The next morning, Samrat woke up with Gunjan in his arms. His face went red as he realised that Gunjan had her hands over his chest and his were around her waist and her head was resting on his arms. He didn't think twice before removing the strand of hair that fell on her face. She moved slowly in her sleep and Samrat had a weird feeling within him as her body brushed against his. He looked at his wife lying like a snow angel with her eyes shut and her face as calm as one could be. He caressed her milky cheeks with his fingers and he lay there admiring her. Little did he know that Gunjan was not asleep. She had been acting all this while. Her heart thudding loudly as Samrat caressed her cheeks and sighed like a furnace. Aaa! She screamed in her mind. She just loved the feeling but it was getting too ticklish to resist. She felt like jumping into the air but instead of staying still her eyes opened and Samrat jumped backwards. To irritate him, Gunjan wore a perplexed look on her face and Samrat flushed. "Gun.. Gunjan. I dont know.. how.. I mean what happened.. I mean when my hands.." and Samrat stuttered with his words, he was super embarrassed and the situation was completely awkward. Gunjan just smiled. Samrat was even more confused, "I had nothing to do with all this! Really!!" he assured her. "What? They weren't your hands?" she asked humorously. "Umm.. yes.. but I dont know how it went around your waist!" he said nervously speaking as fast as possible to cut down on the awkward situation. Gunjan, on the other hand, was enjoying this. His nervous stammering sounded so cute to her. "Its okay Samrat. It happens sometimes." She said. "But it never happens with me! It hasn't happened till date!" he assured her again. "WHAT? SAMRAT!" she gave an angry glare. Samrat looked confused. "How MANY Girls have you slept with?" she said faking her anger. She knew Samrat wasn't THAT type which would sleep with several girls and not remember their names also. Like Barney Stinson! Lol. That reminded her that she hadn't seen her favourite show for almost two weeks now! She looked at Samrat. "No.. I didnt mean that'"Samrat! Its fine. I was just joking!" she said as she went smiling towards the bathroom. Samrat didnt say anything. He was spellbound. How on earth did that happen? He hit his head. 'What were you thinking when you caressed her cheeks. But then.. She looked so innocent and pretty. Her closeness was magical.. it made me feel happier. It all happened so fast.. I dont know! You are supposed to give her time.' He told himself.
That afternoon they were just lazing around playing a few games of snatch and mostly watching How I met Your Mother, which Samrat had to bear. He didnt quite understand what Gunjan liked in that show? There is a couple who wanted to have a baby like forever and still hadn't had it! How stupid can that be? There was a guy named barney who just slept with any girl he met. There was ted who wanted to find his wife.. that means he's the culprit. Because of him I have to bear this frickin' tv show. Then there is Robin who does nothing but be with the others. Why why does Gunjan watch this show? I wonder what's showing in NDTV24*7?... These were some of Samrat's thoughts and he was just waiting for the show to end. And then the door bell rang and Samrat happily offered to go open it. He just wanted to some how escape the torture! There was a man standing outside with a bouquet and a card. Samrat took it and opened it. This was an invitation for today's party. It was hosted by the tender-clients who wanted to thank us for joining them here. It read,
You are co-ordinately invited to attend a party at The Regal Room On the 2nd Floor at 8 pm. This party is to thank everyone for joining us here at Pune and showing so much interest in our project. Hoping to see you there with your spouse. Men In Black and Women in Red.
Thanking You,
Harvey Peiterson.
