Chapter 43

LadyMeringue

@LadyMeringue

A/N: Hey there everyone! :D :D Here is the next update! :D :D

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Ishaani finally stood in front of her room (to be for the next four days) after being shown around the estate by Jennifer. The caretaker had been an extremely genial guide as she first took Ishaani around the house, showing her around almost everywhere and giving her a general gist of the house except for the other two bedrooms of the house.

She couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the house that spoke so loudly of Ranveer's grounded nature, the exquisite furniture and accessories around the place a perfect blend - neither too crowded, nor too spaced. Just the perfect balance of homely. There was a warmth about the house that left her spellbound, the quality and taste of the decorator appealing to her immensely. Jennifer had then showed her the two porches at the side and the back of the house overlooking the gardens and the beach respectively.

Jennifer had led her next to the garden that led towards a tennis court, the two women making light conversation. The tennis court connected to a golf course in turn, the grass appearing even greener under the warm summer sun. The breeze accompanying the weather had been a welcome accomplice; the occasional hide-and-seek the sun played with the clouds even more so. Jennifer had decided to use one of the golf carts to save them the energy of strolling over the huge course, shortening the tour by a significant amount of time as they made their way to the beach finally. 

She was instantly smitten by the sight of the horizon.

Leaving Jennifer behind for the first time as the sand below cushioned her aching heels, she'd walked towards the azure waters stretching across the horizon that sparkled sea green, the foam instantly greeting her feet like an old comrade. She'd shut her eyes and hugged herself as the calm, tranquil solitude of the beach enveloped her with the warmth of a mother's embrace she missed when the winds kissed her forehead lovingly.

And suddenly the clouds grew darker, within moments of which she'd felt the tiny droplets fall upon her forehead in a drizzle. An untimely rain always meant that God was crying, Ranveer believed. But what was he crying upon today? Their destiny, or the fact that they'd defied it against all odds, the last feet of which they were on the verge of achieving? Or maybe God was crying upon their trials like he so often did in these eight years. Who knew? 

And in spite of Jennifer's requests, she'd stayed put. She'd shut her eyes once again and felt the drops fall upon her forehead purposefully, a small smile upon her face. She couldn't remember when it was last that she'd gotten wet in the rains, pulling in the scent of petrichor as the world around her dissipated into a mass of loving everything around her. Ranveer would always silently pray to God to give him all the pain of her behalf as she danced upon what he believed were God's tears. Maybe for once, she'd ask for the same thing in return - to take away all of his pains and make it her own. And yet she'd lost connect with pain.

She couldn't remember last when she'd felt so content with life, so content with herself as she took in deep breaths, suddenly thankful for everything that she'd been bestowed with. The wounds of the past seemed to have been washed over by the hope of the present, the horizon of the future now in view. She didn't know for how long she remained standing, enjoying the simultaneous trickle of water upon her forehead that arched upwards towards the sky, and her feet that remained grounded by the water that lapped upon it lovingly.

Turning back after an indefinite amount of time, she had realized with a sudden pang of guilt that Jennifer was waiting for her patiently with an umbrella in hand. The latter had given her a gentle smile once she'd made her way back towards her.

"Sorry for the unpredictable rains. They have no season," had spoken Jennifer as they walked underneath the umbrella, enjoying the pleasant winds that blew along the shore. She had been still transfixed with the way the water lapped upon the shore so effortlessly in a hypnotic flow.

"That's alright, I love the rains," she'd replied with a smile. Jennifer, gave her a sheepish look.

"Sir hates them. He-"

"-catches a cold very quickly, yes," she'd completed and Jennifer smiled, nodding her head in agreement. "And he hates getting drenched like that. Prefers watching the rains from a corner or shade," she'd added, remembering all the times she'd purposely get him wet in the rains even though he hated it. Sometimes, he'd even get wet voluntarily just because it made her happy. She wondered why those days went by so fast even though she had no regrets when it came to all the time and memories she'd made with him in their childhood.

