Agape & Eros

Kehne Ki Baatein

Priya woke up early in the morning. She found Ram sleeping in an uncomfortable position. She woke him up. Ram sat up and rubbed his eyes. 

Ram- You are awake. Are you alright? Do you still feel weak?

Priya- No, I'm fine now. But what happened? Why were you sleeping like this? 

Ram- I don't know. I haven't. I... I slept... I fell asleep. Suddenly.

Priya couldn't understand Ram's incoherent speech. 

Priya- You should get up. You are getting late for office. 

Ram- Ha office. Office. Ah! My shoulder.

Ram winced in pain. Priya became concerned for him. She started scolding him for sleeping in such a manner. She took out a balm from the drawer of the nightstand. 

Priya- Kurta utariye, Mr. Kapoor. 

Ram- Whaaat? Irada kya hain tumhara. Subha subha matlab...

Priya- Balm lagane ka irada hain subha subha. Neck pain banaliyen na? 

Priya scolded Ram before he could crack another bad joke. Ram became hushed putting a finger on his lips. Then he opened a few buttons of his kurta and slipped it from the shoulder. He bent his neck giving Priya access. Priya took some balm and applied it to his shoulder. She started to give him a massage to soothe his pain.

Ram was wide awake by then. His sleepy eyes had opened wide by her touch. Her soft fingers on his neck sent a shiver through his spine. Ram felt electrified. He could feel sparks on several regions of his body. He was facing the headrest of the bed and Priya was behind him. He was glad that he didn't have to face Priya. He slowly pulled a pillow onto his lap. His face became red and flushed.

Priya- All done. You'll feel much better. 

Ram hummed in response. He couldn't face Priya nor could he talk to her. Not in this shape. He was way too embarrassed and mad at himself. 

Priya- Now you should get ready. 

Ram hummed again. Priya found it weird. She thought perhaps he was still sleepy. 

Priya- I think you are still sleepy. Should I call Tarun to bring you a cup of coffee? 

Ram hummed once again. Priya became irritated with his continuous humming. 

Priya- Ok. You may keep sitting here and waiting for your coffee. I've to get ready. 

Ram jumped a little bit and faced Priya at the mention of getting ready.

Ram- Why? 

Priya- What do you mean by why? 

Ram- Why do you need to get ready? 

Priya- I've classes today. 

Ram- But you were so sick yesterday. You need rest. Take a leave. 

Priya- Mr. Kapoor, I was just dehydrated. It's not that serious. I've eaten well and drank enough water since then. I feel fine now. 

Ram- You were also put on a drip. 

Priya- That fastened my recovery. 

Ram stood up in frustration still clutching the pillow in the same position. 

Ram- But still you need rest. What if you faint again? What if you become dehydrated again? 

Priya- Nothing of that sort is going to happen. I am not fasting today. 

Ram- But you were yesterday. So, you still need more food to fill yesterday's quota. 

Priya- I already have. Now, please don't say a word. I am not going to stay at home today. I've to take the classes.