Accidentally Ever After

by Mariyam Hasnain

Natasha shrinks, drifting her eyes away from him, tucking stray hair behind her ear, biting her bottom lip.

  He leans down. His warm breath floats across Natasha’s neck. He whispers against her ear, “So you won’t relent until you have it all.”

  Natasha narrows her eyes. Despite the prickly urge that’s been bothering her panties since Vikram’s arrival, she feels her stomach twisting into knots. “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t bother.” Vikram stands upright and adjusts his tie knot.

  “What?”

  “Forget it.” He smiles and his smile is infectious. Natasha also feels herself smiling.

  “Forgotten.” She beams.

  “Great. So let’s…” He exhales a cold breath. Brushes his hair in place. Again, his sexy fingers caress the knot of his purple silk tie. And then he says, “If you’re free tonight, may I ask you out for dinner? There’s this nice restaurant on MG road. It’s a rooftop restaurant with a brilliant city view. And they serve excellent seafood and wine which I think you might like.”

  Natasha laughs and laughs some more.

  “From where you have learned these lines and how many times did you memorize them before coming down here?” she asks when she stops laughing.

  “Do I sound like a freak?”

  “Not a freak but yes you do sound like a first-grader.”

  “Shit.” Vikram massages his forehead, leaning against the wooden desk.

  “Haven’t you asked any girl out before, Vicky?”

  “Would you believe if I say—No?”

  “What? You haven’t done anything like this before?”

  “I haven’t felt anything like this for any other girl except you, Natz.” He leans down and quickly brushed his lips against hers, whispering, “I haven’t felt the desperation, the urge I feel for you,” he hisses as he stands upright.

  Nervousness rises several notches. Natasha feels all gooey under his heated stare. His hooded eyes communicate a lot. The way he’s looking at Natasha it feels she’s the reason for his existence. Like she’s the source for his happiness. Like she’s the only woman on earth he ever wanted to ask out for.

  It feels rude and apathetic to test his truthfulness anymore. Natasha feels like trusting him, believing in him. She feels like going out with him.

  Before the euphoric sensation could take a toll on Natasha’s speaking ability, she speaks. Words come out of her mouth in slow mumbles. “I love eating on the rooftops.”

  “Do you?” A toothy grin covers his beautiful face.

  Natasha nods, smiling.

  “And do you love seafood?”

  “Yeah that too.”

  “And do you love looking at the vast skyline and the city beneath your feet.”

  “That too.”

  “And you love the person who is going to take you there?”

  “That…” Natasha feels her lips curling. Words perish at the tip of her tongue.

  “Do you love me, Natasha Malik?”

  “Easy, boy.” Natasha feels her eyes growing wide. She shifts in her chair and sits upright.

  “Am I too fast?”

  “Yes, you are. You’ve asked me out and now you’re asking me to fall in love with you.”

  “I’m only asking you to confess.”

  “Have you confessed?” Natasha tries to look inside the depth of those obsidian eyes. His eyes glint and then he goes on his haunches. He holds her hand and gazes inside her eyes. Natasha feels as if he’s looking deep inside her soul, touching her heart and asking her to make confessions.

  “This might not be the right place to express my feelings to you, but I’m not going to hide them anymore. I love you, Natasha Malik. I've been in love with you since you were a nerdy girl and I was a confused teenager. I loved you back then and I still love you, Natz. Now would you like to go out on a date with me?”

  Natasha feels her eyes glazing with unshed tears. How easily and subtly Vikram has expressed himself. He confesses his love with such an ease it feels as if speaking your heart out is the easiest thing in life. Natasha does so want to tell him that she loves him too. That she loves him from her heart and mind. She loves him from her soul and that’s why without any regret or dilemma, she’s carrying his child.

  The moment Natasha thinks about her unborn child, a wave of guilt lances through her, crushing her soul, shattering her heart into pieces.

  How would Vikram react when he would get to know the truth of her pregnancy? That the little seedling growing in her belly is none other than Vikram’s own blood.

  “You okay?” Callous hand touches Natasha’s cold cheek.

  “I’m fine.” Natasha sniffs and speaks, her voice wobbly.