"I've seen him smile today for the first time since I started working for him, miss," had admitted Jennifer after some time. She looked unsure as though wondering whether it was advisable to say what she was saying.

"What do you mean?" she'd asked curiously. Jennifer sighed.

"His lips smile; his eyes don't. I've been working with him ever since he first employeed me to take care of the missus during her ill-health, and I've never seen him smile apart from polite courtesy. It's the first time I've seen him genuinely smile from his eyes like a man alive," added Jennifer, and she could only stare at her, devoid of any words.

Ranveer Vaghela was a private man who didn't discuss his private matters with anyone except those he truly trusted. So she knew that like everyone else, even Jennifer was unaware about the mystery that turned Ranveer into RV, secretly thankful for the same. She wondered whether she would have been able to meet eyes with the sage caretaker otherwise.

"This isn't remotely close to the way he smiles. When he does, the world is a different place," was all she could say as she shut her eyes, trying to recollect what the warmth of his smile felt like.

Jennifer nodded her head in understanding, but chose to remain silent. She'd looked at her watch before suddenly realizing how much time had passed by, knowing that she had to be ready by one. She'd signalled Jennifer and both of them towards the cart silently, taking their respective seats as the latter drove back to the bungalow. By the time they reached, the sun broke through the myriad of daunting clouds once again, encompassing the city of Sydney into its warm embrace. She'd expressed her gratitude to Jennifer once the latter took her up to the room she was supposed to stay in, admiring the house once again. The rooms were all situated on the first floor whose dark parquet flooring was aesthetic in taste, burning cherrywood in the sunlight entering through the huge windows.

Standing in front of the room in question at long last, Jennifer gave Ishaani a small smile before pushing open the door, leaving her gaping in spellbound surprise. The room was filled with all the souvenirs Ranveer had of hers since she was a child, its walls doused in balanced shades of green while the drapes and sheets were of a lighter shade. Ishaani entered the room, her eyes immediately travelling towards the walls that were adorned with pictures from their eleven years together, the memories leaving a watery smile upon her face.

Ishaani walked ahead, now taking in the structure of the room. It was a spacious master-bedroom that came with an attached bathroom, the balcony of her room overseeing the shoreline of the beach that held the sun at dusk. Like the rest of the house, her room had a parquet flooring although of light wood, making the room blaze even more brightly. Ishaani sat upon the edge of the springy queen-sized bed and she stared at Jennifer in awe.

"Your expression is priceless right now, miss," remarked the caretaker gently. Ishaani looked at her feeling bamboozled at what she was seeing, suddenly realizing that this was what Ranveer must have felt when she'd taken him to his old room.

"When did he... How did he...?" stuttered Ishaani hopelessly and Jennifer smiled.

"Sir doesn't allow any of us to come here except for the weekly cleaning and maintenance. He hasn't entered the room himself ever since he did it up all by himself like Miss Ritika would tell me. He opens the lock of the door every single night, but doesn't enter the room. It was only when he instructed me to open the room and keep it ready since he was expecting a guest did I finally do so," she explained and Ishaani sighed.

She stood up and swept her eyes around the room, the simplicity of it reminding her about the way she'd keep her room back as a child. She walked towards the flower-vase near the bedside, finding a bunch of white-purple orchids in it to her astonishment. She didn't remember telling Ranveer about the change in the preference of the flowers she liked. This was another question that she knew she had to ask him about.

"This is us. Our life..." whispered Ishaani as she walked around the room once again, checking the drawers to find several letters written by her from the time Ranveer was in Sydney. She also several of her favourite books on the bookshelf upon the wall opposite her bed, including what she realized to be the premier copy of Caffeinated Love for her personal collection. Understanding that she needed some time to come to terms with whatever was happening around her, Jennifer cleared her throat softly, excusing herself.

"I'll send some soup and bread up in some time while you freshen up. You must be starving."

"Finally! I was almost certain that the two of you were going to cancel up." Ranveer and Ishaani smiled warmly as Finch stood by the door, looking as carefree as always.

