10-08-2025, 10:17 AM
He didn’t speak.
Not one word.
Just nodded.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once.
Small.
Like scared student saying yes to angry teacher.
Like one tiny agreement to save life.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at him.
Face straight.
Eyes hard.
Then—
I burst out laughing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“HAHAHA—oh god…”
My hand came up.
Clapped once.
Palm to palm.
Sharp sound in kitchen.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You don’t have work, ah?”
I asked.
Still laughing.
Mocking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silence.
He didn’t defend.
Didn’t excuse.
Just stood.
Like wall painting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’re supposed to be at the gate,” I said.
“Watching dogs and autos.”
“Not inside my kitchen, doing this comedy.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finally—
His voice came.
Soft.
“No madam… I asked Guru to cover for me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I blinked.
One sharp blink.
“Oh ho!”
My head tilted.
“So Guru is now your assistant?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… just cover.”
“We usually do for each other.”
His voice still soft.
Still polite.
Like trying not to get another slap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Hmmmmm…”
I said.
Dragging the sound.
Lips tight.
Voice flat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“So this is what you call ‘cover’ work?”
I raised eyebrows.
Gave full college principal look.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked confused.
Head tilted slightly.
Like goat hearing English song.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I pointed to myself.
One firm finger.
“This is your job now?”
“Come inside others home…”
“Talk with housewives…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Stare at them…”
“Kiss navel…”
“Stand like hero?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He said quickly.
“I don’t do like this anywhere…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Every house in apartment, you’re doing this programme?”
“Or only mine?”
I asked.
Sharp voice.
Faster words.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam.”
He said.
“Only here. Only because—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Because what?”
I snapped.
Eyebrows raised.
One step forward.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He stopped.
Didn’t speak.
Didn’t finish.
Mouth open half-inch.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I laughed again.
“Ohhh ho ho.”
Louder this time.
“Secrets now?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No secret madam…”
He said.
Quick.
Soft.
Like damage control.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You better not.”
I hissed.
Voice dropping.
“Otherwise I’ll cut your cock and feed it to street dogs.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… I’m good.”
He said.
Fast breath.
Eyes lowering.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Good?”
I repeated.
Tilting head.
Mocking smile.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Yes madam.”
He said.
“I swear.”
Voice honest.
Almost stupidly honest.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at the clock.
Wall one.
Plain round face.
Needles ticking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8:21.
He came at 8.
I remembered.
Sharp.
Clear.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Twenty minutes,” I said.
Eyes still on clock.
Then on him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Small blink.
Not sure what’s coming.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’ve been standing in my flat for twenty minutes.”
I said.
Each word slow.
Heavy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Holding me.”
“Kissing me.”
“And you call yourself good.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He lowered his eyes.
“I didn’t mean…”
He said.
Quiet.
Like boy caught with stolen ladoo.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Scared,” I said.
Louder.
Stronger.
“You actually think you’re innocent.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He whispered.
Almost like breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Okay. Let’s come back.”
I said.
Brisk tone.
Like teacher starting fresh topic.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked up.
Eyes wider now.
More alert.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“That question I asked you earlier.”
I said.
Voice low.
Controlled.
“What will you do if I don’t say anything, hmm?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t reply.
Didn’t blink.
Didn’t move.
Just stood.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like statue.
Like stone.
Like no voice inside body.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I laughed.
Light one.
Mocking.
“Ahhh… so you’re not a talker.”
“You’re just a doer, ah?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
Still breathless.
Still mute.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped one inch closer.
One soft shuffle.
Now my saree pallu was brushing his uniform.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t move.
Didn’t twitch.
Didn’t look down.
Just steady.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t make me laugh.”
I said.
Eyebrows narrowing.
Voice dry.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still no reply.
Not even flicker.
Not even blink.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I ask you a question, you give full drama.”
“Silent movie actor.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at him.
Up and down.
Like scanner.
Like judge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That pant?
Still bulging.
Still bold.
Still standing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His face?
Still calm.
His mouth?
Still shut.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think you’re man, ah?”
I asked.
Scoffing.
Not smiling.
Just sharp.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Once.
That’s all.
Still no word.
Still no breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I scoffed again.
Like air pushed through teeth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’re nothing but a dog.”
I said.
No mercy in voice.
No pity.
Just flat truth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t react.
Not even eyelid twitch.
But something in air tightened.
Like silent string.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped even closer.
Now just breath between us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Voice dropped.
Sharper now.
