Look Through my EYES last part+epilog pg 50 - Page 13

CHAPTER 13

Plan B ?

Plan C ?

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Plan Z a???

Kashish returned from her uneventful date and as usual she had opened the gate with her spare key, only to find, every1 seated in the lobby…. Awaiting her return. K took a deep breath and walked in

A-"Kashish Beta! Ur back!"

K-"Yes dad.. U r still awake? What are u all doing staying up so late? Are Nick and Deepali coming back soon?"

A (Looking a bit uncomfortable..)-"Well no.. We were just talking abt ..things in general.."

Sam (Bluntly)-"How was ur date?"

K-"It was fine… good bhaiya"

Sid-"What all did u do?"

K(Raising her eyebrows a little at this unsubtle cross questioning)-"Hmmm… Let me see… We ate, talked, laughed, danced and then he dropped me back home… Tht's abt all"

S (Drawled in an artificial uninterested voice)-"so u 2 danced too…?"

K pursed her lips to bite back the retort which was on tip of her tongue.. No! No! Don't! Don't let him get in ur head and don't loose control.. Don't u dare fight. Remember the resolution? STICK TO IT!

K-"Yes v danced too." Then looking at every1 else, "I am really tired now.. I am off to bed.. good nite every1."

K left b4 her examination cud b continued.. As she left Sujal also stood up and stretched..

S-"Well I guess, I shud b going now too…" then talking loudly to himself, loud enough for every1 else to hear, "Although I wonder what made her so tired…"

With tht parting shot S also hurried home, thoughts of Kashish and her unusual date hanging heavy in his head…

*******

Kashish had a plan. It wud solve all her problems, may it be regarding Sujal or Piyush. Both. The plan was simple and tht it is why it was brilliant.

All tht I am going to do from now on is- ignore his comments and double meaning words… I'll act nice and polite to Sujal all the time … Agree with his every nonsense with both my ears firmly closed and not argue with him over anything at all. Neither wud I give him a reason to argue or spend time with me.. Also I wud spend less time in dads study with him and more time on my duty…

As far as Piyush is concerned…He is my guinea pig. Not only is he my 'get over Sujal Grewal' guy, he is also my 'how to act on date' experience gaining guy. Nothing more. I won't lead him into anything and keep things friendly with him. Since we both work for the government we'll have plenty of reason and time for going to lunches and dinners together.. This wud also tell Sujal tht I am no longer interested in him.

Killing many birds with one stone.

*********

Sujal had plan. It shud solve his one and only problem. The problem was finding the correct solution to the puzzle called Kashish Sinha.

I don't understand what is going on inside tht pretty little head of hers! One moment I get a feeling tht she really likes me.. Like me a lot infact! And next moment, she goes out with another guy with no explanations!… On top of it all, she is avoiding me and not reacting to my comments!!! I have to find out what exactly I going on with her.

As planned I am going to spend more time with her from now on.. Instead of arguing, I'll listen more to her opinions and try to understand her way of thinking and perhaps her mind's working too…

I also need to dig up more abt this Jake guy.. He seems too nice and soft to date her.. Not at all her type..

Time to put Plan A-"Kashish Sinha"- in action.

************************

Monday breakfast.

Unfortunately for Sujal & fortunately for Kashish, Sujal was late by 10 minutes next morning for breakfast and in tht time kashish got the chance to escape to her work without confronting him..

K—good thing I got away.. Now all I'll have to do is get ready 5 mins early each morning and b off b4 seeing him.. I can spend the afternoon at home and get the evening and night duty assigned. This way it will be Bye Bye Mr. Grewal for good…

S—Darn! Can't believe I missed her! I have to get here more early… or no. Actually I can easily catch up with her in the evening.. She can't escape avoiding me forever hehehee

***

In the evening Sujal waited impatiently for Kashish to come, but when she didn't show up after1 hr, Ashok called her up and she told him tht due to some imp. case, she has been assigned the night and evening duty for a few days…

Sujal had waited patiently for another 3 days for her to show up, for a chance casual meeting with her. But it seemed like she was doing a very good job of avoiding him. He hadn't even caught a tiny-winy glimpse of her for 3 whole days. And tht was highly frustrating. She didn't come to Ashok's study in the evening, she didn't come for dinner, she always left early from breakfast just 10 seconds b4 he wud arrive….. How cud he casually talk to her if he never saw her?!?

