Philophobia

TWENTY- ONETH

The last day is all about the anticipation and end of the wait! 

Welcome back!

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"Sataish, please speak up. I am tired of silence." Staring at the tiny bulbs of golden light illuminating the tower, Irtiza said.

Another tear slipped fast down her cheek and thudded in the scarf. What she had to speak? She had nothing to tell him although there were books being written in her soul.

"I had always feared that what will happen when you would come to know and this is the reason that I wanted to delay it. I am not able to see your vulnerable state. Every single moment is accusing me of these tears." Without turning his face Irtiza said again.

Her left cheek lifted a little and she wiped the tears. The place they were sitting was at the farthest corner so they were not in the eyes.

"I did not want to live earlier, Sataish, but today I want to do." Finally turning to her face he said and a pale smile danced on his lips.

Her eyes narrowed at the ends and a questioning look dropped into their depths.

"You say or not but I know everything what you feel." Without switching his gaze he moved a little closer.

"That is a secret." He said and his lips turned into an invisible pout.

And for a brief second she forgot every pain. Her wet eyelashes felt heavier to blink and confusion of her own state gripped her.

"You said that I must have been a stubborn kid. You were right." He lowered his eyes for a short while and then lifted them again.

"I always remember that dusty pink perfume bottle my Mummy used. Its scent was quick in spreading."

"One day I asked her to spray a little on my collar and she told me that it was a purely feminine perfume. I insisted her as I was six only. I did not realize that my mother was right but what I realized was that she wanted to save my Daddy's gift for her." He kept his shoulders lifted for a short while and then dropped turning his face away from her eyes.

"One day I picked that bottle in my hands and then with trembling fingers I pressed its nozzle. A stream of vapours scented my neck but at that very moment my mother entered and the bottle slipped from my hold. I was petrified as the strong fragrance had encircled the room so I did not dare looking at her face. You know what, she did nothing but gave me a lesson; a lesson to remember, for whole of my life."

Curiosity sparkled in her eyes as he stopped speaking. Meaningful silence contained for a minute when his voice echoed against the sweeping winds again.

"She took a pledge that day. I promised her that never in my life I would hurt any woman." He faced her and took her hands in his.

Sensual warmth travelled in her tickling palms and tears started pressing her eyes.

Had he ever hurt her?

Never.

He had protected her. He had respected her. He had dignified her.

But what about the last night when the change in his tone scared her?

Was he really hurting her?

There was no scar on her body but his was bruised.

Where were her analytic abilities when his temples ached?

Where were her high claims of self realization whenever her mind alarmed her that he was not fine?

Where was she when he gulped down many tablets?