A Touch From a Stranger
To read Chapter 1 of A Touch From a Stranger, click here.
Yavi
“Hey, mom. How are you?” I said, looking at her through the laptop screen.
I wasn’t in the mood to talk to her. All evening, I avoided my phone, so I could ignore a strange guy who had suddenly appeared in my life and refused to leave.
My heart didn’t want him to leave. Which was why I had put my phone in my drawer.
“Good, Yavi. How did the shopping go today?” I looked up, confused. It took a few seconds to register her words, but I nodded as they did.
“Yes, all good. But I am bored alone. Shaina is also busy with exams. When are you guys coming?”
“Next Monday. I heard Mayank is going to Delhi tomorrow.”
That was news to me. “What?” I asked to be sure.
My mom’s face fell at this. She didn’t want her daughter also in a loveless marriage, but she did nothing about it.
“Um… you don’t know?”
I rubbed my temple, massaging the slight pain that was forming in the back of my head. “No. Mayank… he must have forgotten to inform me.” I lied.
How do I tell my mother that Mayank never told me anything? For him, it was just work and projects. I never mattered. Not that it mattered much to me. At first, when we were engaged informally, I tried to make it work. But Mayank’s personality sucked whatever goodness I had for him. The way he talked to people beneath him got on my nerves. The way he addressed me most of the time made me want to kick him in the balls as I did to that stranger. But I couldn’t touch Mayank. But I got my chance with the stranger. Even after I hit him, he smiled, talked, and offered to carry the bags Mayank should have done in the first place.
My mom’s ashen face made me sigh.
“It’s okay. I expect little from Mayank, so it doesn’t hurt. I am okay.”
“It should matter… okay, forget it. Mayank is not there for a week. I just heard from your dad when he spoke to him about a client. You should postpone any tastings if scheduled. Also, relax for a few days. We will manage everything else after we come. Why don’t you go somewhere? At a retreat or have a spa day.”
Wow! This sounded good, but I didn’t keep my hopes high.
“Yes, let’s see. I will talk to Mayank in the evening. I cannot wait to get back to work. How will I continue working for dad?”
“Hmm… one of you had to take leave, and it’s better it’s you because you get your choice. Let’s not discuss these things now. Enjoy your time now because work is not going anywhere.”
I pursed my lips at this. What was my mother trying to insinuate? Every single thing Mayank approved. I wanted the bridesmaid dresses to be a light blue color. He wanted red color. I chose the salted caramel for the cake, but he wanted a rainbow theme so the guest could enjoy multiple flavors.
“Yavi, it gets better with time.”
“Right. Okay, I have lots of work to do.” I lied again.
We both were in the same boat. I wished my mom had taught me to stand against dad. I wished she had given me the courage to tell him I didn’t want this. Any of this. Suddenly he announced I was on leave as I had to prepare for the wedding.
It hurt because I was working on a project, and it was midway transferred to someone else.
“Okay, baby. We will talk tomorrow.”
She was also eager to end the call. Of course, she hated confrontations. Life was good when you remained oblivious to certain things. Like your child is dying from inside and calling you, weeping for your support.
I didn’t want to join my dad’s business after I completed my master’s in finance because I knew he would call the shots. But he wanted me to, so I had to.
Actually, this was good. I was breaking my head on how I would work for dad now, but life had opened new doors for me. I was glad I was settling in Mumbai after marriage. At least I will have some freedom. After two to three months, I will convince Mayank to let me work. I will give an actual interview and get a job on my merit.
I stood, a plan ready in my head. Sighing, I walked toward the drawer as my phone beeped continuously. I had ignored it all day after my weird afternoon. Opening the drawer, I chuckled as the phone was hot. Someone was trying to gain my attention. That was also new to me, and the weird tingling intensified. I glanced at the notifications.
One was from Mayank, asking me to pack his bag as he had an early morning flight to Delhi.
Nice, neat. Shaking my head and controlling the trembling in my hand because of the anger growing inside me, I sent him a thumbs up and went to the other messages.
The other nineteen messages were from Sushant. Yes, nineteen. Even I couldn’t control my goofy grin. And I tried.
This was so new. At twenty-five, I felt like eighteen.
I replied to him.
Stalker.
I should be alarmed, but I had already kneed him in the groin once. Yet, he was messaging me, so he was prepared for me to go wild.
Biting my thumb, I waited for his reply, but none came. Alas, that was my life. People didn’t give me time and expected too many things from me.
I scrolled through his messages.
Hey! I am working on getting your name, but you promised a coffee. Remember that.
By the way, my favorite color is blue. You should wear that on our coffee date.
Was he insane? I had to stop him. Maybe I should stop replying to him.
I went to his other messages.
I play the piano. Can you imagine that?
Huh. How was that possible? Was he making a joke of himself? Weird.
Do you know what I do for a living?
Of course, I didn’t know.
I will tell you when we meet for coffee.
