Page 36 of That Same Old Love

“What happened?” he asked as she swayed possibly feeling lightheaded.

“I think it must be the low blood sugar.”

He remembered her mentioning to him that she had skipped lunch. “Did you eat anything at the party?”

“No. People have been fighting for my scintillating company most evening. First you, and then our juniors.” She leaned back on the pillows. “I have some cut fruit in my fridge. Can you bring me that along with some water?”

He nodded and left her side.

When he was almost at the bedroom door, “Also bring me the leftover cheesecake from my fridge along with a spoon.”

He turned to look at her, “Anything else, madam?” he asked in amusement.

She grinned. “Yeah, while I’m eating, take off your clothes and dance for me in your underwear.”

Breathing noisily through his mouth, he left the bedroom, shaking his head now in annoyance.

* * *

Mahi knew that her mouth filter was totally compromised and not functioning right then. But what the hell? Needling him was the only entertainment she had that night, and she was going to enjoy every second of it.

After a couple of minutes, Samrat came back with a tray.

“You should leave. You’re already late and missing most of Srishti’s party,” she told him guiltily.

He placed the tray next to her. “That’s okay. I don’t think the party is ending any time before one o’clock. There is plenty of time left, and I’ll leave in a few minutes when you have eaten something.”

Samrat stayed because he was feeling guilty.

Despite all of Mahi’s character defects, he couldn’t help liking her. And he was almost certain that he hurt her feelings that evening and also during the past four months. Although, it was difficult to know from Mahi’s behavior because she always looked so cheerful or was always teasing him. If he wasn’t careful, his attraction for her would somehow turn into something more and hurt his sister.

Mahi began to eat the cut fruit while offering the cheesecake to him. “Here. Try it. I made it last Saturday for my cousin. He loved it and there’s still a ton of it left. I won’t be able to finish it alone.”

He wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Almost six days ago? No thanks. I’m good.”

She rolled her eyes. “For heaven’s sake! People and their hang up withold food.I have a perfectly functioning refrigerator that keeps my food fresh for days. Look. I’m eating it and enjoying it.”

She ate a spoonful.

The slightly salty crackers crust along with the rich creamy texture of the cream cheese, almost made her moan out.

He was staring at her oddly.

“Here try some,” she held out a spoonful.

He reluctantly ate some from the spoon. “Not bad,” he remarked and grabbed the cheesecake bowl.

He almost ate the entire thing in under five minutes, until she stopped him. “Hey! Leave some for me. I didn’t even get my requested underwear dance from you, and you are finishing up my dessert.”

Smiling sheepishly, he gave her the bowl with just a few bites left.

Mahi looked at the near empty bowl in awe. “My god! You must be having a sweet tooth the size of an elephant tusk! I remember how you devoured your sister’s carrot halwa after two rounds of breakfast.”

At the mention of his sister, Samrat’s smile dropped.

He stood, and took the tray with the empty bowls and placed them in the kitchen, before getting back to her.

“Will you be okay if I leave now? And do you need a change of clothes from somewhere?” he asked evenly.

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