Malkin, what will you have for breakfast, I asked

As I entered her chamber

She didn't respond

Maybe she was asleep, I thought

I should have left

But I hesitated

For as she lay on the bed

Half draped with scattered tresses

I found myself staring at her disheveled self

If anything looked raunchy and inviting

She mumbled something in her sleep

I went closer to her

She smelt of alcohol

I realised she was drunk

Which was the usual case

When Saheb was out of town

I pulled the sheets to cover her modesty

Suddenly, she clutched my hands

Shyam is that you, she whispered

Ji Malkin, I replied

Sit beside me, she pleaded

I sat down on the floor

Not there, by my side, she said

Holding my hand, Shyam you know my state

My days go in wandering listlessly in this haveli

My nights a blur

Liquor being my only companion

But today I need a touch

To quench my blazing flesh

I want you to go down my legs

Drink me till I am left with nothingness

Saying so, she lifted her saree

And put my neck between her legs

I did as commanded

Rather I relished every single droplet

Till date she had tasted food from my hands

Today, I tasted her.

©LR