S—ok so the Plan A of chatting casually with her has defiantly failed.. I need a plan B. Quick.

Sujal was much lost in his thoughts and Ashok too was worried abt k dating and all… Basically in the entire house had the common thread in their thoughts, the thread was Kashish…

***********

Friday afternoon lunch

Sujal after finding out abt her exact work timings, finally made it out of court for a lunch with kashish. And her entire family.

S-"So Kashish... We don't see much of u these days.. Don't tell u r so busy dating ppl these days, tht u don't even have little time for ur father?"

Sujal said in a caustic tone.. He was angry tht she hadn't even acknowledged his presence and had managed to avoid him for 4 whole days.. While every1 stilled at his ques. And waited to hear k's ans..

K looked at Sujal blankly and replied-"Actually my duty timings have changed, so I am not able to come in the evenings… If there is any help u need for a case then u can leave the file at dad's desk for me.. I'l study it and give u my written opinion as soon as possible… I am sorry dad I am not being much help these days."

Ashok-"Oh no. It's ok beta.. I understand."

K gave him a small functionary smile and then gathering her plate got up to leave..

Kaveri -"Kashish u r leaving already?? U just came in.."

K-"Wo actually bhabhi.. I have a meeting with my Sr. Doc. and Piyush today.. So have to get there by 1.30"

Ashok-"But its 12.45 already! U'll never get there on time. By the way what is piyush doing there.."

S (in silky voice)-"I presume Piyush must have called this meeting uncle so tht he can manage to win atleast 1 case… right Kashish?"

k-"No. our Sr. Doc. has called it. He wants to order some equipments and he needs mine and Piyush's presence to convince the sponsors..

Ashok-"I see.. but u must hurry now."

K-"Ye-"

S-"Don't worry uncle I'll drop Kashish.. I have some work downtown too.. U ready to go Kashish?" –Hah! Now u'll just have to argue!.. I know u'll never accept a lift from me.. now give me ur pretty scowl and put up a nice fight..

k-"yes please. If it won't be too inconvenient for u." O.k. kashish! Now it's time to test ur indifference towards him. Let's see how much I have increased my 'tolerate Sujal Grewal' level.

S shocked out of his wits, simply shook his head murmured a 'no prob' and followed her out to his car. Once seated inside he regained some of his astonished senses and decided to drill her further, maybe he shud continue attacking Piyush… it was bound to evoke a response, it had to! He knew by now tht it wasn't Jake but Piyush she had went out on dinner with. He wondered when she wud tell the truth to every1…

S-"So Piyush thinks tht by ordering a few more equipments in the lab he can actually win a case or two? He is such a sore loser.."

K-"Actually it was my request for some more equipments and he is just supporting me."

S-"Hmm….. So.. U going out with jake again this Saturday?" lets see u lying through ur teeth now Miss Cool.. I know tht loser had already made reservations for u 2 at grand inn restaurant..

K-"No."

S-"oh then it means tht we'll b seeing u on the dinner table finally.."

K-"No."

S-"Then u r going out with some1 else.. Has the dating bug caught u too?"

K-"No, I have evening duty and then Piyush and I want to discuss some points over the headless widow case, so he'll b taking me out."

So that's the way u gonna play this huh? Act innocent and sneak around with that no good loser under guise of work… don't both of us already know how much work gets done on such dinner dates?… Hmmmmm… not very good… That cheap creep isn't worth lying for. I guess now I'll have to do something more drastic about this…

Sujal drove silently for the rest of the way… lost in thoughts of how to separate Kashish and Piyush. Kashish was also breathing a sigh of relief seems like she will survive being around Sujal…

**********

Another 3-4 days passed. Not a thing, not dirty name had been left unsaid for Piyush in front f kashish. Yet she wud hardly bat an eye at all the insults. It was, as if, Sujal was not saying something bad about her date but he was referring to some criminal of whom kashish had never heard b4…

Seems like Plan B of Piyush smear campaign isn't gonna work either… I have to get her to talk to me.. Even if it means a fight. All she says is a polite yes, no or please… I can't stand her being so formal. It's as if I am an outsider and honored guest in her house!! Well she is going to learn differently!

