Chapter 164 - Seems like I am not keeping your mind and heart occupied.

|Innaya|

The beauty in those long morning walks even when the sun didn't even appear in the skies is very different. Having someone holding your hand, urging you, looking after your well-being by your side is incredible. Experiencing such small movements with Eshan made me realize that having a life partner was kind of beautiful.

One man in my life made me hate every single relationship and the people. The seeds of hatred and disgust he had planted in my heart had grown by hundreds of folds as the time had passed. Never would I have imagined being shown the different side of the world he had imprisoned me with.

Perhaps, gods had taken pity on my misfortune to have tied me with the man walking beside me. I could not help the warmth of his love from spreading across my stone caged heart. The lock wasn't opened with a key but broken with the hammer of his persistence. I had started to understand what the love of a partner could do to you.

I stole a quick glance at that face which would leave me with extreme giddiness for having him in my life. I wouldn't have looked at my own face as much as I looked at his these days. Without having him beside me, unease would creep and claw at my throat. 

I suppressed a smile when Eshan's eyes glanced down at the same time, catching me off guard. Immediately I averted my eyes, then again allowing my lips to curl in the smile of contentment.

"Are these walks well?" Eshan chuckled, squeezing my palm.

I nodded in agreement. They indeed were very good. "Why would you suddenly start this morning walk routine though?"

I had this question in my mind for very long. Last week after the day of grandpa's death anniversary, he told me about waking up early the next morning. I did, and we spent a good amount of time strolling in the backyard.

That day he didn't take me anywhere else. Maybe, it was just his way of making me comfortable with this new development. The next day it extended to the area around our house. And, after a week we progressed to the garden of the colony taking Fortune along with us. 

That night he hadn't said anything else, not even mentioning what bothered him. Instead, he slept holding me in his arms. After that, either he had managed to solve those problems or he had perfected the art of masking his emotions well. He did not let me feel that he had any problems as such. So, I let the topic slid away for the time being.

"Early morning walks are good for health," Eshan replied, and then he added smiling widely, "I get to enjoy this time with my beautiful wife. Why would I miss the chance?"

Amused at the way he did not miss a single chance to flirt, I shook my head. Nonetheless, a small smile bloomed across my lips.

"Woof, woof."

Fortune ran ahead of us, time to time looking back as to make sure that we were following his lead. I found his actions adorable. Day by day, I was getting closer to him. The fear in my heart was melting away with the harmless and friendly approach of his. I had yet not touched him, but I was hoping to. 

As I was looking at Fortune, my eyes fell upon the man jogging on the opposite side of the road. His tall frame suddenly reminded me of Arjun for he had the same blue eyes that of Arjun's. For a moment our eyes had connected, and I wondered who he was. I had rarely seen that eye color in the people I came in contact with. That man jogged away, but his appearance reminded me of the brother who wasn't blood-related but loved me more dearly.

"Do you know, when will Arjun return?" I casually asked Eshan, trying hard to not make it obvious. I definitely missed him. He had been there for me when no one was. He chose to stand by me and showed me the right path. Somewhere, he played an important role in bringing Eshan's and my life back on the track. How could I not miss him?

Eshan paused for a moment as if my question threw him off guard. With his abrupt movement, my hand got pulled, and my feet came to stop. I turned my head to look back at him.

Peering directly into my eyes, he inquired, "Why? Are you worried about him?"

"Yes," I answered honestly. There was nothing to hide from him. I knew he missed Arjun as well, but he had an idea about Arjun's whereabouts or at least where he was. Unlike me who was clueless.  

Eshan narrowed his eyes as his face inched dangerously close. I shifted back a little, not at all afraid but feeling rather bashful with the proximity of his handsome face.

"Seems like I am not keeping your mind and heart occupied," he whispered to himself. It was so visible that he wanted me to hear his double meaning words. Anyone hearing his low deep voice would misunderstand the situation, and think his words implied something very intimate. Only I knew the truth.

I pulled my hand out of his grasp as I backed away.

"What are you talking about?" I stammered. I turned on my heels without waiting for his reply and started walking again. Tips of my ears had turned red, and that made me walk faster to hide from him. For some reason, I couldn't face him as my mind was recalling those romantic and intimate moments between leads of novels. 

These days, with how brazen he was being, I couldn't help but wonder what he had in his mind.

"Trying to run away? Not so soon, Tesoro." I heard Eshan's chuckles.

As his voice started getting close, I sprinted and then broke into the run. Fortune assuming it to be the game started running speedily ahead as if he thought I was chasing him. He wanted to play, it seemed.

My attention temporarily shifted to the Fortune, so I failed to notice someone approaching me from the front. By the time I realized it was too late. I had bumped into the person. The impact of the collision made me retreat as soon as I found my balance.

"Well, well. What a perfect morning it is!"

***