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Before Our Marriage, I had met Abhay only Once (Yep, Only Once,). That was The day He had come to my place to See me. It wasn't an official meeting, he just came over. I had no knowledge about it. My dad introduced Him to me as His friend' Son. I immediately liked his Oceanic Icy blue Eyes. Then My dad said He had an important call to attend (a lie, ofcourse ) and left us alone in Garden for half an hour. That was kind of Awkward, just sitting there on Garden table and had nothing to Say. I asked him few questions just for the sake of having Conversation and He replied (I liked His Voice too. Smooth and warming . A true Gentleman' voice).. that's it. He didn't say anything otherwise. He hadn't need to, After all. He had decided what he came for.
After two days My dad told me about the true reason behind his visit and said that he liked me and wanted to marry me as soon as possible because he had to go back to New York and resumed his work. I was Shocked (It was understatement, Just like saying I was nervous on my Wedding Day). First thing I did after that was Asking Abhay's phone number. Dad was reluctant at first, He said i need to think with Calm mind , but he knew I get what I want in one way or other. So he handed me his number. I dialed his number and as soon he pick up I just ask him one thing "How could you decide to marry me After just one meeting?" ( I was angry, no lying about it). And his words were "My dad likes you very much, So is my mom. They never agree on Same thing, but They both are agree on you. They Think you will be good for me." I fell Silent, forgot all the words I had been preparing to Argue him over his decision. I had know his parents all my life. I knew They both were very good people but just not good enough for each other. My dad and his dad were College friends then business partner. So He had to be a part of our festival functions and family get-togethers. That's how Our Moms became friends too. So I had heard almost everything about his Parents 'fading love to increasing Fights' Stories untill they decided to End their fights, only by parting their ways and got divorced 10 years ago. I was 14 years old then , Abhay had to be 18. He was four years senior then me. His parent didn't fight anymore, now they just argue with each other whenever they had to be under one roof. So hearing that they Agree on me wasn't a small thing. I just Couldn't believe it. When I didn't say anything for a while, He said "You Can always Say 'No' to my Proposal. No one will force you. I have made this very clear to Your Father," and then He disconnected the Call. I should had say 'no' but I hadn't. I thought, thought and thought. Thought about Every Single Reason why Should I Say 'no' to this Marriage , but let just be honest , I had like him, (His hypnotic Icy blue eyes were hard to get over with), and Dad' praising words for him Hadn't gone well with that part of my mind who wanted to Reject His proposal. That part of my mind betrayed me , had become mum when I was asked to tell my decision and I endup Saying 'Yes' . And just after that, within two weeks We got married in Goa, in an intimate Ceremony. Then after a week We Came here , in New York.
It all happened So soon I hardly got time to register I was leaving my old life behind and Stepping into new one with Abhay, as his wife. The night We arrived in New york, Abhay Had taken me to a restaurant, just few blocks away from His Apartment (Err, our Apartment). We had just enter in Apartment and My Stomach grumbled. So Abhay Suggested to grab Some food first.
In restaurant, As it was already past midnight, There was hardly any Costumers. We took last booth and Sat across Each other. While we were waiting for our food I caught him Staring at me. "What?" I asked him, thinking there was Something on my face.
"Nothing, You are looking beautiful," He Smiled.
"Hah, Are you making fun of me? " I said in a totally disbelieve voice. "I've Spent last 16 hours in the flight. I'll be looking anything but beautiful," I turned my head to my left to check my face in Glass wall Setting. My Reflection stared back at me. I didn't find anything wrong on my face , My curly hairs were looking bit frizzy though not that bad, There were Sign of Exhaustion of my Face, but all in all I was looking fine. Fine not Beautiful. Fine in my Simple Cherry red top and denim pants.Then my Eyes notice that Vermilion on my Forehead. 'Chuda' on my hands and 'mangalsutr' around my neck. I had remain watching myself for few second, Registering the changes Those three weeks had bring in my life. I swallowed as Realisation hit me, I was Someone's wife now. Someone who was sitting right infront of me. My Eyes went to abhay. His hands were on Table, I Saw A gold Wedding band in His finger. I was wearing a wedding band too. Yep, We were definitely married. The Realisation came too fast to hide and I felt myself on a verge of having a Panick attack.