Ranveer had reached Salmona Villa sharp at one to find her in a simple knee-length aubergine cocktail dress whose magi sleeves were laced, her neckline prominent with the square neck. She'd noticed that he was finding it hard to take his eyes away from upon the simple yet breathtaking effect off her attire, and it was only with great difficulty that he'd finally put the car into motion once again. He looked slightly flushed, his silence speaking much more than words could.

She'd broken the silence of the car by questioning him about his day, the awkwardness of the moment dispelling away instantly. Ranveer had plunged into narrative, right from the fact that his company was sailing rock steady in spite of the rocky markets and that he'd made a certain few changes in tactics. He'd left Jameson several more directives to be followed for the intra-trading in the next few days as the timid CEO handed him over the report upon the suggested changes in the portfolio building and maintaining policies of the Singhania Financing Solutions. She couldn't help but feel awestruck upon Ranveer's achievements, wondering what awaited her when he would finally give her an insight into his empire.

The focus had then shifted upon her as Ranveer questioned her about her day. She'd given him an entire synopsis about whatever she did even though she remained silent about the room. Ranveer hadn't pursue the topic any further, and she knew that he could sense that she was a little overwhelmed with everything that was happening around her, knowing that she needed some time to take in everything before she could open up. They were both saved the trouble of making any form of awkward conversation for they'd reached the Finch Manor by then, the manor not unlike a royal household.

Ishaani did feel a little out of place at the doorstep but relaxed instantly at Finch's casual attire. For a moment she wondered whether he was even in the right place, as though expecting him to greet them in a tuxedo. Their host, in turn, ushered them into the house as his butler freed the two of them of their overcoats, leading them into the house. Ishaani looked around rather dumbstruck, suddenly feeling as lost as she would when her father would take her to his friends' mansions for social gatherings during her younger days in Mumbai.

And yet Ishaani smiled as she felt Ranveer's fingers slip into her hand slowly. She turned in his direction to see him blink at her wordlessly, the silent assurance making her heart feel at home. The walked along the long corridor led them into the huge living room, the entire room a mass of exquisite black, white and grey as a chandelier remained perched from the ceiling. Finch gestured the two of them to take a seat just as Ishaani's eyes fell upon the butler who was carrying more than a dozen shopping bags upstairs, grinning when she saw the London tags.

She was snapped out from her thoughts when Ranveer spoke.

"...unless you mean getting killed by Monica, no thanks," he was saying as the clock nearby had its hands pointed towards 1:20. Finch let out a chuckle, plonking upon the sofa tiredly.

"She should be here in a minute," he assured when both Ranveer and Ishaani looked at him expectantly, a lazy smile upon his face.

Ishaani suddenly felt her hands and feet tremble at the thought of the unknown Monica who sounded rather upfront and strong-headed from whatever she'd heard about her from both Ranveer and Finch. She was definitely a kind woman; someone who was fiercely protective about the people whom she loved even though she could be rather blunt at times. Finch had been gentle and caring in spite of whatever had happened between herself and Ranveer, but she knew that she could expect no such treatment from his wife, especially when she didn't know anything yet.

For her, she'd always be the woman who broke Ranveer's heart.

The thought alone about whether she'd be accepted by the unknown Monica in spite of whatever Ranveer and Finch told her otherwise was something that was definitely beginning to gnaw at her, suddenly feeling like she wanted to run as far away from them as possible. And as time moved on at a snail's pace, the scenarios in Ishaani's mind were getting more and more difficult for her to stomach, feeling as though dooms day was growing closer and closer.

Just when Ishaani thought that she couldn't wait any longer, a warm voice cut through the air.

"Ah, welcome folks!" spoke aloud Monica as she entered the room in a royal blue halter neck, a broad smile upon her face. Ranveer took her into his arms, giving her a warm hug.

Ishaani stood by silently as she watched the scene with interest, the Miss Parekh in her trying to make a quick profile of what she could surmise of the other woman's mood in the moment. She could easily make out that Monica had just entered her thirties, her face beautifully freckled as she remained slightly shorter than Ranveer even though she was wearing flats. Her figure remained rather well-maintained given the fact that she was the mother of two children, and Ishaani had to admit that she was a very attractive woman. She could easily see why Finch was so smitten by her apart from her wisdom and personality.

