I'm All Yours

by Madhumitha Lakshamanan

  "Oh my God, Gautham! Are we really going to go on that?" I asked him with both excitement and doubtfulness.

  "Of course!!" he said, handing me the safety wear.

  "I just can't wait!! Thank you so much!!" I said and pecked him lightly on his lips. He was taken aback again, but he quickly recovered and smirked at me.

  I started to feel that it was normal to kiss him, but not to miss the fact that every time I kissed him, it felt like it was the first time! Our relationship grew so much over the past few months. Every conflict we had just made us stronger. Somewhere, I actually felt that this marriage wasn't going to be that bad, after all.

  Gautham started the bike and signaled for me to get on. Enthusiastically, I hopped on the bike. The back part of the seat was elevated and I actually could find no balance! I tightly held the bars behind me, maintaining a little distance between him and me.

  He started driving the bike and when we reached the outskirts of Bangalore, he accelerated so much that I almost fell on him and it made my breast crush against his back.

  But, it didn't look like he had gotten the signal. He didn't reduce the speed and it was unnerving me.

  "Slow down!!" I shouted through the breeze as he was still driving.

  He didn't react at all! It looked like he couldn't hear me. But, the speed at which he was going thrilled me. I have never driven at this speed.

  In a few minutes, the highway was completely empty and he picked up more speed! Was he planning to kill me?

  I looped my arms around his arms and tightly grasped his shoulder, smashing my body against his.

  He looked at me through the rear view mirror, making me brittle. Mere eye contact made my nerves come alive. Though his helmet covered most of his face, I could see that he was smirking!

  Arrogant jerk, he did all this purposely!

  But, this wasn't that bad! This speed galvanized me.

  ***

  I thanked God that I was alive when the journey ended. This was my first long bike drive and I really was grateful to Gautham for implementing my idea!

  We freshened up in our room and started our exploration. We both had never been to this place. I hoped it wouldn't be boring.

  Our first day at Mysore was something that I would never forget. The palace we visited, the parks, the dams, the street food; it was fun!

  The next day, we visited the Brindavan Garden; it was marvelous. The fountains and the flowers just added to beauty of nature's glory. We walked around the park talking, making fun of each other, clicking pictures and we left before it became too sunny.

  This entire trip made me learn more about Gautham, but still I felt that he was holding back a big secret.

  ***

  Now we were heading to Mysore palace. It was something that shouldn't be missed at all, especially during the Dasara nights.

  It was a remarkable sight from the distance as well. I just couldn't wait to get near the palace.

  We walked, and I just kept blabbering about how I couldn't come to Mysore, but he wasn't responding and I lifted my head to see what he was actually doing.

  He wasn't there. It was some random man. Panic struck me. Where did he go? It was so crowded!

  I felt like a child who had lost her parents in a supermarket! I tried calling several times, but it was unreachable. Where did he go??

  I sprinted around seeking and calling out for him. But, there was no sign of him.

  I finally felt relieved when I saw him in the garden which was in a secluded corner of the entire place. What was he doing there? I wasn't going to spare you, mister! I rushed over to him and turned him by his shoulder, ready to shout at him.

  But, it wasn't him. The man gave me a weird look and walked away.

  What would I do now?

  "Look what we've got!" I heard someone; in the next second the man caught me by my hand even before I could act.

  Three other men surrounded me and started talking in their native language, but it was evident that it was something about me. They were dressed so badly and their eyes were roaming hungrily on my body. I struggled to get out of the man's grip, but my strength was not enough.

  "Help," I cried, but there was no one to help me.

  I was terror-stricken. I tried kicking the man, but the other man started to grab my body. I felt so helpless and disgusted.

  Please, someone just come and help me! I shut my eyes, not wanting to see and feel anything. I was becoming surer that they were going to rape me. My body became numb and my brain ceased to work.

