Bearing Witness

Chapter 17 - Emancipation and Mental Slavery

Ananda awakens slowly to find the crush of Khan's full weight across her middle. The floor seems to be pushing up against her and is causing a bit of discomfort, but not enough to displace him. She feels perfectly content to have his sleeping form draped over her, like any other evening in the recent past.

Except this evening is decidedly unlike any other - and not just in her brief history with Khan. But any evening, ever.

Ordinarily, she'd delight in watching over Khan as he sleeps. Cooing as his angular features soften. Enjoying his expressions and an unguarded smile or two as he slumbers peacefully.
This does not look to be a restorative sleep for Khan. His brow is furrowed, and he's vocalizing agressively. Though Ananda soothes him through the grunting and deep growling by tenderly caressing him - he rolls away from her and curls into a ball.

Ananda takes the opportunity to move freely, but not before covering Khan with the duvet, and readjusting his pillows.

Deciding to make use of the quiet, Ananda decides to take a few moments to stretch. She begins by flattening herself, placing her feet together as she relaxes her hands.
She puts both hands underneath her bum, palms down, and brings her elbows closer toward each other. After a cleansing breath, she lifts her head and chest. With her chest elevated, Ananda bends her neck back and touches the top of her head to the floor, affecting a perfectly imperfect Matsyasana pose.

She wants to clear her head, and tries valiantly to quell her growing anger and frustration. Unable to cleanse her thoughts of the day's events, she decides a shower is in order. She flattens herself again, looks over at Khan, and ghosts her fingers over his shoulders.

Ananda pulls her knees to her chest, rocks herself to her feet, and gracefully glides down the hall. She makes for the bathroom to prepare for a long shower. She summons the computer to create a tranquil, unobtrusive ambiance.

"Computer?..."
"Hello, Ananda."
"Please activate shower settings for Mid-Atlantic seashore. Warm Spring rain. Dim the ambient lighting by 35%."
"Accessing... Working... Request Complete... Would you like to add music, Ananda?"
"Yes. Rodrigo, Concierto de Aranjuez. Adagio first, then shuffle."
"Accessing Music Library... Cueing Playlist. Initiating ShufflePlay... Request Complete."
"Thank you, Computer."
"Would you like to save these settings, Ananda?"
"No. Thank you computer."

Ananda shucks off her clothes and allows the garments pool at her feet as she steps into the shower. The warmth of the water is soothing, and the temperature of the ambient air is slightly cool, but not bracing. The randomness of small beads of water, mixed with large droplets feel like standing at the sea shore during a light, warm rain. She cups her hands and holds them toward a shower head to catch some water to splash onto her face. Ananda lifts her head and purses her lips to exhale while she enjoys the rhythmic patter of the water as it sluices over her skin. She closes her eyes, holds her hands palm side up and begins to chant softly.

Khan stirs himself awake, and realizes that Ananda is no longer lying next to him. He hears the shower running and makes a beeline for the bathroom, peeling off his clothes along the way. When he arrives at the bathroom doorway, he hesitates before crossing the threshold.

Though her back is turned away from the door, Ananda can feel his eyes on her. Without turning to look, she encourages him to join her.

"Join me, Noonien. The water feels wonderful," she purrs.
"Thank you, I'd like that very much."
"Good. Rather have you next to me than lurking in the doorway like a shadow."

Khan takes the few steps needed, and slips into the shower behind Ananda. He wraps his arms around her and pulls her close. She snuggles into him and lays her head on his shoulder while her fingertips drift lazily up and down his arms. Khan gently turns Ananda and the two stand gazing into the eyes of the other as the water cascades between them.