Alysé went through excruciating agony, the whole week. She was drafting a new proposal and perfecting it. At nights, her dreams were filled with dresses, the airport and the overcoat. Try as she might, she could not shrug it off her mind.
This was to be their first meeting in a long-long time and she wanted to leave a powerful and lasting impression on him. She wished that the image of the hapless girl in the airport disappear from his memory. For that to happen, she needed a perfect appearance. She had carefully selected her outfit: not too dressy, nor too stiff or formal.
Friday, came and brought with it anxiety, excitement and butterflies in her office. And then, Kritika came running in and announced - "Mr Jindal's secretary has sent a reminder for the dinner date tomorrow."
This piece of news, although small, was by no means insignificant. It brought excitement and hope in to the office.
"He is offering you a chance to grab him and nail him down!" said Aryan with a clenched fist. "You must capitalize on it. Get him on board."
"Why don't you go?" she said in exasperation. He had been annoying her the whole week with his war imageries and caused her nervousness.
"He asked you, not me." – he retorted. "Besides, it would put more weight on the proposal if you talked to him. You are family friends, why don't you try playing that card?"
"He is beyond all that." she thought aloud. She had studied his method of working. Though a lot of his employees were his acquaintances, he was never nepotistic. He was a thorough businessman, he valued talent over friendship.
"Kritika, get me the files... I am going out... I need some fresh air." She said
"Where are you going? Shall I drive you there?" said Aryan
"Can't you see, I am running away from you?" – she said with annoyance.
Alysé drove to the club and went straight to the tennis court. She knew that Ryan would be practising there. She sat quietly on the stands. Ryan was practising his backhand shots with his coach. She saw him hit countless balls until he dropped his volleys, half volleys and smashes exactly at the desired spots.
It was calm and restful to watch his graceful movements. He was training hard for the upcoming championship. "That's how it is done!" she thought, "You try and try again until you get what you want."
Ryan was her lifeline, she could always take her troubles to him and like a genie, he would eliminate them in a jiffy. He had just finished his morning session when his coach pointed to the stands. Ryan's eyes lit when he saw Alysé waiting for him.
He sprinted towards her and gathering her in his arms, he circled round and round. Alysé chuckled, laughed and squealed in delight. He let her down, eventually. They were both dizzy and clung on to each other.
Alysé moved closer within until their bodies fused into one. Their breath rose and fell in unison. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"What is it?" he asked gently.
"I am nervous about a meeting. I need some comforting."
"I know just the thing." He said and led her inside the club's sauna.
The manager stepped forward and greeted them. "Welcome to 'Natural world' madam.
Alysé nodded.
"Would you like to use the executive room or the terrace area?"
"The executive room," said Ryan.
She nodded.
"Also could I have lavender and Jasmin oil."
"Sure sir." She indicated to her assistant to make the arrangements.
The manager led them to the changing rooms and gave them the change of clothes. She helped Alysé with her clothes while another staff member helped Ryan.
Ryan waited for Alysé to come, before stepping into the executive room. Here are your towels and the essential oils you requested sir.
"Thank You," said Ryan and the person shut the door after him.
Ryan took her to the wooden bench and indicated her to sit. He sat next to her. Taking her palm in his hand, he let a drop of Jasmin oil fall on it. Then sliding his fingers against hers, he played with them -sometimes locking them, sometimes massaging them. He traced the lines on her palms and circled the mounds.
Her senses became alert and her skin, sensitive. Where ever he touched, it tingled and burned. He slide his thumb on her wrist and touched the two veins. Alysé shut her eyes. He lifted her arm and nibbled on her wrist. Her breath shortened and a shiver went down her body. It stiffened.
"Let go" he whispered into her ears and traced the parts with his lips. She felt his warm breath inside her ear. He kissed the outer folds of her ears and grazed her cheeks with his lips sending sparks in her body. Every part of her body tingled.
His lips traced the jawbones until they reached the chin. He kissed her chin and ran his tongue on her lower lip. She was excited. She pressed her lips against his; he nibbled on them slowly and leisurely, making her want more and more.
He kissed her eyes, her cheek, her chin and slide down her throat and kissed her there. She gasped and pulled him up. Riding on the waves of her desire, she locked her lips with his and chew on them with passion. He let her take charge. She wanted to explore more. She traced his jawline, his cheek, his ear, his temples, the bridge of his nose, before returning to his lips.
He had taken her on a journey, she experienced the beauties of her inner recesses, she learnt to let go of her fears and embrace what was coming her way. He had shown her, how beautiful she was and given her the confidence to explore on her own.
All her doubts and insecurities had vanished. His Alysé had returned. He saw it in her eyes and read it on her lips. He encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She nestled calmly against his heart.