Chapter 5
She'd taken a longer workout routine today to run this emotional marathon and still hadn't out run her demons. Those sexy blue eyes and that muscled body of his, was on her mind all last night. Damn those lips, made her forget who she was.
As she took the slight inclined bridge, sweat poured off her, not because of the sun or the workout, but because of the inescapable thoughts about how those eyes had looked at her before the kiss. How those muscles felt under her hand. And how that mouth had taken hers with a raw possessiveness that should have put her off, but instead thrilled her, even now.
He was right. She has been a willing partner. She'd not only allowed his advance, but urged him and took the lead. Physical sensation had swamped her and she let herself be drowned in it.
Why the f**k had she done that?
Because in some ways, despite what had happened to her, she was still a warm woman. She was a normal teenager and college student, having fun with guys, sleeping with chosen few and got serious once until that debacle made her gun-shy of the male species. Finally she'd given in to the need for a male companionship yesterday, but nothing more. That had to be it. This is just an example of normal healthy female hormones asserting themselves.
Feeling marginally better, she saw the house up ahead and slowed down her pace to a walk. She entered her lawn and heard loud voices from the conservatory. Everybody stopped talking at once, looking at her. Rishab stood up and told , we caught him trespassing your property and snooping into your house. He wouldn't tell his name, but says you know him.
"Do you know him?"
She looked and froze at the sight of him. The wonderful, fabulous, terrific sight of him. His face was inscrutable. She was rooted to the ground.
"Don't you dare not come over here and give me a hug, Madhu. Do you hear me?"
As she watched Nick smile, she heard, "Who the hell is this guy?"
She ignored the comments and flew across the room. Nick caught her up in a bear hug strong enough to break her ribs. She felt his solid strength, his big and safe body.
"Brakuje mi ciebie."
"I missed you too Nick."
"Kocham ciebie."
"Kochem ciebie."
Finally Nick drew back but held her by her shoulders. "You're a mess."
"What language are they speaking?" This time, she recognized Rishab's voice.
Drawing away from Nick, she looked at Rishab for the first time since last night and spoke
"ummm this is Nick."
"You're married?" Rishab got out, his tone horrified. His face was full of thunder clouds.
Nick took her hand and squeezed it and told, "No." with amused voice.
Little Aroosh asked what does "Kochem ciebie mean?" to which Nick replied it means "I Love You" in Polish."
On the couch Mayra grinned and told "Seems quite a reunion. Want some privacy?"
Nodding, Madhu spoke to Nick "god its good to see you and make yourself at home" but not before she saw Rishab's glare level on her.
After Madhu took a quick shower, she joined Nick in the lawn where he waited for her. His dark blond hair was windblown. Dressed in denim shorts, hiking boots and t-shirt that said 'stop ogling', he still resembled the young man whom she had met almost a decade back.
Coming up beside him, she looped her arm in his and leaned into him.
"You smell better." His voice was husky and laced with humor. He pivoted her around to face him. Kissed her on her forehead and told
"Happy Birthday"
"you remembered"
"offcourse I remember"
"Thanks for this wonderful gift" she said twirling around in her fuchsia colored lehenga choli.
"You like it?"
"I love it"
"good"
"Lets sit"
They sat on the garden table.
"I cant believe you cut yourself off like this, from me and from rest of the family."
One thing about Nick, he never minced words. And he dint know the meaning of tact. Of course she didn't want to fight with him.
"You should come home more."
"I did come for easter."
"I had lunch with Mary and Ana when they were in Yorkshire."
"I dint know that"
"You weren't in town then"
"But still you need to come home often."
His tone was scolding but she didn't bristle.
He picked up her hand . Held it. "Tell me the truth."
And there it was. Just like when she slept with a guy for the first time or when she thought she fell in love. There was a bond with him that she dint have with any other, not even her own.. So she said honestly, "You know the answer to that."
"How could you do this to me?"
"Nick lets not get there."
"Fine have it your way."
"Anyways I came here to tell you about something."
"What?"
Seriousness vanished completely. Undiluted joy shone in his eyes, same as when he held Ana for the first time in his arms.
"Mary is pregnant with twins, both girls."
"oh, my god, Nick, congratulations." She threw her arms around him and hugged him.
He raised his eyes to the heaven and told, I'm destined to be surrounded by beautiful women my whole life."
"I'm so happy for you Nick."
"Thanks baby."
"Okay back to you now. How long are you going to stay like this?"
"What?"
"I meant you are beautiful woman Madhu and you need to find a handsome stud who can sweep you off your feet."
"I'm fine here Nick."
"Nick's scowl alerted her.
"What?"
"Rishab Kundra."
She felt the blush creep up her neck.
"You better be careful."
"Of what?"
"Don't bullshit me. He's the one with the runner's body, short trimmed hair and a photographer?"
"Yeah."
"He wanted to rip my throat out when you hugged me and he thought I'm love of your life. Something going on there?"
"No."
"Don't bullshit me. You guys were gravitating towards each other in that conservatory when we met."
"Nothing's going on Nick."
Standing, Nick pulled her up. "You never were a good liar." He kissed her on her nose." I need to leave now.
Mesmerized, Rishab watched her from the upstairs window. Right before his eyes , she'd transformed like the night before when he held her in his arms.
She was as graceful as a gazelle as she walked in that dress. She was all soft and womanly as she hugged Nick. When she turned, even from this distance, he could see the love on her face. He imagined that was how he wanted her to look at him. He itched to capture the myriad facets of her in his heart.
All night long, Rishab had considered leaving her alone, as she'd asked. In the past, he'd been able to forgo what wasn't good for him, usually without regret. And he certainly never pursued females who weren't interested in him. Not that there were many.
But seeing at what kind of woman Madhu could be when she let down, he realized that no matter what, he wasn't going to play dead.
He was going to go after her.
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
Anupamaa
