Sensual Seduction

No Lights - No Lights!

My eyes flicked open at the familiar sound reaching my ears. Pitch black darkness stretched across the endless domain. What kind of place is this?

Wind blowing every now and then, humming through the unseen spaces, it was absolutely quiet and secluded which frightened me the most. I gazed around at the vast emptiness when suddenly

"Naina.." the same brittle voice called out to me. My eyes frantically searched for the voice but as soon as they did my hand covered my mouth in sheer horror

"Help me Naina..Help me" Gaurav begged breathlessly as his neck was being strangled by none other than his Boss Carlo Laviosa. Green eyes fiercely watching me with pure madness. My heart was in my mouth at the sight as I shook uncontrollably. My mind had given up and feared for the worst

"Let him go!" I screamed desperately as his grip got tighter around him

"Make your choice Naina.. because whatever you choose he dies. it's inevitable"

Waves of self defeat twisted my soul ruthlessly and the more i tried to struggle against it, the harder it became to stay affloat. Maybe a part of me wanted to drown. My Mind was running wild. Panicking. Trying to find a way out of this. But, the truth was that there was no way to escape.

The Decision imposed on me would anyhow kill my husband and I really had no say. When and how did I end up in such a bloodcurdling situation. Before I could think of something Gaurav suddenly struck him in the stomach and freed himself from his grasp. His body jerked back with the massive blow as he held onto his stomach

"Naina Do it! Now!"

Gaurav shouted as he stood at a safe distance from him. I could hear his words but couldnt make out what he meant as I worriedly stared at him

"Do it Naina..Kill him!" My eyes grew bigger as I suddenly realised there was a gun in my hand. My hand rapidly shivered as I pointed the Gun at his Boss who just stood there and watched me with a bold smile

"You can't take the life of a person that is already dead without you..Can you Naina? Tell me? would you then receive the desired justice for your afflicted heart..?"

I knew not how but his questions left me looking for the answers

"Naina what are you waiting for? Kill him..Do it!" Gaurav hollered from the other side gesturing me to shoot him and that's when I took my ultimate decision. I closed my eyes tightly and pulled the trigger. I felt the sudden impact of bullet as it pierced out of the gun towards it's victim.

It's done - it's over. I waited for Gaurav with my eyes closed to take away the gun from me. I wanted to see him, feel secure in his warm embrace

"What did you do?"

My eyes popped open at the sound. Strangely it was Gaurav's voice that asked and after that what I saw was beyond my expectations. Gaurav stood before me. His white shirt torned and stained with blood as it slowly dripped out of his chest. His eyes wide with horror and disbelief.

Shockingly I had shot my own husband and there wasn't anybody else except us in the darkly dim premise. I immediately dropped the gun as I saw blood over my hands "What...did...you...?" Without further display of emotions Gaurav's stiff body collapsed infront of my eyes.

"GAURRAV!"

My conscious self woke up as I screamed out his name. Breath ragged and badly worn out. I shot up straight in my bed, sweatbeads glistening all over my face. I looked around me, trying to observe where i was. In my bedroom i realized as i kept a hand over my pounding heart. That was a terrible nightmare. Images flashed through my head all at once.

My hand slowly reached out to touch Gaurav but instead it felt nothing noone. Fear again gripped me. Where is he? I got up immediately and walked out of the room "Gaurav!" My breathless voice called out but no sound came

"Gaurav!" I stepped downstairs hurriedly and looked in the dining hall then straight up went for the front door to look for him outside. "Gaurav!" I cried out helplessly. Panic taking hold. Rising in my chest. I was literally loosing my mind when

"In here, in the kitchen" Gaurav's voice was like soothing remedy to my terror stricken state. I ran back to the kitchen and saw him cooking with the frying pan. My heartbeat steadied automatically

"What are you doing?" I breathed out

"What does it look like to you?" He reacted bitterly as he placed the omelette in the plate and turned on the toaster

"I'm actually making breakfast for myself Because my dear caring wife doesnt care anymore, Do you even know what time it is Naina?" He asked bluntly

"I'm sorry Gaurav.. I'm sorry that I overslept" He didnt know what I had been through in my sleep and It was better to keep it that way from him.

