Chapter 95

Chapter#92

Naomi was loath to get out of bed so early, but the promise had been made weeks ago and she had to keep it.  First though she had a few tasks to take care of.  There was absolutely no way she could stand to greet Rajeev in her current state; not when even the thought of doing so had her in the throes of embarrassment. Ever so carefully she moved out of the embrace that had held her fast against him, and moved to the other side of the bed. She took a moment to just look at him as he slept, and exhaled, first because she had managed to get up without waking him, and secondly because...well just because.  She couldn't help but reflect on their perfect night together, but now revealed by the faint beams of light entering the room, she couldn't help but feel some apprehension due to the story that the room's, not to mention their own, condition told. A lock of hair fell in her eyes and in pushing it back she loosened one of a few rose petals from her hair. Since removing them hadn't exactly been high on their list of priorities last night, she could only imagine where else the fragrant blossoms could have affixed themselves to. Drawing the top sheet up to her chest, she peered over the side of their bed and noticed a fair amount on the floor, but not enough to make the sheer number that had decorated their bed.  And then there was their garments strewn haphazardly on the floor. "Oh God," she thought, never believing that she could be so caught up in a moment as to be so unaware. "Ok, calm down. You have nothing to be ashamed of Naomi," she thought, "You're a married woman now." She judged the distance the toilet and thought that it should be easy enough to make the dash from the bed to the bathroom, without the sheet she was sure had captured more of the flowers.  However that wouldn't make any sense when she still had to find something to change into and probably more importantly retrieve the cases for the wedding jewelry she still wore. She couldn't even begin to say whose fantasy had been fulfilled by her keeping the pieces on last night; only knowing that it had felt delightfully decadent to do so at the time. Now, however they only made her even more conscious of her dishabille this morning. "Stop overreacting and get on with what you have to," she mumbled as she fashioned a makeshift sarong out of her bedsheet.

 

Chewing on her lower lip, Naomi surveyed the room. It had taken a lot less time than she thought it would to gather their wedding clothes and tidy the floor at least to a presentable state. The bed would have to wait until Rajeev got up, but at least to her eyes the room's appearance was less incriminating than before. Now there was just the matter of packing away her jewelry and deciding what she would put on this morning to greet her husband the first day of marriage. The planner that she was, she had arranged both the ornament cases and a few changes of clothes to be placed in an overnight bag that was one of the last items delivered here. She easily located that bag in the closet and immediately got to work removing and stowing her jewelry. She placed the cases on the bed and then turned back to the small suitcase wondering what would be better to wear: something comfortable or something newer, from the items she had chosen specifically for their honeymoon.  Probably something nicer, she thought, but then what sort of message would she be sending if she did? He probably already thought her too eager; maybe even a little shameless, but what would he think if she decided on her comfortable hello kitty PJs ... that she didn't enjoy... "Oh God I'm so confused," she muttered. "Wait...what...no, no, no...you so have got to be kidding me," she gasped as it seemed that the decision on what to wear had been taken out of her hands, as on removing her bathrobe from the small piece of luggage, she realized that the few clothes she had carefully packed were missing. In their stead were a stack of familiar boxes bearing the Clothing Optional logo. And as she expected every last one of the lingerie boxes were embossed with a little red devil.

Rachna Tripathi was a dead woman after this.

 

To save her any further discomfiture, Rajeev waited until Naomi had finally left the bedroom for the kitchen before he opened his eyes. He had been awake ever since Naomi had moved away from him, which was telling in itself. He couldn't help but smile; his wife was in a fine pique this morning, it would be up to him to settle her down.  He smiled as he placed his hands behind his head, and contemplated all he had learned in these first few hours of marriage. First was that behind the wavering persona she displayed, was an innately passionate woman, on the cusp of discovering her true power; God only help him when she actually realized it. The second thing was that she was very clingy when she slept, but in this, he definitely had no complaint, as it placed her exactly where she belonged. Thirdly was that she had the really bad habit of talking to herself. He would hazard a guess that she probably didn't realize she was verbalizing her thoughts half the time, but it had made for an insightful, if not entertaining morning so far.  And last of all, and this had been not so much a discovery as a mystery, but her reaction had him keenly wanting to get to the bottom of discovering what Rachna had replaced her clothing with that had her so agitated, that she would be messaging her friend so early in the morning. He stretched and prepared to get up, thinking it would be best to have freshened up and tidied up the bed, before he  kept his early breakfast date with his wife.

**********

 YOU WITCH...YOU EVIL WICKED WITCH...I AM SO, SO GOING TO KILL YOU THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU!!!!!!

 

Rachna smiled when she read message and then placed her mobile back on her nightstand. She turned to face Kabir who waited anxiously for word that everything was okay.

