How to Woo Your Bride

37| Shirtless Surprise

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." ― Friedrich Nietzsche

Chapter 37: Shirtless Surprise

   Riya had set the alarm to six, wanting to wake up before Madhan. After the previous day's fiasco, she wanted to make the paste again, so Madhan could apply it. Madhan's face had become a bit clearer since the first day she met him. It must have been the lotions he had been applying, but nothing could be as quick as her mom's homemade paste.

   She walked into the kitchen humming to herself as she found the ingredients quickly. It was much easier to make it since she already had the previous day. There was some paste left, so she mixed it along with that for a fine texture of the paste.

   Riya heard the bathroom door close. Hoping she caught him before he started applying the lotion, she poured the paste into a bowl and rushed to his room.

Thud thud thud. Riya banged on the door.

   Madhan had just finished brushing his teeth when he heard Riya bang the door. He was surprised and also a bit worried. What could Riya want that she was banging this urgently. He didn't have time to put on his shirt, so he opened it hesitatingly.

   Riya continued to knock on the door even when he had opened it. Her hand hit his bare chest, and it took her by surprise since he was shirtless.

   Madhan found her staring at him too long for his discomfort.

   "Uh Riya, what is it?" Madhan asked, his hand on the door ready to close it.

   Riya got out of her trance and looked at him. "Paste."

   "The one you were making yesterday?"

   Riya nodded vigorously.

   "Can it wait? I need to apply lotion and shower."

   "No. It can't."

   Madhan opened the door wider and sidestepped Riya into his room.

   "It's a paste for your pimples," Riya said. "My mom used to wear this for twenty-one days and her face became so clear after that."

   Madhan eyed it suspiciously. "Isn't turmeric paste used to stop hair growth?"

   Riya paused. "It does, I guess. But it's okay, you can apply it on your pimples alone. There's no facial hair there right?"

   Madhan nodded. "Do you think you could apply it for me? I don't think I'll be able to apply it accurately. Besides your fingers are really small."

   Riya nodded. She was relieved Madhan accepted. Even if she had to apply it for him.

   Madhan sat on his bed and Riya sat on his right side, placing the bowl between them.

   She took a pinch of paste between her index and middle finger and tried to reach his face, but the distance was a discomfort. She scooted closer, such that her knees almost touched his, and when she leaned in to apply it, his face was dangerously close to hers.

   Her fingers made contact with his cheek. His skin was cold, and it sent a shiver down Riya's spine. Madhan wrapped his left arm around her waist in an effort to steady her. Riya looked down at his arm, and when she looked back up, Madhan was staring into her eyes, his lips almost grazing hers.

   Riya's breath hitched. It really didn't help that Madhan was shirtless. He didn't have abs. At least not yet, but she could see how toned his chest was. There was no fat bulging in his stomach. In short, hot or not, she was finding herself attracted to him.