She smiled as effortlessly as Finch did even though Ishaani could sense the strict authoritarian air about her that made her certain that she must be the strict parent of the two. But it was when she pulled herself out from the hug and snapped her eyes open that Ishaani finally felt her feet turn into jelly. The brown of Monica's eyes suddenly caught her gaze as Ishaani tried to decipher what was going on in her mind, the former's face now impassive as she walked ahead towards her.

Ishaani missed the smile Ranveer shot her that was supposed to keep her calm.

"Ishaani, this is Monica. Monica, this is Ishaani," introduced Ranveer quickly as he and Finch remained side-by-side, observing the two women. The air was suddenly fraught with a pulsating tension, both men easily sensing the fear in Ishaani's body language.

Monica remained silent, taking in the sight of her second guest for the day while Ranveer and Finch knew instantly what was happening. The psychotherapist was analyzing the person opposite herself, instantly building a character profile and comparing it with whatever she'd heard of her so far, seeing whether it matched the image she had in mind. Ranveer hoped that Finch had justified Ishaani's point of the story properly, the only reason why he even dared to bring her to their house in the first place. And even through the prolonged silence Ranveer and Finch were both impressed by Ishaani's capability of standing her ground.

Monica nodded her head at long last, putting forth her hand.

"I hope you had a good flight," she inquired politely and Ishaani heaved a sigh of relief that was invisible to everyone except Ranveer, who could feel the same relief spread through his own soul. Monica had got the story in perfect order, then.

"I did, thanks," replied Ishaani as she accepted Monica's hand and shook it warmly, the two women smiling at each other. Before anyone could say anything further, two booming barks resounded through the stairways and a moment later, two blurry masses of colour flew upon Ranveer in the tightest of hugs, catching the latter off guard.

"Uncle Ranveer!" squeaked the two kids in excitement as they parted and gave Ranveer an eager look, who in turn sat upon his knees and hugged the children again lovingly. The other three grown ups stared at the sight in front of them endearingly until Ishaani inched forward, uncertain about what to do next. She wondered what had made her so socially awkward suddenly.

"Michael! Claire! Ah, I've missed you both!" exclaimed Ranveer at long last once the kids separated from him, caressing both of their faces. He gave them both a kiss upon their cheeks each, Claire wriggling in his embrace as she giggled away at his stubble that was tickling her.

Who are you?" asked Michael suddenly when his attention fell upon Ishaani, who blushed furiously as though caught snooping upon a private moment. Even before she could think of a defense her eyes sought Ranveer's, who gestured her to sit upon her knees beside him.

"Michael, Claire, I want you to meet Aunt Ishaani," introduced Ranveer and both the children looked at her curiously, as though intrigued by her presence. Ishaani shot the two kids a small smile, suddenly feeling the same fear of rejection course through her heart like a poison.

"Aunt? Is she your wife?" asked Michael rather smartly and all the elders in the room gasped. Ranveer and Ishaani blushed furiously, words failing them both. As a distraction, Ishaani happened to notice how alike Michael looked to his father while Claire was a clear mix of both her parents. Ranveer finally found his voice after some time.

"No, she isn't. She's my best friend," corrected Ranveer and Ishaani coughed rather awkwardly, still feeling the heat in her cheeks while Finch snickered from behind. A sharp gasp of pain from him moments later was the evident nudge that he'd received from Monica.

"Isn't Daddy your best friend?" asked Claire slowly as she pointed towards her father, who now looked flushed. It was as though he afraid about what Ranveer's answer would be for a reason that Ishaani could suddenly relate to all-the-too well. Ranveer glanced behind momentarily, catching Finch's eye for a fraction of a second before looking ahead and caressing Claire's cheek lovingly.

"He most certainly is, but Aunty Ishaani comes first," replied Ranveer sincerely and Ishaani turned behind to see Finch's features relax, a soft smile upon his face. She caught his eye fully and the two of them sharing a look of silent understanding, the love in their eyes for the man in question speaking the rest. Their moment was broken when Michael's voice cut through once again.

