Jimmy relaxes.He settles a hand on my waist, but not with a lover’s firm, warm comfort.Our chests vibrate with the rhythm of our heartbeats.His hand ruffles my hair.
“Addy, you should have at least answered my phone.”
What thirty-seven-year-old man behaves like an insolent child?Jimmy kept texting me even after arriving in Almora, but I chickened out after my actions in Delhi, uncertain how to retrieve the situation.How to face him?What to say to him?A pep talk by Jatin and baring my soul to Sir Wilfred gave me the courage to meet Jimmy.
“I promise to do better from now on.”I inhale the freshness of menthol and deodorant.Mixed with his body’s smell, the fragrance grounds me, giving me a sense of safety.
Jimmy runs a finger on my cheek, “Addy, your silence left me worried.What if you needed medical help or were injured in the crowd?”
I bury my face in his chest, hiding my shame.
“You know what hurt most?The empty seat on the train, with so many words to share with you after meeting Priya.”
More shame washes over.How did I let such an important event in Jimmy's life slip from my memory?By being a self-engrossed wimp, too wrapped in my stupid insecurities.Sir Wilfred’s and my gaze meet as I find the courage to turn my head and face Jimmy.I sigh and extricate myself from the warmth of Jimmy's arms.Did the deal not work out?Priya had been sure about the advertisement gig.“Oh.I forgot.How did the meeting go?”
“You won't believe what happened, Addy.I got my first TV ad.I will be on prime-time commercials during one of thoseSaas-Bahuserials everyone watches.”Jimmy's eyes sparkle, and a swoon-inducing dimple appears on his right cheek.“The adverts even have a small script.”
“Wow.An acting part.Wonderful, Jimmy.”I hold his hands in mine and squeeze.
“Nah, the speaking part is only two lines.”He goes coy, turning his face away from me.
I pinch his cheek and pull him back, holding his gaze.“Whatever.The lines are a starting point.Some big-shot director will snap you up in no time.Our Jimmy will become a star.”
And once he becomes famous, will he have time for a greying small-town history teacher carrying a mountain of baggage?Jimmy will one day move to Delhi or, worse, to Mumbai to pursue his acting dreams, where shinier, younger men await him.
“When does the filming start?”I cover my fears by clearing my throat.
“In mid-December.The shoot will take about ten days.Priya is also planning a book signing event around the New Year.”
All my fantasies of cosy winter cuddles, snug in Jimmy's arms, lying on the couch by the fireplace in my house, flutter away.And what about the New Year get-together I am planning with Kiron and Kenny?The stay-over is a surprise for the rest of the gang, much grander than the Diwali party we did earlier this month at Sudhanshu and Kiron's house.I have three bedrooms on the first floor and a guest room next to the dining room on the ground floor.The plan is for the gang to stay together in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.Kenny is going to help me decorate.The menu for the stay is already worked out.Kiron has even persuaded Sudhanshu to take two days off.
“Is something wrong?”Jimmy pulls out my lower lip stuck between my teeth and caresses the tender flesh with his finger.
“Umm, nothing.Your schedule is going to become busy.You are going to be a VBP soon.”
“What’s a VBP?”Jimmy asks, confused.
“A very busy person.”I suck his fingertip, which is still lingering at the corner of my lips.
“Never.I will always find time for you and my friends.”
Jimmy's eyes are determined, but I am well-versed in the vagaries of fast-paced big-city life, where no one and nothing waits for anyone.A plan forms in my mind.The shoot cannot be changed, but I can convince Priya to move the book signing to January.
“One more thing: I will have to grow a beard.”Jimmy gives a sly smile, flashing the dimple again.
“Why?You are so handsome without one.”I hold his face and kiss the dimple, worried the North Star of my lust will soon be lost under thick black hair.
“The ad is for hair and beard products.I can say no if you disapprove.”Jimmy winks at me.
“Hmm, the scruff may make you sexier.”I tease him.
“First handsome, next sexy.Why am I being buttered?”He pinches my waist.“Is someone trying to wiggle his way out of the trouble they caused in Delhi?Mr Aditya Hirani, you have been a naughty boy.”His hand smacks my butt, sending heat across my trousers, and sizzling my entire body.
“House.Now.”I drag Jimmy out of the park, my steps floating on his laughter that echoes amidst the dense deodar trees.Life is in perpetual motion; never waiting for anyone.Jimmy and my time together may not be measured in years, not even in months, at the rate he is being picked up for advertisements, but even if our paradise is only for a few days, I will not let life pass us by anymore.
