Chapter 13

Press fiasco Part 3 : Calypso waltz

They came to a large hotel – the Marriott. The staff all knew him well. Heads turned as they passed, admiring the striking couple they made. Kaajjal was feeling very self conscious of the looks she was receiving. Dev dropped his head slightly and whispered in her ears" just try and relax – you are looking stunning, and people cant help…. but look same as me" he added huskily. She blushed, unable to meet his eyes. Quite dazed at it all.

The general manager personally ushered them towards a large ornately carved door," All is ready Sir – as you had requested. Please let me know if you need anything at all". She gasped at the magnificient hall – it was regal like some palace with gold brocaded architecture of the medieval times. Red gold drapes, carpets, lovely paintings. It was a fairly large sized hall, with a single table and 2 chairs right in the centre. She turned to look at him stunned. He led her towards it, his arm around her waist.

He pulled out her chair first and prompted her to sit down. Placing his hands lightly over her shoulders knowing fully the effect it had on her," he bent his head and murmured in her eyes" Mrs. Kaajjal Pratap Singh – Close your eyes. Don't open them until I say so." She anyways closed her eyes as his lips brushed her ears, her heart stopped acting sanely ages ago. It was totally lost by now in the feelings that rushed through her. Taking a deep breathe she waited, again the suspense killing her.

Softly "You may open them now." She did then saw the trolley and its contents. She gasped aloud, then looked at him stunned. His eyes were wry, and he gestured with his eyes," what do you think" On 3 exquisitely decorated dishes were steaming hot pakodas of different shapes and sizes. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Tears sprang to her eyes. "Devvv….I ..I…d…don't know…w..what to say…" she felt like crying now at the tender expression that filled his eyes. His voice was softly amused," I thought you must be missing them but dare not go to another Dhabha. So here you are, my little Dhabha presentation." She tentatively took a bite and her eyes widened – delicious she muttered though a mouthful. He meanwhile stuck to a more bland starter like the beautifully arranged prawn salad, his smile indulgent as he saw her enjoy her treat.

There was a full fledged Punjabi meal for lunch, complete with Raitha and Kheer for Dessert. She was totally approving. Then he smiled," Alright – close your eyes again, and don't open them until I say". She sighed, now what. But so far his surprises had blown her away so she waited with silent anticipation.

She heard the clatter of plates and cutlery, as it was being removed away. She smiled wondering what it might be. It seemed like a long wait, finally his soft voice caressed her ear," open your eyes slowly" he murmured. She did and slowly her smile faded. The room was in darkness, as the thick red drapes were drawn fully. The place was dotted with the tiny flickering flames from tall white candles, some as tall as her but various sizes. She looked at the table, a single spotlight covered it eerily. Before her lay two trays in gold lined with soft lace and top of it two chains, identical. She recognised it, even from the distance. A tear welled in her eyes, and fell.

She felt his arms come around her neck slowly, his breathe warm against her neck. A whisper "please…..pick it up – Kaajjal", the hauntingly beautiful soft tune of Mozarts – Allegro (from his famous composition Eine Kleine Nachtmusik) started to play in the background, tugging at her heart already overwhelmed with emotions. The tears continued to fall as she picked up the locket that had always been close to her heart since she was six. He murmured, his lips grazing her hair," I had picked it up in mussoorie and since then its always been with me. open it"…her hands shook slightly as she did, - her mum and dads photo. Her lips quivered, "pick up the other one" his lips trailed her hair to her new pearl earrings, he had put on earlier with his own hands.

"it was her photo with DEvs…" she closed her eyes a soft sob escaping her lips as she said his name" D…D..devvv", he smiled and kissed the top of head " I love you Kaajjal – that's all I want to say". He slipped the chain with her and DEvs photo around her neck, his touch featherlight. She sat there absolutely still listening to her heart, which was trying to recover from these mesmerising moments. There were no words in her anymore.
He said," I have booked the Royal College of London – for this orchestra. Now we move to the Dance Floor Mrs Kaajjal Pratap Singh".

Slowly he moved away coming in the front and she sucked in her breathe. He had changed into a white silk suit, white shirt and white silk bow-tie (slightly creamish with the faints gold sheen to it), a gold and diamond tie pin on it. He held out his hand, his eyes dark burning with the same intensity she remembered at her birthday party. Her own darkened, as she put her hand in his. With the grace of a ballet dancer he led her to the centre of the floor, and the spotlight moved with them. They stared at each other as he slowly pulled her to him, his cheeks brushing hers and she closed her eyes" Lets waltz – Kaajjal. I will lead the way, just follow me". She sighed deeply losing herself in his arms, surrendering to the magic he had created.

The composition drew in its softness, as they moved the flickering flames for company. The 54 strong orchestra was behind the thick curtains on the stage. Dev moved to his favourite slow waltz, his face solemn, yet a ghost of a smile touched the corner of lips.

They danced and danced, 2 lovers caught in a timeless zone, where there was no one just the 2 of them in angelic white, whirling around, his eyes half hooded whenever he would bring his arms around her from the back or when twirled her to his side crisscrossing their arms. Absolutely in control of each step, of her they moved as one.

It ended with the legendary composers – Romanze the sot yet powerful rendition echoeing in the hall long after it had ended. They stood still listening to their hearts, singing its own tune for a long time. Slowly he moved away and she opened her eyes. There was a thin line of sweat on their faces, their breathing soft, their eyes filled with wonder as their souls felt their oneness. They didn't need words, that moment as their eyes said it all.

sammy