“But obedient dog.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“One slap.”
“One shout…”
“You’ll sit.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He breathed out.
One soft puff.
Like warm cotton air.
But still didn’t speak.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You can’t even come out of your own guts.”
I said.
Face close.
Words closer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He kept watching me.
Not flinching.
Not falling.
But not answering.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I shook my head.
Like disappointment.
One slow shake.
“Don’t act manly.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was still standing.
Same place.
Same breath.
Same stare.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like some security statue.
Not wood.
Not stone.
But something stiff.
Unmoving.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was blinking.
He was breathing.
But that’s all.
No talk.
No move.
No boldness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Even after all my words.
All my taunts.
All my smirks and insults.
All my finger-pointing and shouting.
Still there.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still not daring.
Still not stepping.
Still not proving.
Just standing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I tilted my head slightly.
One small angle.
Then raised one eyebrow.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You really don’t have the balls, do you?”
I said.
Each word slow.
Dripping like tap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t flinch.
Didn’t wince.
Didn’t speak.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You stand here thinking you can do something,” I continued.
One sharp look.
Voice cool.
“...but deep down, you know you’re nothing.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still no answer.
Still just eyes.
Still just air between us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I smirked.
Small curve of lips.
No joy.
Just mock.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Not man.”
“Not brave.”
“Just standing, watching, waiting…”
“...like one pet dog.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And then—
He spoke.
First time in five minutes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Voice quiet.
But steady.
No shake.
No apology.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Madam… I can do.”
That’s all.
Four words.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I blinked.
Slow.
Like lamp flickering.
Then I spoke.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oh ho ho…”
I folded my arms.
Chin raised.
“Suddenly you found your tongue?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He nodded once.
Small.
But confident.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped one inch closer.
Soft step.
No noise.
Just presence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chin still lifted.
Eyebrows pointed.
“What can you do, ah?” I asked.
“Say it.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked at me.
Face calm.
Grounded.
Not excited.
Not proud.
Just ready.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Whatever you want me to do.”
He said.
Simple.
Flat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
One heartbeat.
Two.
Then—
Burst out laughing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oh! So clever answer, no?”
Mocking tone.
Teeth showing.
Eyes glinting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… just truth.”
He said again.
Plain.
No spice.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’ll do anything I want?”
I asked.
Voice like test.
Like trap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Yes madam.”
He said.
That same slow nod.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I started walking.
Slow steps.
Soft footfalls.
Around him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One circle.
Watching him.
From side.
From back.
From other side.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like I was judging one bull in village fair.
Checking muscles.
Checking breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Okay…”
I said.
Voice mocking.
One eyebrow lifted.
“Then show me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked up.
Eyes straight.
No blink.
No tilt.
Just full attention.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Be a man,” I said sharply.
One sentence.
Strong.
Like slap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t stand like spoon.”
“Show me what you can do.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He hesitated.
One second.
One pause.
Then he asked—
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Madam… are you sure?”
Soft voice.
But full.
No joke.
No shake.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I paused.
Turned.
Faced him.
Body straight.
Eyes locked.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Am I sure?”
I repeated.
Flat voice.
One echo.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He nodded.
That same low tone.
Like one respectful criminal.
Asking permission.
Before robbing temple.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I grinned.
Mouth tilted.
Eyes flashing.
“Why won’t I be sure?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
His face didn’t shift.
Just focus.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think I’m scared of you?”
I asked.
Teeth showing.
Mocking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He said.
Still honest.
Still soft.
Still strong.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t act like cocky fellow…”
“...just because your pants are bulging.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Once.
Didn’t answer.
Didn’t react.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped in again.
Closer.
Right up to his chest.
Saree touching cloth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
Right at his face.
Strong stare.
Tight jaw.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think I won’t handle you?”
I asked.
No blink.
No smile.
Just sharp breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No answer.
He just breathed.
Calm.
Focused.
Waiting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I leaned in.
Real close.
Mouth near his collar.
Voice low.
Words hot.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I’ll cut your tongue…”
“…and throw it in the dumpster.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He breathed out.
One slow puff.
Not panic.
Not power.
Just stillness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then he said—
“Okay, madam.”
One line.
Simple.
Quiet.
Final.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then he started stepping forward.
One step.
Two steps.
Coming straight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
At me.
Full direction.
No turn.
No stop.
No blink.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Eyes focused.
Like he believed I was scared.
Like he thought he had upper hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But I stood.
Still.