Samrat was very excited for this party. Finally he could make more contacts for his business and try and find out who the clients had shortlisted or already finalised as the tender winner! He showed the invitation to Gunjan. She didn't understand why Samrat was so happy seeing the invitation but she also joined him in his happiness. Sometimes its just good to be happy, with or without reason. The day was long and tiring. They were out of things to do and whenever Gunjan tried to start a topic Samrat ended up talking about the tender. Gunjan thought it was best to start her flirting after the tender because at that moment the only thing that Samrat thought of was the tender. He took his computer and checked the tender file once again. This was really annoying for Gunjan because she basically had nothing to do all day. "Samrat.." she said. "Put away your laptop." Samrat raised his head and looked at her standing with her hands on her hips. "NOW" she ordered. Samrat shut the flap and looked at her, "What happened?" he asked. "Your wife is sitting here without anyone to talk to and you are busy with your laptop!" she complained. "This is important Gunjan!" "Even spending time with me is important, right?" she asked. "Yeah, even Thats right but'"Shh" she said putting her finger against his lips "Thats all. Since you admitted that it's important then sit and spend time with me, talk to me.. about anything BUT the tender!" she said totally annoyed with that word over all! So then Samrat put his laptop aside without any other choice, sat down beside his angry wife and stared at her. And then she stared at him. And he stared back thinking about something besides the tender. And she stared and stared. And he stared again. "Ok fine do your work!" she said realising that he really wanted to do it. "Thanks" he said getting up and sitting at his laptop again. Gunjan just switched on the TV and flipped channels. 'Its okay Gunjan. One more day. Tomorrow it will all be done and dealt with! Relax. Dont get angry..' She told herself and then it struck her. 'Exactly.. Thats why Samrat is nervous and Thats why he's going over his work! Its all going to be over tomorrow so basically he is scared! OMG.. why didnt I think of that! Ofcourse Thats the reason!' She switched off the tv and went back to him. "Samrat, your still nervous. Aren't you?" she asked. "No.. not at all!" he replied. "No you can tell me if you are!" "Gunjan.. I am not nervous.. or I would have told youu!" he replied. He looked up astonished. Why did Gunjan want him to be nervous? "Oh. Are you sure?" He nodded assertively and she returned to the living room. Sat on the couch and hit her head. 'I am really stupid..'
That Evening, Samrat was ready by 8. He was waiting for Gunjan to get out of the bathroom. He sat on the bed watching his news channel. He looked at his watch every few seconds. And then finally at the click of the door he got up and looked around. He was awestruck. His jaw practically hung and his eyes wider than ever. Then realising that gunjan was looking straight at him, he shut his mouth and tried to act normal. "This is looking nice.. right?" she asked looking at the weird expressions he was giving. Samrat instead of replying, nodded. He just couldn't find his voice. "What? Why aren't you saying anything!" Gunjan insisted. Samrat gulped and then said, "You.. you.. look.. gorge'very nice." He said trying to be more subtle. Gunjan smiled and blushed slightly at the reply. She had understood what he had intended to say. Gunjan had for the first time worn a western gown and not a saree. The soft Satin material flowed down to the floor. The sequence on top gave an amazing glow to her face and suited her skin perfectly. She wore a long red gown which suited her figure and complexion just fine. She wore a diamond necklace she got from Mamiji on their wedding which enhanced her beauty.. One glimpse at her would kill anybody and Samrat was already smitten by her beauty.. She had chosen this one just to woo Samrat and indeed it had totally worked and now Samrat was completely mesmerised in her beauty..which he already was earlier also. But this was different. Samrat had been used to seeing her in a saree so he was used to keeping his expressions neutral in her presence but seeing her in something different had brought back the mesmerisation and urge to stay close by. He stood there with his lower jaw hanging. Gunjan had to come up to him and shut shit mouth. He came back to life and looked back at her. She looked so gorgeous. She was so beautiful. Samrat's heart thudded and yearned for a hug. Gunjan just looked down with a slight blush after her husband's reaction. She didn't know what to say.. "Lets Go?" he asked. Gunjan nodded and they left.