Time to formulate Plan –C 'Get her alone, get her to talk, even fight'.

*****

A week has passed since s & k's dinner date together and K hardly spoken more than 50 words to him. In the mean time sujal had come perilously close to ripping his hair off in the process of trying to make her respond.

Alright if this doesn't work then I dont know what will. Please god a little support and meddling from ur side wouldn't hurt.. Sujal thought as he placed a case file on K's table for her to study and review.

When k came back for her lunch she see's the file and starts reading it. For the first time a case wasn't making any sense to her. She read it 3 times yet she had no idea who exactly of the 2 ppl was killed and what the expected reason.. It was a complete mess and k couldn't make the head or tail of it. So she simply left a note saying-

I studied the case but some points are unclear… I'll read it again latter more carefully and give u a more concrete response tomorrow.

On reading this S smiled well the plan seems to working fine up till now. Now the next step.

He leaves some even more confusing papers for her completely irrelevant to the case…

Kashish even more confused by the whole scenario finally decides to talk to her father about it.. Since there was no way that she wud discuss a case with that pompous lawyer.

(Ashok Sharma office in city)

K-"Dad? Can I come in? R u busy?"

A(very surprised)-"Arre Kashish beta? Tum yahan?(u here?) no no I am not busy come on in. So what brings u here? I hope everything is alright."

K-"Oh yes dad everything is fine . I just wanted to discuss something about this case file which sujal had left for me to study(K hands him the file). Honestly even after reading it 5 times I can't make the head or tail of this case."

A-"Hmmm(closely studying the file with a frown) Umm hmmm…. Well.. Beta to b frank.. I don't think I understand much of it too.."

K-"What?!"

A(looking up at k his face breaking into a gentle smile..)-"Well actually beta.. I have wanted to talk to u about this.. U see these days I hardly have to lift a finger and do any work. Sujal is handling everything so well…so I don't know much about this case.. I was.. Well I was thinking of retiring and handing over the whole firm to him. What do u think? U r the first person I am telling this.. But I have been thinking about this for quite some time now.."

K was a complete loss of words…. But how can u dad? U simply love u work! How will u b able to sit at home without anything to do? Oh!!! I am so happy for that ass of a man. He does deserve this.. He'll b so happy!! But what about u dad..

K-"Well if u think that he is capable of handling all the affairs then I trust ur judgment."

A(smiled more cheerily at k)-"My dear daughter, from where did u learn such graceful diplomacy? I want ur opinion on the matter not ur quite acceptance of my decision. I thought u already knew that I was gonna hand over everything to sujal one day the only question was when."

K-"Umm… Yes I did perceive that.. I think that i..agree with u, but I also think that u shouldn't be retiring so early.. Plus maybe he may want u to stick around a bit longer too.."

S-"Who wants uncle to stick around where? And by the way, a pleasant surprise to see u here kashish. When did u come?"

K-"Oh just a while ago.. Dad was just talking about taking a vacation.."

S-"Well I think he deserves one. Uncle, don't listen to her. U go right ahead and recharge ur cells I take care of things around here."

Ashok smiled contentedly as he heard the normal banter b/w k and s. He had noticed a big change in K since her dinner with S.. She had being acting very nicely and politely to him. The father in him was proud of her. But the lawyer in him told him that something was amuck and something lot deeper was going on b/w these 2. But when he saw Sujal he wud feel a bit calmer S seemed to b acting normally.. teasing her as he always did.. Well time reveals everything he'll just have to b patient.

A-"Hmmm.. I might take a vacation.. But not now.. Uh! That reminds me. Kashish, why don't u ask sujal about the case u came here to discuss? He is handling more cases these days and don't have a full knowledge about some of them…"

K-"Uhhh.. No. I .. I am late now.. I discuss it later."

