A familiar face

Again I'm writing for Tea for two and a piece of cake tuesdays! Creative prompt provided by bestselling author Preeti Shenoy. Her third book "Tea for two and a piece of cake" is going to release on 14th Feb.

I survey myself in the mirror and a smile of approval appears on my face.

“You’re beautiful!” is the compliment I get regularly these days. Of course from my husband. On this very day, last month, I got married to Avinash. He is very ordinary looking man but he managed to win my heart by his extremely affectionate and supportive manners.

Yes! I love him. Today he is coming back from his official tour.

The table is set perfectly, for 'tea for two'. (and the piece of cake is ready too).  I am really looking forward to this. I tried to make the ambience romantic by putting vibrant fresh flowers in the vase.

I looked at the clock. There is still a good half an hour left for my guest to arrive as per the text I just got. Suddenly the door bell rings. I feel irritated as I don’t want anyone interrupting this precious time when I’m looking forward to a marvelous evening with my loving husband.

Erasing annoyance from my face, I reach the living room to open the door. My heart skips several beats to see the most pleasant surprise in front of me. Avinash stands there. Smiling as always.  But who is this handsome and familiar face smiling next to him?  I thought as my eyes landed on a very handsome man standing next to him. As our eyes meet, his smile fades instantly. Ignoring that glance I open the door and welcome them inside.

“Charu, meet my childhood friend Aakash Kaushik.” Avinash introduces me with that familiar face. I joinmy hands in a polite namaskar and force a smile. Aakash Kaushik! My doubt ebbs away with this very familiar name.

“You know he always used to challenge me that he would get the most beautiful wife. I caught him today to show that how lucky I am.” Avinash says proudly, putting his warm hands on my shoulders. Aakash forces a wan smile.

I am feeling uneasy. He also looks uncomfortable. Within fifteen minutes, after few formal chats at the tea table, Aakash stands hastily. “Avi, I have to go.”

“Why? Have dinner with us.” Avinash says.

“No Avi, I have an important work, I forgot about. It’s urgent. Some other day.” Aakash says and lifts his bag hastily. He casts a brief glance at me and says “Nice to meet you” and hurries towards the door.

I understand his hurry very well. His face is flashing in my mind as I collect cups and plates. Should I tell Avinash about him? I hesitate at this thought. I keep mulling over this thought as I reach my kitchen. Finally I say “You know Avinash…” Avinash follows me in the kitchen. He always does this after returning from the office. “Before getting married to you…my marriage has been arranged with a man.”

“Really…then…” Avinash says.

“My mother rejected that alliance as the boy didn’t have a permanent job.” I said.

 “Umm…You liked him?” Avinash cannot help asking this.

I sigh. “I saw him just once, when he came to see me but there was no scope of not liking him as he was very handsome and chivalrous.” I confess rubbing my hand lightly on the kitchen slab.

He clears his throat. “Do you feel disappointed to have me as…”

“No!” I can’t let him finish. “I feel so lucky to have you Avinash. I love you.” I say with genuine affection in my voice. I really mean it.

“I love you too Charu…” Avinash’s eyes are brimming with love and admiration. He completely believed my words and my heart fluttered with happiness. “Well…” He continued with a playful grin. “I’m still jealous. I would like to meet him.”

I smile. “You met him already today.” Avinash looks at me. Confused. My smile grows broad. “That boy was your friend. Aakash Kaushik.”