FF~Human After All #11~Imp NOTE on 144:) - Page 54

Khanak expertly wrapped her wet hair in the bath towel and checked her face in the mirror carefully. It had become a routine lately, something she'd never paid much attention to before marriage. She blushed; yes, there were several tiny bruises and a particularly large one on her right shoulder which would be tough to hide with makeup, he had been quite rough last night, which was unusual for him, she wondered why. Perhaps she would opt for a churidaar kurta instead of a saree today, yes that might work.

There was also that subtle but definite hint of dark circles under her eyes, she frowned. Not good, she was prone to them when she did not get enough sleep . Her concealer would have a lot of work to do today, it won't do if he saw them, then he would ask questions, she wouldn't be able to fool him with just about anything; he was way too perceptive.

She walked up to the huge French windows and threw open the curtains, letting the warmth of the sun's rays soak into her skin. Inhaling deeply the clean and cool sea breeze, she felt an immediate calm seep deep as if to cleanse and splurge her very soul. All the cares and concerns from yesterday dissipated as if by magic. What had seemed like a huge insurmountable mountain of obstacles now appeared like a tiny molehill.

As for that sick Sriram Lodhi!! She had a game plan, she could take him on single handed! He wouldn't dare to try anything with her, how could he? Nahin toh use apne reputation se haath dhona padega ( he would have to forgo his reputation.) He won't risk it..especially when his roaring private practice was at stake! Maybe she should start by telling some of his patients, who were hers as well; no better way to spread bad news except by word of mouth..he wouldn't know what hit him

She liked the idea so much that she almost laughed out aloud before controlling herself ..he was still sleeping, I will let him sleep till it is time.

She smiled; he was lying with his face buried in the pillow occupying the whole bed as usual; no amount of space was big enough for her Prince Charming. So much so she frequently was afraid of rolling off her side..till he pulled her in at the last moment and proceeded to hug her so hard that she sometimes was afraid of dying from asphyxiation..

You are my body pillow, and that's the way I will treat you...came his pat reply when she protested.

I Wonder what would happen if we had a baby? She closed her eyes; she didn't want to think about it.

She glanced at the alarm clock..still half an hour to while away..perhaps she could skim the headlines and do justice to their subscription for a change, which was piling up unread on the coffee table! At least the kabaadiwala wouldn't feel insulted.

She opened the locks of the front door and peeped outside. There they were, new and crisp fresh off the press, 'The Times of India,' and 'The Indian Express,' happily announcing the daily horrors in bold and clean lettering.

If anybody asked what were the few things that Shaan and she didn't agree on..(they were discovering them slowly,) it was the choice of the source of news..He preferred 'The Times,' considering it less biased while she preferred 'The Express,' because she liked their irreverent style of reporting. They had spent arguing on the pros and cons of each for a whole day before arriving at a compromise and ordering both; it was an entire different matter if neither found time to read.

Not today though, she was determined to make a start. She ventured out to grab the papers and was startled by a loud noise from upstairs, the unmistakable rhythmic sound of a ball being bounced up and down...

Eeekkksss!!

She screamed in terror, her heart lodged in her throat, her worst fears realized..

Helppp!

Worse when her mouth was clamped shut with a strong hand, not allowing any sound to escape! This could not happen to her. Unable to shout, she did the next best thing ..she used her teeth...and kicked hard..

It worked..

Ouchhh!!!!

She opened her eyes wide in surprise..

Damn you! Is this the way you greet your husband??

She stared dumbfounded at Shaan who stood propping his injured hand in front of her face..looking very peeved and upset..

Oh No!!

She moaned almost collapsing with relief, it was her crazy husband after all, she should have guessed. She felt an irresistible urge to laugh; instead she reached out for his hand.

I'm so sorry! You poor hand! You frightened me! I thought I was being attacked! (He pulled his hand away;) Show it to me please!