"Are you alright? " He asked immediately. He had seen it on my face. I shook my head "Yes, Yes, I'am alright." I try my best to calm down my nerves. That was stupid, utterly Stupid. I I had gotten strike by my moment of Realisation after more than a week of my marriage, at That Restaurant. Odd time, Odd place. I kept repeating in my head that All was going to well and Abhay was a nice guy. Soon, I was in control. I had to be in Control, otherwise How could had I Explained him That I Just realised I Was a Married Woman now. Married to him. His wife. I did not want to give him any kind of impression that I was Some sort of freak. So I had to calm down and I did.
I had Made Abhay quite worried. "After having Food, You should go straight to bed and try to get rest."
"I'am not tired. I was sleeping almost through out the flight," I Said, as Calmly as possible.
"I know. " He Smiled again, Raising a hand and pressing his shoulder with it. My cheeks turned red. When I had woken up in flight I found myself on his side. My head was resting on Abhay's Shoulder, my both hands were gripping on his arm. I had fallen in sleep on my Seat, but Then didn't know when in my Sleep I turn my head to him. It was quite Comfortabl and Cozy position. Though just for me. Abhay had to sit straight without moving So that he did not woke me up. He stayed still and let me sleep on his Shoulder for hours. As a result, He had gotten a Stiff Shoulder.
"I'm sorry," I said Sheepishly.
"You don't need to. You were just sleeping, " He replied.
Then our food got served and we began Eating in Silence. On our way back to apartment I had ask him to tell me about his life in New York city. He told me that He had been living in New York from almost last ten years. He came here sortly after his parent got divorced, he had gotten an admission in a well known University. Now he worked here as a software Engineer in a Reputed Company. He loved his job, it paid him well and Gave him a reason to Stay away from His Parent's mess Relationship (If you could Say it even a Relationship). Then he fell silent and I couldn't bring myself to say anything more.
When we Reached to apartment , he opened the door for me. 'I'll bring another set of these Apartment keys for you, First thing Tomorrow." He said as he enter after me. "And, I will also hire a cook."
"Why cook? " I asked. He raised an eye brow, So I Simply Said "I can cook. "
"Piya, " He said Softly (I like hearing my name in his Smoth and Heart warming voice) "I'm not a kind of husband who Expect his wife will Cook for him, even if Her interest lie on Something else. Here, You can do anything you like. I won't Stop you. Your Happiness is now my Responsibility."
"I like Cooking," I blurted out, feeling a need to stop him from Saying anything further, his words were during funny thing in my stomach (or may be I had eaten something wrong)
"You do? " He asked, Very Surprised (See, we didn't know each other, at all.)
"Yes, I like Cooking very much. So no hiring any Cook. "
"Ok, if you say so..." He relaxed. Then Leaving him in living room I went to kitchen, grab a bottle of water and took it into Bedroom with me. I lay it on bedside table. Then I took a quick shower and Change my clothes for bed hurriedly. When He came into room , I was already on bed, lying there on my side with close eyes (Pretending to be Sleep). I heard him walk toward Wardrobe and then Toward Bathroom. With a 'clink' of sound bathroom door got close. I heard Shower running. Then only I opened my eyes and breath.
It was still awkward around him whenever We were alone, Specially in nights , Though not that much awkward as it had been on Our Wedding Night. Our Mothers had book a lavish Honeymoon Suite of Same Resort where our Wedding and Reception had taken place. The Honeymoon Suite was beautiful and decorated So So Romantically with Red Roses and Candles. And as if it wasn't enough, I found a Sexy Satin Red Coloured Nighty lying on the bed with a tag written over it which read 'With Love, From Mom and Mom-in-Law'(Either our Mothers were high on booze or they were desperated to be grand mothers... Sheesh,). I was bewilder. The Nighty was more on showing then hiding side. I was holding it on one hand, away from myself, Watching it with widen eyes, and at that Same moment Abhay chose to enter in Room. His eyes had gone wild as they fell on Nighty. I was highly Embarrass and hurriedly threw it under bed, explaining it was our Mothers gift. He just shook his head in disbelieve.
Still, Our Wedding night was 'Uneventful' because we both were Hell uncomfortable. So Abhay said we didn't need to do 'It' (ahem, ) Untill We know each other in better way and would get comfortable. I was relieved (We slept on a Same bed, though). He told me to Sleep So I did. In fact, I over Slept. I Woke up almost past noon. That had given My Cousins and Friends a very good reason to tease me through out the day. They cornered me, asking about every detail of Our 'adventurous' night which Exhausted me So much that I Over Slept. I was so Embarrassed (again Understatement). At a point, I even thought We should had done 'It' , At least then, I hadn't had to be Embarrassed for Nothing.