"Wait a minute, I know who you are..." began Michael suddenly and Ishaani turned to look at him again, now confused. The five year old boy looked puzzled for a moment before his eyes widened to the size of saucepans.

"You're Princess Moon!" he exclaimed in a high pitched shriek startling everyone as he waggled his finger at Ishaani excitedly, Claire's face brightening up alongside. Finch and Monica began to chuckle but were silenced by the look Ranveer shot them even though they found it impossibly difficult to not laugh at the bizarre expression upon his face.

"Sorry?" asked Ishaani and everyone turned their attention towards where the real conversation was taking place. She now felt confusion cloud upon her embarrassment.

"Yes, you're Princess Moon! Uncle Ranveer has told us all about you. He tells us stories about you every weekend. You're Princess Moon!" repeated Michael with the same gusto that the three-year old Claire was nodding her head with. Ishaani burst out laughing.

"Monica, why are the kids so smart?" hissed Ranveer at Monica in deep-seated embarrassment as the couple began to laugh with Ishaani, neither of them intimidated by his look or the fact that his nose had gone red along with his cheeks.

"Maybe you're just daft," shot back Monica playfully. Ranveer was about to retort when Ishaani tugged at his blazer, reminding him that the kids were still waiting for an answer, and so was she. He didn't meet eyes with her even though he took both of the children's hands into his own and kissed them lovingly.

"Ahem, point is, this is Aunt Ishaani, okay? She's family," he added rather lovingly, eyeing the kids in all earnest. Ishaani gaped, feeling a gush of respect for the man who'd always give her so much love whether she deserved it or no.

"Welcome to the family, Aunt Ishaani," spoke aloud Michael at long last as he walked ahead and gave Ishaani a bear hug, throwing his arms around her neck. Ishaani remained still for a moment, unable to comprehend what had just happened. And then, she let go.

Ishaani shut her eyes and pulled the boy into her embrace at long last, kissing the crown of his head that smelt so fantastically child-like. The boy's blue eyes scorched her soul with the essence of something she'd long since forgotten in the brutal world - the innocence of childhood. The moment the two of them separated from the hug, Michael gave Ishaani a sheepish smile before kissing her cheek walking over to Ranveer, hiding his face. Ishaani now looked at Claire, who for some reason couldn't take her eyes away from upon her.

"Claire, do you want to tell Aunt Ishaani something?" asked Ranveer, who noticed the same thing that Ishaani did. Claire continued to stare at Ishaani with the same piercingly blue gaze that she'd inherited unabashedly from her father, her mother's auburn hair making her look nothing short of a flame-headed doll. The girl's rosy cheeks flushed pinker as all eyes now fell upon her, the little girl enjoying the attention that she was getting.

"You are beautiful... Even more so that Uncle Ranveer described you to be. And you smell so nice," added Claire as an afterthought and Ishaani chuckled, scooping the girl up into her arms and kissing her cheek lovingly. Claire seemed to warm up just the same way as Michael did, startling Ishaani. She had no experience with children before except her sister and was always of the impression that children never liked her even though she did them.

"Thank you, darling," cooed Ishaani as she set Claire upon the floor, the girl walking over and burying her face away into Ranveer's chest after shooing Michael away. She clutched at his coat with her tiny fists, as though suddenly embarrassed.

"And the two of you can call me Princess Moon, I wouldn't mind," added Ishaani, and both Michael and Claire both gave her an eager look.

"Awesome! Thank you, Princess Moon!" exclaimed Michael as he and Claire gave each other a high-five. Ishaani gave Ranveer a shaky smile before her eyes found Finch, whose arm was around Monica, both of them looking at her lovingly.

"What did you get us both?" cut through Claire's voice, snapping  everyone's attention back at the little girl who'd worn a fern green frock, her eyes as inquisitive as always. Michael nodded his head, as though supporting his sister's demand.

