Free The Malhotra Bride by Sundari Venkatraman Page A

sensitive
    skin. She felt so good in his arms.
    With great difficulty, Sunita tried to bring a semblance of sanity. “Akshay, are you aware where
    we’re?”
    “Hmm—yeah, your bedroom.” He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her perfume, his lips playing havoc
    with her blood pressure.
    “What if Mamma turns up suddenly?” Her hands kneaded his shoulders, revelling in the muscles.
    “Your mother’s gone to the market and your father’s still at work,” said Akshay as he explored her
    collarbone with his lips.
    Devil!
    Akshay’s lips traced the beginnings of her cleavage when he suddenly raised his head. He wanted
    her too much! But she was such an innocent. He was sure she wasn’t even aware of what she was
    doing to him. He removed her arms from around his neck and put his hand under her chin. “Shall we
    go?” His voice was hoarse as he noted the disappointment in her eyes. “You look good enough to eat,
    Sunita. I can’t trust myself with you,” he declared, bringing colour to her cheeks.
    She gave him a small nod before donning her jacket once again and going along with him. It took a
    while for her heartbeat to calm down.
    Gokul Rishi had just got out of his car as they stepped out of the door.
    “Hello Uncle.”
    “Oh, hello, Akshay. On your way out? Have a good time,” he smiled at the pair of them.
    “Sure. We won’t be in for dinner. Please don’t wait up for us.”
    Gokul Rishi looked at the young man standing tall and proud in front of him. ‘It’d be best to get the
    wedding performed as soon as possible,’ he thought as he saw them off.
    “Will you now get out of that bloody jacket?” he growled, having correctly guessed that it was for
    her father’s benefit.
    Sunita was only too glad to take it off.
    “I wish I’d brought my motor bike.”
    “You’ve a bike?” squealed Sunita in delight.
    “Would you like a ride on it?”
    “I’ve never ridden on one. I’d love to.”
    “Let’s go home, leave the car and take the bike.”
    “Are you sure, Akshay?” She didn’t want to be a bother. “We can take a ride some other day.”
    “Will you or won’t you like to take a bike ride?”
    “Love to. But if it’s too much trouble—”
    “Not for you, Sweetheart,” said Akshay, giving her an adoring look.
    Sunita glowed with pleasure. They went to Malhotra Park and Akshay took the car directly to the
    garage.
    “I’ll get the bike. Why don’t you go in to say ‘Hi’ to Mom and Dad?”
    Sunita walked over to the bungalow. She knocked on the open door, her steps hesitant.
    “Who’s that? Oh, Welcome, Sunita dear. Tanuja, see who’s come.” Raj Malhotra swept her in a
    warm embrace, touching her heart.
    Tanuja came out to see who it was and hugged her too. Sunita was overcome with shyness. She
    hadn’t expected to meet Akshay’s parents in a skimpy top. But they didn’t seem bothered about it.
    “Welcome home, Sunita,” said Tanuja. “I’m glad Akshay brought you over. We didn’t get to meet
    you the other day. Sit down, my dear.”
    Tanuja drew Sunita down on the comfortable sofa. The latter accepted the fresh lemonade she was
    offered and sipped it with relish.
    Her shyness disappeared in the warmth of the older couple. Soon, they were discussing everything
    under the sun. Sunita was astonished to hear that Tanuja ran a successful boutique that sold designer
    wear for women. That’s when she told them of her dreams of becoming an Interior Designer. Her eyes
    sparkled as she spoke of her favourite subject. Both Tanuja and Raj hung on to her every word,
    making her feel treasured.
    Akshay had come in a few minutes back and stood at the entrance, watching his three most favourite
    people getting along like a house on fire. He walked over to sit with them.
    “We’re glad you brought Sunita home, Akshay,” said Raj. “Gokul ji called to say that the
    engagement’s to be held on Sunday.”
    At the mention of her father Sunita’s head came up in alarm. “Uncle,