My mouth opened and then closed in response. The words were in my mouth, but unable to make any sound of it. I wanted to tell him that it was not okay for him to touch my hand when we were alone in his apartment. So many things could go wrong. But it was as if my brain was shut off along with my ability to speak.

Then I felt him leaning towards me. Was it my imagination? Hallucinations? Suddenly I felt his breath on my face, yes he was indeed very close to me. What was he planning? I mean, it's not fair. Or was it fair?

Finally, I closed my eyes, it was better this way. Now I could think straight. Still, no damn thing was coming in my mind. Then there was a touch on my lips, so soft, so divine, so meant to be. And as if the world had stopped spinning, the time itself stopped, I let it go, drinking in his lips, the warm breath and insane scent. His mouth expertly moved over mine, demanding yet giving more. My breath was already uneven with anticipation with pleasure he was bestowing on me. I couldn't remember how much time passed between us.

Later, when he pulled away, it broke the spell. I was back to the present. My eyes snapped open. I was shocked and confused. No. He is not my type. I touched my lips, it felt funny and different.

His mouth opened in response, but I stood up abruptly and walked towards the window. The Arabian Sea was calm, it was low tide. There were twinkling lights far off the horizon where the sea met the sky. The ships sailed through the peaceful wind.

I grimaced. Inside me was a storm, my internal storm. How could I allow him to kiss me? It could never end the right way. I never intended to do that, when I knew that we were the world apart. Actually no. We were way too similar for that matter. That's why we couldn't stand each other. Yet there was an undeniable attraction I felt towards him. Maybe because he was a good looking man, who knew the effect he had on women.

"I am sorry," he whispered from somewhere behind me.

I turned and faced him. "That's convenient, isn't it? First, you kiss me and then apologize?" I nagged, narrowing my eyes. He regarded me in disbelieve. "Oh, that's right. I can actually talk straight!"

"Alright!" he threw his hands in the air in surrender. "I made a mistake. But I can't promise that it won't happen again. Since you will not be able to resist me much longer. I will never be hard on you!" There was his arrogant and cocky self back again.

I gave him an intense stare, wanting to burn a hole in his heart. But probably my power was not working, that man still had amusement dancing in his eyes. It was really annoying the way that he was managing his smirk, the playful eyes and still look that breath-taking. "You have to behave. Or else I am outta here," I croaked, taking measured breaths and finally averted my eyes from his face.

"I am sorry. I got carried away. It won't happen again, I promise." he paused and then murmured "not until you want me to." Before I could react to that, he walked away towards the Kitchen. "What do you want to have? Another drink?" he asked. The slight limping did not hide the way his jeans clung to his assets.

"I don't want anything. And I think it's better if you stay put in one place. You are limping," I said. But he ignored and kept browsing the refrigerator. "By the way where is your dog?" I asked, suddenly remembering our first conversation.

"Well, Johnny is not here, he is in DC." His back was on me.

"Oh. You have a nice place for an assistant Editor level," I commented looking around. It was a simplest of interiors, yet the earthy colours gave it a rich look. There was no way one could have such a salary that could afford such a penthouse. His parents probably were rich.

"It's Rishi's place. I am living here till they find replacement for the post," he mentioned taking out a juice box, and pouring the orange juice in two beautifully carved goblets.

"So you pay him rent?" I asked unable to hide my curiosity.

"His parents are super rich. They let me stay here for free!" he mentioned carelessly motioning the goblet towards me. I took it thinking or maybe judging him. That was indeed convenient for a lazy and non-committal man.

"Oh. That explains it. Anyway, what do your parents do?" I further queried pacing towards the seat on the counter.

"Hmm. They are...doctors," he replied taking a seat beside me, which I was not comfortable with. He was already in proximity before which did not end well.

"Both of them?"

"Hmm," he nodded stirring the juice in the glass. Somehow the way he told me, made me suspicious.

"Okay... So when do you see yourself going back to the US?" I questioned him, knowingly well that I asked for another cocky comment from him. After that, he looked at me like he was searching my face.

"Why do you care?" he simply said, catching me off guard. I was expecting something more pompous from him. There he was asking me if I cared.

"I don't. I am only trying to have a normal conversation."

He smiled showing some cringes in the corner of his eyes. I was noticing his side profile, up too closely again. After a while, when I realized I was still staring, I moved my glance away and pressed my knees together, sighing.