S-"U mean to say u haven't till now studied the case? I was seriously counting on ur advice.. Do u think it's possible for u to b a bit late? Coz it's really imp. and its hearing is coming up day after tomorrow…"

K bit her lip in apprehension.. Struggle of her thoughts apparent on her face.. Well I am free for next 2 hrs only I don't wanna b with him! Why doesn't dad know anything about this case.. I can't let dad down.. Humf… guess I'll have to tolerate him for next 2 hrs.

K-"Well I guess I can afford to b a bit late…"

S (his mouth aching while he tried to hide his smile) -"Great! Then let's go to my cabin. I have the rest of the related documents there(standing up)"

K-"why not here..?"

a-"I have to go to beta u go with Sujal.."

S walks off and picks up her coat. Leaving no option for her, but to follow him.

<S's cabin>

S-"So what do u have confusion with?"

K feeling really uncomfortable now.. This wasn't at all like her plan. She wasn't supposed to alone with sujal discussing anything which may lead to any disagreement. Also she wasn't supposed to give him any reason to mock her and here she didn't even know who the victim was… this wasn't going to b a very good afternoon.

K (struggling with her words and thoughts)-"Well I was confused.. About a few things.."

S-"Well about what all?"

S was trying hard to hide his gleeful triumphant smile. Finally he had her where he wanted, in the situation he had wanted and in the embarrassment he had hoped for… his plan was finally succeeding.

K-"Ummm for starters. I don't know who got stabbed in the heart and who got stabbed in the back. Also how many times and through what instrument..?"

S-"what? U didn't get that? Didn't u read the file carefully?"

K looking down feeling ashamed at her inability to find that information in the file.. Also trying hard to curb the rising anger inside her.

K-"I did read it. I am sorry I must have missed some part. But now u can tell me tht now. Right?"

S-"Of course I'll tell u. I'll tell u that it was the mistress who was stabbed in heart and the wife who was stabbed in the back and that they both were stabbed exactly 3 times with the same kitchen knife. I'll also tell u that I am disheartened by ur lack of attention or dedication for the case. Perhaps I was expecting too much… I understand if u don't wish to help me and ur dad out with the cases any more.. As it is u r so busy helping Piyush with the same type of work…"

K-"No. It's nothing like this. I really do whish to help. Whatever is there b/w me and Piyush has no effects on my work and my interests."

S-"The current situation says otherwise Kashish."

K-"I am sorry."

Ok now stop apologizing and fight back.. S feeling a bit ruffled now.. She seriously seemed hurt by the joke.. Damm I didn't want to hurt her. If only she wud lash out and return an insult. Darn it!!

S-"It's fine. Just concentrate more if u really wanna help us or just leave. We can do without u."

K felt highly tempted to leave.. I don't know what the hell went wrong. I know I studied it seriously 5 times I f I am not able to make head or tail of it how is it my fault? Darn that arrogant man. Cant he quit hurling insults at me! What does he want?!!

K-"I said I am sorry. I sincerely do wish to help."

S-"Ok then let's see then how sincere u really are."

S went ahead and then explained the whole case from the beginning to her and answered her every doubt and query, leaving no chance to tell her that either she had lost her ability to think and had become senile or that Piyush was sucking her brains out of her like a parasite.

By the end of two hrs S had used every imaginable term to Piyush describe as a spineless, brain-sucking worm and yet he couldn't her to defend him and his intelligence.

K finally getting up managed a weak smile and simply said in a sad voice

"I'll give u my analysis by evening today. Sorry for the mess up. Bye"

As she was putting on her coat to o sujal felt tempted to apologize for being so insulting and acting like a jerk. But he wasn't sure if it wud mean any thing to her.. These days everything he did hardly seem to mean anything to her at all. Why he even contemplated that if wore a jokers costume to dinner one nite she wud hardly blink an eye for him. It was as if his presence, appearance and words were becoming invalid for her… he had to do something even getting her alone hadn't helped. A new Plan –D was desperately needed now.

