Originally posted by: karkuzhali
Part III
Chapter 17.
Apparently then, her thoughts had decided to revisit that 'sentence', before drawing shut to a close for the night...
..What would the maids think had they seen you grabbing his arm?' Heera sighed in stern disapproval of her own behaviour 'What would he think?'
She paused, the signs of disapproval on her face gradually sprinkled with the hues of a confused blush.
... But...' she then remembered his expressions, when he'd greeted her after the feast. Especially when he'd offered her the 'adab' - there were glints of fascination in his eyes, weren't there?...
... Nudged by a gentle spurt of girlish curiosity, she held up her right palm and slowly brought it up to her forehead, imitating the adab he'd done. Pretending to be a Mughal woman for a moment. Quite a change from the Marwari salute she was used to. It felt so different. It felt new.
'I told you not to, didn't I? You play with fire... then, don't cry when you get burnt! So much for the vow you'd taken only yesterday... well... looks like it DID happen again! And do remember you're leaving behind all this in a day...'
Having spent enough tears that morning, Heera assumed she wouldn't weep anymore. But those traitorous tears did find a way to make their presence known, pooling up behind closed eyelids.
* * * *
Those were the smudges caused by her kohl tinged tears when she'd mistakenly grabbed his sleeve instead of the kerchief, causing his heart to briefly soar then, just as it did during every instance that he tried not to think about it thereafter. It was the most beautiful mistake she'd done - allowing him to savour the first gentle touch of a woman he cared for. HER gentle touch...
In another life, he might have then taken those stumbling fingers in his hands. Supported her delicate palms within his secure clasp, promising never to let them stumble again.
But that was the story of another life.
In this life, she was meant to leave for good to Bansi, while he would make preparations to head in the opposite direction - to Parnagarh...
Karkuzhali.
Chat Clubs
Members Lounge
671