Chapter 13

~13~

Mukku pulled out of the hug as Anuj mumbled

"Sorry, sorry, sorry... so sorry Mukku..."

"But you came back, Bhai... you came back..."

"But I was late... not only that day... I was late 10 years back too... too late..."

Mukku took a deep breath.

"Bhai... please... let's not go there again..."

"I am the reason for your pain Mukku... Not only yours Anu's too... All because I was late..."

Anu shook her head. She took his hand in hers.

"Anuj... Anuj... look at me... you are here now... that's all that matters... To me... and to Mukku... and we want you here... not in the past..."

Mukku nodded.

"She is right, Bhai... we want you here now... whatever happened... happened... let's leave it at that..."

Anuj nodded silently and Anu heaved a sigh of relief as his face cleared a little. Mukku smiled as she saw Anu's sigh of relief. She cared for her brother... A lot more than a friend. She yawned loudly.

"Ok... enough of emotional talks... I am going back to bed... No more crying Bhai... Bhabhi, make sure my idiot of my brother is in bed before you come.... Oh... and take your time... I won't come outside the room... don't worry about being seen or anything."

"Mukku..."

She giggled at their stern voices and left the duo alone.

"She is crazy..."

"That she is..."

"Mmm... care for some warm milk before bed?"

She nodded.

***

Anuj gazed at her sitting opposite to him, sipping milk from her cup slowly. Her face was the most relaxed he had seen in a few days.

"Why are you staring...?"

"You look beautiful..."

She looked at herself, she was wearing a plain blue cotton saree and her hair was tied up in a messy bun. Although there wasn't a mirror nearby, she knew her face looked dead tired. All the tears would have highlighted her dark circles. She was wearing no makeup too. She lifted up an eyebrow.

"Like this?"

"Of course..."

"Anuj... you really need to get some sleep..."

"Hmmm..."

When he didn't take his eyes off her, she clicked her tongue.

"Anuj..."

"Mmmm... sorry can't take my eyes off you."

She bit the inside of her cheek to control the smile that had involuntarily made it's way her lips, her flirty man was back and she loved it.

"Anuj... it's late... shouldn't you go to sleep?"

He got up, walked towards her and bent close to her letting his breath fan her face. She felt her heart race in anticipation and her chest heave as his scent filled her senses. She wondered if her Bholuram had any idea of what he was doing to her. Reigning in all the control she could, she let her eyes meet his. The passion in it made her insides all mushy. He saw her tongue dart out and wet her lips and he knew he was a goner. He wished it was his tongue instead of hers, he placed his hand on his chest patting it... soon... Anuj... soon, he consoled himself. He reached out his hand and grabbed the cup from her hand. Not letting go of her gaze, he brought the cup to his lips and placed his lips exactly where hers were a few minutes back. She felt the hair in the back of her neck stand up as she understood what he was implying. Unable to control anymore, she looked away.

"Anuj... I am tired..."

His face fell and he felt a pang in his heart. He knew of her love for him but he wondered if he had made her uncomfortable by crossing the promised limits. He had already hurt Mukku by breaking promises. He couldn't afford to lose her too. So, he straightened himself and turned around.

"Sorry... I... I'll clean up, you go to bed."

Saying so, he left her. She watched his retreating figure and gave a sigh.

"Why can't you just read me, my Bholuram..."

She got up and dragged herself to the bed.

***

Precap: Mr. Shah is back.

A/N: The evening is finally over. I hope you liked this. Taking a small pause so that you can connect to the characters. Let me know how the plot feels like till now. Next update I will give on Tuesday.