SunEclipsers just for you!: In Fairy Land - Page 18

Back in Delhi reinvigorated, life took over its languid air. Simi resumed her job on a part-time basis. It was a never ending cycle of work, home, work, home .. the bills to be paid .. the laundry to be done and seen to .. to market to market for produce .. stocking of the kitchen .. cooking .. house cleaning to be done and seen to .. house repairs .. all punctuated occasionally with family get-togethers, walks in the park, communing with their garden, a movie or two, pizza in bed watching TV. Not that there weren't romantic moments or that their deep love for each other diminished. It's just that life was suffused with the quotidian.

All might have been monotonously well with the world.

Neetu had found her 'soul-mate' in Girish. Had she but known. It was early March. She was out shopping for a new set of clothes for herself and some for him. Her own car was in the garage and she was allowed the use of Nakul's car. The chauffer opened the trunk to let her stash her haul. Something caught his attention and he leaned over to retrieve what looked like a wallet. He handed it to Neetu. Puzzled she opened it. It was Mili's wallet! The wallet she had lost the night of her assault! What was it doing in Nakul's car?! She wasn't that much of a nincompoop after all - she rapidly put 2 and 2 together to arrive at 4!! She stood there stupefied then regained her senses and directed the chauffer to head to Green Park without alerting him to the situation to obviate the wrong person getting wind of things and subverting investigation. Best discuss this first with Simi-di she thought. She called to find out if Simi was home. She was. In fact, had only just stepped in.

An agitated Neetu walked into the house in Green Park and showed Simi the wallet! Simi looked at it, then at Neetu and asked about the circumstances that had led to the discovery. She got the full scoop minus any mention of Girish!

Abhi was instantly called.

'Neetu found Mili's wallet!'

'Hunh?! What??!! ... Where??!!'

'You'd never guess Abhi! In Nakul's car! In the trunk!'

'She found it in Nakul's car? In the trunk?!'

'That's what I said!'

'Stay where you are! I'm headed home! It's mid-day so traffic may delay things. I'll be there in an hour or so. Don't say anything to anyone as yet!'

The two sisters comforted themselves as best they could. Simi walked out to the gate every five minutes when Abhi was not home in an hour. He drove up a half-hour after his estimate. He looked at Simi and Neetu and tried to see if there was any more detail that had been missed. The sum total of the information lay before them.

'Neetu, do not say anything of this at home. Return now as if nothing had transpired. Can the chauffer be trusted to not say anything?'

'I'm not certain Abhi, but I think so! I did not let on to him that this was Mili's wallet saying that it looked like Nakul .. Bhaiya had left his there by mistake.'

'OK! Good! I'm going to first inform Shiv Mama-ji, then based on his suggestion, let the Ma, Papa-ji, Vishal, and Mili know.'

He was unable to meet with Mama-ji until the following day. The evening at Green Park was somber.

Mama-ji's office called to reschedule the meeting until the following week. He had no choice but to wait.

Mama-ji had already been told the purpose of the meeting, so a sedate Shiv Anand met an even more serious Abhi Taneja.

The wallet had been wrapped in one of his clean handkerchiefs. He handed it over.

'Have this sent to forensics for fingerprint retrieval and analysis', he directed his PA Malhotra.

'Can I tell the rest of the family?'

'Sure, but I caution you to not say anymore than the bare facts. No conjectures on the identity of the perpetrator .. not until we have a confirmation .. there is no doubt in my mind that we have finally got him. Our low-profile on the matter will not alert him into putting up impediments.'

That's what he did. Simi and Abhi drove to 12/24 in the evening after he returned from work. Neetu had been told the plan. Clearly she could not come by herself late in the evening and there was no point involving Omi because there was no way to gauge his position. It was his older brother after all. Rajinder and Manju were left speechless and Mili was quiet. Through her reserve she did manage to say that finally justice could prevail and she could put this episode behind her.

They arrested him a week later. He posted bail and set about to arrange his acquittal.

A Delightful Day

The Dagar family lawyer was dispatched to begin preparing for the impending case to turn it into a legal hornet's nest. Nakul called his 'friends' in the BJP to quash things if his monetary support was to be counted upon by them. Unfortunately, for him it wasn't going to be quite as simple. The BJP was not the majority party and given that the Police Commissioner was personally involved, having him unseated would not just be non-trivial but rife with the potential for extreme embarrassment. The case however, could be delayed to an extent where justice could be said to have been denied. This would be a war of the Leviathans and no one could be certain of the ultimate outcome. It would also have its affect on Mili's relationship with Vishal.

Rajinder Sethi wasn't going to be brow-beaten! Ordinarily, interfering in his daughter's marriage would have been a delicate undertaking, but this time he was taking the bull by the horns. As far as he was concerned, the Dagar household was no longer a suitable place for Neetu and called for a meeting with Daadi-Amma. He read her the as close to a riot-act as a girl's father is apt to do. Either Neetu and Omi were to move out on their own or she was returning to 12/24 for an indefinite period of time. Such a state of affairs was quite alien to someone of Daadi's generation, but in the face of a determined Rajinder Sethi, a torn Daadi capitulated. The couple would move into a flat owned by the Dagars in Jodh Bagh. It was smaller than any of the Dagar Mansions Neetu had lived in so far, but the privacy this situation afforded was priceless.

There must be a heaven somewhere! She could now rendezvous unfettered with Girish! The arrangement was mutually agreeable. For as long as could last.

Abhi had been ferociously busy on several fronts. It was not just the UK project that occupied him. With a new manufacturing facility in place, Mathur Pharma was in a fine position to compete for other projects. A proposal response to the Indian Government for supply of pharmaceuticals to the Defense Services was being worked on and the submittal date was fast approaching. The team was extremely hopeful of a favorable response by early 'fall'. There were rumors that a similar request from the Singapore Government was in the offing, so it would be hell all over again much too soon. Then there was another business trip to the UK in late May. Thankfully, it did free him up briefly to concentrate on Simi's birthday in mid-April.

Manju would routinely hold a havan for her children's birthdays, an event that was not entirely anathema to her husband with his contempt for idle and idol rituals. The KB house was too small for a 'large-scale' event, so part of the neighborhood park had been rented to set up the Shamiana and the halvai - this was a done thing amongst the residents of KB. All grand functions were held thus. Given Simi's social standing, this had to be a suitably grand affair. At least this year. It was a prohibitive waste of money according to her, and she declared that she would not countenance this on an annual basis.

Abhi had thought long and hard about an appropriate gift. He had offered to get her a car of her own, but she had demurred. They did not have a family as yet, and given that her weekly routine involved the University and her home, the metro worked fine. The thought of battling the Delhi traffic was sufficient deterrent, until a car became absolutely necessary. So now what was a poor man to do?!

