After work, when I got to my home, I rang the bell, waiting impatiently for the door to be opened so I could confront Anitha.
Gautham opened it and my mood took a full 180 degree turn.
His hair was dripping wet! Why does he have to look so gorgeous?
His looks eased my mood!
"Hey!" He leered and opened the door wider for me to step in.
There were no sign of Anitha!
Where did she go? I began looking around.
"I asked her to leave." he said as he opened the refrigerator.
"Why?" It made my blood run cold.
"She isn't a good friend, I discovered." He drank the juice from the carton. “She was trying to make me divorce you!"
"And you didn't want to divorce me?"
"Why would I?? Why the hell would I give you a divorce?" He was riled.
Condemn the liquid that comes out of your eyes. Yes, my tears, why did I have to break down in front of him?
I felt him hug me tightly. He was literally breaking my fragile bones! He was really strong. It felt perfect to stay in his embrace.
The tighter he hugged me, the harder I cried.
"Why are you crying?" His tone was soft.
I couldn't find my voice.
"Did I hurt you? I am really sorry if I did!"
I withdrew from his arms "No no! I am just a bit dazed!" I said, looking at the floor, but soon I felt his fingers brushing away my tears.
"I don't want you to lie! Please tell me! Why did you cry?" he begged.
"I actually thought that Anitha was your girlfriend," I said, bursting into laughter with him joining me.
The laughter soon died and he spoke sincerely. "I will never cheat on you, Shakthi! You've got to trust me!" he said, holding my face in his large palms and forcing me to meet his eyes.
"That will take time, but I will try." I smiled.
"Convincing enough" he nodded.
"Okay, Gautham! I will just get changed and be back!" I excused myself and hurried to our room.
I went in to have nice shower. The water started to flow over my naked body.
With every flow, I felt like every problem was coming undone. It was the best and the most peaceful shower since my wedding.
I quickly dried myself and changed into a t-shirt and pajamas.
I decided to call up Ankitha.
I narrated the entire story to her and she was listening patiently
"Something is just not right, Shakthi!" she said.
"Ankitha! Things are perfectly fine between us now! And I guess it is going to be a fresh start from my side!"
"Shakthi, I am really happy that you are relieved! But, some pieces just don't fit!"
"Like?"
"Now we are just sure that Anitha isn't his girlfriend! What about the person to whom he said that he loved her, on a call?"
Chapter 16-Realization
"Now we are just sure that Anitha isn't his girlfriend! What about the person to whom he said that he loved her, on a call?"
Was I so dumb that this didn't cross my mind at all??
"Shakthi?? Are you there?? Hello??" I heard her voice ringing in my ears.
"Yea...yea! Tell me!" I said, switching the phone to my other ear.
"Shakthi? Am I reading some news here? It is something important! And I can't seriously believe that you are so oblivious to it!"
"No, Ankitha!! I am going to trust Gautham! He promised me that he won't cheat on me!"
"Will you be happy?" she asked doubtfully.
"I will try to," I managed to say. I will try my best to be happy with him.
"I just can't believe that it is the same Shakthi I spoke to yesterday! You are already falling for him!"
"I am just trying to make my marriage work!"
"Reasonable enough…"
My reply was interrupted with the sound of the door opening.
"I think he is coming, I will talk to you later! Bye!"
"Have fun, babe!" I could actually picture her winking.
I hung up and twirled around to find Gautham with his hands folded in front of his chest. "Did I interrupt something important?"
"No, no!!" I replied.
"Well, I was just thinking if... I mean. If we could go out, you know! Like a dinner together?"
I was eager to join him so that we could get to know more of each other. But, I wouldn't give in easily. I enjoyed his reactions and expressions.
"When?" I asked, faking a straight face.
"Maybe this weekend?" His expression was worth a photograph!
"Not happening!" I walked out of the bedroom with him behind me. I laughed hoping that he wouldn't notice me. I just wasn't able to control it.
"We are going out! And that is final!" he ordered. Audacity!!
It always puts me off, but also turns me on!
"Excuse me! You are the one who wants a favor! So, be polite!" I turned, pointing my finger at him. Now my wrath was for real.
"I know that you were teasing me and I saw you laughing! So stop spinning stories."
"But, your expressions were so enjoyable! It was really worth a photograph." I chuckled
"Oh really??" He came towards me, pulling me into his arms.
That was totally unexpected! His touch always made me edgy. Again, I felt sparks. I looked deep into his eyes. They carried so much intensity which always made me wonder.
I had my palms on his chiseled chest. I could feel his well-toned muscles.
He held me by my waist and pinned me. My breathing hitched as his lips neared mine.
I closed my eyes tight, anticipating his lips about to devour mine.
Suddenly, I felt his grip loosen. I opened my eyes and saw him laughing. "That expression is now worth a photograph."
"I hate you!" I huffed as I walked to the hall and settled in front of the television.
***
After dinner, he went straight to his room and I followed. I had work to complete.
He settled on the bed and opened his laptop while I sighed to myself and opened mine.
Suddenly, I realized I was in his room. I should move to my room. So when I started to gather all my things to shift back, I heard him, "What are you doing?"
