Danika

by Varsha Dixit

  Sweeping the dark hair falling on his forehead, Noah walked to the sink.

  Danika muttered as she moved back on her knees to make room for him.

  Noah leaned and stared into his neighbor's window. “Okay, I see your sister-in-law and Hans. They are in exercise clothes.”

  “Can you pull down the window blinds?”

  “I can!” Noah replied, glancing down at Danika.

  She was looking up at him, her gaze distracted.

  Noah got an opportunity to run his eyes over Danika’s face again- her wide, onyx eyes, her blemish free skin, a short nose which was currently pinched and her pale pink lips which glistened with shiny gloss. Very pretty! He noticed something else in Danika’s face that made him look closer. Dark shadows under her eyes! Her face appeared thinner than he remembered last.

  Danika glanced at Noah and she noticed him staring at her. She flushed yet retorted. “You are done looking?” She lobbed his earlier spoken words back to him.

  Noah broke the eye lock and pulled the blinds over the window. Guilt at what he was putting Danika through caused him to say, “You can get up now." He walked back to the counter. Noah rubbed the back of his neck. “Danika all is forgiven and forgotten. You can either stop coming or...” He crossed his arms.

  Danika got to her feet and watched Noah’s face, confused by the disappointment in her gut.

  Noah met her clear-eyed stare. He felt like she was reading his thoughts. He had a sudden feeling that the woman in front of him who constantly locked horns with him and played tough was fragile and sometimes forgotten. He had sudden notion of stuffing Danika’s arms with flowers. Noah banished the thought with alacrity. She will probably beat me down with them or attempt strangling me with the stems. “Or I could pay you $100 for cooking every week, five days a week. You can take any two days off your choice. Just let me know which days so I can make alternate arrangements.”

  “$100 a week?” Danika asked.

  “Hmmm!” Noah had no idea why he had just offered Danika a job. Probably lack of sleep. Her fault!

  Danika just kept staring at him, her fingers grazed her parted lips. An action Noah watched most fascinated.

  “Are you going to take it or not?” Noah ran his fingers through his dark hair. Some of his curls just fell back on his forehead.

  What his hair needs is a good brush! “I thought my food was bland.” Danika blurted confused by Noah’s unexpected generosity and the damage it was doing to her indifference to him.

  Noah clamped his mouth to hide the grin at Danika’s unexpected words. He walked over to the pitcher of water kept on the counter close to where Danika stood and poured himself a glass. “I think the curry you made burned all my taste buds. I think food is going to forever taste bland to me.”

  “Sorry! I’ll keep the spice low next time. I’ll take the job offer. Thank you.” Danika moved around Noah, hiding her confused state. Being so close to him, her stomach fluttered. Noah emanated a clean soapy smell, like he had gone straight to bed after a shower. The smell and sheen of Noah's gleaming skin made her fingertips itch to touch him. What is wrong with me? Danika curled her nails in her palms. She walked back and cleared her throat. “Do you want coffee?”

  “Sure! Just don't poison it.” Noah acted as if he hadn’t noticed Danika, slowly, backing away from him.

  “If I had to poison you, it would have happened much earlier.” Danika flashed a rare smile. Her lips pressed back, cheeks rode up on either side as her eyes sparkled briefly.

  And that smile reappears. Noah grunted unable to take his eyes off it.

  Danika’s smile was flash in the plan. She busied herself taking out the peeler and spatulas.

  “Coffee would be good please and thank you!” Noah left Danika in the kitchen and walked to the couch in front of the TV. He lay down on the sofa and placed his hand under head and stared at the ceiling. He wanted to think about work, his family, sports or anything relevant or irrelevant but all he could think was of the woman in his house. The sweetness of her face and the rare smile Danika had flashed. A feeling of content settled over him.

  Noah had no inkling when his eyes closed and he fell asleep.

  The sound of alarm on his cell roused Noah. He woke up groggy, automatically reaching out to the nightstand to grab his phone. The alarm kept going at some distance. His hand met empty space. Noah sat up and pulled down a blanket. He realized that he had dozed off in the living room on the couch. His eyes fell on the throw that covered him keeping him warm. Who put this throw on me? His question was answered when Noah's eyes fell on the side table in the center. There sat a cup with black brew in it and a note next to it. He ignored the coffee that was cold now and went straight for the note.