"Aunt- Princess Moon and I have you gotten the two of you heaps of things. You might wanna go check in your rooms-" began Ranveer and both the kids let out yet another squeal of joy, about to run up the stairs again before Ranveer added quickly. "Not without the kisses first!"

Michael and Claire quickly gave Ranveer two pecks on both of his cheeks together as Ishaani laughed, enjoying the sight before her eyes before they did the same with her, catching her off-guard. Even before she could understand what was happening, she could see the two kids run upon the staircase once again, their excitement reaching their ears for some time before the distance cut away the voice. Ranveer stood up and helped Ishaani alongside, feeling their knees go sore even though it was worth it in their opinion.

"Your kids are beautiful," remarked Ishaani to the proud parents and they smiled back at her. Monica broke free of Finch's embrace at long last.

"All on Greg, I'm afraid. I just hope they don't get his brains or else two more troublemakers are in the making," she added and everyone laughed, Finch glaring at Monica as he shook his head like a disapproving child.

"Now now, Mon, what's all the jibber-jabber about?" he asked reprovingly and Monica gave him an exasperated smile that Ishaani could relate to extremely well. She'd given Ranveer several of those during their years together. Everybody were saved the trouble to speak when one of the helpers peeked into the room, signalling Monica that lunch was ready to be served.

"Come on guys, the food is ready," announced Monica and led the way towards the dining room, the rest of them following suit.

Ishaani was mesmerized with the stunning decor of the room by the time they reached the table. The glass topped table sparkled in the light as the dark wood chairs around them felt homely as the helper helped all of them into their seats, filling out their triad of glasses with water, red wine and white wine respectively. The helper handed them out their napkins while another two brought out the hors d'ouevres for the day, Ishaani complimenting Monica about the same. The room immediately falling silent as everybody tucked into their meals ravenously.

Once stomachs began to get heavier, conversation resumed as general inquiries flew into the room about their trip to London, Ranveer and Ishaani giving them a detailed description about everything except the very obvious fiasco with the kadha. Monica and Ishaani then discussed about their lives back in London and Mumbai respectively as kids while Finch and Ranveer resumed talks on business, primarily about the resort to be opened in London. And through that the two men got to discussing about the party on the 27th, and Finch decided to bring out a dormant topic once again.

"So, when are you enrolling for the skydiving batch, Vaghela?" he asked as he took another bite of the lasagna in his plate, Ranveer groaning inwardly. He hoped that the topic would not be brought up again. He and Finch had had several arguments upon the same, and the fact that Ishaani was with him this time didn't make things any easier.

"I'm not. I told you that already," replied Ranveer rather pointedly as he tried to communicate with Finch through his eyes but the latter didn't play heed.

"Yeah right, like I'm going to listen to you," was all that Finch remarked disinterestedly, turning his fullest attention towards Ishaani. She'd stopped her conversation with Monica and was now staring at what the men were up to.

"Ishaani, what about you?" asked Finch, knowing that the two women were following the conversation well enough to know what was being discussed. Ishaani gave him an enthusiastic look that Ranveer knew didn't mean any good while the smile upon Finch's face broadened.

"I'm in. When do I have to enroll?" she asked in all earnest and Finch sat back into his chair with a triumphant look upon his face. Ishaani looked at Ranveer and couldn't determine whether he was happy that she was genuinely taking so much interest into this or exasperated that her interest would only mean his forced participation.

"You can do it tomorrow. Training starts at ten in the morning sharp for six hours," he explained and Ishaani nodded her head religiously. Monica eyed Ranveer with suddenly interest, curious to see what he was going to do now, looking hesitant as he was.

"Perfect, I'll be there," replied Ishaani happily as she let the helper take away her now-empty plate, suddenly catching Monica's eye who gestured her to look at Ranveer instead. He looked troubled when he turned to speak to Ishaani.

"Ishaani, you don't have to do this," he began in a small voice, hoping that unlike Finch, Ishaani would help him out of the tough spot even though he had a feeling that she wouldn't. And he wasn't entirely wrong.

