Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters from India Box Set (The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom)

by Sundari Venkatraman

  His arms went around her slender body, his hands caressing her waist. She shivered as he pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers. Silence reigned for a long time as Akshay buried his face in her neck, taking deep breaths to calm down.

  He sat on the ground and pulled her down beside him. Sunita squatted, sighing in contentment.

  “You liked meeting my parents?” asked Akshay.

  “You’re a lucky guy.” There was envy in Sunita’s voice.

  Akshay put an arm around her shoulders. “They’ll be your parents too, once we’re married. How’d you like that?”

  “I think it’ll be fun. I liked talking to them today. Akshay, you never told me your mom’s a businesswoman.” Her eyes sparkled green in the twilight.

  “Would you like to go to her boutique tomorrow? We can pick up some clothes for you there.”

  “But Akshay, I don’t need clothes. I’ve too many,” she protested.

  This was the first time he came across a woman who didn’t need more clothes.

  “Sweetheart, you’ll socialise a lot more as Mrs. Malhotra. You’ll need loads of clothes, especially ethnic formals. And of course, you need a trousseau for the wedding.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure Mamma must have planned something.”

  “But why involve your Mamma? Lemme take you shopping.”

  Sunita nodded. “Okay, I’ll ask Pappa to give me some money tomorrow.”

  “Why take money from your dad?” A frown gathered on Akshay’s forehead.

  “Who else then? I haven’t earned any.” Sunita sounded bitter.

  “What the hell do you mean?” Akshay’s voice was too soft. She could sense the anger in it but couldn’t understand the reason. She looked up at him in surprise as he continued, “I’m going to be your husband. I’ll foot all your bills.” Was that hurt behind the anger?

  “What nonsense, Akshay! Of course you’ll not buy my trousseau. My father—”

  “Enough. I don’t need anyone to look after my wife, you hear? I’ll buy what you need. I earn enough.” ‘Enough’ was actually a few crores a year. This did not include the perks he enjoyed as the Managing Director of Malhotra Garments, over and above the 20% shareholding he had in the company, the value of which ran into 100 crores. He was also the only heir of Raj Malhotra, whose wealth ran into billions.

  “But,” Sunita spoke in a soft, pacifying tone, “that’s maybe okay when I become your wife. Right now, I’m my father’s daughter.” Both of them had obviously forgotten for the moment that theirs was to be a contract wedding.

  “A trousseau’s something you use after the wedding and that makes it my business,” said Akshay, adamant in his views.

  “I think you’re just being difficult, Akshay. Are you suggesting that I come to your home without the clothes bought by my parents?”

  “No clothes, no jewellery—nothing from them. It’s a great sacrifice for them, giving their daughter to me. I don’t want to strain them more.”

  “But, Akshay—”

  “No more buts, Sunita. I refuse to hear anything more on this.” His tone brooked no argument.

  Sunita was astonished by his behaviour. She had only seen Akshay’s gentle side so far. This facet of his personality, so determined to have his own way, was completely new to her. She thought over what he said. It was logical. Why argue? Thinking of it, she quite liked the idea of a guy taking care of his woman’s needs. The arm holding her was tense, the muscles bunched up. He was obviously holding back his temper on a tight leash.

  A naughty smile hovered on Sunita’s lips. This could be fun. “Akshay—”

  “Sweetheart, I told you no more arguments. I’m not giving you a choice in the matter.”

  “But who says I’m arguing? I’ll do whatever you want, My Lord and Master!” Sunita’s voice shook with laughter.

  “Phew!” Akshay’s let out his breath noisily. It took him a few seconds to adjust to her sudden change of attitude. He pulled her closer. “Your brand of magic drives me crazy, sweetheart,” he growled in her ear.

  “Oh!” her right brow went up in query, “that didn’t seem to be the case a few minutes ago,” she teased.

  Red ran up his masculine cheeks. “I’m sorry that I came on so heavy—”

  “No, that’s okay. You were only being your macho self.” Sunita took a dig at his ribs.

  “Thanks for the compliment,” Akshay winked at her as she grinned up at him.