  ‘Made some extra food to cover today and tomorrow. Spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with chicken. Salad’s in the fridge. Why ask me to make coffee if you were going to fall asleep?’

  Smiling, Noah lay back on the sofa. His eyes softened as he fingered the throw covering him. He stretched and then getting up he walked to the kitchen. Switching the coffee maker on Noah reached for the note pad and wrote carefully on one, his expression relaxed. His eyes wandered to the covered dishes cooling on the kitchen counter that made Noah think of the chef again, especially her smile. Noah felt a stirring in his body. He stiffened.

  A year after Alicia's death, Noah had started dating casually. No feelings and no strings attached. He had never felt a need with any woman to continue beyond a few dates. None of them had invoked any feelings remotely close to what he felt for Alicia. No spark, no sizzle, no connection! But all that had made him a wiser man, wise enough to steer away from certain kind of women: the quiet kind, the kind who held back, the kind with whom one had to spend time to get to know. Because once Noah got to know them, the disappointment would come, simply because they were not Alicia.

  An uneasy feeling grew in Noah's chest like he was experiencing acid reflux. I always wake up to Alicia's face in front of me. But today I woke up… woke up blank.

  Noah glanced down. He still held the written note in his hand. He crushed it and threw it in the trash. Unnoticed by him it landed on the floor.

  Chapter 29

  Next Day

  Danika rang the bell of her brother’s house. Simi opened the door. “Did you lose your key?”

  “No, it is somewhere in my bag and my hands were full.” Danika replied, hefting the grocery bags in.

  “You got everything I asked?” Simi followed Danika to the kitchen.

  “Yup!” Danika nodded.

  “So how much do I owe you?”

  “It’s okay, you can pay me later.”' Danika said as she started taking things out of the bags.

  “I rather pay you now. For all I know it might be your bus fare.” Simi remarked, grabbing some of the groceries.

  Danika ignored the caustic remark. Simi's sharp tongue never bothered her. Actually anyone's sharp tongue never bothered her. Her brother often teased Danika of either having a heart of gold or the hide of a Rhinoceros.

  “I got another part time job Simi B.”

  “How are you going to do another job? You are already doing three, plus studying for that graphic designing course, and helping out with the twins. You need to have a few hours to sleep.” Simi replied as she studied the receipt.

  Danika paused. In the last two years, she had never received any concern or acknowledgement from Simi of the help Danika provided. Danika felt a prick behind her lids. She was tempted to give Simi a hug but Danika wasn’t sure if it would be welcome, so she didn’t. Instead she smiled and began organizing groceries with more vigor.

  “So what is the new job?”

  “It’s cooking for the new neighbor, Dr. Collins.”

  “Excuse me.” Simi slapped the receipt down on the counter. “Are now you going to beg our neighbors for work? This is too humiliating. Just take a loan from us for goodness’ sake, Danika.”

  Danika’s smile faltered and she paused a bunc
h of spinach in her hand. It dripped over her hand but Danika did not notice as she stared back at her sister-in-law, her mouth slack.

  Simi's brows met in the middle of her forehead and her lips pressed into a tight line.

  “What did I miss?” Anya walked in looking splendid in her skinny jeans and pale blue top. Her hair was in rollers.

  Danika swallowed and moved to the fridge. She hid behind the open door in pretext of putting things inside. Simi's unexpected anger had wounded Danika.

  “Oh nothing unusual. Danika is now working as a cook for Han’s boss.” Simi muttered. “What did I marr-”

  “So what Sims? It's a job.” Anya shrugged. “Its obvious Dani needs the money. I, for one, am impressed that she did not ask you guys for it. I would have in a heartbeat.” Anya chirped, fluffing her rollers as she studied her reflection in the kitchen window.

  Danika kept working. Maybe I should have asked them before I said yes. She bit on her lower lip as she put the grocery bags away. This might upset Bro too.

  “Obviously I'm the only sane one in this house.” Simi griped.

