INEXPLICABLE - Phase 2: Choice_ Chapter 5

 

Phase 2: Choice

Chapter 5

Her: Pair of Aces

I was lying spread eagle on my bed and watching the wings of my ceiling fan. Of all the beach resorts in all the cities, why did he have to come to this one? All odds were against me. I couldn't come up with any offense or defense for whatever he plans to talk about. I hate it when I don't have a plan and have to wing it. After all, that's how we began on the plane and how did that turn out?

Actually, like he implied, I didn't hear him out now or then. I kind of decided for the both of us and made him oblige. Although unfair to him, it bothers him that for the first time in his life, someone said no to him. What if I was just a challenge to him? How will that affect me? I knew for a fact that he cannot be interested in or attracted to me. I need to make it clear to him that this should stop. It doesn't matter if I liked him. Whoa! Where did that come from?

I got up clearing my mind and put on a midi dress, let out my hair free, and changed into sandals. I found his party on the beach. He sat surrounded by his band. They had bongos, cocktails in coconuts, and sunglasses on. I sat on a chair at the far end of the party where a make-shift bar arrangement was set up. I watched his bandmates looking up at him. He was in his element, so at ease and enjoying his work. My mind wandered back to my courtroom. I was a powerhouse when it came to trials and really good at what I did. But did I enjoy what I do like he does? I get feverishly high arguing but I have felt a small bit of a creative void in it. I knew there were limitations in my field and I have made my peace with it.

Why are you sitting here? Come with me.

This evening was going to be full of eye-rolls and exasperated sighs at my end. I accepted the situation to come and followed him. He clapped twice loud.

Everyone, this is 7B.

Buzz of 'what' and 'who's she' floated through the sea breeze and he was shaking with laughter. Nice move, dumba*s. Now, I have to say my name. I went on an impulse.

Hi. I'm 7B.

Everyone waited. I was about to speak but I also didn't want to miss the expression on his face.

Or you can all call me Adithya.

I would have given a million dollars to photograph his face at that moment. He walked close and spoke in my ears.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Don't play games, 7B. Can't you extend the courtesy of saying your real name?

I stared at him.

My name IS Adithya. Adithya Mohan. I can show you my ID later if you want.

He shook his head smiling and bit his lower lip. My eyes melted a little. It dawned on him that Adithya can be a unisex name and he sat with a smile on his face, skin glowing under the golden sunset. I felt myself slipping watching him like that. People went back to what they were doing and the buzz died down. I sat next to him and spoke.

So, let's talk.

He turned his entire body instead of just his neck.

Yeah, let's. I get to ask a couple of questions first.

The first of my sighs and eye rolls ran out.

Get on with it.

Why didn't you tell me your name up until now?

You were basically a stranger to me on the plane and you spoke about sharing a bed. I didn't feel safe.

I vented and that hurt him.

And now, you feel safe?

I wouldn't say that. You kind of gave me no choice in front of your friends.

Wow! Alright. Not safe. Got it.

He was clearly hurt. He moved away from where he sat next to me, leaving a clear one-foot distance. Dramatic much, I thought. But, he really didn't do anything wrong. He affected me and that was not his fault. I shouldn't have said that. He was quiet for a bit, played with the sand. As more time passed, I felt worse. He rose.

Come, let's make some music.

I reached and caught his hand. He looked at where I held. He expected me to let go but I didn't. I wanted to come clean.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it like that. I was just pissed about being here expecting to hate it, but actually not.

Being truthful was good at times like these. He smiled weakly.

What can I expect from another Adithya?  We both showed it to each other in bad ways when we were pissed about something. We are a pair of Aces, 7B.

He came closer and paused staring at my lips.

And, your lawyer mouth makes it worse.

What can I say to that? Geez!

Him: Señorita

When a confident woman feels nervous, she looks really cute. I was seeing that right now. I was not sure where this was headed between us but she felt like one of us, the band, now. The past hour has been iterations over iterations of the beach song I have been trying to compose and she played the fan/outsider in giving feedback, really good ones. Does she know music? She wouldn't tell me if I asked. I needed to make her open up a little more in this setting where other band members were present. Once she got comfortable, I could find out more about her.

