Now they both sat under the beautiful white canopy in the dim light of the little candles glowing around them. Abhay had set the whole place himself for their first date sort of event. It was an open clearing at the side of the thick forest surrounding the village. Phulwa admired the beautiful decorations and smiled at him just as he took out a little gift for her. Surprised at another gift she quickly opened it up. Inside was a beautiful black pen with her name inscribed on it. Phulwa looked at the pen a little amazed and disappointed as this was one gift that she may never be able to use.
'Abhay yeh...hum iska kya karein gey?' She asked with a puzzled look.
'Tum use likho gi. Haan Phulwa hum chahte hain ke tum padho, taake phir kabhi tumhein kisi ke agay jhukna na pade.'
Her eyes welled up with tears and his own face held a distressing emotion as he remembered the times he himself had insulted over the fact that she was not educated. That's why he felt she should be educated so later in life she would never have to face the same situation again. So she could always walk with her head held high and nobody would ever be able to put her down for any reason. He wanted to turn her weakness into strength.
Phulwa couldn't help but be moved by his thoughtfulness and concern. She agreed to do as Abhay said but then asked him who will teach her to which Abhay replied he would be taking on that task. She started to laugh hearing this. Abhay now looked at her incredulous.
'Hum class mein hamesha first ate they. Is liye tumhein hum padha gein.'
'Lo phir tu hogaya kaam. Ek kaam tu theek se karte nahi hain...chale hain humein padhanein.' She murmured to herself.
'Kya kaha tumne?'
'Hum ne? Kuch nahi..' She said turning away but Abhay pulled her closer.
'Hamari patni ko humse kya shikiat hai?' He asked looking straight into her eyes.
He knew well what affect he had on her so continued to come closer and nuzzled against her face. Moving down he placed light kisses on her neck and shoulder while Phulwa just closed her eyes. A little smile started to play on her lips when he kissed her at that moment stealing the smile from her and it spread on his face. She returned the kiss with greater fervor and his hands moved up her back. Breaking the kiss he moved back smiling and asked her whether she still had any complains? She lowered her eyes as a deep flush crept up her face.
Still holding her by the waist he pulled her in closer again, kissing her shoulder he slightly turned her around so her back was to him. Slowly he tugged at the straps of the blouse with his bare teeth, loosening the knot at the neck. Involuntary Phulwas hand reached back and she quickly turned around stopping him from going any further. He was about to object but then he saw her wrist was a little red and he realized it was because of the tight knot. Carefully he took of the bracelet off her arm, gently rubbed her wrist with his thumb in slow motion and then kissed the marks away. She closed her eyes as a wave of passion ran through, her heart set on a marathon.
Cupping her face he again pressed his lips against her, his kiss gentle yet firm. His one hand went up to her hair and pulled the pin out of her locks letting them fall lose. She looked up at him as admired her and then quickly ran out of there laughing.
She was standing there laughing at the slightly annoyed expression of Abhay when she felt something wet on her shoulder. She looked up as little drops of water fell on her face. Rain. She thought like always nature intervened, but this time she welcomed it with open arms and twirled around. Abhay stared at her, amused at her childlike manner and finally joined her in the open. Suddenly the light drizzle turned into lashing rain. They both looked at each other with worried expressions and then without a second thought Abhay grabbed her hand and led the way through the forest surrounding it.
'Hum ja kahan rahe hain Abhay?' She asked.
'Bus chalo.' He said and Phulwa had no choice but to follow.
*
A few minutes later now soaking wet they reached a dingy looking shelter in the midst of the forest. Abhay quickly opening the door went in along with Phulwa. She looked around taking in her surroundings. It was an old shabby place which didn't seem to be in use for a long time. There was a small stone stove kind of item placed at one side and on the other a stack of hay with an old torn blanket laid. A single lantern was present which Abhay quickly lit up with the help of a matchstick that he found there. Phulwa turned around and asked him that how did he know of this place, to which Abhay explained that during police operations they sometimes use this place for hideouts etc.
Abhay started to take off his jacket which was completely wet and Phulwa realized how cold she was feeling. Her thin sari now stuck to her slender frame, her wet hair matted against her face and back. She looked around uncomfortable and then started to twist the palu of her sari in a miserable attempt to dry it. Lost in it she did not notice Abhay, who was drinking her, her every movement through his eyes. Slowly he started to walk up to her. She looked up just in time to catch his eye.
'Abhay?' She asked in an uncertain voice, as he continued to charge towards her with a serious look unbuttoning his shirt.
He stood close to her, very close. Then without a word he swept her off her feet, taking a few steps ahead he placed her down gently at the make do bed. They both seemed oblivious to their surrounding; the grimy smell, scratchy blanket on hay providing a place to lie. The only sense left was the sense of touch.
His face loomed above hers, a few drops of water still dripping from his hair. She closed her eyes unable to handle his intense gaze, which unnerved her yet excited. He bent down and kissed away the water droplets from her face to her neck, she turned slightly and he untied the knot finally.
Her hand moved down on his bare chest removing the shirt. He moved back and in one swift movement taking the shirt off he threw it aside. Holding him by the neck she brought him near, her hand travelled along his shoulder stopping at the touch of his bruised skin. She looked at the faint marks of the wound on his upper arm, gently circling it. Twice he had taken bullet for me she thought. He looked to the side where her eyes and fingers were lingering.
'Kiss and heal.' He whispered leaning in and then kissed her under her ear. She closed her eyes as a strange sensation ran through her body making her want to giggle at the same time sending shivers. His tongue teased out her parted lips while his hand slowly removed the sari and he covered her with himself.
*
Kumkum Bhagya
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