Straight.
Unmoving.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Because only I knew—
I was the one provoking.
I was the one pressing his buttons.
I was the one testing what he could do.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t move.
Not one step.
Not one breath out of place.
Even as he came closer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One step.
Then another.
Slow.
Steady.
Heavy with silence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His eyes — calm.
Not soft.
Not harsh.
Just calm.
Like water that’s hiding storm.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His face — unreadable.
No smile.
No frown.
Just quiet stone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His body — confident.
Each movement slow.
But not shy.
Not scared.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But me?
My body was still.
Feet planted.
Breath stuck.
Voice?
Full sharp.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t think I’m afraid of you.”
I said.
Firm.
Cold.
Like blade.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t reply.
Didn’t nod.
Didn’t smirk.
Just kept coming.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Do whatever you want.”
I said again.
Louder.
Like challenge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
Like he was listening to different voice.
Some internal one.
Not mine.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I won’t complain.”
I added.
Smirk playing on lips.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His eyebrows lifted.
Slightly.
Tiny arch.
That’s all.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I smirked.
“One eyebrow?”
I mocked.
“Let’s see if you have guts…”
“…or you’re just boneless inside uniform.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still he stood there.
Still waiting.
Still silent.
Like he was watching for green signal.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My heart?
Doing drum inside chest.
Not full drum.
Small one.
But steady.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But face?
Face stayed queen.
Upper lip tight.
Eyebrows calm.
Eyes holding.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside though…
Full mess.
No clarity.
No logic.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t know what the hell was happening.
Why I was saying these things.
Why I was standing like that.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What was I expecting?
One slap?
One kiss?
One fight?
I didn’t know.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But one thing I knew—
One solid thing inside confusion.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I was going to allow.
Allow and watch.
Just to see.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How far he would go.
How much he actually dared.
How real this boldness was.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He took one more step.
Now his breath touched me.
Hit my nose.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Smelled like masala Boost.
And sweat.
That warm cottony male smell.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Familiar.
Rough.
Strong.
I didn’t move.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked at me.
Then sideways.
Around.
Eyes doing one full security check.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
First to window.
Curtains closed.
Latch tight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then balcony door.
Locked.
Frame solid.
No gap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then kitchen entrance.
Open space.
But no shadow.
No sound.
No one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Just silence.
Only air.
Only us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside this flat.
Inside this kitchen.
Inside this exact moment.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then—
He looked back at me.
Eyes meeting.
No questions left.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And said softly—
“Okay, madam… Since you said…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then one more step.
Closer.
Now—
Our bodies?
Almost touching.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His chest was right near my bust.
I could feel the heat.
The pull.
The shape.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t back away.
Didn’t twitch.
Didn’t adjust my blouse.
Just stood.
Watching.
Waiting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then—
His hand lifted.
One slow movement.
Toward my pallu.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That green-gold cloth.
Still tucked across my shoulder.
Still pinned to blouse lining.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I raised my hand fast.
Palm open.
Sharp fingers.
Full slap pose.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oi!” I shouted.
“What are you—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But before I could finish—
His other hand moved.
Caught my wrist.
Mid-air.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Again.
Same as before.
Like routine.
Like habit.
Like training.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like my slaps were mosquito bites.
Like he had learned my pattern.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I struggled slightly.
Pulled once.
Pulled twice.
“Leave my hand!”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t.
Didn’t blink.
Didn’t argue.
Didn’t even look at my hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Because his first hand?
It reached the pallu.
Right near my shoulder.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Right at the pinned edge.
Two fingers.
Then full grip.
Like decision.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
Eyeballs wide.
Jaw half open.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Eh… What are you doing now?”
Still no answer.
Still that same damn silence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t ask permission.
Didn’t check my face.
Didn’t test mood.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Just acted.
Like his hands had more guts than his mouth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That safety pin.
Small one.
Still attached.
Still holding pallu in place.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He tugged it.
Once.
Sharp.
Straight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pin didn’t break.
Just bent.
Cloth stretched slightly.
Tension rising.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I opened mouth—
“Oi! Don’t pull like—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But he didn’t stop.
His hand yanked it again.
Hard.
Fast.
Confident.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And the sound—
CHHK!
That tiny metal snap.
Sharp in kitchen air.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The pin broke open.
Pallu rushed out.
Slipped from fingers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fell away from my chest.
Tumbled down.
Soft green-gold cloth sliding off me.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And I—
Screamed.
Not one word.
Just nodded.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once.
