They crossed Bolte Bridge, stopping to take a lot of pictures of the Melbourne skyline before going to visit St. Kilda where they stopped at a popular local patisserie for some cake and cold coffee. After checking out the brightly coloured bathing boxes in Brighton, the guide pointed out the buildings teeming with history as they passed via Prahan to be dropped back at Flinders Street Railway Station.
Avantika dragged Shatru to a local market to buy some fresh veggies and provisions, insisting on making dinner for them.
He helped her make vegetable biryani along with dahi kachumber, chatting as they worked together harmoniously. He set two places on the breakfast nook, placing a fat candle in a glass holder, next to a tiny vase holding a single red rose.
“Some wine?” asked Shatru, removing a bottle from the fridge.
“Not for me,” said Avantika, squeezing some lemons into a tall glass jar holding lots of ice. “I’m making fresh lemonade.”
He kept the wine bottle back in the fridge. “I’ll have lemonade too.” He went up to her and hugged her from behind, nuzzling her neck.
Avantika wiped her hands on her apron before turning around to kiss him. “Now you know why I didn’t bother to make dessert,” she whispered.
Shatru looked at her uncomprehendingly.
“I’m planning to have you,” she said, rising on tiptoes to kiss him deeply. It was a while before they remembered that the dinner was getting cold. Avantika and Shatru learned some more about each other as they worked their way through the rice and side dish of chopped raw veggies in yoghurt, topped with fresh coriander.
“That was superb,” said Shatru, rubbing his flat stomach. “Would you like to go for a walk before we get back home for the dessert?” He winked at her.
She grinned at him. “Okay.”
They walked in the balmy night, through silent streets where they didn’t meet a single soul during their twenty-minute stroll.
“So, do you want to learn dancing tomorrow?” asked Avantika.
Shatru nodded, stopping in the middle of the road to kiss her hungrily. “I want you, now.”
They rushed back to his apartment, pulling off their clothes even before they crossed the threshold of the bedroom, falling eagerly into each other’s arms, as they rolled on the king size bed. They made love late into the night, not getting enough of each other.
8
Avantika couldn’t stop smiling as she checked out the photos and videos during her flight back to Mumbai. There was a twenty-minute video that she had taken of Shatru without his knowledge when he was learning the dance steps from her. He looked adorable in a pair of brief shorts and form-fitting t-shirt, his feet bare. His movements were awkward in the beginning, but he transformed gracefully under her tutoring, mainly because he stopped feeling conscious of himself.
“You have to let yourself go, stop wondering about what others will think of you. Close your eyes if need be and dance for yourself. Just let go of your body and swing your arms and legs. Don’t bother with any specific pattern but go with the flow of the music. Once you loosen up, you can open your eyes and learn the steps I’ll teach you.” Avantika stopped lecturing, watching him as he followed her words to the T. He had shut his eyes tightly, his long lashes resting against his lean cheeks. She missed the hot black gaze on her, but it didn’t really matter as she watched him swing his arms. He was suddenly better poised as he lost his awkwardness. After that it was easy to teach him a few basic steps.
She was glad she had shot the video in secret or he might have continued to be uncomfortable. She decided to send him the unedited video. He had to see it. Oh, how she loved him!
Her life got into a routine as she continued to practise with her troupe for at least three hours every day even as she juggled with her choreographing job. The nights were lonely as she missed Shatru’s lovemaking. But she refused to feel sad. Her memories were too beautiful for that. They continued to stay in touch, talking to each other almost every day and messaging pretty often. Then there were the Google hangouts when they got to see each other.
Five weeks after her return from Melbourne, she met Dia for lunch. Her best friend was in town with her husband Bharat for the latter’s shooting of some advertisements.
They met at the Five Spice restaurant in Bandra, having booked a table in advance. Avantika hugged Dia, meeting her for the first time after her wedding. “You are glowing,” she complimented. “Marriage has made you happy,” she said, grinning.