  Chapter 35-In Love

  Shakthi's POV

  Please, someone just come and help me out! I shut my eyes, not wanting to see and feel anything. I was becoming surer that they were going to rape me. My body became numb and my brain ceased to work.

  I tried to break free but it was hopeless. They had complete power over me. I closed my eyes.

  "How dare you!"

  Gautham raced and pulled me towards him in one swift movement.

  He punched one of the guys, drawing blood. The others attacked him, cutting his face, but he kept fighting back.

  I tried pulling him away. But, he wouldn't stop punching them. "She's my wife! You got that?" He punched the man's bleeding nose again. He kicked another and they finally ran off.

  "You alright?" he asked, holding my face securely in his hands, wiping away my tears.

  I nodded and made him sit on the bench. "But, you aren't," I said. Blood ran down his forehead.

  I removed the handkerchief I had and wiped the blood.

  I hated seeing him in pain.

  "All this is because of me, Shakthi! I am really sorry!" he said.

  "Huh! Hang on! Don't blame yourself for this! In fact, all this was because of me!" I said, cleaning his wound.

  "It is not your fault! I should have held your hand while we walked, then we wouldn't have lost each other!"

  "That, you should have! But it’s still my fault. I panicked."

  He laughed. "Okay! Let's stop the reversal blame game!"

  "Thank you so much for saving me, Gautham! If it wasn't for you, I would have literally been rap-" he silenced me by claiming my lips.

  His kiss conveyed sincerity, care and concern. I kissed him back with equal fervor and pulled him towards me by holding his t-shirt in my fist and deepened the kiss. I felt a moan escape my lips as his tongue swept over mine. My stomach spun like a wheel. His hand crawled up my thighs to my waist. A bolt of electricity shot through me, making me weak. I moved towards him and held him by his nape. My body crashed against his, creating a pool of desire in me.

  Every time I touched him, it felt like the first time, it left me wanting more.. I wanted to be the reason for his smile. I have not fallen in love with this man! I was already in love with him!

  I was in love with this man!

  You are in love! I wanted to announce it to the whole world!

  Just then, he pulled away and leaned his forehead on mine.

  He looked at me and his intense silvery grey orbs made my heart wobble.

  "Are you really fine?" he whispered.

  I felt his worry lines against my forehead. It really moved me, to see a person caring so much for me besides my parents! I was all his! But, will he be mine?

  Gautham's POV

  "I am," she said. But, still I wasn't ready to accept that she was. I wouldn't have ever forgiven myself if I hadn't reached her on time.

  I would have actually killed them, if Shakthi hadn't stopped me!

  We reached our room and the first thing she did was dress my wounds with a Band-Aid.

  She looked so tired I told her she should go to bed. She wanted to keep looking after me but I had to insist.

  She looked so peaceful while sleeping. Her innocence never failed to make my heart skip a beat. My feelings for her grew stronger and I hated it! Commitment was not my thing! I could provide her with all she needed, but not commitment. I hated the fact that I cared for her, that she cared for
me. I felt sexually attracted towards her to the extent that even her innocence turned me on. She could be a handful, at times! But, even her anger attracted me! I hated this feeling!

  I had to stop thinking about her, but she always kept haunting my mind! A cold shower would serve me right.

  ***

  The next day we reached Bangalore and checked into our suite again. Shakthi suggested we could stay in and rest. I agreed, remembering Chirag's wedding was tomorrow.

  I should convince Shakthi to come along. It was high time that I introduced her to all my friends! She must have freaked out about the fact that none of my friends knew that I was married! I should stop making her insecure.

  Just as I was flipping the channels, I heard the shower in the bathroom stop.

  Just then her phone rang. But, she didn't come to answer her phone and it kept ringing. I picked her phone and the caller ID read Kabir. Why was he calling her? Just when I was about to answer the call, he hung up. A message from Kabir came through. It said, 'Shall we meet at cafe crush in an hour?'

