Chapter 39

Chapter 38

 

If her face heated anymore, she was sure that she would burst into flames. Thankfully, at least no-one else was there to witness her complete embarrassment at the train of the conversation.This was hardly the discussion Naomi had anticipated having with Daadi this morning when she had got up early for breakfast ahead of her busy day.

"Daadi, regardless the way our talk goes, I promise you that I won't be "throwing myself" at Rajeev today. Yes I do love him, but I have principles to uphold as well. She closed her eyes and recited the simplistic analogy she had heard growing up. "No man is willing to buy an apple with a bite taken out of it." She opened her eyes on hearing the laughter from Daadi.

"Aye Beta, that's true, but the last time I checked apples didn't have ears to hear proposals of love, nor lips to give or receive kisses, nor..."

"Daadi, please stop already, I understand."

The older woman came to her young friend and lovingly placed her hand on her head.  "Naomi, beta you are so special to me. My only wish is for the very best for you, whom I'm certain you will get today, but..."

"Do you really think so Daadi?"

"I'm very sure beta, but until everything is settled, completely settled beta, particularly with your family, you must be cautious not to place yourself in any situation that you will later regret." She watched her young friend's gaze dart away, keenly aware that of the reason.

"Is everyone aware of my problem then? I know I didn't swear KT to secrecy, but.."

"Nay beta, never think this. I only mention this because I understand your parents; were I to have a beti like you, I would wish my treasure to be home safely with me as well. Truly it's amazing that they have allowed you to be gone this long which is why..."

Naomi reached and hugged the older woman who meant so much to her. "Don't worry Daadi, you will get the same Naomi back when Rajeev and I return this evening." 

 

Naomi could hear the couple disagreeing as she walked towards their bedroom with the breakfast tray for her friends. She knew that KT's concerns were borne out his love for his wife and their unborn child, but truly it seemed as if he had abandoned all reason as it pertained to Rachna's pregnancy. She knocked on the door, bringing a cessation to their discussion.

"Good Morning you two, how are you this this fine day?"  She returned Rachna's smile as she entered the room. Placing the tray on the bedside table, Naomi made sure her friend was comfortable before handing her the dishes so that she could start the day. "How are you and our peanut feeling this morning Ra? Fine; that's excellent. You have this, and by the time you are ready to go to your workshop, I will have Aryia fed and ready so that she can be there with you."

"You needn't worry about that Naomi as Rachna will be resting today."

Ignoring both KT's outburst as well as Rachna's protest, Naomi retrieved the mug off of the tray, and turned to the overbearing man. "And for you KT, a cup of tea, a nice and soothing brew for you and those nerves of yours." She smiled benevolently at the designer. "And of course Ra is working today, she has two clients that she is actively working on designs for, and at last check she needs to respond to her ever growing emails."

Kabir was far from impressed with his model's defense of his wife; his raised eyebrow a dead giveaway.

"So like I said, I will tend to Aryia, and KT you can grab whichever assistant you want in with Rachna today just like you agreed to." Collecting the tray to head off to the nursery to tend to her god-daughter, she winked at Rachna in solidarity.

 

Kabir pulled into the parking lot of the development taking his first look at Rajeev's new residence.  

"Isn't it a great building KT?"

He agreed. Other than the fact that it was Rajeev's, he could see why it would appeal to Naomi. He moved to get out in order to help her with the groceries she had brought over. "No KT it's okay I can manage. You just get back to check on Rachna and make sure she isn't taking on too much." She laughed at his incredulous expression. "Hey just because I'm on her side doesn't mean that I won't worry about her overdoing it, KT."

Kabir shook his head at their interfering, but kindhearted friend. "All the best , Naomi. I hope everything works out as you wish today."

 

Naomi had exited the lift and was turning to go to the flat, when she heard at the sound of a door closing behind her.

"Aha groceries, definitely a good sign."

 She turned to see the heavily pregnant woman she and Rajeev had seen on their last visit to the flat. Naomi smiled. "Good Morning, how are you?"

"Very well, off to run some errands, and you?" Before Naomi could answer the woman walked over to her, pushed the elevator button and then held her hand out in greeting. "I'm sorry, I'm Aasha. My husband and I, and this little one, are just down the hall here. I guess you guys are up the hall the opposite way right?" Naomi's expression must have shown her confusion, as the other woman laughed. "Oh please don't think I'm a nosy neighbor, it's just that the two of you seem to be the last ones to move in, and I've wondered whatever could be taking you so long...oh I guess that does seem a little nosy doesn't it?"

Naomi laughed. "Don't worry, I would have wondered as well, but it's entirely Rajeev's fault, with his horrible furniture decision making skills."

Aasha looked at her confused, but before she could say anymore, the doors to the elevator opened.

"Thankfully most of deliveries are being made today, so maybe we'll see other a little later?"