It was a balmy early birthday morning when she woke. The door to the garden had been opened and a cooling breeze wafted through the room. She rose and walked to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She assumed that Abhi must be on the verandah paging through the newspaper. They were to be at KB at 10:00 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. havan start. He wasn't on the verandah. He heard her rise and go to the bathroom. He walked silently into the bedroom with a huge package then sat down in the armchair waiting for her to return.

'Happy Birthday!'

She smiled and said 'Thanks!' Then she walked to her side of the bed. She had not noticed the package which had been placed very strategically for her to trip whereupon her 'knight in shining armor' would rescue her!

'Oooo ... what's this?! For me?!'

'No .. actually .. I just like to leave large packages lying around .. never know when a good looking gal will be passing by .. I love good looking gals .. I love them even more when they fall into my arms .. I love them ..'

'Shut up Abhi!'

'OK! OK! Open it!!'

She knelt and unwrapped her gift. Inside was another box surrounded by a sea of small rocks!

'What's this??!! What on earth am I to do with these rocks?!'

'Give them to Shahtab for the garden! But keep going .. keep going!'

She removed the smaller box and unwrapped that. Yet another box greeted her!!

She pulled this latest one out. Underneath was a package that appeared to be a book. She was tired of kneeling so she sat down cross-legged then unwrapped the package to, indeed, find a hardcover book on Indian miniature painting!

'Oooo .. how lovely! Oooo .. oh wow .. Oooo Abhi ...' She began paging through it admiring the colored pictures.

'Keep going .. keep going!'

So, the third box was unwrapped. Not another one!!

'Is this your idea of a fun gift??!!'

'You see .. I love good looking gals who can be flustered .. I love ..'

He had been given one of her stern stares, so he stopped mid-sentence and chuckled.

But beneath the box was another gift. She unwrapped it to find two framed miniatures depicting romantic interludes between Krishna and Radha!

'Oh my!! Abhi!! How gorgeous', she said softly and gazed at them, then around the room seeking out a place on the walls to hang them. Then she played with them for a few minutes and looked through the art book to see if she could identify the period and school to which the paintings belonged.

'You're not done yet! Keep going!'

She unwrapped this next box. No surprise! There was yet another! A lovely oval shaped one, not too large. It was not wrapped!

'Is this the beginning of the end?!', she asked and began to remove the top. It was on quite snug, so she struggled.

She was smiling from ear to ear. This was SUCH fun!

'What's in here?!'. She was looking at him when the lid came loose. Out flew an object with great force!!

She screamed with fright and fell backwards with her hands covering the side of her face. She was truly petrified!! She arose and put her hand on her beating heart!

'WHAT'S THE BRIGHT IDEA???!!! YOU SCARED THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME!!!'

Abhi was laughing in his usual silly boy way!!!

It was a jack-in-the-box toy that had landed not too far from where she had been sitting. It reminded her of the time when he'd done something similarly silly very early on in their 'pre-romantic' days!

Then she noticed a tiny box that had spilled out.

He bent over, picked it up and offered it to her after opening it. The most exquisite diamond and gold ring lay inside. It was a rectangular stone with two smaller baguettes on the side. It sparkled even in the dim light of the room. He removed it and slipped it on to her finger. It fit her like a charm.

'Happy Birthday .. this does not begin to compare with the sparkle you bring to my life .. my darling, darling wife .. my sweetest Simi!' He spoke very softly, then put his arms around her to kiss her!

It was a fun gift after all! She walked backwards only to trip on one of the multiple boxes that lay around! Her knight in shining armor rescued his damsel in distress!

Ah! A Delightful Night!

April rolled into May and Abhi was off for his trip to the UK.

'Simi, I'd like you to come along. We can take a mini-vacation then head back home.'

'Abhi, I can't just take off like that. I'm teaching.'

'I know you are! Why can't they find a substitute like they did the last time?! It'll only be 2 weeks!'

'I simply cannot be gone for 2 weeks! How about if I join you afterwards .. after your meetings are done? We can return home together.'

'Fine! Sounds good! I'm going to have some surprises for you!'

So, they were all set! She would join him for a week and they would do a mini-tour of the many, many wonderful sites the UK offered.

Abhi left on schedule.

Only another two days before she too would be flying out! For now, she and Sarita were wrapping up things with regard to her absence. They were walking down a flight of stairs, fairly engrossed in things. She did not quite gauge the distance from where she was to the floor - only a couple of steps. The next thing she found was herself tripping, twisting her ankle, and excruciating pain!! She screamed as she tried to sit up rubbing her ankle!

There was plenty of commotion! Concerned students milled around asking if Ma'am was OK! Sarita ordered a couple of students to go fetch a chair where she could rest. A chair was brought out. Someone offered her a glass of water. Sarita bent down to examine her ankle and thought she saw it swell. They had to get her to the hospital in case there was a fractured or broken bone! Sarita called Nandini to see if her car was available to take Simi to the hospital. She was! She'd let them know as soon as she drove up. Sarita marshalled a couple of young men to assist Simi hobble to the car. They would have gladly carried her, but enough of a spectacle had been created and she did not need any more attention.

The X-rays showed that she had indeed fractured the lower portion of her tibia. A cast it was to be but she was spared the use of the latest in nuts, bolts and screws - that made it sound like some medieval torture chamber! Medications would ease her pain. Anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks was expected for her recovery!! The trip to the UK was not going to happen this time!

She let Abhi know of her mishap when he called later in the day - as was his habit.

'Are you OK?! Who's there with you?! Can Mili come over while I'm away or do you need me to return right away?!'

'I'm OK! It's only a fractured bone! You'll be back in a couple of days anyways! Mili's already been dispatched by Papa-ji. She's here .. fixing me a cup of tea. I have this fabulous cast on! Even got it autographed!'

'Oh! Swell! That's all right then! 'Break a leg' has taken on a completely different meaning! Just make sure not to overdo things! I'd hate to have a cripple of a wife for the rest of my life!'

'Nice!! You're SOOO considerate Abhi!! I love you too!!'

Sarita and Nandini came to check up on her as did her friend from down the street. Anusha came to visit. Neetu did too. As did Anuj, Papa-ji and Manju. Dolly Chaachi called and asked after her. Mrs. Garg stopped by to make sure that everything was OK. A number of her students showed up as well, and wrote the usual sophomoric stuff on her cast! For now, she was to get around on crutches.

Ghanshyam arrived per protocol to drive their car to the airport for Abhi. They stopped on the way back for him to pick up a huge bouquet of flowers for her. Mili opened the door for him.

'Hey Mili Puttar!'

'Nono! Stop right there! No puttar-shuttar stuff! You're not getting me to run errands for you already!'

'Who me?!! Make you go off on errands??! Nah! You're confusing me with someone else! Hey, where's my princess?!'

'Lying in bed! Getting used to the pea under her mattress! Make sure you don't kiss her! Don't want her turning into a frog!!'

