Chapter 64

Chapter 63

 

She definitely wasn't looking her best this morning, and unfortunately her mood suited her appearance. Crazily enough, even her sour disposition was endearing, possibly due to the fact that a few more days had passed since he had last laid eyes on her. He grinned at her petulance, realizing how truly bad he had it.  

 

"You do grasp how absolutely ridiculous this is don't you Rajeev? We're basically skyping each other across town." Naomi released her curls from the hair piece holding them off her face, and not for the first time, closed her eyes and  began rubbing her temples.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Her eyes shot open. "You mean aside from being on lockdown here," she complained.

He sighed. "You're not on lockdown, and I'm not referring to that." He studied her for a second. "You don't look well and it's clear that you have a headache of some sort."

She nodded. "I do.  It's a dull pain, but it just won't budge."

"Yet you still took my call instead of getting the rest you need to feel better."

"It's not as if you woke me Rajeev; I was already up. Plus I miss you."

"I miss you as well, but your health should always come first. I know you have been busy pulling together the wedding along with Rachna's work, but you have to take care of yourself Sweetheart. Look we will see each other this afternoon at the game at SVC, correct?"

"Yes, me and my entire entourage, since I'm so untrustworthy now-days," she grumbled.

He ignored her exaggeration. "In that case let me say goodbye so you can try to take some more rest, thik hai?"

Her lips turned up in a small smile.

"Back to bed with you Naomi for at least another hour and that's an order, Sweetheart."

She nodded and waved her goodbye, just managing to disconnect the call before the nausea that had lingered in the background ever since she had awoken overwhelmed her. She barely made it to the toilet where she threw up the remnants of her last meal.

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Kabir nuzzled Rachna's hair as she lay comfortably in her favorite spot: on his chest. He followed this action with a kiss to her forehead, which she responded to by lifting her face, smiling happily at him. "Do you think we can stay here for the day," she queried.

"That is a sorely tempting proposal my beautiful...beautiful...beautiful wife, but I am sure you have even more work than I today."

He had lost her at the first beautiful, when he had punctuated it and each one thereafter with a gentle kiss. "No, I'm not moving; not now, not ever," she responded dreamily.

"Aacha?"

"Nay, Kabir Tripathi." She nestled against him and sighed. "You can't make me."

His hold on her tightened and she could hear the smile in answer. "Thik hai, Rachna Tripathi, we can remain in bed. We will just forget about Naomi's fittings this morning, and your presentation work and scheduling her photo shoot. I mean how necessary is it truly to include her dress in your presentation? As for myself I personally cannot express how relieved I am not to have to attend that hockey game this afternoon. And just because Vihaan will be heading back to the UK very soon doesn't meant that I have to complete his suit in time does it? I can cancel his and Rajeev's fittings this evening as well." They both turned their heads when they heard rustling coming through the baby monitor. "Oh and we can definitely ignore our little princess for the day can't we? Since she will be a big sister in some months then she should be able to fend for herself for at least one day, right? Ha Rachna, we should just lay here all day without a care in the world. I'm glad you suggested this, my love."

Rachna sighed. "I guess it was just wishful thinking to even consider such?"

Her husband brought one of her hands up to his lips. "I'm afraid so Love, but I promise you that as soon as we get everything behind us: the designing, the symposium and the wedding, we will spend some quality time together. Perhaps we will bypass the children's activities in Paris and enjoy a mini-break by ourselves. I'm certain that between Daadi and your parents that Sanjay and Aryia will be well taken care of for a few days."

The smile that came to Rachna's face fell slightly when Kabir brought up the topic of Sanjay.  The fact that he spoke with such confidence that the little boy would be with them on their trip, spoke to his determination to proceed with legally adopting Sanjay. More so was his belief that she would concur with this decision; something she could not come to terms with.

"Have I shocked you into silence with this plan," he teased.

"Nay Kabir, I'm just not certain if that Disney Paris was a firm part of Rajeev and Naomi's itinerary. I think she may just have been shooting from the cuff..."

"Aacha, that may be true, so we will just have to confirm everything tonight at dinner."

