"You sure?" I asked.
After a few seconds, he replied. "I am!"
"I have something to say!" I mustered up my courage.
"Go on! Am listening!" he urged, not looking away from the road.
I cleared my throat. "You said you saw a man leave my cabin, remember??"
His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Yea?" his voice was cold. His mood shifted again.
It scared me. My palms started to sweat.
Holding my phone tightly, I said, "Uh..It was...err..Kabir!"
Chapter 18-No Answers
Holding my phone tightly, I said "Uh..It was...err..Kabir!"
He didn't respond. I should've kept my stupid mouth shut! It was a huge mistake! Why did I even tell him all this?
"So, I was uselessly jealous!" He smiled! He actually smiled! But, how...I mean, why??
"So, doesn't it make any difference to you??" I was completely petrified
"Why? Should it make any difference to me? Should I know something??" he cocked his eyebrow.
"No no!! Yesterday you were mad at me when you were asking about the man who left my cabin, remember??
"Yea?"
"Now you aren't angry, that was why I asked," I quickly mused.
He chuckled. "I don't need to become jealous of Kabir! He is already in love."
That came as news for me as well, a good news rather! I felt relieved that Kabir had actually moved on! Now I need not worry about telling Gautham.
"That is nice!" I said happily.
"Didn't you know?" he asked.
"No! Me and Kabir are not in touch," I explained.
"Ooh!" He smiled.
***
Soon we reached home. I couldn't control the curiosity bubbling in me to know when Kabir fell in love.
When Gautham changed I asked him. "Do you know when Kabir fell in love?"
"Nope!" he answered.
"Ooh!" Even he didn't know!
I was glad that Kabir had at least moved on!
I changed into my night clothes and joined Gautham on the bed. He was facing me looking deep into my eyes. There was a moment of silence
"So, did you like my friends?" I tried to make a conversation, wanting to break the uncomfortable silence.
"Of course! All of them were really sweet just like-" we were interrupted when his phone went off.
He walked away from the bed, answering the call. I couldn't really catch his words. He spoke really soft and his words were rushed which made it impossible for me to understand.
When he was done with the call, he picked up his car keys and left the bedroom.
Where was he going at this hour? He could have at least told me.
I followed him before he could leave, so that I could ask him about it. But, he was faster.
This man was never going to change.
I angrily plumped myself on the bed and decided to sleep, thinking that he would return soon, but little did I know that I would be proven wrong.
***
I woke up to an empty bed. I checked my phone and it was twenty to ten, but he was nowhere.
Whining, I got up from the empty bed.
"Gautham??" I called out.
But, there was no response! Where did he go?? Was he even alright? I began to think the worst. The moment I dialed his number, I heard the doorbell ring.
I sprinted to open the door. It was Gautham! Thank God, he was perfectly fine!!
But, he was in yesterday's clothes. It means he didn't return home last night! But, he looked tired and worried. What had happened?
Before I could ask him, he rushed to the restroom. I decided to cook and talk this over at breakfast.
I made a quick breakfast and in not more than thirty minutes, I was done. When I started to set the dining table, I heard the sound of the front door.
I went to see who it was, but the door was left open and I saw Gautham stepping into the elevator.
I called him up to know what it was, but he didn't answer the call. He would be driving, that was why he wasn't answering. I convinced myself.
***
I started watching television as time flew by. Being alone, I totally forgot about lunch. But, I wasn't hungry. So I didn't bother to cook.
It was almost six in the evening and he hadn't turned up!! He couldn't be at work because it was a Sunday. Where could he be?
I tried calling him again, but it went on voicemail. So I left a text message asking him where he was and when he would return home.
We had planned for dinner today! It was really hurting that he didn't consider my feelings!
The day came to a frustrating end with no sign of Gautham.
***
My alarm rang I stirred in my bed. It was 6am!! I was already late for the gym. I got up, but just then I saw Gautham sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed.
He looked so worn out, even the loud noise of my alarm didn't wake him. Worry lines were evident on his face. My fingers ached to wipe off those lines.
I climbed on to the bed and scooted over to him. I slowly caressed his hair. It was soft as silk. It felt smooth. I found him slowly relaxing under my touch. The sight made my heart flutter. Without disturbing him much, I left him to sleep.
I decided to spare my workouts today so that I could talk to him before he decided to vanish again.
I did a few floor exercises and started to cook breakfast for me and Gautham, expecting that he would have food today at least.
Just when I completed cooking, I heard the bedroom door open. I quickly shifted the food to the dishes and set the dining table.
He was dressed in his formals, ready to leave. Two whole hours were left for work, but why did he get dressed so soon??
"Did you finally realize that this is a home and not a lodge??" I mocked when he was drinking his cup of coffee that I had prepared for him.
"Whatever!!" he said with irritation dripping in his voice
Perfect! He treats me like a piece of shit and he was angry!!
"That is all you've got to say after two days of disappearing?"
"Did you cook?" he asked, moving towards the dining table, completely paying no heed to me.
