Destined by Chance

Chapter 25

Party was over. Christmas was here. And as everyone had wished each other and slowly moved out of the hall to their respective rooms Simi felt exhausted. She had had her dinner in bits and pieces. She liked American foods but she loved Indian food. And it had been over three days since she had had any. She was a fairly good cook but she couldn't really cook Indian cuisine in a hotel suite. Plus the wine before had filled up her stomach somewhat.

She walked back slowly with Neil by her side. Her sandals in her left hand. She also held the skirt of her dress with the same hand. She was tired. But she didn't want the night to end just yet. She knew once they went back to the suite the magic would end. And she didn't want that to happen. Not so soon. But what could she do? They entered the elevator and greeted the others. They were probably the only ones to get off on their floor. As they did, Simi felt restless. After such a wonderful evening the walls of her suite sounded claustrophobic to her. Neil opened the door and waited for her to enter first. She did. Slowly. What could she do? They could talk a little maybe. So many feelings were coursing through her she needed to hold on to them for just a little while longer. She turned around and almost bumped into Neil. But he was quick. And he steadied her.

"You okay," he asked.

"Yeah," she said and smiled, "it was such an amazing evening. Thank you Neil," she said with gratitude.

"Don't thank me, I wasn't one to organize the party," he said with a smile of his own, "and I have to agree it was an amazing evening," he told her warmly.

"But you accompanied me," Simi said as she looked at him, "you could have said no, you did say no and still you went with me," she told him sweetly, "and I never said thank you for helping me 'repackage' myself," she said with a twinkle in her eyes and Neil groaned, "a little," she added teasing him.

"You aren't going to let go of it are you," Neil said good naturedly, "I already apologized to you for it at the party when we danced right before you had dinner," he reminded her.

"I remember, you did apologize, and I had told you I am glad you said what you did this morning," she said seriously, "I was mad at you but that was before I realized there was no harm in trying something new, and well, I like my new improved self," she said sincerely.

"It suits you," Neil said a bit huskily.

And Simi forgot to look away. The moment stretched for a few more seconds as silence played its beautiful music around them and the world held still while they gazed at each other. And then as if with an effort Neil looked away. Clearing his throat he walked past her to the fireplace and lit the wood in the hearth. Simi gulped and taking in a deep breath she turned around and walked to sit on the couch.

"You aren't sleepy," Neil asked casually without turning his head to look her way, "you seemed tired," he said.

"I am," Simi replied honestly, "but I would like to stay up for just a bit longer," she told him, "but if you want to turn in I can stay here and you can take the bed," she said.

"You wanted the bedroom remember," Neil said as he turned on his haunches to look at her. There was a faint smile on his mouth.

"I know, but it seems unfair that you get to sleep on the couch every night and I take up the bed," she said feeling a bit guilty, "I know it is very comfortable but you are a bit too tall for it," she said and smiled, "maybe we can switch. You can take the bed for the next two nights and I can sleep here on the couch," she said brightly.

"There is nothing unfair about it," Neil said as he turned back to watch the flames eagerly devour the wood, "I am comfortable on the couch besides I don't sleep as much," he told her.