After dinner that night, Nila ran over to the living room, followed by the four adults.

"Veena baby!" She squealed as she sat down on the floor and tickled the kitten's belly.

The kitten purred in content.

Nila noticed the new black-lacquered grand piano at the corner of the living room and stared at it in wonder. "Wow! Papa have piano in Papa's home! When did Papa buy piano?"

"Papa didn't buy it. You remember the Grandma and Grandpa at the café? They gave it to us as a gift."

Shiva and Shalini noticed the piano and walked over to it.

"They gave such a grand piano as a gift?" asked Shalini in disbelief.

"Anu plays the piano very well so they gave it for her since they don't use it anymore."

"Wow, that's nice. So it will be here till Anu finds another place, I guess?" Shiva glanced at Anuradha and Narain.

Anuradha just smiled a bit in agreement but did not respond. I don't really want to leave.

"Yeah, I guess." Narain averted his gaze. I don't want her to leave.

"Mama or Papa play something on the piano please?" requested Nila.

Anuradha hesitated and glanced at Narain.

"You play something, Anu." Narain glanced at her and gestured towards the piano.

Shiva glanced at Anuradha and added, "Yeah, come on, Anu, play something for us."

As Shalini's eyes urged her to go ahead, Anuradha stepped over and seated herself at the piano.

Feeling slightly self-conscious, she played a few notes, gathering her calm, before letting the music ease into her best composition. The poem Narain had played at the elderly couple's golden anniversary party.

The lovely flowing music was tattooed on her very soul; it was one poem she could play anywhere at any time. It eased her nerves and brought a smile to her face naturally. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting herself get absorbed in the music while her fingers ran gently along the keys of the piano.

As she brought the piece to an end, her fingers lingered on the keys and she opened her eyes. She glanced to the floor on her right where the four others in the room had been standing and listening to her music.

"Wow, I love it, Mama!" exclaimed Nila, hugging Anuradha from the side.

Anuradha hugged her back with a smile before glancing up at her friends.

"It was great. It was beautiful, Anu!" Shiva clapped his hands, applauding her recital.

"As always," added Shalini, with a smile and twinkling eyes.

A smile beamed on Anuradha's face. She cast her eyes downwards before shifting it to Narain's feet on their left.

"Really beautiful."

His words slowly raised her gaze up to his face and she saw something that made her feel more beautiful than the music she had played.

Love. Pure love. It was clearly etched in his eyes. So much love, so deep and evident. Like a dream come true.

Her face glowed in his love. She stared at him, finding it hard to believe that she was truly witnessing love for her in his eyes. She felt the corners of her eyes sting as moisture seeped into her eyes.

Narain hadn't realized that he had been staring at her until she had looked up at him and met his gaze. He wanted to look away instantly. But what he saw staggered him before he could. Captivating his gaze, her glistening eyes held the confession of her pure love and drowned him in its inexhaustible depth.

The fact that there was a distance of about a few feet between them, the fact that he was standing while she was seated by the piano, the fact that their friends were present and watching their eye lock; nothing concerned Anuradha and Narain for that long moment of time.

Neither did their gazes waver, nor did they realize the manifest love their own eyes and facial expressions revealed to each other.

Anuradha was numb. All her inner conscience wanted was to leave her where she was seated, reach out to him and disappear in his arms amidst the true love that flowed from his eyes. I have never dreamt in my life that a man could make love to me without even touching me. In some strange way at this very moment, you are making love to me with your eyes.

Her eyes would beat even the most beautiful romantic poems in its expression of love. Such rich, deep and strong love he witnessed in her eyes like he had never seen before. Was this possible? Was she really in love with me? How in the world? His inner conscience just wished to step forward and wait with open arms for her to complete him with the love and warmth he desired.

Open-mouthed, Shalini and Shiva glanced at each other in shock before shifting their glance back to the couple who were obviously very much in love. They glanced at each other again with a small knowing smile. Their friends were in love. How they had wished for such a moment.

"Veena, you can't catch me! You can't catch me!" squealed Nila, who had been playing with Veena, oblivious of the happenings around her.

The incredible eyelock was broken at once. Narain and Anuradha looked away from each other with awkward faces. It felt like they had just gotten out of a trance.

Veena galloped on her little feet while chasing Nila around the living room before she finally caught Nila's feet between her gentle forepaws.

"Yay, Veena, you caught me! Now catch somebody else!"

Responding to Nila's command, Veena charged straight towards Shalini's feet.