The other messages were as absurd and weird as the previous ones. My phone dinged, and it was his message.
I am not a stalker, Yavi, but someone special. And you have abused me physically today. Don’t you think I deserve a coffee?
How did you get my number? I sent it but typed another one.
How do you know my name?
Number: I got it when I grabbed your phone. Don’t worry. You can punch me once on our coffee date for this. I quickly sent a message to my phone and deleted it before I returned your phone. That’s how I got your number. I am sorry. Usually, I am not like this, but I couldn’t control myself with you.
Oh my God. You are not even denying it. That’s foolishness.
Why should I? And the name wasn’t too hard. In fact, I cannot even take credit for it.
Why? I think you have done a fine job.
This messaging app shows your name. I wanted to try harder, but then your name flashed, and I didn’t want to waste my time on meaningless activities anymore.
I smiled at the sad face emoji he sent. My fingers were moving too fast as I typed the reply.
Poor you. Didn’t get to work hard.
You are right. I have always worked hard.
What do you want from me?
A cup of coffee.
I can send you that. We don’t need to meet for that.
I want you to hand over the cup personally.
I grinned. He was too much.
Why? You are a stranger. I don’t meet strangers.
After you kick someone in the balls, they are no longer strangers.
What if I say I am taken?
I am not asking you to marry me. All I am asking is a cup of coffee.
So, he was okay with that, too.
Fine. When?
Tomorrow, 11 AM.
That’s too early. How about 6 PM?
That’s too late.
Why?
I need an entire day to talk to you.
Coffee only takes thirty minutes.
Then we can order a sandwich and can count it as lunch.
Then?
Then I can cook delicious pasta and count it as dinner.
I was grinning as I replied.
Then you can offer ice with some syrup, so I can count it as dessert.
No fiddling with the dessert. I can make you a quick fresh coconut ice cream.
Wow, that sounds tempting.
So, is it yes?
Nope, it is a no.
Why?
I sighed, not wanting to tell him I was getting married the next month. But I had to.
I am busy right now planning my wedding.
When is it?
Next month. Exactly 40 days later.
Did your fiancé teach you self-defense moves?
Why does he need to teach me that? I can learn on my own.
Hmm… I hear some animosity. We need to discuss that too. Meet me.
You cannot hear.
Fuck! I tried to un-send the message, but I had already sent it. And it got delivered, and he also read it.
Shit, I am sorry. I didn’t mean it.
You are the first person who has made a joke of my limitation. I like you. Now you must meet me personally and apologize.
He was right. I had never been so crass with my words. I always weighed my words. But with him, I blurted nonsense without thinking.
Okay, you won. Where?
I will message you tomorrow morning.
Okay, bye. Good night.
Do you sleep so early?
Um… didn’t we end the conversation?
No, we didn’t. So, what do you do for a living?
Bye, Sushant. Meet you tomorrow.
He sent too many laughing emojis. I was grinning like a fool as I put my phone aside. The doorbell rang, and despair washed over me. It must be Mayank.
I opened the door, wiping off the smile on my face.
“Why are you smiling?”
Was I?
“Nothing such. I was watching a funny video.”
“There is so much to do, and you are wasting time?”
Anger brewed inside me, but I controlled myself. “I am following the schedule we created.”
“I hope so. Did you pack my bags?”
“I was just about to do it.”
“Yavi, can you do things when I ask you to do and then play on your mobile? You are not even working. Seriously, you cannot do one simple job.”
“I didn’t ask for this. I wanted to continue working rather than doing this shit.”
“What? Shit? This is shit for you. Our marriage preparations are useless for you?”
Oh, fuck. “I didn’t mean that. Did you have dinner?”
“Yes, with the client.”
Thank God I didn’t wait for him.
“Okay, I will pack your bag. How many days?”
“A week. I have got the cake tasting postponed. Other things will remain as it is.”
Here goes my spa day.
Why did the happiness of a few moments ago feel like a lifetime ago?
This was my reality. To be with a man who didn’t love me, respect me, or even treat me as a human most of the time.
“Okay,” I whispered and turned.
I left him alone and rushed to our bedroom, closing the door for privacy. Tears stung my eyes, but I controlled them. No use in crying. Thank God I had my mobile with me.
I typed a quick message to Sushant. There was no way I was meeting him. This was my life, and he wasn’t part of it.
I am sorry. Truly sorry for the afternoon and later making a joke about your disability. But I cannot meet you. Bye.
His reply came instantly.
What happened?
Nothing. Reality showed its face. Bye.
Wait, please. Just meet me once.
Why?
I… don’t know… I cannot explain… I don’t let myself be away from things I want. Destiny has already taken too much from me. Don’t do the same.
I am not a thing.
You know I didn’t mean it that way.
Sorry, but it’s useless to fool yourself with something that is not your reality. I told you I am getting married next month.