  “Why are you crying, baby?” Vikram pulls a chair and sits next to her, dabbing her tears on the pad of his thumb.

  “I’m good. Need not worry about me.”

  “You sure you want to go out with me?”

  “One hundred percent. Now go and let me finish some work.”

  “Smile.”

  “Okay. I’m smiling.” Natasha plasters a fake smile on her face.

  “No. This isn’t your smile.”

  “Why are you so stubborn, Vicky?”

  “Same can be applied on you. Why are you so stubborn, Natz?” Vikram mimics her sing-song voice and it brings a smile on Natasha’s face. She smiles from her heart.

  “That’s like a good girl.”

  “Now go.”

  “Sharp seven, Okay.”

  “Okay.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Not a single spirit in the world could make Vikram feel any tipsier like he's feeling right now. The luster of her flowing golden hair, her smile, her doe eyes are all conspiring together to make him feel drunk and dazed. Vikram knows all of this but he wants to sip his favorite scotch while his eyes devour the beauty in front of him. What a deadly combination? Vikram smiles.

  “What would you like to drink?” he asks, “they serve some great wines.”

  “No. I won’t drink.” Natasha lifts a spoonful of soup and raises it to her lips. She sips the steaming tomato soup and Vikram observes her.

  “Would you mind if I drink?”

  “Only if you do it in moderation because I don’t want you to get drunk. You have to drop me home, remember?”

  “Don’t worry about that.”

  Vikram orders his favorite brand of scotch. He then pulls out the cigarette pack from his pants’ pocket, picks one fag out of it, and places the box on the table.

  Securing the cancer stick between his lips, he lights it up with his pocket lighter, pulling it into his lungs, before blowing it out.

  A small cough escapes Natasha’s lips. She gasps, dropping her spoon in the bowl of hot soup.

  “I… I’m sorry.” Vikram pulls the cigarette out of his mouth and stubs it in the china ashtray. He then scurries to Natasha’s side and perches next to her on the sofa. “You fine?” Snaking an arm around her, he speaks.

  Her golden locks cascades to her cheek and shoulders. Vikram pushes them away, tucking them behind her ears. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that you are allergic to smoke.”

  “It’s okay. I’m fine now.”

  “You sure?”

  Natasha nods.

  When she settles down, Vikram asks, “Are you allergic to cigarette smoke?”

  “No, but yeah, I’ve become sensitive to any kind of charred smell of late.” Natasha strokes her belly.

  “I’m so sorry, Natz. I forgot you are pregnant.” Vikram places his hand on the top of hers.

  “I’m flaunting a pretty obvious baby bump.” She gazes at Vikram from the corner of her eye.

  “I thought we’re on a date and it slips my mind that I’m dating a pregnant woman.”

  “Is it ugly to date a pregnant woman?”

  “No. Not ugly but complicated.”

  “Complicated? Do you care about social stigmas, Vicky?”

  “I don’t give a damn to the society, but I do feel vuln
erable at times.”

  “Don’t tell me. Vikram Jaysingh feels vulnerable?”

  “What if your ex comes back? You guys patch up. After all you guys are family.” Vikram sips his scotch.

  Silence ensues as Vikram stares at her. She stares back, her doe eyes glazing.

  Did I hurt her?

  She doesn’t speak for a long while and Vikram again feels guilty of hurting the one and only woman he has ever fallen in love with. He loves Natasha and wants to see her happy. He must cheer her up. Vikram is thinking about ideas of making his woman smile and laugh when he notices juicy lips rounding. She wants to say something. And then she speaks, “Will you dance with me? Hope it’s not awkward for you to dance with a pregnant woman.”

  “You serious?”

  “Hundred percent.”

  “Lets.”

  Vikram grabs her hand and makes her rise. He then presses a hand at the small of her back and ushers her to the dance floor. A few couples are already swaying on a classic slow number.

  “How are we going to do this?” Natasha looks at her protruding belly. Confused, she glances at Vikram.

  “Give me your hand.”

  Natasha puts her hand out which Vikram softly places on his shoulder. He locks fingers with her other hand. Slowly, they begin waltzing across the dance floor. The old song dies, and the new number is again a slow French ballad.

