by Varsha Dixit
After dinner, they walked back to the villa.
Kiara paused and pointed at the beach. “Why don’t you go and take some pictures. Photography always makes you feel better.”
“Correction, please! Bad photography always makes me feel better.”
Kiara laughed.
“Today, I will just call it a night. Anyways, my cell and backpack are in your room. I’ll pick it up and head to the hotel.”
Kiara pushed her cell in Aisha’s hand. “Here, take my cell. It has a good camera. Look at the beach with all those beautiful bonfires. Great setting. Go!”
“But—”
“I insist!”
Aisha opened her mouth.
“I’ll use your cell to call you if I need anything. Go, woman!”
Aisha pulled Kiara’s cheek. “Later, gator!”
Aisha turned in the direction of the beach.
“Hey, Boo! Take my picture.”
“Sure,” Aisha turned around with the phone’s camera ready to take a shot. A startled laugh escaped her mouth.
Kiara was imitating the ‘broken neck dead woman’ pose.
“Oh, you are the devil itself.”
“Toodles!” Kiara blew her a kiss and went in.
Shaking her head, Aisha waited until Kiara went inside the house. She trooped in the direction of the populated beach.
On a whim, Aisha took off her wedges and let her sole sink in the gravelly sand that had been warmed by the heat of the day. It trickled through her toes and hugged her feet.
Unlike the light sand playing around her feet, Aisha’s head felt heavy. She stopped near the pier gazing at it. It had been cordoned off and was under repairs since the accident.
Aisha shuddered and moved on. She stopped at some distance from the first group gathered around the bonfire. They were a mix of Indians and foreigners. One of them held a guitar, strumming it lightly.
A girl in the group was singing softly, her voice low and soulful. The light from the bonfire lit her face in a warm and luminous orange glow. Her eyes were closed, and her head swayed slowly, and in that moment the girl’s face held a sea of content.
Aisha sank to her knees and raised the phone. She opened and clicked some pictures of the bonfire.
An odd sensation pricked her neck as if someone was watching her. Her hand holding the cell wavered.
Aisha swung her head sideways and saw that ‘someone.’
Chapter 36
Kabir was sitting few feet away from her, all by himself. Aisha and Kabir’s eyes met and held.
Aisha felt some heat in her cheeks that had nothing to with the nearby bonfire. She dropped her gaze and self-consciously tucked her hair behind her ear.
Aisha got to her feet, her eyes wandering back to the lonesome figure dressed in black.
Meeting Aisha’s gaze steadfastly over the beer bottle pressed against his lips, there wasn’t a flicker of emotion on Kabir’s chiseled face. The orange fire gave a warm glow to his features but there was no softening in his expression.
As Aisha was about to pivot away, she saw Kabir reach out and pull something from behind him. It was another beer bottle. He planted it in the sand near him and went back to his solitary drinking.
Aisha’s eyes flickered between Kabir and the bottle. Standing still, she chewed her bottom lip, her eyes slanted, confused. Still unsure, Aisha stood where she was. Something akin to exasperation flashed in his eyes. Reaching in the pocket of his shirt, Kabir pulled out something shiny and threw it near the bottle in the sand.
A bottle opener.
Aisha wrinkled her nose. I am being invited to my wake.
Taking small steps and ignoring the flutters in her stomach, Aisha went near Kabir. He continued to sip his beer and stare ahead of him.
Aisha sank in the sand a foot away and a few inches behind him. Sounds of intermittent applause made her glance in the direction of the bonfire. The girl had finished her song. Aisha saw the girl whip her head and glance at Kabir, her mouth creased in an inviting smile. Kabir raised his bottle to her and the side of his cheek hitched up as he gave her a smile.
Aisha’s brow crumpled.
The girl noticed Aisha. Her eyes narrowed and then she shrugged and turned back to her friends.
In a fluid movement, Kabir leaned over grabbed the bottle from the sand and opened it. He glanced at Aisha briefly as he held it out to her.
Sounds of waves and nearby conversations of other people were the only sounds between Aisha and Kabir.
