Rohita

Chapter 06

Milind, cigarette in his hand, slid the balcony curtain aside, and looked down at the parking premises. The snowfall had stopped and the moon shone on the horizon after an early winter sunset. He would take Rohita to Snehal's home after she woke up from her catnap. He took a drag of his cigarette, walked back to the couch and sat.

The previous night, Rohita insisted he sleep with her. Milind convinced her he needed some privacy to read his project documents and had gone to his room. He was attracted to her affectionate appeal, but he didn't want to make a habit of sleeping with her. He should be focused on his goal of marrying Esha, and should be loyal to her. Rohita showed her disappointment to sleep alone, but she remained quiet.

Milind heard the sound of a door latch. Rohita must have awoken, he thought.

She had slept soon after lunch, and jetlag had affected her sleeping pattern. Milind insisted on eating at an Indian restaurant, but Rohita preferred homemade food. He never expected she would prepare food so delicious.

Milind looked at Rohita, standing at the door near the kitchen. She smiled and approached him, adjusting her dress – a salwar kameez.

"Did you rest well?" Milind slid onto the couch, and waved her to a seat beside him.

Rohita nodded. "I am comfortable now. I couldn't sleep much last night."

"It will take some time for you to get acclimated to the new place." Milind put his arm on her back.

Rohita glanced out to the balcony. Her eyes glowed. "The parking lot is full of cars."

"Everyone usually stays at home on Sundays." He gently touched her shoulder. "Do you remember Snehal's invitation?"

"Yes, I do." Rohita's lips curved into a smile. "I wanted to remind you about it. I am interested to meet her and Ajit."

Milind wished to spend more time with them, and he should go there soon. "I will let Snehal know we are coming." He picked up the phone from the table.

He called Snehal and waited for her to answer.

"Hi, Milind." Snehal sounded excited. "How is Rohita?"

"She is doing well." Milind waited for her to talk about her invitation.

"What time are we meeting?" Snehal asked.

Milind glanced at the wall clock. It was just after six. "At seven?"

"Okay, we look forward to seeing you both."

"We'll be there at seven sharp." Milind ended the call.

He scooted towards Rohita. "We will leave in twenty minutes."

"I will go and freshen up." Rohita smiled before she left.

Milind watched her going towards the bedroom. He remembered he had met Ajit along with Snehal in an Indian grocery store. At that time, Milind had found Ajit mature and friendly.

Milind had told Snehal his tentative plan to get married before he had left for India. Snehal would ask him about how he met Rohita and married her. Snehal would be happy to meet Rohita, and they would become good friends. Rohita would seek Ajit's guidance to pursue her career objectives, and help Milind attain his goal with ease.

After he freshened up, Milind changed into a dark blue T-shirt and blue jeans. He combed his hair, and sprayed the almond cologne before he went back to the living room.

Rohita was seated on the couch. In her purple top and grey pants, she appeared beautiful. Her thin, open lips, applied with a red lip gloss, appeared attractive. Her gold chain glistened on her neck, and its pendant enhanced the beauty of her broad chest.