****

Evening (Ashok Sinha's study-Home)

Well here I am back to square 1. Isn't this what I had sworn I wouldn't do? Discuss cases with him…. But it does feel nice to b back here.. I really did miss all the fights and the whodunit mystery, the time spent here was special….. But only for me... For Sujal, I was just a loud mouthed brat, who wants to throw her opinion on others. Well this is not gonna b like the old times. This time I wud go down without a fight…

K-"Evening dad. Sujal."

A-"Hello beta."

S-"So u finally decided to grace us mortals with ur presence…"

Why can't he just stop bothering me! Ever since he has been here.. I don't remember a day he hadn't bothered me. Please leave me alone I am tiered of fighting u…. K mumbled –"Sorry for being late", and settled in her usual place.

S-"Well is ur eminence now comfortable enough to enlighten us with her words of wisdom or wud u first like to have something to relieve ur parched throat?"

Ok time to start counting backwards from 100 and then do alphabets it'll keep u calm..

K-"I said I am sorry."

A-"Sujal beta.. Let her settle down.. She just came in"

S just shrugged and held an open mocking look for her-"Well if she had cared to show up yesterday. I wouldn't b in such a hurry today"

That's it!!!! Why u overbearing sonofa-

NO! Don't loose it now! Just say ur piece and get out of here as fast as u can there is no other way.

K(Eyes closed)-"I think that the wife killed the mistress and the husband killed the wife"

A-"The husband couldn't have killed the wife. The wife was stabbed in the back. Men are not cowards and only cowards attack from behind. I believe that the mistress killed the wife and then the husband realizing, what a 2 timing women his mistress was, kills her in rage."

K-"Maybe the wife was sure that he wud forgive her killing the mistress, since she was 2 timing him. But the husband was blindly in love, so, he killed the wife. Also he didn't divorce her to b with his mistress, it means he was a coward. And that is why he stabbed her in the back."

S-"But then again. In the moment of rage I don't think any1 can b that coward to stab some1 who has killed ur beloved from the back"

K-"Maybe he was afraid that the wife wud kill him to.."

S-"He was 7 inches taller than her and weighed 25 kilos more. He couldn't believe that she can harm a hair of his body and it also means that he couldn't b coward. Not at least in front of her"

K-"If he wasn't then why didn't he do something about his 2 timing mistress? Why did he take shit from his boss, and got yelled at by his wife every morning?"

K determined to prove her point raised her voice her bit. Her eyes flashed with indignation and color crept in her cheeks… Sujal though she looked like a beautiful fierce angle… she was finally breaking out of her shell!

K-"U r just being a masochist."

S-"I am not the topic of discussion here my dear. A killer is. A guy can love peace, so he decides to take all the nonsense from every1 and bear it with a grin."

Sujal smirked at her… now he couldn't really smile here.. that wud ruin all his labor.. celebrations can wait..

'My Dear'!!!! Ok time up. Get out. Or u'll blow completely.

K took a deep breath closed her eyes again for a moment uttered a few good defamations for Sujal in her mind. Then getting up with a smile she picked up her bag and looked at Sujal

K-"Hmm… I was just giving my opinion…. Of course u may b right too(a big plastic smile now) Congratulations for cracking the case"

s looked at her wide eyed… What the hell just happened .. Everything was going so fine. Where is she going? She can't leave now! All my hard work wud go down the drain!

S-"Where r u going? Don't tell me u have already exhausted ur meager mental ability…"

K-"Nite daddy", kisses Ashok gudnite. Then smiling convincing at S walks out of the study and pauses at the door just b4 leaving.

K-"Actually u r right. I really am tired and I do feel brain dead. Lastly what does it matter whether the wife killed the mistress or it was the other way round?… After all, the husband is the only surviving killer so u can just put him in jail.. Why fight over him? Night sujal. Best of luck for court tomorrow."

S was left standing there staring at the place where k had last stood.

*********

She had been a mystery from the beginning, then she became this complex puzzle & now she was a complete enigma.

First he tried being polite, then he tried mud slinging on her boyfriend, and now he even started taunting her at every opportunity…. Nothing worked!!!! Was she even hearing him? Or had her ears gone Sujal deaf!!!!

