(Gritted teeth) Devaru… (God…) Anju, don’t move. Just breathe. I want to hear you want me.
Aamele … I find that spot. Below your ear. The one that makes you forget your own name.
Counting everything. Days. Hours. The last time you bit your lip on a video call.
Close your eyes. I’m not in Mysore. I’m on your bed. My thumb is tracing your collarbone. Down. Slow. Like rain on a tin roof in Malnad. Sex Talk Kannada Lover Phone Call
Mattu (The Bridge)
(Pause. Click of a button) Undone.
(In Kannada) “Nannannu mugisi… aamele nanu ninna mugisuthene.” (Finish me… then I’ll finish you.) (Gritted teeth) Devaru… (God…) Anju, don’t move
End of piece.
(Breath deepens) Take your dupatta off, Anju. The blue one. The one I like to bury my face in.
(After a pause, laughing softly) Your car windows must be a disaster. Aamele … I find that spot
Mine too. Now slide it down. Slow. Over your stomach. Stop at the button.
(A sharp, tiny gasp) I forgot it already.