Everyone looked their way as the two walked down the hallway hand in hand, into the Regal Room. Samrat with his Black Burberry suit, red tie and Gunjan in her beautiful red gown. They both looked colour-coordinated. All Men had their mouth open in Awe gasping for breathe and all the women had began to sweat as the atmosphere became hot in his presence. But little did both of them care. They just looked straight and felt each other's presence beside them. What could be more satisfying and pleasing. Samrat had his killer smile on his face as he greeted some of his colleagues. Introducing everyone to his wife. Gunjan spoke to everyone very well and then when they were alone and both had a sweet smile on their face, Gunjan asked, "I hope this dress is fine?" she asked. "Besides the fact that everyone here is staring at you, its perfect!" he blurted out. Gunjan giggled and asked, "Ooohh.. Someone is Jealous!" "Well, I dont know about others but I have no reason to be.." Gunjan looked away.. 'Why is he sooo unromantic.. someone save meee!' she thought. Samrat looked at his wife and seeing a certain disappointment on her face thought of complimenting her, "because I have you right by me.. so I am lucky and not jealous!" making Gunjan blush in a shade matching her dress. She was taken by surprise at his answer at the same time. Samrat had indeed surprised her as she had started to know him better. She had thought that Samrat was boring, unromantic, quiet, introvert, shy, etc etc. But that wasn't true. In these past few days she had seen Samrat very differently, he was introvert but free with the people he loved. He was shy but only when someone made him blush! And he was unromantic when he would work on Sundays! And boring.. nothing about Samrat seemed boring to Gunjan anymore. "So what suits me more, Saree or this?" she asked. "Umm.. Both!" he replied. "Which one suits me more?" "Its equal Gunjan.. I cant choose.. now you choose for yourself!" "Samraaat! I am your wife! You should tell me..! Ok. Fine. Which one do you LIKE more on me?" she asked. "If you had to pick.. what would it be?" she explained her question. "Ok.. umm.. Saree.. because you look more like m.." and his voice trailed off.. Gunjan tilted her head and looked at him waiting for the remaining sentence.. "Bec'because it makes you look more beautiful.. according to me!" 'Aaah.. why couldnt he complete his line.. I knew what he wanted to say.. 'because I looked more like HIS Gunjan.. But he didnt say it.. he still had his shell around him which I really need to break!' she thought. She smiled looking at him. "Thanks.. I am glad you told me what you felt.." she said delighted. He had started opening up.. coming out of his shell.. all thanks to Gunjan.. but she still had to work more. He was still quite cut off from her. This was only because of the First night when Gunjan had stopped Samrat from coming closer. He had built up a wall around him because of that and now it was difficult to break that wall he had build. Samrat was just about to say something when a voice interrupted their conversation, "Hello Mr.Shergill, A pleasure to see you here tonight!" said a bold and well toned man. "Hi Mr.Peiterson." Samrat said shaking hands with him. Then he introduced Gunjan, "This is my wife, Gunjan." He said. "Pleasure to meet you!" she said. "The pleasure is all mine, beautiful lady!" he said shaking her hand as well. "This is My Wife, Stephanie.." he said introducing them to a blonde lady in a long red dress. Both of them greeted her. "I am so glad you two could make it tonight!" Mr. Peiterson said. They smiled in response. "Your project was very impressive Mr.Shergill, Most of our board members didn't want to even negotiate any further!" Mr. Peiterson mentioned. Samrat was overjoyed. Gunjan could sense his heart beat fastening, "Thank you so much Mr.Peiterson!" he said. As the men talked about the tender, Stephanie complimented her on her dress, "I really love your dress Mrs.Shergill.!" she said. "Ah Thank you. And please, call me Gunjan!" After some drinks Mr. Peiterson asked, "May I please have a dance with you, Mrs.Shergill, Thats if you dont mind Mr.Shergill?" he looked at Samrat! Samrat didnt know what to say. He didnt want Gunjan to dance with someone else. But saying no outright would look rude. He didnt know what Gunjan would say. Stephanie seemed to be totally cool with that! To his surprise she accepted the offer. Well, Gunjan thought it would be great for Samrat, and she couldnt refuse.. and plus she could see if Samrat was getting jealous. As the song changed the two danced. Gunjan remained stiff and uncomfortable, instead of making the situation awkward she thought of starting a conversation. "So, Mr.Peiterson, do you have children?" she asked. She was still confused whether it was a personal question and shouldn't be asked at such parties. "Call me Harvey, and yes! I have 2 daughters." He replied. Gunjan was just wondering Why wasn't he dancing with his wife? He seemed stranger and stranger as she came to know him. Harvey pointed towards two girls standing in a corner with little white frocks. Gunjan smiled looking at them. Then shifted her gaze to Samrat. Gunjan felt like laughing looking at Samrat. He seemed to be having a very awkward conversation with Mrs. Peiterson. He did steal glances at them dancing and made a nervous face at Gunjan when their eyes met. He was surely very Jealous but more than that he was finding it awkward to talk to Stephanie as they surely wouldn't have anything in common. "Your husband is a very sweet person, Mrs.Shergill, I have had the opportunity to talk to him previously and he has marvelled at whatever