He waited for three more days. Just because he wanted to. Chuni Babu, in spite of his threats to drag him out there, wanted him to go on his own. He knew Devdas hated things he was told to do. Finally he gave his order for the carriage to be prepared for him. He didn't have his things packed. He did not intend to stay there, not for a day. The faster he gets away from her, the faster he breaks the bonds, the better. At the same time he was in no rush. He ate his dinner slowly, he dressed slowly, he even bothered to sit and read for while. At one point he was not sure if delaying the confrontation is to torture her, which he sadistically wanted, or if he was doing that because of himself, his own disability to face problems. But being himself he quickly dismissed the thought.
Finally he stepped out of the house. He decided to travel in the night, so he would be spared the summer day's heat. The dusk has already changed into dark. The sky was clear, offering its beautiful starry jewelery for admiration. The streets and the walls of the houses seemed to finally take a breath and released all the heat they had absorbed during the day, but Devdas knew once the carriage would get out of the city he would be able to enjoy some cool evening breeze. In one swift movement he climbed into the coach and closed the small door behind him. And then in just one moment several things happened. He sat down, the coachman urged the horses who immediately leapt forward making the carriage skip on the uneven road and at the same time Devdas saw a glimpse of a naked dagger blade just a second before he felt it pressed against his neck.
Soon enough he realized it was futile to fight. Not only the blade seemed rather convincing hurting his skin, though not yet cutting it through, but the man whose face came out from the dark corner of the carriage was obviously larger than him, stronger - and dangerous. "As long as you are silent I will let you live," he whispered hoarsely, apparently having trouble breathing. "I am going to make myself comfortable now. You should too. But don't try anything smart. And no shouting. I hate when people shout. Try that and you have the dagger in your stomach before you know it." Devdas only nodded slightly to let him know he understood.
The man crumbled into the seat opposite to hi, letting his hand fall but never putting the dagger aside. Only now Devdas noticed his other hand was wrapped against his stomach, which together with his heavy breathing and occasionally wincing gave away the truth - he was injured. A thief most apparently! A dirty thief who thought he could just escape in his carriage! More than fear he felt disgusted, as always when confronted with a low life. For several minutes he kept silent. The thief obviously thought he scared him enough. He leaned back and closed his eyes, concentrating on fighting his pain. Devdas moved a bit more to the window with caution. No reaction from his unwanted companion. As the carriage came nearer to the city gate, guarded by several army men at all times, Devdas saw his chance. No, shouting was good for nothing. Just quickly jump out and then let the guards on horses do their job. Just a moment more. Just a moment. Now!
It was as if he didn't even move forward and he already he felt a hand yanking on his hair and pulling him back. He crashed against the other side of the carriage, making it swing violently, and in the next second he was lying on the floor and couldn't breathe. The man was now kneeling on his chest with a mad look in his glistening eyes, his face too close for comfort.
"Why don't people like you ever understand? Didn't I tell you not to try anything? I swear you are one lucky bastard to be yourself, anyone else would have been dead by now. But that doesn't mean I won't kill you in the end! I swear I will if you get on my nerves! Now - get up!" He pulled him up by his shirt and roughly seated him again, this time falling heavily right beside him. "I think I should just keep a closer eye on you until we get further from the city."
"Where do you want to go?" Devdas asked grimly.
"Oh, no changes of plans needed because of me," the unknown man said with a crooked smile. "Wherever you are going is absolutely fine for me."