"No-no..dont apologize Naina afterall you're the one that goes to work everyday early in the morning and comes home late isnt it?..then wishes on a relaxing sunday to eat breakfast atleast before noon..am i right?" He spoke sarcastically and waited for my witty reply but I had none because I was totally mentally drained out. - Ting! The toaster popped out the crispy bread and Gaurav placed it in his plate "should I make coffee for you?" I asked timidly

"Do you want me to prepare that too?" His expression cold and agitated. I immediately shook my head and started preparing it for him. Gaurav then silently left the kitchen with the plate in his hand. God! I overslept and all that what I saw was just a dream but what did it mean. I would never do something like that to my own husband. What is wrong with me.

After serving Gaurav his coffee I quickly went upstairs to take bath and got fresh. Gaurav as usual got busy reading newspapers and articles. I got back into the kitchen and started preparing for the lunch. Half an hour later I heard Gaurav's phone ring, has he got it repaired I thought anyways I was glad he was still using it.

"Rohit! My God..it's so good to hear from you man!" my ears perked up at the mention of Rohit's name as I listened quietly to their conversation from the kitchen

"oh that's great! Why dont you come over for dinner tonight? It'll be great to discuss the matter then, I feel it's a very interesting proposal you've got there" well lucky us ladies another night of girl talk. I smiled to myself

"Yes-yes don't worry I'll contact my Boss Asap and he would definitely agree if it's worth the financial credibility" my hands stopped and face turned pale at the mention of that vicious devil. Dear God! Why him. I heard Gaurav laugh brightly

"Sure..bring it along, anything tastes better if you have some company.." Oh! so Rohit's brought souvenirs from his trip again, nothing new I felt because whenever he used to travel to different places he used to buy vintage classic wine bottles and share it with his drink partner Gaurav

"Yeah sure! See you in the night partner!" I tilted my head and peeked at Gaurav from the kitchen. He grinned delightfully as he searched something on his phone. The last time I saw him like this was in his success party, Glad Rohit's back I thought, Now even Kiran would be less stressed out about handling her twins all alone

"Mr laviosa?..it's me Gaurav" I desperately hoped that his p*****t Boss wouldn't make it or has something already planned out for himself

"Pretty well Sir..thanks for asking" my eyes couldn't believe Gaurav was talking to him, well not like he hadnt talked before but it just made me uneasy that how casual they both sounded, Gaurav chuckled as his eyes moved around the article he was reading previously

"Oh yes! She's doing a lot better now..I have been taking good care of her since your firm orders" he suddenly looked my way and I immediately disappeared from the view, arent we all good at hiding the truth I thought and why does he have to always talk about me that spiteful moron

"Actually it's my friend who has a proposition to offer you Sir..and from what I heard it could be worth a try so if you'd like we could discuss the details over dinner at my place?" Gaurav asked on the phone and waited for his reply, I just wished he would say no

"Great!..we would love to have you at our place, I will shortly text you the address of our residence."

God No! I sighed heavily as my hands turned into fist. Why cant he leave me be. Gaurav laughed again

"Well, Sir..about that part you shouldn't worry because Naina cooks amazing Indian cuisines..I promise you wouldn't forget a dinner like this." Why cant this be a part of my dream too I thought as my heart sinked into an ocean of sadness

"Sure Sir..we'll be delighted to have you with us" from there on the conversation ended as I heard nothing further.

"Naina..!" Suddenly Gaurav appeared in the kitchen

"What's for dinner tonight?" I knew where this question would lead us but still decided to stay innocent

"I haven't decided yet. Why?"

"Good because we'll be having guests tonight so just prepare something incredible and spicy if possible.." Gaurav stated as he ate the salad I prepared for lunch.

