New Innings

Part 36

"Dhriti.." Minerva tried speaking..

"One minute more." With that the arms got tighter. She felt him shaking.

"Dhriti.. Dhriti.. Are you crying? Dhriti.." with much force she unwrapped his arms. His face scrunched, his body shaking... "Everything is fine now. Relax.." She said rubbing his arms.

"Minu..." With that he cupped her face. "I don't know what to say.. I.. I.." And again he pulled her in his embrace.

Okay this is getting awkward. "Dhriti.." this time she rubbed his back. "It's alright now." When they had hugged in the police station, it was out of the anxiety, fear and every foreign feeling, but now, when everything is sorted and settled, she felt awkward. Very awkward! With their parents present there, he followed her to their room. Goodness!

"It's alright... it's alright.." she repeated coming out of her embrace. "Just forget it like a nightmare. Okay."

"But.."

"No buts. Everyone is waiting downstairs. You change and join us." With that she rushed out.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is she behaving like that? Not looking at me, running away like that? Does she hate me for what happened today? Yes.. that must be it. God, I didn't even say sorry to her! Seriously Dhritiman Gupta how much of an idiot can you be?

Getting out of his clothes, he almost threw his shirt into the laundry basket when he noticed something on his shirt. A deep red hair! Minu's highlighted hair! He felt a sudden rush. The moment he had her in his arms, his body pressing her.. the softness... his breath stuck! Stop it Dhriti! You are no teenager. Scolding himself, he finally threw the shirt in the basket, and went to the bathroom.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God! Why was he behaving like this? As if I did so e great job! That was a basic human job. Why does he and everyone else have to make such a big deal of it? And why is he hugging me like that! I am sure without my help he could have managed. And thinking of the hug... the warmth in his hold.. and when he held her tighter.. saying that one minute.. What did he get in that one minute? Her stomach tightened. When his chest pressed her bre... stop thinking! She went red!

And before she knew she was already among everyone. Gulping she joined others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I don't understand any of this." Mr. Gupta sighed as Ridhhi gave a very detailed description.

Minerva felt her hand held tightly. Her mother! She narrowed her eyes and shook her head, warning her. "Not now.. I promise to talk about it tomorrow." She whispered through gritted teeth. Though what was she going to tell tomorrow, god only knew! What explanation would she give about Dhriti's trip with Tiya? That, it's the current trend? Most couples do it. I mean go on trips! Minerva gulped. I shall think about it when time comes. But then the time is coming tomorrow. She sighed and slacked back.

"Nothing baba.. Just a spoilt brat. Too much spoilt according to me." Riddhi answered her father whereas rest agreed.

Mrs. Gupta walked upto Minerva and sat beside her. Taking her into arms she gave little squeeze. "Ma.. thank you. Had you been not there, I don't know what would we do?"