"So you treat this like some hotel and not a home?" I asked, not bothering to answer his question.
He looked into the dishes that I had prepared and fixed the breakfast on his own.
But, he didn't bother to answer me.
I waited for him to complete his food. I really didn't want to fight when he was eating.
Just as he washed his hands, I went and stood in front him, trying to block his way. "Gautham, I deserve an explanation!"
"I don't owe you an explanation!" he snarled.
"Oh yea? I am your wife and I have every right to know where you have been!"
"You are getting on my nerves, Shakthi! Just mind your own business!"
"You are such a pain in the ass, Gautham."
Chapter 19-Learning to Trust Him
"You are such a pain in the ass, Gautham!" I raged! He really was a pain in the ass!
He gave me a death stare and walked away, leaving the front door open.
Before he could leave, I slammed the door in his face!
"Serves you right!" I muttered under my breath and went for my shower.
I quickly dressed up and gulped my food. It was almost time for me to leave.
***
I reached the office and found that Gautham's car was missing!
The whole of next week was a repeat of Gautham coming home late and leaving early before I could even wake up. Every call and message went unanswered and even when I tried contacting him through my friend's phone, he didn't answer.
I felt that this was too much.
I did some digging at the office to find out what work he was assigned to. I learned that he was working at a client’s office. But, there was no reason for him to leave home at six in the morning!!
Something wasn’t right!
My head
was spinning, and the food I ate refused to enter my system. I felt like throwing up.
I ran to the toilet and puked my guts out.
The dinner I had prepared was a waste! After rinsing my mouth and washing my face, I made myself comfortable on the couch!
Being alone always does this to me! It makes me ill! This was why I didn't want such a big house! I stared at the ceiling with no one to even ask me if I was alright! I missed my family sorely! Tears started rolling down my cheeks.
My life took a big turn and I didn't like its direction!
I thought marriage gave you a soul mate in sickness and in health, till death would do us apart!
Shakthi, stop crying. What was the use of crying?
I was going to wait for him until he came home!
I was going to handle the situation patiently. I decided to face his wrath. It would be better than being stuck alone at home.
It was almost ten and still there was no sign of him. I kept washing my face so that I wouldn't sleep.
But my eyes started to droop and I never realized that I actually slept.
Suddenly, I felt a pair of strong arms pickig me up and slowly placing me on the bed. I must be dreaming!
I opened my eyes and that was when I actually saw Gautham ,trying to remove his hands from underneath my body.
I wasn't dreaming! It was for real! At least that much of concern was left in him.
I cleared my throat.
He looked down at me, locking his eyes with mine.
I immediately stood up, freeing myself from his arms.
"I didn't mean to wake you up!" he said. This was the first time I was seeing him in so many days. He had dark circles under his worn out eyes.
It pained me so much to see him like this.
I couldn't stop myself that I went near him and caressed his cheek with my thumb. I felt his one week stubble.
I saw him close his eyes and relax under my touch. He pulled me closer and held me tighter, encircling me in his arms. I really wanted him to tell me what his problem was, what was keeping him so stressed?
"What is it, Gautham??" I whispered.
"Hmm??"
"Is there any problem? I can help you out! Really!" I pleaded.
I felt him become stiff when I offered to help. He immediately withdrew himself from me.
"It is nothing, Shakthi!" He shrugged.
"Gautham! You can trust me! Just tell me what it is! Why are you coming home late and leaving so early??"
I checked the time and it was three in the morning!
"Just office work!" he lied.
"Don't give me that! There is something else! Please tell me!" I urged.
"No, Shakthi! It is really nothing! Remember, You've just got to trust me!" he said sincerely, holding my small face in his large hands.
I nodded positively. "But, till when will this go on?" Because I just cannot handle being alone, anymore.”
"Just give me two more weeks??" he asked.
Two more weeks?? Maybe I should give him some space so that we can get used to this 'being married thing.'
"Okay !" I sighed in defeat.
"I will shower and come!" he said and went to the bathroom.
I kept stirring on the bed, thinking why he wasn't saying the reason! Why can't he let me help him? I was more than willing!
In a few minutes, he joined me on the bed.
"I still can't understand, why you aren't telling me?" I asked.
He caressed my hair. "Sleep" he murmured softly in my ears.
I sighed and drifted to sleep.
***
I woke up the next morning again to an empty bed. I could never get used to this!
"Same old!" I mumbled to myself and stretched my hands.
I brushed my teeth, had my usual cup of Milo and went to the gym. Just when I was driving back home, I received a message from Kabir which read 'hey ,beautiful.'
It made me shiver. Why was he texting me so early?
When I reached home, I texted back.
'Hi.’
I didn't get any reply for the next few minutes.
Did Kabir say anything to Gautham about our past? It was only after the phone call that Gautham received on the night of the meet up that he acted more distant. Could the call the Gautham received be Kabir's?
Just then, Kabir called.
"Yes Kabir?" I answered the call.
"Hey! How are you?" he asked.
"Doing well! What about you?"
"Yea..fine!" he sounded happy.
