The Letters Written

Chapter 13: The Yearn

Leaving the D'Silver residence, I was enamoured by Illeana. To write for Illeana, wouldn't it be like a novice lolling about in the earth with a champion wrestler in the mud pit. Would I not be that uncultured voice tainting Ileana's great talent and crisp highborn accent. 

I didn't notice when I stepped into the rickshaw and set off, all I could do was carry on discussing for hours with my self about Illeana, writing a novel, duties and other profound subjects that created multitudes of chatter in my mind. Unknowingly speaking "Am I going to be a useless parasite like the weeds that grow amongst crops that farmers nourish only to help dimmish the yield the crops provide".

The rickshaw driver slowed, and glanced over his shoulder briefly. "Madam, any trouble?" Shreya didn't reply. "Madam, don't think of your self a weed, but think of yourself as the royal swan. There's a saying, a swan can separate the milk from water, and only drinks the milk, leaving the water, uncloudy. By that manner take the good that you like and leave the bad things in life". 

"I am merely a poor rickshaw driver, how could I give you advice. Do know this that life is never easy. I wish I knew this earlier in life. Learn... to build your self first, and whilst taking, give in return". 

 Still no reply, the rickshaw carried on.

Shreya's thoughts begin to loose confidence. Did I say the right things, questions pop up, in her mind. What good can I do, just having trouble mediating conversation shows my lack of experience. Surely Illeana picked the wrong person for her talents. oh God, what am I to do?

That evening looking at the landline phone on the table her hands quaked, She needed to speak with someone, Krishan wasn't back for a long time yet, and this bitter inadequacy was eating away at her. It was time to call Mrs Chattergy. Perhaps she would be able to give Illeana the better person to help her. As she thought that thought, the phone wrang. 

Placing the ear piece to her ears, "Hello?"

What was returned was a blast of enthusiasm and life dragged back from the depths into Shreya, "Oh my Dear Moni!, How are you?!

Feeling a little sheepish and a little ashamed, for ruining this lovely women's day, she tried to dismiss her initial thoughts. but before she could.

"Shreya, is everything okay? You seem a little down." Shocked, the little gasp, spoke a lot to Mrs Chattergy somehow.

"Shreya, nothing gets past me", warningly like a mother catching there child red handed.

"I don't know. I'm just feeling really discouraged about my meeting with the D'Silver's. I feel like everything I say is terrible and I'm never going to be good enough."

"That's not true, Shreya. You're an amazing writer, I've heard the snippets of detail from Mr D'Silver, and you've already helped bring Mrs D'Silver overflowing with stories in ways he never could have imagined. Don't let self-doubt hold you back dear."

"It's not just self-doubt. I am not the right fit for her, if I was, then someone as talented as her, would never experience discomfort in my presence" remembering the frown on Illeana's face.

 "You should see her Ms Chattergy her intricate storytelling is satisfying as the warmth of the morning sun. I don't know if I can keep going."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Shreya. But don't let one negative experience define your whole career, you are talented yourself my dear. Writing is a tough field, and there are always going to be struggles for all manner of talented people. In the future you will experience critics and rejection. But that doesn't mean you should give up. Remember why you started writing in the first place. You have a gift Shreya, and the world needs your writing, Send a Letter to the world give your self the right you so deserve of that confidence as a writer."

"Thanks. I appreciate your support. I'll try to keep going, even when it feels hard."

"That's all any of us can do, Shreya. Keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. And know that I'm always here to support you."

The front door unlocked, Krishan called out "Shreya!" Ms Chatterjee giggled "I see your hubby is here, go treat him well, I'll hang up the phone now dear, big hugs and kisses for me dear" as both phone duo end up laughing as they hung up the phone. 

"Hey dear, can we talk for a bit"?  as she took his work bag, and he undid the first buttons of his shirt, exposing his perspired neck. The urge to bite that neck, was quelled immediately.

"I'm really struggling with my first clients. I'm going to be working with Illeana.

Krishan smiled, "You got your first client! this is a cause for celebration, why didn't you tell me sooner!!" 

"Of course, but.." 

"Shreya, I know your getting anxiety, your scared of the unknown. Tell me, What's going on?"

Shreya timidly "I just can't seem to make this decisions. I'm worried that I'm going to make the wrong choices and it's going to hold back Illeana from making progress."

Krishan rolls up his sleaves, heads to the kitchen to dine. Shreya pursues behind. "My dear you're an amazing writer, and I have no doubt that you'll make the right decisions, The letters written are so profound, with words you create amazing pictures. What's holding you back from moving forward?"

"I guess I'm just afraid of failing. What if I make the wrong choice and it ruins the story? What if I'm not as good as you thought I was?" dejected Shreya. 

"Shreya, you're an incredibly talented writer. I've read your work and it's amazing. Don't let fear hold you back from achieving your dreams. You can do this." Krishan pulls out two plates for himself and Shreya.  

She filled his plate with white basmati and Chicken bhunna. "Thank you, My love. You made me feel a lot better. I think I just needed some morale support to push through these tough decisions. I'm going to get back to work and make the best choices I can." Krishan's fingers wrapped gently around Shreya's arm, his touch warm and deliberate. With a slow, irresistible pull, he guided her closer, their bodies brushing. Shreya felt her breath hitch at the contact, heat rushing to her cheeks as a blush bloomed across her skin. Every inch of her seemed to tingle under his touch, as though the mere closeness of him set her aflame.

Krishan sat her on his lap "I'm always here to support you, Shreya. You got this." With a tender smile, he scooped up a small morsel of curry and, with slow, deliberate care, brought it to her lips. His fingers brushed lightly against her skin as she took the bite, their gazes locking in a moment. 

As she savoured the taste, a warmth spread through her that had little to do with the curry. He watched her with quiet intensity, his eyes tracing the curve of her lips. Without breaking their gaze, she slowly leaned closer, her breath mingling with his. "You always know just how to spoil me," she whispered, a teasing smile playing on her mouth.

His hand lingered near her cheek, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd do more than spoil you if you let me," he murmured, his voice soft yet full of meaning. The air between them buzzed with unspoken promises as his fingers gently traced her jawline, their closeness igniting a spark neither of them could deny.

His eyes darkened, filled with longing as his thumb gently caressed her cheek. He moved closer, their faces now inches apart, his lips hovering just above hers. For a moment, time seemed to pause as the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence.

And then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he closed the distance, capturing her lips with his. The kiss was soft, tentative at first, but it quickly deepened, filled with the passion they had been holding back. The taste of the curry still lingered, but all that mattered now was the taste of each other—sweet, intoxicating, and endless.

THINGS ARE HEATING UP! 

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