“Oh yes!” said Dia, turning red, a broad smile on her face. “So, how have you been? Did you get to meet Shatru while in Melbourne?” Avantika had asked for his address before going for her show, though Dia wasn’t aware how her friend had actually manoeuvred to get a show there after she got to know that that’s where he had gone.
Avantika grinned again and it was her turn to go red as she nodded.
“Ohkay! That’s how it is. Come on, tell all,” said Dia, as they settled at their table for two.
“You first. So, how is it living in Jaipur, with Bharat and his family? And how’s your food truck business faring? I want to know everything.”
They placed their orders when a waiter approached their table. They both decided to have a soup each to start with. Dia asked for veg wontons soup while Avantika settled for the spicy crabmeat soup.
“Tell me something. How do you manage at the Maheshwari home? They are all vegetarians, right?”
Dia smiled, nodding her head. “I’ve no issues since I’m vegetarian too.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Shatru manages to get vegetarian food in beef-eating Australia.” Avantika shook her head. “Truly amazing! I don’t think he gives a damn what anyone thinks about that.”
“That’s the beauty with the brothers,” agreed Dia. “Super confident guys.”
“The parents and the rest of the family? How do you get along with everyone?”
“They are all chilled out and too busy to interfere in others’ lives. I did wonder what Bharat’s parents might have to say to his running a food truck business along with me. But I realise that it doesn’t really matter. Uncle and aunty only want us all to be happy. They have no expectations from anyone. Where there’s no expectation, there’s no disappointment. What a simple way to live, nah?” said Dia, blowing on her spoon before drinking the hot soup that tasted so yummy.
“Truly. I was astounded when Shatru told me how his father has always encouraged him to travel the world and live his life.”
“Talking of Shatru, spill the beans. Did you get to spend time with him?” Dia pinned her grey gaze on her friend, her eyebrows almost touching her hairline in query.
“Yeah, I did. I actually stayed back a week after my troupe returned. And I…”
Dia shrieked before shutting up, eyeing the other diners around them. “And what?”
“I love him. Wait…” Avantika raised a hand to stop her friend from jumping off her chair. “That doesn’t mean he’s in love with me.”
“Oh!” Dia’s eyes were wide as she stared at her friend. “I’m sorry…”
Avantika shook her head, a smile on her face. “Don’t be. I adore him and just now he’s mine. He doesn’t want to commit himself long term and I’m okay with it. I am living for today and simply loving it.”
Dia touched Avantika’s hand that was lying on the table. “I’m so glad for you Avi. As long as you’re happy…”
“I am,” said Avantika in a whisper, joy shining out of her brown gaze.
“So did you make love?” Dia’s eyes were mischievous as she served a few spoons of the burnt chilly rice on her plate after waving the waiter away. She had asked for the exotic vegetables in hot garlic sauce to accompany the rice. The pot of rice was more than enough for both the girls.
Avantika served the fish Thai green curry on her plate before replying, “Hmm.”
“What? Aren’t you happy?” Dia had a mischievous look in her eyes as she sipped her iced tea.
“Of course
not. I mean, of course I’m happy,” said Avantika, chewing on her food. “You still haven’t told me about your food business.”
“It’s going too well. Bharat helps me with it. It’s such fun and self-satisfying. We have one student who helps us. Soon, I think we’ll have to take one more hand as the number of customers is increasing day by day.” Dia smiled at her friend.
“That’s simply lovely, Dia. So, how does Bharat juggle with his shoots? Do you miss him when he has to travel?”
Dia shook her head. “We work together on the food truck for about twenty days in a month. I travel with him during the days he needs to shoot.” She shrugged. “That way, we stay together always. It’s working out so far.”
“Wow! Now, I’m envious. But anyway, my relationship with Shatru is still in the budding stage. We’re in touch every day. Let’s see how it goes from here. I have no clue when he’s visiting India next.”