Let's see, so far all my plans to get her proper attention have crashed and received 3^rd degree burns. I still don't have a clue what is going on with her. How I wish Nick was here, instead of wooing his fianc in Greece.. Sujal thought sitting on the kitchen porch leading to the backyard garden. His hands holding his gloomy, frowning face..

Voice-"Girl trouble?"

S-"Sidhart bhaiya aap?"

Sid-"Yup. Me. But where r u my bro? U seem really distracted and distressed about something these days.. And I get a feeling that it's got something to do with a girl."

S nodded his head in a yes. Staring off into space..

Sid-"Well what's the trouble. Did she refused to go out with the most successful and dashing bachelor in the town?"(Settling down besides S)

S-"We already went out once… It had been great.. Since then she has been ignoring me like hell.. Sometimes I am not even sure I exist around her."

Sid-"Are u sure the date went well?"

S nodded again

Sid-"Not from ur side.. Did she enjoy it? Wanted to go out again?"

S nodded again

Sid-"Maybe her family has restricted her to meet u.."

S shrugged his shoulder and said-"Highly unlikely.. Even if they don't want her to date she can at least talk."

Sid-"So she brushes u off and gives u a cold shoulder?"

S-"She acts darn politely, as if I am a stranger in her town asking for directions."

Sid struggled to keep a straight face at this last statement. He had never seen sujal so worried by a girl. If a girl had ever proved to b a little trouble, she wud b dropped like hot iron.. But this one seemed to have had him under some spell. Well he was almost like a younger brother. It was his duty to share some girl wisdom with him.

Sid-"Maybe she liked the date but has lost interest in u.. So now she is just trying to b polite and keeps ignoring u"

S-"That is a possibility, but then why wouldn't she say so or get angry if I insult her?"

Sid-"Hmm that's in interesting.. Maybe she turned lesbian"

S-"She is going out with some one else."

Sid-"And u r still after her?!"

S nodded gloomily.. Realizing his hopeless condition deeper

Sid-"and she hasn't hidden the fact from u???!!"

S-"No."

Sid looked at sujal amazed. Here was one guy who had never let anything except this family and his career matter to him more than a dime. Yet here he was today sitting on his porch steps mourning after a girl, who was apparently, not only full of herself but was also cheating on him with his full knowledge.. Hadn't he known Sujal better he wud have instantly concluded that Sujal was in love. But he wasn't this emotional fool. He was one of the most cold, analytical, flirtatious person he had met. His falling in love was like Sherlock Holmes writing poetry.

Sid pondered over the whole situation and wished he can just for once meet the girl who had the cool, sensible Sujal wrapped around her little finger.

Sid suddenly clapped sujal on his back and grinned widely at him.

Sid-"Of Course! That's it!!!"

S tried to look a bit enthusiastic. He clearly didn't believe that her brother wud know what's inside her head..

S-"What is it?"

Sid-"She's playing hard to get u fool!!!!! Probably u didn't appreciate her enough on ur first date. So to make u realize, that she deserves more… she is now playing the old game of showing off, ignoring, dating some1 else just to make u jealous.. I am sure she has no emotions for that guy.."

S coming out of his reverie looked at Sid, a small grin breaking on his handsome face. A storm stirring up in his dark brooding eyes.

S-"Yes! That's it!! Why didn't I realize it! Yes u r right . She actually doesn't give a fickle for the guy she is dating and she is dating the person who I hate the most. It all makes perfect sense now."

Sid-"I am glad I was of help."

S-"Thank you so much Sid bhaiya u don't know, what a great puzzle u have solved for me."

Sid-"So what do u intend to do about it?"

S-"I'll play her game back at her. I've followed her around enough. Sujal grewal doesn't give a damn for a girl who likes to play such stupid parlor tricks. Now she can go to hell and repent not accepting the amount of appreciation I already had showered on her. She crossed the line and now she'll pay"

Sid-"Hmm sounds interesting.. U gonna go out with some 1 too?"

S-"Sure… But before that I'll just give her a dose of her own indifference pill and make her see how it hurts."

Sid-"I see… I'll go now. U make ur plans.."

