Daniel's POV
Slowly her almond shaped eyes slowly met mine, awkwardly holding the clothes. I often wondered why she was so reserved, hesitate to even look into my eyes! Evie would be mad if she knew about it. But today I was determined to find about what the hell was going in her mind.
"Shashi, However I try and not to think of you. I simply can't. I am always eager to come to see you dance." I told her, stepping closer to her.
She looked away, but the obvious color on her cheeks was highlighting her feelings. She started fiddling with her clothes while moving her tongue across her slightly quivering lower lip. My thoughts suddenly dwelled on her lip, and going in completely the other direction. So I tore my gaze away, she was not that type of girl. I knew in my heart.
"So, I was wondering, mainly thinking, if you would consider..mm..consider going out," I managed to say from my well-rehearsed speech. "I mean I am going to tell Evie about it. She will understand," I lied knowing well enough that Evie would not only be heartbroken but would through a ruckus over it. She always had been the one who kept the relationship going, either by fighting or acting clingier.
"No," She said with a barely louder than a whisper dropping the clothes. "I.. I can't go out with you anywhere. I am here to dance. And I don't want to do anything other than that."
I felt a sudden pit in my stomach. Was she unattainable? Her love was something I would never have! I didn't knew, what to feel anymore. It was not something I was familiar with. Before Evie, even now, girls always wanted my attention. But I didn't like to keep my feet in two places, so I chose to only stay with Evie.
But the building desperation did not help at all. Instead I moved even closer to her, the heat of her body was radiating to mine. I slowly raised my hand to her cheeks, as she closed her eyes.
"Please. I ask for one chance," and I touched her cheek, with a feather touch. Her touch burned my fingers. Slowly it went to her lips and I felt a sudden nudge on my shoulders. I took the steps back to face the intruder. It was Evie, her face was matching her red hair now.
--*--*--
The next few days were tormenting as Evie blasted me with blames. She was mad at Shashi too! I tried telling her that it was not her fault. But she was really not taking anybody into consideration. It was no use talking to her anymore. But I kept visiting the dance studio, though it was officially over between us. Shashi kept begging for her forgiveness, yet she was not giving in.
I couldn't help but feel like a jerk. Maybe the whole timing was bad. So I decided to take a break from the whole thing and focus on my studies. With college few months away, I was caught in the dilemma on which stream to follow. I scored well at each subject, but often when I thought of liking any particular subject, I used to get lost. How could people find their passion? Was I looking it in opposite direction? I more I thought, the more panic would set in.
Not seeing Shashi was the biggest punishment I had got from the mess. It was like something was missing in my daily life. I used to literally find thousands of excuses to see her during their rehearsals. But now I was witnessing the pain in her eyes I caused her. She was indeed closer to Evie. Days passed in utter despair, she still occupied my most of thinking.
On a Sunday morning, the doorbell to our house rang. I checked the car outside through the window, and sighed. It was Shashi's dad, he had been spending each Sunday with my dad, always working in his study room. I returned to the magazine at hand, I had been reading a particular success story of a commerce start up, which made a huge buzz in London. They initially sold online medicines in London at first year, which was a novelty in London. Now they had diversified to selling to top hospitals at considerable discounts.
I didn't notice the familiar colorful clothes until Shashi passed in front of me, sitting opposite on the sofa. Her eyes were again drawn to the floor. Her long hair were open, which was seldom seen, she was clutching the belt of her bag too tightly showing her nervousness.
I decided that this was my chance. I had to be at least friends with her, that way I could at least have a glimpse of her. On the other side, my dad was still talking with Mr. Dixit, I took my chance.
"Dad, can I help you with something today?" he looked puzzled by the question. I continued, "I should start learning about our corporation, perhaps Mr. Dixit could help me understand."
"Well my boy! I am glad finally you are taking the initiative to learn the business. But not today! I have to discuss some important issues with Mr. Dixit." My dad's voice boomed. It was not I expected. I waited for him to say what I wanted him to say. "Perhaps you could give Shashi here, the tour of our home, and show her the back garden too! Of course if you don't mind Satish."
Mr. Dixit looked perplexed and uncomfortable all of a sudden. But he only nodded and force-smiled. In a flash, I was up. Finally I had given the opportunity with Shashi. I noticed her cheeks turned pink as she couldn't hide the embarrassment. When both disappeared through the door, I turned to Shashi.
"Come, I will show you the house." I signed her to follow. Reluctantly she trailed behind me, she only nodded and was drinking the interior of the house as I showed her different rooms, parlors, and kitchen. She briefly interacted with my mother and brother who were chatting while making the lunch.
"Shaashi, are you this shy from like forever?" My brother mused and laughed lightly, making me shot a glare at his direction. "No need to answer. I am just kidding."
Shashi looked like she would die of embarrassment any second, so I took her elbow and proceeded to show her my room. "I am sorry shashi! He is that bastard from forever!"
She smiled ruefully, meanwhile her body became stiff at my simple touch. I hastily pulled my hand away and stared at her, as she stood at the doorway. Her eyes smiling as she looked at the state of my room.
It was a complete mess, my clothes covered every surface of the room, with books, magazines decorating my bed and strangled sheets forming a heap at the end of the bed.
"Very tidy!" she mumbled for the first time and a wave of relief washed over me.
"Sarcasm from you? I thought I will never witness the day!" I chuckled. "I thought I already ruined our chance."
In seconds she turned grave, and eyed me with serious lines on her soft skin. "I can't. I never will."
"But why?" I asked standing by her forcing her to look into my eyes. "Don't you like me? And don't lie. I can see it on your face."
"You don't understand Daniel!" she breathed. I liked that it was the first time she addressed me by my name. It felt like I overcame the first barrier.
"Make me understand then," I murmured, taking a leap and holding her hand in mine. She tremored at the touch and leaned on the wall, closing her eyes. Her breathing changed slightly.
"I come from a different place, Dan. My family will never approve of me having a boyfriend, they are really old school." She whispered. "Besides I can't betray Evie over few months' romance."
"Then I will be your friend, if not a boyfriend. Just don't sign me off from your life. I want to see you every day." I pleaded and saw a tear slipping from her eye. I slowly raised my hand and gently wiped it. Her skin was rose-like under my touch. She quivered at the touch and leaned in my hand.
The next few seconds I thought I lost my control, I leaned in and planted a kiss on her soft peach lips. Her body stiffen at the connection, was putting her hand on my chest for pulling me away. But it just rested on my chest, her eyes closed. Another tear glided from her eyes.
I slowly increased the pressure on her lips, meanwhile running my hand through her wavy locks. I was smelling jasmin in her hair, her lips tasted like honey and caramel. Her body seemed relaxed as I was lost in the moment of utter bliss. It felt like the first time I truly kissed a girl!
**I am nervous guys..tell me.. what do you think? In another two chaps I will end the story.. The deadline for me is 19th of this month, If you remember.. I am participating in #JustWriteIt Challenge.. So I will be wrapping up by then.. I will need all your votes, promotion and love to be visible in this contest. I know you will be by my side!
Love y'all!
Niela**