Smiling with happiness for her friend, Rachna reached up and kissed her husband's cheek. "Thank you Kabir, it's so sweet that you have invited Rajeev and Vihaan over for dinner tonight. Naomi will be so happy, but I guess that means that I really need to get organized if I have to fit making cooking for extra guests into my day."

Kabir shook his head, and held her hand, preventing her from getting out of bed. "That won't be necessary Rachna." He smiled at her confused expression, "Instead, I would suggest you take the extra time making yourself even more beautiful than you are and let me take care of dinner."

"Aacha?"

He nodded. "We men have decided to take treat our ladies tonight; dinner will be our responsibility tonight." Chuckling at her disbelief, he scooted out of the bed, "So my love even if you decide to remain in bed, I'm afraid I cannot join you...too much on my agenda today."

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"Ouch"

Rachna stopped what she was doing and looked at Naomi. "Did I stick you with a pin?" When she shook her head Rachna turned back to Arpita for another pin. She adjusted the blouse to Naomi's bridal lehenga and was about to insert the pin, she hear another soft whimper.

"It's too tight Rachna," Naomi whispered.

"It's not, trust me, thik hai?"  She drew back when she realized that her friend's face was beet red. "Arpita can you excuse us for a second? Why don't you got to the kitchen for a cup of tea?" She waited for her assistant to leave before giving her attention to Naomi. "What is it?"

Naomi sheepishly looked down at her chest and then back to Rachna. The designer's eyes followed and then back up, understanding. "I'm sorry I didn't realize that it was...um coming up to that time."

"Well to be honest it's never been this bad Ra. The doctor said that I may suffer some lingering effects from the emergency contraceptive; that my cycle may be a little screwed up afterwards, but I swear this morning it felt as if I was suffering the side effects all over again." She indicated to her chest. "And now, they seem to have joined the party." She laughed. "Trust me it was touch and go while KT was fitting me earlier. I don't think he would be quite as understanding as you are of my predicament." She took a deep breath. "Okay let's get through this, so we can go and eat. I'm starving."

Rachna stood shocked for a second.  Inwardly she denied what she was hearing. Oh God, please let it be only that, she thought.

"Rachna?"

She blinked and then sent Naomi an apologetic smile. "Sorry, my mind went elsewhere for a second." She went back to work. "By the way have you scheduled your follow up with the doctor yet?"

"Actually they wanted to get the test results first, but I think that I should call to schedule it anyway. I really don't think there's anything to be concerned about now. I think that everything will be back to normal in another couple of days."

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There was a huge crowd at the match today, but thankfully the trio had reached there before the masses had arrived. Conscious of her need to fly under the radar and not to be party to another public spectacle, Naomi had resorted to sending Rajeev a message en route to SVC to advise that she was on her way. They took their seats and immediately she sought him out. He was putting his team through their paces when they arrived and had only spared her the slightest of glances, but it was enough for her. She smiled to herself and then looked away, taking the opportunity to scan the crowd wondering if that pesky reporter was about today.

 

SVC scored another goal just before half-time and  Rachna laughed to see her husband standing cheering just as loudly the other spectators; so much for feeling out of place amongst all of these  students.

"Hmm I thought you didn't like hockey, KT Sir?"

"I'm not certain that I do yet, but there's nothing stopping me from appreciating the expertise of SVC's Coach, and by default the team itself."

"Aacha, so you are viewing it from a professional stance. I see."

"You sound as if you do not believe me Rachna."

"Nay KT, I fully agree with you. Rajeev is an excellent coach. He definitely knows how to bring out the best in his players," Rachna spoke fondly remembering her time under his tutelage. "I have every faith that SVC is a definite contender for this year's title now that GQ... I mean Rajeev Sir is back."

"Don't you start that Rachna, it's enough that he has to contend with all of this."

"I think that you are making more of it than he is. You need to stop being so sensitive." She reached for her water bottle only to realize that it was empty. "Kabir, my bottle is empty, do you think you could got to the canteen and get me..."

"Say no more, love. I am at your service. Anything for you Naomi?" He turned to see the empty space on the bleacher. Automatically he looked toward where Rajeev was to see if she had headed his way. She wasn't anywhere near him and he was busy with his team anyway. "Rachna did you see when she left, which way she went?"

