Chapter 10: Rohan Needs TLC

The two days in Goa went in the blink of an eye. They were back on Monday morning. Everybody was at home, even office-going men hadn’t left yet. There was a lot of celebration and noise. Finally, Manushi had to go to her classes. Her dad said he would drop her. It was decided that there should be a family dinner tonight to celebrate. Rohan stayed back to rest as he had a meeting with his dad in the afternoon.

“Rohan, there is some time before lunch, would you like me to make you some tea?” Madhuri said.

“No, sweetheart,” He smiled “I have a headache, I am going to just take a nap. I will skip lunch also.”

“Oh, dear.” Madhuri looked concerned “It’s all that travelling on noisy Delhi roads. You are not used to it.”

“I think so, too.” Rohan nodded “I will go sleep in Manushi’s room.”

“Warm water usually helps when I have a headache.” Madhuri said “Would you like me to bring you some?”

“Yes, please?” Rohan said and went up the stairs. He kept some clothes there. He changed into a tshirt and pyjama bottoms then laid down on the bed. Madhuri came in a minute later with a glass of warm water.

“Take this, dear, then lie down.” She said “I will massage your head.”

He nodded and took the glass.

“Madhu, why do you insist on overdressing,” he looked at her “even in my presence?”

She was wearing a short nightie and an open long silk robe over it.

“I am so sorry, honey.” She said and took off the long robe. The lace nightie underneath had two straps and a deep back. It was reaching halfway to her knees.

Rohan put the empty glass down and signalled Madhuri to take her place on the bed. She moved the pillows aside and sat down cross-legged on the bed. Rohan lay down in her lap. He moved her nightie up and rested his head on her bare thigh. He lay higher in her lap so she would be able to massage his head from the front rather than behind. He could see her gorgeous face from this position.

“Don’t you want to lie down straight so I can...”

“No, I want to see your beautiful face.” He cupped her cheek.

“Yes, dear.” Madhuri smiled.

But he closed his eyes as she started to massage his forehead.

“I hope Manu was a good girl on the trip.” She said as she rubbed his forehead with her thumbs.

“She was lovely.” Rohan said, keeping his eyes closed.

Madhuri said “She was telling me in private how you proposed, like really proposed while ... keeping her impaled. I think that was very romantic.”

“It’s important to set the right tone in marriage from the start.” He said.

“Yes. You are a smart man.” Madhuri nodded even though he had his eyes closed “You are not like doctor saab, you will keep her as your possession and give her the control and guidance that a woman needs.”

He kept his eyes closed but smiled “Exactly, Madhu. Now that I am joining the family, I will make sure to take things in hand.”