'Kesa yeh ehsaas pyaar ka hain; Chapter 15 On Page 55 - Page 12

Priya had got used to waking up with her nightmares and then spending hours calming herself back to slumber. It was always the same. She could see their faces, smell the alcohol, and feel the pain as they punched her again and again. She could see blood ooze out of her cuts. She could feel the boots kicking into her, the knife slashing. Could hear their vulgar comments and could feel groping hands. She could never go beyond that point. Each time she would wake up drenched in perspiration and shaking like a leaf. Each time it would take her hours to get back to sleep. Only her precious dogs could make her feel secure again.

But last night had been different. The nightmare had been the same, but for the first time she had found comfort and security in a man's arms. She had never allowed any man to touch her since that fateful night. After years of terror, she had for the first time, felt safe and secure with a man. Instead of hours, she had fallen back to sleep within minutes and from a nightmare she had gone straight into paradise where she was in Ram's arms. Where Ram was holding her; kissing her. She even felt herself respond. This was one dream she had not wanted to wake up from, and she hadn't. That is, at least not until 7 am in the morning. So wonderful had been her dream, that on waking she still felt Ram's arms around her. It was only when she tried to move, that she realised that it had not been a dream. That Ram was still beside her. And his protective arms were still around her. Her paradise had indeed been real!

Gently she moved his arm away and slid out of the bed. For a spit second she felt terror. Then she remembered her nightmare and Ram coming into the room. Her next emotion was embarrassment. Finally she was overcome with guilt. Poor Ram. He looked so uncomfortable lying on the edge of the bed, without even a cover. She slept in a single bed, two people would always have been uncomfortable, but a tall man like him, must have suffered real discomfort. She took her blanket and covered him. He did not wake.

She left the room. She could hear the dogs whimpering to be let out. She released them, gave them huge cuddles and let them out into the back yard. She filled their bowls with milk and returned indoors.

Then she went and had a shower. When she came out, Ram was still sleeping. She got dressed and organised breakfast. Laying everything on the table, apart from the eggs, she went to wake Ram. It was 7.30 in the morning. He would need time to go home and change. She entered the room to wake him.

Ram got out of bed and looked around the room. Unlike the image Priya had created for herself, her room was feminine and pretty. Yellow dominated the decor. On the corner table, in a matching vase, was his bouquet of roses. He has especially chosen the yellow blossoms, remembering Neha had once mentioned that it was Priya's favourite colour. It was company policy to give every female staff a bouquet of flowers on her birthday. On Priya's last birthday he had asked Neha to choose the flowers. She had returned with yellow carnations, saying I could not get roses but as long as they are yellow, she'll love them". Ram had been surprised that he had remembered the conversation when he ordered the roses at the florist. He was even more surprised that she had kept the flowers. Just knowing that she had placed them in her bedroom gladdened his heart. Whistling he walked out.

Priya had put the kettle on and it had begun to whistle too. She looked up as he entered the room saying. "I'll wait till you freshen up before I make your coffee and eggs." Ram proceeded to the bathroom. Priya had placed a new toothbrush, soap and towel for him. He returned to the table feeling fresher.

"I am sorry ab..bout last night. You should have gone home. It must have been very uncomfortable for you lying in that position all night." she felt the need to apologise. He had been exhausted last night and to have to sleep in that awkward position was the last thing his body needed but Ram was strangely surprised that he had actually felt no discomfort at all. Rather, he felt relaxed. He missed his king sized bed and his pillow all right, but he never the less had enjoyed a deep sleep. An exhausted body can sleep anywhere, his father used to say. He had to agree.

She did not tell him that Neha had rung her to let her know the news as well. Ten minutes later she took the lift down. As she started her car, she saw a taxi drive in and head towards the main entrance. There, Ram stood beside his car. The taxi stopped behind his Ferrari and he went and opened the passenger's door. She could see him smile and then they were enfolded in each other's embrace. Priya had to look away. The pain was too much to bear. As she drove away, she told herself, It's time to leave A & K Kapoor'. She must start her own business. Be on her own, away from everyone, especially away from Ram and more importantly from the pain that now came with him.