Grudgingly, Aisha took the bottle and their fingers brushed. She was quick to move her hand and the bottle even as the fleeting warmth from Kabir’s fingers lingered on her skin.
They sipped in silence.
Just like the night on the pier. Aisha studied the back of Kabir’s head. His dark hair was neatly cut above his shirt collar, his back was straight and there was a strange stillness about him. Aisha opened her mouth to say something as he turned to flick a gaze at her over his shoulders. Their eyes connected briefly and then Aisha blinked and stared at the hemline of her dress. When she glanced up, Kabir was back to staring at the ocean.
“I did not know about your wife and sister.” Aisha spoke haltingly.
Kabir’s hand, which was raised to take another sip, stilled. “And now you know. How?”
Aisha cleared her throat.
“Kiara?” he asked.
“But the others told her.” Aisha was quick to defend.
Again silence.
“I have seen a lot of death too,” Aisha said in a muffled voice.
That earned her a hooded glance.
Kabir took some time but then he asked. “Who?”
“My mother. And my brother and his wife—Kiara’s parents.”
More silence followed where each sipped their beers.
“Yet you can laugh?”
Aisha drew circles in the sand, taking her time answering. “To me, nothing emphasizes the importance of life like death does.” She paused.
“How old were you when your mother passed away?”
“Fifteen,” Aisha went back to her art.
“And when your brother and sister-in-law passed away?”
“Eleven,” Aisha’s finger stilled. She glanced at him. His gaze was fixed on her. “And you?”
“Fifteen, just like you, when my sister passed away and thirty when my wife did.”
“I’m sorry!” She was talking to his back.
“I’m sorry too . . . for your losses.”
Aisha nodded and swallowed.
“You made sacrifices for Kiara, for your family. You found a cause to live.”
Aisha tasted her beer. “And you…” It wasn’t a question. Kabir stayed quiet. “Your family? Your parents?”
“Dad passed away two years after Kriti died. I was shipped to a reforming school and my mother left the country.”
Despite herself, Aisha felt her heart go out to the young boy he must have been. I always had Dad, my rock. Nani and a bunch of empathetic aunts, uncles, and cousins! “Why didn’t your mum stay?”
Kabir’s voice was flat. “Because her prefect daughter had died but her awful son lived. After Dad, there was nothing for her here.”
Chapter 37
Aisha bit her lips to control her emotions. “She should have stayed.”
Kabir glanced at her. Aisha wasn’t quick enough to hide the sheen in her eyes. “Drink your beer.” His lips creased in a humorless smile.
Aisha took a shaky breath.
Kabir reaching into his trouser pocket pulled out a folded handkerchief. He handed it to her.
“Thanks.” Aisha dabbed her eyes.
“Sorry for tackling you back there.” This time Kabir met her eyes and did not look away.
Aisha nodded. “It’s okay! I should not have teased you. I did not know. You are so smug all the time and when I saw you terrified I could not resist. I . . .” she trailed off at the gleam that came in his eyes.
“I’m not smug al
l the time.”
Aisha turned her eyes away.
“Why do you always look away? Something wrong with my face?”
“What? No!” Aisha felt herself color.
“Then look at me and don’t look away.” Kabir’s voice sounded thicker than usual.
Aisha felt a heat pulse in her body at his words and the way he spoke. “A staring competition?” she murmured, picking some sand, and letting it trickle down slowly from her palm.
“Hi there?”
Aisha and Kabir turned at the voice. It was the girl who had been crooning earlier. Her eyes were on Kabir. “Got more beer?”
“Sorry, none. She took the last one.” Kabir tossed Aisha a look.
Aisha opened her mouth but then shut it.
“Well, that shack there,” the girl pointed at the nearby Tiki, “they serve beer. If you want to buy me one.”
“I was just,” Aisha moved, “leaving.”
Kabir reached out and wrapped his hand around Aisha’s wrist. “No, you are not.” He tugged Aisha down. Still holding her wrist, he turned to the girl hovering near them. “I have cash if you want to buy a beer for yourself.”