  “Shall we go to Mom’s boutique tomorrow?” asked Akshay.

  “Sure Your Highness.”

  “One of these days, my Sweetheart, I’m going to put you over my knees and deliver the beating your parents’ missed out on.”

  “Do you just make empty promises or—”

  It happened so fast, like lightning. Akshay got up threateningly, while Sunita ran away in a flash. She ran like a gazelle, Akshay not far behind her. She was breathless by the time he caught up with her. She collapsed against him, bracing herself with her hands on his chest. She was a mite worried about having gone too far.

  “No, Akshay, don’t,” her voice was shaky, her eyes closed.

  He gripped her arms to hold her steady, “please don’t what?”

  “Don’t beat me, please,” said Sunita in a small voice.

  “Do you believe I’ll raise my hand on a woman?” asked Akshay, his voice laced with temper.

  “Promise me.”

  “Of course I’ll never beat you.” He was disgusted that he needed to make such a promise at all in the first place.

  Sunita slowly opened one eye and then the other. She didn’t come across as a frightened girl cowering from a man’s raised hand—just the opposite, in fact. “You little devil,” he roared and the two of them rolled on the beach doubled up in laughter.

  “Woman, you’re bad for my blood pressure,” grumbled Akshay, standing up, pulling her along with him. He dusted the sand from his clothes and helped Sunita. When his hand connected with her lush bottom, he dusted rather harder than was necessary.

  “Ouch, Akshay, that hurt!”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. Do you think I should kiss it better?” Akshay pretended to look innocent.

  Her small fists connected with his hard chest and Akshay received a shower of blows before he could stop her.

  “Hey, Hell cat! What’s wrong? I did offer to kiss it better,” he caught hold of her fists in a tight grip. “Now it’s your turn. My chest’s hurting like crazy.”

  “No way,” Sunita did her best to pull her hands free.

  Akshay shifted both her hands to his left hand and brought her body close to his with his right arm. His hand played havoc with her bare waist. He tried to kiss her as she turned her head this way and that. Akshay’s lips found her ear. Her pulse-rate shot up as his tongue played with her lobe. She couldn’t face this assault on her senses.

  “Kiss me, sweetheart,” commanded Akshay, his lips pressed to her ear.

  Sunita turned her head away from his lips. Akshay swooped low to capture her lips. He let go of her fists, which were crushed between their bodies as he used both hands to hold her steady.

  Sunita didn’t know what hit her. The last time, it had been just a peck on her lips. But now, oh my God! She didn’t know what hit her. Her whole body was on fire. Akshay bit her lower lip gently. Her defence mechanism kicked in and her teeth clamped tightly together in fear of the strange sensations that he was invoking in her.

  “Open your lips.” Sunita looked at Akshay, her startled eyes round. Akshay smiled at her, “Open your lips and let me in, Sunita. I want to kiss you properly.”

  Sunita’s lips parted and she shut her eyes tightly. Akshay’s lips closed over hers once again and Sunita felt as though her heart was being drawn out through her lips. She was breathless by the time Akshay raised his head. Sunita hid her blushing face against his shoulder.

  Akshay shuddered, pulling himself under control with an effort. He thought it best to leave the beach to head towards home.

&n
bsp; “Let’s go home, sweetheart.”

  Sunita was relieved that he wasn’t teasing her any more. She hadn’t quite recovered from her first kiss. Her slight body shook in remembered delight, though.

  “Are you cold?”

  “No,” came the squeaky answer.

  “Sure?”

  “Hmm.” She leaned against him, warm in the cocoon of his embrace, as they walked along the beach to his bike.

  He stopped suddenly to reach into his pant pocket and pull out a jeweller’s case. “This is for you,” he said, handing it to her.

  Curious, Sunita opened it to gasp at the most beautiful emerald bracelet she had ever set eyes on. “But, Akshay, I can’t—”

  Akshay sighed dramatically, “Can’t you just accept a gift from me without objecting?”

  “Yeah, roses,” she replied promptly.

  “Next time, I promise. Just take this now. I’d like to see you wearing it,” he said throatily.