  Anya ignored her sister. “This is good. Dani can give me inside info on that man. Can you imagine, Dani, he is resistant to my charms? Can you?”

  Danika inhaled deeply and emerged from behind the fridge her hands full of the expired items to throw.

  “Imagine that! What a weirdo?” Danika could have crushed Anya to her chest in gratitude. “I cook when he isn’t around, I barely see him.” Unbidden images of Noah holding the poker above his head, standing close enough for Danika to smell him, smirking at her, watching her with his piercing gaze flashed in Danika’s head. He’s definitely weird.

  “Perfect! Then you can snoop into his things and find out interesting info.” Anya's eyes lit up.

  “No, she won't. Being sent to jail is probably the only thing left for her to achieve for her resume.” Simi retorted.

  “Who's going to jail?” Hans joined them, holding one of his twin girls.

  Simi filled him in on Danika's new job.

  Her face worried, Danika studied Han’s face as he listened to Simi.

  “Poison the dude.” Hans winked at Danika before settling on the floor with his daughter. Danika felt the band around her chest loosen. She chose to change the topic and asked Anya. “Love the color on your nails. Going out somewhere?”

  “It’s a new shade Ombre.” Anya held up her hands gazing at her nails. “I’m going on a date with your new Boss and my Brother-in-law and my sister who I don’t why is glaring at me. Simi set it up in the afternoon. Noah was quick to say yes. We all are going to watch a stand-up comic.” Anya said, swinging her foot side to side as she sat perched on the bar stool.

  “Nice!” Danika exhaled feeling an unexpected depression hammering her heart. No one ever asks me out! Her shoulders drooped. The smell of the day clung to her clothes like the smog that hovered over a polluted city. “I should probably take a shower!” She hotfooted to the corridor that led to the guest bathroom.

  “Wait up Dani!”

  “Yes bro!” Danika stopped, ignoring the knot in her stomach. Some age-old feminine instinct warned Danika that Hans wanted to talk to her about her new job.

  “Look, I supported you in front of Simi. But are you sure you want to do this? Cooking and cleaning?” Hans kept his voice low.

  “It’s just cooking. You know how well I clean?”

  “That's what I was thinking. I remember getting injured all the time because of your things lying around in the house.”

  “For the millionth time, they were not lying around. They were just kept in their usual places.”

  “On the floor?”

  "Yes, on the floor.” Danika hid her smile.

  Hans squeezed Danika’s shoulder. “Noah seems the fair sort at work. Is he the same around you?”

  Danika remembered Noah’s generous pay and how he had, in only few days, let her off the hook for the stunt she had pulled on him. She patted Han’s hand. "Don’t worry, I barely see the guy. I have a key to the house.”

  “Good. Keep it like that.” Hans removed his hand from Danika’s shoulder and scratched his chin. “Wish you could go in my place with Noah and the two sisters.” With his head, Hans gestured at the kitchen area.

  “If you pay me, I just might” Danika poked her tongue out.

  “Name your price, name it!” Hans demanded.

  “Nah! You won't be able to afford it.” Danika teased, pivoting in the direction of the guest room.

  Chapter 30

  7:30 pm same day

  Noah shut the bedroom light and went down the stairs, his gait relaxed. He was wearing his favorite shirt, and black trousers that sat well on his long muscular legs. Whistling a country song he went in the kitchen to slip his wallet and cell into his trousers. If I hit off with Anya tonight, I am asking her out solo. Maybe I should ask Nurse Claudia's friend. She was hot. Noah recalled the tall voluptuous African American woman he had bumped into today. He had found her alluring, all smoky hazel eyes and thick ruby colored lips. Definitely ask Nurse Claudia about her.

  As he went to grab a wine bottle he had bought earlier Noah saw the yellow sticky-notepad. His easy grin fell off his face. Eyes hardening, Noah turned away. His hand reached out to get the two tulip bouquets he had picked up earlier from the florist at the street corner. Should I have bought three? He knew Danika would be there for Hans had mentioned that his sister would be babysitting his twins. It’s not like I'm socializing with Danika.

  Noah got his black sports jacket from the closet and walked out of his house into the crisp and cold Philadelphia night.

