The Lion and the Rose

Raghav

Ashwika has always known about the Devil but she had her own reasons to hide it within herself and Siva hid it keeping her health in mind. If they both have already discussed it, things could have been far easier. Done is Done, now the Devil is on the run. He was recently seen near Kerala border. He is very smart to not get captured by police at the check post but his images have been captured in the CCTV cameras of Andhra, Karnataka and Kerala borders.

He has adequate flow of liquid cash, otherwise, he won't be able to cross the state borders without getting caught. While working at V&D automobiles, he had a zero balance bank account and the salary money was untouched. He is hiding from both his father and us. His father erased all his traces after his arrest and made everyone believe his only son is dead. Currently he has no clue that his son is roaming around southern India instead of his private island.

Hopefully, meeting Ashwika and discussing in detail, might help nearing the Devil. I wear my watch and turn to check whether Pallavi is ready. She has dressed up in saree but keeps looking between her and the mirror. I walk up to her and block her view from looking at the mirror, "Sari ka dukhan, Sari ko drape karne mein tumko kitna samay laga kya?" She gestures at me to look down, without answering, "Ohh, you want me to adjust your pleats?" I knee on one leg and collect her pleats but she swats my hands away. (How long will it take for you to drape a saree?)

"Ab Ghamandi Rao Budhu Rao bi bangaya?" I looked up at her and she rubs her left hand over her belly, "Can't you see the difference? My belly has grown a little."

I freeze and my eyes travel down to her belly from her face. There was a small bump on her rather flat belly and my eyes well up. I caress over it and kiss on her cute little baby bump. The symbol of our love is growing inside her and I'm grateful for her love for someone who once challenged to chase her out of the city. She loves me to the level that she is happily carrying my child as my wife.

I hug her, burying my face in her belly and she hugs my head before bending down to kiss on top of my head. "Chale?" She cups my face and looks down at me. (Shall we start?)

I raise up from the floor, "Why don't you stay home and take some rest?" She crosses her hand over her chest and glares at me. I forward my hand gesturing to her to lead the way.

Everyone gets scared hearing my name and here she is always scaring me off with her eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Siva

Until a week ago, everyday used to feel like a year, especially when I don't even get a glimpse of Ashwika. But ever since we confessed our feelings for each other, everyday is flying like a high speed jet as the day and night blur. It could be silly for a man of age to feel these new things but sleeping and waking to her voice through phone calls has turned into a habit for me now.

During office hours, stealing glances across the cabins and kisses by pulling her into my relaxation room as she walks into the refreshment area has turned out to be our daily routine. So far none in the office has noticed us but we are trying to be as discreet as possible. Also with Devil away from the city, Ashwika looks more confident and carefree.

I won't say a women as a weaker sex, they are stronger than every man in the world but their risk is high due to some men with improper upbringings or natural character. Hence God has given them the instinct power to sense which men look at them in what sort of thought. Ashwika always catches me watching her and in recent days she does a lot.

"Eppadi unakku theriyuthu naan pakuren nu?" (How are you guessing that I'm watching you?)

"Athu ellam oru feel, Siveyy. It has always been admiration or alertness." her voice suddenly had a drop when she spoke about Devil, "But the way he used to see me always felt creepy and scary." (It's a feeling, Siveyy.)