Madhav evaded her gaze, feeling guilty because she had opened up to him while he was still afraid to do so, afraid that she might leave him if the truth was revealed.

He tried to change the topic. ‘When exactly did you fall for me?’

She punched his arm playfully in response.

‘No! You have to tell me!’

‘I never fell for you. I rose with you,’ she said. ‘Thank you, Madhav. You make me feel so special.’

‘Wow! You sound like a poet,’ he said.

‘No, Madhav. You are the poet. Please start writing again,’ she said.

Madhav stood up and changed the song to ‘Afreen’.

Radhika sang along with the female vocalist, ‘Jaane kaise baandhe tu ne ankhiyon ke dor . . . Man mera khincha chala aaya teri ore . . . Nazron ne teri chua . . . Hone lagi main haseen . . .’

Madhav joined in, ‘Usne jaana ke taareef mumkin nahi . . . Afreen Afreen . . .’

They melted into each other’s arms. Then they walked silently towards the bedroom.

‘You wanted to know what happened last night?’ Radhika asked.

‘I want to know if we’re going to spend every night together,’ Madhav said and hugged her, holding her tight against him, an embrace that made her feel safe and tingly at the same time. He kissed her. Her face flushed and her eyes shone. She dipped her fingers in some paint that was on the table and trailed them across his face. He sprinkled a few drops on her bare arms and back as she removed her shirt.

‘Am I finally going to see your tattoo tonight?’

Instead of answering, she reached for him, putting her small, warm hand on the back of his neck, lifting her lips to his. They kissed, at first lightly, then more urgently, his tongue in her mouth, her hips tilted against his, her breasts against his chest. Her body was sending her a message that was undeniable. She took Madhav’s hand and placed it over her tattoo as he finally got a glimpse of it. It was a beautiful angel with wings spread across Radhika’s shoulder blades. He moved closer and kissed the angel.

‘You know, you’re quite smart. Last night I told you to sleep on my couch but you promised to behave if I let you sleep on my bed.’ She dragged her nails down his arm.

‘You are just irresistible. I can’t help it,’ he said and pulled her on to the bed.

She switched off the lights and they kissed again. Her tongue fluttered against his and his hands were buried deep in her soft hair. It was as if time had ceased to uphold its laws, carrying them right back to when they’d met for the first time.

He pulled her against him, feeling as if he’d never get close enough to her. If only he could fold her inside him. He’d keep her warm and safe, always.

She nibbled his chin, his ear and, running her fingers down his face, asked. ‘Why do you love me, Madhav?’