Artful Deceit & Love ✔️

42. A mere chess piece

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Mridula's POV

"You are thinking about that hotshot husband of yours?" Anika asked as she pushed the clutter on the dining table slightly away and placed a plate with mixed matched cutlery in front of me.

I was thinking of something but it wasn't Uday, it was what Vaibhav had said.

I might always fight with Uday to show him that I can't be dominated but this marriage was a sign of me submitting to him.

She served the food and took her place opposite to me. 

"So..." Anika's voice trailed off and I looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"How is he in bed?" The spoon clanked with the plate as shock took over.

"I am not telling you that." I muttered as I looked down at my plate.

"What...I share my experiences and now, I want to know yours." She said with an easy tone as if she was asking me how I was doing.

"You don't share, you force us to listen." I said as my mind recalled how Anika would keep on babbling and Meera and I would awkwardly have to listen to her.

"Sharing is knowledge." She remarked while shoving her mouth with a spoonful of rice.

I joined my hands together and replied to her. "Yes, you have shared enough. I don't need more knowledge."

I shook my head and Anika just smiled at me.

What would have he done if we were not interrupted by the phone call?

Would he have taken things forward? And most importantly, would I have let him?

"You are recalling something!" Anika exclaimed with a slightly raised voice and a teasing smile.

"I am not." I shot back the answer immediately.

Why am I even entertaining thoughts like this about him? He made it clear about what he felt about that kiss. I have to just let go and stop thinking about him or anything related to him.

After dinner, Anika and I were just shuffling through the channels when the doorbell rang.

She went away to open the door and I decided that I will ask her if I could stay here tonight once she gets back.

I heard her laughing and soon I could hear the approaching footsteps. I shuffled to my feet and turned around to find him walking in. His presence dominantly engulfed everything in his surroundings. He stopped a few meters away with set shoulders and with a fake calm expression. 

What is he doing here?

Anika excused herself to the kitchen to get him a glass of water as he was thirsty but I knew it was a simple tactic to send her away.

"I thought I said I want you back home by dinner." He muttered as he crossed the gap and stood in front of me.

"And I think you are forgetting what I said. I am staying here. You should leave before Anika gets back." I said slowly as I looked at the kitchen where my friend had disappeared.

He gave a nod as he moved to crowd over me. I stared down at the gap between us to ensure there was enough space.

He placed his fingers under my chin and held my gaze.

He leaned in and for a second I thought that he was going in for a kiss. But he didn't.

"Do you want me to carry you to my car over my shoulder?" He asked as he stepped away and the next minute tugged towards him with his arm around my waist.