The Love-addict - Chapter 12

                      When Samaira woke up, it was 10 a.m. The first thing that crossed her mind was the thought about her handsome brother-in-law. Where was he? She looked around her. So she had slept alone, after all! Rohan had proved to be a tough nut to crack. But the toughest nuts cracked some time, sooner or later! She would pursue him and get his attention, one day, she vowed. The thrill was in the chase! Now she had a reason to live for. She immediately cheered up. Humming loudly, she completed her morning chores and emerged, fresh as a rose.

                       

                      Even her maid was taken aback, by her resplendent beauty. Had her Bibiji and Rohan… Again the ugly thought reared in her head. No, no, it mustn’t be, she consoled herself. But why was she looking so happy and radiant? Everyday, she was grouchy and rude, in the mornings. Nirmala knew that Samaira had sleeping-pills daily, as she suffered from insomnia. Her Bibiji’s wild, erratic life-style frightened her. She cared for her, like her daughter and didn’t want anything untoward happening to her.

                      

                      Trying to appear casual, Samaira asked, as she sat down at the dining-table for break-fast, “So when did Jiju leave?” “At 8.30 a.m. He asked me to thank you for your hospitality. He even gave me Rs. 100/- as bakshish. Nice man!” Samaira’s heart twisted as she thought bitterly, Yes, nice man! Too nice though! Playing goody-goody, though he was attracted to her! Well, two could play at the game. It would be interesting to see who won. She was sure that she would!

                     

                      That day, Mahesh Kumar, Samarth Babu and the entire unit was nonplussed. They were wondering why Samaira looked so bewitching and cheerful. She was cracking jokes, laughing and teasing everyone around, and appeared relaxed, unlike her usual haughty, tantrum throwing self!

                    

                     “Don’t I look silly in this costume? She asked, as her make-up artiste nodded vaguely, unsure of how to react. If he said yes, she would throw a fit and if he said no, she’d chide him for being a chamcha, a sycophant! But as she seemed to be in a very good mood today, he seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and bravely said, “Yes Madam, you should insist on another one!” He kept staring at her, as she threw back her pretty head and laughed heartily. What had come over her today, he thought.

                       

                      She had worn an over-sized, tattered robe with flip-flops, for a scene where she was supposed to be in disguise. “No, Sanket, I will wear this one only! That means that this is the perfect disguise for me! She thought that that costume hid her curves well and made her look bloated and ugly. Her face had been made-up to look like a vagabond. Pock-marked and ugly!

                     
                      She shuddered involuntarily and looked sad when Sanket showed her the mirror for a final look, before the scene was shot. She only hoped that she didn’t really end up looking like that, in her old age! Old age was too far away, but was sure to befall her. She wished that she had someone to look after her and care for her, then! Unwittingly, Rohan’s face flashed in front of her mind’s eye. Instantly her mood soared and she jauntily went to give a one-take shot.   

         

To be continued....

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan. 

The Love-addict - Chapter 11

 

                          It was pitch- dark. As he groped for the lights’ switch and switched on the light, he realized that the lights had gone out. Maybe, Samaira had got scared of the darkness and pressed the switch. But was she awake then? It was 2.15 a.m. With a sense of foreboding, he knocked politely on her room’s door and asked softly, “Samaira, do you need something?” There was no response. He of course, wouldn’t know that she had taken a sleeping-pill and dozed off. After a few more knocks and queries, he was tired and returned back to his room. 

                      He crashed on to the bed and slept soundly till 8 a.m. when he heard the door-bell ringing incessantly. It was the maid. He rushed down-stairs and opened the door for the startled lady. She thought, “Hai Ram, had this person stayed there over-night? Had her mistress and …..” She winced as the thought struck her that he was Samaira’s brother-in-law. Had she become so desperate?

                        

                       She instantly became business-like and asked him if he would like to have tea or coffee. Mercifully, he didn’t appear to be drunk. He told her that he’d freshen up and be back downstairs in ten minutes. She couldn’t resist asking him about the whereabouts of her mistress. “Where is Samaira Bibiji? Is she still sleeping?” \

                       He shrugged and said, “Maybe, because her door is still shut.” The maid inwardly heaved a huge sigh of relief. So they had slept in different rooms; though it was none of her business! She now looked at Rohan respectfully. Here was a real man with his values right in place. He wasn’t the one who took advantage of nubile, lonely young girls.

                       
                         Rohan went to his room, showered, dressed and emerged, fresh and raring to go. He had to leave at least by 8.30 a.m., go to his friend’s place, take his luggage and rush to the station. His train left at 10 a.m. As he looked at Samaira’s closed door, he sighed. Sleeping beauty, he thought naughtily. Before, his thoughts could stray, he reined them in firmly. 