S-"Hmm thanks once again"

Sid left with an 'Anytime' thrown over his shoulder.. Maybe I was wrong… Sujal had said that he had been hurt.. Was he exaggerating or did he really feel that bad?… I can't wait to find out who this mystery girl is.

**********

O.k. my princess. Enough of ur high handed attitude and ur sweet polite behavior. Now u'll realize that u have crossed the wrong man to play ur dirty mind games this is payback time!

Plan – XXX :--Ignore her. Make her realize her concern or ignorance doesn't mean a bit to u. She is just another girl whom u come across everyday. And then when she sees this make the final cut by going out with a Beautiful girl in front of her.

Plan- 'Kashish Sinha going down' is now in action!

*********

Saturday night (exactly 2 weeks since S & K's dinner date)

Dinner

Sujal deliberately sat next to k. generally they both were seated at the opposite corners so that fight b/w the remained minimum. Every1 was surprised at his action except k

I just don't understand what he wants he has been trying so hard to fight with me, insult me, b with me… it's all so confusing. First he says he doesn't like me then he tries to get me alone.. Then when he does he does nothing other than insult me while I have been trying to b nice and calm with him.. I wish he won't try and create a scene coz I don't think I can hold back any longer… God please give me strength to resist him. Please.

S-"Kashish wud pass the salt please?"

K looked at s and then at every1 else… no 1 seems to think that anything out of ordinary had happened. But sujal had just talked politely to me. Instead of just ordering me, he had actually said 'PLEASE'! He looks like as if he is waiting for me to do something.. Oh! The Salt! It means I wasn't dreaming! Pass the salt Idiot!

K-"Hm."(Passing the salt, observing him from the corner of her eye.)

Throughout the dinner Sujal acted extra polite to Kashish, making her feel like an esteemed guest in her own home…. This behavior left Kashish confused and bemused… No matter how he badly had hurt her.. No matter how scornful she felt.. Sujal Grewal acting nice, polite and caring towards her still sent tingles up her back.

******

S –I think the plan is working. She looks at me with shuttered glances when she thinks I am not noticing… heheheee…. That is what u get for driving me to the edge. Now its ur turn sweetie… Just wait and watch what all happens next.

K –I just can't understand! What goes around in his mind. I guess I never would. Till now I just thought he was selfish, pompous, greedy jerk. But this nice attitude doesn't fit in. I know he is up to something. But what? I must watch out, I just can't allow my self to fall for him deeper.

******

Lunch… a few days later..

S-"Um…. Kashish."

K(jumping a bit)-"Yah?"

S-"I know it sounds extremely selfish and unprofessional… But umm… Can u do me a favor, please?"

K nods her head frowning.

S-"Well u see there is this case coming up.. And it's related to a lot to ur field of expertise.. Can u please just look into it a bit..? I mean it's a very interesting case but it is going to take a lot of pondering and time. So I was just wondering if u cud come this evening, it wud b a very big help.. Please? I wouldn't have asked, but I have got a lot on my plate and I cud really do with another brain.."

YES! YES! YES, I'll come! If u ask me so nicely how can I refuse? Oh I'll come, defiantly I'll come. I'd looove to come…. K looked away to hide the gleam in her eyes and the smile on her lips.

K-"I'll see…. I cannot say 4 sure"

S-"I am happy to know that u will at least consider.. I have to rush now. Thanks kashish"

Sid looked at S curiously….. What's wrong with him why a sudden change towards kashish?

Sam smirked at the scene and thought if he should tell what he thinks to every1 else…

****

Evening

This is insanity… I have a choice! In fact I am not bound by anything at all. I really don't have to here. I can still turn around and walk out. Nobody wud know I came here and nobody wud question me latter. If I stay I'll only end up loosing whatever self control I have gained. I shouldn't take this step if I care to preserve my self…… a slow hand crept towards the handle and pushed open the door.

S-"Kashish u are here! Thank God!!"

A very relived and happy looking Sujal greeted a hesitant, doubtful, confused Kashish inside her father's study.

K managed to dim the smile which came to her lips when sujal had greeted her. She was close to forgetting all her misgivings if he kept up like this.