he does." He said. "Yes. And that is just the result of his hard work and passion.. He loves his work!" she replied. "My wife has been rather upset with me recently involving this tender. She says that I am too busy for her and kids and I dont give time to her!" he said shaking his head, "she doesn't understand, you are so understanding Mrs.Shergill, its great to have met you!" he said. Gunjan smiled at this relating to his wife completely but not replying. Harvey was a very gentleman-like person and she appreciated that he respected women and was very sincere but she still wondered why he wasn't dancing with his wife. Maybe for the same reason as her. Maybe to draw his wife's attention. Finally, Stephanie had left and Samrat's eyes were now fixed on both of them.. As the song changed a new hand appeared from thin air and a voice said, "May I dance with her if you don't mind!" Neil said. Mr. Harvey smiled and excused them as he walked towards the bar. Neil extended his hand towards Gunjan. Gunjan looked at him with irritation. "What is your problem?" she whispered. "not here please!"she smeared under her voice. "I just wanted to dance.." he said. "You can dance with a stranger but not me? Your love.." he said under his breathe. She saw a few people looking towards her as she stood in the middle of the dance floor looking at a person who offered to dance with her. Gunjan felt embarassed and thought of just dancing with him when Samrat came up and extended his hand. "Gunjan, dance?" he asked. Gunjan's face grew into a wide smile and she accepted Samrat's hand readily. Her heart was flying high as she felt happiness fill her inside with energy. 'Samrat had come to rescue me!' she laughed at that thought. 'He knew i would feel very awkward with neil, if Harvey was not enough, and so he came to take me away from all this weirdness!' Neil stood there embarassed taking his hand back as Samrat gave him a raw look and turned to face Gunjan with a smile. He backed off as Samrat tightened his hold around Gunjan's waist and the two danced to glory. Twirling. Spinning. Dipping. Strolling. Everything was done with so much passion and love that people seeing would be enwrapped with the beautiful sight. The two saw nothing else but each other. Gunjan's spine was on fire as Samrat had his hands around her bare back. Her lips yearned to touch his. It was as if they were magnets who were being brought close to each other but were held back and werent allowed to touch. But the force holding them back was weakening. The song changed again and a slow song started. Both Gunjan's hands around his neck and his around her waist. Gunjan rested her head on his chest as they slowly moved on the floor. The lights were dim and couples were enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Well, Samrat was pretty stiff and taken aback at Gunjan's actions as Gunjans hand went from his neck to his back. 'Wish we could stay this way for eternity' she told herself. She knew Samrat would be utterly confused and she was partially right. Samrat was confused but on the other hand he was smiling and was now sure that Gunjan had moved Neil from her life once and for all and he had understood a few hints that Gunjan gave him. Gunjan was finally starting to influence Samrat as well. He noticed his changed self. Previously, he never spoke much or expressed too much.. But for the past few days he had been blushing and being nervous and expressing all sorts of emotions which he had never thought he would express. He was on cloud nine as he had Gunjan in his arms and she was happy that way, which he understood by the continuous smile playing on her lips.
They lay down in bed tired as hell. They had danced for a long time! "Samrat.. Thank you so much for taking me away from him. Phew. He just doesn't understand that I dont love him!" she said. "Ah! Its fine Gunjan, I saw that you looked rather embarrassed so I helped out. Maybe you just need to tell him once and for all.." "Samrat you dont think I have tried?" "Maybe you have. Maybe he still likes to believe you have feelings for him.." "But I dont! I am starting to dislike him because he is obsessed!" "Relax Gunjan, its all going to be alright! Next time just talk sweetly to him as if everything is fine. As if your not angry, so maybe he gets bored of irritating you!" "Hmm.. I will try that! Lets see how much it works!" That night was sleepless for both. Samrat because the next day was the most important day of his life and today had been the best day of his life, Gunjan had accepted his hand over Neil's and she had actually didn't mind them coming close. He could sense her walls breaking. He was glad that she had finally begun to accept him and he promised himself that he would wait until the day she would be completely free to him and say whatever she liked and be the kind of Gunjan he always wanted to see! And about the Tender, he was just nervous, scared, tensed, completely blank and especially after what Mr.Peiterson said.. he was kind of confident! Gunjan had seen Samrat move towards her for the first time. He had come up to her and tried to protect her. How could she sleep when Samrat lay beside her.. so close but yet so far.. and lastly, Sameera was right and she would surely speak to her the next day to tell her everything that had happened on this trip! She was very excited and because of this excitement he eyes wouldn't shut.. and sleep was not even close to their room...
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Heeey Guys, Hope you enjoyed the updaaate (:
Do comment!
Love,
Manjari!
Edited by Manjari1104 - 13 years ago
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