Chronicles Of My Darling Husband

29. Madanah (Part 4)

"Did you actually expect me to call?" Jagdish's voice came from beside her as he shifted gears in his car.

Nishita had declined Devika's suggestion of a bike ride on that sweltering summer afternoon. Bike rides could be romantic in the rain or in any time of the year when it was a pleasant weather, but not when the sun was beating down so fiercely that you felt like your skin might melt off from the heat.

She nibbled on her lip, pondering how to respond. It was a new sensation, feeling as though her words held weight, as though they could impact someone and required carefulness. She had always prided herself on being outspoken, running her mouth to defend herself anywhere-anytime, but with him, there was a restraint, a hesitation that was unfamiliar and slightly disconcerting.

Jagdish had a way of making her contemplate things she had never considered before. It was unsettling to realize that a single meeting had stirred up such tumult within her. If this was the effect of just one encounter, what would a lifetime with him be like? Would she become a timid, agreeable woman, bending to his will? Would Jagdish be the kind of man who could easily sway her, simply because she felt so strongly for him?

Why did she feel anything at all!?

What kind of sorcery was this?

"Are you okay?" his concerned tone pierced through her tangled thoughts, prompting her to turn and meet his gaze.

I am not!

"Yes, you mentioned wanting to meet away from the watchful eyes of our parents, without any pressure to explain ourselves," she replied hurriedly, unable to contain her emotions. "But then you forgot all about it! Too preoccupied to spare a thought for the woman you might end up marrying."

She heard him chuckle softly before hesitating. "I... I thought you wouldn't want to talk to me."

"Why?" she blurted out, feeling her cheeks flush as soon as the words left her lips.

"You seemed very..." he paused, swallowing, "Very different."

"Different?"

Jagdish sighed, "I'm often labeled as an introvert by friends. It's rare for me to engage in conversation beyond my mother and siblings." He paused again, "I do keep in touch with everyone, but I'm not usually vocal about my feelings."

"Well, that's a surprise twist for someone in your line of work!" Nishita teased. She couldn't help but find it intriguing that Jagdish, an attorney by profession, was self-professedly reserved. It seemed like a contradiction, but then again, people are often full of surprises! "Advocates are known to be skilled with the use of their mouth," she commented.

There was silence. No reply came from him, and she noticed his cheeks turning pink.

What did I say now to make him blush?

She pondered her last statement, and realization hit her like a ton of bricks. "No... I meant good at witty responses," she rushed in hurry, correcting herself, hiding her face. "Geez, whatever I was spewing..."

His gaze remained fixed on the road as he remarked, "You speak your mind, don't you?"

"I find it's better to be that way," Nishita concurred. "I don't need to fabricate stories or remember lies later."

"Hmm..."

--

He parked his car and gallantly opened her door, extending his hand to assist her. She smiled at him, and his heart fluttered in response.

Choosing a long drive to Khandala over a conventional date due to the stifling heat was Jagdish's idea. They had chatted for almost two hours, with Nishita animatedly rambling about her college, school, friends, and various topics. Jagdish, true to his nature, had listened attentively, occasionally contributing tidbits about his work and circle.

As they arrived in Khandala, Nishita requested a stop midway, and they found themselves surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Nishita remarked, gazing at the fading greenery around them. It wasn't the peak of summer, so some foliage remained, and Nishita seemed to revel in the outdoors.

To him, she was the most beautiful creation of nature.

Unlike their first meeting, this time she was dolled up in a stunning blue anarkali salwar suit with a beautifully crafted light blue dupatta that fluttered with wind, fitting his arm as he stood beside her. Standing beside her, he couldn't help but be entranced by her beauty. The dress accentuated her features, perfectly fitting to her slight curves and enhancing her tall haughty attitude. The cool tone of her attire complemented her light aqua grey orbs, shimmering with wonder at the verdant scenery surrounding them, adding to her ethereal charm.

His eyes glided over her face, from the thick lashes to sharp nose and finally ended on her lips, lush with a shade of glossy pink lipstick... and his lips felt parched.

There erupted an animalistic urge within him to lick those dewy rose petals and quench his thirst.

Fuck, I want to kiss her!

Then go for the kill...

No, no, no! I can't!

--

A/N

Hmm... No kissing, no kissing... Jaggy, you are being unreasonable! XD

"Do Dil Mil Rahe" isn't it?

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