Small.
Like scared student saying yes to angry teacher.
Like one tiny agreement to save life.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at him.
Face straight.
Eyes hard.
Then—
I burst out laughing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“HAHAHA—oh god…”
My hand came up.
Clapped once.
Palm to palm.
Sharp sound in kitchen.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You don’t have work, ah?”
I asked.
Still laughing.
Mocking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silence.
He didn’t defend.
Didn’t excuse.
Just stood.
Like wall painting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’re supposed to be at the gate,” I said.
“Watching dogs and autos.”
“Not inside my kitchen, doing this comedy.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finally—
His voice came.
Soft.
“No madam… I asked Guru to cover for me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I blinked.
One sharp blink.
“Oh ho!”
My head tilted.
“So Guru is now your assistant?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… just cover.”
“We usually do for each other.”
His voice still soft.
Still polite.
Like trying not to get another slap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Hmmmmm…”
I said.
Dragging the sound.
Lips tight.
Voice flat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“So this is what you call ‘cover’ work?”
I raised eyebrows.
Gave full college principal look.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked confused.
Head tilted slightly.
Like goat hearing English song.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I pointed to myself.
One firm finger.
“This is your job now?”
“Come inside others home…”
“Talk with housewives…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Stare at them…”
“Kiss navel…”
“Stand like hero?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He said quickly.
“I don’t do like this anywhere…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Every house in apartment, you’re doing this programme?”
“Or only mine?”
I asked.
Sharp voice.
Faster words.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam.”
He said.
“Only here. Only because—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Because what?”
I snapped.
Eyebrows raised.
One step forward.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He stopped.
Didn’t speak.
Didn’t finish.
Mouth open half-inch.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I laughed again.
“Ohhh ho ho.”
Louder this time.
“Secrets now?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No secret madam…”
He said.
Quick.
Soft.
Like damage control.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You better not.”
I hissed.
Voice dropping.
“Otherwise I’ll cut your cock and feed it to street dogs.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… I’m good.”
He said.
Fast breath.
Eyes lowering.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Good?”
I repeated.
Tilting head.
Mocking smile.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Yes madam.”
He said.
“I swear.”
Voice honest.
Almost stupidly honest.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at the clock.
Wall one.
Plain round face.
Needles ticking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8:21.
He came at 8.
I remembered.
Sharp.
Clear.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Twenty minutes,” I said.
Eyes still on clock.
Then on him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Small blink.
Not sure what’s coming.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’ve been standing in my flat for twenty minutes.”
I said.
Each word slow.
Heavy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Holding me.”
“Kissing me.”
“And you call yourself good.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He lowered his eyes.
“I didn’t mean…”
He said.
Quiet.
Like boy caught with stolen ladoo.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Scared,” I said.
Louder.
Stronger.
“You actually think you’re innocent.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He whispered.
Almost like breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Okay. Let’s come back.”
I said.
Brisk tone.
Like teacher starting fresh topic.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked up.
Eyes wider now.
More alert.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“That question I asked you earlier.”
I said.
Voice low.
Controlled.
“What will you do if I don’t say anything, hmm?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t reply.
Didn’t blink.
Didn’t move.
Just stood.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like statue.
Like stone.
Like no voice inside body.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I laughed.
Light one.
Mocking.
“Ahhh… so you’re not a talker.”
“You’re just a doer, ah?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
Still breathless.
Still mute.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped one inch closer.
One soft shuffle.
Now my saree pallu was brushing his uniform.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t move.
Didn’t twitch.
Didn’t look down.
Just steady.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t make me laugh.”
I said.
Eyebrows narrowing.
Voice dry.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still no reply.
Not even flicker.
Not even blink.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I ask you a question, you give full drama.”
“Silent movie actor.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I looked at him.
Up and down.
Like scanner.
Like judge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That pant?
Still bulging.
Still bold.
Still standing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His face?
Still calm.
His mouth?
Still shut.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think you’re man, ah?”
I asked.
Scoffing.
Not smiling.
Just sharp.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Once.
That’s all.
Still no word.
Still no breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I scoffed again.
Like air pushed through teeth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’re nothing but a dog.”
I said.
No mercy in voice.
No pity.
Just flat truth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t react.
Not even eyelid twitch.
But something in air tightened.
Like silent string.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped even closer.
Now just breath between us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Voice dropped.
Sharper now.
“But obedient dog.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“One slap.”
“One shout…”
“You’ll sit.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He breathed out.
