Chapter 22 - Not so soon, Tesoro (2/2)

”Yes, take care, you two. Bye.”

”Bye.”

”Bye.”

Both of us said at the same time before I disconnected the call.

For few awkward moments we stood in silence, at least it was awkward for me. My phone buzzed again. It must be Mom, asking something, so I answered without bothering to check the caller Id and put it on the speaker just like before.

”Hello, Innaya.” The male voice speaking from the other end had me almost drop towel in my hands on the floor. I quickly checked the caller Id to confirm it was Roy Sir talking to me.

”Hello Sir,” I answered still keeping it on the loudspeaker. I didn't want Eshan to think anything about it and ask me later why I changed it from the loudspeaker. Honestly, there was nothing to hide from him.

”I called to ask you about the flight schedule, you will be comfortable with.”

”Excuse me. Why?” I wondered why he was asking me about it. I was an adult and I knew how to travel.

”The conference is next week, so I thought I will book our flight tickets and arrange for our stay in Mumbai. You don't know anyone there, right?”

He was just worried and being helpful. My mind seemed to be in overdrive today.

”Thank you for your concern Sir, but no need of doing anything. In addition, now I do know people in Mumbai and I am already here,” I answered in a gentle tone, as my eyes met Eshan's through the mirror. His eyes were trained on me and when they met mine, the emotion in them was almost unsettling, in a good way though.

”Here?”

Roy Sir's voice brought me out of our eye lock. I answered as I lowered my gaze to the small box of vermilion kept on the dressing table. ”In Mumbai, let me know further details after your arrival.”

”Oh... Okay! See you soon!”

I did not reply. I did not feel the need to, as the disappointment in his voice was weird to me.

”Weird,” I muttered to myself once I was sure he had disconnected the line.

”Indeed.” Eshan affirmed too.

I kept my eyes solely focussed on drying my hair and leaving the room as soon as possible without any interaction with him. I hurriedly towel dried my hair before putting the towel away.

From my peripheral vision, I noticed Eshan's approaching figure towards me. I picked up the vermilion box and tried opening the lid, with my shivering hands. Eshan stopped behind me. His eyes were lazily roaming on my figure and I knew he noticed the slight shivering in my body as well as my downcast gaze.

I did not know what I was going to answer him. I turned away hoping to leave the room when his hand wrapped around my wrist pulling me back at my place with his other hand around my waist.

”Not so soon, Tesoro.” His husky voice demanded my attention with the seriousness in his tone.

*