Madhu had wished he would stay the night but he didn't. He left her after that, without even talking about what happened between them. As he left, she was left weak with desire from inside, as if he had departed with a part of her soul. She massaged her head, feeling drained as she tried to drink water. She couldn't understand how she was irresistibly controlled by the man. At one moment, she was showing the dress and in the very next moment, she was in his arms. He hadn't even touched her hand to begin with, but straightaway grasped her thighs, her butt, and smothered her with kisses. But somehow she liked it. She knew now that the quiet persona that he displays is just a façade. There's more to him that he hides beneath, a lurking creature who is wild in nature. And perhaps he left without a word for he didn't want Madhu to see that part of him.
He thinks I won't accept him the way he is.
But I will.
She had always been jaded and bored throughout her college years as the boys around her weren't able to satisfy her. She had two boyfriends in three years of bachelor's degree and both of them were mediocre in their approach. They had the charisma but not the hurricane that she knows will sweep her away. Even the most explicit games with them couldn't match up to what Ashok did with one grasp of her hair and passionate kissing. It was like her whole existence had been torn apart by those still seconds of rapture.
*
It was in the evening the following day, and the engagement had begun. She was excited about it but more so because she was excited about being with Ashok. He had come to pick her up and they didn't talk to each other for the whole journey. She had dressed well, with her eyes lined with kajal and mascara, and yet he didn't compliment her. He had worn a plain gray suit but his stubble elevated his look to the next level. His stern expression was perturbing Madhu, but she didn't mention this.
If yesterday was so bad, just say it, damn it!
But he didn't.
They reached the event, where Madhu greeted everyone she knew from the college while Ashok stood in the back. Whoever asked her about him, she would whisper it was "complicated" and the friend would then giggle. She met Vijaya in the back, hugged her hard and complimented her gorgeous green and red kanjeevaram saree. Her eyes seemed bigger than usual with all the makeup and her hair was braided perfectly with jasmine blossoms. Vijaya met Ashok and exclaimed, "So you are the guy?"
At that moment, Madhu slapped her forehead in embarrassment.
"Yes, I'm that guy. Congratulations on your engagement."
"Arey thank you so much," she grinned.
Madhu and Ashok left for the main hall shortly afterwards, which was resplendently decorated with flowers. The floors were carpeted and rose-colored durries. Everyone and everything was so colorful, especially the area where the podium for the bride and groom was situated. There was an enthusiastic emcee who introduced Vijaya's entry, who like the princess she was, walked over to the podium. Then Kishore walked from the other side in his bow tie tuxedo, looking dashing.
"Don't they look fabulous?" Madhu whispered to Ashok, who just hummed in return.
Why isn't he speaking to me?
The introduction of the couple led to a sequence of slow dances between them, as Arijit Singh's songs played in the background. As soon as it ended, Madhu clapped along with others, while Ashok remained a mute spectator. There were other dance sequences by the groom's and bride's cousins, who performed on rap, Punjabi and Bollywood music. It finally led to the ring ceremony, where Vijaya slid the ring on Kishore's finger and Kishore did the same; even as they grinned at everyone, awkwardly waving around as everyone clapped.
*
Kishore was able to get out of this charade finally, as the ring ceremony was over. He told Vijaya he had to go to the washroom, lying to her. He sat in the parking lot that was an open space, with valets standing in the corner. He pulled out his cigarette and began to smoke when his eyes caught sight of a vintage Ambassador. His face lit up as he knew who this car belonged. He had seen this when Madhu and Ashok had come to visit him.
It must belong to him.
Scanning around the empty space, he began to walk towards the car. For an old car, it sure was beautiful. He pressed his nose against the window to look inside. The seats were upholstered in red leather. Everything about the car was beautiful in a very ancient way. He pulled out his phone and looked at the license plate. He thought of clicking a photograph, perhaps finding an address on him or some information on him that would help him to determine who he was as a person before he met Madhu.
He gives me the creep. There's something odd about him and I must find out for Madhu's sake.
He had never been especially protective about Madhu but she had always been a supportive person. She was the one who hooked them up. She was the one who made him realize that Vijaya was the right girl for him and he should stop loitering around with other girls. She was the one who planned the first date, the first kiss. She was almost like a family and Kishore couldn't be any less grateful to her. The least I can do is protect her from a man whom I find odd.
With a cigarette dangling from his lips he switched on the camera and was zooming in for the license plate, when the sound of coughing came from the back. He jerked in surprise as he turned to find Ashok Dogra standing there, with his hands inside his pockets.
*
"Hey, hi!" Kishore instantly pushed his phone inside his pocket. "What are you doing here?" He realized he had a cigarette and flicked it out in the corner. "Just a stress buster."
"What were you doing?" Ashok asked icily.
Kishore could see how Ashok had a very stern expression but he pulled up a menacing smirk.
"I love your car man, it's antique so you know clicking photos for my collection."
"Ah I see," he walked towards Kishore who held his ground but his hands were shaking. "Why are you outside?" a sly smile danced on his lips.
"A smoke, but don't tell Vijaya."
"Sure," he came closer, towering over Kishore as he gazed at him balefully.
"Okay then," Kishore looked away from his gaze and swept over to the side as he heaved in a sigh of relief. He swiveled his head and saw Ashok just watching him.
*
The plating of the food begun and Madhu sat with Ashok. He took a plate and sat with her, making short work of the food.
"Where were you?" she asked.
He didn't respond.
"What's the matter?" there was a tinge of irritation in her voice.
"Nothing," he said, without looking up at her.
"You don't have to stay here if you don't want to," Madhu's voice had a crisp irritation now. Whatever she felt for Ashok was draining now.
"It's not that."
"If you don't like Vijaya or Kishore..."
"It's not that," he whispered again, snapping her in between.
At least, she was able to get some sort of a response from him.
"You aren't behaving like yourself."
And at that moment, he looked up at her. "Because I can't hide it from you anymore."
"Hide what?"
"You won't believe me."
"Try me."
"It's too much to take, and much too soon," he kept mumbling to himself. "It was a wrong idea to even speak of this now..." his eyes watched hers, and she could feel the pain and suffering that was washing through him.
There's something in him he wants to share but is afraid to.
She had to gain his confidence. Letting go of all her anger, she lay her palms on his cheeks, cupping them and squeezing them gently.
"Tell me. I won't judge. I promise."
He grabbed that hand from his cheeks and for a moment Madhu thought he would swat it away, but he didn't. He coiled his fingers into hers and said, "Instead of telling, I'll show you."