Unspoken Desires Part II

Chapter 2: The Game Begins

Ravi read the note again — “Keep watching... but don’t touch.”

His fingers tightened around the paper. His heartbeat quickened — not out of fear, but out of a strange excitement. It felt as though a game had begun — and he was already a part of it.

He started pacing the room. His eyes fell again on the window — that same curtain of pale gold, no longer just a piece of cloth, but a veil hiding a secret.

The events of the past week began replaying in his mind. Only six days ago, he had arrived from Delhi to this small town — a new job, little money, and an urgent need for a place to stay.

He had been simply looking for a room. Then he saw an old advertisement in the newspaper:
“Room available at Shanti House – for a single man only. Strict rules, but peaceful surroundings.”

He had called the number. The voice on the other end was calm, soft —
"The mansion is old, but the rooms are clean. If you want to see it, come today."

Ravi had arrived that afternoon.

He had stood at the gate, stunned — a huge doorway, tall walls, and stairs that stretched deep inside. The entire house seemed wrapped in the air of another era.

And then the door had opened — and for the first time, he saw her.

Simple white suit, hair loosely tied, no heavy makeup — but those eyes… eyes that could see right through you.

"I’m Nazia, the mistress of this house," she had said. "Look at the room. No noise, no guests. Rent on time."

Ravi had agreed instantly. He needed a roof, and truth be told, there was something about that mansion — something that drew him in.

Until now, he had thought that pull came from the place itself… but now he realized — it came from her.

From that day on, Ravi’s days were spent at work, and his evenings — watching that window.

The Mistress’s room was directly opposite his. And her window… always slightly open, as if on purpose.

Sometimes Ravi scolded himself, “What am I even doing?” But then that same curtain, that same dim glow, those slow, changing gestures… would bind him again.

When he found the envelope that morning, for the first time he realized — what he had been watching wasn’t an accident.

From downstairs, the faint aroma of tea rose. Ravi looked outside — Nazia was in the kitchen. Hair clipped up, wearing a green cotton suit, holding a cup of tea. Her movements were calm, deliberate — a grace not found in ordinary women.

For a moment, she looked up. Their eyes met.

Ravi lowered his head.

"Good morning," her voice came from below.

Ravi froze. Her tone wasn’t teasing — but it wasn’t cold either. He ran downstairs — bare-chested, wearing just a T-shirt. His heartbeat pounded as he descended the stairs.

"Hey, careful. You’ll fall," the Mistress said, handing him a cup of tea.

"How did you know I was awake?" he asked.

She smiled. "Whenever your window is open, I know. And today, I saw something else through it..."

Ravi stammered. "I’m… sorry if—"

"Did I say anything?" she interrupted gently. Her eyes were still calm, but there was a glint in them now.
"City boys look innocent... but they’re not, are they?"

As Ravi took a sip of tea, he realized — she wasn’t just his landlady. She was the master of the game. And he? Just a pawn.

"You live alone?" Ravi asked.

"Yes," she replied, "and I prefer it that way. When people are around, questions increase."

"And fear?" Ravi asked, almost unconsciously.

Her smile faded a little. She turned her gaze away.

"Fear? Only those who run from the truth feel fear. And the truth is — there’s no safer place than this."

At that moment, Ravi didn’t understand how deep those words were.

That evening, when he returned from the office, he noticed — the window opposite his was closed. For the first time.

He felt restless.

But as darkness fell, the window opened again… and this time, from behind the curtain came not just her shadow — but her voice.

"You’re not afraid anymore, are you?" The soft whisper drifted through the air.

Ravi froze. The voice felt as if it had touched something deep inside him.

And then, at that exact moment — the lights went out.

The entire house sank into darkness.

Ravi’s eyes stayed on the window. There, in the faint glow, stood a figure — draped in white, slowly swaying, staring right at him.

A long silence...

And then — a faint laugh escaped from the crack in the curtain.
A laugh that was both enchanting... and terrifying.

A chill ran down Ravi’s spine.

But now — he wasn’t going to step back in fear.

Because now, the game had begun.