"But I want to. And you're coming with me," she exclaimed suddenly, eyeing Ranveer sternly as though expecting him to put up a fight with her right in that instance. Ranveer threw Finch a dirty look just as he let out an 'aha!', slapping his palm upon his head, vexed.

"What? No!" he shot back as he looked up, realizing that Ishaani was waiting for an answer.

"Weren't you the one who wanted to learn how to fly?" asked Ishaani, folding her arms across her chest in the same vexed manner while her eyes now bore into his own with the same stubbornness that reflected in his own.

"Yes, but-"

"End of discussion. We're both enrolling," she said aloud with finality as she turned to look at Finch, not giving Ranveer any chance to argue further. Finch looked like he could cry tears of joy when he spoke next.

"See, this is why I awaited your return."

"Shut up, Finch. And I have to work, for crying out loud!" protested Ranveer when Finch picked up his phone to hand over the two latest names upon the list for the skydiving program, the latter disregarding his protest even though he didn't dial through.

"Tomorrow is a Sunday and you aren't going to work on Tuesday anyway. Just one day on Monday. So shut up and be a sport already, Vaghela," quipped back Finch with a deadpan look upon his face, not entertaining any of his excuses now that he knew Ishaani was on his side. As a last resort, Ranveer turned towards Monica, who for some reason remained silent throughout the argument so far.

"Monica, please talk some sense into him."

"I'd have agreed with you, but this time I side with Greg," was all she replied as she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, shooting her husband a loving smile. The couple shared a look that made more sense to Ishaani than to Ranveer, who could now feel his temper rise at the fact that it was three against one.

"Damn it! You ba- boohaki!" exclaimed Ranveer rather childishly when he caught Ishaani's eye, quickly changing the course of the word even though the implied meaning didn't go amiss by anyone.

"You're welcome, mate. Eat your food already and stop fuming. Smile like Ishaani is doing. She does it a right sight better than you do anyway, Mr. Prefect Perfect," added Finch notoriously and Ranveer gasped, his spoon falling into his plate with a clink. He looked up, stunned by the use of the dead reference after eight whole years even though the original user of the phrase remained silently seated beside him, enjoying the banters of the two men.

"Hey! Cut that out!" shot back Ranveer as he grit his teeth at his friend, giving him a 'meet-me-outside-and-watch-me-take-you-down' look. Even before Finch could let the smirk upon his face broaden at the fact that Ranveer Vaghela had finally lost an argument after eight years, Ishaani jumped in at long last, Monica taking her place of being the silent spectator.

"Well, I agree with Greg."

"Shut up, Princess Moon," shot back Ranveer and Ishaani pursed her lips, knowing that a long speech was headed his way for the bizarre name even though she knew the symbolism behind it.

"No, I'm saying what's true," she argued as Ranveer cocked his at eyebrow at her, Finch suddenly falling quiet. The silent couple chose to observe the bickering pair with utmost interest, clearly seeing the two of them as their real selves for the first time.

"Oh really?"

"Oh yeah. Don't forget that I took that tennis course and even those pottery classes just because you wanted to! Can't you even do so much for me?" asked Ishaani of him, trying to take a leaf out from Ranveer's book by shooting him a pair of the most adorable puppy dog eyes.

Ranveer looked at Ishaani as he felt his heart skip a beat, suddenly wondering whether he was still twenty-nine or had gone back to the moment when his breath had first hitched at her sight when he was nine. He cursed his luck at how his heart was already beginning to melt at just how beautiful her eyes looked, even more so in the ambiance of the room. And as he felt his lips twitch dangerously into a smile that would have very well meant him raising the white flag, he decided to steer it away from that course entirely.

RV never liked to lose.

"What was the point of the tennis class though? You still couldn't beat me," he boasted and Ishaani gasped, clasping her hand upon her mouth in outrage, Finch nudged at Monica, both of them enjoying their chocolate trifle as Ishaani put down her hand and narrowed her eyes at him.

"So that's what you think?" she asked, even though it was more of a hiss. Ranveer relaxed back into his chair, enjoying the fact that even after all these years it was such a sore spot for her.

