It was definitely his girlfriend for sure, I concluded.
Why was he going to hang up, looking at me if it wasn't?
He smiled.
I dismissed him completely and started packing.
He grabbed his clothes and went for his shower.
I brushed my hair quickly and pulled it back in a ponytail. I kohled my eyes and I was ready to go.
He was starting to disgust me.
Even if he didn't know me, I wanted him to respect me and the pure bond of marriage. If he loves another girl then why did he get married to me and spoil my life?
Wait a minute! He was flirting with me when we met at the office elevator.
If he loved another girl, why would he do that?
Was he forced by his family to get married because they didn't want him to marry a girl whom they didn't approve of?
Maybe his parents had forced him to talk sweetly to me and that was why he was faking it.
I tried to put his words and what Sri told me about what he has and what he wanted.
It totally made sense! He was faking this relationship!
He was trying his best to do it without hurting me.
But, why?? He can say it to my face if he was having an affair.
When I was in a deep thought, I heard Gautham ask me something which I didn't catch.
"What?" I asked again
He was dressed in a black t-shirt and a dark blue denim jeans, looking strikingly handsome.
"I asked if we can leave. Mom and Dad are also ready. If you are ready as well, we can leave," he said patiently.
"Yea sure," I agreed.
***
Our train arrived and we settled in our places.
His mom and dad being old had dozed off.
Gautham was busy texting someone. It was just four in the morning.
I was tempted to ask him if it was his girlfriend. But I would seem like an insecure, desperate bitch to him.
Maybe I should just wait and see if he actually had a girlfriend and find out who this girl was.
To put a temporary end to the thoughts, I plugged in my earphones and let the music blast my ears.
***
We reached Chennai and it was almost evening.
I was back as a married woman and the very thought sent chills down my spine.
His parents had gone to their house and so we decided to go to our new flat.
I was longing to see it.
When we crossed the road to catch a cab, he securely held my hands. The mere touch was electric.
Can he even fake the concern he holds for a person?
He was just faking it all ,Shakthi!! Control Yourself!!
Soon we reached our flat. It was enormous and had several blocks.
It was magnificent.
When we strolled to the elevator through the parking lot, I saw that my Skoda was parked. "My car!"
He chuckled. "Your parents left it here!"
"What about my two wheeler??" I asked.
"That also, Shakthi!" he added.
I was ecstatic.
My parents took care of every little thing. Soon we got into the elevator and he pressed the button to the seventh floor. When the doors opened he guided me to our house.
Our flat was numbered as 21. As I was waiting for him to unlock the door I observed the surroundings. It was calm and serene. It seemed like a very peaceful place.
"Shakthi!" I heard Gautham call me.
He offered the key to me. I looked at him in confusion
"Open it! What are you waiting for?" he said
I was perplexed.
"I want you to open our home first," he mused
Oh shit! Stop it already! He was faking it, my brain shouted.
"No, Gautham! You bought the house, right! You should open it!"
"Shakthi! I bought it for us, not for me alone."
"No,Gautham! You open it!"
"Fine! Shall we open it together?" he proposed
I had no reason to refuse and so I gave in.
He held the keys while I held his hand. We opened it together and stepped into our new home where our lives would take a new turn!
Chapter 9-Our New Home
Shakthi's pov
We opened it together and stepped into our new home where our lives would take a new turn!
I was awestruck! The entire house was well furnished and it looked posh and classy.
The hall was enormous with a home theatre fixed to the wall. There was a sizable couch in the middle and my favorite bean bags were also there. I loved them.
The wall was pure white; with patches of dark wood works that made it look elegant.
The curtains that hid the sunlight corresponded perfectly with dark wood works.
The dining area was attached to a stylish modular kitchen. It was precisely how I always wanted my own kitchen to be.
When I strode further into the house, I found the master bedroom. It was again white and a King-sized bed was placed in the middle. The bed frame looked royally elegant.
Then I realized there were no switchboards at all, everything was to be operated by a mere touch on a screen.
The washroom was out of a five-star hotel.
You've got to be kidding me! My room used to be smaller than the size of this washroom.
The bedroom had a little balcony. It had a nice loveseat in a corner. I was not going to think of using that. Never! I thought to myself.
I turned left from the master bedroom. It was when I discovered that our house was a duplex! It couldn't have been more exciting!!
As I walked up the dark wood stairs, I found that there were two rooms opposite each other. Both were similar looking with dressing tables.
I walked along the aisle. There were few steps again leading to a sliding glass door. I slid it open.
Was this for real??? It was our own private terrace with a study room attached to it.
This terrace gave me such a beautiful view of Chennai.
The exhilarating evening air calmed my strained nerves.
Though I liked the house, there was something missing which I wasn't able to put my finger on.
Wouldn't the house be lifeless with just the two of us? I was totally not used to this solitude. I love being surrounded by people. In fact, my friends call me a nonstop nonsense. I used to talk so much. But now, I was stuck alone with him in such a big house!
