POTION OF LOVE

25. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

[Song Recommendations - Tu jane na]

I set my paintbrush aside on the table and step back looking at the half-done painting.  I have filled most of the whiteness of the canvas with colours but it's only half down.

Jasmine is tired and uncomfortable while sitting there. Her expressions have flattered a bit after hours of painting. I have tried to get as much as I could so I could finish the rest of the painting in her absence.

While I was so focused on bringing in the right blend of shades that matched her skin tone, her eyes and lips. She has a unique blend of colours which forms a delicate contrast to her.

Because of the lip tint she applied, her lips have caught onto that tint and changed their colour slightly. I am having a problem with it.

Despite trying many times I couldn't get the perfect colour. But I can't continue to make her sit because of my selfishness – ‘is it important? To make everything perfect?’ her words ring in my head

I still can't forget how her soft lips grazed over that sculptor's. How might have it felt-

I quickly shake off that thought.

I try to understand why I push myself to make everything perfect. I have flaws, a lot of them that's why I wanna do something perfect that could cover up everything imperfect about me.

“Jasmine, Relax” I assure her. She sighs in relief and leans back, resting her head on the headrest and looks up. She is tired and hungry too, it's already past lunchtime now. But she surprisingly hasn't complained yet

I wipe my hands with a towel and walk towards her. The sun has moved to the west, creating a dusky light outside that causes one side of the room to warm up in a comforting light.

Jasmine's side of the room is slightly duller due to the lack of sunlight. I switch on the spotlights, making her open her eyes and look at me. I grab the handkerchief, and her eyebrows join together showing her confusion “Should we order something? I am hungry”

Her eyes quickly lighten up at my suggestion. She jumps out of her seat “Yes, please!” Jasmine grabs her phone, already browsing through the app. She stops and looks at me with a hesitant expression

“What?” I ask

“Do you mind if I order something Indian?” She asks, her fingers hovering over a particular option “It will be good for you to practice too!” she adds, hoping I would somehow agree.

“What do you wanna eat?” I ask, slightly leaning closer to get a glance of what she is referring to. “Biryani!” She exclaims

“Biryani?” I repeat, the words rolling off my tongue at a poor rate. She notices it too but doesn't comment on it “Yeah, Hyderabadi biryani. I am really hungry and I am craving it so badly”