"Hey, don't come near me!" Shalini almost jumped backwards as the kitten raced over to her.

Shalini had to run a few steps before she hid herself behind Shiva, feeling afraid of the little feline creature. "Make it stay away, Shiva."

Shiva smiled mischievously before picking up the kitten gently and turning to face Shalini.

"There, catch her!" He made a movement with his hands like he was throwing the kitten over to her.

Shalini jolted backwards in fright before feeling relieved as the kitten was still in Shiva's hands.

"I told you to make it stay away from me. Instead, you're taking it in your hand and showing it to me closer?" Shalini narrowed her eyes at him.

"Look at how cute she is, Lini. Look at her eyes, doesn't she look like an angel? Why are you so afraid of cats? She won't harm you."

Shalini relaxed a little, rather skeptically.

"Touch and see, she won't do anything."

"No thanks. Even if she won't do anything, I'm not gonna touch her."

Anuradha who had been watching them rather silently spoke up at last. "Shiva, after one cat scratched her leg when we were young, she's very afraid of them. She's standing so close to one now, that itself is a very big improvement, isn't it Shalu?"

Shalini glared at her.

"Then, nothing to worry. In just a few more visits, Shalini, you and Veena will be inseparable friends. Veena is a very lovely kitten. She will chase away all your fears and make you love her very soon like we all do." Narain smiled.

Shalini glanced at them, with a small uncertain smile.

Shiva caressed Veena's head gently before lowering her to the floor where she stayed by his feet.

As they were standing around, Shiva turned to Anuradha. "Why don't you play another tune, Anu? You know others too, don't you?"

"Of course she does, she knows many, Shiva." Shalini responded before Anuradha could. "Come on, Anu, play another one for us."

"Sure."

Feeling more confident this time, she played another piece of music but the sight of love in his eyes replayed in her mind throughout the composition she played.

When she brought the music to an end, Shiva and Shalini clapped for her again. She glimpsed the light movement of Narain's palms clapping through the corner of her eyes but did not look up at him. She could feel his gaze on her and she was basking in it with a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

When he finally looked away, she glanced up at him casually and couldn't help but smile again.

While playing with Veena, Nila rubbed her eyes. She was starting to feel sleepy since it was quite late already that night.

As Shiva cleared his throat to speak while watching his friends carefully, Shalini nudged his arm, knowing what he was about to say.

He glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.

"No need to say anything, let them tell us when they're ready." She spoke in a low voice so that only he could hear what she said.

Shiva nodded once in agreement.

"What happened?" asked Narain at once.

"Nothing, I think we should make a move. It's gotten quite late."

"Oh, yeah, it is late." Anuradha stood up and walked over to them.

Narain, Anuradha and Nila accompanied Shiva and Shalini till the door before saying goodnight.

After they had left, Nila had her shower for the night and was soon ready for bed.

Since the awkward eyelock they had shared earlier, Anuradha and Narain had avoided each other's gaze despite the desire raging inside to look at each other every time they could feel the other's eyes on them.

After her shower, Nila was wide awake once again and began bouncing on her feet in excitement because she was back with her Mama and Papa that night.

When the three of them were ready for bed that night, Nila declared, "I'm not gonna sleep tonight! Papa and Mama also should not sleep like me!"

"What are you saying? Aren't you tired at all?" asked Narain.

"Not even a little!"

"Shall Mama tell you a story then for you to sleep?" suggested Anuradha.

"No, no, no! I don't want to sleep today, Mama! No sleeping!"

"Then, what do you want to do?" Narain smiled a bit, feeling amused.

"I don't know. I want to do something with Papa and Mama!"

"But if we don't sleep tonight, tomorrow we'll be tired and we won't be able to go anywhere. Don't you want to go out together tomorrow afternoon? Let's sleep first now and enjoy tomorrow without feeling tired, what do you say?"

Nila started sulking. "I don't like to sleep."

"Fine, let's tell stories. No need to sleep now, okay?" Anuradha grinned. A story will surely put her to sleep.

As the storytelling session began, the two adults were quite sleepy and tired but Nila was still wide awake.

Nearing the end of the story they told with each other's help whenever they were too tired to think of anything or out of ideas, Narain and Anuradha were feeling more awake when Nila rubbed her eyes.

"Enough, Mama, Papa, Nila sleepy." Unable to stay awake any longer, Nila's voice slurred as she spoke.

Her head hit the pillow and she fell asleep instantly.