"Climbing a tree!" I scorned.
"I can see that you are putting all your things together, but why?"
"I am moving back to my room!"
"But, why? I mean, we can share the same room!"
"Huh! Remember, we were just pretending for Anitha! Now that she is gone, we are back to square one, I guess!"
"If you aren't comfortable with me, it is fine!" I sensed that my words stung him.
It made my heart do a little somersault. Was he sad that I wasn't sharing a room with him? It made me a little glum that he was hurt! But, why did I feel that way?
"Okay fine! We will share the room." I gave in, I don't know why I gave in!
He grinned. "Perfect!"
I was happy to see him smile like that. It made my heart melt.
"So, is the plan on?" he asked me when I settled on the bed with the laptop in front of me.
"What plan?"
"Dinner plan?"
"Oh! Do I have a choice?"
"That is like my good wife!" I jerked at that endearment. It was weird, really weird to be called like that. But, somewhere, in some corner of my heart, it actually felt nice.
We carried on with our work silently. But, it was soon broken. "Shakthi, can I ask you something?"
"Hmm." I urged him to carry on, working on my report.
"I saw a man leaving your cabin today, who is he?"
I thought he was busy with Anitha when Kabir was with me!
"He is actually… err… My old friend," I managed to spit it out, finally
"Just a friend, right?"
"Jealous, are we?" I tried shifting the topic.
He laughed. "You can say!"
"Aww! My handsome husband is jealous!" I sang.
"Wait a minute!" he stopped me. Just
then I realized what I said. Shakthi, can't you keep your mouth shut! Why did you let him know that he looks handsome?? Why?
"What?" I pretended like I didn't mention that at all.
"You just called me handsome!"
"No! I didn't! I would be the last person on earth to call you that!"
He rolled his eyes like he didn't believe me! "Whatever!"
The long day finally came to a peaceful end.
***
The next day went by in a blur. We both had our audit reports to submit, so it was hectic and exhausting.
We came home tired and spent and after changing, I flumped on the bed ready to welcome a free Saturday.
My phone went off! Who the hell could it be?!
It was Shruthi, my friend from my Chartered Accountancy Institute. The last time I saw her was at her wedding, but I hardly saw her at mine.
"Hey!!" I sleepily answered.
"Did I disturb you? Were you sleeping?"
"Never mind, tell me! How are you doing?" I inquired
"I am doing good, and you?"
"Better than ever!" I replied.
"Shakthi, we have actually planned a small meet, all our friends are meeting up."
"Wow," I exclaimed, leaping up from my bed.
"Where and when?"
"Blue dessert restaurant, at five in the evening! Are you in for it?"
"Of course!"
"Bring your husband also!" she added.
"I thought it was just our friends."
"Yea! But, all of us are coming with our families and moreover everyone wants to meet the newlywed couple!" she teased.
"Alright then, I’ll ask him."
We hung up after gossiping for a while.
I asked Gautham who was relaxing on the couch watching TV. He said yes which was amazing. Happily, I made my way back to the bed and tucked myself under the duvet.
But, a realization made me spring up. "Kabir will also be coming tomorrow!"
Chapter 17-They were friends
But, a realization made me spring up. "Kabir will also be coming tomorrow!"
I really hope that Kabir wouldn't open his mouth about our so called 'past' even by mistake! Gautham was always playing this 'jealous husband' and it would turn into a terrible nightmare if Gautham gets to know about Kabir.
Why was I getting so scared when I hadn't done anything wrong except be friends with Kabir?
He should have probably moved on! I was just over thinking it!
Watching too many shows won't do any good, I told myself and drifted to sleep.
***
Saturday morning was unusually bright with the sun making its way through the bedroom curtains and reflecting on my face.
I woke up sleepily to an empty bed. I badly wanted to see him sleeping. He would look so adorable! But where did he go??
I got my answer when I heard the shower running in the washroom.
I checked my phone! It was twelve noon! No wonder it was so bright!
I got up and stretched myself. I walked to the washroom which was in my former bedroom. I washed my face, brushed my teeth and passed a brush through my tangled hair and made into a nice bun.
When I was done, I went to the kitchen to take care of my grumbling tummy. I grabbed the milk from the refrigerator and made myself a nice hot cup of Milo considering I have a bad aversion towards caffeine.
Before I could enjoy it, I heard the ring.
I hurried to the bedroom to answer the call. It was from my firm regarding work. When I was done talking, I heard the washroom door click open.
The sight didn't fail to melt me.
Gautham stood there, with just a towel wrapped around his waist. I had a perfect look at his six pack. My fingers ached to touch his abs and trace every inch of him.
My eyes slowly trailed down and I was able to see his delicious V lines.
He looked so sexy in his half naked glory!
"Like what you see?" he asked, knocking me out of my trance.
"Yeah,I mean... NO! I don't know!" I stammered idiotically and I stormed out of the room.
Shakthi!! You are such a dumbass!! Why would you stutter??
"Sleepy head??" I heard him again.
Think of the devil and he comes!!
"I was just tired!" I explained.
"So, what have you cooked for lunch?" he asked.
