Miracle Marriage

Chapter 18

Warm Kiss

We went sightseeing after breakfast. Because of what had transpired, I couldn't face my mother-in-law and embarrassedly gulped the food. She must be ashamed of me, I'm certain. I spoke little at all as we crossed the street. From young toddlers to seniors, he has many fans. They nickname him Bala and lavish him with affection. I had to say vanakam to well over a dozen people. Even though meeting and conversing with new people is enjoyable, they solely have one question.

"Bala-thambi, (younger brother or son) when will we get to see a baby?"

"Bala-anna waiting for a junior Bala or anni, (sister-in-law)"

"Mama, if you have a child I will be an elder brother, right?" asked six-year-old Sekhar, who is the youngest child of Selvan-anna.

"Aama-da (of course, kid), you will be," he sneaked a grin at me. I was flushed red. Why are you looking at me?

His neighbourhood is full of tiny houses, just like mine. They are co-existing peacefully, sharing happiness and sadness. I love to observe people, each and every one of us is unique in some way. It always fascinates me.

"How do you like my village?".

"It's the same as mine, I feel like home," I replied sitting closer to him, on the bank of a vast green paddy field.

"I love here too, of course, this is my home, and I do feel homely. However, more than that, I love the people who live here. They are fascinating. Their stories, sadness and happiness, that's what I saw my whole life and that's what taught me great lessons. They are all distinct in every way, though ultimately they are all the same in many ways. That's why my home and villagers are special to me, just like you." He faced me, standing in front of the setting sun and the swaying greenery. My heart is beating faster than I anticipated. Why is this man causing such a flutter in my chest? I just know one thing: I've fallen hopelessly in love with him. In my whole life, I have never felt this way about someone. Durga, my closest friend, and a few of my classmates had relationships, and I've always wondered why I had no feelings for anybody. Even when the friend of Durga's mama confessed to me, I had no reaction. Now, every time I see this man, I can't stop the sensations in my tummy.

"Sathya, come. I will show you my hiding spot. A place I adored to spend time," he said with a smile, reaching his hand at me. Without more thought, I swiftly took his hand. We strolled across the heart of that gorgeous fresh field with Sekhar to a small wildness. It was, in fact, an enormous banyan tree and its offspring. It stood heads up, shielding us from the glaring sun like a century-old massive family. He took me in, Sekhar was overjoyed, and he started swinging and climbing through the vines like a charming little monkey. He showed me several vines, like Swings. I watched the doctor grinning as the child inside of me played gleefully with him. Huh! How could I possibly forget that he brought me here to show me some hideout? I strode over to him; "Sorry doctor, show me the place you mentioned."

"Come," He moved through some little trees and vines before stopping in front of a big root that resembled a ladder. When he reached the top, he extended his hand to me. "Come up Sathya," he said. I climbed up; it resembled a tiny cave inside the tree. A comfortable spot to sit, but it was so small that we were forced to cram in. I was basically perched on his lap, quite close to him. His heartbeat and body are palpable to me. I flushed from it.

"Sathya, can I ask you something?" he suddenly spoke.

"Yes,"

"When they asked you to marry me, on our marriage day, how did you feel? Were you angry at me? At our family? Your sister?" The question caught me off guard, but I knew it would come one day. I'm not sure why he's asking me this right now. I thought for a bit before responding. I have no idea how to do so without offending him. But in the end, I made the decision to speak up and let him judge.

"I was surprised, astounded and baffled beyond comparison. I couldn't speak or hear for a moment, it was like everything went silent. And I did feel rage toward my sister, you and even everyone present there, including my family. They decided my life just like that. I felt like my entire life up to there was a lie. I was not even steering my life. I witnessed everything I dreamt dissolved into thin air and disappeared forever. I was more scared of you, I had no idea how to be a wife. I thought you were going to resent me. I thought you were forced to marry, just like me. So, when I married you, I was terrified of my future, our future. However, you showed me, that it was all a little girl's nightmare. I am happy that I met you, doctor." I can't tell how he feels about my response since I can't look at his face. He's either sad or furious. Unexpectedly, I felt warm but frigid fingers gently wrapping around my waist, like a snake. I faced him. His smile was as radiant as the sun.

"Doctor?" I called, gulping.

"Sathya," he whispered my name in my ears, horripilation, my whole body is numb. I could feel his bristles pushing on my shoulder as his hands drew nearer to my abdomen, softly caressing my belly button. His breadth is uttering more words and arousing more sensations within me. My thinking is skewed. Will we kiss this time? I wondered. "Sathya," He called again subtly. This emotion is too much for me to handle. Our noses kissed as soon as I turned my head to face him. I had my eyes closed and was prepared to accept my first kiss. He's almost at my lips now, and I can feel it. My heart is in a more dangerous position than I am, and it is ready to erupt in glee. His fingers entwined with mine like small unruly vines. We're going to kiss, I confirmed.

"Mama... Mami (aunt), Please come down fast, I am stuck," we heard Sekhar's cry, jolted, we stared at each other bashfully.

"Yes, coming Sekhar," he yelled back. Although I don't want him to leave, I sat there for a while since I felt uneasy both inside and outside. I'm embarrassed to get up. Suddenly, I felt warm, moist lips on my cheek. Doctor smiled and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before leaving. I can't breathe cause my heart simply quit pounding.