Chapter 35

Chapter 34

 

"Here Sir, your choice."

The director of the NGO turned to see the young woman with her offer of ice cream.  Naomi motioned towards the young hockey players already enjoying their treat. "It's our post hockey ritual, please join us." She beamed when he accepted the cone. She passed Rajeev his favorite and turned back to the director. "Sir, I can't thank you enough for allowing the boys to participate in this. I'll never forget this day; it definitely ranks as one of the best times I've had here."

"No my dear, please let me thank you. You have played a very special part in their lives. I'm certain the lads will miss you just as much as you will them when you leave the country."

Had he not been watching her closely, Rajeev would have missed the uneasy expression that crossed Naomi's face before she plastered a bright smile on her face. Before she could respond further, the sound of the group of young boys calling for her to join them reached the trio, and she excused herself to go to for the final group photos she had asked Mohit to take of her and her hockey pals.

 

Rajeev watched as she plopped down on the grass, calling for her little friends to surround her. On the count of three, she had them scream "ice cream" holding their cones aloft for their photo. He smiled.

"She is truly a remarkable woman; one who definitely makes a difference in everyone's lives." That the younger man only nodded, refusing to turn his gaze from the young woman confirmed to the director the reality of the coach's feelings for this special young woman. "A bit of advice Rajeev, it's people like her that you should make sure remain in your life once they enter. I'm not saying that life wouldn't  go on if she left, but I'm certain that it will be less joyful."

Rajeev turned to the older man. "Sir?"

"Come Rajeev, I know you are not a foolish man. Just take what Ive said into consideration.  Perhaps later though as it looks as if you too have been summoned for photos."

 

One side of the group of boys surrounding Naomi gave way so that their coach could come and sit beside her, immediately closing ranks again once he had. By necessity, he was forced to put his arm around her as they were pressed in tightly by the boys encircling them.  When Rajeev was about to instruct the boys to give them some space, Naomi took hold of his hand, clasping it tightly as she leaned into him.

"Naomi, I..."
Faced forward for their photo she answered. "I know."

He froze. "You know?"

"Yes that we have to leave; I know we have things to do. Just a few more please?"

Instinctively he tightened his hold on her possessively. "No Naomi, that's not it at all."

 Naomi turned to him. There was an expression in his eyes, something she couldn't comprehend , only knowing that it had set her stomach aflutter and had her suddenly anxious  to know what he wished to say. Even to her own ears, her voice sounded breathy with anticipation "Then what is it?"

She waited, uncertain, but so hopeful in what he would share. "Will you not tell me, Rajeev?"

 

After all of the latitude he had allowed during the photo-shoot in hopes that their awareness of each other would act as an excuse for one of them to make the next move, Kabir keenly studied the scene before him. Frankly he didn't care who initiated it, but it was clear that the couple was on the cusp of a declaration. And it was about time. Had he had to make a choice, he would say that, today at least, the odds favored his impetuous friend.  Naomi hadn't been able to keep either her mind or her eyes off of Rajeev all day. Her confidence would be riding high after the shoot, so the hockey coach's natural reticence would drive her insane today.  In truth he was surprised when Rajeev moved in to speak softly to her. He grinned when Naomi finally paid attention; he was certain that this would be the moment that would alleviate her anxiety and allow Naomi to at least communicate more assuredly with her parents when the time came. 

 

"Now you are paying attention to what's going on? KT, you really need to explain yourself. "

 

Rachna's jaw dropped when KT put up his hand, casually dismissing her.  She went to stand in front of him. "Kabir Tripathi what are you doing?"

 He finally looked down to acknowledge her. "I'm trying to ascertain if the setting is sufficient for either Naomi or your Sir to profess their love for each other. " He knew that it that it would be the only way he would be certain that she would come back home after the campaign, but also knew that  this wasn't something that he could share with Rachna right now.

"What KT, she loves him? Naomi told you she's in love and not me?"

"Just turn around and observe, Rachna, maybe we will be witness to something spec...damn!"

In the time it had taken to speak to his wife, the group had broken up. Naomi, her color high, was now speaking with the photographer, while Rajeev was directing little boys towards the van that had arrived to collect them.  Soon she was walking over to them.

"Naomi, is everything okay?"

"Um yeah KT, is everything okay with you?" She looked at him strangely wondering why he had such an expectant expression on his face.  "Well, I guess I will get going now; I'm hoping to convince Rajeev on the benefits of a chaise lounge. I think it's going to be a hard sell, but I'll give it my best."

She looked so unsure, and Kabir could not let her leave without confirming that she was okay.

"Naomi before you leave..."