"Who all are coming?" I knew very well about Kiran and family but somehow I wanted him to not mention his Boss

"Rohit's back from his hong kong trip so he would be coming along with of-course his bossy old hag."

Why can't he just like Kiran, the feelings of hatred were mutual between both because Gaurav hated that Kiran could control his man and wasn't so submissive like me and also Gaurav dreaded that being in her influence I would become like her in a few years but sadly he didn't know that I believe in what's right rather than forcing him to do things he doesn't want to do.

"Naina?..you listening to me?" I raised my head and blinked like a fool.

"Mr laviosa?..My Boss remember?" How can I ever forget him and his poisonous green eyes.

"He'll be coming over for dinner so prepare something exquisite, I want him to be literally blown away by your food." Gaurav smiled smugly, why can't I just mix poison in his food and he'll die certainly if he doesn't get blown away

"Why him?" Gaurav looked at me with confusion. "I mean why is your Boss coming too?"

"Well Rohit wants to meet him and he has a great plan for expanding the genesis system with ultrasonic issuance and analytics softwares." I had no clue what that meant but seemed like a business deal to me. "and after how we left the party that day I feel it's my duty to personally see that he is well treated." So it was again an obligation that he wanted me to perform on his behalf, well I didn't mind as long as my efforts contributed to Gaurav's self esteem.

"Tonight's important Naina try not to ruin it this time.." He gave a quick smile and left from the kitchen. "I wont.." I murmured gloomily.

Few minutes later, I served lunch which we had in silence. I noticed Gaurav's mood had subsequently changed and it did make me wonder how his work effected him so much like a blessing to an ailing heart. Soon the time flew by and it was almost evening as I changed into a yellow-Pink embroidered salwar Kameez while Gaurav took bath and changed into a full sleeve kurta and blue jeans.

My heart still swinged like upbeat music as I was nervous how the evening and mostly dinner would turn out to be. I quickly got back into kitchen and checked everything once that I had prepared for dinner. I gave the final touches to each dish by garnishing them with coriander. It seemed pretty indian through my eyes but I eagerly awaited to hear other's views and it was already time as I heard the door bell ring

"Yupp I'm on it" Gaurav hollered to me as he stepped downstairs to open the door.

"Hey Rohit! Finally man! Good to see you!" I heard Gaurav's overjoyed laughter and came out of the kitchen. They hugged each other like long lost brothers and I saw Kiran making a bumbling face at them.

"Looks like you have put on some weight, Kiran." Gosh! Here began's their embarrassing and over the top leg pulling drama. No-no don't react Kiran. Please.

"Well..you too have got one shade darker than before Gaurav..dont you think honey?" Rohit poor fellow he didn't know what to say as he just stared at both of them awkwardly.

"It's like you would be invincible if there's no light." oh my god! She snickered as she gave him her dont-mess-with-me look.

"You know what!.."

"Hey Naina Good to see you..as promised I got something useful for you" Rohit suddenly approached me with a big smile as he interuppted Gaurav's retaliation.

"What is it?" I asked curiously with a childish grin.

"Tada! Heavenly smelling herbal tea exclusively from famous hongkong store called mingcha." he handed me the box and grinned at me.

"Come on smell it..it's aroma is out of this world seriously." I gave a crooked smile and tilted my head to look at Kiran for assurance.

"He said the same thing to me Naina so go ahead it's been tested..don't worry." Rohit gave a sly smile and I laughed. "Thank you Rohit for the wonderful gift..I'm impressed you kept the promise."

"Well frankly I remembered because I had to get something for Kiran or else without a doubt she would have send me back to hongkong in the same flight." I laughed hard so did Kiran except Gaurav.

"Well now that you are here Kiran why dont you help out Naina with dinner..there's still time before our actual guest arrives." I watched Kiran's blank face as the atmosphere had tensed up again thanks to Gaurav.

"Rohit..I hope you've brought our thing too man.." Gaurav winked at him and Rohit raised it up with a big grin. "Of course, buddy."

