Part 7 | A Terrace Talk

KARTIK

It was 10 past at night when I was in my bed lying under the duvet that covered my lower body, staring at the ceiling. My mind drifted back to today's events.

I would be lying if I say I wasn't smitten by Naira when I saw her in that red saree. She looked so beautiful that I couldn't shift my gaze away from her. When I noticed a pinch of sindoor adorning her hairline, don't ask me why but I felt contented seeing her as my wife.

Let me be honest, I was worried about my parent's reaction. Despite being ' cool and modern ', I very well knew how particular they are when it comes to marriage and family.

They wouldn't be really happy when I just walk up and introduced a random person as my wife.... or that's what I thought. But what surprised me was how they accepted Naira in such a short meet. She comfortably mingled with them. I mean, there was no awkward moments or tension in the air, just laughter and light moments.

I guess it was one of her quality, No one could dislike a girl like her.

While mom was talking to Naira in the kitchen about God knows what, Dad proposed me the idea of keeping a reception to announce my marriage before the press but I had promised Naira. I wouldn't reveal this affair until she is really comfortable with me and this relationship. Thankfully dad accepted my excuse of work and said we would have a reception after 6 months or so.

I feel guilty for lying to my parents but I couldn't bring myself to reveal the truth, not after seeing them so happy and relieved. I didn't want to break their hopes.

Sitting up I pushed the duvet and walked out of the room. The house was dead silent and I suppose she slept. I made my way to the terrace, the full moon glowing in the dark sky.

But it wasn't only me who enjoyed the gentle winds. She stood there in her pyjamas, probably listening to some music in her earphones. Absent mindedly she was singing the lyrics out loud.

It was some English song I haven't heard before but I found myself liking it. She had a melodious voice and her singing was pretty good. I stood behind her not wanting to interrupt the moment.

But I guess she noticed my presence. She removed her earphones and looked away slightly embarrassed. I chuckled.

" It's fine, I enjoyed it! " I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Even my small compliment made her blush.

Cute, isn't she?

" Didn't sleep yet? " I nodded in a no.

There was a brief pause of silence.

" Thanks. You managed it so well this morning. " I heard a small laugh from her side.

" Not better than you. I thought we will be caught when our answer didn't synchronise to your mom's question." She replied.

" That wasn't a lie." her eyebrows furrowed together.

" I saw you for the first time in that children's park. That wasn't a story, it was the truth. " Her eyes widened.

" Are you serious? " I nodded.

" You wore a yellow knee length frock holding a basket full of chocolates among the kids who were circling you, playing and laughing. " she looked at me surprised.

" And I saw you eating cotton candy secretly!" I winked at her.

That was the first time my eyes fell on her. All smiling and playing with those kids, she looked so happy. It was like she was spreading joy in the air that I smiled involuntarily seeing her.

" Sorry I did not notice you. It's crazy! " she let out a small giggle.

She sat on the wooden bench there and patted the space beside hers, asking me to take a seat.

As I settled she spoke, " Those kids belong to Home of hope, a children's home, the one my father had written in my name. That home was my mom's dream, It meant a lot to her. She personally established and looked after that home, of course dad supported. "

" They are orphans?" I asked.

" Yes, they are kids who lost their parents to some calamity or accidents. It's basically an adoption home. My mom used to say that kids are angels sent by God and no child deserves to be an orphan! This thought gave birth to the home of hope. " She said.

" That's really wonderful. " I smiled at her.

" One night I asked my mom and dad if we could have all the kids with us in our house, because I had no sibling and I loved playing with them. I must probably be 4 at that time. " She laughed.

" But they just laughed and told me it would be selfish if we had all the angels with us. They said God had already given them their angel. " I noticed her voice breaking at the end.

" You like star gazing? " She quickly changed the topic.

" There you see, the bright one... That's the North pole star. " She pointed at the sky.

" And there the three stars forming a line that's the Orion Belt...." she kept telling me but I just kept staring at her, trying to read those emotions she was hiding from everyone.

" You miss your parents, Don't you? " she stopped talking, still staring at the sky.

" I do." she said after a minute.

I placed my hand over hers hoping she will open up to me, say something more but she ended the conversation giving me a soft smile.

----------------

NAIRA

The following week was quite hectic, I had to visit the resort site early that week to take a look at the surroundings and the spaces so as to draft the plan accordingly. The site was at least 200km far away from the city, it was peaceful and the surroundings were enriched with greenery. This would be a perfect spot for a resort.

I was quite busy with drafting the basic plan for the resort for the rest of the week. Speaking of personal life, me and kartik are getting comfortable with each other. We talk about our day at work and other random topics during dinner.

I thought of asking him about the incident his mom mentioned to me but dropped the idea, not knowing how he would react. I didn't want anything to ruin the growing friendship between us.

I was currently in the conference room at Oberoi Industries presenting the basic plan with my drawings and pictures.

" I like the idea " Kartik acknowledged satisfied so did his team.

" Didn't I tell you Naira is the best we got! " Dhruv said to Kartik.

" I may always not be the best... " I said politely. Dhruv something goes overboard with his appreciation.

" I doubt if Ms. Basu will ever disappoint me with her work. " Kartik smiled at me appreciatively.

The meeting ended and we left the room.

" Did you have lunch Naira? " Dhruv asked me.

" Not yet, I am not really hungry. " he glared at me.

" Okay fine, I will have something. Don't give me that look. " we walked into the elevator.

" So what's the plan for tonight? " I asked as I pressed the button.

" I.. Um... Actually have a date tonight. " My jaw dropped.

" What!" I half yelled excited.

Fortunately we were alone in the elevator.

" Who is it? Okay let me guess... " I thought for a minute.

" Is it Siya?" he just scratched the back of his neck, a smile crept on his lips.

" I so knew it !!" I slightly punched his arms.

Siya was his college mate, a very good friend of his. I have seen them together in the past year at many occasions and I guessed it was more than just just friendship.

" I hope she likes me... " He said as we walked out of the elevator.

" Of course she will, why not? After all you are handsome, good at heart, understanding and caring, and most importantly you love her!" I smiled at him.

" My goodness, are you really the Naira I knew? You are praising me, like seriously! " He gave me a dramatic shock look.

I rolled my eyes at him," Shut up! ".

As we walked to the parking space, I saw Kartik waiting beside his BMW.

What is he doing here?

" Kartik? "

" I thought of asking if you could join me for lunch, Ms. Basu." he spoke.

Doesn't he have work to do?

" Definitely she would. Right Naira! " Dhruv answered on my behalf, nudging my elbows with his.

" O-okay..." Kartik smiled and opened the car door.

" I will call you tonight, Have fun Mrs.Oberoi " Dhruv whispered in my ears before he made his way towards his car.

After a 20 minute drive, we reached the restaurant. I was trying to unfasten my seat belt but nothing worked. I turned towards Kartik to ask for help, but he had already leaned forward to help me with the belts.

His lips brushed against my cheek and I froze. His intense gaze making my body burn in heat. A smirk played on his lips as he eyed my lips. Trust me I tried not to look into his eyes, but damn I couldn't.

Isn't the freaking AC on?

I thought he would move back but instead he pressed his lips against my cheek for a proper kiss.

Click.

And the seatbelt slid off me.

************

Just the beginning! Hehe...

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