by Varsha Dixit
Ojas let go of the stick and his arms wrapped fully around Gina, holding her carefully to him. Gina’s arms found their way around his neck and she clung to him, kissing Ojas frantically. Desire bloomed between them. Their passion became demanding and frenzied.
Ojas took control of the kiss. His mouth and tongue became greedy and sucked on Gina’s tongue, increasing pressure against her lips, ravishing and plundering her mouth.
Moaning, Gina pressed her aching breasts in his chest and her fingers sunk in his thick hair, holding Ojas’ face close as they continued to kiss deeply.
Ojas’s hand reached down between them and cupped her breast. Gina turned slightly, giving his hand more room to play.
Ojas rewarded her with a groan as his hand closed around her soft breast and started kneading and squeezing it, milking her nipple.
Gina moaned, arching into his hand. Ojas’s mouth refused to free her lips and now both his hands were milking and fondling her breasts. Gina felt the wetness flood between her legs. She wanted Ojas inside her. She wanted, no she needed, to come with his rock-hard shaft deeply embedded inside her.
Caught in desire, Gina grabbed Ojas’s hand and guided it to her moist center.
Ojas groaned and pulled apart, drawing large breaths even as his fingers gently ran down over her cleft and then pressed, rubbing her where she wanted him the most.
Gina thought she would cleave in two because of the pleasure. She cried out in frustration. Her breath came in pants as she hid her face in his chest and started grinding herself on his fingers.
“Come, my love! Come for me.” Ojas pressed his fingers down, his strokes hurried but thorough. “You are so wet. . .for me.” He groaned in her ear. “Don’t hold yourself back, sweetheart. Flood my fingers with your sweetness.”
Gina moaned and just as her eyes were about to close in ecstasy, she caught the reflection of their intertwined bodies in the glass painting across from them.
Using superhuman effort, Gina jumped away from Ojas. She scuttled back on the sofa even as her body cried out in frustration.
Ojas reached out for her, confusion etched in his eyes that were laden with desire even as color sat high on his cheeks. His eyes glittered, his breathing ragged just like hers.
“We are doing it again. Rushing in!” Gina said, her voice unsteady.
Ojas looked at her for a few seconds, his eyes full of longing, and then he looked away. “You are right. I got carried away. Again!”
Gina and Ojas sat side by side, with a foot of space between them as they gazed at each other. She was thrilled by Ojas’s love confession and his desire for her. She smiled at him tenderly. And then noticed that desire was ebbing from his eyes and his expression was growing rigid.
“Gina, this will never work. What kind of a life will you have with me?”
“What do you mean? I will have a complete life with you!” Gina was quick to reply. “You and I will work out this time, I can feel it in my bones. But only if you are ready to meet me halfway, Ojas.”
“What kind of a father will I be, Gina? Have you ever thought that?” Ojas finally said the words he knew held a world of pain for him, and he was sure for Gina too. “I won’t even be able to run with my child. Such a basic thing!”
Gina exhaled and straightened her clothes. Ojas wanted to order her to stop. Don’t straighten them, take them all off and come in my arms. Heal me with your love!
“If you think all a father does is run with his child then either you have been raised without your father, which I know you haven’t, or you are planning to adopt Usain Bolt.” Gina said, shifting closer to Ojas but keeping her hands to herself. “Do you really love me, Ojas?”
Ojas gave her a tortured glance. “More than myself. I live for you. Only for you.”
“If you find the strength to live for me, then find the courage to live with me too. We owe this to each other. To the Ojas and Gina of five years ago who were so madly in love with each other.” Gina reached out and took his hand. Ojas clasped her hand tightly. “Those two deserve a happy ending! We deserve a happy ending. Let’s take the good we had and build on it.”
Ojas pressed his lips on the back of Gina’s hand and then held it against his cheek as he gazed at her. His eyes were pained, and his shoulders rocked lightly. “What if I end up making a mess of things? What if I hurt you again?”
Gina cupped his cheek, her thumb lightly stroking his stubble. Her eyes brimmed with love for him. “And what if you don’t?”
“What if I’m not enough for you?”