One soft puff.
Like warm cotton air.
But still didn’t speak.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You can’t even come out of your own guts.”
I said.
Face close.
Words closer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He kept watching me.
Not flinching.
Not falling.
But not answering.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I shook my head.
Like disappointment.
One slow shake.
“Don’t act manly.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was still standing.
Same place.
Same breath.
Same stare.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like some security statue.
Not wood.
Not stone.
But something stiff.
Unmoving.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was blinking.
He was breathing.
But that’s all.
No talk.
No move.
No boldness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Even after all my words.
All my taunts.
All my smirks and insults.
All my finger-pointing and shouting.
Still there.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still not daring.
Still not stepping.
Still not proving.
Just standing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I tilted my head slightly.
One small angle.
Then raised one eyebrow.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You really don’t have the balls, do you?”
I said.
Each word slow.
Dripping like tap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t flinch.
Didn’t wince.
Didn’t speak.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You stand here thinking you can do something,” I continued.
One sharp look.
Voice cool.
“...but deep down, you know you’re nothing.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still no answer.
Still just eyes.
Still just air between us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I smirked.
Small curve of lips.
No joy.
Just mock.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Not man.”
“Not brave.”
“Just standing, watching, waiting…”
“...like one pet dog.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And then—
He spoke.
First time in five minutes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Voice quiet.
But steady.
No shake.
No apology.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Madam… I can do.”
That’s all.
Four words.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I blinked.
Slow.
Like lamp flickering.
Then I spoke.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oh ho ho…”
I folded my arms.
Chin raised.
“Suddenly you found your tongue?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He nodded once.
Small.
But confident.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped one inch closer.
Soft step.
No noise.
Just presence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chin still lifted.
Eyebrows pointed.
“What can you do, ah?” I asked.
“Say it.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked at me.
Face calm.
Grounded.
Not excited.
Not proud.
Just ready.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Whatever you want me to do.”
He said.
Simple.
Flat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
One heartbeat.
Two.
Then—
Burst out laughing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oh! So clever answer, no?”
Mocking tone.
Teeth showing.
Eyes glinting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam… just truth.”
He said again.
Plain.
No spice.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You’ll do anything I want?”
I asked.
Voice like test.
Like trap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Yes madam.”
He said.
That same slow nod.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I started walking.
Slow steps.
Soft footfalls.
Around him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One circle.
Watching him.
From side.
From back.
From other side.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like I was judging one bull in village fair.
Checking muscles.
Checking breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Okay…”
I said.
Voice mocking.
One eyebrow lifted.
“Then show me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked up.
Eyes straight.
No blink.
No tilt.
Just full attention.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Be a man,” I said sharply.
One sentence.
Strong.
Like slap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t stand like spoon.”
“Show me what you can do.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He hesitated.
One second.
One pause.
Then he asked—
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Madam… are you sure?”
Soft voice.
But full.
No joke.
No shake.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I paused.
Turned.
Faced him.
Body straight.
Eyes locked.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Am I sure?”
I repeated.
Flat voice.
One echo.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He nodded.
That same low tone.
Like one respectful criminal.
Asking permission.
Before robbing temple.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I grinned.
Mouth tilted.
Eyes flashing.
“Why won’t I be sure?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
His face didn’t shift.
Just focus.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think I’m scared of you?”
I asked.
Teeth showing.
Mocking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“No madam…”
He said.
Still honest.
Still soft.
Still strong.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t act like cocky fellow…”
“...just because your pants are bulging.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He blinked.
Once.
Didn’t answer.
Didn’t react.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stepped in again.
Closer.
Right up to his chest.
Saree touching cloth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
Right at his face.
Strong stare.
Tight jaw.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You think I won’t handle you?”
I asked.
No blink.
No smile.
Just sharp breath.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No answer.
He just breathed.
Calm.
Focused.
Waiting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I leaned in.
Real close.
Mouth near his collar.
Voice low.
Words hot.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I’ll cut your tongue…”
“…and throw it in the dumpster.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He breathed out.
One slow puff.
Not panic.
Not power.
Just stillness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then he said—
“Okay, madam.”
One line.
Simple.
Quiet.
Final.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then he started stepping forward.
One step.
Two steps.
Coming straight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
At me.
Full direction.
No turn.
No stop.
No blink.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Eyes focused.
Like he believed I was scared.
Like he thought he had upper hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But I stood.
Still.
Straight.
Unmoving.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Because only I knew—
I was the one provoking.