“Okay!” The girl in the white and blue caftan extended her hand. Kabir took out some money from his pocket and dropped it in her outstretched palm. “I will be there for some time. You can join me when you are done here!” She gave Kabir a coquettish glance under her lashes.
Kabir flashed her a smile. “Cheers!”
Aisha tugged her hand free and Kabir let go. The girl walked away.
“Don’t judge her. It’s Friday night in Goa.”
“I’m not judging her or anyone else. I work in the television industry; nothing surprises me.”
“What do you do in TV?”
Aisha scratched her temple. “I write sitcom stories and dialogs.”
“Really? For those over-the-top dramatic serials?”
Aisha’s mouth creased at the corners. “What was that about not judging?”
“Touché!” Kabir raised her a toast and took a sip. “Get up.”
“What?” Aisha titled her head to the side.
“Get up!” Kabir stood tall over her.
“You are used to giving orders, aren’t you?” Aisha said, not moving an inch. She raised her bottle very slowly and took a sip. Her look was defiant.
Kabir grinned, boyish.
Aisha tried to ignore how handsome he looked.
“I apologize. Will you please rise so I may show you something?” Kabir started brushing the sand off his clothes, putting most of it dangerously close to her dress.
“Oh God! You are worse than Kia when it comes to bullying me!” Aisha muttered, getting to her feet. She straightened her dress and grabbed Kiara’s cell. She left her sandals in the sand.
Kabir walked some distance down the sandy slope. “Come and stand here.” He paused, his glance cheeky. “Sorry! Please come and stand here.”
Aisha rolled her eyes but did as asked. She ended up standing in front of him. “Now what?”
“Today, you will learn some basics of photography. Please open the camera on your phone.”
“You don’t have to!”
“I want to. Will you kindly do me the honors?” Kabir drawled above her head.
Snorting, Aisha opened the cell and held it in front of her.
Kabir ignored the rude sound. His mouth creased in an unrepentant grin. “Kindly look through it and please compose a good frame for me.”
“Ugh!” Aisha moved the cell scanning the beach.
#
Kabir crossed his arms and studied the woman in front of him. He found Aisha wholly intriguing. Tragedy is common to both of us, yet she overcame all that.
Kabir’s eyes strayed over her, his look more intimate. Her hair, usually in a ponytail, hung loose today, falling below her shoulder. Her skin was smooth, and her heart-shaped mouth highlighted by her fuchsia lipstick. Her cheeks were round and her chin pointy, giving her face a pixie-like appearance.
She is so easy to talk to. No judgments, just kindness. Everything around her seems simple.
Kabir let his eyes trail over Aisha’s body. She was focused on finding something she could take a picture of. Her shoulders were straight, her breasts voluptuous, her waist curvy and her backside firm and round. Kabir groaned mentally. He wanted Aisha badly but her inexperience with men, her innocence, was as visible as a beacon atop a lighthouse.
The models leave the day after and then I will never meet Aisha. It will be good for her and for me.
Kabir’s eyes had a look of longing as he watched Aisha. I don’t want Aisha to lose her inner joy or peace. I could not bear that. Once I get back to Mumbai, I will refer Kiara to another agency.
Chapter 38
“Okay, this one is damn good. Look.” Aisha beckoned Kabir. Her eyes shone, and her smile was wide. She held the phone like she was holding a newborn.
Kabir leaned down to her shoulder to see the frame she had composed. “What are you taking a picture of?”
“What?” Aisha narrowed her eyes. “You can’t see it?”
Kabir shook his head and clamped his mouth. His eyes glinted at her indignant expression. “No, I can’t. All I see is a blob of orange.”
“A blob? Excuse me!” Aisha brought her hands holding the cell down. “I don’t think you know what photo. . .” she trailed off realizing how asinine she sounded, saying that to a man took pictures for a living.
Straightening, Kabir crossed his arms over his chest, pulling his black shirt tighter over his chest as he cocked his head to the side, his expression amused. “Go on, you were saying?”
“Whatever,” Aisha pressed the home button to close the camera.
“Don’t. Open the camera and hold it up.” Kabir prodded her forearm. “Go on, take a picture.”
