Artful Deceit & Love ✔️

43. Not a puppet

Mridula's POV

My sleep broke with his not so quiet movements around the room.

I stirred slightly while still being half asleep and opened my eyes but not completely.

This is the second time he has disturbed my sleep today. First at four in the morning and then now at whatever time it is at the moment.

I peeked in his direction to find that he was ready in his suit pants and shirt.

His attention was focused on wearing his watch, that he didn't notice my eyes on him.

Or so I thought.

"Good morning, Mridula!" He said with his eyes still on his wrist.

I closed my eyes shut and flipped over my stomach to act as if I was in deep sleep.

"I know you are awake, Mridula." I tried not to laugh. I even held my breath.

The bed dipped at my side and he moved the hair stands that were shielding the side of my face.

"Let me see you properly." He commented as he pulled me to my back.

I kept my eyes closed but I couldn't help asking. "Why?"

"Humara din accha jayega"
[My day will go better.]

"Fir toh hum aise he teekh hai."
[Then I am fine like this only.]

I said and then buried my face in the pillow. I heard him chuckle.

"I would be late from work today."

I hummed.

"Bye, Mridula!" I lifted my hand and waved at him. He is wasting precious minutes of my sleep.

~~~~~~

I made my way downstairs and heard someone working in the kitchen. I slept for a good two hours more after he had gone.

But now, I am awake and ready to have a peaceful breakfast without him.

I stepped into the kitchen to find a helper cooking something on the stove. She told me the breakfast would be ready in a few minutes.

I thanked her and then moved to explore the garden area which I hadn't seen. I pushed open the glass door and I was in awe at the small glass corridor that led to the garden.

I stepped outside and sighed gleefully under the pleasant morning sun rays.

I looked around the wide expanse of the garden and then my eye zeroed in on a small building at the end of it.

Before I could walk in there, I heard footsteps and I turned around to find Zahir walking in my direction.

"Do you know what that is?" I questioned as he reached me.

"It is a guesthouse. Sort of. It has a spare room and the gym, Ma'am."

I nodded. He can have a spare room outside of the house but not inside.

"Can I have an hour off of work today?" I looked at him in surprise. Am I having a day with less security?

"You can. But I hope it is not a family emergency?" I asked with concern.

"No, Ma'am, I have to go to a blood donation campaign."

"Blood donation?" I asked him.

"It is a campaign organized by the Shekhawats for patients in need who can't afford paying for the blood."

It is very thoughtful. I must say Dhanraj Uncle is very considerate.