What's this relationship called?

(53)

Nikhil had to stop staring at Saira.

He had been staring at her for too long. But how could he stop when his wife looked a personification of elegance?

Wife.

He smiled at the word and began to think how things had changed for him.

He held a small bouquet of white lilies.

Nothing too fancy.

Saira had been standing and thinking for a while at the Naina's thoughts.

Who was the real Naina? 

Was she actually nice?

For now she did. But she will  keep a close watch over her.

Her thoughts came to a standstill as she heard a voice call out.

"Hey gorgeous!"

She turned around and was pleasantly surprised at Nikhil's presence.

She gave him a surprised smile before saying," Nikhil? "

She walked fast towards him as he held his arms open.

She dived into his arms and smiled.

The fragrance of white lilies caught her attention.

Hell no!

She had allergies.

She fast moved away from Nikhil and stood as far as she could.

Nikhil was confused as his arms were still stretched and all he could muster up was,"Huh?"

She looked at the lilies in horror and spoke,"Throw those flowers away!"

Nikhil gave her 'Are you ridiculous?"look as Saira muttered,"God damn!Throw it in dustbin!!"

Nikhil asked,"Why?"

Saira wanted to hit her head as she spoke,"Dammit Nikhil! I have allergies to lilies."

Nikhil gawked before hitting back,"But they were at our wedding!"

Saira was losing her patience as she stood at more distance,"Those were fake flowers!"

Nikhil gawked"What?!But it had fragrance!!"

Saira almost shouted,"They were perfumes you imbecile!!"

Those were the last words she spoke.

Before she started sneezing endlessly.

                                                                                      ****************** 

Advay had to be discrete as he met Mrs Malhotra.

Her wine glass was still there.

He waited for her to finish her drink before saying,"Why did you want to meet me?"

Mrs Malhotra looked at him.

She motioned for him to sit.

He looked unsure before sitting uncomfortably.

Mrs Malhotra spoke," I was once in love in my teenage days."

Advay looked on as she continued with her expressions sombre.

She spoke," I was convinced that the boy I was in love with will always love me and keep me happy. And it seemed like a perfect relationship. He brought small gifts,took me on dates."

Her expressions seemed to be lost as Advay curiously waited for her to finish the story.

But this time, she took a big gulp and it seemed alcohol left a bitter taste.

Advay winced.

But she didn't.

She spoke with venom,"All the while I was convinced he was in love with me, he had been going behind my back and seeing my sister. And guess what, I could have prevented it. But I ignored it."

Advay shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Nikhil's mother.

Mrs Malhotra spoke," Don't do the same mistake. Take the quick stride and whisk Saira away forever. Otherwise, your chance with love will be gone. Do what you need to do!"

Advay gulped.

Mrs Malhotra stood up and spoke,"Cross the line if you need to!"

And she walked away.

Cross the line? 

Cross the line.

He had an idea.

A risky one.

But he was ready for it.