Heart, Body & Soul (MxM)

Chapter Nine

As the faint morning sun rays seeping through the window illuminate the room faintly, Riyaan yawns himself awake. He is up even before he did while at his own place. He takes a glance at Ivan on his left, who is lying on the bed on his stomach, sleeping soundly. Ivan's body reminds him of a to-do list on his wishlist - to hit the gym at some point.

Right after their arrangement, he kept on thinking about the day - how it will happen and if it will be awkward. But Ivan cooked him food, watched a movie with him, and they played board games - which made everything alright. He did feel flattered and special - but he was also a little jealous because this meant Ivan was more experienced, way too much to his liking.

A glance is not enough for Riyaan, especially when yesterday he couldn't have enough of touching naked skin. He might have acted, and at certain times reacted desperately, when Ivan was so calm, experienced and steady. Ivan was also the one who wasn't trying to kiss multiple times forgetting that they had an arrangement while Ivan skillfully avoided such contact. He both admired his skill and was embarrassed about himself. But Riyaan finds himself smiling about it now, having never lost control to such pleasure.

Riyaan quickly shifts his eyes towards the ceiling as Ivan stirs next to him.

'Hi,' he says in a sleep-laden voice.

'Hi,' Riyaan smiles, despite what he intended.

'Are you always this happy when you wake up?' Ivan asks, touching the tip of his nose softly with lazy fingers.

'No,' Riyaan says, beaming.

'Well, then I'm glad yesterday was a good time for you.'

'That's cocky, I might be smiling about something else.'

'Ouch,' Ivan says, placing a hand over his heart. 'So, no second time then?'

'Wait, you would want a second time?'

'If. If .. you want.' Ivan's eyes still teasing while he says it, with no hint of doubt.

'I want.'

'Really?'

'I know what I want.'

'But, what were you smiling about if I may know?'

'You may not,' he answers.

'Secrets?'

'Maybe'

'Fine. Keep them. I have a lot of pending work today, and Preet will be calling me soon, so I better get ready. I will drop you at work?'

'Sure, thanks.'

*     *     *

'Guys, the best part of startup? You guys can learn so much, right? It's hard to be grateful sometimes, but try, maybe?'

'It's also hard to shut up apparently..,' Plasi says from his right, in a hushed and mocking voice.

Riyaan's boss, Nikita, often likes to give some advice to her juniors. One time she shared with a nodding and understanding Riyaan that people like him and her make all the effort while others enjoy the salaries and that with 6+ years of experience, she has never thought people wouldn't see the value she brings to the company, even when she is happy to overwork. Her concern lay both with her seniors and her juniors.

But Nikita can do all she wants today, she cannot taint his mood.

'I want you guys to complete the tasks assigned today by today itself, let's not shift it to next week,' she says again when no one replies or acknowledges her last comment.

'Is she serious? I haven't even begun with this one, I'm still working on yesterday's,' Plasi throws his hand out in the air, not trying to be subtle at all.