His wife shook her head. "She's probably just gone to the washroom. I'm sure she will be back soon."

 

"Wow that's some camera you have there, Karan. Are you covering the game for the college?"

"Oh, Naomi, um hi, how are you?"

"May I take a look?"

The young man looked at her skeptically and then suddenly smiled. "I'm sorry I totally forgot that you're degree is in Media as well. You're such a wonderful model that I... wow that really sounds sexist doesn't it?"

"Not to mention a little patronizing to boot, but I'll consider it a compliment...this time."  She took the camera from him and held it up and took a picture of the student. "Of course I could say the same for you. You know your photos from the shoot here were excellent. Everyone in New York was very impressed."

"Really, I didn't think they would even make the cut, once Rajeev Sir came on the scene. I still can't, actually none of us can believe that he..."

Naomi rushed to interrupt him, "He doesn't. It was mostly done as a surprise for me than anything."

The young man grinned, "Well you better not let that out into the public domain, the girls will be even more gaga over him to learn that he has a romantic streak in him."

"Yes I've seen the results of their admiration in the numbers here. At least today there seems to be a more equal split between girls and boys, so at least there are actual fans of the game present."

"If you say so Naomi," he replied cryptically.

"And that's supposed to mean what exactly?" Her eyes widened when he took a step closer to her, but she relaxed when she realized that he only meant to take his camera back. "The description was right, you do have bedroom eyes, and that was one hell of a final walk you had." He laughed at her obvious embarrassment. "Come on Naomi, you had to figure that the connection would be made between the two of you and that you-tube clip would be discovered. I'm afraid that as many girls are here to admire Rajeev Sir, an equal number of the guys came in hopes of seeing you. By the way congratulations on your engagement," he added before looking up to greet the man who had joined them. "Namaste KT Sir."

"Ahh Karan; it's you. How are you?"

"Fine thanks, just showing Naomi my new toy here. I'm hoping to capture some shots of the match today."

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Rachna returned from the nursery after settling Aryia for the evening to find Naomi drifting off on the sofa. She came over and sat beside down and gently shook her awake.

"Naomi?"

"I'm not asleep Ra, but I'm not going to last much longer if these guys don't hurry up. What's taking this fitting so long?"

Rachna said nothing, just studied the very sleepy young woman next to her. "Naomi, have you heard from the doctor's office yet?"

Yawning, Naomi shook her head, "I figured it was too late to call by the time we returned from the match, so I decided to just to give it another day or so; why?"

Their attention was drawn to the voices of the men approaching.  "Don't worry about it; it's nothing. My scan is in a few days, would you like to come?"

"I wouldn't want to intrude Rachna, this should be a special moment for you and KT."

 They stood when finally the three men reached them.

"Rachna, your husband is a genius; I daresay that I will be the most handsome guy at Bhaiyaa's and Bhabhi's shaadi... no offence guys."

"Aacha Vihaan? Did it not occur to you that perhaps the extra effort was needed to make you look good?"

"Like that is ever an issue."

Rachna rolled her eyes in response.

Vihaan laughed and turned to the designer and held out his hand. "Seriously though, thank you so much Kabir, I really do appreciate it. Now I guess I should get back home and enjoy some more of ma's pampering for the last couple of days before I head back to London, and you guys can finally get on to your special evening." He walked over to Naomi and gave her a hug. "Bye Bhabhi, I especially hope you enjoy your evening," he whispered.

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"Kabir you can't be serious, are you trying to create more problems?"

"Um Rachna I'm right here and can hear you." Naomi stared up a Rajeev longingly as he held the car door open. She wasn't getting out.  "KT, Rachna's right though. Daadi made me give her my spare key just to avoid this sort of thing."

"Nay, she asked for it so you wouldn't be tempted to sneak over here, not that you couldn't visit. For God's sake the two of you are going to be married in a few weeks, and as my wife and you have repeatedly told me, you are not a child. Go and enjoy your evening and let me get on to enjoying mine."