  Her hands trembled as she took the bracelet from its velvety bed to snap it on her wrist. Her fiery blush was lost in the darkness thankfully. “O Badshah! Anything for your pleasure,” she teased, shaken by the passion in his voice.

  He lifted her hand to admire it. It looked perfect on her, just as he thought.

  “I don’t know whether to strangle you or kiss you senseless,” he declared, his eyes on her lips.

  “I thought you didn’t treat women with violence,” said Sunita, not done with her teasing

  “Then a kiss it is.” He turned her around in his arms.

  “No, Akshay,” she placed her fingers on his lips to stop him. “Please.”

  Akshay looked at her face. Such a baby! It just struck him that she was still perturbed by the kiss they shared.

  He kissed the fingers pressed to his lips and said, “Race you to the bike.” He paused to allow her a few feet lead on him and sprinted behind her. They got on the bike and went home to Raj and Tanuja who were waiting dinner for them despite the lateness of the hour. Dinner at the Malhotras’ home was noisy and fun.

  It was quite late by the time Sunita helped Akshay pack the leftovers into the mammoth-sized fridge. The Malhotra men were quite useful in the kitchen, it seemed. The servants had retired as it was late.

  “Do you cook too?” asked Sunita, amazed to see the efficient way Akshay transferred everything into small containers, placed lids and put them in the fridge. She felt superfluous.

  “What do you think?” Akshay looked at her, an eyebrow raised in query.

  Sunita shrugged. “Well, if you know how to cook, I’m sure you excel at that too.”

  “Bulls-eye,” grinned Akshay.

  “Hmm,” a mischievous glint appeared in Sunita’s eyes, “What say we extend the contract? I could get used to having you cook my meals.”

  Akshay looked into her beautiful eyes, just wanting to drown in them. He kept his hands to himself with great difficulty.

  He did not want to discuss their contract. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow; I don’t want to drag your Pappa’s wrath on my head,” he said, looking at the kitchen clock.

  Sunita’s eyes flew to the clock and she was shocked to see that it was way past eleven.

  “Don’t panic,” ordered Akshay as he pulled her into the circle of his arms. He stroked her back gently, calming her down. He kissed her lightly on her cheek and led her out. He picked up her jacket that had been placed on the bike and draped it on her shoulders. She thrust her arms into the sleeves and looked at him expectantly.

  Akshay’s mobile eyebrows went up in query.

  “Button up my jacket,” came the firm order.

  Akshay’s jaw dropped. Always the unexpected! Eyes sparking devilry, he raised his hands to the front of her jacket and said, “My pleasure.”

  Sunita panicked at his expression and said, “I think I’ll manage thanks.”

  “Oh, come on, sweetheart, lemme help you.” His hands held the front of her jacket and her agitation increased. She seemed to lose control whenever he came too close or touched her intimately. She was too shy to tell him so. She moved away and shook her head.

  “Please let’s go, Akshay. I’m late.”

  “Okay.” He gunned the bike. Sunita hesitantly locked her hands around his waist.

  “What’s it, sweetheart?” He sensed her discomfort.

  “Just tired.”

  Akshay let it go at that. When they reached her bungalow, Sunita slid off the bike and raised a hand in farewell. Respecting her mood, Akshay blew her a kiss. “Bye, sweetheart.”

  “Bye, Akshay.” Sunita ran inside the house and locked the door behind her. She went up to her room to wait for her cell to ring.

  “Hey, I’m home,” came his cheerful voice.

  “Hi,” she replied, her voice low.

  “Am I crowding you Sunita?” he asked.

  ‘The man was too bloody observant,’ she thought.

  “Well actually I—” Sunita hesitated.

  “You’re an innocent baby and have never been kissed before,” Akshay finished the sentence for her. “I only hope I haven’t put you off kissing,” he said, tongue-in-cheek.

  “No,” she hoped he wouldn’t stop kissing her. Akshay heard the vehemence in her voice and chuckled to himself. “Only my heart beat so hard; I thought I might suffocate,” she told him. It was easier to talk about it over the phone.

  Akshay wished he was not so far away when they were having this discussion. He sighed. “More tomorrow, I promise. Good night.”

  “Good night, Akshay.”