“You’re more than enough. You are all I want. Take a chance on us, Ojas, have some faith.” Gina said, still cupping his cheek. “Let’s not give up without really trying, please.
Ojas grabbed both her hands and turned fully toward Gina. He kissed her hands and clutched them to his chest. “You are my queen.”
Gina moved closer. Bending her head down, she kissed his cheek that was still lowered over her hands. Ojas moved his head and fused his mouth with hers again.
Gina pulled away. Her eyes shone with hope, hope that she saw reflected in the glow of his eyes. “In or out?”
“Will be in soon?” Ojas’s look, like his voice, was suggestive.
Gina felt herself melt under his molten gaze. “Ojas!” Her laugh was breathless.
Ojas dropped a swift kiss on her lips. “But first, you have to marry me.”
“First you have to ask!” Gina teased.
“Your parents?” Ojas asked, his face becoming sober.
“Will be more than happy. Look at that poster. The last note is my mom’s.”
Ojas looked over his shoulder and read the notes. His smile was relieved when he turned back to Gina. He dropped Gina’s hands and moved back. Gina watched him, bemused.
Taking a deep breath, holding her gaze, Ojas dropped on the knee of his uninjured leg.
Gina inhaled sharply. Ojas was going to propose. She saw the effort it took for him to balance on one knee and not stagger. She wanted to ask him not to do it, but Gina knew by the expression on his face that this was very important to Ojas. So, she kept her silence.
Ojas looked up at Gina. “This is how difficult simple movements are for me. This is your time to get off this train.”
“Just shut up and ask,” Gina said, even as her eyes shone brightly.
Ojas’s eyes held moisture too. He took a deep breath and said, “I have never wanted anyone so much in my life as I want you. I can’t imagine a life without you in it. I’m deeply flawed but I promise you Gina, my love for you will only be perfect. I won’t let my imperfections ever come in the way of giving you a perfect life. I will only live to please—”
Gina put her hand over his mouth. It hurt her too much to see Ojas humble himself in front of her. “Just ask, please.” Her voice was choking.
Ojas’s breath was shallow and Gina drew back her hand. “Gina Bansal, will you marry me? Again?”
“Yes!” Gina slipped off the couch and embraced him. Ojas fell heavily on the sofa, taking both down. They slipped on the floor, not caring. They just sat there, holding each other tightly. Gina rested her head under his chin, listening to his heartbeats, reveling in the feel of his strong arms as they held her close.
Ojas tucked his face in Gina’s soft hair, inhaling the scent and the feel of her soft body in his arms. His arms tightened around her. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was. All his fears and uncertainty that had tortured him for years seemed to be dissipating under the hope and love that he felt radiating from Gina. With Gina at his side, he felt he could overcome anything. Ojas realized what had made him weak and less of a man wasn’t his leg, but not having Gina in his life. When they had met, somehow, somewhere, she had not only become the love of his life but also his strength.
Gina looked up, her eyes shining like jewels, showing her most attractive feature to him—her smile. “No more doubts!”
“None with you around!” Ojas whispered, taking her lips in a deep and thoro
ugh kiss.
When they pulled apart to breathe, Ojas kept Gina clasped tightly to him. He had to touch her, keep her close because he was scared. Scared that he would blink and Gina would disappear, and he would wake up to a dismal life. “If you still want to go to the US, we’ll go.”
Gina gave him a puzzled look. “US? I’m not going to US. What are you talking about?”
Ojas looked at her, bewildered at first, and then he rubbed his eyes, a rueful smile lifting his lips. “I love your crazy friends.”
Gina caught on. “They told you I’m moving to USA? Is that what you meant when you said I should not go?”
“Yes. What did you think?”
“To Deepali’s wedding.”
Ojas lowered his face, nibbling the side of her neck. Gina thought she would faint in ecstasy. “Talking of weddings, how soon can we get married? Do you want a big wedding?”
Gina shook her head. “Just something small with our families and my crazy friends.”
Ojas’s pulse raced. Gina could soon be his. A boyish grin lit up his face as his mouth hovered near her lips. “That can be arranged quickly.”
