Astha came out of the bath to see Shlok already in bed. He was on his side checking his email. Astha came from her shower and got in to her side of the bed. She bid a soft goodnight and pulled the soft duvet over her slim frame. Shlok shut down his laptop and switched off the bedside light. He too got in between the covers and pulled Astha to himself.
"Shlok!"
"Shh..just sleep. Goodnight!"
Astha's heart was thudding loud. How did he expect her to sleep like this? She was wide awake for a while and then she started wriggling in his hold. "Astha if you want both of us to sleep better stop wriggling. Right now. As it is I am finding it difficult with you by my side." His voice came close to her ears.
Astha immediately stopped and shut her eyes tight. She thought of a thousand different things before sleep overtook her. Shlok was having a tough time sleeping with the desirable bundle next to him. He was awake for a long long time. Damn all the wooing! At this rate he may not get much sleep each night. At last he too slept with a sigh.
The morning sun rays filtered through the curtains by the french door. As usual Astha leaned on to him and his arms were around her. Astha got up even before the alarm went on. She quickly cut the alarm before it could disturb Shlok and slowly tried moving out of his arms. She almost succeeded when his hands shot out to pull her back.
"Good morning" Shlok's voice was tinged with sleep and desire. "Where are you leaving me this early?" He jerked her back to the bed at one stroke. Astha almost fell on top of him. She quickly scrambled next to him and faced him. Her doe like innocent eyes looked at him through the huge, curly lashes.
"This is the time I get up everyday Shlok and unlike you I have work."
"Not before wishing me good morning."
"Good morning it is." Her soft lips curved into a smile, almost driving him crazy.
"Not like this." He leaned on her until she went back, and her back touched the bed. His face lowered and his lips brushed hers softly. Astha immediately closed her eyes and went rigid. She was not expecting this early in the morning. Shlok kissed her once more and slowly parted her lips with his. Astha shuddered and made a protest. It was new, shocking, and far too intimate.
"Let me Astha." Shlok's voice almost turned pleading.
This time she didn't protest. He went slowly and deepened the kiss gradually. Astha felt the faint stirrings of pleasure when his tongue probed hers. Astha moaned into his mouth which only increased his ardor. He became instantly demanding and fierce. Shlok was quickly becoming lost in Astha until warning bells rang in his head. Shit! He was supposed to woo her not attack her like an animal. Shlok immediately gentled and finally pecked her lips. He looked into her eyes before replying "Now it is a very good morning."
Astha was lost in the new sensations. She was fighting against the shyness that was dampening her from going further. Astha gently got out from his embrace and went to freshen up without looking at him. She closed the door of the restroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Astha almost couldn't recognize herself. Her face was flushed and her lips were swollen. Her chest was heaving and her eyes still had some lingering passion.
Astha touched her lips gently in wonder. This was her very first kiss. Her first kiss was gentle, passionate, loving, and all that it should be. She was admiring and falling for her husband from afar all these days. Now the time had come to explore this side of the relationship. With a secret smile, she went about with her morning duties.
Shlok was almost brought to his knees by that doll face. Never had he imagined he will react so strongly to her. All he wanted was to give a good morning kiss. Instead it had quickly spiraled into something more. A few more minutes, and nothing could have stopped him. He had kissed more than a few women in his life. But nothing came close to this. Not even Swati. Maybe Astha being his lawfully wedded wife only added to the allure. She was his and only his. He will be her first and only lover. Some primitive streak in him found deep satisfaction in that.
Getting up with a stretch, he went to fetch the morning paper. The day had indeed dawned bright and clear. His life was now full of sunshine and happiness. He hoped and prayed this sunshine would last in their lives forever.
Anupamaa
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