Dia bit her tongue before blurting out that her brother-in-law was planning to come home the next week. He probably wanted to surprise his new girlfriend. She didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag before that. She smiled at Avantika. “I’m sure things will work out perfectly for you.”
They finished their lunch with the restaurant’s famous blueberry cheesecake, sharing a portion as they were already too full.
The long and leisurely lunch and chat had done them a lot of good. Avantika was delighted that she could connect to someone who, while being her best friend, was also part of Shatru’s family. They parted ways outside the restaurant, getting into separate OLAs—Dia to return to her hotel room while Avantika planned to go for her practise with her troupe of dancers.
9
Shatrughan was on pins when he arrived at his home in Jaipur. He was raring to rush to Mumbai to meet Avantika. He spent barely twenty-four hours in his hometown before saying ‘bye’ to his family.
His twin, Bharat, gave him a wink when Dia gave him a knowing smile as he rushed down the portico steps to get into the OLA that was waiting to take him to the airport. Shatru paused to glare at Bharat, “Is something funny?”
Bharat shrugged, raising both his hands in a gesture of peace. “Of course not.”
“Then what was that wink for?”
“Why, nothing.” Only Bharat’s smile had turned into a wide grin by now.
Shatru looked at both Bharat and Dia, an impatient frown on his face. “You both obviously know why I’m in a tearing hurry. Please keep that to yourself.”
“Sure,” said Dia, walking up to Shatru and giving him a hug. “Your secret’s safe with us, Shatru. You’re truly lucky to have Avi for your girlfriend.”
Shatru cooled down to give her a small smile. “Yeah, I know.”
“And your friend’s lucky to have my bro for her boyfriend,” said Bharat, bumping his fist against Shatru’s.
“Okay, you guys, now don’t get me all emotional. I don’t want to miss my flight,” said Shatru, getting into his cab.
“See you,” chorused Bharat and Dia, waving to him.
Shatru was in a confused state of mind, his mind only half on the cab ride and later his flight. He had been travelling since more than five years. He usually made a detailed plan of how many weeks he was going to stay in one city or town, his activities, his job options and the places he was keen to visit. Once he had these lined up, he stuck to almost ninety percent of his schedule, open to any changes that needed adapting. This was the first time he had cut short a trip midway and returned home. All because of Avantika!
Actually, why blame her? It was because he couldn’t stay away from her. He had had affairs before, those that had lasted longer. But he’d barely spent a week with Avantika and only he knew how difficult life had been over the past six weeks with her so far away from him.
Shatru had reached a crossroads in his 27-year-old existence, it seemed. He would now have to plan his trips in such a way that he had more time to spend with Avantika. After thinking long and hard, he had given notice to his job as well as his rental apartment, managed to stay back for the specified period, packed his bags and returned to India.
As of now, he had no plans for the immediate future. A lot would depend on Avantika and yes, he wanted to spend a lot of time with her. No, marriage wasn’t on the cards just now. He was so glad that she was the least demanding person he knew, even more so than his own family members.
A few hours later, Shatru rang the doorbell of the flat that was at the address given to him by Avantika. He hadn’t informed her that he was coming to India, let alone Mumbai. He wanted to surprise her. Actually, he had amazed himself with the need to get back home in the middle of his trip. But his attraction to Avantika was too powerful. Yeah, he wasn’t going to admit to anything beyond the feeling of attraction.
“Coming,” called out a feminine voice from within as he heard the lock of the inner door being opened. Seeing him through the grilled window on the outer door, Avantika shrieked, “Shatru…” before opening the second door in a hurry. She fell into his arms, kissing him on his chin, nose, cheeks, lips, wherever she could reach.
“Whoa! What a welcome,” laughed Shatru, hugging her close, walking into her flat. He dropped his backpack on the floor before kissing her thoroughly, lifting her high enough for her to lock her legs around his hips.
It was a while before they came up for air and he whispered, “I missed you, sweetheart. Melbourne stopped being fun without you in it.”
