“That I know you would,” she said kissing his hand. “I’m lucky really!”

“I want a favor from you.”

“Be a man,” she said smilingly, “my he-man.”

“But, it's the woman who seems to wield the real power in this man’s world,” he said in half jest.

“Don’t worry; I’m no power hungry,” she said winking at him, “though I’m hungry otherwise.”

“Won’t that suit me?” he said while returning her gesture.

“You know, I’ve kept my kuchipudion hold all these years,” she said. “I want to be a performing artist now. That way, my small change should supplement your big purpose as well.”

“That’s the favor I wanted,” he said enthusiastically. “You can count me as your lifelong fan.”

“Thank you,” she said and kissed his hand, “I take it as your favor.”

“Oh, how excited I felt when we met!” he said reflectively. “And then how the anxiety began to kill!”

Advertisement..

“It’s no different with me,” she said, leaning her head on him, “the despair of hope.”

When, they reached the room, he tried to lock her in his embrace.

“Wait till the wedding,” she said, giving him the slip.

But seeing him sulking, she moved closer to him and crooned into his ears. “You’re welcome to have me in your dreams in the meantime. Goodnight!”

“I need a base for that!” he said as he whacked her seat.

Thrilled, as she ran all the way to her tenement, he stood rooted in wonderment.