  They dance and dance for a long while before Vikram goes behind her and puts his arms around her belly. He covers her from behind, protecting her, while pulling her closer, making her feel wanted.

  “It feels so good.” Natasha presses her head against Vikram’s chest. Vikram feels her muscles relaxing. He keeps on swaying her, planting tender kisses on the top of her head, comforting her as much as he could.

  “You’re a protective lover,” Natasha mumbles and Vikram leans down and kisses the nape of her neck.

  “Umm…” A moan escapes Natasha’s lips and Vikram feels her hips grinding against his hardness.

  “Move in with me,” he whispers against her ear. She tilts her head on his chest and smiles, her eyes still closed.

  “Yes, seriously, come and stay with me. Anyway, your maternity leave is going to start sooner.”

  She turns around while Vikram keeps on swaying her. “Maternity leave starts after childbirth.”

  “But you need not go to the office now. You need to be at home, in a cozy bed with all the servants and nurses at your bedside.”

  “I’m not a princess nor I’m the only woman on earth who’s pregnant. Women can work till the day of their delivery. It’s only the aftercare that matters. And that’s why the maternity leave.”

  “Fine. You’re going to move in with me once the baby comes out. You’ll have me around you and if I’m busy with work, at least, you’ll have the housemaids to look after you and the baby.”

  “There’s still time for the baby to come out.”

  “How many more months?”

  “Don’t be an asshole? With the belly of this size I can’t exceed a few more weeks.”

  “Weeks?”

  “Yes, I’m in my thirty-eighth week already.”

  “Sorry, but I have no idea about weeks and days. The only thing I know about pregnancy is that the baby comes out after nine months.”

  Natasha smiles, roaming her hand to his broad chest. Smooth fingers play with the buttons of his crisp white shirt. Vikram never stops swaying her in his arms.

  “Don’t you think it’s surprising?”

  “What?” Natasha lifts her gaze, doe eyes meeting his.

  “Exactly nine-months ago we had that crazy little one-nighter.”

  Natasha’s face loses color. She goes from pink to pale. Vikram feels her muscles tensing. She stops fiddling with the buttons.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Natasha shakes her head but never speaks. She quivers, again drops her gaze to Vikram’s chest.

  “Can we go and order some dinner now? I’m hungry and tired.”

  “Oh, yeah, of course. Let’s.” Vikram presses a hand at the small of her back and walks her out of the dance floor.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Vikram still has no idea what causes Natasha’s mood swing. She was quite through the entire ride, speaking only occasionally. In contrast to the beginning of the evening when she smiled and laughed from her heart, now her smile appears fake and forced.

  What’s the thing? Did he hurt her again?

  Vikram gazes at her from the corner of his eye as he pulls up in the parking lot. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

  “No you didn’t,” she mumbles almost immediately.

  “Then why are you looking upset?”

  She peers at him in the darkness of the parking alley. Her lips curve with a weak smile. “It’s pregnancy-related mood swing. I’m feeling fine now.”

  “Great!” When Vikram wants to kiss her goodnight, he must please himself with a few seeing off gestures—a nod here, and a smile there.

  Natasha opens the door and tries to get out of the car. Vikram notices she’s having a bit of difficulty in climbing out. “Sit still,” he orders. The next moment, he unlocks his side of the door, jumps down the car and scurries to Natasha’s side. He holds her hand and helps her getting out of the vehicle.

  “Thanks.”

  He presses a protective hand at the small of her back as they march toward the elevator. In no time, they are on the desired floor.

  Vikram halts at the door of her flat. “Goodnight, Natz. Take care and if you need anything, I’m just a call away.”

  “Won’t you stop by for a cup of tea?”

  “Tea?”

  “Chamomile. It will help you sleep well.”

  “Then it’s fine.”

  “Come on in.” Keys jangle in the serenity of the brightly-lit corridor as Natasha unlocks the door.

  It’s dark inside. Natasha switches on the light. Amber brightness fills the living room. The house is neat and cozy. Vikram gazes around. “You’ve arranged it pretty well. I’m impressed.”

