C13 Slap

Mala Pov

" Is he bipolar or something? Yesterday he was behaving like a saint and today he wants to take me for dinner. Doesn't matter. If he is taking an interest in me then I will encourage him. The only problem is that little daughter of his. I will tackle with her afterward. First thing first. I should get dressed in such a way that Jai won't be able to resist. For that, I need a dress to beautify myself. "

Jai pov

" Did I make the right decision to invite Mala for dinner? She has misunderstood the whole situation. It is just a friendly dinner. To begin with, I want us to get accustomed to each other before proceeding." I felt a voice calling.

" Sir, sir, we have arrived." My driver was calling me. I was engrossed in my thoughts to such an extent that I didn't even realize that I had reached the office.

After arriving back in the evening, I thought of freshening up before checking on Mala. After dressing up I asked one of the house help to call Mala.

She came down after fifteen minutes. I was startled when I saw her. It was the first time she was wearing something traditional. She was looking beautiful in her angrakha style embroidered kurta paired with tulip pants. Her hair was braided but her face was caked which gave her a fake look.

The ride to the restaurant was silent. In no time we reached there. After giving the car keys to the valet, I led her inside. It was one of the high-end sea-facing restaurants.

" Hope you like it." I don't know why but I was getting the vibes that she doesn't like it.

" It is nice. I mean, I thought. Leave it. Where is our table? Don't tell me you didn't make any reservations." She was rambling.

" Good evening prince. I'm Mohan, your host for today. Let me guide you both to your table. Please come this way." Mohan guided us to our table which was at the far end and from where we got to see the spectacular view of Marine Drive. I had specifically asked for this table. The sound of waves had a calming effect on me.

" Good evening sir and madam. Are you ready to place your order?"

" Yes please." After placing our orders, we sat silently. I was an introverted person who is not comfortable speaking with everyone. At my office, I am like a tiger ready to fight but I don't know why I am not comfortable with people outside my family, especially the opposite sex.

" Do you want to give me a chance?" Mala spoke while sipping her mocktail.

" Frankly, I have not thought in those lines. If Kavya gets comfortable around you then maybe I will think along those lines. At present, I don't want to lead you in any way. This is just a friendly dinner. A way of getting to know each other. Anita still has a place in my heart that no one can take, don't expect much from me. I will try to give my best but that is all." By the time I finished, I saw the waiter bringing our food. We ate in silence.

The awkwardness that prevailed between us, before the dinner started fading. I was getting a little comfortable with her. She was trying her best to win over Kavya. I was thinking of giving her a chance. I have to decide before she goes.

" Jai, have you given a thought to our relationship? My parents will arrive on Monday. I wish to know the status of our relationship before going. Some type of assurance. "

"Mala, I will give it a thought. Now, will you excuse me, I'm getting late for the office?" I came out.

The thought of what Mala said was disturbing me and I couldn't concentrate on my work. I closed the file I was reading. I didn't know what to do. I want Kavya to have a normal family but will I be able to do justice to Mala? I still love Anita. Is it fair to Mala? It is her first marriage and she must have some expectations from this marriage. I rested my head on the chair and closed my eyes. A sudden shake on my shoulder brought me back from my deep thoughts.

" Bro, where were you lost? You had a distant look. I had called you so many times but you didn't acknowledge my presence. Is something bothering you? " Arjun stood near my chair with a worried face.

"Nothing is bothering me." I tried to dodge the question. Although I knew it was of no use.

" You know you can share anything with me. " He was being persistent. His face had this smug look which means he won't leave until I tell him everything.

"I was thinking of giving Mala a chance. I think Ma is right that Kavya deserves a complete family. She needs a motherly figure in her life. "

" That is good news, then why are you worried?" Arjun spoke, interrupting me.

" The problem is that I still love Anita. I won't be able to love any other woman and I think it wouldn't be fair to her. It is her first marriage and she must be having some expectations from this relationship. What will happen if I won't be able to fulfill them?" I held my face in my palms and pressed my temple with my fingers.

" Jai, you are overthinking. Just go with the flow. If you have a few feelings for her and if you think she will be an ideal mother for Kavya then give her a chance. You need to loosen up a bit and live your life." Arjun tried to clear my muddled brain.

I was playing with Kavya in her room when Mala entered. Today I was taking her out on a date. She was wearing a pale green long one-shoulder gown that was fitted at the waist and flared down. The bodice had pearl embellishments and a pearl belt on the waist. There was a long slit at the side. She was wearing a pearl necklace paired with long single-layer pearl earrings. She was looking beautiful.

" Jai, I am ready. You have not changed till now." Mala sat at the edge of the bed.

" I was about to call you. She is in a playful mood and is not ready to drink her milk and go to bed. Can you please help me? Rashi is doing her online assignment and will come in sometime. "

" Jai, don't be so formal. After all, if I marry you, I will become her mother. I should better start. Don't worry, go and get ready, I will handle her." I left the room

Mala pov

"Oh God, now I will have to make her drink milk. Such a boring task. After I get married the first thing I would do is to hire a nanny for her." My thoughts were disrupted by a tug on my gown.

" Aunty party. Avaya baby go with you. " Kavya started jumping in excitement.

" No baby, me and your dad are going. Kavya will drink milk and sleep like a good girl." I crouched down to her level and patted her cheeks.

" No Avya baby go with you." She crossed her arms on her chest and pouted.

"First, finish your milk.Okay." I tried to coax her. I don't want Jai to take her and spoil our date.

"Otway. Aunty hold me." She raised her arm for me to pick her up. I was reluctant as it would wrinkle my dress but guess I don't have any choice.

I picked her up and made her sit on my lap and gave her the milk.

Splash and I felt heat on my thighs. The glass slipped from her hand and the milk spilt on my dress. I felt a burning sensation and I just lowered her to the floor. She has started sobbing.

" Aunty solly. " Seeing the patch on my dress my rage knew no bounds and I gave a tight slap on her face. I wanted to give her another slap but before that, my hand stopped in mid-air.