Chapter 11

Weaving her way through the busy market, Rachna checked over the list her mother had given her that morning to confirming that she had everything on it, and then looked at her watch. "Great" she thought, still enough time for a little browsing and perhaps a break before they headed back and then on to their lunch appointment. Smiling at the possibilities of today, she prayed that after today, the pain past few months would be behind her and finally she could move on with her life.

 

"Rachana, did you even hear me?"

Startled out of her thoughts, Rachna looked over to her friend who had stopped and was holding out a fabric sample to her. "What..."

"So that's the way of it, hmm, this is what I have to expect from now on is it? Lord if just thinking about him makes you dismiss me, I might as well just pack my bags now, since  I'm sure you won't even remember I exist after the two of you settle things between you" Naomi complained with a pout on her face.

"Oh Naomi, please don't think that, I'm so sorry..."

"Chill Ra, I'm just joking!" Replacing the fabric, she nudged Rachna out of the shop. "Come on , let's go for that tea break you promised me.

 

Settled with their drinks, Naomi looked over at her friend, amazed in the changes the past day had wrought. "You're really ready for this, aren't you?"

"It's time we talked, it really is. I don't know what feels different about today, but I'm sure that by days end, finally I'll have some sense of direction. I'm still scared, but I'm ready too.. oh I don't even know what I'm saying. I just know love him so much, and I need to sort this mess out."

 

Recalling their very first conversation, Naomi grinned at Rachna, "So basically Miss Garg, you're saying  that today is the day, time starts up again?" Raising her mug towards her laughing friend who was nodding in the affirmative, she toasted, "Well, Tick Tock to you then."

 

In a scene just played out in her bedroom minutes ago, Rachna adjusted her dupatta, and then tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Beside her Naomi rolled her eyes. "Rachna it will be dinner before you're done, ring the doorbell already! Oh forget it," she said, moving across and pressing the doorbell herself.

 

It was a smiling Daadi that answered the door. "Rachna, beta, I am so, so happy to see you; and this must be your university friend! Come in, come in, I've been expecting the two of you." Ushering the two of them in, Daadi closed their door and pulled Rachna into a quick embrace. "I've missed you so much beta, tell me how was the university and the UK?"

"It was good once I settled in, but  there is nothing like home of course." Pulling Naomi to her side "and I'm lucky that I even managed to bring one of the best things from my time there back with me; Daadi, this is Naomi."

"Hello Ma'am."

"Daadi, dear, call me Daadi."

"Yes Daadi." Naomi said with a smile.

Looking around expectantly, Rachna turned back to Daadi, "Is KT not here, Daadi, we're supposed to meet him."

Sighing heavily, Daadi shook her head "In the studio as usual, back to his bad habits I'm afraid."

"Don't worry, Daadi, I'll go and get him."

Watching Rachna's retreat, Naomi, turned to Daadi.  Approaching her, she let out a giggle as she walked into the waiting embrace. "Daadi, I'm so glad to meet you in person at last! So do you think we will be having lunch anytime soon?"

"If we're lucky, no, so I guess we might as well have a chat." Escorting the young woman to the sofa, the two of them made themselves comfortable, "Now, Naomi dear, I hear you've been a bit naughty."

"All done in a good cause, Daadi, but you know that already."

 

Walking into the studio Rachna looked around at the familiar surroundings with a melancholy smile. Finding KT busy on the telephone, while also frantically searching his work space for something, Rachna shook her head, "so typical," she thought.

 

Placing her hand on his free hand in order to get his attention, Rachna stared up at him when he turned towards her, "Tell me what it is you need, KT," she whispered.

 

Startled at her touch; that she was even there; back in the place where it had all begun; and ultimately where it had ended, he paused in his discussion momentarily to stare at her. Adjusting his hand so that hers was now securely in his grip, Kabir went back to his telephone conversation and after making his excuses disconnected the call. He rested his mobile on the desk, even as he pulled her closer to him.  Raising his now free hand, he gently tucked the stray hair back behind her ear, his fingers then lingering to caress her cheek. His smile was gentle, and his voice full of emotion when he finally answered her question, "You're back and now you're here; what else could I possibly need, Rachna?"

 

Unable to stop the tears welling in her eyes at his words; at his easy acceptance, she looked up at him, "My apology for starters." She murmured.

"I'm so sorry, KT, can you ever forgive me?"

crtkelly2014-08-02 13:16:34