Chapter 10

"Yes Daddy, I realize that I was wrong, and I will be very fortunate if the offer is not rescinded, but...yes, Daddy I know I have to think before I speak..."

 

Conflicted, Rachna sat beside Naomi, listening as her friend's father berated her for what she done. While it was never easy being chastised by one's parent; Rachna could not believe the words her friend had spoken. She had never known her to be so careless with her comments, and that she could even associate such thoughts with KT had infuriated Rachna. She just didn't understand what would have prompted Naomi to do this.

 

Moving from in front of the computer screen so that Rachna's father could continue the skype conversation, Naomi pulled Rachna along with her as she went to sit on the bed. "I'm sorry Ra, just give me a chance to explain, ok?"

 

"Naomi"

"Yes Uncle Dayal?"

"I hope we will not have to have this conversation again."

"No, we won't, I realize that I was very wrong to say such things."

"Thik hai. Rachna, you may take Naomi to the studio tomorrow so that she can meet with Kabir and sort out the scheduling."

"Um, Uncle Dayal, I was just wondering, do you think, well if KT Sir is ok with it, that Rachna can come along for the photo shoots with me, I would really like that."

For the first time all afternoon, a smile broke on his face, "Well I don't think Rachna would be adverse as much as she enjoys her work, but Rachna beta, please remember your upcoming commitments; you will have take this into consideration of course."

"Yes Papa."

 

Taking his leave, Naomi walked behind her friend's father and closed the door so they could have some privacy to talk. Turning around she came face to face with her friend's flushed face.

 

"Come on Rachna, put those thoughts out of your head; it's not a done deal yet, until those rings are exchanged you are not engaged. Besides you should be happy with me after my performance."

Distracted from her train of thought, Rachna glared ate her friend, "Happy, Naomi, you practically called him a molester!"

"Come on, Ra I wasn't that mean."

"Naomi!"

"And anyway I made the point didn't I, hmm let's see if I remember Our Beta' you dad called him. Well that sounds a bit more than respect to me...your family has practically claimed KT as one of their own. Come on Ra you know I'm right. I saw you when you realized it! Rachna you just have to understand that things aren't as bad as you perceive. Okay granted, what I said was hurtful, but I've been scolded by your dad and my own, don't I deserve a little sympathy? Anyway you have worse things to worry about."

"Worse than this Naomi, like what?"

"Like how you're going to stop me from insulting KT again when we go to visit tomorrow, who knows what I will come up with next!" Naomi laughingly said. She rolled away then, and managed to duck the first pillow aimed at her; the second one though caught her smack in the middle of her back as she tried to escape. "Stop it, make the call already, Rachna, unless you want me too," she said with a wink.

 

"Nanhe, how was your visit, did it go well?"

"Before or after I was accused of deviant behavior by Rachna's new friend?"

"Nanhe, what are you saying?"

Describing what had happened he couldn't help but notice Daadi's failed attempt to contain her laughter. Kabir just shook his head. He didn't know how Daadi and Naomi had connected, but could see why Daadi liked the girl so much as she did, obviously they were kindred spirits, and this was definitely a case of like attracting like.

"Oh Nanhe, I'm sure none of it was intentional, but none of this is important. Have you decided what's next?"

"Well, first I am definitely going to contact the firm in America, I really think that Naomi could be the face we're looking for."

"Nanhe!"

" Daadi what do you want me to say; I still don't know if Rachna's leaving was the right thing or not, but if it was the only way that she would remain free to be mine, than I am glad that she did.  Seeing her today made me realize that I love her more than ever. My missing her for these past months means nothing in comparison to the thought of losing her to someone else."

"You need to tell her this then, Nanhe. Call her and tell her."

 

As it turned out, it was his mobile that rang first.

"Hello Rachna."

"Hi KT, ah I'm just calling to check when would be a good time tomorrow for Naomi to stop by to discuss the photo shoot."

"Just Naomi, are you not coming as protection?"

"Oh KT, Please don't be angry with her, she really didn't meant what she was saying, please don't think that she's a bad person, she may be a little outspoken, but"

"Actually I was hoping you would here to protect me."

"Oh, okay,  you aren't really too mad then?"

"Let's just say, that I willing to take the risk, if it means seeing you too... so how about the two of you come over for lunch tomorrow?"

"Oh Okay we will see around noon, um maybe if you have time we can talk?"

"There will be time, goodbye Rachna."

 

Hanging up the call, Kabir turned to face Daadi, stopping her before she could protest his conversation with Rachna, or precisely the lack of one, "No Daadi, any discussion Rachna and I have will be face to face, I can't chance any more misunderstandings."