Chapter 9: Distance and Proximity

I followed his instructions and had Sunita deliver the ayurvedic meals to his study every day. The sound of her payal tinkled along the marble corridors, a reminder of my own growing distance from him.

When I greeted Old Madam Sharma in the morning, she praised me endlessly.

'Even Doctor Joshi, who comes to check Arjun’s pulse, says his pulse is much steadier. He looks much better. Pooja, it’s all thanks to you.'

She was so happy, she gave me a gold chain. She pressed it into my palm, her fingers lingering as if passing a blessing along with the jewellery.

Back in my room, I put it in my jewellery box.

Inside were all sorts of jewellery Old Madam had given me since I entered the house. Bangles, anklets, a single pearl ring—each one a token of her growing affection.

Sunita said, 'Madam, you never wear these. Isn’t it a waste to keep them?'

'How could it be a waste? If I turn them into cash later, they’ll be my money for emergencies.' I smiled, trying to sound worldly-wise, though I’d never actually pawned anything in my life.

'These were all gifts from Old Madam. Will you sell them all, madam?'

'Not for now, but if we ever separate, of course I’ll sell them for money to keep myself.'

Sunita looked puzzled, then turned and softly called, 'Colonel.'

I turned to meet Arjun’s deep, dark eyes.

Old Madam Sharma must be going blind.

Arjun looked even paler than before.

His gaze was sharp and cold as he looked at me.

His stare made me nervous, but I dared not show it. 'Colonel, what is it?' I kept my voice even, my fingers tightly gripping the edge of the wooden dresser.

'I left some old things in this room. I’ve come to look for them.'

'I’ll help you look, Colonel. What is it?'

Sunita had disappeared at some point.

Arjun said, 'A notebook.'

'Alright, does Colonel remember where it was placed?'

'I don’t remember.'

I rummaged through the boxes and cupboards, asking him questions now and then. The silence between us grew heavier, punctuated only by the sound of old hinges creaking.

Soon, in the back of the top shelf of the bookcase, I found a notebook.

As I reached up, my bangles slipped down my arm, jangling softly. His hand brushed mine, warm and trembling. His skin was burning hot to the touch. For a second, everything else faded away—the house, the past, even my doubts.

It was my first time seeing Arjun’s face so close.

He was truly handsome, with fair skin, sharp brows, and eyes deep as a monsoon pond. The faintest stubble shadowed his jaw, and for a moment I thought I saw something softer, almost vulnerable, flicker across his features.

I choked, turned to take the notebook, but lost my balance on tiptoe and fell into his arms.

In that instant, my chest pressed against his chest. For a moment, neither of us moved. Outside, a koel called. Inside, something even older and more dangerous had woken up.