Chapter 21

Secretly thrilled at KT's reaction, Rachna travelled the short distance to where the photo shoot had been set up, blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding behind her. Only when Naomi's exaggerated actions caught her eye did she realize that something was awry. Walking towards her, Naomi was frantically mouthing something to her and pointing to something behind her. Her face a mask of confusion, Rachna turned just as her friend reached her. Her eyes widened at the scene playing out before her, and she was about to return to the spot, when Naomi, held on to her and whispered, "Don't you dare take one step Ra, it'll only make things worse."

Rachna watched as KT advanced towards Shekhar, and the other man's countering move of taking a step back, his hands up and shaking his head. It was evident that words were being exchanged, but they did not carry the distance to where the two young women stood. Looking at her friend in bewilderment Rachana spoke, "I don't understand, what happened?"

"That Ra, is what happens when the Green-eyed Monster takes hold of your KT."

"But that still doesn't explain.."

"Come on Rachna, you can't be unaware of how stunning you look today. Add that to the fact that you have been his company alone, your almost trip and fall, and that sexy shoe removal scene, it's a wonder Shekhar is still standing." Naomi looked at her friend's continued bewilderment, and laughed, "Ra, I truly hope that KT appreciates the treasure he has in you; you are so into him that you can't even fathom that other guys may be attracted to you. He has to be the luckiest man ever."  She laughed at Rachna's blush, and indicated to where she had left her things, "If nothing else, I'm sure he's insisted that you change into something else."

"Rachana, Madam, look this way please."

Turning towards the voice, Rachna was surprised to their photographer there with his camera at the ready. "Mohit Sir, what are you doing?"

"Just recording this for posterity that's all; you dear Rachna are looking divine today."

"Indeed she is." Naomi laughingly said, holding her friend before she could dart away. "Come on Mohit Sir, snap away, I know I can't hold a candle to her today, but get a few of the both of us please."

Realizing they would not leave her be, Rachna acquiesced to their demands and soon gave in to the amusement of her and Naomi being photographed for a short time.

"Enough, already," Rachna said laughing, "We're all here for work, not fun and games, enough."

 

"Well I'm glad you do realize this, even though you still don't seem to be dressed for work yet Rachna."

 

"Good Grief KT!" Naomi exclaimed, turning KT's attention to her, and allowing her friend a quick escape, "Are you part ninja or something, you really need to stop sneaking up on people already."

She grabbed on to his sleeve to prevent him from heading in the direction Rachna had just disappeared, "KT," she said for his ears only, "You need to count to ten or something, before you think of heading that way, don't you think one scene is enough for the day, plus you know it will just upset her." Naomi laughed off the scathing look he sent her way, thankful she was made of stronger stuff than most, but couldn't help but exhale in relieve when he turned and went the other way.

 

Assisting Naomi to remove her accessories, Rachna smiled at her exhausted friend. "You look in need of a rest, my friend."

"Yes I do; who knew that posing prettily can be such hard work?"

"I'll get KT to drop you off at home first; I'll probably go to the studio for a couple of hours more."

"My, what a diligent worker you are, everybody should, oh goodness," unable to finish her sentence without yawning, Naomi blinked rapidly, "I'm so exhausted that I can't even tease you properly." Looking over at KT who was having a conversation with the photographer Naomi nodded, "Just don't let him bully you, he still seems to be a bit broody."

"I'm sure it'll be fine."

 

It wasn't.

From the moment they had arrived at the studio, KT had one agenda, one that he refused to deviate from, no matter how much she argued against it.

"You've met with his mother, and that issue seems to be resolved now, I don't see any reason why you should have to help him anymore."

"How about the fact that I said I would; you even agreed to it KT, so what's the problem? It's only lunch with him and Neeta."

 

"Great, another lunch; Rachna, you barely know him; you shouldn't feel the need to help him, unless..."

"Unless what, KT, exactly what are you trying to say?  Better yet think about what you are about to say; the very idea makes no sense!"

"Rachna"

"No KT, rationalize this for me, you were going to say that I'm attracted to Shekhar, that I may even have feelings for him even, despite barely knowing him as you say, therefore I'm helping him not to marry me. In fact, for those very same reasons, I'm actually helping him not marry me, and actually marry someone else. Do you hear how ridiculous this all sounds?"

"Look, Rachna, I know what I saw in his face today."

"I'm sorry, so now it's that he's attracted to me. Make up your mind KT, and let me know what the real story is; I just can't keep up." She grabbed her handbag from of the worktable. "Look it's apparent that this conversation is going nowhere, so I'm going home."

He held her hand to prevent her departure, "Rachna, don't leave."

She stopped but refused to look at him.

 

Kabir cupped her face lovingly in order to raise her gaze to his, "Will the fact that I'm so in love with you that the mere thought of anyone coming close to you drives me crazy suffice?  Or that you're so special to me that I can't believe that I'm the only one who sees how very special you are, so anyone you give attention to I see as competition for your affections?  That I want you in my life more than anything I've ever wanted in my life? Will any those explanations satisfy you, as just reasons to stay away from him, Rachna?"

 

Her eyes swam with tears at his admission, but still she shook her head, "No, KT, they won't." Sensing his protest, she hurried to continue, "Only because you should know better. You should know that my love for you is such that I wouldn't allow anyone come close to me; that not everyone sees me as you so the thought of competition shouldn't even enter your thoughts."

"And, my wanting you in my life, Racha, what are your thoughts on that?"

"That it doesn't even quantify as an excuse; I'm already in your life. What more do you need, KT?" she demanded.

His answer became her very breath, taken in with her gasp, as his lips descended to meet hers. His kiss, gentle for only a moment, grew to encapsulate all that he felt, love; jealousy; insecurity. There was no tenderness in his kiss and yet even as he laid claim to her with his lips she recognized his love and reveled in it, answering it with her timid response. Nevertheless it had been his words said just before his kiss that would have branded her heart as his, if it were not already, "I need forever, Rachna."

 

Coming to his senses, and immediately contrite over his loss of control, Kabir released her and took a step back, fully prepared for her admonishment. Instead he was met by her embrace as Rachna shadowed his direction and entwined her arms around his neck. In response he pulled her tightly against him and kissed her softly on her forehead.

"Forever sounds wonderful; I just don't understand why you would think I wouldn't want the same, KT?"

Distracted by her smile, by her lips bearing the evidence of their kiss, Kabir said the first thing that entered his head, "Because, I'm a jealous fool, who's not thinking straight."

 Her eyes twinkling, she nodded in agreement, "Yes, you are."

 He sighed, knowing he was lost and would not deny her, "Just one lunch; and not alone with him, right?"

"With him and his Neeta."

"I still don't like it."

  Barely giving KT time to register her intention, Rachna pulled his head, down to meet hers, "Just think of it as a step closer to forever," she said, and then stole a kiss of her own.