  I would have let it go, if I hadn't seen Kabir and Shakthi together at the mall on the first day of our trip. Kabir came to the mall purposely to meet me, but it was weird that he remained silent about the fact that he had met Shakthi soon after I left. He told me that he had a girlfriend, but the way he hugged Shakthi, the way he looked at her conveyed something else and it made me furious.

  Soon Shakthi came dressed in her sweatpants and a spaghetti top. Her thick black hair was wet from the shower and it hung on her shoulders, reaching her waist. The room was filled with her jasmine aroma. She was so crazy over that fragrance. Every product that she used had something to do with jasmine.

  She looked at me questioningly. That was when I realized that I had her phone in my hand.

  "Uh! You just had a call and it won't stop ringing," I explained, handing over the phone.

  "Thanks," she muttered and quickly took the phone from me.

  Her body visibly tensed once when she looked into the phone. Why was she skittish about it?

  She left to get dressed and came back in her jeans and t-shirt. Her hair was left open and she didn't have much makeup on, yet she looked beautiful.

  "Gautham, I am going out, but I will be back in an hour." Her voice seemed as if she was seeking permission.

  "I thought you wanted to sleep in?" I asked, meeting her chocolate brown eyes.

  "Err..yea, but.." She thought for a moment.

  "Where are you going?" I asked her

  "Just going to catch up with someone," she said.

  Why wasn't she open about it?

  "Be safe," I said.

  She nodded and left.

  Like the way she had promised, she returned in an hour. It was evident that something troubled her. Her face clearly said, 'I am confused'. But, what could it be? I wanted to ask what it was, but I just shrugged it off, thinking that she would say it herself if there was some serious problem.

  We had our dinner in our room and it went unusually quiet. She just kept answering questions with one word and it started to piss me off. Usually she talks so much that I had to shut her up by stuffing some food into her mouth. I missed her jabbering. What was wrong with her?

  "Tomorrow is Chirag's wedding. I want you to come along." It came out more like a command than a request.

  "Sure," she said. She would have usually thrown at least a thousand tantrums before agreeing but now, she agreed the next second!

  She silently went to the bathroom and in a few minutes she slept. It was just eight! I had to talk to her before we leave for the wedding.

  The next day when I woke up, Shakthi was still asleep. I knew that she was not a morning person, but it was already nine and we had to leave at least in an hour. I woke her up.

  "Please Gautham, just five more minutes," she pleaded. Her cuteness always created a smile on my face. I decided to get dressed and then wake her up. She needed some rest.

  I had my shower and dressed up in a navy blue sherwani and gelled my hair.

  I went on to wake her up once I was dressed.

  "Shakthi, we are already running late! Wake up!" I said and she quickly opened her eyes.

  "You are dressed up already?"

  "Yea! You've got to hurry!" I said and she rushed to the bathroom.

  I ordered breakfast for her and I settled for a sandwich and a glass of juice.

  The bathroom door opened and there she stood with just a towel wrapped around her petite body. She grasped the towel tightly, ensuring that it wouldn't fall off her. It clung to her body, revealing her curves and it stopped a few inches above her knee, making her look hot as hell. It started to turn me on. My eyes fell on her pink lips which now had droplets of water on them, how I wished to kiss them off. I knew that she caught me checking her out.

  "Err.. Gautham," she called me. "I need to get dressed," she exclaimed, picking up her saree from the bed. She was just inches away from me. I was finding it hard to breathe.

  I yearned to have her in my arms, right now!

  You should remember your promise Gautham! She needs time! Stop scaring her!

  "Stop staring, will you?"

  I couldn't help but chuckle at her cuteness, again. I left the room, allowing her to get dressed.

  In a few minutes she came out of the room, dressed up in a fusion blue designer saree and matched it with a blue closed neck, full sleeved blouse. Her saree was tied low below her navel. Her mane-like hair was tied in a fishtail lying on her shoulder. She finished her outfit with diamond earrings. Her makeup never went overboard and today she looked like heaven on heels. Her lips which were painted red, begging to be kissed.