When I met My mother and My mother-in-law they were all gushy gushy.Obviously, They Had heard how I was Sleeping all that morning. They were watching me and Abhay with Such proud and glinting eyes as If their money for honeymoon suit and Nighty had been paid of (again, Sheesh).
After that, I had become quite Self-conscious about my Sleep for the whole time we stayed with our families. In fact, I hardly sleep for a week. That was one of the reason Why I slept for hours on Abhay's Shoulder during flight.
Abhay came out of bathroom and I again closed my eyes. He lied on the other side of bed. When he Switch off the light and room fell in darkness, my heartbeat increased.I was lying on my side, facing my back toward him, didn't even notice when I started rubbing my hands in nervousness. For the first time we were truly alone. My parents weren't there in other room, they were miles away. What if He tried to do Something? He had said We wouldn't do 'it' until we would get Comfortable enough with each other but What if he Change his mind. Thoughts like this rushed through my mind.
"You are Save with me, Piya." I heard him say, as if he could hear my fear loud and Clear, and trying to assure me. I didn't dare to turn toward him . He Continues "When I had Said no one will force you, I hadn't mean only by marriage," Then Silence had filled the Space between us, but that silence turned comforting , Every bad thought had been vanished from my mind.
"Good night, Piya." He said after few minutes, He sound tired and Sleepy. I wished him back , then he had fallen asleep.
In Initial days, there were Some Moments When my mind yelled "What Have I gotten myself into? " Because it wasn't easy to Start a conversation with him, he didn't talk much. I even had moments when I thought he didn't like me. Then beginning to understand He was like that only, talking wasn't in his favourite things. So I had to encourage myself to talk with him more and More to ease Awkwardness between Us. I liked that he paid his full attention to me when I was talking with him.
We got more Comfortable with each other. He took me to shopping, Help me buy groceries (His fridge was literally empty, Even kitchen. It made me wonder what kind of life he was living here) and also Help me in getting everything settle. I asked him about his favourite food and His eating preferences and started Cooking food for him daily. Cooking was Something I always enjoyed, but doing it For him held another importance. The day I had cook for him for first time, I was bit nervous, but Soon I was on cloud nine when He praised me. He liked my food. He even gifted me a Gold Pendent as my first 'Shagun'.He didn't know What they Call it by name in India , but He knew Something should be given to A newly wed when they cook for the first time (Indian tradition). I guess his mother had told him, but Whatever, I was Overwhelmed. So Overwhelmed that I hugged him, totally Surprising him. His body was stiff at first, but when I didn't let him go.. He loosen up. He put his arms around my waist and hug me back. It was our first hug, didn't feel awkward at all... in fact it felt so right. His chin rested on my head, making me more relax in his arm. I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent. Soap and Aftershave, So manly.
"Thank you," I Wispered, burying my face in his chest.
"You're Welcome," He Wispered back, remained holding me in his arm. We stayed like this few minutes. Untill, His Cellphone rang out loud, making us almost jump from our feet.. Ruining our little moment. He rushed to get his phone. Thank God, he didn't get to see blush on my face.
When he was talking on phone, I stared at The Pendent, It was Rose- Shaped, had three rows of Petals all pointing slightly upward, Completing the Shape of Rose , and Two small diamond twinkling at it Center. It was Beautiful, but What was more beautiful For Me was Abhay' gesture. He was thoughtful enough to did that for me. His gesture swept me over. When he got done on Call, I asked him to made me Wear That Pendent and He did (I never took it off after that). Then We ate our food together.
Soon, Abhay resumed his Job and I had to be alone in Apartment.. At first, I didn't like it because I wasn't used to it. My family were in India, I had no friends here and Hardly any work to Spend my time Until Abhay get home.But then I found a way to get myself busy. I told him that I wanted to give Our place a little Make over . He look worried at first but then agreed. I promised him I wouldn't bring any drastic change, just wanted to give it little womanly touch and made it look more like Home then Just a Apartment (I used that words just to get his permission ) . I was a Interior designer by profession, So He had to trust me.
In the Process of finalising new look of Apartment, buying few things for decorating purpose and taking his views about things , Our equation with each other improved. I like him more with every passing day. If I needed any help He was always there at my side. He gave his opinion but always let me take my own decision. That was the thing I liked most about him.