7B, why don't you write the first four lines?

Me?

She gave me a tight stare. I managed to put her on a spot.

Yes, you! You know the tune and you have a good grasp of the lyric meter. Come on, give it a try.

Uh.. I can't. I am not good at this. Don't you have a lyric writer?

Not yet. You could try. If it doesn't work out, we'll find another.

She walked over to me and plucked away my notebook. She mouthed some swear words at me which I couldn't recognize. She sat far away and drifted into her own world. It was impossible for me not to look at her every ten seconds. My bandmates hooted and whistled at me for being a hormonal teenager. I wondered why I turned into a mushy mess since that flight. She was so normal in her ways. She was beautiful, of course, but I have dated and had girlfriends none of whom were like her. They were singers, models, and actors who I worked with. Post-breakup, it was a nightmare to see or work with them again. A scandal broke more than a year ago and it kind of affected me a lot. From then on, I decided to keep my personal life private and did not venture into dating much. I was lucky to have gotten some of the best films and stars to work with and I put all my time into them. It has been ten years since I began, 30 odd films completed, I decided to give relationships a break and it has been doing good for me. Until now. A bit of artist's block and the tidal effect that is this woman - both have caused cramps in my mind. She cleared her throat behind me which gave me a jolt.

Geez! You scared me.

That was the point. Anyway, here!

She handed me my notebook. I saw that beautiful cursive again. The tune we came up with was sort of a bossa nova vibe, an intimate couple imagined on a Caribbean beach.

"Rose petals spill, playa whispers amor

Our souls entwined, on the sandy shore

Waves serenade at your feet, dulce niña

I'm lost in love's rhythms, mi sexy señorita"

I read it over and over a few times, the beautiful emotion behind those words struck hard. She made efforts to put in Spanish words for the vibe too. I took out that paper and slipped it into my pocket. She gave me a puzzled look.

We need a Tamil song, señorita. I will ask my lyricist to get on it.

She was not happy, I could tell.

You didn't tell me that. Anyway, that's better if a professional wrote. I think I am going to go back to my room. I have a long day tomorrow.

What do you have planned for tomorrow?

Nothing.

You not going to tell me?

Nope.

She turned and walked away.

I rounded up with my team an hour later and walked back. When I tucked my phone into my pocket, I found her poem again. What made her write this? Is it what she dreams of? Is it something she wants from me? This thing with her was starting to confuse me. There was only one way to find out. I walked straight to her room and knocked lightly. Half assuming she already slept, I just took a chance. After three knocks, she opened sleepily.

Can I come in?

Why are you here?

I want to finish talking.

There's more?

Yes. You didn't hear me out still. Unless you want to do this tomorrow.

God, no! Fine, come in.

I closed the door behind me. The work table had an open laptop with a dozen Post-it notes. Her phone was charging and her next day's attire hung neatly on the hook. She got two bottles of water and sat on the edge of her bed, gesturing me to take her work chair. Looking at her, in her everyday setting, sleepy and hair scuffled, the no make-up face and bare feet, an incomparable feeling came over me. I walked past the work chair and she looked up at me. I pulled her up and she stumbled into my chest. Her eyes widened and she was on full alert immediately.

Do you want to kiss me?

WHAT??

I asked if you want to kiss me. Because I want to kiss you and figure you out. But, if you don't want to, I can just talk and then leave.

She searched my eyes and I hers. The usual resolve on her face was missing. Just then, I had a quick flashback of the time I held her hand on the flight and her running away after. I backed out of her personal space, feeling foolish to have made an advance on her. I asked for her to talk but made a pass at her right after that. She must think the worst of me. I messed this up. I should leave.

I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I should sleep this off. Good night.

I turned and walked fast. When I opened the door, her hand came from behind me and shut it closed.

I want to kiss you too.

I don't think I heard it right. I turned around to face her.

Say what?

I want that kiss you offered. Then, we'll talk.

Leaving my lower jaw hanging, she walked back inside.