“Hmmm!” Gina said, trying to snag his mouth for a kiss.
Ojas sighed in regret. Gina pulled away surprised. “I think we should go to Deepali’s wedding. We can break the news to a lot of people there. Your wallflowers, my brother. What do you say?”
Gina nodded. “Puru is there?”
Ojas shook his head. “Puru can gatecrash anything. He is playing my wingman again.”
Gina laughed. “Let’s go!”
Reluctantly, Ojas pulled his arm from around Gina. “I don’t want to let you go.”
Gina sighed and gave him a peck on his cheek. “I have to wash my face. All the tears must have messed up my make up.”
Ojas nodded and his eyes were shining with amusement. “Sweetheart, you should invest in a waterproof mascara. I’ll buy you one.”
“Ojas Purohit!” Gina shrieked, getting to her feet. “Have I been sitting here all this while with racoon eyes and you didn’t tell me?”
Ojas grinned and grabbed her hand. Gina tried pulling away. “I still think you are gorgeous.”
“Shut up!” Gina flounced off toward her room and then stopped at the door, blew him a kiss, and went inside.
“That’s as good as an invitation.” Ojas whistled happily, getting to his feet and hurrying after Gina. His body was hard as a rock as he entered her room.
Chapter 34
“Where are they?” Meher asked Doyal who was seated next to her at the table.
“Should we call Gina?” Doyal replied. Her eyes too were glued to the wedding entrance, just like Meher.
“Why didn’t one of you stay back at the apartment?” asked the only male on the table.
“Why are you sitting here and not with your family?” Doyal said, an edge to her voice.
“The view is better here!” Puru remarked, digging into the rice pudding in front of him.
“Excuse me?” Doyal raised one brow slowly.
“He’s talking about the wedding dais that is visible from here.” Kyra said, briefly stopping from her furious typing.
“When’s the deadline?” Puru asked Kyra who was sitting a chair away from him.
“Yesterday! And sent.” Kyra hit the enter button and sent her article. “Okay, if any of you decide to complicate your lives, don’t do it for the next seven months. I’m working on a story. I will not be available.”
Meher snorted. “Nothing on the horizon for me Ky. Be busy for the next fourteen months for all I care.”
Kyra and Meher looked questioningly at Doyal.
Doyal lifted her right shoulder. “I’m fine! Nothing to report.” Her gaze clashed with Puru’s.
He mouthed at her. “They don’t know?”
Doyal remembered how in a moment of pique she had told Puru about her boyfriend. Something none of the Wallflowers knew. She narrowed her eyes at him as a warning.
Puru gave Doyal a lopsided smile and went back to eating. Meher and Kyra watched the exchange of glances between Doyal and Puru. Meher wiggled her eyebrows at Kyra. Kyra grinned back. However, they both quickly looked away as Doyal turned in their direction.
“There they are!” Puru announced.
Doyal, Meher, and Kyra all looked up see Gina and Ojas walking in together.
“Aww they are holding hands.” Meher gushed.
“And they look happy, very happy.” Doyal added.
“And she is not wearing the suit she was supposed to be wearing.” Kyra said.
“That doesn’t mean jack.” Meher retorted.
Gina and Ojas stopped as Gina met some of their college mates.
“It means they had sex.” Kyra quipped.
“Oh, so every time you change clothes it means you had sex?” Doyal snorted.
“Actually, if I don’t change clothes, it usually means I’ve had sex.” Puru jumped in the conversation. His grin was sly.
Kyra nodded at Puru. “I like you! Let’s grab a beer sometime.”
Puru raised his spoon to her. “Let’s!”
“Hey, Ky, focus on Gina.” Doyal snapped her fingers.
Meher leaned in and whispered to Doyal. ‘Don’t worry, he is not Ky’s type.”
Doyal jerked her head. “I don’t care.”
“It’s just the way you reacted, I thought…” Meher trailed off. Doyal’s glare, especially coupled with her arms crossed in front of her, was scary. “Hey Gina!” Meher jumped to her feet.
Gina gave Meher a heartfelt hug and whispered a thank you in Meher’s ear.
