The Malhotra Bride (19 page)
Read The Malhotra Bride Online
Authors: Sundari Venkatraman
know what it said.
“Hmm.” Akshay stopped what he was doing to hold her in his arms. He enjoyed the way she
responded to his lovemaking, completely enthusiastic. His tongue flicked at her ear, arousing her
immediately. The next minute, both were in bed naked and hungry for each other. This is exactly what
kept her hopes up.
Akshay slapped her bottom playfully and said, “You’ve to get dressed now unless you want to miss
the flight.” They were leaving on a 10-day trip to Paris and Rome.
She recalled what she wanted to tell him before they jumped into bed. “Akshay,” she caressed his
cheek.
He took her hand to kiss the palm. “Do you know what you’re doing to me? I’ve become your
slave,” he said playfully, his eyes searching hers. She didn’t know that he meant what he said.
“And I yours,” she breathed, holding him tight. “I’ve a confession to make.” It was now or never.
These three days had been fun but she needed to be sure that she had a future with him before taking
off to Europe. She’d packed her clothes separately. She was ready to miss the flight if need be.
She got up and dressed in a hurry, looking elegant in the rich cream pant-suit that she chose to travel
in. She didn’t want to look at him, scared of what she would see in his expression.
“I don’t know what’s there in that contract of yours,” her voice was low. Sensing the importance of
what she was saying, Akshay moved closer, buttoning his shirt. He sat on her side of the bed to pull
on his socks. “I don’t care.” She twisted her hands in anguish. “I’m in love with you Akshay.”
She turned in a hurry to reassure him. “I’m not saying we remain married permanently. I know you
want your freedom. Only I don’t think I can live with you for three years and walk out after that.” She
moved away, unable to stand close to him. She was scared that she might insist on being a real wife to
him. What if he rejected her? “These three days were heaven. They’re enough to take me through life.
I think its best we don’t make the trip to Europe together. I’m sure you understand.” There! She had
said it. Just a little more time she needed to pretend that her heart was not smashing to smithereens.
Sunita squared her shoulders. But she wasn’t a defeatist. She had a future to plan—one without
Akshay.
“You signed a contract for three years. You can’t just up and walk away in three days.” Akshay’s
voice shook with emotion. She loved him. He shook his head in disbelief as he got up and walked to
his wife.
She turned on him, fire in her eyes. Her freedom was threatened and she wouldn’t put up with it.
“Akshay, I don’t—”
He laughed in elation as he pulled her into his arms. “You idiot! Can’t you tell that I love you more
than my life?” He crushed her close and kissed her thoroughly. Sunita was dazed. Did she hear him
right?
“But Akshay, you made me sign that contract,” she accused.
“Sweetheart, it was you who agreed to a contract wedding. I fell in love with you the minute I set
eyes on you—yeah, outside the computer class. I realised it when I met you. You didn’t want to get
married and that’s why—”
“—you dangled the contract like a carrot in front of me,” she finished. “But I thought we’re getting
along so well after that. Why did you’ve to bring it to me the day before the wedding?” Her voice
reflected her remembered pain.
“I’d forgotten all about it. But the lawyer had it delivered that day. I’d made you a promise and I
didn’t want you to lose faith in me. Why the hell did you sign it?” He had been terribly hurt that night
too.
“I didn’t know I had a choice. I thought I found the man of my life and was so looking forward to
our life together. And there you were, asking me to sign the stupid contract, just hours before our
wedding.” She tried to pull out of his arms. But he refused to let go. “Anyway,” she rallied
triumphantly, “I tore it to pieces and threw it in a dustbin the moment you left.”
He burst out laughing. “My sweetheart!” he kissed her. “My copy must be buried in the sea by now
after I flushed it down the toilet.” Some contract!
They rushed as both were keen to catch the flight that was taking them to their European honeymoon.
He nuzzled her ear in the car, ignoring Kamat. “You know that little red number you flaunted in front
of me—that was my saving grace. I was going insane until then. I couldn’t believe that my shy little
wife was a siren. I adore you my sweetheart,” he declared passionately. He wasn’t too bothered by
his wife’s lack of response as she was too conscious of the driver’s presence.
Her grey-green eyes glowed like jewels as they promised retaliation.
THE END