'Everyone should have a loving s-inlaw like you! Mili Puttar!'. He laughed, knowing that she did not like this 'name-calling'!

Mili stayed taking care of things until her mother needed her back at 12/24 - a week later. Simi was recovering well and had learned to hobble without her crutches if there was something else that she could use as support.

It was one such evening. Abhi sat in bed reading. She hobbled up, ready to get in and read herself, before falling asleep. She pulled back the covers. Something big and dark .. and leggy, scrambled back under the covers. She screamed her head off.

'What happened??!!'

'There's ... there's something under the covers Abhi!! Get it out! Get it out!!', she screamed in terror. Large, black, leggy thinks horrified her!!

He pulled back the covers a wee bit more and picked up the black creature.

'Oh! It's only a spider!' It was immobile.

He turned to put it on his bedside table. That's when she realized she'd been had! It was a fake!! And hell hath no fury - although she wasn't a woman scorned.

He looked at her innocently, while surreptitiously hiding the miniature battery-operated remote he had used to get the 'toy' to move.

'Abhi ke Bacchhhheeeeeyyy!!', she screamed as loud as she could muster!

'Abhi ke baccheey??! Where??! How many??!! You mean you've been having my kids without me knowing anything about them??!' he said in mock horrified tones!!

She bent down where she stood to pick up one of her Kolhapuri chappals that she wore around the house. He was not getting away this time!! She also descended into Punjabi with her cursing.

'Tu thair! Ujj te main teri khabar lai ke ruvaan gi!!'. She knelt on to the bed to take a swing at him. He anticipated it and jumped out of bed! She swung her chappal in mid-air without hitting him - which made her even more angry!

'Whoa! That's what my mum always said!'

'Tu thair bacchu! Ujj tainu aiho jai chittar paine jede teri ma ne vi tainu kuddi nai khvai hone!! Tu thair!!'

She hobbled as best she could to the other side. He waited for her then jumped on the bed and hopped off on the other side.

'Gosh Simi, you're turning into a bona fide Mrs. T! Hey! Has my mother been tutoring you??!!'

'Abhi Taneja! Do you know why you're so brown?!' She said menacingly!

'No! But I'm sure you're going to tell me!' he was laughing and chuckling all at the same time away from reach!

'Because you're full of SHIT, and I am going to beat it out of you today!! If it's the last bloody thing I do!!!!'. She threw her chappal at him. He dodged it and continued with his laughing!

So she hobbled back to the other side and he ran back again over the bed. She retrieved the other chappal and started back to the side where he stood!!

'Hey Mrs. T! You're a woman of your word after all!! I think I'm going to like this spanking stuff!! Hey! ', he had already jumped up on the bed again. 'Hey! Did I ever tell you the difference between a Masochist and a Sadist?!'

She muttered some more as he continued dodging off her arm swings. 'A Masochist says: Hit me! A Sadist responds: No!' .. he was laughing pretty hysterically now, and she was mad as a really irritated hornet!! Finally, she ran out of steam and threw the other chappal at him. She missed! She got into bed and picked up her own book to read.

He crept back in very gingerly.

Thwack! He got a smack on the side of his head.

'Don't you EVER do that to me again!!!', she huffed.

'Ok Baba! OK Baba!! Sorry! Sorry!'. He still chuckled, looking at her sideways.

He read a while, chuckling silently then turned off his bedside light and rolled over to sleep. She saw his body shake every now and then because he was still laughing. He got poked hard in the back every time that happened. Finally he started to drift off to sleep. He was silent.

He vaguely heard her turn off her light, then whisper 'Abhi are you asleep?'

It woke him out of his slumber and he thought he might make some smart-alec remark, but decided not to waiting to see where her query was going.

He felt her hand on his shoulder and she leaned over to give him a kiss on his cheek.

'I really adore you Abhi!', she said without her usual reserve thinking she had complete privacy and could express her feelings without feeling shy.

Sleep took over as a wonderful warmth suffused his body from hearing those words.

A Handful of Women

'Abhi, could you swing by Neetu's and drop off some of this Kheer I made? She always loved it when I made some.'

It wasn't that much out of his way to drop it off at Neetu's new place. Omi and she lived in the upstairs flat of a 2-storey house that belonged to the Dagars. The lower portion had been rented out. A tall hedge around the small lawn downstairs gave both occupants privacy since the stairs to the upper unit were on the other side of the hedge.

He rang the door bell. Her 'housekeeper' answered and invited him in. She had never met him before but there was something about his person that one responded to. He told her of his relationship and asked about Neetu.

'Oh, Neetu bibi to bahar gayin hain .. upne master-ji ke saath .. bus aati hi hon gi .. aap bathiye ga nahin?'

'Master-ji ke saath?! Kaunse master-ji?'

'Yeh to hamen kuch pata nahin .. kuch padhti hain unse .. Girish babu'

He sort of nodded his head while that name ricocheted in his brain. Which Girish?!!

'Lijiye, aa gayin'. The housekeeper had seen a familiar car drive up from the window. He walked up to it as well and looked down. Neetu got out from the car and walked over to the other side. She bent over to - what appeared to - kiss the other person. Then they talked and laughed and she began to walk away . The other person opened the door and ran to her. A very passionate kiss was exchanged then they both laughed and looked around furtively to see if they had been seen. Abhi froze! It was the same Girish!! That wretch!! How had he befriended Neetu??!!

She met a serious Abhi when she walked in. She, on the other hand, looked radiant!

'Abhi! What brings you here this early?'

'Brought over some kheer that Simi had made'

'Ooooo!! She is a master kheer-maker! Want to have some now?!'

'No! What I want is to know how you know this fellow Girish .. and what's going on Neetu??!!'

'What do you mean what's going on?! Nothing! He's just tutoring me!'. She wondered what he had witnessed.

'Oh tutoring is it?! Is that what it's called these days? Neetu, you have any idea who that scoundrel is?!'

'What do you mean scoundrel??!! He's not a scoundrel!! Where did you get that notion?!'

'I know that fellow better than he knows himself! Neetu, what do you think you're playing at?! You're a married woman! Think of your relationship with Omi! I saw you kissing!'

'Well, who said you could not fall in love more than once?! I think he's a sweet, sweet fellow .. so is his sister!'

'His sister??!! You know her too??!! Where did you run into them??!!'

'I met them through Anita Bhabhi!'

'Ahhh!!! So! That's where all this started! I might have known! Madam, that fellow is a gigolo who's playing you like a piano! I think you cannot put enough distance between you and him soon enough!'

'Abhi, why don't you mind your own business?! I'm a grown woman and I know what I'm doing! Girish and I will marry as soon as his business gets underway!'

'You and he will marry???!!! You're going to divorce Omi??!!'

That's how it usually works!'

