Zulfi’s face turned crimson with embarrassment and Chetan looked the other way trying to hide his smirk. Only Jiju sat there grinning while continuing to sip his beer.
Then Zulfi got up saying “let’s go for a smoke”. While everyone got up Uma kept her hand pressed on my thigh signalling me to remain seated. She calmly replied “you guys carry on, I will join you next time”.
I didn’t know what she was upto but I was amazed how quickly she had progressed to be able to put her foot down not letting anyone take her for granted. She now clearly was “my way or the highway” types…
After everyone left I asked “why didn’t you go with them”? She playfully pinched my cheek and said “why not, after all I can choose to give you company here like old times…”.
I replied “so you did it for me”? She said “yes absolutely darling. Moreover, it will give Zulfi sometime to come down on the ground from the superior pedestal he thinks he is perched on”.
I was really amazed and thought now this woman is definitely ready to take on the world. She is no longer the innocent demure woman who once came to me looking for work in my house…
Anyways she was side hugging me no longer shy of the public gazes on us. Then everyone came back and settled in their seats behaving normal. I wondered what the discussion might have been between them back there.
Then pretending normal Uma broke the silence and everything went back to like before. Even Zulfi behaved normal and after a few more beers and jokes Uma looked at Zulfi.
She asked “I need a smoke now, anyone coming”? Chetan and Jiju were the first to get up with Uma and me. Then she looked at Zulfi again, he too got up and we all headed out.
The rest of the evening was normal. Then we left from there and reached home. I settled in the sofa while Uma brought a pint of beer and sat in my lap.
She said “I am sorry Krishna if you felt bad, it was not supposed to go like this”. I held her face and kissed her and said “don’t worry Uma. It is not your fault”. Uma replied “but I ruffled some feathers at the table”.
I said “so what? Chetan and Zulfi called it upon themselves. And I am so proud of you that you did the right thing”. She cuddled up resting her head on my shoulder.
She asked “don’t you want to know who the lucky one was tonight”? I almost jumped out of my seat if not for her sitting on my lap. Totally dazed looking at her asked “WHAT??? How did you even manage that”?
To be continued….
If you liked this, then please leave some likes and comments. You can also reach me on [email protected].
wpDiscuz