 

First placing the groceries in the kitchen, Naomi then went about opening the doors to the balconies, letting  in the fresh air. She had just opened the door in the lounge, when her mobile rang. She identified the caller and excitedly answered. Stepping out on the balcony, she was unaware of the magnificent temptation she was presenting to the man seated in the car in the parking area below. 

There were three scheduled deliveries: the office; bedroom and the lounge furniture to be made. Provided that they didn't arrive all at the same time it would be orderly enough, and hopefully, Naomi, thought, be all completed before Rajeev arrived. Then they could have a quiet lunch and spend some time together. He had gotten off to a later start than he had expected so her wait would be a little longer.

 Abhi watched as the first delivery was made. It was too small. His best chance was to make his move when the bulk of the furniture was delivered, as it would be less chance for interruption. He checked the time; there was plenty. After some time, he watched as larger truck turn into the development. He smiled thinking that this could be his chance. He turned his ignition, preparing to intercept the delivery.

 The workmen were reviewing the order details, having called the contact number when the car pulled beside They watched as the businessman jumped out.

"Good Morning, is the delivery for Agarwal perchance, have you called Naomi to confirm its arrival?"

The worker nodded,  "Ji Sir."

"That's wonderful, I'm so glad I didn't miss it. I'm so excited to be back to see her again."

The workmen looked at him in silence, after his sudden outburst.

He held his hands together. "Namaste , I'm so sorry, I know this must be strange to you. I was wondering if you gentlemen would be able to help me out keep the peace with my beloved Naomi." He held his hand out to the head worker. "I'm  Rajeev Agarwal."

 

Naomi understood that some loved their job, but this delivery crew definitely took the cake. They went about the delivery and setup of the bedroom for the master and guest rooms with such eagerness it was ridiculous. Even weirder had been their reaction when she had taken another call from Rajeev. As if they were in on some elaborate secret, they had seemed to take joy at her excitement at hearing from him; definitely weird.  She had put Rajeev on hold when they came to confirm that they were finished. Excusing herself so that she could complete her call, she assured Rajeev that she was indeed looking forward to his arrival and told him to drive safely.

 

After she had inspected the furniture, she had signed off on the delivery and prepared to see the men out. As they approached the door, unexpectedly one of the older gentlemen began coughing. After patting his back to no avail, Naomi took him back to the kitchen for a glass of water.  She began to get worried when it didn't appear that his fit would subside, but shortly after his co-worker came to check on him, thankfully his coughing stopped.

"Are you okay, Sir? Perhaps you should get that cough checked."

"Ha beta, thank you."

 As the workers piled into the delivery truck, the head worker met the young man who stood flowers and candy in his hand at the entrance of the building.  He nodded. "It worked like a charm Mr. Agarwal. We managed to tape the catch so that the door is closed, but the lock won't engage. As soon as you remove the tape, it will engage again. Your Naomi seems a lovely young woman. And if your telephone conversation is any indication, I know she will forgive you for foregoing your honeymoon for that conference."

The two men stood aside to let the pregnant woman into the building before continuing their conversation. "I wish the two of you a very happy married life Mr. Agarwal."

Pulling out a wad of notes, Abhi handed it the deliveryman. "Thank you; you just can't imagine how happy you have made me today."

 

He had ended up making some time on the road, but it was still over an hour later before Rajeev finally pulled into the parking lot. As he parked, he recognized a truck from the furniture store where he had purchased his lounge furniture. It looked as things had gone as Naomi had hoped and the last delivery was now done. As he walked past the vehicle he heard the worker speaking on the phone, advising that the delivery couldn't be made as no-one was at the residence.  He halted in his tracks.

"Excuse me is this the delivery for Agarwal?"

"Ji, Sir."

"And no-one is here to receive it?"

"No, we tried calling the contact number and even went to the flat itself. No-one answered."

 Rajeev was at a loss. He had received a call from Naomi maybe an hour ago. It had dropped, but he figured that it was because he had gone through a bad area. Turning to the deliveryman he apologized for the delay and asked them to bring the furniture to the flat.

 He unlocked the door, calling for her, but was met with complete silence. The acrid smell of cigarette smoke from an unknown origin hung in the air.  Moving through the flat the first thing he noticed was that Naomi's purse was turned over on the dining room table, it contents spilled, across the table, some having fallen to the floor. As he bent to collect the items he spotted her mobile looking as it had been thrown against the wall, and in the hall leading towards the back of the flat her jacket lay discarded along with a shattered drinking glass.

 A cold fear settled in his stomach. Where was she?

The doorbell rang. "Dammit the delivery" he muttered.

 He opened the door to a complete stranger.

"Are you Rajeev?"

"Are you Rajeev or not, please it's about Naomi."

"Where is she; is she okay?"

"She's with my wife...we're not exactly sure what's wrong with her."

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-25 01:42:43