'Neetu, please listen to me! That man is absolutely a rotten apple!! As for his business .. if he's done an honest day's work, I'll change my name! He hasn't asked you for money has he?!'

'No! He hasn't asked me for money! I've given it to him in this his time of need! He's taken it only after I've insisted! That's how decent a fellow he is!'

'I ask you again, to send him packing! He's bad, bad news! He'll drop you like a hot potato as soon as he has the chance! What would Ma and Papa-ji think? Or anyone else in the family for that matter! Have you no sense of integrity left?!'

'This conversation has reached its logical end! You've insulted me in more ways than one! Abhi, thank Simi-di for the Kheer.'

He left, torn between frustration and anger. What was Anita up to?! She knew all about this brother and sister and she did not put a stop to this affair?! Then it dawned on him that this was premeditated on her part! But why? Why did she need to involve an innocent like Neetu?! He was going to give her a piece of his mind! Nice going Anita! Nice going!

'Anita! What are you up to with Girish and Neetu?!'

'What the hell are you talking about Abhi??!!'

'Oh, I think you know quite well what I am talking about!! You crafted this affair between Girish and Neetu for a reason .. a nefarious reason .. what do you want? Why do you do these things?! That's not how we were raised! To take undue advantage of people! You've got to put an end to this nonsense!! It will destroy any number of innocent people!! Have a heart!!'

'Abhi! Why don't you just shut up and stop accusing me of plotting!! I think your brain has rotted from being with that hag all this time!! Get lost!!!'. She hung up.

Yet another day had dawned that promised no rest for him! Simi would have to be told of course. With the hope of nipping things in the bud he thought to marshal his mother to reason with Anita. A mortified Anusha called her daughter only to be soundly rebuffed.

'I don't know why Abhi is bent upon besmirching me Mom! Girish and Neetu's meeting up was pure accident! How am I her keeper?! She's a grown woman who certainly does not need my advice!! '

'Does Anuj know?!'

'Know what?! There's nothing to know! I'm not about to upset him over Abhi's fantasies! He never did know how to mind his own business!!'

An Anita riled was a formidable foe. Abhi had involved their mother??!! He would pay for this. Dearly!

He returned home somber. Simi did not hear him enter. She was in their bedroom with her work strewn around her in bed. This is how she worked best. It was late, but she had not dined. She went off to the kitchen to see to dinner. He joined her after a wash and change of clothes. He tried to keep up a conversation not wanting to alert her quite yet to the stuff cooking up on the Dagar front. She saw through the facade.

'What's wrong? Everything OK at work?! '

'Fine .. everything's fine.'

'Oh! Is that so?', she was unbelieving. 'How did Neetu like the Kheer?'

'I think she liked it fine. She did not eat it while I was there. Simi ... '

'Yeah?'

'No .. never mind .. later'

'You know, I'm pretty sure something's up .. what is it Abhi?'

He told her. She felt her stomach plummet all the way to her feet. Neetu?! Her sister Neetu?! What would she know of such matters?! What if their parents found out?! It would be devastating!! He advised her against going into confrontation mode with her sister right away. That would just cement Neetu's resolve and create needless animosity.

Where Simi was asked to bide her time, Anita did not waste any before initiating Operation Decimate-Abhi. Preeti Khurana! There had been a time, not in the too distant past, when it was a foregone conclusion that Preeti and Abhi would wed. That was before he outgrew her - something not hard to do given that Preeti was a spoilt, rich, brat! That breakup had left Preeti embittered with the intent of hurting him someday to get even.

'Preeti! It's Anita! Anita Taneja! I guess that should be Anita Sethi! Hahahahaha!'

'Oh, hi Anita!! How are you?! Haven't heard from you in soooo long!'

'I know! Isn't that terrible?! But .. hey .. better late than never!'

'So true! So, how're things? How's that brother of yours? I heard he's married! Wow! Is it true? You know, everything I've heard?'

'You mean the part about her being a witch .. an old matronly type .. that's true .. small wonder he's unhappy!!'

'Oh??!! Unhappy .. is he??!! Surely between you and me, we could rectify that .. quite easily .. no?'. There was a decided smirk in her voice.

'Ah girl! You took the words out of my mouth!! So .. shall we? You're such an adept though, you couldn't possibly need my help!'

'No! I am a proficient when it comes to such things. What's his number?'

Abhi was in the bathroom when his phone rang. He had left it on his bedside table.

'Simi .. could you get that please? It must be Shukla .. I've been expecting his call .. let him know I will call back in 10 minutes or so'

'Is Abhi there?'. It was'nt Shukla. It was a woman.

'He's not available right now. Who's calling? Can I take a message?'

'Oh! Are you his secretary?!'

'No! I'm his wife!'

'His wife is it?! How interesting! Could you let him know Preeti Khurana called?! He has my number! We only spoke a few days ago'.

'What did Shukla say?'

'It was a Preeti Khurana. She said you spoke with her a few days ago.'

'Preeti Khurana?!'. He thought for a while not being able to recall immediately. 'Oh! What did she want?'

'I wouldn't know. Who is she?'

He was silent for a moment before telling her she was an old girlfriend.

'She wondered if I was your secretary ...... How good a girlfriend?'

'I was told that many thought us set to be married one day ..'

'Reeuully?! That IS a good girlfriend. You didn't mention she called a few days ago!'

'What?! Who said she called a few days ago?'

'She did!!'

'Ah! No wonder I did not mention it to you! We did not speak a few days ago!'

'What does she want?'

'I haven't a clue! Why do I think there's something else brewing here?'

'So .. what happened that caused you not to marry her?'

'Just wasn't my type! Besides, a marriage to me was a figment of HER imagination'

'Did you really love her?'

'At the start I fancied I did! Simi, there's no cause for you to be insecure. It all ended a long time ago. A long, long time ago. I don't know what she wants but you can rest assured nothing's happening'

She just nodded. But, she did feel insecure. It gnawed at her the rest of the week and into the weekend when they went to the Park in the morning. He jogged as he did several times during the week and she resumed her 'open-air' hatha-yog class that she had joined a couple of months back before her fractured leg. She used to joke with him that while he went 'jogging', she went 'yogging' .. but today was not a day for jokes .. first there had been the Neetu situation, then this new woman popping up out of the blue. Not surprisingly Sudha's - her neighbor from down the street - announcement that she was in the family way, only added to her stress and misery. She had so wanted the catharsis of relating it to a friendly ear, but it was already too late in the week to get in touch with Lalita or Sarita. So she just let it foment and tear her up inside. Which is why her heroic effort at stoicism did not go off as well as she had hoped.

Her class done, she sat on the grass waiting for Abhi to return lost deep in her thoughts. Anyone could have told that she was brooding, much less he. He pulled her to him when they got home.

'What's eating at you?! You've been moody for days now! What's wrong Sims?! You can tell me!'