“So, you can make more fun of my photography?”
“Photography, really?” Kabir murmured.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. C’mon, make your frame.”
Aisha rolled her eyes but did as told.
Kabir put his face next to her, trying to see what Aisha saw on her phone. His chin lightly grazed the bare skin of her shoulder. The sensation seared Aisha to her toes. Tingles sparked on her skin.
Aisha shifted, trying to focus on the phone in her hands and not on the man next to her. The breeze did more damage. It bathed her with his spicy smell. Every breath of hers smelled of him. Dammit!
“Okay, now zoom out.” Reaching over, Kabir’s fingers splayed over Aisha’s. She swallowed, trying to act unaffected.
“Zoom out so you can add nuances, show background; something that makes your subject more interesting.”
Every time Kabir spoke, he slightly turned his mouth to her and his hot breath touched her nape like soft pricks. Aisha quivered.
“Are you cold?”
“No.” Aisha shook her head. Her loose hair brushed Kabir’s face.
Chapter 39
Kabir tried not to inhale the citrus smell of Aisha’s hair. He failed. Seeing her shiver, he moved closer, trying to warm Aisha. Kabir wasn’t prepared for how good she felt against him. Fitting perfectly under his chin, the rest of her body went up against the rest of him. He felt himself harden painfully. I have been without a woman for too long, Kabir cursed.
Aisha was a poster child for all inexperienced with men. This should turn him off but in Aisha’s case, he was insanely attracted and strangely possessive. Today afternoon it was his call to Christin that had ended Christin and Aisha’s lunch date, but Kabir had simply been unable to focus on the shoot, constantly thinking of what Aisha and Christin might be doing.
Kabir exhaled.
Aisha turned her head at that sound. “Are you okay?”
Kabir’s face was mere inches away from hers. They stared at each other. His gaze dropped to her lips very slowly.
Aisha’s lips parted, showing the tip of her teeth. Her pink tongue moved tantalizingly wit
hin the cavern of her mouth. Kabir in that minute wanted nothing more than to a take a deep taste of her warm mouth and lock lips with her for an eternity.
Kabir’s eye flickered back to Aisha’s. Seeing the unchecked and answering desire in Aisha’s coffee colored eyes, Kabir’s body tightened, the sensation soulfully stirring. Aisha did not know how to hide her feelings. Her eyes were truly mirrors to her mind and heart.
Groaning softly, Kabir dipped his head and Aisha’s eyes closed, her lips parting in anticipation.
Aisha felt herself melt. She wanted this kiss so badly. It was like an insane craving. She wanted to be physically connected to Kabir.
Sudden loud laughter filled the air.
Kabir stilled, his mouth nearly brushing Aisha’s. Desire was pierced by common sense. Fuck! Kabir frowned at Aisha’s upturned face. Her lashes were long against her smooth skin. Her lips soft and parted invitingly.
Kabir briefly closed his eyes as his insides ached. All he wanted was to pull her into him and mingle her breath with his. She is not in my league; she is a hundred leagues above me. Kabir opened his eyes, his mouth twisted harshly.
Feeling nothing but air on her lips, Aisha opened her eyes. Kabir was close, but his face had lost all tenderness, all desire. She blinked at the scowl that rode his forehead.
“What happened?” Her voice was a soft murmur.
“Nothing,” Kabir snapped and moved away from her. “I suggest you focus on taking pictures, but of course if you want to get laid. Ask me nicely,” His voice was icy. “I might indulge. There are not too many women your age I fuck.”
Aisha could only stare at him for a second and then anger and hurt flashed in her eyes. She felt like he had thrust a hot knife in her heart. “You are such a jerk!” The closeness she had just felt with Kabir robbed her of words. She angrily moved to go around him.
“What, no pictures either?”
“Sure, I could take your picture if you would oblige me by dying!” Aisha snapped and then she averted her face. Aisha took quick angry steps to grab her wedges.
A couple strolled directly in her line of vision. She noticed the man. His shirt hung un-tucked and his jeans were rolled up to the calf. The young woman on his side wore a strapless printed maxi.