Cold Love by Amieya Prabhaker Read Free Book Online Page A

Arjun nods half-heartedly, “And I forbid you from
going out! …Just don’t think about it beta; all these small things keep
happening. Anyway, we have the puja in the afternoon, and you have to be at
home!”
    Soon, the rest of the family
is back and busy preparing for the puja. Arjun grabs his laptop and pretends to
work, even though he is still annoyed at the turn of events. The family members
leave him alone for a while. Meanwhile, Riya dresses for the festival and puja,
in a beautiful ethnic outfit. She notices Arjun still sitting on the sofa fiddling
with his laptop, and stealthily walks behind him. She tries to lighten the mood
and tickle Arjun by blowing into his ear.
    “ Phoo!”
    Arjun is not impressed and
tries to ignore her, continuing his work on the laptop. “ Oh God! What does it take to get a smile
from you?... Although you know… you look cute when you are angry. OK, tell me;
do you like this outfit?”
    Arjun glances at her but does
not respond. Riya tries again but has to return to her activities, unsuccessful
in her endeavor to cheer Arjun up. The entire house is getting ready for the
festival preparations later in the evening, even though all the family members,
including Riya intermittently keep a constant eye on Arjun. After a while,
amidst the hubbub, Riya suddenly sees Arjun going out. She dashes out after him
and in the rush forgets to wear her slippers.
    “ Arjun…
Wait…”, Arjun turns and looks back but continues walking towards his car
outside the house, “Arjun! Where are you going?”
    Arjun is about to get into
the car. Riya realizes she is too far behind him and whilst still trying to
catch up with him, she intentionally steps on to a sharp stone on the pathway.
    “ Ah!”
She screams loudly, as she falls in pain on the ground. “Arjun!”
    Arjun sees her fall, and
rushes back to her immediately.
    “Hey, what happened?! Show
me!”
    “Ah!” Riya is in great pain,
Arjun looks at her feet and notices a lot of blood oozing out. He offers his
hand that Riya holds tightly; but after a couple of hops forward, she stops in
the pathway, clinging on to Arjun’s arm. “It’s hurting a lot, Arjun!”
    Without a word, Arjun
suddenly lifts her up in his arms and carries her across.  Kamla and Shanti see
them pass through the living room as Arjun takes her to her bed room. Both the
ladies immediately come rushing up.
    “Arjun, what are you doing?”
Riya is blushing as red as a tomato, as she spots their moms in the distance.
“Please let me down!”
    Arjun ignores her and carries
her to the bedroom, and eventually puts her gently on the bed.
    “Where’s the first aid box?”
    Riya points at the cupboard.
    Just then, Kamla and Shanti
walk in.
    “What happened beta? How did
you get hurt?” Shanti asks inquisitively.
    “Nothing mama, it’s just a
small cut. I’ll do it Arjun…”. Now, Arjun is sitting on the floor and grabs her
foot to put the ointment on the wound. Riya hesitantly tries to pull her leg
back. “What are you doing Arjun?” she speaks to Arjun in a hushed sharp tone,
blushing even more.  Finally, Arjun speaks, in a loud scolding tone.
    “Will you just shut up and
stay still? Absolutely still! And not another word!” Riya is cringing with
shyness, as Arjun holds her foot in his hand and starts putting the ointment.
“Why did you rush behind me bare-footed?! I was not going anywhere!”
    Riya is speechless; Kamla
comes closer and kneels down on the floor to have a look.
     “Come on Shanti; it’s just a
small cut, the kids will take care of it.” The ladies leave the kids to their
act.
    “What are you doing Arjun?
What will everyone think? You’re crazy!”
    Arjun stares at her, doesn’t
bother to respond and instead continues putting the ointment and a bandage.
Riya watches him as mixed emotions surge within her. She is spell bound at
Arjun’s sudden expression of concern and care towards her, as he completes the
bandage with utmost care. Priya and