  “Thank you.” Natasha scans the house before returning her gaze to Vikram. “Let me put the tea on brew.”

  “Sure.”

  Vikram loosens his tie and wipes the sweat streaks covering his forehead. It’s the humid month of September and the heat is intolerable. Vikram searches for the AC remote. He finds the remote on the inbuilt shelf in the wall.

  He tries turning on the AC.

  “What the hell?” he mutters to himself before tossing the remote on the leather couch. He then removes his jacket and throws it on the same couch as well. He removes his tie and throws it away. Then he unbuttons the collar buttons and fans himself.

  “Here you go.” He hears Natasha speak from behind. Next moment, she’s standing next to him.

  “Why the AC is not working?”

  “It’s stopped working two days ago. I have to call the technician.”

  “What? Two days and you didn’t tell me.”

  “What’s there to tell you, Vicky?”

  “At least, I could have arranged something for you.”

  “Oh come on, this isn’t a big problem. Fan is just fine for me.” Natasha sets the teacup on the coffee table and marches to the switchboard. She then switches on the fan. “You sit and I’ll be back in a few.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Do I need to tell you everything?”

  “At least tell me now.”

  “To the bathroom. My bladder is full.” She smirks. “Does this sound any appealing to you?”

  “Carry on.” Vikram drifts his eyes away from her.

  ***

  After finishing the business, Natasha marches out of the bedroom and then strides to the living room.

  “Aw, shit! What the hell are you doing?” she cries noticing Vikram inspecting the cooling device. He is standing on an aluminum ladder. The sleeves of his shirt are all rolled up to his elbows. For a moment, Natasha finds her gaze sticking
to the hairy forearms and the strong fingers. For a moment, she wonders what all those fingers can do besides repairing the AC. A brief smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she imagines the possibilities of having those sexy hands and strong fingers all over her body. And just as that naughty thought occurs to her head, she feels a sharp stabbing twinge in her belly.

  “Phew! It’s done. I’ve reset the switches. I hope it will work now.” Vikram descends from the stool. Without looking at Natasha and without even answering her question, he reaches the couch, grabs the remote and presses the button.

  The AC starts with a soft hum. Next moment, coldness starts blanketing the stale and humid air of the room.

  “Wow! I never knew that the owner of Jaysingh Enterprises is such an efficient maintenance man.”

  “You still don’t know many things about me.”

  “And what are those?” Natasha notices Vikram killing the distance. Next, he reaches her out and wraps his arms around her.

  “That he loves you.”

  “I know that. He has already confessed his love to me. There’s no need for him to say it again and again,” she whispers, her fingers fiddling with the buttons of his shirt. How much she loves playing with these tiny pieces of metal. Natasha wonders.

  She lifts her gaze and finds a pair of dark eyes staring at her. “Then move in with me,” Vikram hisses.

  Natasha smiles and drops her gaze back to his chest, his upper two collar buttons are undone, revealing a sliver of a hairy chest. Without bothering much, Natasha lets her finger roam to his throat. Her fingers glide across the toned throat. A groan escapes Vikram’s lips. Natasha feels her lips parting on their own will. Her eyes sew down as Vikram leans down. Next a pair of hot lips come crashing down at hers, capturing her mouth into a deep passionate kiss.

  He smiles as he pulls back “We’re so perfect together. What’s stopping you to move in with me?”

  There’s an urge, a desperation in his eyes that Natasha couldn’t ignore.

  “I can’t, Vicky,” she murmurs.

  “Why?”

  “When I decided to keep the baby, nobody came forward. Even my family disowned me. I started this journey with my faith in God and He helped me. I made some very good friends which I probably wouldn’t have if I had not moved to Krishnagiri. I made friends with Samantha. I found you. It’s not easy Vikram to forget all the hardships I’ve been through in the past few months and move in with you. It might sound like the easiest thing to anyone but it’s damn tough for me to ignore what I’ve been through all those months. I want to complete this journey with my faith in God and with my friends by my side. I don’t want to unburden my pain. After all, that’s what has helped me realize that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you understand me.”