I used to talk with my mother and mother-in-law on phone time to time. They kept asking about 'Good news' (Indian Parent's *eye rolling*). Once My mother-in-law even said "We all waiting for the moment when We will get the news that Abhay has finally put his bun on your Oven?" . It took me few minutes to realise what She meant by this. After that, For Several days I couldn't use oven or touch bun with out having a Shiver in my body. Obviously, I didn't share it with abhay (How could I?).
A month passed Smoothly, Everything was going Good between us. We Began Understanding each other. We talk more openly, Awkwardness began disappearing. When He left for work I wait for him to return. I Cooked for him , make Sure his Clothes had been sent to Laundry and brought back, Clean our Apartment (I had fire his maid. She was too hot to be a maid and I doubted She had her eyes on Him), and do other the work that needed to be done. At First, He was reluctant.He didn't want me to do all this stuff for him and Advise me to go on outing and Enjoy myself out. He even Suggested me that if I want He could even help me in Getting a job. He just didn't want me to do Household work just for the sake of keeping myself busy, But when I insisted He let me take care of him.
Once I just asked him How many relationship he had in past. He replied four and also told that not even one of them had been ended by him. It surprised me because He was A handsome and Smart Man, I hadn't seen any wrong habbit in him so far. He wasn't abusive and hardly touch any strong Beverages. He was tall and Mascular, would definitely good in bed (ahem.. didn't need to go there, Stupid mind) . Yes, He was a workaholic, didn't talk much if it was not needed. He wasn't a person who talk just for the sake of talking, But he listen. You ask him He would reply otherwise He would just listen you with patients, and He had So many other qualities.
So It was hard to understand why his exes broke up with him. I asked for the reason and He told His exes thought He didn't Care. I was again offended. He tried to make me understand that He generally had trouble in expressive his feelings. He wasn't expressive type, Couldn't do or Say things in Special ways as his exes expected him to be. I understood it then. He wasn't into the idea of Romance (Unlike me) , which made his exes irked enough to broke up with him. But I Had So much romance in me Which would be enough for both of Us Whenever The Right time come.(I was thinking ahead, ahem.)
"Had You fallen in love with any one of them? " I asked, Feeling a need to Clarify it. He blue eyes Stared me, and I feared I had asked Something wrong. I thought he wasn't going to reply and then I heard him Say "No," His eyes Stayed on me.
"No?" I asked, not believing him.
"May be I had like Someone more than Other three, But It wasn't Love. If it was I would've never married you. I might Not be Expressive about my feeling ,but I'm not a Jerk either. " He Said Seriously. "And If it was Love, I would not Happy with you." He added. I almost just from my seat hearing his admission. "You are happy with me? " tried to clarify that I had heard it right. "Very," He Smiled, making me Smile with him, And I believed What he Said, because I knew One thing He was good at was being Honest. He was always Honest.
Few days After that, We got invited for a beach party Organised by one of abhay' colleague. I chose to wear a White knee length dress, it had pretty red flowers printed on it's edge. It was One of my Favourite dress, Simple and Sophisticated. I wore my 'chuda' because I liked it's vibrant Colours and it goes quite well with my Dress. My Rose Pendent was always there around my neck, I didn't feel the need of anything else. And Abhay was wearing a white shirt with a pair of denim pants. We were quite Complimenting with each other.
It was a fun filled day on the beach, Abhay introduced me with Some of his Colleagues. They all look excited to meet me. I remained stick to Abhay's side most of the time because I was afraid I would get ost there otherwise.
There were So many people, barbecue food, beach ball games and obviously, music and dance. I loved it there, Untill One of abhay' colleague, Named Ellie, decided to play a game with Us. The Sun had already gone behind horizon and Stars had started twinkling in the Sky. Me and Abhay were sitting on logs with Ellie and Some Of his other friends, She insist us to play a simple game with her. We couldn't say no. She told that She would ask us few easy questions about each other and we Had to answer. It would tell how much we knows each other. It was a Simple yet as usual Couple Game, which left me throughly Embarrassed because I Couldn't answer When I was Asked What was Abhay's Favourite colour, Flower, flavour , Accessory and Song. I felt Ashamed more than Embarrass, What kind of wife I was If I didn't even know about his favourite Colour. Whereas Abhay had given all the correct answers (he even knew about my Favourite song, I wondered how?). I was Shocked, impressed and more Ashamed at myself. The look his friends were giving made me want to ran away from there. I was Constantly rubbing my hands, my palm felt sweaty.