Suddenly, my phone went off. It was an unknown number.
"Hey, where are you?" I heard deep and a husky male voice.
Audacity of that man.
"Who are you?" I retorted
"We just got married yesterday!"
"Gautham?" How could I not recognize him?
"How did you get my number?" I couldn't control the curiosity that was rising in me.
"First tell me where are you and we can have a real conversation instead of talking over the phone," he ordered
"Uff! I am at the terrace. I will come down," I replied, hanging up.
I had a few minutes of peace and this man could not tolerate it.
As I walked down the stairs, I was saving his number on my phone.
I walked down to the hall and found him relaxing on the couch.
"There you are!" he turned his head to look at me when he heard my footsteps.
"What is it?? Why did you call me?" I sulked
"I know you can't cook today."
"Okay??" I urged him to continue
"Shall we go out for dinner?"
"I am too tired to get dressed and go out for food. Why don't you order some pizzas?" I suggested.
"Sounds good," he agreed.
I took my luggage and marched to the master bedroom.
"And yea, make sure to order from pizza doze," I shouted from the room.
I heard a distant chuckle.
I loved their pizzas. I could die for them.
I had my shower, letting my body and mind relax. It was a much needed shower, I would say.
I got out of the shower and changed into my t-shirt and pajamas. I let my hair stay in a messy bun as I walked out of the room.
As I advanced to the hall, the smell of pizzas filled my nostrils.
"That was quick," I shrieked and started opening the box.
"Pizza doze was near our apartment. So I went and got it myself."
I was appalled and completely still. Why does he care so much? Was I misunderstanding him?
No, Shakthi! Have your head cleared already! He was faking it.
Without pondering, I started to munch on the pizzas while I turned the television on.
In a few minutes, he joined me after his shower... his hair was dripping wet. He was just in his vest and shorts. His taut muscles were now naked for my sight. He looked mouthwateringly delicious! More than my pizza!
He didn't realize that I was checking him out, so that was a relief.
I quickly averted my gaze from his well-built torso to the pizza in my hand, before he could realize. We ate our pizzas in silence.
"I want a separate room." Suddenly, my words echoed through the silent room.
Chapter 10-Jealous, was he?
Shakthi's POV
"I want a separate room." Suddenly, my words echoed through the silent room.
He munched on his pizza, seeming to process what I was saying. "All the rooms are yours, Shakthi. We can choose any room."
"No no.. it's not that! I don't want to share a room with you. I want to have my own."
I didn't want to share my bed with this cheater! At least not until I knew for sure.
"Are you..." He cleared his throat and continued. "Are you sure??"
"Without a doubt," I replied.
A hint of hurt crossed his features.
***
After we ate, I relaxed on the couch, watching The Vampire Diaries. I had missed an entire month of episodes, so there was a lot to catch up on.
"Which room do you want??" he poked his head into the room, distracting me.
He didn't even try and convince me to share the room with him. It was not like I wanted to share a room with him, but if he really cared, he would have definitely tried.
"Hmm.. I want the room upstairs, the blue one," I answered.
"Okay then." He yawned. "I am taking the master bedroom," he stated.
I nodded reassuringly and we bid our good nights.
My vampire diaries marathon continued and I had no clue of when sleep wrapped me up.
***
I woke up to the sound of my alarm.
I tried to put the alarm on snooze! But I realized the phone next to me wasn’t mine. It was Gautham’s. What was his phone doing on my bed!??
Bed?
As far as I remember, I fell asleep on the couch. How did I end up in bed?
I turned and saw Gautham sleeping next to me. Then, it hit me!
Would he have brought me in?? That was out of question.
"Gautham?" I whispered in his ear.
He didn't stir. I touched his arm and tried to wake him up. But, he didn't budge.
I decided to let him sleep, so I ascended the stairs, carrying my luggage to my room.
I did my morning routine and changed into my workout clothes. After packing my gym bag, I went to the kitchen to grab a hot cup of Milo.
When the milk started to boil, I heard footsteps.
"Where are you going??" I heard his sleepy voice.
"Gym," I squeaked happily
"No wonder you have those curves," he commented under his breath.
"What?" I pretended like I didn't hear him and I tried hard to hide the blush that was almost creeping up my cheeks.
"Uhh! Nothing! Is it unisex?" he asked.
"Why do you want to know?"
"You're my wife and I have the right to know this." he said.
Like he really cares! If he thought that I was his wife and respected this relationship, don't I have the rights to know about him as well?
I was in no mood to answer his questions.
"Hey, I am asking you something!"
"It is unisex," I lied.
"Quit the gym," he dictated
"Who are you to make me quit my gym?" I fumed
"Your husband!" He smirked
"You finally realized that?? Congratulations." It was my turn to smirk
"I don't know what you are talking about. But, just quit the gym, okay??"
