“S-sorry.I am so sorry,” he stutters.
I am sure my hold on his arm is the only thing preventing him from bolting.“I should be the one saying sorry.I forgot my manners and startled you.”
The man straightens, pulling his arm away.“I wanted to check the gym and your package.”
“Sure, be my guest.I will be happy to help you check my package,” I add a wink and watch with delight as the man shuffles on his feet and turns his head to avoid my gaze.He swipes his tongue over his lips before biting the lower one.Cute and sexy.But he is here for his health, not my perving, so I put on my professional mask.“I am Jimmy Narwal, the manager and lead trainer of the Fit Times Gym.”
The man stares at my extended hand.“Oh, sorry.I am Aditya Hirani.”
“Are you on vacation here, or are you a resident of these parts?”I might as well use this opportunity to gather intel on him.
“I joined the Gram Education Trust two months back as a teacher and administrator for the district.”
My heart somersaults with the possibilities.“Are you staying in a hotel in Almora?”
“No, I have my own house.The Wilfred cottage off the Bageshwar road.”
“Ah, the one built by the British officer.The cottage is a beautiful property.Isn't there a park dedicated to him near your place?His statue still stands in the centre.”I bite my cheek as Aditya squirms.
“What time does the gym open?”He ignores my tease.His curt voice brings my attention back to why he is here.
“Yeah, right.The gym and training.Let me first call the personal trainer.”I guide him to my office and instruct Vikas, our gym helper, to send Sahil to the room.
“We open from 6 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.Sunday is our weekly off.”
Sahil walks in as I finish responding to Aditya's question.“Sahil, meet Mr Aditya Hirani.He wishes to join our gym and wants a personal trainer.”I turn to our guest to confirm my understanding.
“Yeah, I want someone to guide me into a routine.”
“Sir, do you do any exercises at present?”Sahil brings out our client form and checklist.
“He runs in the morning.”I blurt out before Aditya can say a word.
Aditya shuffles on the seat and adjusts his glasses, gifting me a brief glare, before turning to Sahil.
“In Delhi, I used to run and train.After moving here, exercise was not a priority.I only started running a few weeks back.”
“Great.What do you expect out of this training?I mean, what is your goal?Do you want to lose weight or tone your muscles?”Sahil moves to the next item on the list.
“Mm, weight loss, yes.But mainly, I want to improve my endurance and stamina.Mountain life is tough.”Aditya lists his health targets.
Sahil and I explain our package deals and how we can support him.The guy is honest and straightforward, with no big-city or high-society attitude.
“Sahil, ready the body measurement machine while I show Aditya sir around.”
We have two floors, one for functional training and yoga on the first floor.The ground floor has all the heavy equipment.
Aditya curls into himself when Sahil leaves, looking everywhere but at me, so I assure him.
“I did say your secret is safe with me.I am a fellow traveller of the rainbow spectrum.”
Aditya's eyes widen as the realisation of my second statement sets in, and his features soften.A smile rises, shining light onto his rounded cheeks.Dear Goddess, the man is charming—radiant eyes behind those round spectacles.
I match his grin, but they have the opposite effect.He again puts on his stoic mask and clears his throat.
“Should we start with the tour?”He stands.
“Ah, yes.Let's go.”I guide him to the first floor and inform him about our group classes.For some reason, he only responds with curt nods.