"Come with me man..I need to hear the whole thing before we can convince our main guy.." they both smiled cleverly at each other then headed towards the hall while me and Kiran just stood there

"I tell you Naina...Gaurav isn't Gaurav anymore.. he's been replaced by an egocentric mean self-centered repulsive.."

"Creature.." she looked at me. I rolled my eyes as I stepped back into the kitchen.

"How did you know?" She entered the kitchen and stood beside me. "because you had said the same thing before when I had gone with you to the Gurudwara." she chuckled slightly.

"Oh right.. well there's no change still and I don't think so there will.."

"Kiran what about the kids?..why didn't you bring them along?" I didn't want to hear anymore because I still had hope somewhere in me about my husband so I changed the topic.

"You wont believe! they went to a birthday party in the afternoon and Rohit brought them back around 6... then they had no mood to go anywhere else so they stayed back..but they did tell me specifically to pack some of your spine tingling food for them." I smiled and stirred the peas in the cooker as the coconut milk boiled

"This smells so good Naina! What is it?" Kiran peeked into the cooker and closed her eyes as she smelled the aroma "It's something my mom used to cook when I was a kid..it's called coconut chicken curry"

"I cant wait to taste it..looks yummy." I then carefully transferred the chicken curry into a bowl and garnished it with cashews and cilantro. I sighed satisfactorily as I rubbed the sweat off my forehead

"All done..!" I looked at Kiran and she just grinned "Excited..?" I frowned as I knew what she meant

"I would have been if it were Gaurav coming to see me with his parents." I blushed at the thought then opened the fridge and checked the fruit custard. "God! How is Gaurav better than that sizzling hot Laviosa." I took out the custard and gestured her to taste it.

"Because he's my one and only husband, Kiran. DUH." I emphasized sarcastically.

"Mm..yum! But just think about it Naina... Rich-Good looks and a sexy accent..he's like a total massive jackpot." I chuckled at her way of describing him.

"If you're so interested in him why don't you do your hocus pocus and make him yours." I then arranged the cherries over the custard and placed it back in the fridge. "Because sadly honey, He's not interested in me as much as he's in you." God! Both our husbands would kill us if they hear our ridiculous talks.

"He isnt Kiran, He is just playing around, what kind of rich man in his sane mind would be interested in a simple married woman like me?" Kiran made a typical suggestive face.

"Well surely a man like him.. I'm not blind, honey..I have seen how he looks at you.. it's as if you're his million dollar property." I ignored her silly assumption and peeked a little to see what Rohit and Gaurav were doing.

"I hope Gaurav doesn't drink too much..at least not tonight."

"Let him.. he talks sense when he is tipsy sometimes." Kiran snickered shrewdly

"I'm serious Kiran..for once would you keep aside your silly rivalry with him?" My face had turned rigid with anger.

"Okey okey cool down Madam fury.. I'm just saying that I hate his arrogance and his way of getting things done through you..and on top of all that there's no care in return."

"Kiran im his wife, I'm supposed to do things for him whether I like it or not." I looked away thinking of the disturbing nightmare I had as my voice cracked.

"I just..I dont want him to get hurt alright?..I have lost my parents and I cant afford to lose him too." Kiran kept her warm hands mildly on my shoulders

"I know..and I understand Naina that's why I feel you deserve better but I can be wrong too..I just don't want you to loose yourself in the course of pleasing him.." She looked at me with concern.

"All I want is my honey dipped sweet friend to be happy..and if you are then I'm happy darling!..Now come on give me a hug..come on you whimpering kiddo!" I smiled and hugged her back caringly.

Suddenly a car swerved to a screech outside – we all heard it, my eyes darted towards the front door in anticipation, hoping against hope it isn't him.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel as they approached the threshold and for the first time in my life the sound of the doorbell felt like a death-stroke

"He's here Naina." Kiran shook me and her eyes glinted with excitement while mine froze. My face had lost it's usual cheer. "Come on.." Kiran dragged me out of the kitchen.

