Above them, and around them, amidst the soughing of the spring wind in the canopy of branches, Kiyash whispered into her ears, “I love you, Latha. I hope you understand.”
She also discovered her deep love for him in her guts and womb at that moment of exploration.
Yet, all of a sudden, something jolted her. Was it the cry of the cicadas in the jungle or a voice in her subconscious? Her heartbeat grew quicker against his naked chest.
She held him in her arms and said warmly,” I understand your love, Kiyash. I love you too, boy. Yet my mind is foggy now. It is getting darker around.”
Kiyash was surprised when he listened to the tremor in her amorous voice. There was insecurity and terror in every word she spoke.
Latha instantly woke up as if from a state of oblivion and refrained from love-making, saying “We are getting late now. Very late. Amma will send my brother after me.”
He felt the level of apprehension and urgency in her statement. He released his clasp though he wanted to keep her there for a long time. She hurriedly buttoned up her shirt, saying, “Sorry, Kiyash. We must leave. I am already behind time. My Appa must have reached home.”
She hastened ahead, shouting, “Follow me, boy, from behind.”
She almost ran across the uneven path of the wood, navigating in the shadow of darkness.
Kiyash observed her steps, frantically trying to race against time. An unknown panic seemed to chase her as she hustled down the twisting lanes and alleys track.
She crossed the bazaar, which was, then, bristling with activities.
Once Latha reached the road junction that divided like a fork, she peeked around cautiously. Looking back, she smiled before turning to the road directly leading to her house.
Shuffling slowly towards the bus route, the boy fell into brooding about her. Everything seemed unreal to him. Her heady scent exuded from his body and soul, and he felt giddy in the throw of agony and ecstasy.
Today, more than any other day, he experienced the richness of her soul’s passion.
“You are so amazingly genuine, my girl. I am so fortunate to find you,” he thought.