'Nothing is eating at me!! Where did you get that idea??!!', she said, releasing herself from his embrace without once looking at him.

'Can't fool me! If it's this Preeti person, I know her appearance is much too close in time after the Malati drama, but that's one issue you should have no concern about whatsoever! She really, really does not mean anything to me! You have no cause to be jealous!'

'Oh .. sure .. just like when you controlled your jealousy over Nakul!!'

'Low blow Simi, low blow!'

'Nice!! If a woman points out a man's foibles it's a low blow! Stop being a hypocrite!'

He wasn't letting this escalate into marital strife, so he stopped. They went about their business in total silence.

She broke it.

'Did you know Sudha is pregnant?!'. Misery oozed from her voice and she started to cry.

He felt her misery and then his own as he walked over to her to fold her in his arms. He wiped the tears from her face and comforted her.

'Shhh! Oh Sims!! Don't!! Don't make yourself miserable over that! We'll have kids one day! I know we will! Hush sweetheart! Please don't cry!'

He held her for quite a while his heart pouring compassion and love.

Not much later Goofy entered their life. Abhi brought him home in a basket with a blue ribbon around his neck. Goofy the quadruped, with the golden fur, floppy ears, swaying tail, and a personality that just made one laugh and filled all voids!

Goofy changes the world

'Oh my! Abhi! What is that?!!'

'Goofy of course .. takes after me doesn't he?! He's a Golden Retriever puppy Simi! All ours!'

She had never had pets in her life before and would not have known a Golden Retriever from a Daschund! But this fellow, with his round eyes and floppy ears! He was cute!!!

'Want to hold him?!'

'Noooooo!!! '

'OK! How about you pet his head?'

'Noooooo!!!'

'C'mon cowardly Custer! Here this is what you do!' He held up the puppy close to his face, cooed to it and kissed him on the head! He got his face licked in return! He had grown up with dogs for pets and knew how they were just the perfect companion for any human!

'OOO!! Yuck!! Abhi!! You kissed him and let him kiss you??!!! Yuck!!!'

'Hey! What's the matter! That's what dogs and humans do silly! OK .. here .. give me your hand and let me show you how to pat him on the head .. c'mon .. c'monc'monc'mon ... give me your hand!'

She let him guide her hand to the puppy's head. Something about that was immensely comforting and joyful!! She tried it one more time.

'You and Goofy will be inseparable .. guaranteed .. give it until tomorrow'

'Ooooo!! I don't know .... but ... he looks adorable Abhi!! Wow! I didn't know dogs could be so cute! Gosh, I don't know anything about dogs!!'

'Well .. let's go down to the bookstore on the weekend and pick up some books on dogs!!'

He set the puppy down and let it wander around getting familiar with his new home. He himself went off to change for dinner. She just gazed at it in astonishment walking behind him to see what he was all about. The puppy stood by the glass doors which were shut. She skirted past him gingerly and opened the door. He hopped, skipped, and jumped outside and she saw how irresistibly cute his rear end looked with the wagging tail. He got to the grass and the cool instinctively made him flop down on his tummy then roll over yelping softly with joy! She could not take her eyes off of it and seeing him so elated, started to laugh.

'Hey Abhi!!!! Abhi!!! Come look!! Look at him!!!' Goofy was now running around excited! She could not stop smiling with absolute fascination!

After he was changed in went out and brought in all the other things Goofy would need .. dog food and bowls, a beautiful collar and leash, a cushion, and toys. He set out a bowl of food and another of water for him in the kitchen!

'You're going to let him eat in the kitchen??!'

'Well ... yeaahhh .. unless you want him to join us on the dining table!'

She stared at him.

'Well, Goofy's mum, we now have to talk about how you must help care for him!'

'Meeeeee??!! Noooooo!!!'

'Youuuuuu!! Yeeesssssss!!! It's simple .. see.. all you need to do is make sure he's house broken .. then get him to the dog 'beauty parlor' every week.. put his food out in the mornings..get him to the vet when he's sick.. or for his shots..and train him to sit, wait, jump, shake hands .. eh .. paws..aaaannnddd .. I'll take care of walking him in the park and playing ball .. I think that's a fair division of labor .. don't you?!'

'Shut up Abhi!!' She grimaced and scrunched her eyes in mock disgust.

He laughed then said 'No goofball! I'll take care of most of that, but I'm hoping I can count on you to drive him to the vet when needed .. and to the groomers .. you'll need a car for all of that .. besides, it won't be long before you will never leave home without Goofy - as that TV commercial in the US says about the American Express Card!'

'Great! I'm obviously underworked with my job and household chores!'

'Simi! You're off for the summer! Most of the hard work with Goofy will be done by the time you get back to work! So, let's go car shopping soon!'

'Where is he going to sleep?'

'With us of course!'

'I'm not sharing my bed with a dog!! He's going to stay indoors??!!'

'Trust me, he'll be happier on the cool floor for now. When winter rolls around, you'll love having him on your bed .. to warm your toes!! And yes, dogs need companionship .. he's staying indoors .. unless he's outdoors for a walk or frolicking! You'll grow to love it .. I promise!!'

He let Goofy outdoors right before they went to bed. Having answered the calls of nature, Goofy too was ready for sleep eye! He did not much care for the warm cushion, preferring the cold floor.

Simi got ready for bed. Abhi was in a semi-reclining position with a pillow propped up, watching TV. She got in and snuggled up to him. He was intent on watching the news. She walked two fingers of her hand up his chest, to caress the side of his face with one finger and then let it run on his lips. He looked down at her and turned off the TV.

'Ah! Mrs. T. I think I know what you're up to! It's going to cost you though!', he winked.

'Oh Mr. T, I'm ready for anything but let's see the goods first'. She too winked and smiled.

He slid down beside her letting her put her arms around his neck and kiss him ever so softly.

He woke pretty early in the morning in response to a whining Goofy who was ready for another round of relieving himself and eating. Abhi opened the bedroom door to let him out into the yard, then went to set out fresh dog food and water. That done, he came back and waited for Goofy to finish his reconnoitering before deciding to poop on the grass! Oh great! That would go over real well with Shahtab, so he hurried indoors to get an old newspaper and a plastic bag. He scooped up the mess and disposed of it in the garbage in their back courtyard. Then he went back and brought Goofy back into the kitchen for his food. Washing his hands scrupulously, he set about to make tea for himself and Simi. While the water boiled he could go out the 'front-door' to get the newspaper. He looked up to see dark clouds portending the first monsoon rain. It was a balmy morning as he picked up the newspaper and glanced over the low common wall between his house and the place next door. He noticed a young Oriental fellow. Then he remembered that there were new tenants moving in the upstairs flat of the place next door.

He smiled and waved!

'Hello! You must be the new tenants upstairs! Welcome to Green Park! How do you like it so far?!'

