The Desert Lily

Chapter 25

Samaira went inside her room and Ayush waited for her, leaning on the railing. She returned with a small black box in her hands.His eyes were fixed on it. She slowly opened it to reveal a watch,the same one he was gifted by Praniti and the same one he wondered why she had taken. (Yassss! You guys guessed it right 😘)

It's glass shone in the moonlight and looked like a brand new one.

"Um.. I had seen it that day.Butvit had a scratch. Thought I would mend it and give it to you. "she said and extended it to him. He received it with joy. He had misunderstood this woman. Why did he even think of all those shit before. He mentally smacked himself and thanked her. A fervid smile played on the corner of his lips.

"I have something for you too."He said and made her stand with her back at the apartment. She stood staring outside, wondering what he was going to give her.

She could feel something being placed a little distance behind her.

"Now turn around. "his husky voice made her jolt back, to get a big surprise.

It was a canvas which had her painting and his signature on it.

She couldn't control the curving up of her lips.

"It's... Beau.. Thank you Ayush! "the words she uttered made him satisfied. He had spent sleepless nights to complete this painting and her response, even if it was an incomplete sentence made him proud of himself. It had been so long since she smiled so heartily.

The dim lights did not hinder her from enjoying every tiny part of the painting. It dazzled like a star in the dark. She ran her soft fingers through it, checking if she could feel her skin there.

Samaira was always in awe of his skills in blending colours and creating breathtaking forms of art. She had always encouraged him to keep it up and never leave this hobby. But it was for the first time he painted her picture and it was nothing less than a wonder. Her mood was lifting and she let it.

"Thank you so much Ayush. I loved this so much. "she was much contented and stated with her happiness visible in her voice. It was enough for Ayush. He was thankful that his efforts to make her smile didn't go in vain. Her face screamed how much she loved his birthday gift.

That day, Samaira slept soundly even though she had an enormous problem in her way. She didn't knew for how long she spent fixating her eyes on the painting. Every inch of it portrayed beauty at it's utmost extent. And sleep had slowly engulfed her without her knowledge.

Ayush on the other hand had hard time sleeping. He was disappointed by himself for thinking that Samaira would do something wrong with the watch. He knew he failed to understand her and he was despondent about it.

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A

yush and Samaira visited a lawyer in the morning. After returning, Samaira and Ayush were alone in their apartment. The children were sent to school.
Samaira decided to do something that would make her feel settled. On the other hand, Ayush was busy reading the case files.
Samaira slowly made her way to the kitchen. Why not make something delicious?
She cinched an apron around her waist and started looking for the ingredients.
The process of cooking began and she was too invested in it that she didn't know a solid state fixed on her. He noticed every move of her hands,the occasional battling of her eyelashes and the concentration with which she was doing her work. Such a woman can't possibly be careless while handling a pregnant woman.

"Ahhh! You look sexy. "her words made him jump out of his skin as it was the last thing he expected her to say.

"What? "he asked, running his hands through his hair.

She turned around quickly and looked at him in shock. A grilled fish was neatly placed on a plate with lemons and tomatoes on the kitchen slab.

"I.. Was talking about the fish. "she said,stifling a smile.

"Oh! "he stuck a tongue out, feeling embarrassed.

Samara turned around to continue her work as she broke into fits of laughter. And Ayush liked it. He wanted her to remain this way forever. How heavenly she looked when she had laughter gracing her visage.

"Well, I won't be shocked if you say the same about me. "he said and smiled mischeviosely.

"When did you start flirting? "Samaira asked without taking her eyes from her work space.

"Flirting?My hotness is universal truth. "he stated proudly.

"And I have all rights to flirt with my wife."he said and vanished to his room.

Samaira stopped what she was doing. What was he hinting? By any chance, is he in love with her? All his current actions have made her think. He was taking lot of efforts to see her smile and he succeeded every time. Samaira didn't want to think about it anymore. She decided to let time deal.
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Ayush and Samaira was having lunch whilst having a short conversation.
"By the way, where did you go yesterday? You know we were worried. "Ayush remarked.

"I was here. On a bench by the lawn. Came here straight from college. "she answered.

"But why didn't you attend the calls? "

"Because..my voice was faltering. Didn't wanna prove that I'm a cry baby again and again. But I knew you would be worried.I'm so sorry for doing that. I knew the children would be safe with you and wanted some alone time. Sorry. "she said, her voice depicting pure guilt.

"It's fine. "he assured.

"Anyway, crying when you are sad doesn't mean you're a coward if laughing when you are happy doesn't mean you are crazy. "he said and stood up with his plate.

"Ey. Sit down. I have prepared some dessert."she said and made him sit.

"You trying to murder me with so much of food? "he asked, eyeing her in suspicion.

"Fine, then don't eat. I'll have the payasam* alone. "she said and walked away.

"I was joking. "he said and tagged behind her.

She smiled and gave him a small bowl full of the sweet dish.

"There's a case against you in the court and you're preparing and distributing payasam. Wonderful. "he teased while gulping down a spoonful of the dish and received a smack on his head.
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*Payasam is a south indian sweet dish made with milk or coconut milk. A big thanks to lucky03m for the phenomenal cover!

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Adios,
Chris