His eyebrows rise in surprise, but after looking around for a bit, he scoots closer, allowing our thighs to touch.
We spend the next ten minutes enjoying the food amidst trees and a comfortable, cool breeze.The outside is tranquil, but my brain is a buzzing beehive.Watching Aditya work with kids has sparked hope.He and I together, working with the kids.I join him at lunch daily, and we grow old as partners, if not as a family.We in India are too far behind the West.We may never get the chance to become husbands in our lifetime.But a man can dream.
“Addy, you are wonderful with kids.”I break the silence to get out of my head.
“Am I?”He collects the remains and packs his tiffin.
“Yeah.If only I had someone like you teaching me history.No one took pains in my school.”
Aditya’s face lights up.“This is the least I can do.Activities help develop overall personality and build confidence.We don’t have resources like private schools to organise annual festivals or elaborate events.These kids are bright.They only need encouragement and exposure.Involving them in acts and games around the study material engages them.”
He stops midway.“What are you staring at?Do I have the mayonnaise smeared on my lips?”He rubs his finger at the corner of his mouth.
Oh, I so want to lick his face for a tease.However, I do the publicly appropriate thing.“Admiring.”I bat my lashes at Aditya.His passion for teaching and doing something for the kids bowls me over.“No wonder you are popular.”
“Did Mr Google inform you of this opinion of me?”Aditya smirks.
“One of our client’s son is in your class.Mr Ramesh Thapliyal.”
“Ah, yes.Kishore is a shy kid.He is a challenge.Not sure I can get through his barriers.”Aditya recalls the child.
“You are a great teacher.I am sure you will find a solution,” I reassure him.
“By the way, you were superb today.The kids enjoyed interacting with you.”Aditya points to the kids who are now reassembling for their next class.
“How do you know?”
“I am their teacher.Thanks for making this happen.”He offers his hand.
I let him pull me up, but I squeeze his hand.“No obligation, Addy.I have a selfish reason.One of these kids will be looking for a gym in a few years, so this opportunity is free advertising, and I get a chance to promote myself.Plus, I get to meet their hot teacher” My eyebrow jiggle elicits a grin.I give him a bro-hug and sniff my fill of his soft citrus fragrance to last me for the rest of the day.
Chapter 9
Planting the seed
ADITYA