"Mr Laviosa..you made it!" Gaurav spoke as he shook his hand. My eyes were stunned to see the tall man who I had always seen in uptight formal suits dressed in a laid back buttoned up white shirt and dark fitted jeans.

"I said I would.. didn't I?" His hairs unkempt and messy yet appeared roughly charming. His french beard properly shaped and trimmed. My eyes then shifted from his face to his prominent collarbone. Fair smooth skin glistened in the bright light. I blinked impassively until his green eyes saw me staring at him. He then passed a devious smile my way and slightly bowed his head to acknowledge my presence like I was a queen of some fairytale kingdom. I immediately looked away while Kiran just giggled immodestly

"Mr Laviosa..Let me introduce you to my close friend..this is Rohit, He works with Scisys." Rohit instantly brought out his hand and he shook it with a confident smile.

"I see.. pleasure to meet you..I heard the company purchased the space market elements of the German company..How did that go?" My ears and eyes were amazed to observe his professionalism and how focused he sounded

"Pretty beneficial, Sir, especially the overall requirements for ERP systems.." Rohit smiled widely as he felt more comfortable now. "That's Kiran..Rohit's self righteous wife." Gaurav pointed out towards us "And of course, Naina, my wife, you're already familiar with." He smirked with delight. His green orbs still entranced by my beauty something that he never fails to notice.

"Pleasure, ladies.." he then came up-to us. My breath seized as I took a mild step backwards.

"I thought I would get something but then I knew nothing could overshadow the beauty your wife's blessed with, Mr Nanda.."

Why..why does he have to say things..things that unsettles me. Silence took over the place as our eyes remained locked. My mind raced to understand the feeling that was consuming me whole

"Well said Mr laviosa.." Gaurav laughed hysterically which took my attention towards him and I realised his drunk state. "I hope Mr laviosa You dont mind staying over late with us all." Gaurav spoke sloppily. At that he chuckled and turned to look at Gaurav. "As long as you don't, I don't, Mr Nanda"

"Great! Naina's cooked the whole dinner, I bet after having it you'll forget whatever you've tasted so far in your life." God! Why did he have to drink so much. Kiran laughed and so did Rohit.

"I see.. then I would love to taste all that's cooked.." he gave a wide smile. "Shall we..?"

"Oh yes yes! Come on Rohit.. Naina set the table.. Kiran help out Please" I immediately rushed back into the kitchen and Kiran followed up behind.

"Gaurav's drunk! Kiran.." I shrieked worriedly as i handed her the plates. "Wonderful!..isnt it?" She grinned and left to set the table. Oh god! What was I thinking. This isn't the first time he's drunk in the presence of Rohit but now even his Boss is at our place. Gaurav's always had low resistance to alcohol especially when it's a drink he isn't accustomed to.

I sighed hopelessly and carried the dishes to the dining hall. Kiran had set the cutlery precisely around the rectangular table and I placed the main course in the middle. Instead of listening to the pro's and con's of whatever offer Rohit and Gaurav had, his eyes discreetly watched me the entire time. Why can't I just pluck out those green eyes of his I thought as i glanced at him bitterly. Kiran came upto my side as I filled the glasses with water and kept them on the tray. She nudged me softly "You see..He just doesn't get tired of looking at you." Kiran whispered between her absurd giggles

"Kiran..stop being his advocate..he's not a nice person."

"Rigght!..by the way when was the last time Gaurav looked at you this way, once you remember that, I'll stop." she gave a smug smile and took away the Tray. I was speechless yet again. I turned to look at Gaurav. He was busy explaining the proposal as words poured out of his mouth but never once his eyes moved to see me. I then looked at his Boss.