"That's what I remember," replied Ranveer coolly as they both recollected the time she'd challenged him for a rematch and had lost so miserably that she never dared to ask for one again. She'd pulling off the antic of not talking to him that entire day that Ranveer termed as being a bad sport. Ishaani let out an indignant huff as desserts now remained forgotten in the heat of the memories of the past.

"You and me, outside. Right now. Let's play a match and see who's better at it," she challenged suddenly and looked halfway ready to stand up. Ranveer chuckled at her softly, pulling her hand and making her sit down again.

"I've had years of practice at it," he countered as he pointed towards Finch, who in turn remembered the last match they'd played and the turn of events that had taken place since then.

Finch nodded his head in silence thinking about the match-winning ace that he was certain was the end of his life in those few seconds after which he'd confessed to Ranveer about setting up an appointment with Ishaani's company. And the fact that both of them were together and under one roof today bickering like this made Finch smile in spite of himself, wondering about the strange ways of life's unpredictability.

"So what? Atleast I don't hit faulty aces and then cheat to win the rematch set," shot back Ishaani and it was Ranveer's turn to gasp this time, knowing that Ishaani would never admit that his ace had been perfect. She always strove to get what she wanted and she would never rest until she'd achieved it. And so he knew that there was only one way to silence her once and for all.

"That's it, off we go to play!" he exclaimed and Ishaani nodded her head.

"Yeah and Papa can-" began Ishaani authoritatively as she stood up but stopped speaking midway when she realized what she'd let slip. A sticky silence ensued as Ishaani took back her seat once again, not looking at Ranveer anymore. Both of them happened to finally notice the desserts at long last, leading them to realize that they were no longer in their late teens arguing and having weekend matches to prove who was right. A lot had elapsed since then, and their life was nowhere near the same anymore. Neither was the world so without her father.

"We're sorry, we didn't mean to-" began Ishaani as she looked up at Monica, who gave her a reassuring look in return. She could sense the heaviness in her tone, her eyes suddenly downcast as neither she nor Ranveer dared to look at each other.

"Nice to see Ranveer lose at something for once," Monica spoke aloud, hoping to get over the sudden solemn atmosphere with a quip. Both Ranveer and Ishaani still had their eyes glued firmly upon their truffle, a halfhearted smile upon their faces.

"Vaghela, I see that you were correct - you know the plight of a husband,seeing the way she just kicked your ass," shot across Finch and Monica gave him a nudge in the ribs moments later, the former rolling his eyes at his wife.

"Gregory!"

"Excuse me guys, I need some air," said Ishaani after some time as her eyes brimmed up, the spacious room suddenly making her feel too claustrophobic.

She quietly walked out of the room without another word, feeling her heart ache with the memories of the brutal past. The pain hit her with its entire force as she suddenly felt herself shiver, craving for the scalpel in spite of herself. Ranveer looked in her direction and he called out her name, but in vain. He made to get up as well when Monica stood up instead, giving him a soft look. She knew what was to be done now.

"Ranveer, sit and finish your food. I'll go talk to her."

"But-"

"Relax, I'm not going to tell the poor soul anything. You guys carry on, I'll go and give her some company," assured Monica, the panic upon Ranveer's face evident. She knew that he was hoping for her to not say anything that would push Ishaani over the edge even though she trusted her with his eyes closed. And even as Monica traced Ishaani's steps and walked out of their sight, Ranveer couldn't help but feel a strange fear in his heart in spite of Finch giving him a reassuring smile, gesturing him to complete his dessert.

There were only six more days to go and several things to be resolved between them, majority of which still remained unsaid. He'd hoped that bringing her to Sydney would help resolve many of the things but he was already having second thoughts about it. He couldn't help but wonder whether bringing her to Sydney so soon was advisable after everything that they were beginning to reel from even though he knew that she was liking what she was seeing so far. But he could never be certain.

He wanted her to blend into his world, not find herself lost in it.

Constructive criticism will be more than welcome and sorry for any typos. :D :D

Next chapter:
Chapter 20