“Nitin!” She exclaimed, worried and panicked at the same time.
“You and my brother? God! Don’t tell me.” Nitin almost groaned. Having a free rein to his friend’s house, he’d come to spend a lazy Sunday with Ritwik.
“Is that a problem?” Tanya looked completely worried.
Ritwik led both of them to the couch, plopping his own self into a bean bag. Nitin looked at the two of them. “You’re okay with it?” He addressed the question to an unperturbed Ritwik.
“I am. Just took a few, long months for both of us to figure what we wanted.” He answered with a blank expression.
Nitin let out a breath. “I don’t know what to say.” He looked at Tanya and scowled. “You better watch out with Neil. He might be my brother, but he has girls like you for breakfast. And, so help me God, if you guys have a bad break up, I’ll kill the two of you. Don’t make me choose.”
She gave a smile of pure relief, spontaneously hugging her two best friends. “You guys are the best. I love you both to the moon and back.”
“Yeah, yeah. Finally, you stopped being a cockblocker.” Ritwik mumbled.
“I heard that.” Tanya tried to look mean but collapsed into helpless giggles. Her expression suddenly sobered. “You’re gonna be okay, right?”
“Once I get laid, you bet I will,” Ritwik smirked, causing Nitin to roll his eyes.
“And, you thought you were in love with him?” Nitin looked at Tanya and shook his head in wonder. “Both of you need a head examination. Anyway, am hungry. Did you two at least manage to get me something to eat?”
The three of them continued to talk and have fun till noon. By the time Tanya went back to her apartment, her mood had most definitely improved.
Chapter 12
Tanya checked the time. Was it six already? Ah, time for a run! She had taken to running the last few months and it had started calming and healing her in a way nothing else did. After running for forty minutes, Tanya stepped into her house, sweaty, breathless, and exhausted. Running, as usual, had brought in some much-needed clarity. She showered and changed into her shorts and tank top. Abandoning the thought of cooking or eating, she picked up her phone. Before she lost her nerve, she made the call.
He answered in the third ring. “Hello.”
“H..hi.” Tanya felt herself stammer and her voice was breathless.
“What’s up, Tanya?”
“I..I...can we talk? In person?” She hated how hesitant she sounded.
Neil sighed at the other end. “What is it regarding, Tanya? We can talk, yes. But, I don’t want to end up being the other man. I’d much rather move away while I still can.”
“I broke up with Ritwik.” There was a deathly silence for a few seconds.
“You did?” Neil’s voice sounded strained.
“Yes.” Tanya’s whisper reverberated over the phone.
“I’m coming.” The phone clicked before she could utter a word. She stared at the phone, unable to comprehend his words or actions.What just happened? Why did he cut the call so abruptly?She got her answer when her doorbell rang barely eighteen minutes later. Tanya stared at the door, biting her lip. Instinctively, she knew opening that door would be life-changing. When the bell rang a second time, she moved quickly. She barely unlocked the door before Neil stepped in. Before she spoke, he kicked the door shut, simultaneously pulling her into his body.
“I want you. Now.” Tanya was completely unprepared for his ardor as he slammed his lips onto hers. She struggled against the intensity, scared and amazed in equal parts.
“Please. Neil, let me breathe.” She gasped.
Neil crushed her harder, towards himself. “You’re not getting away from me again. You’ve tortured me enough.”
“I have?” For a moment Tanya forgot all about struggling. She looked into his eyes with wonder. In the past, men had always boxed her into the “cute” category. She looked at Neil with awe when she realized he was actually affected by her. She could affect him - this gorgeous, successful man, who could have any woman he wanted.
“Yes, and you have to pay for it.” He ground out.
“I do?” Her expression turned dreamy.
Neil stilled as he noticed her demeanor. She looked at him and smiled. An uninhibited smile, bringing out her dimple, accompanied by her guileless look. He groaned; he could not help but taste her luscious lips. The kiss was gentle, a reminder of the passion that they had. In a single movement, he carried her in his arms, making Tanya squeal. He sat on the couch with her on his lap. He nuzzled her neck, making her giggle. “Stop it, Neil.”