'Oh we like it very much!', he responded with a low bow.

'Oh! I'm so sorry! Allow me to introduce myself! I'm Abhi Taneja! My wife and I .. and Goofy live here! Goofy is our new Golden Retriever puppy'. He reached out for a hand-shake that was very graciously accepted.

'Ah so! So pleased to meet you! I am Tanaka! Hiroshi Tanaka! Just moved from Tokyo with my wife Akiko, and young son Katsuyuki. I work at Mitsubishi. I'm sorry, could you say your name for me one more time? '

They both laughed because another round of introductions were needed on both sides to cement the respective names in their heads. All of them .. except 'Goofy'.

'Wonderful! How are you settling in? You speak very good English for a Japanese!'

'Ah yes! I did an MBA at Columbia in New York after joining Mitsubishi in Tokyo. And thank you for asking about us. We arrived yesterday. The apartment is very sparsely furnished. All our belongings from Tokyo should be arriving in a day or two.'

'Oh! I didn't know that! You must come over for dinner with us tonight! Do you like Indian food?!'

'Yes! We love Indian food! But I could not impose on you like this!'

'Oh, no imposition at all Tanaka-San! See! I know at least that much Japanese!', he chuckled then went on. 'I'll have my wife Simi set it up with your wife later this morning after you and I are off to save the world! Welcome again, Tanaka-San! See you tonight!'

'Ah! thank you Taneja-San! Thank you for your warm welcome!'

'OHMYGAWD!! I left the water to boil for tea!! There will be hell to pay if I set the place on fire! Gotta run!!'

He hurried back in to see the water almost boiled over. He took the pan off the stove to fill it again when Simi walked in yawning and stretching. She finished making the tea while he told her of the Tanakas and how they were to join them for dinner that night.

Simi was all excited at the prospect of getting to know a couple from another country and couldn't wait to go over and meet Mrs. Tanaka. What was her name?! Akika?! No, it was Akiko .. right Akiko .. he thought.

She went up to the Tanaka's a little after 10:30. A lovely woman opened the door with a smile. She had on a strange sleeveless dress over another dress. She found out later that that was a typical apron that most Japanese women wore when busy with household chores!

'I'm Simi Taneja from next door! I believe my husband spoke with yours this morning!'

'Ah yes!! Mrs. Ta .. Ta .. sorry .. my Engrish not very good!'

'Oh it's Ta ne ja! And your English is perfect!'

'Ah! Tanjeja-San!' she bowed low then motioned her in with a 'Dozo! Dozo!! Oh! Sorry! That means prease in Jaapaanese'

Mrs. Tanaka then took off her slippers and motioned Simi to enter. Unsure of what to do with her chappals, she hesitated.

'Oh, yes! Prease do take off shoes! Jaapaanese custom!! Sorry, I do not have more sreepers yet .. the berongings coming tomrrow .. from Tokyo!'

A little boy about 5 or so ran out and hid behind his mother looking very shyly at Simi. He was darling to look at. Just darling with his dark black straight hair, dark eyes and rosy cheeks!

'Hello! How cute!! What's your name?!'

'Terr, Tanjeja-San your name! What your name?! Hunh?! Namae-wa nan desu ka?! Katsuyuki, Tanjeja-san ni oshiete kudasai' The child clung to his mother still peering silently at her.

'I terr him to terr you his name, but he is shy! He is cawrred Katsuyuki and his Engrish is much better than mine yet!'

They talked for a while, then Akiko asked if she would like some Japanese tea. She'd never had Japanese tea and said she would love to try it! Evidently, Akiko had brought the absolute essentials with them, and a Japanese without tea was unthinkable!

She brought out two large cups with no handles. Inside was a light greenish brown liquid.

Simi tasted it! It was cold! And no sugar!! But it tasted very pleasant!

'Oh! This is lovely! Very tasty!'

The Tanakas came later that evening for dinner. They arrived with a 'small' gift. A bottle of 'Sake' which Hiroshi said was a rice wine .. well actually a beer since it was made from grain .. and a gorgeous box inside which were four exquisite glasses with swirls of blue through them. Those were the Sake cups and it was always nicer to drink it cold. Katsuyuki could not get over Goofy and the two were soon running around the room!

She wondered if her boy - when she had one - would be similarly enchanting!

It was a wonderful evening with a fabulously nice couple!

She called Mili next day and invited her over to meet the new member of the house in Green Park. Mili rushed in with utter excitement! Simi-di and Abhi had a dog??!! Oh!! She had long dreamed about having a dog one day! It was love at first sight!! She picked him up as if this was old hat for her! Some humans are just natural dog lovers!

'Ma thinks Abhi is completely mad!! Papa-ji thinks it's cool!'

'Let's have Ma, Papa-ji and you over for Saturday lunch! That'll give me a chance to show Goofy off'

'Simi-di you realize how silly that sounds - right?! Showing off a Goofy!! Although .. hmm .. come to think of it .. you've been living with one .. for how long now? Two years .. hmm .. I guess it won't be so traumatic for you to be showing off a Goofy!'

They both laughed over that!

'It'll make Abhi's day when I tell him what you said!! Would you like to stay the night?!'

'No Di, not this time. But there's something I want to discuss with you!'

'What is it child? Everything OK?'

'Yes! I think so! I hope so! You know Simi-di, now that my degree is done, everyone expects that Vishal and I will tie the knot. But .. I'm not sure .. not since the .. uh .. incident .. I think I have a lot of issues that need to be worked out .. but even more importantly .. I want to pursue a program in the US towards a joint M.D. and PhD!'

'Oh! Mili! How wonderful! I'm so glad you're that ambitious! We'll have a Dr. Sethi after all! Or should it be another Dr. Mathur??! But, Mili, you can still tie the knot with Vishal!'

'That wouldn't be fair to him! Why should he be left hanging?! What if he meets someone else while I'm away?! I mean .. there's so much stuff .. too complicated!'

'Have you discussed this with him?'

'Ummm .. yeah! He says that we should get engaged before I leave .. that's assuming I'm accepted .. with the money .. for you know we have none for this sort of thing .. then come back the following year to get married! Then go back and finish off the program! The program will be a good six to 8 years! I'll be over 30 before I'm done!!'

'Darling Mili! The world does not come to a stop when you get to 30 you know! You think I'm over the hill??!!'

'Nooooo!!! That's not what I meant! I guess I don't know what I meant! I'm so confused! In any event, if that's what I decide .. I mean to not even get engaged .. you'll have to convince Ma! She'll never understand what this is all about!'

'First, I think you and Vishal need to decide. But seriously Mili, I don't think you'll meet anyone better than Vishal .. unless of course you're thinking you might meet a phirang over there!'

