Harvest Moon

Chapter 15

ARNAV woke up to a familiar sweet fragrance teasing his nostrils as Khushi snuggled into the crook of his neck. He gently moved so that her head rested on the pillow but instead of moving away, his eyes focussed on her face in repose — the face of an angel.

He was having a tough time understanding this beautiful creature lying next to him. Her behaviour post their marriage had flummoxed him beyond words. He had never before misjudged anyone that way he had Khushi. But even then he hadn't stopped wanting her.

During her injury when they had stayed in the small guest bedroom, each morning he had slipped out of bed and rushed off to work before he lost himself and did something he would regret.

At Jassi's wedding she had looked stunning both at the sangeet and at the reception and he was this close to kissing her senseless at the poolside that night if he hadn't left when he did.

But something had changed. She had gone out of her way to bring his mother's letter to him. Now, all of a sudden it seemed like they didn't have differences and everything was normal. She seemed content to play house with him as she cooked in the absence of Daler and managed the house with the help of the maid who came in to take care of the house work. She also seemed genuinely interested in his work and listened attentively while he talked about the progress regarding implementing the drones.

It was a few days since they had been staying at the farm house and things were getting from bad to worse. With no one around to disturb them, he was finding it extremely difficult to be close to her and not want to touch her. This was one of the toughest things he ever had to do in his life. She had no idea what she was doing to him.

Khushi moved in her sleep and the strap of her blue camisole top slid down exposing the swell of her breast. He had the strongest urge to move the garment lower — but before the temptation became too strong, he moved away from the bed and hurried into the bathroom. His chivalry and gallantry was proving to be the death of him he thought as he stepped into the shower and turned the knob to cold.

When he entered the living room a little later, his heart skipped a beat when he saw Khushi in the same snug fitting top. She had clipped her hair with a clutch but stray hair fell all around her face and down her slim neck. She seemed to be saying something.

"Uh?" Was all he could muster.

"I said there is coffee on the table — you can have that until I bring your breakfast in just a minute."

Arnav sat on the table and took a sip of coffee almost scalding his tongue when he saw Khushi was wearing printed cotton shorts. What the hell had happened to the modest pajama and t-shirt she used to wear ? There was a sheen of sweat on her face and neck.

"You are right about the power cuts Arnavji," she said dabbing herself with the dish towel and then began fanning herself. "It's really hard to cook with so much heat."

She had no idea how provocative she looked. "What is this?" He said looking at the plate she had put in front of him.

"It's lightly spiced puffed rice flavoured with lemon — poha as they call it in some parts of India," She smiled brightly showing off her pearly white teeth. "You should lay off the ghee laden parathas for a while." She paused, "The truth is I can't make parathas like Dalerji does."

He had more serious problems than some ghee laden parathas Arnav thought trying his best not to look at her long creamy legs. "Why don't you eat with me?" He suggested, "Sit down — please."

Khushi sat down and served herself some of the poha. "Arnavji — I have been thinking about what you said about the automation the other day," Khushi said, "It's a great idea but —- what is going to happen to the farmers?" Her eyebrows were creased with concern. "Won't they lose their jobs with all this technology ?"