Metamorphic Switch

26.Companions

Pratima - Playing Chaya

"Dude, rest assured, you are safe if I am with you." I cleared Praneet's misconception in my granny's words. Why do boys act like protectors?
He started to laugh hearing my words. What was so funny?

"You will protect me? The girl who trips on stones and faints? I suggest let's leave the role of bodyguard to me while you take charge of other things." Praneet teased me and I was about to counter him when the door flung open, again.

"Oh! Ho! Newlyweds can't keep their hand off each other? Uncleeeeee send them to a room, already." Praneet's cousin shouted and everyone gathered near the bathroom.

I shifted behind Praneet so that his tall frame will save me from the embarrassment.

"Praneet, what's this? You were having second thoughts about marriage and now you are in a bathroom? How Uncivilised." Praneet's mother scolded him/us?

"Mom, it's not how it looks. I could not find her anywhere then someone told me she went to the washroom so I came to check." Praneet told the truth but everyone started to laugh.

"Who checks for someone in a bathroom? What if she was in some compromising position?" Praneet's cousin remarked.

Stupid! Idiot!

"I check! She is very special and is prohibited to be away from my eyes for any duration longer than my heart approves," something is wrong with him? Has he just read some romance novel?

'Awwwww' was the obvious reaction.

"Very well then, take her to your room. Her change for the night and morning have been arranged. Still, if you require anything please tell me, Chaya. Where's she?" Praneet's mother called me.

I don't want to face them.
Praneet turned and I requested him to not move. Remain being my shield. He smirked and cradled me in his arms. I was startled by his move.

"Make way for my queen." Praneet tightened his grip and carried me through the stairs amidst hootings and whistles from his cousins.

I was uneasy?
No!
Every movement was making me happy.
His right hand was touching my shoulders and left was under my knees and both the places were numb. After all, they were the winners. First places to be touched by my love, with love. My eyes did not dare to look into his because his gaze was too intense.

He pushed open the door of his room and put me down. "Hush! You are heavy!"

I gave him a hard taekwondo punch and he fell on the ground. "What was that for?" He asked yelping in pain.

"For all the comments, for making me feel awkward and... for proving to you, that I can protect my self," I told him confidently and smirked.

"Why punch me in the stomach? You know my intestinal problem?" Praneet was unable to get up and looked in so much pain.

Fuck! What have I done?

I rushed and checked him. He seemed to be in a lot of pain and was holding his stomach tightly.

"I am so sorry. I didn't know. I was angry and... I am just so sorry. Can I get you a tablet? I will get you water first. I am so sorry." I looked for water and filled a glass from the pitcher. The moment I turned, Praneet was up on his feet, smiling.

He walked to me and held me from my shoulders. Looking straight into my eyes he confessed, "I am sorry. I was joking. I didn't know you will get so troubled. I don't have any intestinal problems. Though the punch and it's technique sure hurt."

Joke?
Fool!

I jerked away his hand and my eyes welled up. I let my tears flow as any kind of makeup was no longer required. "That is wrong. You are so mean. So much has happened today and you still have the heart to pull a prank like this on me? How insensitive. Go away."