Chapter 42

Everything changes, nothing is permanent. It's a common saying. Everyone knows it and you might even find yourself saying this to a friend or a relative in a difficult situation.

But when the change happens why can't we accept it? Why are we fighting so hard not to change? Is it even worth fighting it? Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. The question is: when?

Another beautiful morning in Ooty. When I woke up, I couldn't find my husband anywhere in the room, so I decided to enjoy my solitude.

I went to the balcony and relished the smell of wet soil. The air was fresh and humid. Dewdrops were dripping from the leaves.

It was wet and greenish everywhere. The air outside was cold and I missed coffee. I longed to feel a warm cup in my hands.

We decided to visit the flower show in the Botanical Garden. Tourists from all over the country come during this season to see all the colourful flowers.

I was sure my husband had already joined the boys to do some work for the project. I didn't even know why we were on vacation if they were going to work anyway.

I took my time in the bathroom since it felt good to have a hot shower when it was cold outside. Only when I finished did I realize that I had forgotten to bring my clothes inside.

I just wrapped myself in a towel. After all, there was no one else in the ro-

"Ahh!" I shrieked as I came out and saw a figure sitting on the bed.

Thankfully, it was my husband, but I was not thankful to see him right now. I was pretty sure I locked the door. How did he get inside?

I tried to retreat to the bathroom but there was no point. You could see everything anyway, and I didn't know how long he had been there.

The answer to that question concerned and excited me at the same time.

I was in such a daze that I forgot to pick up my dress from the bed. I could have covered myself with that, but I just stood there in a towel, grabbing it tightly and looking at him.

But he was just sitting there looking at his laptop like I wasn't even right in front of him. In a towel! This was so embarrassing. He didn't look at me, not even once.

"Wh-why are you here?" Stupid question, but it was hard to be rational in this situation.

Finally, he shot me a nonplussed expression before looking back at his laptop. It was obvious why he was there, it was his room too.

But I was a little offended. I expected something more than this nonchalant attitude.

I am in just a towel for the first time in my life in front of a man and this is what his response is? That's it?

Well then, I should act casual too. I walked to the bed and picked my dress with my eyes fixed on him all the way. Still no response.

I frowned a little and turned around to go back and get changed. What was I even expecting?

But then I felt him get up from the bed and stride toward me. Suddenly, my heart started pounding and I was desperate to run away. I felt like a prey chased by a predator.

Unfortunately, I got caught, but why didn't I want to escape? He wrapped his hand around my waist, pinning my body against his chest. I didn't dare move or talk.

We were both breathing rapidly. I felt his lips on my shoulder and I bent my neck slightly to the side to give him better access, but he didn't advance.

I didn't know what he was thinking or why he was waiting.

"How long have you been here?" I couldn't bear the silence or the lack of action anymore.

His hand released me, and I was upset but then he turned me abruptly and held me closer than before. We looked into each other's eyes.

"Is that a problem?" he answered with another question.

Well, no, but I couldn't admit out loud that I liked this. I was embarrassed and shy and I couldn't hide the smile forming on my lips.

"I...I am just curious," I said, biting my lip. He smirked and lowered his head to my ear.

"Enough time to...," he started whispering. His voice was arousing and I felt tingles all over my body.

And then someone knocked on the door.

We both let out a disappointed sigh, and that made us laugh together. His forehead was touching mine, and he just stood there like he was going to ignore the knock.

He slowly brought his hand to my cheek and caressed it softly. I closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth in his hand and his breath on my face.

And then we heard Mia calling his name. He closed his eyes in annoyance and let me go. I let out an involuntary whine, which made him laugh, but he still left anyway.

Why? Why her? Why now? Why does she have to burst the bubble always?

He came back and informed me, "Get changed and come to the lobby. Everyone's waiting for us. Don't forget to lock."

He winked before going away. I smiled to myself and went to get ready.

***

We were in the Botanical Gardens, with a guide to tell us about the flowers. He was going on and on about their botanical names, their special features, and their origins.

I wondered how he remembered everything, but then I wasn't paying much attention... I was a little distracted...by a certain someone.

This time it wasn't one-sided. We shared secret glances and he smiled when our eyes met. The urge to be alone with him got stronger every time I looked at him.

