Chapter 12

Press fiasco part 2 : Cindrellas ball

He didn't tell her what his plans were, so she speculated as he drove, his eyes focussed on the road ahead. He switched on his CD player and the notes of

(joyride- roxette ) filled the car.

She made a face, but sat back with a sigh looking outside. She was oblivious to the undercurrents. He glanced at her a few times, his eyes hooded by the long lashes that could hide the deepest of emotions. The constantly beating pulse at his taut jaw gave occasional glimpse to his feelings within.

"Devv…Hum kahaan jaa rahen hai – curiousity got better of her"…He turned down the volume and said "It's a surprise" She sighed in frustration – complaining to herself .Oh no another surprise- it will kill her for sure. She wondered what it might be. He halted the car outside a long row of expensive stores. She turned to him " Kyaa hum shopping jaa rahen hai" He smiled at her enigmatically "yes" She sighed and muttered to herself – kuch toh bada surprise hai, mein Dev ko acchi tarah se jaanti hoon. It will be totally unexpected" He raised a brow " anything the matter" a smile hovered around his lips. She shook her head, flushing lightly.

Again his fingers touched her waist lightly as he put his arm around her, she took a deep breathe as he pulled her closer. The shops were one of those hideously expensive ones she had heard about. She was wide eyed as Alice in Wonderland at the designer dresses, outfits that lay around. The proprietress personally came out to serve them." Ahhh- Devv…It is indeed a pleasure to see you after all this time..….is this the young bride…" She smiled at a bemused Kaajjal warmly. Dev introduced them " This is…moms best friend and fellow designer – Mrs. Charoo Dutta. Charoo aunty this is Kaajjal, my wife." He added with a bit of pride and possessiveness in his soft voice. The older lady smiled. Kaajjal noted she was really elegant like NTmom, with attractive features but genuinely warm eyes. Looking at Dev, with a sudden spark of pain and remorse in her eyes "I am terribly sorry to hear about Nayantara. It came as total shock to all of us. Unfortunately I have been away and couldn't come for the funeral And also that I couldn't attend your wedding." He smiled slightly but his own eyes were dark with pain. Then he brushed the tears aside, as she gave him a heartfelt hug. "thanks – charoo Aunty."

Then he moved away and his tone was slightly business like, though warm "Charoo aunty – I want you to find some outfits for Kaajjal. We are having a press conference tonight." The older lady smiled "of course – come along Kaajjal". He cut in softly " No Kaajjal will stay here. I will choose" Both Kaajjal and Mrs Dutta looked at him surprised. He smiled at Kaajjal "I said it is a surprise, didn't I. I know exactly what I want, just could do with some advice" His eyes glinted amusedly as they met Kajus bemused gaze.

She sighed again and complained to Gannu bhaiyya this time – DEkha Gannu Bhaiyya….aapke Jijaji ko…..Abb kyaa karoon…Mein yahaan….paagal hui jaa rahi hoon ki kyaa suspense hai…par wooh hai naa…

Then she wondered what he was going to choose for me, she hoped not something naughty. She blushed at the thought. She told herself firmly, "Na-na-na Kaajjal, no matter how sophisticate he is he wont ask you to wear something outrageous." But she wasn't quite sure. She didn't know him as well as that. All this time, there had been only strife, pain, running away from each other, separation. There hadn't been any time to get to know him intimately. She rested her chin on her palm wistfully, her elbow on the glass showcase which displayed a rich array of accessories – like sari clips, pins, hair pins…all beautiful and enchanting.

He came out then and she looked up. He said to her " Kaajjal " she went over slowly her eyes softly puzzled. He gazed deeply into her eyes " This is your first outfit. Would you wear it for me….." after a pause his eyes flickered slightly and he added, "If you don't like it, choose any other of your choice". She took a deep breathe, at the soft desire throbbing in his eyes, the gentle plea and smiled "I will wear it".

She gasped as she drew it out of his exquisite cover. It was a sari. Beautiful wouldn't be sufficient words to describe the finest lace intervined like a delicate web of gold threads, over a soft fabric so fine that it rippled in her fingers like water. The matching blouse had short sleeves was pure shimmery lace, with a soft cream lining inside. Taking a deep breathe she changed and almost didn't recognise herself. It dropped like a sheath, moulding her figure to perfection, yet the creamy sheen almost virginal in feel. She didn't know what to say. Taking a calming breathe she stepped outside slowly. Both Mrs. Dutta and Dev went completely still when they saw her. Kaajjal stood there uncertainly.

Mrs Dutta came forward and murmured taking Kajus clammy hands in hers, "Absolutely enchanting – you are the first to wear my design. Dev - You were absolutely right. It is indeed her colour". He had changed too, replacing his dark suit with a lightweight casual jacket in white, matching trousers and a black silt shirt open at the collar. He came towards her slowly his eyes travelling down her, twin flames burning in their depths. She drew in her breathe when she saw the look in them, a pulse beat at his jaw furiously.

Taking a deep breathe he thanked Mrs Dutta for all her help and picked up the other 2 packets and left the shop. Then they went into a jewellery store. Dev had already placed the order. It was a diamond set. She gasped when she saw the beautiful tear drop set – delicate and lightweight. He first put on the soft gold bangles lined with diamonds in a lovely leaf pattern. Then he inserted the 2 rings on her fingers. One was amethyst and the other ruby. She gasped softly and looked at him. He was staring at her and her own eyes darkened in response. Everything faded away that moment, including the onlookers who stared at them.

He bent his head slowly and extended his fingers to put the necklace around her neck. She sucked in her breathe, closing her eyes as his lips caressed her hair. His breathe was warm, his voice a whisper in her ear, "This is how I saw you in my dreams. And today, it has surpassed all my imagination. I can't describe how lovely you are looking". Her heart was pounding, a soft film of sweat just below her lower lip that trembled slightly at his proximity. She noticed his breathing was slightly uneven too.

As they left the shop, he took her into a shoe shop. She now felt like Cindrella getting ready for her ball, as the assistants brought out the finest of slippers. He watched with a critical eye as she slipped her feet in and out of them. They finally bought 3 pairs. She wondered what the other 2 outfits were like. Finally when they were done she sat back in the car with a sigh" Phew – that was exhausting. I didn't know shopping could be so tiring." He smiled at her still marvelling at her looks, his eyes lazy yet tender. "where to next." She looked at him a wry smile on her lips. He smiled "You shall see".

sammy
next part - calypso waltz