When I opened the eyes, I was on the platform.

"What happened to me?"

"You had fainted Anjali... Are you fine?"

"Yes... "

"I was so worried Anjali. Are you sure you are fine?"

"Yes.."

As soon as I realised Rohan was holding me by my waist and my head was in his lap.

"I am fine Rohan."

And then I came to my senses. One by one the memories crowded my mind. The way Rohan left my hand, the way I was calling out his name in panic, the way my heart pounded loudly when I realised I don't even know the station where I have to land, the way my eyes kept searching for him, the way someone touched me inappropriately in the metro and I couldn't even protect myself.

I closed my eyes once again to stop my tears from falling.

"What happened Anjali! Are you fine?"

How could he do this to me!

I told him I feel claustrophobic in over crowded place and yet he made me board a crowded metro. He purposely left my hand so that I get lost!

"Anjali?"

"Why did you do this to me Rohan?"

By this time I could no longer stop my hot angry tears from flowing.

"Why just why did you do?"

"What did I do Anjali?"

"Don't act innocent. "

"I really can't understand. What's my fault?"

"You have no fault. Every fault is mine. I am a fool to think that I occupy a position in your life. "

My lacrimal secretion was getting out of control.

"Why do you feel like this?"

"You intentionally left me isn't it? You wanted to get rid of me. You know I won't be able to go anywhere when my purse as well as my mobile is with you."

He looked at me as if I was an alien speaking in Bengali. With that innocent look anyone would melt but not me. He won't be able to act innocent anymore.

"You think such low of me?" , he said in a way as if he was hurt.

"Listen if anyone's hurt it should be me. I didn't apply any trick to get rid of you on a crowded bus. You did."

"I didn't apply any trick Anjali. You are accusing me of something which I never intended to do."

What's the thing with me! Inspite of being so hurt I melt at his words faster than an Ice-cream.

"Then why did you leave my hand?"

"You were unable to walk with this teddy. People were glaring at us. I had a trolley in one hand. I had to take care that you get a place to stand. In the rush of the crowd your hand slipped from my grip. You were standing in front, my eyes never left your sight."

This would have been the most romantic lines he ever spoke for me but I am not in a romantic mood.

"You mean to say I am totally wrong?"

"Oviously you are..."

"How will I believe you?"

"You were holding the bar with your right hand for support, the teddy was in your left hand. The red clip on your head was visible from where I was standing. A man in a pink shirt was standing behind you. A lady was standing beside you. In the nearby seat a child--"

"Okay, I believe that you didn't plan to get rid of me. I myself didn't notice so much."

So Mr Husband is a good observer. Atleast he observed my red clip.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes...."

"Are you still angry with me?"

"No.."

"You were crying only because I left your hand or there's something more?"

"N...no.. no..thing.."

"Why are you stammering? Just tell me clearly Anjali. I am not a mind reader."

"Someone touched me inappropriately..."

My eyes were shut as I tried to control my tears. I didn't want to give others a bad impression of my husband.

"I am sorry Anjali.."

"Why are you sorry for?"

"I am sorry I couldn't protect you even though I was present just there..."

"Don't be sorry.. it's not your fault..."

I could see the fury in his black pupils and the crease on his forehead which had formed as he was thinking deeply.

"Anjali it's my promise to you, you won't ever be unsafe as long as I am with you. "

Inspite of feeling bad I couldn't help but smile at his protectiveness.

"I am ready to travel."

"I will hire a car."

"That will be too costly. I can travel by train.."

"I don't want to take any more risks. A car is final. Don't worry about the cost."

"But-"

"No ifs and buts..." , and he silenced me by placing his finger over my lips.

Rohan is like that ray of early morning sunshine in my life. It doesn't last long but the effect of it cools the mind and gives me peace whenever I think of it.

"Anjali.. you are still naive for this cruel world. I am still sorry that I didn't do anything to protect you. It won't ever happen again."

How could I stay angry with him for long? His eyes shone like black pearls, guilt visible in them.

"It's okay Rohan. I am at fault too.. in the exitement of attending the ceremony I didn't even ask you about where we are supposed to go."

"This won't happen again. We will hire a car from here."

Rohan is like the shower of rain after a hot aummer day. It's presence has a soothing effect on the mind.

I kept looking at him as he interlocked his fingers with me while crossing the road. Sometimes I wish he holds my hand a bit more firmly. Yet, I like these moments when he shows his caring attitude. He treats me like a delicate flower which can get wasted just by touching it. His touch is gentle and so full of warmth. Sometimes relationships are better with a less passion and more comfort.

"Get in Anjali."

I got inside the car. The teddy occupied a lot of space and I had no option other than to fall on him every time the car moved over bumpy roads.

Does he like my touch?

I wonder sometimes. I didn't realise when I fell asleep. I woke up to his soft voice near my ears.

"Anjali we have reached."

As I opened my eyes an involuntary smile curled up my lips. Even though he doesn't love me I can love him isn't it?

"Get down Anjali.."

Holding his hands while walking has turned into a habbit. A bad kind of habbit, an addiction, an irresistible attraction.

As my fingers slipped into his grip once more, I looked up at his face. It was calm and peaceful. The kind of peace I search looking at the stars up the sky.

As we were about to cross the road he held my hand a bit more firmly.

I LOVE YOU ..

These words came automatically, as if those were in my system since birth. Saying I love you brought a kind of peace in my heart while preparing for the storm that was about to follow..

What did I just do! Of all the places on the Earth I chose to confess in the middle of a busy road?

I didn't wish to see the reaction on Rohan's face. I am afraid... what if? Rejections can be handled except when they are from the person whom you love... and I wasn't yet ready to face a rejection. His fingers were slipping from mine. I am prepared for another rejection. I am like the mouse who would voluntarily walk in a trap for a few moments of pleasure savouring the bait laid for me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE! Don't skip its imp...

Plz vote and comment...

With lots of love for my readers ❤❤