TS: That Magical Night Part 2 Page 4

Part 1 (of 2)

Kabir looked incredulously at the beautiful face in front of his eyes. He gently removed the errant strands of unruly hair that were falling over her face. She stirred slightly. He was scared that he had woken her up. But she only snuggled closer to him. He tightened his hug as if to reassure himself that she was actually there and that she would never go away.

He began replaying the events from yesterday. He had caught Baby red-handed trying to sabotage Ananya's work on Shreya's behest. Baby had resorted to a dirty but oft-used trick of accusing him of trying to molest her. She had run out of the PCR alleging that he had tried forcing himself on her. He had stood there, speechless that this was happening to him. The entire office stopped doing their work and focused on the drama.

Shreya had entered and added oil to the fire. She had accused him of being a characterless womanizer and had dragged Tarini into the entire discussion. She had then turned her attention to Ananya.

Shreya: What had you thought Ananya? This man would be loyal to you? He couldn't be loyal to his own wife. Why would he be loyal to a girlfriend?

She had tried her best to instigate Ananya. But Ananya hadn't said a word. Frustrated she had resorted to insulting Ananya

Shreya: Or maybe you don't expect loyalty? I guess you aren't really his girlfriend, just a mistress.

Kabir: SHREYA! HOW DARE YOU?

Shreya: How dare you Kabir Sharma? Harass a woman in my office and think you'll get away with it?

Kabir: That's just a cock and bull story!

Shreya had turned to Khalid.

Shreya: The anti-harassment policies of this company are very strict. He has to be suspended till a committee investigates the matter.

Khalid's hands were tied and much against his will he had told Kabir that he was suspended.

Kabir had been flabbergasted. He had then turned to Ananya. She hadn't said a word in favour of him or against him. Her usually expressive face was blank. He had assumed the worst.

She didn't believe him either.

He had stormed out of the office. At home he had sat thinking about the events, cursing his luck. Ananya's blank face kept flashing in front of his eyes.

She probably hated him.

He had moved towards his alcohol cabinet involuntarily and had opened a bottle of whiskey. He had decided that he would drown all his sorrows in his only trusted companion.

But a hand had stopped him. Ananya's hand.

Ananya: What are you doing?

Kabir: that's none of your business! Are you here to ask me the same questions? Tell me what a horrible man I am... Unworthy of love... Unworthy of..

The rest of his words had remained unspoken. She had kissed him on his lips and had hugged him tightly. He had tried pushing her away. But she had held onto him. She hadn't left him till he had calmed down.

Ananya: I never doubted you. Not for one moment. I was in office going over the CCTV footage of the PCR. Ronnie and I made a duplicate copy before Shreya destroys it. This is the proof of your innocence.

She had handed him a memory card.

Kabir: My innocence?! I always have to keep proving it. Justifying myself. Overcoming accusations.

He had laughed cynically before allowing tears to flow freely from his eyes.

She had cupped his face and had slowly begun kissing away all the tears.

Ananya (softly): To the world unfortunately you do. To me, never.

Those words had broken down the last of his barriers. He had hugged her tightly and had begun kissing her all over passionately. She had been surprised by his passion but had done her best to keep up. Before they realized it, he had placed her gently on the sofa and had flung himself on top of her. He had begun moving his hands under her shirt. He had only stopped when he heard her voice.

Ananya: Kabir! STOP. This is too fast. Slow down.

He had stopped immediately shocked and horrified at his own behavior. His face was riddled with guilt.

Kabir: I am so sorry! I crossed the line! Please forgive me. Don't be angry.

He had stormed out of the flat, not paying heed to Ananya's frantic cries asking him to stop. He had driven around mindlessly till he cooled down.

He had looked at his phone. 30 missed calls from Ananya.

Kabir: Hello!

Ananya: Are you crazy Kabir Sharma? You had me worried sick! Come back this instant.

Kabir: You aren't angry with me.

Ananya: For running away like that, of course I am. For everything that happened before that, of course not. Now come home.

He had returned to the flat. The lights of the apartment had been dimmed. He had entered his bedroom to find it lit only with candles.

Ananya was lying on the bed, covered only by a sheet.

He had gazed at her intently and she had started blushing.

Ananya: Now stop gawking at me and come closer.

Kabir had walked up to her.

Kabir: Ananya you don't have to...

Ananya: You are right. I don't have to. I want to. I had only asked you to slow down, not stop altogether.

Kabir: Are you sure?

Ananya: 100%.

She had paused for a moment before continuing.

Ananya: It's my first time. You'll have to guide me.

But then that's what you have been doing since we met.

And she had winked at him. That had assured him that she was ready for this.

And that had been the start of the most magical night of their lives.