Okay, Cuppa, tomorrow at 11 AM. I will wait. If you don’t come, I will wait for the entire day and only leave at closing time. Then I will return the next day and again wait until the end of the day.
You are insane, then.
I have been called far worse.
Don’t do this.
I have to. Meet me.
Sorry, bye. I will block you if you don’t stop messaging me.
Fine, this is my last message. I promise I won’t bother you anymore, but my warning is not baseless. I mean every word.
I deleted our chat just as Mayank entered the room. He could have knocked, but I had stopped expecting anything from him. I grabbed his suitcase and put his clothes inside, adding two black blazers for his meetings. Getting his travel kit from the bathroom, I put it in the corner.
“Anything else you need?”
“Yes, grab my laptop bag and put the files in the bag.”
“Okay,” I replied without argument.
My heart felt heavy and miserable as I grabbed his bag. Removing the file, I added it inside his travel bag and closed the zip.
“Anything else?”
Mayank moved closer, and I stood still to not retreat from his touch.
“No, what have you planned for tomorrow?”
He pulled me close, his hands on my waist as he tugged me to him and I had never felt violated before. He sat on the bed and drew me with him. Oh, God, now what? Was he interested in sex today? I had to do something. I cannot have sex right now. My mind and heart were on Sushant, and I couldn’t do that to us. I meant Sushant and me and not Mayank and me. I didn’t care about us, but I cared about Sushant and us.
“Um… not today.” I pulled away.
He frowned because I had never said no before. “Why?”
“I am on my period.” I lied. It just came up. Of course, he knew my dates.
“This is not your date.”
“Yes, but because of stress, I got it sooner.” I continued lying through my teeth.
“Then what about the honeymoon? I hope you will not destroy that for me. I am taking you to Greece and expect many things in return.”
“I thought dad gifted our honeymoon.”
That made him angry, and I gulped as he narrowed his eyes.
“Yavi, it’s not like I cannot afford it. Your dad wanted to gift it, and no one can say no to him.”
“Of course, sorry, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. You are far more than capable. I will take pills and manage. I promise.”
“Good, that you know that. Your entire life now depends on making me happy.”
I pursed my lips and nodded, letting the argument die.
Marriage with him had never sounded dreadful before. And now he was talking about the honeymoon. Mayank left me and got on his side of the bed. I had a sudden urge to shower and wash off his touch.
“You go to sleep. I will take a shower.”
“Why?”
“Um… it was too hot today, and I didn’t have time before as I was…” talking to a stranger.
“You were?”
“Um… I was checking today’s shopping and putting everything inside.”
“Okay. Fine. I am sleeping. Don’t make noise, as I need to get up early tomorrow.”
“No problem. I will use the guest bedroom.”
Mayank nodded. I picked up my phone, took my clothes, and left before he changed his mind.
Oh, God. That was close.
I had known Mayank for years and hated the person he was inside from day one. Our parents came within the same circle of friends, and we had met many times. Our fathers wanted to turn our friendship into a lifelong bond as if it was the best decision. I never liked Mayank much when we met through friends at parties. He was uptight, arrogant, and rude. He spoke without thinking or gauging his words and insulted others without care, especially the ones beneath him.
My eyes went to my silent phone. It felt terribly quiet after the continuous beep I had endured the entire day. My shoulders sagged at my silent phone with zero notifications.
I was going insane. Sushant didn’t even exist in my life. I had just met him today, yet he overpowered my mind and spread into my heart like a virus. He was infectious, and the need to talk to him constricted my heart.
Taking in the bathrobe, I hung it on the handle and started the shower.
The hot water cascaded and soothed my nerves. But I needed a cold shower for my needy heart and sudden wetness between my legs. Mayank would be ecstatic, thinking he was the reason for this. He wasn’t. Not today, not ever. We sometimes had to use gel because I always remained dry even though we were young.
Oh, fuck, stop thinking about this. But my fingers didn’t stop as I touched my clit, feeling a sudden rush of need erupting inside me.
I was glad the water washed off Mayank’s scent and touch as I kept touching myself, feeling myself. I closed my eyes and saw Sushant’s goofy grin. A smile spread across my face as I pushed a finger inside me.
Oh, God, ah, this felt so good. I increased my pace and saw a knowing look on his face. It was my finger, but it was his touch. My stranger’s touch brought me toward ecstasy, and I screamed his name without worrying about getting caught. I had rebelled, and it made me laugh. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I toppled over, but it didn’t matter. I sat on the floor, laughing and crying at the same time.
Why didn’t he come sooner?
Why did he come now?
My mind was playing games with me, but I didn’t want to see Mayank and was glad he was not in Mumbai next week. I wanted to see Sushant, but I won’t. He wasn’t my reality, but a dream I could never convert into reality.
Thank you for reading it. It’s the end of Chapter 2 of – A Touch from a Stranger
Read other short stories.
The What If Romance (click to read)
A Touch From a Stranger (click to read)
