Exit Part 2

Cairo told Alex about the bizarre circumstances which had led her to find sanctuary in an Eastern palace on the outskirts of London. After she finished recounting the argument she had unwillingly overheard, she waited.
'Yoh brah! I dunno. I need to think about that one first. I mean, I get why he would call you his cousin. But everything else is not right. He could've sorted out your tab and sent you on your way. If you needed rehab, he could have sent a nurse to your flat if he really felt that bad. He's going on like you're a druggy that he needs to watch over closely. If guilt was truly what he felt, then should he have covered it? He's going to great lengths to ensure your recovery. Now you've got someone around you 24-7 to make sure you don't kap om. I dunno Joe, something's not right about this setup…' she finished, suspicion heavy in her tone. Cairo was relieved that Alex was suspicious. She had this uncanny ability to accurately decipher any problem. She never left any mystery unsolved, and she always kept it secret. 'Did he say anything to defend you when his wife accused you of bringing the trouble?'
'Not that I'm aware of. His tone suggested that the issue be put to bed, though.'
'Hai,' Alex sighed. 'What have the police said? They called it a random act of violence on the news. They'd never say that if the victim is white. Have the rubbish's been arrested?'
'I haven't heard anything new about that. I'm just getting a lot of panic attacks, but I'll be ok.'
'Are you seeing anyone about that?'
'No. I just keep reminding myself that I'm safe. I'll sort that out when I get out of here. I really can't ask for anything else. I already owe him so much.'
'Bruh, he asked you to fetch his coat, and you got shot when you could've been in bed, safe. He owes you. You should make sure he takes care of it.
I hope they catch those bastards soon. I guess we'll see. Now what do you want me to tell Graham?' A naughty tone crept back into Alex's voice.
'Mxm! I don't care! Tell him whatever you want.' Cairo dismissed. 'Tell EVERYONE ELSE that I'm alive and imprisoned for the moment. My sentence is scheduled to end on the date of my complete recovery, as the doctor said on Thursday. I'll call again soon, okay?'
'Sharp skat!' said Alex. 'Take it easy,' and she was gone.
Cairo hit the buzzer and soon Kelby standing before with the phone in hand. There wasn't anyone else she wanted to talk to.
After she finished her light supper, Harry dropped in with her medication. She reclined slowly, tensing to diminish the pain. The sharp pain was becoming a dull throb, for which she was grateful. She waited in vain for sleep to take over, and when it did come, it wasn't restful. She fell into a heavy, dreamless sleep. The total blackness felt too heavy. She woke with a clammy brow, gasping for breath. It felt like she'd had a bad dream, except that she couldn't recall dreaming.
The house was eerily quiet with no one scurrying about, tidying the already immaculate house. She sat up and found the phone she had used that afternoon on the bedside table. She wondered who had left it there. It was far too late to look for the answers. She'd have to wait for morning. She gave sleep another try, but that didn't come as easily as she planned. Her mind started to wander in her sleepless state. She wondered whether Mr Vargar wanted her to keep in touch with the outside world. Did he want her to feel free in his house, and could she leave as soon as she was well enough to?
It felt like she had just closed her eyes when a soft knock stirred the silent room. She knew it was just Kelby bringing tea and biscuits.
'Morning,' she whispered.
'Hi,' groaned Cairo. Yes, this truly was like a hospital. It just looked a lot better. At least she didn't need the I.V. anymore.
As futile as the attempt seemed, Cairo gave sleep yet another try, but it was futile.
It was raining outside, grey skies, ominous with the promise of prolonged rains. Not that she minded. Cairo had always been quite fond of the rain and gloomy weather. Seeing as sleep had failed, she decided to freshen up instead.
She emerged half an hour later to a tidy room and a breakfast tray.
'Morning love. How's my favourite patient doing this morning?' asked Harry, with genuine cheer.
'You're in a good mood. You're liking the rain?' asked Cairo, unable to stop the smile forming.
'Yes, actually. Soon I'll be able to leave you for longer than I've been able to. So I've decided to take the weekend off.' Harry chirped.
'That's great news,' mumbled Cairo, all the warmth was drained from her face. She felt a sudden sadness at the prospect of this beautiful room without any visitors.
'Is something the matter, kiddo?' asked Harry, concerned.
'Nah, not really!' she scoffed with a shrug.
Harry stopped sorting out Cairo's dosage and sat down next to her.
'I'm listening,' she said, settling in.
'I'm confused,' she whispered desolately, leaning back into the pillows and raising her eyes to the ceiling.
'About?'
'The reason I'm here. Why couldn't Mr Vargar just send me home,' she said, the words coming out in a rush. 'And if he really wanted to make sure I did make a full recovery, why not send me a nurse or put me in an outpatient facility. Isn't it enough that he got my hospital bill? But why bring me here? I don't get it. How am I going to pay him back?' she said, frustration colouring her voice. 'And how much do I now owe this man? I don't like being indebted to people, especially where money is concerned. I even have difficulty accepting gifts because I always feel obligated to pay them back. Just, I, I have no idea how…' she trailed off, closing her eyes. The rain continued to pound the windows.
'Better?' asked Harry.
'No, not really,' replied Cairo.
'Well, the only one who can answer those questions is Mr Vargar himself. The rest of us have been asking the same questions. But I guess we don't really need the answers as much as you obviously do.
Cairo slowly lowered her eyes to Harry's with a teasing look.
'So I am a hot topic around these parts!' she had feared as much. She laughed once.
'You know how intent on gossip we are, we can't help ourselves.' Harry laughed. She had firsthand experience, probably understanding better than most how prone to gossip staff were. She was, after all, one of them.
'Is it that bad?' asked Cairo, unable to hide the concern in her voice.
'What exactly do you mean by bad?' asked Harry, worry colouring her voice.
'Oh no…' groaned Cairo.
'It's nothing too bad on your part. The few of us that get to interact with you agree that you're someone we could easily get along with outside of this,' she hesitated, 'er, situation. But we're all house staff. None of us can resist a scandal anyway. What chance do you think we stood with one presented to us right at work?' She laughed shyly.
'Can't say I blame you!' Cairo laughed with black humour. 'You know what, Harry? I think I'll take you up on that. I'll speak to him,' said Cairo, feeling the conviction building up within her. She got out of her bed to retrieve a gown.
'Erm, Cairo, dear,' said Harry, watching Cairo slip her thin arms through the sleeves.
'Ya?'
'Er, Mr Vargar's out for a few days. He's scheduled to return in about three to five days.'
'Oh,' breathed Cairo, disappointed. 'Ok,' she stood in place and turned to watch the rain trickle down the window. When she turned around, Harry was gone.