Even he was busy listening and giving back his courteous replies. but then he noticed. Noticed me then smiled; not the smile that I had always believed to be pretentious but a simple innocent one; a smile of trust, a smile that warmed my heart. What am I doing? I quickly looked away because the more I saw into his eyes the more it brought back his feel..his cold touch

"Naina should I carry something else?" Kiran asked plainly "No-No..you take a seat I'll get the rest" I muttered and rushed back into the kitchen dispersing each irrelevant thought pushing me to the edge of anxiety. I picked the plate of rice and headed back but then looking at how everyone was seated my mind went blank all of a sudden. Somehow unbelievably the only empty chair was beside that loathsome Laviosa.

I gulped and just cursed my luck "Naina come sit, what you standing there for?" Kiran's voice shook me. I then slowly-reluctantly came nearer to the chair "Let me.." Suddenly the man I despised the most stood up and pulled out the chair for me. It's like whatever situation you wish to run away from God makes sure that you go through it. As if his presence beside me wasnt enough now the fragrance of his God forbid perfume was making its way into my senses. His masculine and effective fragrance

"Naina..!" Kiran shook my hand "Yeah w-what?" I acted like a fool woken up from a severe Coma "I asked do you want some mushroom gravy?"

"Sure.." I mumbled meekly. It was obvious that he was enjoying my discomfort as he deliberately cleared his throat with a big grin. I sighed and started with my dinner.

It's actually pretty wonderful — the chance to eat under the same roof with close friends. Laughing and having a great time with one another. For a moment things were starting to feel less complicated and more gratifying to me

"you look ravishing tonight" my face dropped as his precautious words reached my ears. Isnt he good at keeping others in dark while he takes advantage of his deluding tricks to get me. I ignored his fake compliment and continued with the dinner.

Suddenly the spoon beside my plate fell. I immediately crunched down to get it but to my disbelif he bent as well and caught my wrist before I could pick up the spoon

"Leave my hand" I warned him fiercely "Tell me you heard me and I will" he sounded as serious as me with his bold eyes. Before things got more suspicious I muttered coldly

"I heard you.." but then he pulled me closer "Heard what?" his sensuous lips so close to mine. Felt like my heart would explode with the intense heat generating between us

"That I-I look ravishing.." his face turned calm again and a mild smile took over his profound face. He left my hand and quickly picked up the spoon

"Is everything okey down there?" Rohit asked confusedly "Yes!" He got up raising the spoon high up like it's a trophy "The bloody thing just went out of reach but we found it.." he acted flawlessly without a trace of indecent guilt. He then cleaned it up with his well kept laundered handkerchief and placed it near my plate. I sat back on my chair and caught Kiran's inquisitive gaze. I lowered my eyes and just quietly continued with my dinner

"Mr Laviosa you wont be needing the fork instead put your hands to work" he looked at Rohit then all of us one by one and realised it's indian not italian. "I guess you're right..well excuse me then if I dont quite get how to.."

"Just dig in Sir that's what I meant..food like this requires a heavy appetite and not ettiquettes" Rohit laughed so did everyone else except me. He picked up the chicken leg piece, observed it very carefully and then finally took a bite of it "Squisito!" We all looked at him with surprise "It's simply perfect and so full of mix flavors.." His eyes filled with excitement of a 10 year old

"I hope you dont mind Mr Nanda but I guess soon I'll be sending my chef to learn these indian cuisines from your wife" Gaurav laughed hard with everyone even though it wasnt even funny. As if I would teach them no way never I thought. Dinner came to an end with the fruit custard I made and so did their business arrangements. I then packed the rest for Kiran's kids and handed it to her as she had to leave early because her daughters were all alone at home

"just keep this in the fridge and heat it when they want to eat.."