                         He was relieved that he had kept his sanity intact, last night. He conceded though, that it was only due to that closed door. If that door had opened last night, when he knocked on it, he wouldn’t have been able to look at himself in the mirror, ever! Nor into Amisha’s eyes! She trusted him completely. He didn’t want to betray her trust. And his faith!       

To be continued.....

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 10

                    She showed him a room adjacent to hers. It was huge and beautifully decorated. There was an inviting poster-bed with satin sheets, a couch with floral print, a desk and a chair, side-tables with table-lamps and an attached bathroom. Soft lights shone their mellow beams on the bed, from concealed lighting in the false ceiling.

                    

                   Samaira was watching his expression of delight on seeing the well-appointed room. She was imagining being on that bed with him! But she couldn’t make the first move, hence waited expectantly, with bated breath, to let the serene and plush surroundings assail his senses and overwhelm him, so that he made the first move. By now, she was finely attuned to men and their behavior. They just couldn’t resist temptation and were wont to make hay while the sun shone!

                  

                    That day, a yellow, full moon was shining outside and the breeze was cool; a perfect setting for a rendezvous. Would he bite the bait?

                  

                    She was jolted out of her romantic reverie by his words, “O.K. then, Samaira, good night.” The finality in his words shocked her. She felt as if she had been physically slapped after his rebuttal. She could just manage to weakly say, “If you need anything, just ring that bell,” indicating a switch beside the bed. “Hm, yes,” he said, avoiding looking at her. If she just went out, he’d be O.K.!

                    

                    She walked to the door and turned behind abruptly, and caught him staring at her. Why couldn’t he ask her to stay? She thought crossly. He hurriedly averted his eyes and pretended to be examining a vase on the side-table. When she couldn’t dilly-dally any longer, she sighed and walked out, her head held high, even as traitorous tears started welling up in her beautiful eyes. She felt rejected and dejected! Wasn’t she worth even for a one-night stand? She longed to be in the warmth of his strong hands, wanted to be comforted and loved, was it too much to expect? The door closed behind her softly. She could hear the lights being switched off. Now she was alone again.

                    

                    Back in her cozy room, decorated as tastefully as the one occupied by Rohan, she lay on the couch in her satin negligee, staring at the ceiling, crying softly. After a long time, she realized that it was 2 a.m. and she had to catch up on her sleep, if she wanted to avoid dark circles under her eyes, the next day, during shooting. Her eyes were already swollen and red due to crying. She dragged herself to her bed. Involuntarily, her hands reached for the switch beside her bed and pressed it.

                     

                    Rohan jumped from his sleep as the buzzer buzzed in his ears. Had he pressed the switch in his sleep? He was sure he hadn’t. As his eyes opened slowly, he tried to get his bearings. Where was he? As he focused his eyes on the contents of that room, he remembered that he was in Samaira’s house. Had she pressed the buzzer in her room?  Did she need anything? He decided to check out and make sure.

        

To be continued........

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 9

      

                      He was hesitant. “No Samaira, I can’t spend the night in a spinster’s house. What will people think? Even my friend and his family won’t approve. No, no, I must leave.” Just as he reached the door, Samaira speed-dialled her sister. “Didi, Jiju isn’t staying here with me. Kindly tell him to give me company tonight.”

                      

                      In the stillness of the night, he could clearly hear his wife’s response. “Give him the phone, I will tell him.” Amisha appeared happy because Samaira was happy. She told him “Kyon ji, you’ve gone to see her. Why don’t you stay in her house overnight?” He told her, “Amisha, log kya kahenge? “(What will people say?) “I don’t care what they say! Anyway, in a big city like Mumbai no one cares about what the others are doing. You can freely stay there. And aren’t you her relative? Why do you unnecessarily worry? I am your wife, since I don’t mind; it’s none of anyone’s business!”

                      

                      Secretly relieved and delirious with joy, he carefully said, “Oh, so if that’s what you wish, your wish is my command. I will do as you say. Now are you happy?”

                      

                      Amisha’s sweet laughter rang down the line. “Yes, of course. Thanks. Good night.”

                    

                      “There you are,“ said Saira happily, as she took the phone from his hands. Now call up your friend and inform him about your changed plans. Tell him that you will go there tomorrow morning and pick up your luggage and go to the station.” Rohan did the needful. He felt it in his bones that that night would change his life forever.

                     

                      Samaira gave a mock yawn and said that she was going to her bedroom. The maid had left some time back. Rohan awkwardly suggested, “I’ll sleep on this couch.” She laughed heartily and said, “Jiju, there are five bedrooms in this house. What are they for? Come upstairs. I’ll show you your room.”

                      
                        His heart was thudding. A huge, isolated house and a gorgeous single lady were a lethal combination. He feared for himself and he feared for her! He watched her hips swaying sensuously as she proceeded upstairs with him in tow. Then he firmly looked only at each step, as he climbed. God, give me strength, he prayed. To resist this divine temptation! He didn’t want to sin!

   

To be continued...

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.