Jasmine.

17.Mushy Brain

Well don't kill me after reading this chapter. I thought this chapter was necessary evil. I wrote this in four hours starting somewhere around Eight. Deleted the initial draft for it twice. So I hope this is better than the intial crap I wrote.

Henry wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer. He kissed her. His tongue sweeped the edge of her lips. Aira opened her mouth. Their kiss deepened. It was fired with passion, maybe lust. Aira pulled away gasping for air.

She was looking at him with her mouth askew. He felt like she was piecing things together.

"Now I know..."

"Know what?"

"What it is like to be adored, to be admired, to be in love." She said the last words to herself.

"I admire you. I adore you. You, Aira Nair deserve this." Henry said cupping her face in his hands. Aira felt like choking. Her heart couldn't take this much emotion. Her brain well it was a mush. Neither could she find the optimist or the pessimist with the usual debate. She needed Parvati. She needed to talk to someone.

"Flower... you okay?" Henry asked her as he realised she was zoning out.

"I... uh.. I am." Aira choked out. Henry felt something was wrong.

"Hey... You okay." Aira nodded. He took her hand in his. He squeezed it.

"Remember... whatever happens I am here to stay." He said. They went back to the car. Aira sat on the passenger seat. She was looking at the bouquet.

"You need to let it out." She heard a voice.

Henry started the car. They were driving back to his place. He stole glances at her. She looked like she was having a big fight within herself. He was scared. He could feel her slip into another of her episodes. He couldn't leave her home alone. She would be a mess. He heard her exhale.

"I have never been in the spotlight. I have never felt all these emotions ever in my life. I just don't know how to navigate. I am scared what if I make a mistake." She said, Henry squeezed her hand which was on her lap.

"I have never been loved. My parents, they did love me, but it was toxic. I was scared about the consequences of my actions. They controlled me. Even when my mom taught me to be independent, the freedom that I had was just an illusion. The illusionist being them. I became a doctor because my ten year old brain was told I would be a great one. Because I took care of my mom. For twenty two years of my life I did everything that made my parents proud because I was tuned to think my happiness could only be found if my parents were proud of me. I was scared to step out of line. I thought I was free, independent and my own person but the truth was I was a kite held by a string whose end was held by my parents." Aira was expecting herself to break down, instead she felt like she was finally free. She was no longer that kite but a free bird. She smiled at Henry.

"You are brave. It takes a lot to face your demons. You, my lady, you are doing great." He said softly as he pulled her close to him and kissed her forehead.

"Henry..."

"Hmmm."

"I feel so light. I feel happy." He lifted her chin. "Because slowly and steadily you are letting go." He placed a light kiss on her lips. She smiled into the kiss. Henry leaned forward pushing Aira further into her seat. He slowly started kissing down her neck.

Aira's hands trailed up his arms. She pushed his jacket away. She gasped as Henry kissed her pulse. She felt him smile against her skin. She snorted.