I was the one pressing his buttons.
I was the one testing what he could do.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t move.
Not one step.
Not one breath out of place.
Even as he came closer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One step.
Then another.
Slow.
Steady.
Heavy with silence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His eyes — calm.
Not soft.
Not harsh.
Just calm.
Like water that’s hiding storm.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His face — unreadable.
No smile.
No frown.
Just quiet stone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His body — confident.
Each movement slow.
But not shy.
Not scared.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But me?
My body was still.
Feet planted.
Breath stuck.
Voice?
Full sharp.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Don’t think I’m afraid of you.”
I said.
Firm.
Cold.
Like blade.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t reply.
Didn’t nod.
Didn’t smirk.
Just kept coming.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Do whatever you want.”
I said again.
Louder.
Like challenge.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still silent.
Like he was listening to different voice.
Some internal one.
Not mine.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“I won’t complain.”
I added.
Smirk playing on lips.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His eyebrows lifted.
Slightly.
Tiny arch.
That’s all.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I smirked.
“One eyebrow?”
I mocked.
“Let’s see if you have guts…”
“…or you’re just boneless inside uniform.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Still he stood there.
Still waiting.
Still silent.
Like he was watching for green signal.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My heart?
Doing drum inside chest.
Not full drum.
Small one.
But steady.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But face?
Face stayed queen.
Upper lip tight.
Eyebrows calm.
Eyes holding.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside though…
Full mess.
No clarity.
No logic.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t know what the hell was happening.
Why I was saying these things.
Why I was standing like that.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What was I expecting?
One slap?
One kiss?
One fight?
I didn’t know.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But one thing I knew—
One solid thing inside confusion.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I was going to allow.
Allow and watch.
Just to see.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How far he would go.
How much he actually dared.
How real this boldness was.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He took one more step.
Now his breath touched me.
Hit my nose.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Smelled like masala Boost.
And sweat.
That warm cottony male smell.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Familiar.
Rough.
Strong.
I didn’t move.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He looked at me.
Then sideways.
Around.
Eyes doing one full security check.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
First to window.
Curtains closed.
Latch tight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then balcony door.
Locked.
Frame solid.
No gap.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then kitchen entrance.
Open space.
But no shadow.
No sound.
No one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Just silence.
Only air.
Only us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside this flat.
Inside this kitchen.
Inside this exact moment.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then—
He looked back at me.
Eyes meeting.
No questions left.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And said softly—
“Okay, madam… Since you said…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then one more step.
Closer.
Now—
Our bodies?
Almost touching.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
His chest was right near my bust.
I could feel the heat.
The pull.
The shape.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I didn’t back away.
Didn’t twitch.
Didn’t adjust my blouse.
Just stood.
Watching.
Waiting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Then—
His hand lifted.
One slow movement.
Toward my pallu.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That green-gold cloth.
Still tucked across my shoulder.
Still pinned to blouse lining.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I raised my hand fast.
Palm open.
Sharp fingers.
Full slap pose.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Oi!” I shouted.
“What are you—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But before I could finish—
His other hand moved.
Caught my wrist.
Mid-air.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Again.
Same as before.
Like routine.
Like habit.
Like training.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like my slaps were mosquito bites.
Like he had learned my pattern.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I struggled slightly.
Pulled once.
Pulled twice.
“Leave my hand!”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t.
Didn’t blink.
Didn’t argue.
Didn’t even look at my hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Because his first hand?
It reached the pallu.
Right near my shoulder.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Right at the pinned edge.
Two fingers.
Then full grip.
Like decision.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I stared.
Eyeballs wide.
Jaw half open.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Eh… What are you doing now?”
Still no answer.
Still that same damn silence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He didn’t ask permission.
Didn’t check my face.
Didn’t test mood.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Just acted.
Like his hands had more guts than his mouth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That safety pin.
Small one.
Still attached.
Still holding pallu in place.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He tugged it.
Once.
Sharp.
Straight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pin didn’t break.
Just bent.
Cloth stretched slightly.
Tension rising.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I opened mouth—
“Oi! Don’t pull like—”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
But he didn’t stop.
His hand yanked it again.
Hard.
Fast.
Confident.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And the sound—
CHHK!
That tiny metal snap.
Sharp in kitchen air.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The pin broke open.
Pallu rushed out.
Slipped from fingers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fell away from my chest.
Tumbled down.
Soft green-gold cloth sliding off me.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And I—
Screamed.