The first Step towards being Civil

Sushant was not really a violent person. But Tara tried his limits.

His grip on her throat was tight.

He wanted to suffocate her to death.

NOBODY CALLS HIS SISTER A SLUT.

N-O-B-O-D-Y.

But his mind and thoughts were messed up.

Perhaps the alcohol, perhaps the deep down understanding that he was responsible for this creature's well being or perhaps the unexplainable physical attraction he felt towards the girl .... but what ever it was, Sushant felt his grip loosening.

As he removed his hand, he saw the mark he has created on her throat.

Red finger marks were vividly visible against her neck. For a moment he hesitated but as he saw the girl, his heart melt.

What was he even thinking?

Tara had her eyes closed and was trembling in fear when she realized the oppressing pressure was gone from her neck.Slowly, she opened her eyes to check the situation.

Sushant was already standing straight and was stretching his hand towards her for pulling her up. After a moment's hesitation she took his hand and he gently helped her sit on the bed. Quickly he wrapped some ice from the ice bucket in a handkerchief and started tending her neck.

He still smelled of alcohol, but his eyes were sober and Tara knew Sushant was trying to control his bitterness and anger.

COMMANDABLE , she thought as Sushant started rubbing some soothing gel on her neck.

Once he was done, he slowly sat on the bed beside her.

SORRY TARA.

Tara couldn't believe what she heard. But her maturity urged her to accept the apology before his mood changed. She had grown up seeing ruthless and insensitive men and Sushant was literally a kid in face of the monsters of INPP that she grew up seeing.

CARE TO TALK ?

She asked unsurely.

Her heart was hooked on this man for a long time now. But the past six years made her realize Sushant had problems bigger than his palm and any wrong provocation would cost her dearly.

Sushant didnt know how to react. On one hand he wanted to talk to Tara but on the other hand he didnt even know where to start from. As if reading his mind Tara cleared her throat and muttered, HELP ME FIND A DECENT DRESS FROM THE WALK-IN, AFTER ALL ITS YOUR ROOM.

Sushant smiled.

This girl actually knew how not to provoke people.

Once they were done selecting a decent comfy pyjama set, Tara got herself changed and she settled on the bed with an amused expression.

Even before Sushant could blink, she shot a question.

SO TELL ME, WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH? AND DID YOU KICK ME OUT OF THE BED PURPOSEFULLY OR IT WAS AN ACCIDENT?

Sushant was a good orator. But Tara's approach made him nervous. He smiled awkwardly and spoke,

" I dont think I hate you. Just that, I dont understand you. Even if I believe you are actually what you project yourself as, still I cant connect your behavior with any logic. Six years you kept me worried that someday I will have to marry you. And marriage was never on my wishlist. How can I like someone who takes away my freedom? And the sorry was for kicking you out of the bed. Trust me, it was the alcohol. I am not intrinsically violent. "

Tara sighed.

She was not expecting any better reaction but hearing it straight from Sushant did hurt.

Badly.

WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME BEFORE ? WE HAD SIX YEARS TO CLEAR OUT THIS MESS. BUT HERE WE SIT DISCUSSING SCREWED UP SITUATION ON THE NIGHT OF OUR RECEPTION. HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU TO TALK TO ME? I WAS YOUNG, STAR CROSSED, THOUGHT DECLARING UNDYING LOVE FOR MY CRUSH WOULD SPARE HIS LIFE. YOU KNOW THE POLITICIANS WELL NOW. WAS I TOTALLY WRONG?

It was now Sushant's turn to sigh. The girl was not really logic less. Tara indeed gave him a face that evening but the reality was much more complex than the girl could gauze. And discussing things was not a good option either. Sushant needed to trust her before he could actually talk to her. He composed his thoughts before he spoke again.

" Tara, long story short, its complicated. Right now I cant get into the details of my reason for not talking to you or clearing out the mess earlier. But from what I am seeing of you, I believe time may work as a catalyst to have a heart to heart later. Can we bury the hatchet for the time being? "

Tara smiled.

It was a good start after a rocky six years.

May be she could get lucky eventually.

LETS CALL IT A NIGHT THEN MR. SAXENA.

She took to the side of her bed and once again wore the duvet, unsure whether it was a good decision to share the bed with a whimsical man.

Sushant noticed the unease of her posture and cursed himself mentally.

" I will take the couch, make yourself comfortable " and with that he retired for the night with unending weird thoughts tormenting his mind.