wanted to be near Jan. He sat outside the door of her room. He didn’t knock.

  No more demands from her. No more hurting her. He wouldn’t do that nor would allow Ron or Zilo or anybody to do that.

  She had never demanded anything from them, she didn’t need anything from them. Neither Zilo’s money, nor Ron’s love.

  She had just given and given. Love, friendship, encouragement. Hope. Protection. Without a word.

  What did she receive from them? Sarcasm, hurt and indifference. Nobody wanted to know what she wanted. Arthur would not allow this to happen anymore. He would care for her. He would not let her get hurt. He would love her without asking for anything in return.

 

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