But the people around us were clueless. Nija stuck to him like glue and likewise, Sia stayed with me. She was grabbing my hand, dragging me everywhere, and rambling on and on.

After some time, we all spread out and I was left alone. I didn't know where Sia or anyone else went. We are supposed to meet at the entrance in an hour, so I wasn't worried.

I saw an arch decorated with different kinds of flowers. It was exotic and I went to get a closer look.

There was a big tree a few feet behind the arch that created a space between the arch and the tree, making it look like a room covered on all three sides.

Only when you got closer could you see the inside of that space, and that's where I saw Harsha and Ria trying to kiss each other.

They didn't notice me. I looked around to see if there was someone else there and I saw my husband approaching.

I panicked. I didn't know how he would act if he saw them. I silently cursed Harsha for putting me in this position. I had warned him to tell his friends before they found out themselves.

They would feel hurt and get angry at him for keeping a secret. Well, it was now my responsibility to divert the trouble coming his way.

I ran up to my husband before he got too close.

"I heard that they had black roses in here somewhere. Let's go find out." I grabbed his hand and dragged him the other way. He looked confused but didn't resist.

I relaxed only when we were well away from them. I only hoped that they didn't get caught by anyone else.

I let out a sigh of relief and let his hand go. But he immediately grabbed my hand again and entwined our fingers. I looked at him in surprise.

"I feel cold, and your hand is warm so...," he said, trying to hide his smile.

It was a silly reason, but I liked it. In fact, his hands were warmer than mine. I grabbed his hand tighter to let him know that I loved it and we walked together hand in hand.

We didn't talk much, but it felt surreal just being with him alone and holding hands. After walking around, we saw everyone waiting for us at the entrance.

I tried to release my hand, but he gripped it harder. We walked up to them hand in hand. Harsha was smiling at me, and Sia winked but I only glared at them.

When we reached them, he left me and joined Nija. He was looking at us weirdly, but I didn't care. I was happy, and I was not going to let anyone ruin it.

When we were alone, I warned Sia against being careless. She apologized insincerely. She was happy, and I couldn't hold it against her when she smiled so innocently.

We planned to see a movie in the evening, but until then, we decided to spend the time shopping in a nearby mall.

Once again I was left alone. I was in the female clothes section when I felt that someone was watching me.

I looked around and didn't see anyone suspicious, but then I saw a familiar face in the mirror in front of me.

It was Abhi, my ex-boyfriend. He was trying to hide behind the hanging dresses, but it was too late.

I thought about walking away and pretending that I didn't see him, but I decided against it and walked toward him. I stood in front of him, holding my hands on my chest and glaring at him.

I was confused, shocked, and full of questions but I didn't show any of it in my face. I let him know what he needed to know... My hatred and anger.

"Hey, Aadhi." He smiled and tried to act casual.

"Why are you following me?" I cut straight to the chase.

He rubbed his fingers on his forehead and looked down, stomping his feet slightly. I could tell how anxious he was.

After all these years and everything that happened, I could still read him like a book. That meant I still cared, and I hated myself for that.

"How do you know that I am here? Are you stalking me?" I asked him angrily.

"No... Yes... But it's not what you think," he stuttered.

"I couldn't stop thinking about you. I want you in my life, Aadhi. I want you back. I am jealous that you are with him and angry that I am helpless to do something about it."

"Are you crazy? Or do you think I am crazy?" I was so angry. Did he expect me to run back to him now?

"I know you are still in love with me, and I know that you are not living with him as a wife. You are gonna divorce him anyway, right?

I know it's because you couldn't love him...because you are still in love with me. Please, Aadhi, give me another chance. I love you so much. I can't live without you.

Forgive me... that is what love is, right? Forgiving each other. Please, Aadhi...come back to me," he begged me, holding my hands in his.

That hit me hard. Mia...that conniving bitch told him everything. She betrayed me... I am going to kill her.

I threw his hands away from mine. I didn't want him to touch me. I was beyond angry, burning with rage that I wanted to bite his head off right now.

"Go away before anyone sees you and..."

I was going to say I don't love you, and I don't want to see you for the rest of my life. A whole tirade of spiteful things was on the tip of my tongue, but the words got stuck in my throat when I saw someone in front of me.

My husband... He was just a few feet behind Abhi but within hearing distance. He was clenching his fist and I could only see one emotion in his eyes... Hurt.