Barrister Babu

Chapter 9: First Night In Same Room

Anirudh was waiting for Bondita in his room. Bondita's belongings were at one corner. She was yet to organize. 

Anirudh sat on the couch of his room, trying to focus on the case file he was reading. But his mind just shifted to the conversation at the dining table. Boys proposed to Bondita... Now he realizes what Bondita felt when she learned other women proposed to him. 

On the other hand, Bondita finished all the tasks, but she was standing in the hallway, playing with her fingers in nervousness. 

Chameli was nearby so she placed a hand over Bondita's shoulder, who got startled. 

"Chameli, you?" Bondita heaved a sigh in relief. 

Chameli arched an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Why aren't you going to your room? Anirudh Babu must be waiting."

Bondita twitched her lips. "This is the reason I am still standing here. This is my first time sharing a bedroom, same bed, with Patibabu. I am nervous."

"Didn't you two stay in a bedroom at night ever before?" she inquired. 

"That was different, Chameli. We didn't have that husband-wife vibe. But now that we decided to be an actual couple, sharing a bedroom means a lot of things."

Chameli gave an assuring hug to Bondita. "Relationship labels come with big responsibilities, Bondita. I know you got this. Besides, Anirudh Babu is also so supportive. Don't worry."

Bondita nodded. 

"Bondita, coffee!" Anirudh hollered from the bedroom. 

"Oops... your duty calls, Bondita," Chameli teased, while Bondita rolled her eyes and walked to the bedroom. 

Once she stepped in, Anirudh's eyes fell upon her. "Coffee?"

"From now on," Bondita started speaking as she made her way to her belongings, "You can have a maximum of two cups of coffee everyday."

His eyes grew as wide as saucers. He got up and went to her. "What do you mean? I usually have at least six cups of coffee and—"

She turned to face him and said sharply, "Two cups or no coffee. Take it or leave it."

"But Bondita, I—" he stopped speaking just by seeing the glare she sent to him. "Fine. But you will make my coffee then."

"Oh, that, I will." She started organizing her belongings. She took a bunch of sarees and opened the closet. That was when, all the clothes Anirudh stuffed in somehow, fell on the ground. "Hey Dugga Maa!" Bondita dramatically slapped her forehead. 

Anirudh bit his tongue slightly. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. 

Without saying anything else, Bondita sat on the ground and started folding Anirudh's clothes. Anirudh also sat next to her. 

"I didn't have the time to organize. I have been busy," he tried to give an excuse. 

Bondita sighed. "I am too tired to say anything now, Patibabu. I will arrange all these, don't worry."

"We, Bondita. We will arrange these." Anirudh started helping her. Even though instead of helping, he was messing up more but Bondita patiently taught him how to arrange clothes. They laughed a lot. 

After they were finally done, it was time to sleep. 

Anirudh laid on his usual side, while Bondita nervously sat on the bed. 

"What's wrong, Bondita?" he asked, sensing her nervousness.

"Nothing." She didn't want Anirudh to think she was forcing herself into this marriage because she wasn't. It was just all new for her. 

She quietly laid next to him, turning to the other side, not wanting to face him. She closed her eyes. That was when she felt a hand snaking over her waist. 

Bondita's breath hitched at the closeness. She didn't dare to open her eyes when she felt a warm breath on her ear. 

"I know this is new for you," Anirudh spoke up softly, "It is new for me too. Trust me, Bondita, I am as nervous as you are. So it's okay to be nervous."

Bondita still didn't open her eyes but his words soothed her. 

He continued, "I want to sleep every night holding you like this, close to me, in my arms. If you are okay and comfortable with this, then please reply. Otherwise, I will assume you aren't okay with this and respect your decision."

Anirudh and Bondita both stayed like that for a few minutes. Not hearing a reply, Anirudh was about to remove his hand but Bondita placed her hand over his and gave it a light squeeze.

Understanding her gesture that she was okay with this, Anirudh smiled and closed his eyes, holding her close to him. Both of them fell asleep soon enough.