"Thank you Naina for the dinner and this.." she smiled "oh please..you guys are welcome at our place anyday anytime..and those kids are my priority too" she smiled widely then hugged me

"Stay strong Naina..whatever it is you'll get through it..just give it sometime.." I smiled warmly hearing her compassionate words. We came out of the kitchen and saw Rohit shaking Laviosa's hand enthusiastically "I'll definitely contact my systems executive, He'll get back to you for further details, I look forward to this proposition and my investment in it" Rohit's smile grew wider

"I do too Sir, it was really nice meeting you nevertheless" Laviosa smirked proudly while Gaurav held his drink in one hand and other was on Rohit's shoulder. I had no clue why was he still drinking. We all then stepped outside to see them off

"Where did you park your Car?" Laviosa questioned observing the area as only his expensive black Mercedes-Benz was visible to our eyes. Show off I thought as I glared at him

"Actually We didnt Mr Laviosa because our house is just right around the corner..Can you see that white house with a high chimney up there?" He nodded looking in that direction "That's ours so we mostly just walk over to their place..It isnt that far"

"I'm jealous.." my eyes looked at him "Jealous of the distance I have from such good people and food" His eyes turned to look at me. "Well you are always welcome to join us, Naina's cooking always compels people to come back for more" Gaurav spoke deliriously as he squeezed me in a side hug

"It certainly does.." He gave that unknown smile, eyes shimmering in the dark like a hawk

"or you could always come over to our place but I cant guarantee you about the food Sir, Kiran isnt as good as Naina.." Rohit stated avoiding her wrath "what did you say?" Kiran's face heated up and we all laughed while Rohit shook his head for mercy

"Let's reach home first and then I will show you how good iam..Bye Naina! Goodnight everyone!" "Good night Mr Laviosa! Will be expecting your call" Rohit waved off as they headed home.

"You sure he'd be safe with his wife tonight?" Laviosa snickered as they both watched them leave. Gentleman my foot I thought as Kiran had vouched for him.

"Well it's time I should take my leave too Mr Nanda.. I dont quite stay out this late but as you insisted.." I couldnt be happier as he spoke those words finally God

"oh Come on Mr Laviosa..you just made a lucrative deal and you wont even have a drink of celebration with me?" His expression had turned thoughtful more severe. Just say no my inner voice pleaded

"Sure..lead the way Mr Nanda" he smiled wickedly. It's like he could clearly hear my thoughts and wished to do exactly the opposite of it. I followed them behind and entered the house. They sat in the living area while I engaged myself in cleaning up the table and in preparation of other needful things for the next day. It was almost midnight when all of a sudden lights went out. My normally bright and vibrant house was plunged into darkness. Panic took hold of me

"Gaurav!" I screamed as I couldnt see anything anymore. My hands shook with fear as I tried to search for candles around the kitchen. My hand finally found one but as soon as I turned the lighter flicked open illuminating the face holding it "Looking for this?" My heart gave in as fire reflected in those serpent like green eyes

"Darkness gets the best of you doesnt it?" His gaze became frank and unconstrained, I breathed heavily as my whole body paralyzed under his watchful gaze

"You've changed my life in more ways than one Naina, I just wish you'd give me the time of day to tell you so" I looked away immediately but couldn't move as his solid stature held me in place against the counter

"you just need an opportunity to get close to me isnt it?" He lifted his eyebrows and his lips curved into a smile of pure amusement "And you dont always need a reason to hate me, you just do.. isnt it?" I looked back into his eyes "There is..and you just dont want to believe that because you're mentally ill Mr Laviosa" he laughed composedly but then his face grew serious, unhumorous. He brought his face closer to mine. I tried to bend backward as far as I could but his hand grabbed my hairs roughly and brought my face closer to his

"I'd rather stay ill then accept the fact that I can't have you Naina, you dont know how I go through every single day imagining you with him" his slightly alcoholic breath felt like searing, white wires pressed into my flesh. His sensual lips were about to engulf mine when suddenly a loud sound interfered with his motive. Thankfully at the same time lights came back highlighting his tall figure blocking my way "Gaurav!" I pushed him away and ran toward the living room. Gaurav laid unconscious on the floor

"oh my god! Gaurav! Wake up!" I knelt down beside him and shook him up frantically

"Dont bother..He's out" I looked up and saw Laviosa staring at Gaurav indifferently "Out? What do you mean? What's wrong with him?" He sighed and ran a hand down his face

"He had too many drinks Naina and now he is dealing with its after-effects..Get aside I'll carry him to the room" I was voiceless to say anything. I got up and just watched him as he carefully picked up Gaurav then kept his hand around his neck. He looked at me and I quickly pointed upstairs. He then slowly carried my drunk and spaced out husband to the bedroom.