Sashni's absence made things easier. He wasn't ready to face her yet. She hadn't even bothered to send her lawyer t he hearing. After that impassioned speech, he had hoped she would fight him, fight for the children, for their marriage, for them. But she didn't.
The Judge ruled that custody would remain with him while she had visitation rights. She wasn't budging on the divorce. He had yet to hear from her representative on that front. It hurt him to think of how happy she was to discard the children.
Arjun and Suhani had video-called him that morning from Delhi and shared their day with him. He was flying out that evening to tell them the news. He wasn't looking forward to it, but he would rather face them and the bitter truth of his failed marriage than return home just yet.
His phone skittered on the table. Harriet's name lit the screen.
'Yes, Harriet?' he answered.
'Hello, sir. Cairo's up and about,' she said. That was quicker than he expected. Although he was happy she was better, he hadn't expected it to be soon. He thought she would still be there over Christmas at least.
'I'm glad to hear that,' he said solemnly, sounding nothing like it.
'She wants to see you. She overheard your conversation with Mrs Vargar last week,' he cringed. That wasn't the kind of conversation she needed to hear.
'And she's uncomfortable being in your house,' she said.
'She's also having intense panic attacks and flashbacks about that night. It got worse after the coppers showed up on Friday. I think she needs therapy.'
'Get her the best in town. I want her to be fully healed.'
'Of course, sir. I'll call in a therapist for her. But you need to speak with her,' said Harriet. He sighed regrettably at the irony of it. Life was forcing him to face what he didn't want to, a lot sooner than he wanted to.
'Of course. I'm flying to Delhi tonight to be with the children. I'll be back next week. I'll speak with her then,' he said, a cold, swooping feeling settled in his gut.
'Is there any word on the investigation yet, sir?' She asked.
'Not yet. I've hired someone to look into it.
'I hope he finds something. Safe travel, sir,' said Harriet.
It was strange how one person made him want so many different things. He was elated that she was recovering, but he didn't like that it was happening so quickly, that he had to face what his aversion had nearly destroyed.
But if he was being brutally honest with himself, he just wasn't ready for her to go. Not yet.

Amar, closed the front door to the country house with a sigh as Armel, his butler collected his luggage and disappeared into the laundry room a few days later.
All the staff, his real family, had been moved to the country house, a little puzzled but without question or hassle. The speedy renovations for Cairo's room went without a hitch, and he was happy the room looked restful and warm. Hopefully, she found it inviting.
Sashni still hadn't been in touch with him or the children since their sudden departure, and his PI had confirmed she was spending all her time with Vikram Rathor, the son of a textile baron with deep pockets. London law enforcement still had to get back to him on the shooting. They were still investigating, but they were dragging their feet. They had called it a senseless act of violence on the news and had left the victims' names out of the media. It would have been a crime if the victim had been white
He had called his lawyer today to draw up the divorce papers. He was devastated and relieved. His fifteen-year marriage was ending, and his wife clearly felt nothing for him after all this time. But he was relieved that he now knew the truth. The divorce and custody battle was going to be a nightmare once it was settled, but he wasn't going to deny the children their mother. If they wanted to see her, he would make sure they did.
His head swam. When was the last time I ate?
When he looked up, he was in her room. She lay on her back, breathing short, shallow gasps. A frown creased her brow, and there were dark circles under her eyes.
This is my fault. She's in the position because I made her go back inside and fetch my damn coat!
He found himself at her bedside, with a tightness in the back of his throat.
'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry,' he said, darting out of the room, knowing only that he needed to get away. Away from her. Away from the consequences of his anger. Away from watching, his rage had caused an innocent young woman who had done nothing but protect his honour.
'Sir, when should we be expecting you home?' Armel asked as he pulled his SLR out of the garage.
'After the hearing,' he replied coldly, speeding down the driveway.