“Your Professor Parimalasked about you.”Sahil has been teasing me about the 1975 Hindi comedy movieChupke-Chupke.Two days back, I was snooping around the internet, reading an article about Aditya.Sahil crept up and slammed his palm on my back, startling me out of my concentration.He scoffed at my alibi for doing a background check on a client, but joined me in reading the blog by one of Aditya's students.Half of which we did not understand.
Aditya looked sexy as hell in the accompanying photo, standing in front of the podium delivering a lecture.The stiff collar of a crisp white shirt peeked out of the sea-green cardigan hanging snugly on his shoulders.The fawn chino completed the dynamic.Sahil latched on when I made a joke about Professor Aditya.We debated which actor matched Aditya's face — yesteryear star Dharmendra, who played Professor Parimal, or R.Madhavan from Tanu weds Manu.
“He is not mine, so stop making those references.What if the Professor hears you joking around?”Sahil must be reined in.He may blurt something out in front of Aditya.“Even if I wanted, would a professor be interested in a high school pass-out?”I never got the chance to go to college.My cousin’s betrayal still causes the bile to sour my entire being.The sordid drama of deceit and lies is a scar no one in my new life will ever see.
“He could be.But not if you keep avoiding him.”Sahil calls me out on my absence.
On his first day, Iexcused myself from reporting at opening time.Aditya had chosen the 6 AM time for his sessions.
“I am not avoiding him.I had work to do.”
“You should meet him.”Sahil points to the reception, where Aditya has walked in.Sahil walks over and greets Aditya, ushering him to the cardio station.Aditya falters in his step when he sees me waving.He returns a quick smile and follows Sahil.
Damn, the guy is cute in a simple navy-blue t-shirt and black shorts.You have clients, Jimmy boy; sporting a boner in the gym would be indecent.
Abhay arrives and saves me.We get busy with the workout.An hour and a half later, I direct him to finish his cool down stretches and walk to the food station to grab my breakfast.Aditya is sitting with Sahil, sipping his post-workout shake.
“Join us.”Sahil waves me over as I go to sit away from them.The fool is smug at his machinations.His quick exit confirms my suspicion.
“I will leave you two to enjoy the morning.My next client is due about now.”
“Would you like to eat?”I offer Aditya the boiled egg salad I carry to the gym each morning.
“Mm, no, please.”He wipes his lips with the back of his hand.“This is more than enough at this hour.”He wiggles the shaker.
Silence descends, making things more awkward.“How are things working out with Sahil?”I guess talking about the gym routine is a safe topic.
“Sahil is wonderful.The post-workout aches bothered me, but he showed me some stretching exercises.They did wonders to ease the soreness.”
“Great.I am happy you are gelling with him.He is our best trainer.”
Aditya finishes his shake and begins packing his bag.My heart skitters at the end of another brief encounter.I want to know this man, but how can I keep him here?“A birdie told me some Professor was searching for me.”
Aditya rolls his eyes, “I am not a professor.”
“Well, sir, if you say so.”
“I am not your sir.”He wriggles in his seat before blurting out.“Addy should be enough.Sir makes me feel old.”
Is he giving me a signal?I test the waters.“Okay.Addy is cool.So, do you want to grab a drink sometime?”
“I don't drink.”
Well, that’s a sharp snub.But I am not one to give up.“How about a hike on the Kasar Devi temple trail this weekend?”
Aditya gulps, watching my face, the conflict visible in his eyes
“Okay.Where do we meet?”His whispered response thrills my heart.
“I will be at your cottage at 5.30 AM.”Goddess willing, I will get a chance to see his home.
“Should be good enough,” he agrees.
“What if there is a change of plans?”
“You have my number on the form.Message me.”
I do a mental fist pump for the opening he has given me.