  Sunita was dissatisfied at the abrupt end to the conversation. She was mixed up about the kiss and was restless. She slept badly that night.

  Eleven

  Sunita had a strong sensation of being observed when she stepped out of her classes the next morning. Akshay was waiting for her at the gate, looking heartbreakingly handsome in a three-piece suit of charcoal grey; a snow-white shirt and maroon tie with a geometrical pattern. His hair was slickly combed, the ends touching his jacket collar. Leaning against his car, he watched the entrance to the institute. He straightened on seeing Sunita and walked forward. Her heart hammered against her ribs. What was he doing here? Pleasure and panic vied within her as she recalled the kiss. She needed all her courage as she went towards him.

  A frown marred Akshay’s features as he caught her tired and listless appearance. He opened the car door without uttering a word. She felt so breathless by his proximity. He got into the driver’s seat and took her trembling hands in his. They felt cold. She refused to meet his eyes.

  “Hey sweetheart!” He rubbed her hands to bring some warmth to them. “You’re so cold. Shall we go get some hot coffee?”

  “Hi,” said Sunita in a small voice as she nodded her head. Anything was better than sitting here alone in the car with him.

  Akshay decided that he’d better address the issue that was disturbing her before they went any further. “Tell me something; you didn’t sleep well,” he accused.

  “I—”

  “And that’s because of me,” he declared.

  Sunita didn’t reply. She never lied and she wasn’t going to start now.

  “Somehow I don’t feel flattered. Did I shock you with that kiss?”

  Sunita shook her head. She was too nervous to discuss the kiss. She didn’t know whether it was proper behaviour or not. She felt she had betrayed her parents’ strict upbringing in responding the way she had. She had enjoyed it and felt terribly guilty. She didn’t know what was right and what was wrong.

  “I s’pose I did.” Akshay answered his own question. “I’m not going to apologise for something that gave me such joy. Damn it, Sunita, don’t be upset; I didn’t mean to shock you. Don’t know about you, but I’ve never enjoyed kissing anyone as much as I did you. I can offer to wait till we get married, but not beyond that.” He banged his fist against the steering wheel in frustration.

  What kind of contract was she getting into? Would he demand his conjugal ri
ghts as a husband?

  Just now Sunita couldn’t be bothered about it. She felt her heart give at the pain on his face. One thing was clear though. She trusted this man who had come into her life only a couple of weeks ago—implicitly. She knew he’d never harm her. Her parents were old-fashioned while she wasn’t such an innocent to believe the storks brought in babies. Okay, she had no experience of French kisses. So what? She could learn. And she loved his kiss too. Sunita straightened her shoulders as she shed away her guilt and placed her hand on his clenched fists at the wheel.

  “Shall we give it another try?”

  Akshay turned with a jerk to look at her smiling face. “What did you say?” he growled, unable to believe his ears.

  Sunita lifted her arms and placed them on his shoulders linking her hands behind his neck. She pulled his face close and said, “Why don’t you kiss me again? Maybe it won’t be so shocking the second time.”

  Akshay didn’t need another invitation. He pressed his masculine lips against her soft ones, nibbling gently. She opened her mouth and pulled him closer. It was Akshay who was shaken as his enthusiastic student made him oblivious to everything.

  He raised his head in wonder. “You certainly choose the time and place, lady,” he grumbled.

  Her wing-shaped eyebrows went up at that, “Oh really! Did I choose to wait outside the class?” she teased.

  He grinned. “That was one helluva kiss. You pack a good punch—with your fists, your lips and tongue—”

  “Hmm, don’t stop. I’m flattered.”

  He shook his head, his eyes crinkling with laughter. She looked gorgeous and thoroughly kissed. Better yet, she looked thrilled to bits. Was he glad that he chose to meet her! He had a disturbed night too, after their half-baked dialogue on the phone.

  “I just had to see you after the call last night.”

  “And I’m glad you did.” She touched his cheek in wonder, “I feel infinitely better, thank you.”

  “How about that coffee before I run you home?”

  “Aren’t you getting late?”

  “That’s the advantage of Dad being my boss,” he winked.