'Nono!! Oh no! I have no intention of not marrying an Indian!! I don't know!! Maybe you're right! I guess I should think about it a little more .. hunh?!'

'Yes .. I think you should .. I'll also ask Abhi for his opinion!'

She did, but not before the whole Sethi tribe and Anusha had been informed of her .. she meant their .. new addition!! And everyone was to come over to meet Goofy!! When Neetu came, she would discuss this Girish mess with her! In private!

Anuj told Anita about Goofy and wondered if this could be an opportunity for a reconciliation between the Taneja brother and sister.

'You want me to go over to meet a dog??! A dog? If I had wanted to do that I would have gone over long ago!'

'Hunh?! They've never had a dog before!'

'What would you call your sister?!'

That just broke his heart, but, married to this woman he was, and he would just have to put up with her venom! He sighed.

'Oh! OK! What do we have for dinner Anita?!'

'I'm fixing myself a whiskey first, then I've brought in Seekh Kabab, Butter Chicken, and Naan .. you want a whiskey?!'

He sighed again, then said 'Yeah .. OK .. but can we have just plain dal roti with subzi sometime?'

'I tell you what! Let me make it easy for you! Why don't you start going over to your parents for your fill of dal-roti once a week. It will also give me a night out with my girlfriends!'

So, he began going over to 12/24 for his mother's cooking once a week. Little did he know that that would be a fissure that would grow into a chasm, tearing his marriage almost apart!

yup goofy how cute!!!!. I love dogs. My mom never allowed it but had a friend who had 5 of them. so grew up with them around me. Now my hubby has terrible allergies and is also not fond of them. He doesnt know what he is missing. Oh Wow!! The Nihongo was perfect . Me too "choto nihongo wakarimashta". you got the" r"s in place of "L" bang on right. "Kariyani san" it was for me in one of my brief sojourns in Japan. They dont have an "L" sound in their language. OK so anuj/anita r going to have problems in marriage , hmmm interesting. and neetu is having an affair after marriage to Omi. How did she end up marrying Omi, i missed that part i guess. I guess have to make time to go back and read.

'Wakarimashita' janain desu yo! Mo Nihongo ga 'Wakarimasu' ne?! Jitsu wa atashi wa nihongo ga dandan wasuretteirun desu!

I need to go back and brush up on it BIG time!! Thought about this later, but mum would probably ask Katsuyuki 'Namae wa nani?!' since it's more casual than 'desu' .. about the 'L' not only do they not have it in Hiragana or Katakana, but at a 'genetic' level, they lose the ability to really speak it perfectly!! I mean 'perfectry'!! :-)

I'm so glad you grew up liking dogs! I cannot imagine life without a furry companion! Hope to get a replacement for my 16+ year cat soon!

Yes, Anita & Anuj are going to have problems. They're really not compatible .. she's really aggressive and he's passive .. having grown up with 4 doting women (including his mum), so he's not used to a woman such as Anita!

Neetu is young, impressionable, and 'in love' .. that's going to be interesting, because the fellow is an inveterate scoundrel ..

Abhi is going to get his ears boxed pretty soon .. she's going to have enough of his pranks and gets even!!

Stay tuned!! 😃

There's only a gazillion options .. dunno why the SunEclipsers don't make an effort!

Women's Resolve

Ma, Papa-ji, and Mili came on Saturday. Manju spent the time avoiding Goofy pleading with everyone to get him away each time he came 'uncomfortably' close. Papa-ji quite willingly learned to pet him and even hold him .. that was when Mili gave him the chance.

Then it was Neetu's turn on Monday. She came in her usual ebullient self and asked to see Goofy.

'Oh my god!! How cute!! How cute!! Oh Simi-di! I want a dog also! Oh! I'll have to talk to Omi and see about getting one!!'

All the oh'ing and ah'ing done, Simi asked Neetu if she was ready for lunch.

'Yup! What do you have for dessert?!' . She could have an entire meal composed only of dessert if she had her way!

'I've done some pasta for lunch, and I think I actually have the process down pat! It's got tomatoes, garlic, spinach and pine nuts. And for dessert! I did not think that far!'

'Simi-diiii!!', wailed Neetu.

'OK silly! I've actually concocted something on my own .. I mean based on some things I saw in the cook-book. I layered sponge-cake from Sweet Temptations with whipped cream mixed with strawberry puree and chopped strawberries. I'm sure you'll like it!'

'Like it??!! Could you give my portion of pasta to Abhi and his portion .. and your portion .. and any extra portion of the dessert to me as lunch??! Please Simi-di! Pleeeese!!'

Simi was going to very discreet about her talk with this sister of hers. They reclined on the bed in her bedroom watching TV after lunch was done and Sridevi got around to cleaning up the kitchen.

'So, Neetu '

'Yeah?', she said distractedly her eyes on the TV.

'I want to talk to you about something ...are you listening?'

'Yeah', she was still distracted

'I understand that you've been seeing much too much of a fellow called Girish!'

Neetu sighed but was silent. She wasn't at all happy of the direction this conversation was taking.

'Hmm?! You think that's the right thing to do .. given that you're married?'

'I love him Simi-di .. I really, really love him!'

'How can you love him?'

'What??!! What do you mean how can I love him? How can you love Abhi?! Or do you think you're the only person capable of falling in love?! It's just luck that you loved the person before you married him .. I've just fallen in love after being married!', she was getting angry and frustrated.

'I think it's pretty clear why I love Abhi!! I'm not suggesting that it's impossible to fall in love .. but .. how well do you know this fellow?! Which of his qualities are you attracted to?'

'I haven't analyzed it like that!!! I just love him!! All of him!! He's fun to be around .. and he loves me too!'

'OK! Let's assume that he is Mr. Right. Is it fair of you to be cheating on Omi?! Can you think how this would devastate Ma and Papa-ji?'

Neetu started to cry because here she was, genuinely in love, and people were trying to separate her from the 'love of her life' .. her 'soul-mate'!!

'I DO love him! And HE loves me TOO!! We're going to be married .. once his business is up and running'.

'OK! Don't cry! Why are you crying?!'

'Because I'm tired of people always chastising me! You've always done that with me!! I hate being a middle child! You and Mili were always Papa-ji's favorites .. and .. and Ma doted on Anuj! For me it was always .. don't do this Neetu .. don't do that Neetu.. you don't concentrate on your studies enough.. you're too much into fashion..you're a jhalli..blah, blah, blah', she sobbed.

'Neetu, we all .. everyone of us has ALWAYS loved you .. and Papa-ji and Ma adored you .. you were always the life of a party .. well .. second to Dolly Chaachi! She's the ultimate jhalli in the Sethi clan! But you know that Abhi knows this Girish .. right? and knows him to be a rogue! What are you going to do if you find out he's taking advantage of you? Hmm?!'

'He's NOT going to take advantage of me!!! He's a sweet and caring person!! You haven't even met him!!!'

