chapter 24

Chapter 24Warm in the rainAnu held the memories of him close to her heart. The period of separation was long this time, she felt, and when he had called one night to tell her he would be arriving the next day – “I can’t sleep, woman! I think this time I have to take you away with me!” he had said. She laughed to herself in pleasure and happiness. To be loved thus, to be cherished so…Normally, Supreet and Chintan would alternate coming to Delhi. But realising Chintan’s visits to Delhi had a dual purpose, Supreet had been letting his friend handle all the meetings in the city. He was sporting enough to pat his friend and colleague on the back and say, “Jaldi shaadi karle, oye… Hamein bhi kudi pataani hai…(Get married soon. I need to woo a girl too).”She examined herself in the mirror. She shivered in anticipation as she thought of his devouring gaze. She would be ready to break all conventions and run away, if he asked. Her mother’s voice cut in, “You are going to be late again today? Why!”“Work,” she replied briefly. When would they get away from it all, she thought impatiently!For the nth time, her mother suggested that she change her job. “They are making a slave of you. At least ar your old job you didn’t have that problem.”“Yes! Because there I was a slave anyway!” Anu threw a retort over her shoulder.Kaki had stayed on to help, and therefore her mother was less demanding. But once kaki returned to her village, Anu knew her mother wouldn’t let go of the topic of her supposed long hours that easily. She had to resolve this quickly, tell her mother about Chintan and then let things take their own course.Only the prospect of seeing Chintan that evening gave Anu the courage to ignore her mother as she walked out of the house. The evening showers were unexpected and Anu felt her spirits dampening. With a pout, she pulled out her cell phone and tried to reach Chintan. Had he reached Delhi before the rains? Or was he stuck somewhere on the way?“I am outside your office. Come to the gate,” he said in response to her call.She rushed to the gate excited, but had to wait a minute in the heavy drizzle before Chintan arrived in his Bolero. She scrambled in. She was quite wet. She was very happy. As he changed gears, he asked, “Can we drop in at my house before we go out for dinner? Would like to freshen up. The drive was quite tiring today,” he said.“You must be tired!” she exclaimed. “We could have met tomorrow.”He reached for her hand and said, “I had to see you.”She squeezed his arm and said simply, “I am glad you came.”As they drove, the AC made her feel cold. She wrapped her stole around her shoulders subtly. She had to clamp her teeth tightly to stop them from chattering. “Bring tea to my room,” he instructed the cook, who opened the door, before leading Anu to his room.She followed hesitantly. “Where is your father?”“He is travelling. Wouldn’t have brought you here otherwise.” His eyes twinkled as she looked visibly relieved.He turned on the light and the fan in his room, pointed out some books to her for her to pass the time while he freshened up, removed his glasses and headed into the bathroom. She removed her stole but now she was feeling quite cold. She switched the fan off, rubbed her palms and walked to the table where the books were neatly stacked.She removed her hair band and ran her fingers through the wet strands, separating them. She felt chilled because of the water dripping from her hair. She picked up her stole and tried to dry her hair.Chintan stepped out, feeling and looking refreshed. Wearing his glasses again, he turned to her and exclaimed, “You are wet! I’m so sorry I should’ve noticed earlier. ”She nodded. “It’s okay. Can I have a towel?” she asked, and was puzzled at the way he was staring at her. “What are you looking like that for?” she asked, now quite embarrassed at his intense look.Catching her eye, he quickly looked away. Without responding, he turned to his wardrobe and took out a towel and a t-shirt. He handed them to her, cleared his throat and said, “Dry yourself and change into this...”She realised that her light coloured cotton kurti was clinging to her, highlighting her youthful, firm figure. Hurriedly she went into the bathroom and changed her top. She came out and avoided looking at him. He had switched the fan on again and her wet hair and the damp lingerie that she had not removed clung to her skin, making her feel cold again.The tea had been served and he handed her a cup. “Should have dropped you home! I think my brain’s taken a holiday!”“You were quite tired…” “What’s for dinner?” Chintan asked the cook, who recited the menu. He looked at Anu. “Shall we have dinner here?”She shrugged uncertainly. She didn’t want him to drive again if he was tired. But she was also feeling awkward suddenly, at the way her heart was going flip-flop. Anu said hesitantly, “I think I should be heading home. You stay back, I will catch a rick.”He didn’t respond but simply rolled his eyes. Noticing her adjust the t-shirt that kept slipping off her shoulder because it was oversized for her, he smiled at her amused. He stepped close to her and took her hand in his. Her hand felt cold in his and he exclaimed, “You are freezing!” He reached past her to switch the fan off. She moved away to the table and picked up a book. But he was behind her, slipping his arms around.She shivered in pleasure and felt his lips against the nape of her neck. She closed her eyes and leaned back against him. “Come with me, Anu… Let’s end this long distance thing…”His husky voice did nothing to calm her. She laughed, and was mortified that it sounded like a bleat. “You are a good one to talk! Do you think I am just going to walk away with you?” she retorted, trying to put some spirit into her words.“No?” he asked, turning her around, raising his eyebrows, seemingly more in control now.She giggled, unsure if he was having her on. “No sir! I need a good, traditional grand wedding. Band, baaja, baraat – the works!” she wagged her finger. “Is that clear?”He caught her finger and bringing his face close to hers, asked, “After that, what?”She blushed and snatched her hand back. He leaned closer, as if following the errant finger, and planted a kiss on her cheek. She made to move away, laughing, embarrassed.   He caught her around the waist and pulled her to him. She felt a surge of pleasure and panic. “Move back, you villain!” she cried out, laughing, trying to wriggle out.“If not, what then!” he teased as he brought her face close to his and put a stop to her struggles with a lingering kiss that left her breathless. The laughter died and in its place came a longing as he let her go, cleared his throat and fiddled with the papers on the table. “I should be going.” He stepped in front of her silently. She stopped in her tracks, her heart beating wildly. He encircled her slim waist with his hands and leaned forward so that his forehead was touching hers. His hands slid up, lightly brushing her breasts and causing her breathing to turn ragged,  reached her shoulders and finally cupped her face. She lowered her eyes, and he waited... watching the faint flutter of her eyelashes, the quivering breath and the parted lips. He waited for her to look at him, to know that she felt as he did.“Anu…my beautiful, my Anushka,” he whispered.Every time he called her by that name, her heart fluttered, a thrill ran down her spine. It was as if he were giving her a new identity, a new life, and all his love. She looked up, her eyes bright with unshed tears. Her lips parted eagerly.He pressed his lips against hers and felt her arms go around him. His hands slid to her back and he pulled her towards him, pressing her against his lean, muscular frame. She gasped as she felt his desire strongly, and felt herself trembling with anticipation. Her fingers dug into his back as she responded fiercely.This time, he didn’t let her go. She didn’t want him to. She surrendered completely to his love, letting him take her through new sensations and experiences, culminating in the ultimate moment of togetherness as their bodies and souls melded.