  "You look beautiful." The words escaped my mouth and she blushed. I can never get used to her blushing.

  "You don't look bad, yourself," she commented.

  ***

  After the wedding I was talking to my friends, but Shakthi was nowhere to be seen. She was with Sharad's wife the whole time but now, both of them weren't there. I was growing impatient.

  "Searching for your wife, huh?" Sharad asked in a teasing tone.

  I ignored his comment and went in search of her.

  I finally found her in the garden with Kabir, and they hugged.

  "They look so cute together, right?" I heard a woman asking me, as I stood there, looking at them.

  "What do you mean?" I asked her.

  "I am talking about Kabir and Shakthi! They were in so much love! Poor Shakthi! She had to get married."

  Chapter 36-More Complications

  Gautham's POV

  "I am talking about Kabir and Shakthi! They were in so much love! Poor Shakthi! She had to get married."

  What was this lady saying and who was she?

  "Excuse me??" I asked her.

  "They were together for four years before she got married. I can’t believe they aren’t together anymore.” She looked at me with sadness in her eyes. “How do you know them?”

  "Thank you." I walked off.

  Was Shakthi forced to marry me? Does she still have feelings for him? I thought that Kabir had a girlfriend and that he was in love!

  This lady must be lying! Shakthi would have told me if there had been something like this.

  "Gautham!" I heard Shakthi calling out to me.

  "Yea?" I turned to look at her. She was now only with Aqueela, sitting on the chairs near the small lake.

  "I left my wallet and phone in the bride's room. Can you please get it for me? Please?" she asked me with those cute puppy eyes that I couldn't refuse.

  "Sure," I agreed and left to get her things. I recognised the key chain of a girl with an incomplete heart in one hand. The other half was supposed to be a keychain of a boy with the other part of the heart. I gave this to Kabir for his newfound love. And he had presented it to my wife? What was going on?

  Her phone beeped. It was Kabir.

  'Meet me at the terrace, I have a surprise for you.'

  I need to
find out what it was that she wasn't telling me. I ran to the lake, but to my dismay, I found only Aqueela there.

  "Where is Shakthi?" I inquired.

  "Just now, a small kid pulled her up to the terrace! Why? Is there any problem?"

  "No! No problem at all! Thank you!" I said and advanced to the terrace.

  "Kabir! You actually scared me!" Shakthi said.

  "How do you like it?" I heard Kabir's voice.

  "Are you mad? What will happen if anyone sees us here! You are out of your mind, Kabir! I am here with Gautham!"

  The door was ajar and I stood there, watching.

  The entire terrace was decorated with roses and jasmines. Jasmine flowers were Shakthi's favorite. Shakthi's back was facing me. Kabir was on his knees, like he was about to propose or something.

  "Who cares? I love you so much Shakthi! I would do anything for you! That is all that matters."

  "Are you-" Kabir plastered his fucking mouth on hers.

  I wasn't able to digest the scene in front of me and I rushed downstairs.

  So this was it! I felt like ripping Kabir's head off.

  It all came crashing down on me! She asked me to divorce her, numerous times, but me being a fool, thinking about her family's emotions and feelings, I didn't want to! She was so worked up knowing that Kabir was my friend, but now, I understand why! It made perfect sense why Shakthi had a part of the keychain that I had gifted to Kabir! How did I let this happen? Now I understood why she kept rejecting sex! She was in love with Kabir.

  Mark my words, Shakthi! From now on, I will make your life a living hell!

  Shakthi's POV

  Suddenly, out of the blue, I felt Kabir's lips on mine. He started pressing his lip so hard on mine and I felt the breakfast coming up my throat. It was disgusting! He can be so awful! I tightly closed my lips and tried pushing him off me.

  "Kabir!!" I shouted and I was finally able to get his lips off mine.

  I slapped him. "I really thought you were a good friend of mine!" I walked off.

  The next moment he pulled me by my wrist. "I want to be more than a friend to you, Shakthi!"