Abhay put his arm around my shoulder, I looked into his eyes and He Shook his head Slightly telling me without using words to stop overthinking. I just Forcefully Smiled. Then He Turned his head to Ellie and Said "Actually, Ellie You have asked all wrong questions to Piya." He Said Calmly then asked "Am I allowed to ask her few Questions?" . I gripped his other hand tightly Signaling him that I did not want to go through this Again. Ellie look Confused but nodded.
"What Is my Favourite Food, Piya?" He asked, turning his head back to me. I knew this one. "Butter Chicken, " I replied looking into his eyes "And Lasagna," (I knew because I Cooked for him)
"I can't start my day without? "
"Coffee, Black Coffee. You prefer it Without Sugar and creamer." (I always wondered how could he Swallowed that thing down his throat ).
"Right. I'm allergic to?"
"Bee sting, You are deadly allergic to a bee sting." (I knew this one because once He told me how he was almost dead because of a bee sting, )
"Did you know that, Ellie? " He Asked, Eyeing at her. She Shook her head, looking Embarrassed. He shrugged .There was definitely Something going between them.
"I don't like Storms because...?" His eyes were again on me.
"it gives you terrible .. terrible headache" (Once He Came back home from work during storm, having Terrible headace. He told me that it happened with him every time. I had to force him to take medicine and almost draged him to bed to take rest.)
"I'm passionate About?"
"Work,"
"Thing that Interest me most?"
"Cars"
"How many relationship I had in past? "
"Four,"
That Was His Last question. I felt better and less ashamed, He look towards his friends and said "I think she know me enough". They all agreed (I was flushed) even Ellie seem to agree, but her expression betrayed her words. She look pissed. I didn't get time to asked her 'Why?' Because Abhay Said We should leave for home. We said our good-byes with everyone and walked away.
"Thanks For Saving the day for me" I Whispered, We were walking barefoot, Side by side on Sand near sea Shore. The air was chilly and touch of Sea beneath my feet felt Sensuous.
"It was nothing." He shrugged, " You don't need to feel bad about anything. It was a Stupid game Anyway,"
"It wasn't," I replied, try not to Sound hurt. "I didn't even know your favourite colour.What kind of wife I'am, Abhay? " I let out a Exasperated sigh.
"A good one. And I'm Saying this, So it should be the only thing That matter, " He answered Calmly, "Stop stressing out Yourself, Piya." He said with the voice that Says "on more, " So I tried to let it go. I heaved a long breath, looking at the sea. Then I remembered Something, "What was Ellie' problem? " I Suddenly Asked.
"She was One of those Four" He replied honestly. It took me Sometime to understand what he meant by this. "She was your ex? " He just nodded. I thought Something for a while and fit the pieces together "She was the one whom you liked more than others, right?" I asked him Again.
"Piya, " He said In a warning Tone. "It doesn't matter anymore."
"Yet She tried to humilate me," I offended and Stop walking. "She wasn't correcting me when I gave wrong answers, She was actually mocking me that she knows you better than me. And I was stupid enough not to realise it then."
"She was being immature, " He said.
"Yes, She was." I shook my head. (Immature? Huh, She was being crazy stupid jealous b...Ah, let just not say that word,). He held my hand and said Softly "let it go, piya," and I did. I did not want to think about Ellie , not at least that moment. My eyes fell on his hand, his wedding band, The symbol of being taken twinkle in Moonlight. He wasn't her, He was mine. She was his past. I was his present and hopefully future too.
"You impressed me today," I said as I Entwined my fingers with his, reducing distance between us.
"I did?" He raised an eye brow, turning his head to my side. I nodded. "How did you know about my favourites? I don't think I have ever told you."
"No,You haven't."
"Then How? "
"I watch and observe," He told.
"huh?" I puzzled.
"I've observed you, Piya . I know white is your favorite colour because Every time We've gone to Shopping, You always pick white Colour dress first to try. Your wardrobe is full of white dresses and Accessories. Even Now you are wearing a white dress." He Smiled, looking more appealing in Moonlight. "Oh," I Said, realising that it was true. "I knew Red Rose is your Favorite flower, because I've Seen You buying red roses every now and then and placing them in your favourites books. Whenever You love any book You put a rose in it. Your another habbit." I was Surprised, no Shocked ! ( Breath...Breath. He knew that! How closely He was observing me?) .
"Dark Chocolate automatically brings a smile on your face. And You got 19 watches as your wedding gift from your friends and cousins. Why ? My guess is , Because you love watches. They knew it. It wasn't hard to guess" he finished with a easy going tone, and I was...Stunned, Speechless.