"So where were we," she asked as she reached behind his neck and pulled his head down to hers, intent on continuing what had begun when Kabir's soft kisses had roused her from her sleep this morning. To her dismay he resisted, insisting on more information.

"It wasn't Gunjan messaging about Aryia?"

Rachna rolled her eyes. "Nay Kabir, it wasn't. I'm sure Aryia hasn't even awoken. And even if she has, and if - and this is a very big if - there was a problem : a problem that my sister cannot handle, Mummy is there as are Aunt Sangeeta and Aunt Seema, so..."

Rachna stopped and smiled at her husband in understanding.  She lovingly stroked his face.  They had already arranged for Aryia to stay with her family when they would go to meet their lawyer two days after the wedding, but then, after the wedding ended, Gunjan had suggested that her niece come home a day earlier. Whereas Rachna had jumped at the chance for the free day to recover from the festivities, Kabir had been more hesitant. She didn't believe he had any real concerns over Gunjan caring for their daughter for the duration, but he was her father after all.

"Aacha Kabir: as soon as the house is put back to rights, we will go and collect our daughter."

He understood then, how foolish he was being. "Nay Rachna, it's clear that I am being unreasonable. She can stay until tomorrow afternoon.  I know that she will be fine and we should let Gunjan and Mayank see what they are missing out on. After all, it looks as if they are going to be left behind in this regard."

"That is a wonderful thought," Rachna agreed, "But that is their concern. Right now my only interest is ensuring that my husband gets through this troubling period without his daughter as painlessly as possible. I think that distraction is the only option Kabir," she offered as she pressed closer to him. He was far more receptive and reciprocated her embrace as he firmly held her against him. This time he lowered his face to hers to place a kiss on her waiting lips. His kiss was like him, warm and firm; his touches deliberate and between the two began to carry her to that state that only he could take her.  And she was more than willing to go with him to ride the passion that she knew awaited her.  Her breathing became shallow and almost incoherently Rachna thought how tedious his fastidious actions were becoming. She felt hot and needy, and he was just too slow this morning.

"Kabir," she pleaded, and when he raised his head and loosened his hold on her slightly, she took matters into her own hand and rolled him on to his back and straddled him.

"May I," she half-teased as she leaned down to his mouth, and capturing his lips as she sensually moved her hips against him. It was all the enticement he needed, and he yielded all control to his lover.

 

She left him breathless, but still aware enough to pull the coverlet over their damp bodies after they were done.  He was worried for a minute as they lay belly to belly, but she obviously knew best, that she would not harm their child in this position.  As is she could read his mind, Rachna spoke. "Before you ask, I am fine; just taking advantage in being able to lie like this for a little while longer."

Kabir smiled and kissed her forehead.  "Taking advantage; I would say more appropriate words were never spoken, Beautiful."

"Aacha Kabir; are you intimating that I have exploited you," she asked chuckling. "Was there no benefit in any of this for you at all?"

He couldn't lie; not when his body still hummed from their encounter. "Perhaps; although I believe I will probably will need to re-examine the act to confirm if this actually the case."

"Hmm, perhaps after a power-nap," Naomi suggested. "It is still quite early."

"That is true my love; which brings me to my original question of who..."

Rachna yawned. "It was a death-threat from Naomi, Kabir...I gather she was a bit disconcerted to discover the tables had been turned on her."

"I should be too scared to even ask, but would this happen to involve a naughty lingerie box or two," Kabir asked recalling seeing a packing slip from the company in their bedroom in the last few days.

"Oh one or two are child's play Kabir... five or six of them would be definitely more entertaining... and I made sure that not one halo was included," Rachna murmured as she drifted back off to sleep.

 

**********

The sun was higher in the sky now, and their bedroom fully engulfed by the morning light. His wife's response to his beckoning had been to swat his hand away. Kabir shook his head at her outright laziness.

"Enough, Rachna it's time to get up; our daughter is not here, but I am certain that our son needs sustenance this morning."

Rachna rolled over and curled up more thoroughly in the blanket. "Bas, KT. Daadi clearly said last night that cook will be preparing breakfast this morning so I'm sure that Sanjay has been fed already. Besides, he is a big enough boy to realize his parents are tired, even if Daadi or Reena hasn't advised him."

 

Kabir sat heavily down on the edge of the bed, vacated now that Rachna had turned over.  He had in fact been referring to Rachna having not eaten yet, which she, out of necessity had to for the sake of their unborn child, but she...