 Interjecting before her husband could continue, Rachna called out, "Just ignore him Naomi."

"Okay, I guess.  Ra, make sure you get some rest okay?"

 

Kabir would have none of it, and followed Naomi as she walked away. He held her arm to stop her. "Naomi, please stop." He moved around to face her. "It appeared that something was going on, I just want to make sure that everything is okay."  He looked at her confused when she shook her head.

"For a moment, just for a moment, I thought ...but then nothing. I mean the van arrived for the kids but still, one would think that he would have said something, anything, don't you think?"

In his mind it was a simple case of bad timing, but what worried Kabir was something else.  "Naomi, hear me out, I really need you think about what I am going to say. It's won't be long before we have to leave. I know you want, even need the words and that you are hoping for Rajeev to give you some confirmation, but what if you don't get it before we have to leave? What then, Naomi?"

Kabir saw the tears welling in her eyes, and hated himself for causing them, but he needed her to be aware that she may be leaving without the answers she needed. "Will it make a difference, Naomi?"

She dabbed at her eyes with her shirtsleeve, but answered stoically. "No, it won't matter; I will do what I have to."

Kabir gave her a quick hug and whispered in her ear. "Good girl, I'm glad to hear that. Just a word of advice,  try to be a bit more observant, I'm sure you will like what you see. Now I better get back to Rachna. Honestly, I don't know how she's lasted this long without interrupting."

Naomi laughed. "Tell her that we will talk later and I'll explain everything. And KT, make sure she gets some rest today okay?"

Puzzled he looked to his friend. "Okay, you've already told her that and now you're telling me the same. What is that all about?"

"Time to follow your own advice KT, I'm sure you will happy with what you learn as well."

 

Watching KT's retreat, Naomi waved to Rachna who stood at a distance. She was sure that she would get an earful from her soon, but now all she wished to do was to concentrate on spending time with Rajeev. Figuring that he should be about done getting their boys off, she turned in the direction to go to him, stopping short when she realized he was already there with her.

"Rajeev you're here?"

"For some time actually. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, it is now. Are you ready then?"

He nodded and smiled when she looped her arm in his to walk away. Replaying the snippets of the conversation he had just heard, Rajeev looked back quizzically at the designer.

 

Sensing her husband about to speak, Rachna spoke up first. "I won't press you for details, since it obvious that Naomi has spoken to you in confidence, but she is okay, right KT?"

"In fact she never asked me to keep it a secret from you, but she did tell me to let you know that she will speak to you soon, thik hai , Rachna?"

"Thank you, I'm just a bit worried about...KT what are you doing?"

Testing her forehead with the back of his hand, KT frowned. "Are you feeling well today my love?"

"Well I certainly don't have a fever, but why would you even think that I'm ill?"

"Actually I didn't but then Naomi started going on about making sure that you rested. She was quite insistent, so..."

"I'm not ill KT, but I must say I wouldn't be totally opposed to a bit of a rest later on."

He didn't know what to make of her smile, but was glad that at least he didn't have the worry of his beloved having taken ill.  He checked his watch.  They had actually finished ahead of schedule, which meant that they did have some time before Daadi was expecting them back home. "If you really wanted to, we could try for a quick lunch or.."

"How about we just enjoy the park and you treat me to an ice cream instead?"

"Consider it done."

 

Sitting on the park bench, enjoying their icy treats, Rachna braced herself for the topic she wished to bring up.

"I have something really important to discuss with you KT if you're up to it. You see I expect things are about to get a little complicated due to the children, so I was wondering if we could schedule some time with our attorney so that we can meet the issue head on and resolve everything at one time."

"I'm one step ahead of you love.  You see it's more than apparent that Sanjay is very much his father's son, and cannot stay away from you, and I don't expect it to be any different while I am abroad. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to spend even more time with you, so I've already been to our lawyer for advice. He's already drafted correspondence for Sonal's attorney, of which I have a copy. She will either have to accept the terms, or we will have to adjust the terms of the visitations. It's my hope that she will see reason, and think of Sanjay instead of any other agenda she may have."

"That's an excellent start KT, but I would like ensure that some set guidelines are in place for our future children as well. For better or worse, we're family now, and I guess we need to start living like one, don't you think?"

"I appreciate what you're saying Rachna, but at this point is this even necessary? It's not like we are at that stage to be worrying about that."

"And if we were?"

"Then of course, it would only make sense to confer with our lawyer."

She took his hand, placing it low on her abdomen. She covered it with her own holding it firmly against her. He looked at her with wonder, marveling at her actions, when she smiled and nodded.

"Make the appointment KT."

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-25 00:54:01