"And Song?" I managed to ask.
"When you work in kitchen You plays that Song on loop." He Stared into my eyes. And my knees Suddenly felt weak, Thank God I was holding his hand. An Unfamiliar warmness filled me.
I cleared my throat and Said in a voice that wasn't beyond a whisper "So, does it mean you like observing Me? " (or just, like me.)
"Yes, A lot." He Smiled, flashing his dimple in moon light. And, That was the moment. The moment I had fallen in Love with him. The words that he was paying attention not just to my actions, but even to my reactions filled my heart with Love for him. I was overtaken with his admission. I Placed my head in his Shoulder and We Started Walking this way only.
I was in Love, I knew it was love because I Started feeling Complete in his Presence. I felt full ,light and floating at once When His blue eyes Stares at me.I felt Butterfly in my Stomach Whenever He touched me (even it was just for taking his Car keys or his wallet). I knew it was Love because I wanted to Spend more and more time with him. I was in love with Abhay. He wasn't a dark and twisted type man as you read in books. He was the kind of Man who would Calm you, Soothe just by his presence. He might not be expressive but he Cares. And he Observe.
I wanted to hear him talk, I wanted him to like me.. Love me, the way I loved him. I wanted to tell him That I had fallen in Love with him, but I was afraid of his reaction. I did not want to freak him out with my growing emotions. So I didn't tell him, Though made Sure that Ellie never got the Second chance to put me down. I asked him about his relationship with her (even if I hated it), and he told me everything. Frankly, There wasn't anything I should be afraid of. They had very normal relationship that lasted for short Span. Reason, Ellie was very demanding and Abhay's world Couldn't just Roam around her, So She broke off. (duh,)
Anyways, Coming Back to Us, After three weeks Abhay had to go to Attend a conference in Melbourne, Florida. It was a Four day trip. Abhay insisted me to come with him , he did not want me leave there all myself. But, I had Apartment work to finish, we had talk about Re painting the Whole Apartment and I thought that was the best time to get done with it and giving our place a whole new look.So, I stayed (though I missed him badly). I got myself busy in work as much as possible to distract myself from his thoughts. After four days when Abhay returned, Every work had been finish. I had Selected darker shade of blue and white for our living room (blue was Abhay's favourite colour ). Roof was painted white and All the walls with blue, except one. That One was painted with white and had been given Slightest texture of Waves with blue on it. I had chosen to make it done as a memory of our time at beach, As a memory of the moment in which I had fallen in love with Abhay. And it came out So beautiful. On the Centre of it Two pictures were hanging. First picture was of Our Marriage day. That picture had been taken on Beach, Goa. We were in Our full Groom and bride Attire. Standing too close to each other, My hand on his chest, His hand on my Back, Side of His face touches mine (My Mom hired wedding Photographer made us do that) as we were looking at the camera, Trying our best to Smile. And behind Us, the never ending Sea. The photo had been Capture beautifully.
The Second photograph was of beach party day. One of Abhay' friend Had Click that photo. We were again on beach (thinking about that, beaches had Seem to play a significant role in our live) , though we our in Casual Clothes this time. Abhay was hugging me from behind and We were laughing, (His friend wanted us to be more posey, So..) . I loved that photo. Infact I loved both photos, that's why I chose to hang them on wall. The Contrast in our Equation in both the pics Warm my heart. Abhay had too left staring at the wall for few minutes. He looked impressed with the all make over work. I knew he was impressed, he didn't have to tell me. His face said it all, He was even awestruck when he Saw Our bedroom. It was painted with mixture of two shades of blue. Wall texture Came out so good that it was Complementing the Funiture effectively. New Curtains and rug had done it's own magic (I was professional interior designer, After all) .
So as a gift of my hardwork Abhay took me to dinner in A lavish hotel. I enjoyed my time with Him, that's all matter. I was head over heel in love with him.
After Sometime, I started to think I should tell Abhay that I was ready to take next Step in Our marriage (As We were sleeping together but not truly together.) I was ready to be his, truly his in every way possible. I wanted to Confess my feelings to him So I Could know How he felt about me. I wanted to kiss him, love him and Share every experience with him. But, I was Sort of words. Every time I thought I would tell him, my voice betrayed me. I rehearse Several times in my head that I would tell him "I love you." But when I was infront of him I said everything except the words I was rehearsing for. Things gone like this for several days.