Narain and Anuradha watched her in amusement. The one had been wide awake and refusing to sleep had fallen asleep in less than an instant, leaving them awake.

They glanced at each other once before turning to opposite directions as they lay in bed. They lay awake for a long while, unable to sleep as the beautiful vision of the love in each other's eyes remained fresh and heartwarming in their memory.

Anuradha held her hand to her heart. She had never felt such a beautiful feeling. To love and to be loved is so different. Moreover, to be loved by the one you love is unbelievably beautiful. He loves me, right? I hadn't imagined the love in his eyes, had I? I wouldn't have imagined it.

Anuradha turned over to check if Narain was asleep. He was lying with his back towards her. She felt dejected as she could not see his face or know if he was still awake.

Narain was lying on his side, reminiscing the beautiful moment when he had seen the love in her eyes. He had never even imagined someone could ever love him so much. Especially after the past that had scarred him. But scars are reminders of the past, not deciders of the future.

Anuradha smiled; her eyes pinned on his back. No matter how much I wished to see the love in his eyes, I wouldn't have been able to imagine it till I saw it with my own eyes. So it was true. Oh my God, I love him so much and he loves me too. Hey, when will you tell me your love? How long will you keep me waiting?

It had felt so ethereal yet it was real; her eyes glistening with tears had proved it. How can she love me so much? Would she always love me the same? Narain pondered in silence. But what made her love me in the first place now? Is there any reason for her love? Or does she love me unconditionally the way I love her? Why isn't she telling me if she loves me? What is she waiting for?

Though Nila was lying between them, Anuradha too lay awake on her side, thinking about Narain with a smile for a long while. Could he have slept? I don't think so.

Their eyes started to droop but they could not stop thinking about each other.

Trying to fight against the sleep weighing down her eyelids, Anuradha slowly asked with a low voice, "Hey, do you love me?"

She knew his answer. His eyes had given the answer earlier but she wanted him to acknowledge it.

So much. Narain froze. Was she still awake? Had she really asked that question or had I imagined it?

"Yes, Mama." Nila answered subconsciously in her sleep, turned over and hugged Anuradha.

Anuradha smiled though she felt a little disappointed inside since Narain had not answered her. I suppose he must've slept already. Love you too, baby. Anuradha finally allowed her eyes to close on their own as she hugged the child in her arms.

Narain frowned. Nila had responded before he could as he had been taken aback for a long moment by her question.

He turned over to face her as he lay in bed. Her eyes were shut. Yes, he wanted to answer her but he wasn't sure if she was still awake or if the question had been for him. He cautiously reached out his arm and touched Anuradha's. She did not stir. She was fast asleep already.

Disappointed, Narain withdrew his hand. She had fallen asleep after hearing Nila's answer without waiting for mine. Had the question been for Nila? Nah, it couldn't have been for her. It was for me. I love you so much, Anu. I don't know if this is right or wrong, I don't know if this is for the best or the worst but my answer is and will always be yes.

His eyes drank in her features. She was so beautiful in every which way. Not only by appearance, but also by heart. Narain smiled, watching her as he lay in bed that night.

A single lock of her hair fell onto her face. A frown slightly creased her forehead in her sleep as the hair lying on her face felt disturbing.

He reached out his hand and gently tucked the lock of hair behind her ear with his finger. Anuradha's frown cleared and one corner of her lip turned upwards a little.

His finger stayed by her ear for a moment and gently traced a path on her skin from the tip of her ear, slowly along her jawline till her chin. His finger lingered by her chin for another long moment before he withdrew his hand.

She was sound asleep once again. Narain smiled. Staring at her with a heartfelt smile, he didn't know when he finally gave in to his sleep that night.

***

When Narain's eyes opened a little the next morning, he saw a blurred vision of Anuradha tying up her hair in a bun and walking across the room. What time is it? Why does she wake up quite early these days? I can't wake up yet; my eyes are so heavy. He blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes before letting them close again.

The next time his eyes snapped open, Anuradha was standing by his side, looking beautiful in a simple maroon salwar suit.

"Good morning, don't you have to go for work today?" She asked, touching his arm again to wake him up.

He shook his head and sat up with a jolt as soon as he could decipher the time on the clock. "Oh no, I'm late."

"Here, drink your tea quickly and get ready. You won't be late." Anuradha smiled and handed him a cup of hot tea.

Narain glanced at her in surprise.

