Aishwarya stood at her booth in the Delhi Book Fair, her heart swelling with pride as she signed copies of her latest novel. At 35, she had carved out a name for herself in the literary world, her stories of love, loss, and redemption resonating with readers across the country. Yet, beneath her confident exterior lay a woman grappling with the aftermath of a painful separation. Her marriage had ended two years ago, leaving her with a void that even her writing couldn't entirely fill.
As the crowd thinned, a young man approached her table. He was tall, with tousled dark hair and eyes that sparkled with intelligence. He couldn't have been more than 19, but there was a maturity in his demeanor that caught her off guard.
"Ms. Aishwarya," he began, his voice steady and warm, "I've read all your books. Your words? they've changed the way I see the world."
Aishwarya smiled, flattered. "Thank you. That means a lot to me. What's your name?"
"Rohan," he replied, extending a hand. She shook it, noting the firmness of his grip.
"I have bought your novel Elementary Desire, where you explore how an intellectual rapport between a young professor and a student leads to such deep intimacy. It was so refreshing to read that they actually run away together," he said with a chuckle. "Could you sign this for me?"
As Aishwarya signed the book, Rohan hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "It might look odd to you, but I want to know more about you. The book fair ends at five, and I assume you won't be in Delhi for long. Can we meet afterward? There's an interesting pub nearby, mostly frequented by authors. I'd love to hear more about your writing process."
She hesitated. It was unusual for her to accept such invitations, especially from someone so young. But there was something about Rohan - his earnestness, his intellect - that intrigued her. Against her better judgment, she agreed.
Rohan picked her up outside the venue at 5:30 p.m., and they proceeded to the pub.
The pub was dimly lit, with soft music playing in the background. They found a quiet corner and ordered drinks. Rohan was an excellent conversationalist, his questions thoughtful and his insights sharp. They talked about literature, philosophy, and life, the hours slipping by unnoticed.
"You write about passion in such a raw, unfiltered way," Rohan said, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of his glass. "But do you ever feel it the way you describe?"
Aishwarya chuckled, slightly taken aback. "Writing about emotions doesn't always mean living them."
"That's a pity," Rohan said, his voice dropping lower. "Someone like you deserves to feel everything you write about."
She studied him. There was no arrogance in his words, just an honest admiration that unsettled and intrigued her at the same time. He wasn't just a fan; he was truly fascinated by her.
The conversation deepened as the night wore on. Rohan confessed that he had always admired strong, independent women like her, that he found her mind as beautiful as her words. Aishwarya, in turn, found herself opening up in ways she hadn't expected, sharing stories of her struggles and triumphs. There was an undeniable chemistry between them, a magnetic pull that neither could ignore.
At one point, Rohan leaned in closer, his voice a mere whisper. "Aishwarya, you're even more incredible in person than I imagined."
Her heart raced as she met his gaze. Before she could respond, he closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was both tender and electric. For a moment, she lost herself in the sensation, her mind clouded with desire.
But then reality came crashing back. She pulled away, her cheeks flushed. "Rohan, this? this isn't right. I'm sorry."
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her bag and hurried out of the pub, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and guilt. She hailed a cab and returned to her hotel, her heart still pounding.
Back in her room, Aishwarya paced the floor, trying to make sense of what had happened. She was a grown woman, a respected author, and yet she had let herself get swept up in the moment with a teenager. It was reckless, inappropriate, and yet a part of her couldn't deny the thrill she had felt.
An hour later, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Rohan.
"I'm sorry if I crossed a line. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Can I see you again? Just to talk?"
She stared at the message, her mind racing. She knew she should say no, that she should put an end to this before it went any further. But another part of her - a part she had long suppressed - whispered that maybe, just maybe, she deserved this. Deserved to feel desired, to feel alive.
After a moment's hesitation, she typed a reply.
"Come to my hotel. Room 412."
As she waited, her imagination ran wild. She pictured Rohan standing at her door, his eyes filled with the same intensity she had seen earlier. She imagined him stepping inside, his hands reaching for her, their bodies coming together in a passionate embrace. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of anticipation and guilt.
She was still lost in her thoughts when the doorbell rang. The sound jolted her back to reality. Her heart pounded as she walked to the door, her hand trembling as she reached for the handle.
She opened the door. Rohan stood there, looking both hopeful and hesitant.
"I just want to talk," he assured her softly.
She stepped aside, allowing him in. They sat on the couch, the tension between them palpable.
"You don't have to be afraid," he said, watching her carefully. "I'm not expecting anything. I just didn't want to leave things the way they were."
Aishwarya exhaled, relieved and grateful. "Thank you," she murmured. "For understanding."
They talked. About love, about loneliness, about the strange way fate had brought them together. Hours passed, the night deepening into quiet intimacy.
At some point, Rohan reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. It was a simple touch, but it held so much - comfort, longing, connection.
Aishwarya squeezed his hand lightly and looked at him. Her eyes portrayed longing and desire. There was this urge to feel loved and desired for. She touched his cheeks and caressed him with an intimate touch. He touched her hand which was touching his cheeks and looked into her eyes.
As they started kissing each other, the dawn had already settled in and a glimpse of a piece of sunshine entered the room, through a small window that was witness to another love story.