chapter 21

Chapter 21Heart to heartHe fell in step with her. “Till you said yes, I didn’t even dare hope that you would accept my invitation, or that you would ever forgive me Anu, for the way I have caused you so much hurt.”She paused and looked at him, his contrite tone softening her. “Oh Chintan, we have come a long way from there.”He stopped and reached out, putting an arm on her shoulder to stop her. “I have, Anu, I have. I cannot even dare to hope that you have too!” He turned away and said, “I came to help my father so that he would fund my market expansion plans. Initially, all I wanted was to finish the job at ‘Industry’ and return quickly. You were just a means to that end. I made you stay back so that it will be one less worry for me.” He turned around and clasped her hand in his. “But soon, I wanted to remain, just so I could see you everyday… What seemed like punishment, a trade-off with my father so that I could continue with my work at my farm in peace, became a pleasure in itself…” He looked at her with longing as Anu stared at him speechless, her mind blank, her heart racing. “I know Anu… You must wonder. I am a selfish man, son of a selfish man…” He dropped her hand and said sadly, “Why would you even care, I know… I have longed for this day when I could bring you here, just so I could give you…even if only briefly… this one chance to make your dream come true… These few moments in the hills, watching the sunrise.” A sob escaped her, but she covered her mouth to suppress the sound. He turned and his hand went to her cheek lightly, as if not daring for more. She grabbed it and pressed it against her cheek. “Oh Chintan… I have, I have… It has been wonderful knowing you. And this trip!” She looked at him, her eyes shining. He was silent. She leaned forward and looked into his eyes, trying to smile through her tears. “Please don’t think any more about it. It can’t have been easy for you…”He shrugged. “It has its compensations,” he said seriously. Then chuckled mirthlessly. “There, I did that again – you hate it, don’t you? This giving in, accepting…”She squeezed his arm. “He is your father… and I know, sometimes, there is no choice,” she said gently. “A truce, so that I can be left in peace to do what I want… It hasn’t been an easy battle… This time, though, I am glad I gave in.” His eyes spoke more than his words as he drank in her face. “I wouldn’t have met you otherwise, Anu… And for that, I have only my dad to thank.” He put his arms lightly on her waist. “I have dared to hope that since you know me better, you’d at least forgive me... if nothing more.” He didn’t need to tell her how he felt… But nor could she forget the chasm between them. “Chintan,” she said softly, looking down, “I fear myself, the way I feel… About you. It can never be, though, can it?” she asked softly, a sudden sense of hopelessness overwhelming her.He hooked a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “It can, if that is what we want… Do you, Anu?”And she saw the determination in his eyes, and knew he would make it work, if he set his mind to it. He looked sure and strong, knowing what he wanted, and getting his way, whatever it took.But her thoughts were distracted. He bent down and his lips hovered over her face, as if unable to decide where to land first. She closed her eyes and felt him kissing her eyelids. His lips moved to her cheeks and then he whispered into her ears, “We will make it work, Anu. Just say yes.”She was leaning against him, her arms on his chest. Now she slid them around him. He pulled her closer, kissing her lips lightly. Her parted lips welcomed him, and with a wordless exclamation of joy, he drew her lips to his. Anu felt she was floating in a world of dreams.