One day, I thought it was enough of being disappointed. I had to do this. I would tell him, today..for sure. I braced myself. Today was the Day, I thought. I prepared dinner and got ready. I wore a knee length Red colour dress, minimum jewellery and did make up. Left my curly hairs loose at one side of my face and Complete my look with red Lipstick. I look into mirror, checking my reflection. I was looking Sexy. I Rub my hand on my Rose Pendent to get Courage, There was no turning back this time, I would tell him How much I love him. I blushed. I came in living room and waited for him to Come home.
Then door bell rang and I rushed to door . I was going to tell him before I could change my mind. I opened the door blushing, totally forgetting that abhay never rang door bell. He had his keys with him.
"Surprise, " two voice said in Unison. And I was surprised. It wasn't abhay on the door but my parents.
It took me few moments to realised that My dad and mom were actually standing infront of me. When I realised it was all real, I was thrilled. My mom hugged me and She was as thrilled as me. We got inside the home.She asked me why I was all dressed up. My cheek turned beetroot red, but I made some lame excuse (Mom gave me a knowing grin). When Abhay came back home he didn't seem as Surprised as me Seeing my parents. He knew they were coming, He hadn't just told me. They wanted to Surprise me. (Only if they had told me, I would've save myself from That Embarrassment, *Sigh* .But as it was a nice Surprise I forgave him). He left Awestruck Seeing me, though. The Way his eyes Scan me from top to bottom gave me goosebumps. His gazed was so intense (Aah,He liked what he see. Good work, Piya... But bad timing). He asked me was I planning to go Some where ? (No, I had been planning to do you, tonight. But..Alas, ). I just Shook my head in nervousness and rushed to change my cloths into Something simple.
When I came back Mom Started asking questions about How was it going between me and abhay. We talked So much. When I told her I did make over of our home, She was proud of me. She kept staring at our beach party pic. The happiness on our faces was so visible on that photo, Her eyes filled with happy tears. She kissed my cheek Saying She was so happy for me.
We did dinner together, Dad told us that He had some work here in New York and Mom wanted to see me So she just Came along. I was happy that she did. Then Mom drop a bomb on Us. She said that She wanted to take me india with them. She told that When we got married We had not enough time for 'Pag Phere ki Rasm' (Indian Tradition where a bride has to stay at her parental home for Some days). So They had postpone it. Now it was the time they think It should be done, plus my Grand mom wasn't well. She wanted to See me.
Mixed emotion rushed through me. I wanted to go but I didn't want to go. I didn't want to leave Abhay alone here. I looked at him as my dad ask for his permission. I couldn't read his face at that moment, couldn't Say How he felt about me going away from him. He was good in hiding his feelings. Then He just said he didn't had any problem with it. They can took me with them. They asked me too and I couldn't bring myself to Say anything. I was hurt, Abhay got agree for sending me away from himself So easily, I wanted him to protest. Mom asked me again and this time I just said "okay," .
I was upset. This whole going away thing wasn't setting well with me. Abhay had a job to do that's why he couldn't go with Us. I was very upset because Abhay looked very much unaffected with that. And I was upset because he wasn't upset. He was all cool that I was going. He took me to shopping and helped me buy gifts for my friends and family. Then I Packed my bags, Feeling all heavy. Four days passed and finally the day arrived when I was going, but Still he hadn't Said that he would miss me, not even once. He didn't show that my absence would affect him in any way.
"How many days you're going to Stay in India? " He had asked the other night. We were lying on bed. He was on his side and I was on mine.
"I don't know exactly. May be a month. " I told him, without turning my face to him.
"A month? "
"Yes. Will you manage till then?" I asked but mind yelled "Just say you will miss me". He didn't Said that, obviously "Yeah.I will manage." Were his words. I knew he wasn't expressive , but saying that He would miss me shouldn't have been that difficult.
It Seem I was the only one who got used to his Presence, He would be fine without me. Tears threat me to leak, I jerked them away. I would not Cry. He wouldn't miss me. So what !
Next Day, I was on Airport with my parents. We were waiting for our flight announcement. My mom was So happy that I was coming with her, She thought I wouldn't come or abhay wouldn't let me Go away from him. I wish I could tell her that Abhay didn't want me the way I wanted him. I wish I could Say he didn't Care Either I was with him or not. My phone rang Saving me from giving any answer to her. I Answered the call, it was Abhay.
"My meeting has ended. I'm on my way to airport "
"OK," I said Slowly.
"Do you want me to bring anything for you? Something you will need?"
