Chapter 61
When they got to their destination, they saw some snow still lining the edge of the roads and walkways and any place they crossed. It was mid April and they were a little disappointed by what met their eyes...so much for reserving a camping base. But since they had already planned the trip and having come all the way, they took whatever was given to them - a 4 bedroom apartment/dorm/quarter whatever it was...with a huge verandah. It wasn't furnished at all except for blankets that were laid out as their only sleeping arrangement. Much to everyone's surprise, the unusual set-up had caused even greater excitement among them. Obviously with sisters and some girlfriends among the group, they could not divide the rooms among girls and guys so everyone was given the choice to settle wherever they wished.
She waited to see if Rohan would ask her to join him but she noticed that his attention was fixed elsewhere. She followed his gaze and saw one of the guys, Sanjay, talking to Naina as they walked into one of the rooms together. Needless to say Rohan would share the same room as them...and sure enough she saw him walking towards it right then. For a moment she felt strange at the possibility that he might be interested in Naina...because his eyes didn't blink even once as he watched them talk and laugh. She must have stood there waiting for him a little too long because Sharan picked up her bag to carry it to their room..."Obviously you are one of us.." he said with a smile when she gave him a questioning look. Something about that statement made her feel at warm..it made her feel belonged...it made her feel possessed. She had not realized she was so alone until she was made a part of something. She closed her moist eyes as a cozy feeling enveloped her. She followed him without question..forgetting what she had been waiting for and just as she entered their room, Rohan stopped in his tracks and turned around to see her gone. He stood there with his eyes closed as disappointment settled in...
Everyone freshened up and got ready in time for a quick brunch..they were advised to eat light in order to be comfortable for the trail they were to take. Everyone must have been very excited because they were done with brunch in no time and were ready to roll. A few steps into the trail, Sharan who was leading the group spoke " Let's split in teams with Rohan, Al and myself as leads. We'll all be together but just in case... and please be with your groups at all times." He turned to the team leads and said "It's a bit like preaching to the choir, but please look after your group...it's a bit wild in here. Let's roll guys.." he said the last bit clapping his hands causing even greater excitement. It was like seeing a new side of Sharan...which shouldn't have surprised anyone seeing his athletic body.
There were 2 couples in the group, she saw, who took a little detour from the path time and again...going behind trees and then joining the rest a bit later. She was walking by his side and thought he would be giving her his attention but again, his entire focus was fixed on...she followed his gaze and again it was Naina and Sanjay. She wondered what was such a big deal that she was talking to some guy other than him. Feeling a little insecure...and a lot more jealous, she moved away from him wondering if she indeed had her eyes on the wrong guy. All her determination to push him to his limits went down the drain. She walked slower than the others and then bent down to tighten her shoe lace wanting to create some distance between them. She didn't realize she was actually waiting to see if her disappearance would call his attention until he came back in search of her...it was an unconscious effort on her part. When he got closer, she saw him release a breath making his concern evident...and all she could do was smile at him. She tried not to blush as she looked away..the fact that he had come to look for her made her heart smile.
She stepped into a shallow pit that was covered with dry leaves...just as she stumbled forward, he tried to catch her but instead toppled right on top of her. She had fallen on her face and he fell right on her back...his entire weight crushing her under him. He quickly got off her back and slid to her side before turning her to face him. She slowly raised her eyes to his when he tilted her face to him softly saying "I'm sorry.." Her mind went blank right then...making her lose awareness of where she was...his proximity doing something to her she couldn't define. They lay there looking into each others eyes for several moments...during which his hand on her waist unconsciously snaked behind her reducing the distance between them as she slightly scooped forward.
His gaze must have intensified then because she looked away, bringing them both back to reality. As they both stood up, she stumbled again but this time he caught her in time...his hold on her arms stronger than ever while hers rested on his shoulder. The effect of his touch still controlled her as she stood still in his hold, her breathing accelerated now. Her eyes were closed and her head down...making her hair fall forward on her face. He pushed her hair back behind her ear...but before pulling back though, he stroked her ear and a chill traveled through her spine straightening her up...he let go off her then and moved out of her way so they would start walking again.
They were far behind the rest and her slower pace didn't help to catch up with the rest...she was limping now he saw. They walked a few steps in silence...making it difficult for her to focus on anything other than the fact that they were alone...with no one in sight as far as her eyes could see. She started to say something to him to get rid of the awkward silence between them but he suddenly pulled her behind a huge tree trunk covering her mouth with his hand taking her by surprise...
Book Talk
Aami Daakini
193