"Drink it sooner. Otherwise your tea will get cold and you'll be late for work too."

Still dazed, he took the teacup from her hand and drank it up quickly. He got ready for work and left as usual that morning.

***

Narain returned home early in the afternoon since it was the weekend. After eating lunch together with Anuradha and Nila, they headed out to catch an animation movie at the theaters.

Post the movie, they were driving down a few lanes when Nila spotted an ice-cream parlour. "Papa, can we buy ice cream there?"

Narain glanced back in the direction Nila had pointed through the side rear view mirror while he had been driving. "We'll have to drive far and take a u-turn to go back there, baby. Shall we look for another ice-cream parlour along the way?"

"That would be better." Anuradha agreed with him.

"Okay, Papa! I want chocolate ice-cream!"

Narain smiled as he kept looking out for another ice-cream parlour along the lanes he drove by.

They reached near a small open roadside bazaar where Narain noticed an ice-cream vendor selling ice-creams in a stall and parked his car nearby.

Nila was quite attracted to the bright coloured tents there and kids balloons she noticed one of the vendors selling.

"Do you want to buy anything here?" Narain turned to Anuradha. "Or shall I just go get the ice-creams and come?"

"Nothing in particular but we'll come with you." Anuradha glanced at Nila who immediately added, "Yes, Mama, let's go with Papa."

Narain smiled before the three of them descended from the car. It was mid-afternoon and the bazaar was packed. Shops selling all kinds of goods lined both sides of the road. Families, girls and guys were all walking around and past the stalls which sold refreshments, plastic knick-knacks, clothes, jewellery, household items, toys, trinkets, etc.

Nila stopped at the vendor who sold balloons first and turned to Narain with eager eyes.

"Which one do you want?" Narain smiled down at her.

"That one!" She pointed to a balloon with the picture of a cartoon character Dora.

Narain paid for it and the vendor handed the balloon to Nila.

"Thank you!" Nila grabbed it happily, flashing a wide grin.

Anuradha, who was standing nearby, smiled and looked around at the other stalls nearby.

Following her gaze to a stall selling clothes, Narain glanced at her. "Wanna buy anything from there?"

"Nah, just looking simply." Anuradha smiled at him.

Narain smiled in return before they roamed around, looking at the goods offered for sale in the different stalls.

Anuradha stopped momentarily by a stall that displayed sparkling cheap jewellery and trinkets of different types; some were bright and colourful, some appeared antique while some were made of wood. Her eyes swept over the bangles, necklaces, rings and more ornaments before lingering over a beaded bracelet of rough pearls. It's such a pretty thing!

Narain noticed that she was spending longer at that stall and stepped closer to see what had caught her attention.

Following her gaze, he pointed to the bracelet her eyes were on and the one next to it and asked, "Which one did you like?"

"Why don't you try to guess?" Anuradha smiled mischievously before turning away to look at the next stall which was selling toys and engrossing Nila's whole attention with its wide ranges of toys.

"I'll take this one." Narain spoke to the stall vendor.

Anuradha turned back in surprise. "Hey, what? Are you buying one for me? I was just simply looking."

"Why? Can't I buy you a gift?"

"Gift? It's not even my birthday, Narain."

"Only your birthday is a special day for you, is it? Okay, let's take it that today's a special day for me."

"Special day for you? Why? Is it your birthday?"

"No. Why, is birthday the only special day for you? With a special person like you, any day and everyday can be special."

Speechless, Anuradha beamed in surprise, hearing his statement. Am I that special for you? You are so damn special for me too, you know?

"Here, wear this." He turned to her with the bracelet the stall vendor had handed him after he had paid for it.

"Hey, you chose the correct one I liked. How did you guess that's the one I liked?"

"Hmm... I think it isn't difficult to guess what you like. Anyway, I'm glad you liked this since I liked it too."

As Anuradha raised her hand to take the bracelet from his hand, Narain tied it around her wrist spontaneously.

Anuradha smiled as his fingertips touched her wrist and sent a spark of warmth along her hand.

"It's really beautiful. I love it." She voiced her thoughts as she looked dreamily at the bracelet adorning her wrist gracefully.

Not more than you. Narain smiled before tearing his gaze away from Anuradha to Nila, who had got bored looking at the toys in the stall nearby and hopped back to them.

To be continued...

A/N: Hey peeps! Hope you liked the chapter.

Their mutual feelings of love are now out in the open yet unvoiced to each other. Waiting for your comments on this chapter. :)

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