"You sound happy! What is it? You proposed to your girlfriend or something?"
"That would never happen, Shakthi!" his voice became sad.
"Why is that? I can help you out!" I wanted him to genuinely move on.
I heard him laugh sarcastically! It scared me! Had he really moved on or did he fake it for Gautham?
"Chuck it, Shakthi!" he said.
I let it go. "Hmm! So what is it?"
"I actually wanted a favor!" he said.
"Yea, tell me?"
"My mom is coming to Chennai today for a marriage. So, I was just hoping you could help her out!"
"Yea! Sure! Why not!" I agreed.
"Thank you so much, Shakthi! It really means a lot!"
"No problem!" I said and hung up after getting the address and timings.
By helping his mom, I actually could escape the loneliness.
After work, I rushed to the airport to pick her up and took her to the hotel. She was really sweet and she kept complaining about Kabir and that he was refusing to get married. It actually scared me but I pretended to laugh it off.
I came home exhausted and hit the bed.
***
The following two weeks, I tried to keep my evenings as busy as possible to keep my mental state healthy.
I went out with my friends, caught up with my school pals, went shopping and cleaned the entire home. I still missed Gautham badly.
It was a bit more than two weeks now, but still Gautham hadn't turned up. Or maybe I didn't get an actual chance to see him. Though I had kept myself busy, but always somewhere, in some corner of my heart, I prayed that he should be safe.
I woke up that morning with the alarm ringing in my ears. I was expecting to wake up to an empty bed, but my heart did a little somersault when I saw him sleeping next to me.
"Gautham?”
Chapter 20-My Adorable Wife
Gautham's pov
I lazily woke up when I heard my name being screamed.
Shakthi's morning face looked adorable. Her hair was completely tangled, but it only made her look innocent.
I'd love to wake up to her beautiful face every morning.
"You are home!!" she squealed happily.
I felt really bad for keeping her in the dark. It ate me inside out! But, I couldn't risk it! If Shakthi got to know the reason for my disappearance, it would stress her. The problem would be sorted out soon, so I just found no need in telling her the truth and making her stressed for no reason.
"Yea Shakthi, finally…" I sighed, returning a smile.
"Sorry if I woke you up! But, I just couldn't help it" she apologized and the next moment I was caught off guard by her actions.
She crawled over and hugged me tight. I couldn't stop myself and I took her in my arms.
"I missed you!!" she whispered in my ears.
I felt my nerves come alive.
I missed her as well, too much to even describe!! I missed her beautiful jasmine scent, her understanding nature, her care, her concern and all the more, her gorgeous body to die for.
"Missed you too!" I whispered back.
"Hmm!!" I heard her moan! It was always a turn on! From day one, all her moans made me crazy.
I just couldn't control it anymore and I quickly pecked her on her cheek.
I felt her suddenly stiffen and she pulled out of my arms.
She was innocent as an angel. I really doubt if she had ever been near a man! I found
it out the moment I touched her for the first time, that she was pure as water.
I loved the fact that I was the first one to touch her and she was all mine.
Without a word, she rushed to the bathroom. She was one crazy woman.
Later, after I showered and put on my work clothes. I entered the kitchen and my nostrils filled with the beautiful aroma!
Food!!! I yearned for home cooked food and I couldn't wait to have a good breakfast.
I walked to the dining room and saw Shakthi setting the dining table. I went and took my place.
She was dressed in a red chiffon saree and her wet hair cascaded down her shoulders. The water droplets ran down her back, making her look sexy as hell.
Her saree was tied low down her waist and it gave me a little peek of her navel. Her blouse was backless and it enhanced her milky white complexion. The droplets of water sliding down her skin made the saree all the more transparent than it was.
She came and sat opposite me and I was still lost in her alluring features.
"Ahem." I heard her clear her throat! Did she catch me checking her out?
I should really stop embarrassing myself
I smiled and started to munch on my food. "It tastes so darn good!!" I said, taking another bite.
"Thanks! But, how did you manage these days?"
"Manage what?" I was a bit scared! Did she find out?
"Food!!" She gave me a look like she stated the obvious.
"Restaurants!" I answered, relieved.
"Where have you been, Gautham??" Not again!!
"I told you, Shakthi!! Just drop it, please?" I pleaded. Hiding the truth was always a better option to lying.
"For almost three whole weeks, you were missing in action, and trust me; I didn't even know if you were alive or dead! You wouldn't answer my calls, you weren't coming to work, but you left home early before I could even wake up and all the excuse that you came up with was your damn office work??"
I just cannot lose my temper now! I knew that I was unfair on her for the past week, but I have my reasons and it's just that it is not good for her to know them!
"Shakthi!! Relax!! Please!! Just trust me!" I tried convincing her.
"Trust??" she scorned.
I felt defeated "Don't you trust me??" I pleaded.
Her eyes softened. "I do Gautham! You have no idea of what I had been going through and you really put me through hell. I just cannot tolerate it again!" she said calmly, finishing her food as I was done with mine.
I'm All Yours Page 7