"I woke up just a few minutes back. I won't let you die of hunger! Don't worry!!" I spoke rudely and walked to the kitchen to cook.
But, something caught my eyes! I went to see what it was.
"Gautham!" I squealed.
"What happened? Are you alright?" I heard him behind me as his voice filled with concern.
"You cooked??" I was taken aback.
He smiled, acknowledging it!
I couldn't help myself. I went up to him, stood on my toes and quickly pecked him on his cheek!
Now, it looked like it was his turn to be surprised.
"If you would kiss me, I would cook every day!" He said and we both laughed.
***
After lunch, we relaxed and had a nice chat about our lives before marriage.
We talked about everything; our schooling, favourite colours, places, cuisines, and our friends, almost all! In fact I also came to know that he learnt cooking when he was seventeen and it was his hobby.
But, neither of us questioned each other about our pre marriage relationships! Maybe that should actually wait and we should get to know more of each other!
It was almost quarter to four, so we decided to get ready for the meet up.
Since it was just casual, I wore a pair of pencil jeans which stuck to my legs, making them look longer than usual, pairing them with a red top which was transparent at its shoulder. It clung to my body, accentuating my curves. I felt like my workouts were actually worth it.
I kohled my eyes and glossed my lips with my favorite flavor of baby lips and finished my makeup with a little bit of loose powder.
I let my hair open, allowing it to fall down my shoulders. I wore my all-time favorite Tommy Hilfiger perfume that came with a jasmine fragrance.
I then chose to wear red sandals which would look perfect with my outfit.
Gautham was dressed in his casuals as well. But, he didn't fail to take my breath away, looking strikingly handsome in his denims and a black polo t-shirt that stuck to his muscly arms making him look even hotter.
We soon left the house, locking it and his BMW came to life and we headed to the Blue Dessert.
I kept checking myself in the mirror, adjusting my hair. I was becoming nervous since we are meeting up for real, after a long time and I wanted to look presentable. Actually the fact was, I wanted to look good enough for Gautham.
"You look beautiful!" he said.
Did he just say that? Oh my God!! Did I hear it right? Or was I just hallucinating?
He smiled at me and for the first time I felt myself blushing. When did I become such a 'girly' girl?
I quickly calmed myself and said "thanks"
He smiled again. How can a person look so good when he does nothing but smile??
Throughout the drive I kept jabbering about my friends so that he would know at least something about them when he meets them. But, I didn't dare to talk about Kabir. I just didn't!
We arrived thirty five minutes late. I had never been punctual for meet ups and today was no different.
Gautham dropped me at the foyer of the restaurant and he told me that he would join me after parking the car.
I met my friend Emily at the elevator. We hugged each other and she kept digging into my married life. She was blushing when she was asking me about it.
We reached the third floor that was booked for us. Almost everyone had come! Everyone shrieked when they saw us coming. I felt so loved! How I missed them all!
"Why didn't you bring Gautham?" my friend, Rohit asked me.
"He has come!! He is stuck parking!" I smiled.
"I would ne
ver get married if I am going to be the driver!" he said
I rolled my eyes! He was such a playboy! He would flirt with every girl he met and says he won't get married!
"What? Trust me! I wouldn't," he said, looking at my expression which said –I won't trust you.
"Oh really!?" I asked while he faked a hurt expression and it earned a hearty laugh.
"Here comes your knight in shining armor!" I heard Shruthi squeal.
I turned to look at Gautham! The sight made me dizzy!
He came walking down towards us with Kabir alongside him. They were talking and laughing together.
Why would Kabir keep doing this; piercing through my life time and again!!!
"Hey, Shakthi!" Kabir waved.
"Err..Hi!" I smiled nervously.
"You never told me that you were married to Gautham?" he asked.
Gautham stood next to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I felt relieved! So Kabir hadn't said anything.
"What do you mean, I didn't say? I sent you the wedding invitation!" I answered.
"Yea! But, I didn't know it was him! We are really good friends, you know??"
"Oh! Nice to know." I gave him a fake smile. That was the last thing I spoke.
"It is so cool that we actually have a mutual friend, Shakthi!" Gautham said.
I just nodded in acknowledgment.
All spoke to Gautham and asked if I were a good wife and similar stuffs like that and I also observed that Kabir tried hard to keep himself in the conversation.
Why did he feel so uncomfortable? Hadn't he moved on?
Just then, a thought hit me! Gautham told me that he saw a man coming out of my cabin; didn't he notice that it was Kabir?? I have to tell Gautham everything before he gets to know it through Kabir.
My train of thought was broken when I heard Shruthi's worried voice. "Are you alright?"
"Eh! Yea!" I tried my best to put on a smile to pretend that I was fine! Actually no one knew the thing between me and Kabir. So I had to put on an act.
***
We soon bid our byes and left the place! Coming here was the worst decision ever!
Our silent drive had me on the edge of my seat! Did Kabir say anything to Gautham? Or did Gautham notice anything unusual between me and Kabir? Why was Gautham being so unusually quiet??
"Gautham?"
"Hmm?" he was still concentrating on the road.
"Are you fine?"
"Yea!" he answered but he was visibly tense .Should I tell him now?
I'm All Yours Page 6
