Kalika smoothed her silk dress as she perched on the iron bench at Westbrook Station. The September breeze ruffled her ebony locks, carrying the scent of roses from a nearby flower stand. Her emerald eyes scanned the bustling platform, searching for her date.

Dr. Vasanth strode through the crowd, his polished shoes clicking against the concrete. He noticed Kalika and quickened his pace, a smile spread across his clean shaven face. 

“Kalika?” He inquired, extending his hand. 

She rose, her crimson lips curving into a practiced smile. “Dr. Vasanth?” 

“Yes, yes, but please call me Vasanth,” he insisted beaming and mesmerised by the girl in front of him. He did not expect her to be so radiant. He told himself to calm down. They strolled along the platform, their conversation flowing easily. Vasanth spoke of his work at Westbrook General Hospital. He was a general surgeon, and a busy man, but his parents insisted to go on this date. They wanted him to marry and settle down soon. He was particular not to marry a doctor, he wanted a girl who had nothing to do with the medical field.  As he spoke Kalika listened intently, and her response measured and thoughtful. 

“And what about you, Kalika? What drives you?” Vasanth asked.

She paused, her gaze distant. “Justice,” she murmured. “Ensuring wrongs are righted.”

Vasanth was intrigued. “A noble pursuit. Are you in law enforcement?” He knew very little about her. What if she was some lunatic with beauty. 

Not exactly,” Kalika replied, her tone enigmatic. “Shall we discuss it over dinner?”

They made their way to the The Gilded Rose, a five star restaurant nestled in the heart of Westbrook. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the white-clothed tables as a sommelier poured rich cabernet into their glasses. 

As they savored the aroma, and the ambience, Vasanth endlessly talked about the operating room. Kalika listened attentively, her fork poised midair. 

“You must love your work,” Kalika observed. 

Vasanth eyes lit up. “I do. There’s nothing quite like the rush of saving a life.”

A shadow flickered across Kalika’s face, gone so quickly Vasanth questioned if he’d imagined it. She set down her fork, dabbing her lips with a napkin.

“Would you show me?” she asked, her voice soft. “Your hospital, I mean. I’ve always been fascinated by medicine.”

Vasanth hesitated, surprised by the request. “It’s rather late, but I suppose I could give a quick tour.”

They drove to the hospital, and Vasanth gently slipped his hand and held her hand. Kalika tried to take it away, but he was strong. So this is how it began, she thought. 

They drove to Westbrook General in Vasanth sleek sports car. The hospital loomed before them, a monolith of glass and steel against the night sky. Vasanth led Kalika through quiet corridors, his access badge granting them entry to restricted areas.

“This is the neurosurgery wing,” Vasanth explained as they entered a pristine hallway. “My home away from home.”

Kalika’s eyes darted from door to door, her fingers trailing along the smooth walls. “It’s so quiet,” she murmured.

“Yes, nobody comes here,” he smiled. “We can spend some good time here without any disturbance.”

Kalika knew what was coming. 

“So this is the place you bring all the girls you date.”

Vasanth did not answer. He was kissing her neck, and he was caressing her. But Kalika stopped, her pulse quickening.  “Would you mind if I used the restroom?”

Vasanth pointed down the hall a little disappointed. “Of course. I’ll wait here.”

Kalika slipped into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She reached into her purse, her fingers closing around cold metal. With practiced movements, she assembled the device, her breath steady and controlled.

She exited the bathroom, her face a mask of calm. “Vasanth, I’m feeling a bit lightheaded. Perhaps we should call it a night. “

Vasanth eyed her with suspicion. “How can I leave you so easily?” He came near her. 

“I know, you will sleep with me, and discard me, and if I resist you would rape and dump me in the river,” she said softly as possible. 

Vasanth face changed, his handsome demeanour changed from horror to fear. He did not answer for a minute. Then he smiled. 

“You do have a choice now, “ he came forward. Kalika opened her pepper spray and thrust it in his eyes. He bleated in pain. She did not waste any time, she quickly injected on his neck. 

He lost consciousness, and she dragged him onto the operation table. She remembered the conversation she had with her mentor about the use of judiciary, and how it was aiding these criminals buy time. Judge should be swift she argued. If the crime is proved, immediate action must be taken.

They always got into a squabble about such moral topics, but he was proud of her.  Then placed the bag near him, and left the hospital. 

The next morning pain seared through his loins. Vasanth sat up and shouted, and no one came. He noticed the bag, and violently opened it. His phone was in it. He opened and he saw a message from Kalika. 

“That bitch,” he opened the message and read. 

“Operation successful doc,” she had sent with a smiley. 

There was another message as well. “I am not in law enforcement, but I am an explosives expert.” 

Then his phone blasted in his face. In minutes the whole building came down in flames. 

© Ronald Hadrian