'Darling, why would Abhi lie?! You think he does not have your best interest at heart?!'

'I don't know what he has - OK?!! But I love Girish! We will always be together. I will get a divorce.'

'Well .. that WOULD hurt Ma and Papa-ji, but while divorces these days don't carry the stigma they once did, they can be pretty brutal affairs .. monetarily and emotionally .. where will you get the money?'

'What do you mean where will I get the money??!!! I'm not marrying Girish until his business is up and running!!! We'll hire a good lawyer!!!! What's your problem??!!'

'Neetu!! You're acting like a jhalli now!!'

'Oh SHUT UP Simi-di!!!'. She rose in a huff and slipped her feet into her shoes and marched out of the room ready to leave!

'Neetu! Wait! Neetu! OK! I will never say I told you so, but when he dumps you, remember, you have a friend in me .. and Abhi! We really love you, you know!' , she was speaking to a retreating Neetu who picked up her handbag and stormed out of the front door. She did not look at Simi or say good-bye!

She's going to get really hurt! thought Simi and felt miserable over the prospect of that happening to her sister!

She told Abhi about her encounter in the evening.

'Not only that Simi! I've been digging up his past! He's already married!! With a child!! Not that he cares for either one of them!! Does not live with, or support them!! He's just a good-for-nothing!! Never done a day's work in his life!! Scoundrel!! That's what he is!! A Scoundrel!! Well .. you did all you could .. '

'She'll come crying here one day .. I just know it .. I guess this will be a way for her to grow up .. gosh .. I sure hope she does not get herself into a real jam!! You don't think Anita will say anything to Anuj .. do you?!! If he comes to know, I just know he'll get Ma and Papa-ji involved!'

'I wouldn't be surprised if that is what Anita had in mind all along!! That was one side of her I always detested .. she had some really bad friends .. and I've seen them break up relationships just for the heck of it!! Only time will tell! She denied any involvement to Mom!!'

'Mom knows too???!!! Oh no!!!'

'That's OK!! She's not saying anything to anyone!! But I worry about this affecting Papa-ji .. given his heart condition .. if it gets back to them .. which reminds me .. I think we should speak to Anuj about the shop .. that's too much stress for him .. he should consider joining up with Surinder Chaacha'

Sunday morning was their trip to the Park for the jogging/yogging program. Goofy was too little yet to jog along with Abhi, so he went to the yoga class with her - to give the practitioners pointers on how to do AdhoMukhaSvanAasun and UrdhvaMukhaSvanAasun (known to the non-Sanskrit speaking 'Yoga' world as 'Downward' and 'Upward' Dog!) in its 'native' and most authentic form! They had arranged to meet near the parked car when both .. she meant all 3 .. were done.

Simi's class wrapped up some 10 minutes earlier than usual since the instructor had other business to attend to. She decided she would walk up the path where Abhi would be returning so as to meet up with him - after swinging by the car to find him not yet returned. Goofy seemed to be tired of walking on his leash so she scooped him up in her arms and carried him. All her reservations about handling him were history! Abhi had been right about how Goofy would grow on her! The path curved and meandered lined occasionally with trees and bushes.

As she turned a bend she saw Abhi at a distance. She was about to wave when another person came into view. It was a woman. You could tell she was dressed in a fashionable track suit that enhanced her natural curves. Her hair was in an equally fashionable pony-tail. For a moment her heart stopped thinking it might be Malati! She silently slid behind the tree that had been obscuring Abhi's companion and peeked out to see what was going on. Abhi appeared to be arguing quite vehemently with the other person. She saw the woman reach out to grab and pull him towards her in an attempt to kiss him. Abhi pushed her away, held up his palm as in 'stop' and continued with his arguing. He walked away brushing off the woman's attempts to hold him back. Simi's heart was pounding and her mind a whirlpool of activity trying to decipher the situation and the identity of the mystery woman. She hid herself back behind the tree and gradually edged her way around letting Abhi walk past her without being noticed. Then, another one of those rare moments of determination set in. She took a deep sigh, pursed her lips and decided to confront the woman .. assuming she was still where he had left her. She saw her sitting on the bench playing with her pony tail and assumed she was frustrated. She very slowly sauntered up to her as the pure stranger she was. Just another person out on an early morning walk. Goofy was still in her arms as she came up to the bench.

'Hello! Do you mind if we join you here? My puppy needs to be let down .. he's sooo heavy!'

'Y'sure', said the woman, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. She had her legs crossed and the one on top swung back and forth as she reclined against the back of the bench, played with her pony-tail and looked out into the distance deep in thought.

'Are you new here? I haven't seen you before ..'

'Hunh?! No .. well .. yes .. I'm new .. I live out in Sunder Nagar .. just came to meet up with an old friend'

'Oh! Is that so?! And what did he say .. that old friend?'

'What??!! How did you know it was a 'he'? And aren't you being a little nosy .. given that we don't know each other from Adam?'

'Ah! But you see, I think I do know you! You are .. let me guess .. hmm .. lemme see .. who could you be? .. Preeti Khurana?'

The other woman's eyes widened and a look of intense surprise came over her.

'Oh! Sorry, I just witnessed an interesting scene between you and my husband. Sorry again! Did I forget to introduce myself?! I'm Simi Taneja .. we spoke very recently .. you mistook me for the secretary .. remember?! Well, you know Ms. Khurana, I don't know if you make a habit of messing around with other people's husbands, but Abhi and I are very happily married and at this point I know him very well - he's just not the kind of philanderer you may be used to! You, on the other hand I hardly know and do not wish to make our acquaintance any more firm than it is now, so I will thank you to stay away from us!!!'. That said, she rose.

Preeti started to say something rude, but Simi cut her off

'Oh! One other thing! I may have your identity wrong .. for that I ask your forgiveness .. your intentions though .. those were unmistakably clear!! C'mon Goofy, let's go see Papa .. he must be waiting for us!'

Nothing more needed to be said. To him. About her encounter.

Anita would feel Preeti's wrath at being made to look like a chump. That just meant that Anita was now even more determined!

Originally posted by: SValeCalGal

'Wakarimashita' janain desu yo! Mo Nihongo ga 'Wakarimasu' ne?! Jitsu wa atashi wa nihongo ga dandan wasuretteirun desu!

I need to go back and brush up on it BIG time!! Thought about this later, but mum would probably ask Katsuyuki 'Namae wa nani?!' since it's more casual than 'desu' .. about the 'L' not only do they not have it in Hiragana or Katakana, but at a 'genetic' level, they lose the ability to really speak it perfectly!! I mean 'perfectry'!! :-)

.

qui sont vous et qu'avez-vous fait mon cher cher ami sur ce forum pendant le mois dernier ou ainsi ? ? J'ai besoin d'une rponse a.s.a.p.😡😲
😲