"I don't know how long will I stay here," he continued with genuineness in his manner. "Maybe a little more than I was expecting to." Then again, he smiled inwardly, emphasizing his depression on his cheeks when he did it.

I pondered over his words; there was certainly more to it than he was projecting, maybe something deep. I gave back my genuine smile and drank my juice with one shot. "I should leave. Take some pill for the pain and rest." I stood up.

He abruptly stood up as well. "Are you sure you want to leave?" he checked his watch and frowned.

"Yes," I smiled, searching for my bag.

"It's too late," he said. "Stay."

"You have a point. But I have work tomorrow!" I admitted to myself. Even some deep voice within me was telling me to stay, but my logical brain screamed. It was definitely not appropriate to stay at a stranger's house. I knew that he was more than a stranger. But I was definitely overstaying my welcome there. Besides, it would be double awkward if Rishi was back from their long non-date.

"Leave early in the morning. I will drop you!" he suggested.

That seemed alright. I nodded resigning, as I felt too tired to do anything else. "Where should I sleep?" Suddenly becoming more aware of the obvious problem.

He laughed and turned towards me, "What's your preference?" his eyebrows shot up in a playful way, or probably in a snobbish way. I swore inwardly thinking how I could be so stupid to expect him to act nicely.

He gauged my reaction and again laughed. "No more jokes. I will show you to the guest room. You will find something to wear there too." I followed him silently as I did not have enough energy to start a fight.

The room was at the end of the corridor, with blue shaded interiors. It was bigger than my moderate bedroom. He lingered around the door as I looked for something to wear as he suggested. I was not surprised to find some girl T-shirts and pajamas there. They must have girls staying over.

I looked questioningly at the set which I dug out from the heap, well from a properly arranged folded heap!

"It's laundered and maintained!" he answered by silent question. "Don't look at me like that. It's not what you are thinking. Rishi is particular about making his guests comfortable."

"Well, I think I should sleep now," I said, placing my hands on my hips.

"Oh. Alright. I will take your leave. Good night!" he murmured after taking the hint and left me for some hours of peaceful sleep.

*

My eyes snapped open when I heard my cell phone buzzing. I checked the time, it was six in the morning. I pushed myself to sit, still fighting to keep my eyes open. It was still dark out. I groaned and moved myself to the bathroom. I got ready in record fifteen minutes.

I knocked on to Sid's bedroom, softly at first. As expected, I didn't hear a thing. I moved the latch and found the door unlocked. Slowly I peeked in, not wanting to get any sight of him in weird and inappropriate position. To my relief, he was peacefully sleeping on his stomach with the blanket gathered up at his feet.

On my toes, I moved towards him. And I had no slightest idea why I did that. Suddenly his face came into view, pressed against his pillow, sound asleep.

After studying his face a little more than necessary, I cleared my throat.

No stirring.

"Siddharth?" I called.

Still no stirring.

"Sid, it's already 6.20. We have to leave." I raised my voice.

As silent as a peacefully asleep baby!

I moved my hand to tap on his shoulders. As soon as I touched his shoulder, a kind of static charge hit my fingertips. I was about to draw back my hand, but suddenly he grabbed it and pulled me down. In the process he had rolled over to the other side, taking my hand with him.

"Get up, you ass!" I freaked out immediately, as I found myself lying my one side on his back. I pulled my hand away and stood up, completely flushed and embarrassed.

He struggled to open his eyes, moving on his elbows. He was still confused to see me there that was my prediction over his behavior.

"Sara darling, what are you doing here? Damn I think I am dreaming again!" he mumbled unclearly and closed his eyes again and crashed back to the bed.

I could help but smack on his arms with all the energy. That had him snapping his eyes open and finally realizing me standing beside him ready to go. "You were supposed to drop me off. You promised!" I grumbled.

"Oh. Yes." I started to get out of his bed, suddenly stopping. "On second thoughts, I will tell my driver to drop you. I am way too sleepy to drive." He was again closing his eyes.

"No need. I am outta here. Thank you for your hospitality!" I stomped out, not wasting any of my time. Lazy man!

**Hold it just there. It's going to get wild for Sara in the next chapter. She is going to be seeing her Ex-bf after one year! And already engaged to someone.

Meanwhile do vote, coz it matters! 

Love, Neha**