Attacked?? When all I did was hug you from behind?! You are nuts!! But he let her look at it.

I'm sorry, I was just too keyed up, maybe it was something I saw in that newspaper, they always talk about such horrible things!

She stroked his hand, blowing gently on it at the same time, relieved to see that the skin was barely broken; Does it hurt you really bad?? Poor thing, he looked in much pain.

She felt miserable, cursed herself, why was she so jumpy, after all it was just a stupid basketball!

His irritation immediately vanished replaced by fond amusement as he studied the myriad of emotions flit across his wife's lovely expressive face while she carefully examined his hand; guilt, concern, anguish, apology, relief, self deprecation, tenderness... He decided to play along ..(acting in college plays certainly did come in handy.)

Then you should avoid reading or watching the news if it affects your psyche that badly!!! And yes it really does hurt! You could have drawn blood! Maybe even killed me!

He shouted in theatrical anguish. (That was going too far..no OTT bacchu..your wife is crazy but not stupid!)

Hey careful that stings!

He yelped as she tenderly washed the wound and cleaned it, muttering under her breath; .it doesn't look so bad, and we don't even have a first a first aid kit in the house, I am such an idiot!

It feels worse than it looks Ms Vampire! I am sure you were one in your past life and now you are morphing into that avatar again! Let me look at your canines! He said grabbing her face between his hands.

Stop it! Don't whine like a baby! It looks fine! By the way why are you always coming up behind me like that and scaring the hell out of me??!! You are the one to blame!

He beheld her face as it flushed with irritation and her eyes flashed accusingly. She never ceased to fascinate and surprise him, so quickly had the tables turned.

Well, I was missing you and your little behind was quite tempting; he said defensively, chagrined.

She smiled playfully, her anger replaced by smug satisfaction; Then we are even Mister, serve you right for taking your wife for granted! Now open your mouth!

What?!!

Open your mouth burthal before it becomes too late! She said urgently tapping his bewildered face.

There, that's like a good boy!

He almost choked as she plunked something in his mouth, it was round, sweet and rather delicious.

Happy birthday baby Shantanu! Welcome to the world! You are exactly 5 minutes old now..sorry missed out on the timing! A beautiful smile lit up her face.

How is it? She asked looking at him expectantly as he assimilated the information in his brain.

Oh is it my birthday today??!!! I forgot!... And it's awful!

Is it really? Damn!! I wanted to surprise you. I got up at 4 just to make it from scratch per mama's instructions! And I messed it up! I'm so sorry!! What a horrible wife you must think me to be!! Her face screwed up as her eyes filled with tears of disappointment.

He pulled her into his arms, looking into her eyes wondering at the depth of her love and devotion. He stared at her face, drinking her innocence in, she looked so lovely with her still damp hair forming vagrant curls around her face;

It's missing a very vital ingredient..

He said kissing her lips slowly and deliberately. She sighed with relief, moaning softly responding with equal ardor, putting her arms around his neck.

It's the most delicious thing I've ever tasted besides you of course! He smiled as she blushed her eyes dropping to focus on his bare chest which made her color even deeper; Thank you my sweetheart, for making this my most memorable and crazy birthday!

A tingle shot up his spine, she drove him mad; Shut me up! You know how to!

She looked up with a pert smile and shook her head.

Now where's my gift? He whispered in her ear, loving the warmth of her red cheeks against his skin, it felt as good as the early morning light filtering through the window blinds did on his back.

What gift? Isn't my toiling in the kitchen for 2 hours gift enough, I expect some appreciation! She said but smiled knowingly as he lifted her up and carried her into the bedroom.

I meant the most wonderful, exclusive and priceless gift that only you can give me.

What is it? She sighed with happiness as he lay her down and closed her eyes.

The gift of you... Which only I can have anytime anyplace, no questions asked right? He asked kissing her with fierce ardor molding her petite body tightly to his own.

Right, no questions asked. She had no qualms about that at all.