  **-----**

  “How do I look?” Anya’s voice came from the top of the stairs.

  Danika looked up from the course book she was reading: The Elements of Graphic Design. “Stunning! Are you sure you won't freeze in that?”

  Anya was wearing a black and gold sheath dress that ended a few inches above her knee. Her hair was curled and clipped artistically to one side showing off an elegant neck and chandelier gold earrings. Her make-up striking and perfectly applied! She wore black heels with tiny golden bows.

  “Just more reason for me to sit close to a certain someone.” Anya batted her lashes.

  Danika smiled. “Like how you think.”

  The doorbell rang on cue.

  “Could you?” Anya asked.

  “Sure. I remember you don’t answer doors. I got it! Strike a pose.” Danika winked at her.

  Her insides knotted, as Danika walked to the door. It took an effort to smile. What is wrong with me? Why would someone ask me out? I don’t care much for going out. Why am I so low? Danika smoothed her hair, took a deep breath, pasted a smile and opened the door. “Hi!”

  It was Noah looking striking in a black sports jacket, pale lavender shirt and well fitted black trousers. His hair properly brushed for once gleamed under the porch light and his cologne was sharp and tangy. The top shirt button was open showing off his tanned skin and some hair. Danika remembered how he looked bare-chested and she felt herself flush a deep red.

  “Are you going to let me in?” Noah asked, irritated. He was irritated that he liked Danika’s eyes on him. Every time their eyes connected, Noah felt a slight buzz. A buzz that put him in fouler mood. He clicked his tongue, impatiently.

  “Please come in.” Danika quickly moved to the side unconsciously pulling at her worn T-Shirt worn with a pair of boyfriend jeans.

  Noah walked past Danika not saying another word to her.

  “Hey!” Anya walked down the last few steps and paused in front Noah.

  “You look amazing.” Noah gave her a warm smile.

  Danika was surprised to see Anya blush. Around men, Anya was always the one in control.

  With a coy smile, Anya walked closer to Noah. “You too look very nice.”

  Danika stood behind Noah and Anya unsure. How do I excuse myself? She eyed the arched entrance to the family room, but Noah with his back
to her was blocking her way. There was another way behind the armoire in the foyer but Danika would have to squeeze herself past the wooden monstrosity.

  “Is it even legal to be so gorgeous?” Noah teased Anya.

  “Oh stop!” Anya responded with a perfectly cultured chuckle laugh.

  “Ah! You are so punctual. How lovely!” Simi entered the room wearing a light mauve dress with a black belt. Her smile was very warm and directed at Noah and Anya. She ignored Danika. “Hans is almost ready which means we have time to have a drink.”

  “A drink sounds perfect. These are for you.” Noah handed Simi a bouquet and the other one to Anya. “And for you.”

  Anya brought the bouquet close to her face. “They look and smell heavenly. Thank you.”

  “Glad you liked them. Beautiful flowers for beautiful women.” Noah saw Anya look over his shoulder. “We'll share this Dani.”

  Noah steeled himself and did not turn around. He wondered what Anya saw in Danika's face that she offered her the flowers.

  “Don't be silly, they are for you. And like he said, beautiful flowers for beautiful women!” Danika waved her hand not understanding why she felt so alone and so bereft.

  “Noah thank you for helping out Dani. She's in desperate need of as many jobs as she can get.” Simi stroked the flowers.

  Noah clearly heard the slight in Simi’s voice directed at Danika. He bristled. “She's a great cook.” He said in a gruff voice. Noah turned around to look at Danika except she was no longer in the room. He glanced around.

  “Danika went to the nursery. She squeezed past the armoire over there.” Anya explained. “Let’s go in the family room and have that drink.

  “Sure!” Noah replied, his eyes wandering one last time to the armoire.

  Chapter 31

  Danika lowered herself in the pink rocking chair. The twins were on the floor playing with patch dolls. She chewed her thumbnail not understanding the painful tightness in her throat. Why am I hurt? I know, I’m light years away from their perfect world, Simi B.’s, Anya’s and Dr. Collins.

  Danika closed her eyes and tried to forget the burn she had felt when Noah had looked right through her even as he had swooned over Anya and chattered with Simi.