What is this man I thought. A devil in disguise or an angel that's been corrupted by desire. Why would he do something that doesn't fulfil his purpose. Helping the man that owns what he wants. He laid Gaurav on the bed. I then lifted Gaurav's legs and placed them on the bed, gently took out his shoes and then socks. Gaurav mumbled something in his sleep which was barely audible to my ears then turned over the other side. Quietly I then covered him with the blanket

"The sweetest flower that bloews, I give you as we part. For you it is a rose, for me it is my heart"

Fascinating words spoken outloud caught my attention. I quickly looked back. He stood in the balcony softly brushing his fingers over one of the roses that had blossomed. He then looked back and smiled at me "I didnt quite think you would love roses" his voice subtle and intrusive "Even I didnt quite think you would do this.." I looked back at snoring Gaurav then at him "still I'm grateful to you..thank you" I smiled sincerely

"I would do it again if it make me a better man in your eyes" I fell silent at his words as I watched him lean against the wall just staring up at the sky. He seemed captivated, lost in the dark blue shades. I hadnt ever seen this side of his, so deep in thought. An innocent boy just admiring the beauty of the colorless night I thought as I smiled

"From my heart poured out the feeling of love; It poured forth with wild longing into the broad night. The flowers in the garden beneath my window breathed a stronger perfume. Perfumes are the feelings of flowers, and as the human heart feels most powerful emotions in the night, when it believes itself to be alone and unperceived, so also do the flowers, soft-minded, yet ashamed, appear to await for concealing darkness, that they may give themselves wholly up to their feelings, and breathe them out in sweet odours."

It wasnt him but his heart that spoke to me in the most beautiful & poetic manner. But then he reached for the rose and pulled it out. My heart was shocked and shattered as I stood their wide eyed. Why would he - before I could fully understand he came upto me. I just stood there staring into those eyes. "Dont... move"

He then tucked my hair behind my ear and slowly leaned in to kiss me. I closed my eyes tightly and waited for the worse. But unexpectedly his lips brushed against my cheek. I stiffened at the electrifying feel that reverberated through my whole body. My heart was thundering out of excitement and a different kind of emotion.

Fear? It had come out of nowhere, raw and powerful. The mixture of the two, the need to stay where I was and to pull away was consuming me. His soft lips pressed against my cheek in a gentle kiss. I didnt know how but I was melting from within burning with his delicate touch. His breath tickled my ear "The rose and the feel of you is the price of my tolerance Naina" he then lifted his face and looked into my eyes "Soon I'll conquer you all..Soon" He smirked down skillfully and then in a fraction of second disappeared from my view. My mind couldn't grasp the things- the emotions that I had felt this day. Something was building inside me, aching and wanting me to let it out.

I touched my cheek and felt his sensation that still lingered on my skin. I heard the sound of his car and my legs moved on its own accord towards the balcony. I saw him in his car still speeding up the engine but not moving an inch ahead. He then smiled and looked up at me like he knew I would be there watching him. I then saw him chuckle lightly to himself as he changed the gear and finally sped away in his car. I looked down at the branch that no more had the rose.. its beauty with it.. Stolen Perhaps. I sighed deeply and slid to the ground, my back against the wall.

Gaurav slept pleasantly while I knew I wouldnt get any sleep not tonight not ever. What have I got myself into? I thought as I kept a hand over my head. I was scared now more than ever as emotions were spiralling out of my control. I rested my head on my knees and hoped to drift off to a place that wouldnt involve feelings and decisions of disrupted heart like mine