As Gina moved on to greet Doyal, Meher turned to Ojas. “It’s on? You and Ginny?”
Ojas enveloped Meher in a bear-like hug. “Yes, Meher it’s on. And thank you for everything you all did for us.” He included Kyra and Doyal in the gaze.
“If you hurt her again, I will kill you,” Kyra said even though she reached out and shook hands with Ojas.
“Noted!”
“Welcome to the family.” Doyal gave Ojas a side hug.
Ojas made his way around the table over to Puru, who was done hugging Gina.
“Hi Nancy?” Ojas said even as he wrapped Puru and Gina in one hug.
Gina swatted Ojas’s arm. “Stop, my hair.”
“Is perfect just like you!” Ojas dropped his arm around Gina but bend down, hoping to steal a kiss from her.
“The parents are on the other table.” Puru warned.
Ojas turned his head just in time and Gina stepped away.
“Chickens!” Kyra snorted.
“How come?” Ojas asked.
Gina looked over Puru’s shoulder and saw Ojas and her parents sitting on a table not far from them. They all were smiling and waving at them. Malti and Satinder were dabbing at their eyes.
“I guess they all wanted to see the happy couple.” Puru teased.
“You guys should give Deepali a hefty wedding present, seeing the numbers of guests you have brought.” Meher teased.
“Agreed!” Ojas said as he and Gina walked toward their parents.
Meher stayed back with Doyal and Kyra. “The first Wallflower to get her happy ending, right?”
“Don’t start with your nonsense, Mahi.” Kyra pushed Meher. Meher started walking after Gina and Ojas. Kyra stopped her. “Give them privacy with their family. Let’s go where our mates are sitting.”
Doyal, who had been checking her emails, started after the two when Puru standing behind her asked. “So how come I know about your boyfriend and your friends don’t?”
Doyal rolled her eyes. “Don’t consider yourself special. I will be telling them soon.” She gave him a disparaging look. “He and I are serious.”
Puru did not understand his disappointment and gave her an easy smile. “Congratulations. Then I guess you will be the second Wallflower to get a happy ending.”
“I’m my own happy ending. I don’t need a man for that.” Doyal tossed her hair and followed Meh
er and Kyra, leaving a bemused Puru behind who watched Doyal for a few seconds and then walked to join Ojas, Gina, and his family.
After several minutes, still holding hands, Gina and Ojas walked ahead of their families to the decorated dais to wish Deepali and her husband.
With Ojas at her side, Gina felt complete after a long time. The missing, the yearning had vanished. She was exactly where she wanted and with whom she wanted. Ojas too must have felt the same for he used every tiny excuse to touch her, to reassure himself that Gina was there.
Gina and Ojas exchanged a tender smile.
It was all decided. They were getting married the day after in a simple ceremony at a nearby temple amongst their families and friends. Unfortunately, Doyal had to fly overseas and she would have to miss the wedding. Following their honeymoon, Gina and Ojas would have two receptions in their respective cities.
“I still can’t believe it.” Ojas said in a low voice.
“Neither can I. All we had to do was talk.”
“Nope, all we had to do was kiss.” Ojas winked at Gina as they went up the stairs.
Deepali immediately recognized Gina and hugged her. As Deepali withdrew from Gina, she noticed Ojas. Deepali froze and then quickly recovered. “Oh hi, it is so good to see you. I’m so glad you came.”
“Congratulations Deepali. I’m very happy for you. You and your husband make a great pair.” Ojas said and moved away. They all posed for the customary picture with the bride and groom.
“Why do I get the feeling that Deepali wasn’t expecting me?” Ojas said in a quiet voice to Gina.
“Really? I don’t think so. She seemed happy to see you.” Gina gave him a clear-eyed look.
Ojas caught her hand and caressed the soft skin of her wrist. “You are covering for them, aren’t you?”
Gina shook her head. Damn! He can still see through me. “No clue what you are talking about?”
Ojas gave her a tender look. “I love you with everything I have.”
“Me too!” Gina whispered back, her heart in her eyes.
“Oh, I think I’m going to swoon.” Meher said, watching them from a distance.