It was still night, Dutta could tell as he looked at the windows, the room still dark save for the light streaking in from the moon. He looked to his side, and stared at the woman that slept next him. The choti si woman who now shared his bed, his life, his future. For so many years now, he had dreamt of the moment when he would feel complete with someone, someone with whom he'd wake up, talk, laugh, get upset with, even fight. Someone who would stand with him, live with him, understand him. But most of all, someone whom he can give his love and it be enough for her. And he had her now...next to him. Life plays its games in weird ways, he thought as he thought of all the times he and Naku had been through, even before they had crossed paths. Dutta put his hand on her bare arm, feeling her skin. He then placed his hand on her hand, his overbearing hand over her delicate one, stared at her...until he fell asleep again.
Morning had come, and by habit, Naku woke early. She sat up in bed, pulling the cover over her, and looked at Dutta sleeping. He was sleeping...something that had been such a problem for him. Naku smiled gently. She thought of how much she loved this man, and felt an urge to touch him, hold him. Her hand hovered over his face, but she decided to not wake him.
Naku went to washroom to get ready. Life felt so different, how one day and one night, and a few words, had changed everything. She looked in the mirror at the sindhoor Dutta had filled in her maang, her hair loose...she was Dutta's wife now. He had accepted her, he had loved her.
After bathing, Naku came out, dressed in a suit, her hair wet. She felt a lightness in her step, a sense of happiness. First thing her eyes looked towards was the bed, which was empty by now. Her eyes, as always, searched for Dutta and she saw the doors to the balcony open. She started walking towards him, wanting to see his face, hear his words, and most of all, to hold him.
Dutta turned almost instinctively to see her walking towards him and he smiled. This morning felt so different, as it had with Naku, and he reached out with his arm, and pulled her close. Her long wet hair, her small frame, he swept her up. And they looked at each other and smiled. There weren't any words between them, as was often the case. Whenever their eyes fell upon each other, there was only an urge to be near each other, appreciating each other's presence.
Naku freed herself but holding his hand, she looked outside, and said to Dutta how beautiful this day was because it started with him. She glanced over at him to see his reaction, and she got one. He came towards her and hugged her from the back, saying how beautiful his life had become with her in it. She turned, to see him looking at her, and as always, he looked AT her, her eyes. He placed his head down against hers.
As much as Naku wanted to stay in his arms, she told him he must get ready too. Everyone would be downstairs waiting for them. They walked into their room together. Just as Naku thought of making the bed, she felt a tug of her arm, Dutta pulling her towards him. He held her tightly by her waist and worked his other hand through her hair. He started pushing her back towards the bed.
Downstairs, everyone was a little surprised at the lateness of the breakfast...of Dutta's arrival downstairs that had yet to happen. Ayi Sahib told everyone to start their breakfast.
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I hope you enjoyed this update. As you read, Dutta is NOT afraid to hug Naku! We don't call him a sher for nothing.😆 😉 😳
Edited by gp00 - 15 years ago