She hesitated a moment more and then finally reached out her hand and allowed her fiance to help her out of the vehicle.

"I'm sorry, it's just..."

He put his finger to her lips. "Shh, I understand." He closed the car door and escorted her to the entrance. "I promise you will be home safe and sound before you turn into a pumpkin," he teased. She nodded. "Thik hai, let me show what I been up to as I while the time away until you come home for good."

 

"Come on Rachna, nothing bad will come out of this. I guarantee the next time you meet Naomi she will be on cloud nine. I promise." He pulled the car into the parking spot and turned off the ignition. "Now my love, do I have you permission to spoil you for the evening?" She nodded and watched as he got out. She unbuckled her seatbelt when he didn't come immediately to her side of the car. However she found herself reaching for air as KT suddenly appeared and opened the door. Smiling he helped her out. It was then she noticed the overnight bag that he carried, and more importantly where they were.  He escorted her into the hotel when the doorman opened the door and greeted the manager who awaited them inside. Mr. Tripathi, Mrs. Tripathi welcome to the Naedsar Palace. Please allow me to escort you to your suite.

"Thank you," Kabir replied, the tightening of his silent wife's grip speaking volumes as how she felt about his surprise.

 

"Sweetheart, did you really think I wasn't paying attention?"

"Not to this extent, Rajeev.  I just don't understand how you found the time to do any of this." She started sobbing again and he held her. "You got everything perfect," she said tearfully.

"Well I wouldn't say that, but I would say it's a fair facsimile."  Recalling the table-scape the wedding planner had provided, it was a very good effort on his part, and even more special because he had arranged it for her. Their own private rehearsal, so he had called it. Naomi stepped away and moved around the dining room. He had even rented uplighting  fixtures to give the room the same colored effect she wanted. The flowers, though not as elaborate still mimicked their theme, and she loved everything. "Is it just for show, or may I sit down?"

"Actually, I insist that you sit, so you can have your dinner." He disappeared for a minute and then came back with two platters.  He set them down and took the seat next to her. "Now I wasn't able to arrange for everything we had selected, but here we have most of food we've decided for our wedding reception. The way I figure it we will kill two birds with one stone . We can decide if we want to make any changes to our menu, while fortifying ourselves for what comes next."

"N..next," Naomi stammered captured in his smile. He closed the space between, until they were near enough to kiss, should they wish. "Music sweetheart, and lots of dancing; we have to find the perfect song for our first dance as husband and wife."

 

She had to wait for him to finish his rounds at the hospital, before she could get some answers, and it was killing her to do so.  Obviously it was a matter of some urgency that the doctor's office had called requesting that she contact them immediately to schedule  an appointment and further, that they were sending her prescriptions for medicines that she needed to start immediately. As promised a messenger had arrived with them later that afternoon. Sonal had counted her blessings that everyone was still out at the match and so she was able to intercept this as well. Now she had to wait. Finally her mobile rang and she asked her nurse to leave so she could take the call.  Not long afterwards, she disconnected the call thrilled at what she had learned. Could there be more perfect timing than this for this news to have come?

 

On the bed Sanjay studied the envelope that Mama had thrown aside. N..A..O..M..I.. he spelled out.  N was for Naomi, so the papers must be for her. "Mama can I take the medicine papers to Pari when she come home?"

Cursing her son's quietness had her forgetting his presence in the room, Sonal turned to him with a smile plastered on her face. "Nay Beta, this isn't Pari's ."

"It is Mama cause it says N..A...O" He stopped when his mother shouted at him "It is not hers, now go to sleep Sanjay!"

"No Mama, Pari needs her medicine, " he shouted back.  He took the envelope and darted off with the intention of taking it to Daadi's room, but Mama caught him, and now Mama was mad...

 

Rajeev had just spun Naomi around when her phone rang for the second time.  He pulled her back into his arms.

"Don't answer it."

"It must be important, just give me a minute." She walked over to get it and answered, only to hear a cacophony of shouting and crying on the other end.  "Hello...Hello?"

"Naomi Beta oh thank God, I can't get hold of Nanhe or Rachna, please come home quickly!"

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-26 20:05:06