Avantika stared into his obsidian eyes, her bathrobe sliding off her shoulders as she caressed his strong features with her hands. She held his face, saying, “That’s some admission, coming from you.”
“It’s the simple truth.” He kissed her throat, his tongue licking a trail towards her left shoulder. “You smell awesome. Did you just have a bath?”
“Hmm,” she said, removing the buttons on his shirt in a hurry. “Have you had dinner?”
“Yep, and now I want my dessert,” he said, pushing the robe off her shoulders to expose her breasts to his avid gaze.
Avantika’s answering laugh got stuck in her throat when she felt his lips against her right breast, his tongue stroking the skin above her nipple. “Shatru…” she whispered, hungry with need for him.
She couldn’t recall how they managed to reach the bed in the other room when Shatru placed her on the bed, removing his t-shirt and Bermuda shorts in a hurry, even as he pulled his shoes off with his toes. He lay down on the bed next to her, making an effort to calm down his racing heart, while he traced a finger down the side on her face.
Avantika lay on her side facing him, a blissful smile on her face as she studied him with her sherry coloured eyes. She raised a hand to caress the muscular arm with the dragon tattoo. “I’ve missed you too, Shatru. I’m so glad you’re here.” She didn’t ask for how long. It didn’t matter. Just now, he was with her and that’s what counted.
He caressed her cheek with his hand, his black gaze holding her glowing amber eyes.
“Is something wrong, Shatru?” she asked. She had expected him to be eager to make love to her. But he was just lying there, looking at her, which wasn’t like him. At least, he seemed to desire her a lot more during their last encounter.
“I…” Shatru moved away a little to lie down on his back. “I’m just tired,” he said, laying an arm over his eyes. More like he was confused. He was torn between his passion for travelling and his attraction to Avantika.
Avantika got up to sit on the bed. “Do one thing. Turnover on your front,” she said, bunching her long, curling hair into a loose knot.
“Huh?!” Shatru removed his arm to look at the determined woman who was sitting next to him, unselfconscious in her nakedness. She appeared glorious. He did as she asked, wondering what she was up to. The woman he knew was full of surprises, lovely ones at that. He turned on his front, laying his head on the pillow, facing away from her. His arms were folded at the elbow, his hands lying palms down at the sides of his head. He felt the bed give when
she got out of it. He closed his eyes, a smile on his face, even as he wondered what she was up to.
Avantika grabbed the big bottle of body lotion on her dressing table and poured a generous amount on her left palm. Rubbing the lotion between her hands, she pressed them firmly against his shoulders, caressing him with firm strokes, shoulder to hip. She heard him groan before he relaxed, giving in to her ministrations as she massaged him, her hands offering the solace that seemed to have disappeared from his life. She revelled in the satiny finish of his back, her fingers applying the right amount of pressure as they found every tension knot—and there were many—that seemed to be troubling him.
Shatru delighted in the feel of not just her nimble fingers but her breasts too as she bent over him. He sighed in pleasure when she massaged his firm butt, her fingers pinching and kneading the firm flesh, arousing him. What was she doing now?! Shatru felt her weight as she settled on his lower back, obviously facing away as she was running her fingers down the backs of his thighs, her strokes even. Oh my God! Life had never been this good!
Avantika revelled in the freedom of exploring his muscular body. Shatru obviously stayed fit. He had to be, with all the walking, climbing and cycling he did during his travels. She knew he had a wonderful body as she had explored it many times during their lovemaking. But this was the first time she was touching every inch of him, without any distraction from the man himself. She smiled to herself as she stroked the backs of his knees, bending down to kiss him there. She could feel him shuddering in response. She placed a hand under his right shin to lift his leg, bending it at the knee, bringing his foot closer to her. Firmly, Avantika applied pressure on every inch of his underfoot and his toes.
Flaming Sun Collection 2: Marriages Made in India (Box Set with 5 novellas) Page 36