Chapter 3
Radhika stares at Neil in disbelief for several seconds, then says, "no... Why would you say that... He is not..." She chokes on her words, unable to complete her lie. Her gaze filled with worry, filled with vulnerability.
Neil walks up to her, takes her hands into his and says in a determined voice, "no he is not... I am. I am Ansh's father." Startled by Neil's statement, of all things, she was not expecting this, she looks to him with gratitude and affection.
Blinking rapidly, trying to hold back her tears, she gives him a watery smile as she sneezes his hands with affection, says, "yes you are." Smiling back, Neil says, "when you are ready to share... I shall be here."
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Radhika hugs Neil tightly, saying, "I love you. You..." Hearing somebody clear their throat, Radhika stops midsentence and tries to break away from Neil as she turns to see who it is.
Refusing to let her go, Neil tightens his hold around Radhika's waist, hugging her, smiles naughtily into murderous eyes, saying, "you know how it is once you have kids." Chuckling he adds cheekily, "of course you don't. You are not married."
Frowning, Radhika forcefully pushes away from Neil, thinking, "why the hell is Neil making it sound like we are married." Turning towards the door, Radhika freezes, stunned to see Arjun glaring at her.
Trying to contain emotions he never expected to feel... Anger... Possessiveness... Betrayal... Arjun says with a false smile, "sorry... Did not mean to intrude... Sam sent me."
"Not to worry mate," Neil says lightly, "next time I shall lock the door and shut the blinds." Radhika stares at Neil with disbelief... Wisely does not react as she wonders what Neil is playing at. Clenching his fists, Arjun wills himself to keep a nonchalant expression, telling himself, "I don't care. I don't care."
Purposely ignoring the charged atmosphere, Neil says with a smile, "be right back." Waves through the window,adding, "Sam is calling me." And leaves. Facing into the room, Arjun looks at Radhika, whose gaze follows Neil. Unable to resist teasing Radhika, Neil winks at her through the window. Radhika blushes as the enormity of the situation sinks in... Deep down wanting to burst out laughing, thinking, "Neil has successfully got Arjun to think we are married." Deep down she felt calmer, confident... Shaking her head, she mentally thanks Neil. Then shrugs, thinking, "anyways, what does it matter... He doesn't even remember me."
Taking a deep breath, Radhika turns to face Arjun. With a smile, she says, gesturing towards the chair, "Mr. Mehta, please have a sit." Without waiting to see if he does, she walks around the desk, saying, "no reason why we can't get comfortable while we wait for Neil and Sam."
Surprised that she was so composed, when just moments ago, she was in shambles... Curious he sits... Giving her a lazy smile, thinking, "okay two can play this game... So I am to believe you have forgotten me... Or should I say... My presence does not upset your balance... Let's see."
Leaning I to the desk, Arjun says, "how about I give you my thoughts on the ad while we wait." Smiling politely, Radhika says, "that sounds wonderful." Taking a note pad from the desk, she opens in, ready to make notes on the clients preferences and opinions.
Looking at her speculatively, Arjun says, "I was thinking of an ad that would attract the younger, more modern generation." Nodding, Radhika begins scribbling in the notepad. Leaning back on his chair, studying her, Arjun continues, "I was thinking romance, passion, promises under the dark sky..."
Radhika falters for a second... Unable to write... His words unleashing memories... Seeing this, Arjun thinks, "gotcha." She focuses all her thoughts on Ansh, he was her calming effect, always guiding her to what is important. Refusing to react, she continues making notes... Meeting Arjun's gaze, she says with a smile, "Don't forget beach weddings... Today's generation prefer a romantic embiance to the stricture of culture and traditions." And continued making notes. Without looking up, she asks, "anything else that you would..."
Annoyed at being thwarted, Arjun interrupts, "does he know I was your first?" Radhika freezes, heart racing. Refusing to be embarrassed or apologetic about her choices... She meets his gaze confidently and says with strength, "no he doesn't not... But he does know he is my last." With that said, she dismisses him by continuing to make notes in the notepad.
Before Arjun can react, Sam and Neil walk in. Seeing Radhika furiously writing in the notepad, Sam says, "don't tell me you guys started without us." Radhika looks up and smiles politely... She was too emotional to say anything in response. Creating the facade of indifference was draining her energies... All she wanted to do was curl up in bed and cry heart out.
Ignoring Sam and Neil, Arjun glares at Radhika and storms out of the office. Too angry to care how the others would perceive it. Confused, Sam looks at Arjun storm away, turns to Radhika and asks, "what happened?"
Oh gosh there are so many likes... It is difficult to erase the incomplete chapter.
This chapter shall be written out in a fresh post by Renu aka jey3ram as she will be completing the chapter and shall continue on with the story.
Lots of love
Fuzz
Edited by angelpureness - 9 years ago
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