- Story 1-

Chapter 2

Sixteenth Day :

Fifteen days. Fifteen days to the marriage. Things had changed pretty much. I did not have to smile all the time. I had got used to the ways of the house. He wasn't talking in just monosyllables or phrases. There were short paragraphs now. We slept on the same bed, we spoke much more, though usually on topics related to work and work. But still the change was welcome. Seven days had changed a lot. 

But still some things continued. He was still the perfect gentleman who seemed forced to be with a woman in his room. The entire week I bought those single roses and gave them to him. It had become more like a chore of the day. 

My eyes became alert as we arrived at the signal where the woman who sold roses came to my window. I was already prepared with the money in my fist. 

Something pleasantly surprising happened. While I looked out of the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the familiar face. Not a single, but a bunch of those roses appeared before me. He smiled as I followed the bunch to his hand and finally to his eyes. They shone. "For you!" He said.

I smiled unable to even thank him at the moment while outside his window stood the woman giving me a wide smile. This man had bought all the roses for me. Looking at them I waved to the woman as we drove off.

"Thank you!" I said once we began walking down the passageway carrying those flowers in hand. I swear, I saw his eyes shining. 

Not bad after all!

I sat with old Mr. Gill, his assistant on the rear table in his office, typing away the summary. He was a nice old fellow. Full of life. He was the only one I could talk my heart out to. The others seemed reserved. He told me about his experience and hilarious things that happened at work. But today the two of us sat silently. We were in his office and he preferred working in a strict disciplined environment. So the two of us sat silently working, exchanging knowing glances. 

What caught my attention after a while was him stealing glances at us. Butterflies? There was an entire zoo in my stomach. A crowd of crazy animals making a noise. Man, with his speed our first heart to heart conversation would be on our three month anniversary, our first touch on our six month anniversary, our first kiss on nine month anniversary and things beyond that only after a year! 

I couldn't survive a year. No way. With this man, who was extremely cute, adorable, lovable, gentle and charming. No way. Because he was also, hot, devilishly handsome and sinfully sexy. Like his good looks weren't enough his disposition made him more lovable.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by Mr.Gill. Shit! I had been staring at him and had to be snapped out of reverie. Slightly embarrassed I tried pretending as though I was thinking deeply about the work. Mr. Gill gave me a smile and handed me the file.

I quickly looked at him from the corner of my eyes. Fish! He was looking at me! Could I just runaway? Not exactly but I could some sort of. Excusing myself I walked over to the washroom. Once inside I gasped and hit my head. Considering this was just the beginning of our life, I was sure I would soon be doomed. Now no staring no thinking. Only focus. Inhaling a sharp breath after a good wash I walked out. Woohoo Surprise !

Mr.Gill had disappeared and there he was now sans his blazer looking out of the glass walls engaged in a conversation over his bluetooth.

Darn! He looked sexier in that black shirt. There goes all my planning into the bin. At the right moment he turned and walked over. I forced a smile. He walked up to me. 

"I was wondering if you've decided so far?"

"Umm..I thought I'd apply for the interview for manager of the Accounts department. It's just that I do not want to randomly take away someone's job, I'd take it if I deserve it."

"Umm..you know what the process is?"

"Yeah I do. I will take up the test and interview. "

"Alright. " he said pressing lips thoughtfully while his hands were on the chair. "I will let dad know that."

"No. I mean I don't want any... you know, influence because I m the daughter-in-law of the family."

He flashed a wider smile. "OK. I will tell him after the interview. I won't interfere. I promise. "

"Thanks!" Shouldn't that be a Thank-you? Whatever.

"Lunch?"

"Yeah"

"Shivaay, uh.." I stopped in track, remembering another point that had been bothering me for a while now.

"Hmm?" 

"Ahh..look this might sound slightly odd but I do not want to you know, slash out your space or hack into your professional life. I..I mean, I m okay with not being escorted with you."

"You have a problem, umm, with me around?" He looked baffled. Oh, man! What was she saying and what was he gathering out of it.

"Oh no..just that I don't want you to feel umm awkward, and ..

" I don't feel awkward. "

"Oh no...what I am trying to say is...you had a certain ways of doing thinhs before I do not want you to change that for me."

He finally understood I could say for he nodded. Cutely! Alright, he nodded. "I like your company so I have no problem with that. But if you, do.."

"Certainly not I love your company!" I cut in, and regretted what I said. Wow, he would now think I am desperate. I just said I "love" his company. That meant, I love spending time with him. That implied I ...I ..love him. Oh wrong turn!" 

He smiled. "So? Dinne?"

I blinked. Dinner? Weren't we going for lunch?

"I..I mean lunch!" He covered up embarrassed.

My mind said  smile but I freaking giggled. He ran his hand on the back of his head. My eyes feasted. He looked so adorable. Control Control. Too fast. 

* * *

Lunch breaks was something I looked forward to. I loved the terrace cafeteria of the place. To add my growling stomach grew polite. But, today was awkward. I was sure he had noted the two or three times I stared at him. I couldn't help, he looked extremely devouring with the sleeves of his black shirt rolled up. 

We spoke about general cuisines. We did have a few common favorites. While many others were different. But, we got along as friends. That was enough considering that we totally ignored the fact that we were married.

* * *

Nineteen nights! This was the twentieth. As I lay my thoughts were over the upcoming interview and test, ten days to it. What the hell test again! But I had very nicely said that I will be doing it that way. Great! I turned sightly, his eyes were closed. Maybe already asleep. They way he worked! God! She now no longer called herself workaholic after she saw his dedication. No wonder his company was where it was. In fact the entire family was very dedicated at whatever profession they did. 

He moved. I squeezed my eyes shut pretending to be asleep. What followed, shocked me. The gentlemanly husband was hovering upon me, I could say by the hot breath fanning my face. Few minutes later the coldness set in. What? I thought he'd kiss or trail his finger along my forehead or cheek. Nothing? Counting all the way till hundred and back I slowly opened my eyes. There he was sleeping like a statue. Did I imagine? Blinking I thought it was best to sleep.

What do you think? Especially about the last part.

-Anami!