Chapter 9

TiaMaaaaa

@TianaWrites

~9~

She looked through the cupboard to find something suitable to wear. Her ex-husband had called in this morning and invited them to some grand party he had organized. She hadn't wanted to go but her man had insisted she go. He had some important meeting that he wanted to attend and he didn't want her to be alone at home. As she rummaged through the cupboard, her mind wandered to the conversation they had had two days back. They had been cordial with each other post that... he had even flirted but she had closed up. Gone was the fun, flirty side of her. It seemed as if the old reserved cold Anu was back to stay. The whole 'another important person' brought her memories of the life she badly wanted to forget. She clicked her tongue scolding herself for thinking her Anuj was anything like that creep... still, her brain wanted her to play safe.

"Anu...."

His voice broke her thoughts and she turned around to see him by the door. She gave him a small smile and he felt a pang in his heart. He missed the playful and joyous side of her that she had been showing him. Ever since he had told her about Mukku, she had been very reserved. He had flirted, teased and even stared at her for 30 whole minutes in an attempt to make her smile whole heartedly. She didn't budge. Her face now almost always plastered with a small smile but to his sorrow, they didn't really reach her eyes. He asked the question he had been asking everytime he saw her for the last two days,

"Anu... are you okay?"

"Yes..."

"Okay, if you say so... don't worry about me I will be alright, GK is coming with me."

"Promise that you will take your medicines at 9 sharp...."

His heart felt a little lighter at her words. She still cared.

"Mmm... I promise... Samar will drop you here na?"

"Yes..."

"Okay..."

He turned to leave when her voice stopped him.

"You are going to meet her...."

It was a statement... not a question, he realized and slowly nodded his head.

"All the best..."

He walked towards her and took her hand in his.

"I wish I could tell you everything right now..."

"You could... But don't... I don't want you to break promises..."

"I am so sorry, Anu..."

"Don't be..."

"Anu...."

"I am not hurt because you can't share who she is to you...It's just that you belonged solely to me... or that's what I thought and..."

She stopped and bit her tongue as she saw his intent gaze on her. A warm blush crept on her neck as she recollected what she had just confessed. She looked away trying to collect her thoughts.

"I mean....meant... as a friend... I felt hurt..."

He gently let his thumb graze her fingers.

"I belong only to you... only to you, Anu..."

As he felt her tremble, he withdrew his hands and moved away a little.

"I promise I will sort this mess soon... Promise you will wait for me, Anu..."

She nodded, her eyes filling up. He turned away to leave and then stopped. Looking back at her, he held her gaze with his. His voice husky, he said...

"You look really beautiful with your hair open... I love seeing you like that...."

And she felt her heart race once again.

***

"Samar is here..."

He looked up from his laptop to see her looking gorgeous in a black saree that perfectly showed off her curves. His face lit up as he noticed her hair was not tied up.

"I need to leave now..."

He nodded and she turned to leave.

"Anu..."

She turned around.

"Yes..."

He walked towards her.

"I am honored that you took my wish into consideration..."

She grinned a little, the playfulness peeking through momentarily.

"Anything for a good friend..."

He smiled.

"Of course, Mohatarma... Anything you say..."

***