Love's Patient Path

Part 8

Listening to her mature talks, Anirudh couldn't help but gaze at Bondita with utmost admiration and warmth. Her innocence, blended with newfound wisdom, painted a charming picture that captivated his heart. Bondita, aware of his eyes on her, decided to explore the room further. With deliberate steps, she approached the bookshelves, fingers gently trailing over the spines of various volumes.

Anirudh, still lost in his thoughts, observed her every movement with a fond smile. He marveled at the transformation he witnessed in her, from a child bride to a woman who held her own grounds, navigating the complexities of life. Suddenly, Bondita's eyes lit up as she discovered an album-like book nestled among the rows of books. She carefully pulled it out and turned toward Anirudh with excitement, questioning whether it was the one containing his childhood pictures. Anirudh's expression changed abruptly, a mixture of shock and apprehension crossing his face.

"Is this the one, Barrister Babu? Ma told me, you have one album with your childhood pictures." she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Anirudh, caught off guard, couldn't hide the shock on his face. Bondita, sensing his reaction, teased him playfully, "So, this is it, hmm?" There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, and she continued to hold the album..

Anirudh, trying to regain composure, replied, "No, Bondita, this is not that. These are not my childhood pictures." He stood up and with hurried steps, went towards her.

But Bondita, thoroughly enjoying the moment, pulled it away, teasing, "But I want to see this one. Ma told me you were very cute back then."

Anirudh raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Ma told you everything, didn't she?" he remarked with a knowing look.

Bondita, not backing down, responded, "Yes, my Maa told me everything. Well, you should agree with the fact that your Maa loves me more than you."

Anirudh, amused by her playful banter, smiled and admitted, "Indeed, she does. You are the one kind to be loved."

Bondita, taking a moment to absorb his words, decided to tease him further, "Don't try to flatter me. I'm not going to give it back, until I see it." She hid the album behind her back, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Anirudh, enjoying the light-hearted exchange, continued to play along, "Well, you've managed to find my weakness. But I promise, it's not what you think it is."

Bondita, with a triumphant smile, insisted, "I still want to see it. Let me have a glimpse of the cute little Anirudh."

Anirudh playfully retorted, "There's no chance I'm letting anyone see it little girl." Bondita, still holding the album behind her back, flashed a mischievous smile, determined to maintain control over her newfound treasure.

Anirudh, seizing the opportunity, backed her against the shelf, his towering height giving him an advantage. Bondita, looking up at him and complained, "You're taking advantage of being tall! It's not fair!" She clutched the album more firmly, resisting his attempt to retrieve it.

Anirudh, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, couldn't help but revel in the delightful banter between them. He leaned in, their faces inches apart, and teased, "Life is not always fair, Bondita. Sometimes, you have to find ways to get what you want. The charm lies in breaking a few rules now and then, Right?" " His tone carried a hint of playfulness and a touch of something deeper, an unspoken connection that seemed to be growing stronger.

Bondita, caught in the moment, felt her heart race. His proximity, combined with the teasing exchange, created a magnetic tension between them. She responded with a mockingly defiant look, "I won't let you have it, Barrister Babu."