"No. I've packed everything." I replied, then I remembered Something. "Wait, I couldn't find my novel. It got misplace Somewhere when I was packing my things. Will you buy me a new one? "
"Name it." He said.
I told her the name of novel, then disconnected the Call. I raised my hand to my Rose Pendent And started moving my fingers over it, feeling it's curvey Design in my palm.It was his first gift to me. For me, it was a Symbol of 'He care'. I badly needed to remind it at that moment. "He cares. He cares. He cares," I repeated in my head, while rubbing the Pendent slowly. My heart felt heavy. It was just so unfair. Unfair because only I was going through this. He should've equally upset that I was going away from him for a month but he wasn't. I wanted to be wanted by him but I wasn't. He didn't love me the way I loved him. And, I hated it.
I was lost in thought when Abhay Arrived (He came to See off us).My Parent got off on their feet and I followed as he came near Us, and apologized for being late. I ignored him. I was hurt and angry. He talked to them for while, making sure everything was fine. I knew he was glancing at me but I did my best to ignore him. Then he came to me and Handed me my novel.
"Thanks," I said, staring at the novel cover. Now when He was standing So close to me and his blue eyes were on me, I felt weak. Why didn't he love me the way I loved him? Why?. A pain started building on my throat.
"What's wrong?" He asked, Searching my Face.
"Nothing," I managed to look at him and scold myself for being such a emotional fool. My mom asked him Something, he looked at her and replied. As I held my novel in my another hand I realised There was Something between it's pages. I opened it to See and found an white envelope inside it. I took the envelope and looked at abhay, but he was Saying Something to my mother. I was puzzled. I immediately opened it. And what I found inside it left me Shell shocked.
Return tickets. I found Return tickets for me. I examined them Closely, Date printed on them for return was of after two weeks. I Looked at abhay with Confused face and found him watching me.
"What...? " I tried to ask him but words got lost Somewhere.
"I won't be able to manage for a month.. not without you," He Smiled. His dimple flashing smile took my breath away. I swallowed his words in. Just Left staring at him. Then Our flight announcement happened. Mom and dad hugged abhay and Said their good byes.They left us alone for a minute for Saying good bye to each other. I was just standing there. He brought his hand to my face and I closed my eyes, feeling warmness of his palm. "Take Care of yourself," He said in Such a deep and husky voice it filled My senses. Then he Kissed on my cheek, near my lobe. His lips touched my skin, His breath stroke my ear. And I was lost.It wasn't all, more was coming..
"I love you..." He Whispered near my ear. My eyes opened with a Shock. Did he really just Said those three words?. I was numb, Unable to react. I heard my dad calling my name. I turned from abhay and Started Stepping toward my parents Absent mindely. It was only after few minutes, my mind Sink his word in and I realised what just Happened. Abhay had Confess his love for me. I stopped moving in mid-way as Realisation hit me. And Suddenly, I was ecstatic . He loved me. He loved me. My level of happiness reached to Cloud nine.
I turned around. He was still Standing there, Looking at me. I didn't think anything after that Just ran toward him. He looked Surprised as I Came infront of him. I put my hand on His shoulder, standing on my tip toe I kissed on his lips.. a quick kiss. "I Love you too..." I Confessed breathlessly. At first He looked shock, then a smile form on his face. Before I could realised He wrapped his hands around my waist and Kissed me...kissed me hard. (Thank god, My parents had gone through Security check and were out of vision ).
He kissed me as if I meant world to him. With the touch of his lips I melted, drowned in new Sensation. I reciprocate the kiss, trying to keep it as decent as possible as we were at a public place. But abhay didn't wanted to be decent, He deepen the kiss, almost lifted me up from ground. Blood rushed on my cheek. My hand played with his hairs. I felt drugged. We didn't wanted to but he had to break our kiss. He put me back on ground. He looked as breathless as I felt.
"Two weeks? " He asked, while catching his breath.
"Yeah, Two weeks." I Confirmed with a Smile, hugging him for one last time before Going, and then I was gone... but only to Come back to him after two weeks, To start our relationship on a whole new level. We were in Love, after all.
Dad was right. I never regretted marrying abhay.
The End
I didn't intend to write it as a whole Story but just a Scene. The last one. Then I felt a need to tell that how they got married. And new scenes started coming out by it's own. I hope it's worth reading. I have written Something after ages So not Sure about the outcome. Thanks for reading, Anyway. Sorry for mistakes.
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