CHAPTER- 3 : LOVE OR LUST?

I met him while I was leaving to college this morning. He was already all set to start for his office; his helmet was on, coolers check and hand gloves fit. I expected him to have a word with me but instead he vanished with the wind, making me a stupor with his wink. He’s such an enchanter.

I had a presentation to perform at college, I was a bit anxious though. The class had commenced, and it was my call to present. I chose something that’s challenging, GRAMMAR. I’ve known teachers who made grammar so boring for their students right from my schooling. I didn’t want to be the same. Inturn I wanted to make it easy and interesting for others. I covered a whole lot in an hour for my strength. I wasn’t sure if I had presented well, but definitely my confidence has elevated by now. The whole class applauded when I was done. My gang was waving victory signs for me. That brought me immense joy, that’s when I decided I was born to teach.

Teaching is also an art, truly it is. Not everybody is born with it. It takes only a very few to become good teachers. Anyone can aim to be one, but not all can be the best. My staff complimented that I had a good command over the language, I owe it to my Alma mater.

Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, I received a message from Advik when I was scrolling through W******p during my interval. Your DP looks nice he pinged. I know he’s trying to be casual. Thank you accompanied by an heart emoji I sent across in return. It took a while for him to text me back, ' your lips especially, just juicy as they appear to be’ with a kissey smiley. So now sir’s got the audacity to talk about the night’s event. I didn’t know what to react, I left the text marked read.

After an hour I received,

  * “When are you home?”. *

I’ll reach by 4, Why?

  * “Would you mind if I had called you to stop by my place?” *

I was partially reluctant and the other part of me couldn’t deny on the offer.

I was buzzed and perplexed. What if he takes advantage of me? Is he a womanizer? Does he crave for sex? Love or lust?

Immediately a text flashed on my mobile screen.

* Only if you’re comfortable and willing to… doesn’t matter if you aren’t able to visit! *

In a span all my incredulous thoughts vanished. I was so stupid to contemplate about him earlier. He’s never behaved in such a manner anytime, to be honest, he always had my consent and approval in everything we did. There is no probability that he wants to take advantage of me, because there had always been infinite chances and circumstances where we were lead to be alone; never did he ever attempt to even lay his hand on me, obviously the previous night when he caressed with his lips was the very first time he held my hand. Doubtless, the fundamental touch to elevate our bond.

Presumably, he wasn’t lustful. He cared for me, which was so evident in his conversations and behavior. His eyes revealed so much, they scintillated love all the time.

Now I was lucid of all the distractions. I knew he was a gentleman.

I’ll be there after my classes, I sent him a text message.

*“Great then, lets catch up soon. Take care” ,followed by a smiley giving an impression that he was blushing. *

My last hour was free, I wanted to leave home early, dress up and then meet Advik. I was equally thrilled as much as I was edgy. I took bus home.

I cleansed my face, dressed my hair, wiped off my lipstick with a wet tissue and applied it new. Sprayed my favorite MADAME GRÈS; behind my ears, at the base of my throat , and on my wrists.

What defines a perfume’s personality is its sillage: the scented trail left behind by the perfume wearer. In such a case, MADAME GRÈS served the best for me. Most of them neighbouring me liked the fragrance.

I crossed checked myself twice in the mirror, I looked pleasing. I wore a kurti, a simple one. Hair pinned with a clutch and the other half left loose.

I sent him a message stating, Will be there in a minute.

“Hey, come. Most welcome, I was about to ping you.” He reciprocated.

I got into the elevator and pressed one. As the elevator started, my anxiety reached its zenith. The doors of the elevator opened and he was waiting at the doorway. I didn’t expect him though.

You look beautiful! When he said that, my heart rate fastened. I just gave a blank smile. He walked before me to his home.

I’m nervous to meet your parents Advik, I told him. As I entered, his parents greeted me with warmth. They were sweet af. 

 I’ve been such an dumbass. Perhaps, I should have asked about his parents to him earlier. I should have brought them some presents on my visit.

He left me in the hallway sofa and returned after ten minutes with a cup.

“I make the best coffee, and I wanted you to taste it. And I thought your company during coffee might enhance the evening”, he added.

His parents swamped me with a number of questions. We ended up watching the photo album, their family was huge. He had an elder sister and younger brother along with his grandparents at home. Not forgetting his little cat Millie.

My mum likes my sambar. And my chicken masala tastes yum, he kept talking. I was flattered by now. His mother swaying along with all that he gotta say.

 I should also concur, he makes the best coffee.

An hour just flew in a minute. I felt so refreshing. I shall leave Advik, its time. My parents might be home any minute, thank you for the coffee. I really had a good time, I smiled at him.

“Same here Riya. I’m glad I called you home. Let’s have this often. I love being around you”, he concluded.

I embraced their parents while I left them waving goodbye.