Was he jealous?
"Even if I were in a unisex gym, I wouldn't quit. But that is not the case, Mister. It's a ladies' gym. So thank your lucky stars," I raved.
Why was he jealous?? I shrugged that thought off.
***
"Call me when you reach gym!" I heard him shout when I left.
I didn't bother to call him. I felt I was committed to this man who was nothing but a cheater.
I hated feeling obligated to him.
I worked out for 2 hours. I felt energized and stimulated.
I hurried home after my workout and I had two hours left to make breakfast and get dressed for my work.
When I reached the door it was locked!
Where did he go?? Did he go to meet his girlfriend at this busy hour?
"Stay there and never come back," I muttered under my breath and started to fish for my spare keys.
I opened the door and rushed to my room. I made a mental note to ask him how I ended up on his bed.
After my shower, I got into a bathrobe and let my dripping wet hair down my shoulders so that it would be air dried by the time I finish cooking.
I scurried to the kitchen and started to cook. I heard the main door unlock.
Gautham walked towards his room, not even looking at me. He was on his phone.
He was actually in a t-shirt and tracks which were sweaty.
In a few minutes, he came out dressed in his formal wear after his shower.
His crisp white coloured full sleeve shirt clearly molded his toned muscles. He had paired it with black slacks. He was a complete knockout! It was a sight to look at!
Shakthi, Stop drooling! I mentally scolded myself and continued cooking.
In a few seconds, the microwave beeped. I opened it to take the food.
When I turned, I bumped against a hard surface, his hard stone chest.
His eyes roved over my body. Why did this stupid robe have to end far above my knee?
I was naked under the robe. There was only a single knot that held my respect.
His hand started moving towards me.
My grip on the dish became tighter. But, his fingers just stopped the water drops sliding down my neck. His touch sent sparks down my body. It all felt so right, but wrong at the same time.
Why can't it be simple?
"I am not going to eat you up ,Shakthi! Relax," he whispered in my ear.
That was when I came out of the spell.
"Ermm.. Actually.. ehh.." I stuttered.
It actually touched me that he respected my feelings. He maintained a distance. I really thought that he would undo the knot. But no, he was a gentleman.
"Shakthi, it's okay! Relax," he calmed me down, holding me by my shoulders.
I took a few deep breaths and nodded, assuring him that I was fine.
"I will be back," I said and made a quick escape to my room without looking back.
Chapter 11-Does he care?
Shakthi's POV
I shut the door behind me and I started to breathe heavily.
What did I just do??
I was supposed to have control over my emotions and not show him that I was affected by his touches, that I was becoming weak due to his closeness.
Next time, I should not let my feelings take over me!! There wasn't going to be a next time!!
I managed to cool down.
I started to get dressed for work in a formal knee length, navy blue skirt and a formal black shirt. I neatly tucked it in and I did my usual makeover.
I hurried down to the dining to have my
food.
I took my seat opposite Gautham who was already eating. There was nothing, but silence.
He didn't even ask me if I was alright!
I could at least expect some comments on the food, right?
But nothing, he just said nothing!
That was when a thought crossed my mind. "How did I end up on the bed today??" I asked him.
"I carried you to the bed." he replied in an emotionless voice. Maybe he was just mad at himself that he was betraying his so called 'girlfriend' by coming closer to me!
That must be it!
But, he carried me to bed?
When I was young and when I used to sleep on the couch it was only my dad who carried me to the bed.
It was really sweet of Gautham!
Did I just compare him with my dad??
He comes nowhere near my dad!
"And yea! When you leave the house, I do not expect you to tell me where you are going, but at least tell me if you are going out. It would make my life a lot easier." I gave a straight smile, trying to make it as fake as possible.
"Oh! Sorry about that! I actually left for the gym immediately after you," he clarified.
He also goes to gym!
Now I knew for sure there was a six pack hidden under that shirt he was wearing.
But, I also felt a relief sinking in me realizing that he hadn't gone to meet his girlfriend.
***
After our breakfast, we grabbed our office stuffs and we decided to leave for work.
"Shall we go together today?" he offered.
Where did that come from? But, I was too firm on the decision that I wasn't going to allow him to use me as a trophy wife.
But what will people think about us at our office?? They would think, we fought the moment we got married and so we came in different cars.
I wouldn't allow such an image about me to be framed!
"Yea, sure!" I agreed
He gave me a heart wrenching smile. His silvery grey eyes twinkled, something I had never seen in him and something I can never describe.
***
Our drive was dead silent and awkward. I regretted accepting his offer.
We reached our office and when I was about to get out I heard him call me.
"Yea?" I twirled to meet his eyes.
"The food was nice, you cook well," he complimented.
I really thought he was oblivious to the food I cooked.
Of course, I get to cook for him hereafter! Maybe, he just got scared like, what if I don't cook his food properly if he doesn't compliment my cooking skills!
I'm All Yours Page 4