Shining Fragments of a Heartbeat

First Kiss

Anaya had barely slept all night. Her room, untouched since childhood, had memories that stirred something deep within her. After seeing her grandfather off to bed, she had intended to shower and change, but Marathi intercepted her. Marathi, the eldest daughter of the house, was born and bred in luxury and her parents' love, but she disliked Anaya. No, not just disliked— she hated her with a fierce dedication. Even last night, as Anaya left her grandfather's room, Marathi bumped into her, and her glare bore into her, eyes filled with contempt. Anaya shivered as Marathi spat on the floor, muttering under her breath, "Witch." Marathi had always unsettled her, terrifying her as a child. "But I'm not a child anymore", Anaya reminded herself. "She can't scare me". Yet, that didn't stop her from scurrying away, seeking refuge last night.

Anaya had retreated to the stables, hoping to regain her composure. But her mind and body were in turmoil, still haunted by the presence of the tall, mysterious stranger. They had shared a smoke, and the touch had set her body ablaze when his fingers brushed against hers as he took the packet. When was the last time she had felt desire at a man's touch? She wondered. After Ranath had abandoned her on their wedding night, any man's touch filled her with disgust. But this stranger had awakened something in her, something raw and undeniable. Could she still feel these urges? She had spent the night wrestling with these questions, and by 3 a.m., she had abandoned trying to sleep.

Plagued by anxiety and worry, Anaya decided to get some exercise. In the past, exercise and meditation had helped her deal with anxiety, depression and all sorts of mental health issues. Hoping the endorphins would help her clear her mind, she began breathing exercises and meditation. Marathi's words, her grandfather's fragile body, and the stranger's fingers brushing her hand kept replaying in her head. Finally, after what felt like forever, she managed to focus on her body and breathing, feeling some relief.

Her alarm went off at 5 a.m., signalling it was time for her run. Today was not her run day, as she had done a 10K just last morning. Back home, she would have relaxed by the indoor pool, floating in the warm water before doing laps and finishing with underwater exercises. But today, she needed the run. She sighed as she tied her running shoes, glad she had packed them. Quietly, she slipped out through the back gate. Marathi's bitter presence loomed in her mind, and she knew she would need all the endorphins she could muster to face her family today.

Anaya finished her 10K in just over an hour. She lingered, not eager to rush back, taking in the early morning sights and sounds. When she reached the main gate, her running app announced, "10 kilometres completed. Slowing to a jog, she greeted Uncle Bhima at the gate, who waved back with a broad smile. She turned the corner on the uneven path to the main house and saw him—the man from last night. He was in his tracksuit, seemingly ready for a run. His eyes met hers, and he smiled. She returned the smile, her heart skipping a beat. "Come on, keep it together," she muttered to herself. "If I can keep my heart steady during a 10K, I can handle a smile from a stranger."

"Are you going for a run?" she asked as he stopped jogging and walked towards her.

"I just finished. I was about to start stretching," Ranath replied, looking her over. You look like you had a long run. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, I needed it today," she admitted.

"Be careful, though. You might catch a cold in those flimsy shorts and T-shirt," he teased, scrunching his nose.

"Well, be a gentleman and lend me your tracksuit," she shot back playfully.

His face shifted from surprise to a smirk. Without hesitation, he pulled off his T-shirt, revealing a chiselled torso that made Anaya's breath catch in her throat. She felt an inexplicable urge to reach out and touch him, but she restrained herself. Instead, her mouth betrayed her as she murmured, "Looks like you work out a lot."