He wondered if his wife had even realized what she had said; how much she had revealed in her sleepy mutterings. In the lead up to the wedding, it had been so easy to act like everything was normal. Sareena had been just another guest, and not the relative who would soon be taking their little boy away from them. His eyes closed, he leaned forward and put his head in his hands and sighed. Moments later he felt Rachna's arms wrap around him. At first he thought her there to comfort him, but then he felt her shudder against his back. Kabir heard the pent-up sob in her voice when she spoke. "I know we are doing the right thing, but he won't be ours after tomorrow will he, Kabir?"

"Nay," Kabir answered remorsefully.

Rachna hugged her husband a little tighter offering whatever solace she could. She sniffed loudly and then released her husband. "That settles it then; it's past time that we get up. I would like to make the most of the day with Sanjay today Kabir."

 

 

They were happy to discover that they hadn't missed sharing the morning meal with the little boy. Everyone, it seemed had slept in, so breakfast had turned more or less into brunch.

"Are you sure we can't go to Rajeev Uncle's place to see him and Pari, Papa?" Sanjay asked again, just to make sure that this choice definitely was off the table.

"Nay Beta, anything but that; perhaps in a few days..."

"Thik hai Papa," the little boy answered convinced that he would have the opportunity to visit Pari soon. Rachna smiled, grateful that they did not have to give a more detailed explanation why they would not be visiting the newlyweds. "So what shall we do today, then Sanjay; now that you have us all to your-self? Is there anywhere special..."

"Ha Rachna Aunty I know a special place...Goa. Can we go there?"

Further down the table, Sareena sputtered and Jack outright guffawed.

"Goa, Sanjay," Kabir asked, wondering how Goa of all places had come to be on the child's mind.

The little boy nodded excitedly, "Yes; the white sand beaches of Goa. No trip to India is complete without visiting them. Right Aunty Reena; isn't that Vihaan Uncle said to you after the wedding?"

Sanjay's aunt turned all shades of red, as a sea of speculative glances turned in her direction.

Smiling behind her cup, Rachna took a sip of her chai, before speaking. "We're you thinking of a side-trip to Goa before you returned home, Sareena?"

"Well..uh...no, no...I...uh"

"But you were smiling Aunty Reena, and you said that you..."

"Sanjay, beta?"

"Yes Papa?"

"It's not good to listen to and repeat other's conversations. You need to apologize to Aunty Reena."

"But...Papa"

"Beta..."

The little boy reacted immediately to his father's tone. "I'm sorry Aunty," Sanjay muttered crestfallen that his wish had got him in trouble. He looked up expectantly when his Papa spoke again.

"I am afraid that you will have to come up with another choice for today. We would need to take a flight to Goa, so that is not feasible." He sent a smile to the child to reassure him. "However, I think that Goa would be wonderful for all of us to visit as a family before..." He faltered, and absently reached under the table to where he knew Rachna's hand awaited.

"I think you're right Kabir, I would like that very much," Sareena interjected to come to her host's aid. She held one finger up, "But like your Papa said, Sanjay; not today, in a few days from now."

The little boy beamed. "After you have spoken to Mama, right Aunty?"

Sareena smiled and nodded. "For now you still need to choose something special for today, though."

*********

Less than an hour later, Sareena watched from the lounge as Kabir and Rachna left, hand in hand with her nephew. She smiled seeing their happiness as they went over the plan that Sanjay had come up with for their day. She turned back after the door closed to see Jack looking at her, concern on his face.

"What..."

"Reena, do you see how muddled things have become; even you are referring to Kabir as Sanjay's Papa."

"It's not like we can do anything until the custody issue is resolved. It will be upsetting enough for Sanjay to realize that he has to leave, and we just all want to spare him that..."

"How long will it be until you have to return back to the UK, Sareena?"

The young physician looked away, "Actually, I have contacted my senior and have asked for a few more days..."

"Let me guess; you have maxed out your leave, and will have to get back to your internship as soon as you return, correct?"

Sareena nodded, but she didn't want to dwell further on what would come next. "Will it be a problem for you Jack; staying the extra days?"

 He knew exactly what his old friend was doing in changing the subject, and left well enough alone. "You are the boss, Reena, I will follow your lead. Mind you, I wouldn't find a few extra days here objectionable either," Jack responded.

"Aacha?" Sareena answered with a sly grin.

********

 The click of his client's heels on the ground betrayed her anxiousness as they walked from the parking lot to the law office of the opposing party. He stole a brief glance at her as they entered the lift that would take them to the conference room where her son's father and his wife, along with their attorney awaited. When Sonal extracted her handkerchief and dabbed at her damp forehead with it, he finally spoke to allay her worry.

"Sonal Ji, they will not succeed, I promise you. Your son belongs with you, and I will do everything to prevent his father from eradicating your rights as Sanjay's mother."

