The Lion and the Rose

Chapter 9

Ashwika

Sanjay joined a little late for lunch and gratefully no one spoke anything regarding my crush on Siva. After lunch we all return to our respective tables to resume with our work.

I find Siva's cabin empty as he is gone to check on the manufacturing unit and remember the way he held me and saved me from having one dangerous fall. In the moment of being saved and being held by him so close, the only emotion that ran through me was relief and shyness.

But now rekindling that moment and his touch, it didn't feel new. It felt as if I had been held by him earlier. His breathing, the worry in his face, the way I felt safe in his arms, it was not a new sensation.

I'm not new to a male's hug, I have been hugged by my dad, my own brother, brothers from another mother like Puvi anna, Parthik Anna and my boy bestie Sanjay. All their hugs have been friendly and protective, I have felt safe in their arms.

But with Siva, it was not even a hug, our bodies didn't touch, he just held me in his arms, and the level of safety I felt was bigger than the world. The way he brought me back to my footing with utmost care. His voice when he asked me to hold on to him.

Ohh Goddd

The moment I touched his biceps, there were millions of butterflies fluttering in my body. I wish Samarth Anna didn't remind Siva of me still being in his arms.

I'm damn sure Siva was also lost in his own world when he held me. With his facial changes I guess a lot of things running in his face, relief, concern, something like realisation and a pinch of anger. I wish I could read his mind at that moment.

I place my arms on the table, my left hand flat and I place my face in my right hand, going to the dream world, thinking about the way he addressed me as 'Ma'.

It was so sweet, so cute and so affectionate. I didn't have the power to stand by him and ran to the food court. I usually don't listen to strangers but from the moment I met him he doesn't feel like a stranger. It feels like we have a long time connection.

Haan, inga naan oruthi feel panitu iruken, avaru anga manufacturing unit entha nut ah kalatitu irukaro!!

I let out a heavy breath. Here I'm thinking about him but don't know what he is doing in the manufacturing unit.

Ena ma perum moochu ellam vidura?

Onnum illa ka. Aama Siva sir eppo Manufacturing Unit la iruthu therimbi varuvaru?

Ila da, Siva sir, udambu sari illa nu veetuku kelambitaru

Ennachu ka?

Therila da, Samarth phone pani itha mattum solli afternoon schedule clear panna sonnaru.

Noticing my actions Kavi akka asks me about it. I hide my thoughts but ask her when Siva sir will return and come to know that he has left for home, as his health was not well. I feel a little disappointed but hope he is all good. I follow kavi akka's instructions and we help her, though she mostly does work by herself but she is a good trainer.