"I know you will do your best," Sonal agreed softly. On the inside, she prayed that Kabir's barrister be as astute as he was reputed to be, so that he could counter the vigorous defense her own lawyer had in mind. If not finalized today, she would ensure that custody of Sanjay was transferred to his father; securing his position as first born son, and heir-apparent to the Tripathi wealth. And once that was settled... then she would arrange the needful to ensure that he would be the sole heir.

 

They had reached the reception area and waited to be escorted to the private conference room. Her head held high, Sonal entered the room and took the seat offered, placing her directly opposite Kabir. She glanced at Rachna, who met her head-on: stare for stare. Excellent, Sonal thought. Just by this behenji's confidence, Sonal knew that the Tripathis believed they had a good chance for success.

 

"Good Morning," the senior attorney began as an assistant placed two file folders in front of Sonal. "We might as well get directly to the heart of the matter, that being the custody of the minor known as Sanjay Tripathi. On behalf of Mr. Tripathi, I have executed an order of cessation of child maintenance with immediate effect, for the aforementioned minor. Against my counsel, Mr. Tripathi has agreed not to seek compensation for the child maintenance support collected by fraudulent means by Sonal..."

 

Sonal brow furrowed for a second and then understood. Of course Kabir would request this; obviously he would no longer be required to pay child support if he took custody. She settled back in her chair.

 

"Excuse me...hold on...Can you please explain the nature of the fraud, that Mr. Tripathi is accusing my client of," Sonal's lawyer queried.

 

Sonal blinked rapidly, at the unexpected interruption by her counsel.

 

"I refer you to the second document in the file: the independent paternity test commissioned by Mr. Tripathi, showing that in fact there is no possibility of him being the father of your client's son."

 

Sonal shook her head in denial. "Nay, this is wrong...this is the fraud. Kabir you cannot think to deny your child through this deception. You know, you have known for almost two years that Sanjay is your son!"

 

The irate woman quietened when her lawyer grabbed her wrist and shook his head.

 

"Naturally, all proceedings concerning Mr. and Mrs. Tripathi seeking primary of custody of the minor child have been nullified. All that is required is for your client to sign her agreement..."

 

"I will sign nothing," Sonal screeched. "How dare you deny your own flesh and blood Kabir Tripathi. I will take this to court, and drag you and your family through the mud. The press will have a field day..."

 

"Sir, I would ask you to control your client." Nodding to the Tripathis, he and his clients stood. "We will give you a few minutes privacy; my assistant will be waiting just outside when you are ready to continue."

 

The lawyer escorted them to an adjacent office. The group waiting looked up from where they sat, at the new arrivals.

"That didn't take long," Sareena stated. "Dare I ask how it went?"

"As expected," Kabir answered. "How are you holding up?"

"Just fine; thank you. I am just looking forward to getting this all over and done."

The lawyer interjected. "It won't be long now. The child is in a secure location?"

"Yes Sir, he is presently in the company of professional security in addition to the constable the Inspector has assigned. Are we sure that Sonal won't slip out of the building?"

"There is no chance of that, Dr. Arora," The police inspector who, with his team, had waited with the young physician. Parental kidnapping is an egregious offence that cannot be overlooked, whether or not the actual transgression occurred in one's jurisdiction."

 

A knock came, and the young para-legal stuck her head in. "Sir, they are ready."

"Aacha, please come in and wait with Dr. Arora and the officers. I will call you when they need to come in."

***********

Hate spilled from Sonal's eyes as she watched Kabir and Rachna re-enter the room. Sonal knew that only Rachna was behind this, but she would set this to rights. She had convinced her lawyer that there was something suspect about the latest paternity test, and they would be requesting a new one. Just as she had done before, she would manipulate these results, and any other necessary. That Behenji would not defeat her.

 

She was left gritting her teeth when Kabir's attorney objected.

 

"Nay, my client will not submit to another test. Perhaps you did not notice, but the additional test results noted, deem it unnecessary."

 

"That's impossible," Sonal stated, "There is no way any other paternity test could be conducted with positive results...Kabir is Sanjay's father..."

 

"That is a fair argument, and as one not in the medical profession, I cannot attest to the validity to something not under my remit." He buzzed the desk intercom before he continued. "Thankfully we do have a physician on hand who can shed some light on the matter."

 

The assistant opened the door and entered, followed by the group of three.

"May I introduce Dr. Sareena Arora," Kabir and Rachna's lawyer said for the opposing attorney's benefit. "Sonal Ji, I believe you are already acquainted."

 

Sonal's eyes looked enormous against her pallid complexion. Had she not already been sitting, she would have surely have collapsed. She began to breathe heavily.

 

"Namaste Bhabhi; you look surprised to see me after so long."

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-28 12:47:55