A-"A good think u came beta. Now let's start."

After offering kashish some coffee and asking her about her day politely. S gave her a very short but in depth summary of the case during the next hour.

S-"So what do u think Kashish?"

K-"Hmm it is a really interesting case"

Kashish smiles involuntarily towards S and then quickly turns her face around in a frown

Control!!

K-"I think.. thaaaatt… it was the-"

TING!!!! TONG!!!

S-" Just a minute Kashish. Somebody's at the door. I'll just go and see. Excuse me"

S got up and came back after 5 minutes with a beautiful, elegant lady.

The woman was dressed in a crisp black skirt, with a deep necked pearl colored blouse and a pitch black blazer to match the skirt . She had smoked eyes and hair in a perfect carelessly tied bun with a stick. Kashish felt like a street rag in front of her, in her crumpled clothes, work tiered eyes and a messy braid.

S-"Uncle, Kashish this is Sneha. And Sneha this is kashish. And her father, my mentor, inspiration and boss."

Sneha gave a charming smile and shook hands with both of them.

S-"Umm.. I am.. a.. sorry Kashish, but.. a.. I gotta go now.. I am sure u can handle everything here. Bye."

S rushed out with Sneha b4 K cud even blink her eyes from the shock.

He is dating her!! He is going on a date with her tonight!!! He is going when he called me here!! Am I his assistant to look after his case while he fraternizes with women??!! I can't believe I fought with my boss today to come home to this! And who is that women any way?? I am sure she is a bl**dy witch who is @$%&@

A-"Nice girl. Don't u think so? I think she is perfect for our Sujal."

K-"What!! No! I mean.. No way cud he have, found some1 better.. Yah.. Dad I think u r right"

What was I thinking right now? I hardly know that girl. How cud I think I badly of her? I sure as hell hope I am not jealous. That wud disrupt everything. Control. Deep breaths. Go to ur happy place. Think of something else..

K-"Lets forget about them dad and talk about the case it's more important and interesting" than imagining them dancing closely.

A-"Yes it is more important."

Night

As kashish slept that nite she had the most uncomfortable and unhappy thoughts…

What was I thinking? That he won't go out with any1 ever? He is a man isn't he? He has his needs… I had always known that he is never without a girlfriend for more than 5 days, then why am I thinking about him and his date so much. I shouldn't. It's not right and it's not good for me. There is no use feeling jealous coz he was never mine to lose now….

I should b happy that is going out with some1 else. Yes that is how I need to feel. Once I begin to feel that way I know that I wud b over him totally. Then his words wud stop having any effect on me. Let me just imagine him happy with this girl. Perhaps they wud b eating out of each others plates right now. Some days later .. Perhaps he wud b showing around a ring which he wud give to her. Then they'll b married with lots of kids and he wud be 1 happy family man. I need to picture this image and feel nice and happy about it. Yes. I should happy. Perhaps if I keep repeating this line I wud stop feeling so frustrated and murderous.

*********************

With great difficulty and some excellent acting kashish managed to put up a happy unaffected, so glad for sujal front. Nobody suspected anything and Kashish too seeing how happy how Sujal was these days realized that perhaps her imagination hadn't been completely wrong. Maybe he felt all that for Sneha which K had once wanted him to feel for her. And if he really felt that way then…. Even with a heavy heart she truly was happy for him.

Dinner

Sid-"To Sujal.. Kya baat hai? Aaj kal to tum kashish se bhi jyada busy rehne laga hai<what's up sujal? these days u r even more busy than kashish>… are u and Sneha that serious about each other?"

S-"Well…we do like each other a lot…."

S looked happy and left his sentence deliberately unfinished so tht ppl, especially kashish, wud complete it on their own.

Sam-"So wud v be hearing wedding bells soon?"

Sam looked at sujal doubtfully. Somehow he felt that Sujal was just pretending to b happy about this girl, he still seemed hung up on some mystery girl Sid had told him about.

Sujal-"We haven't thought about it but…. U never know what the future holds."

K-"That's great then u and nick cud get married together!! It wud b so much fun don't u think so?" mustering al her enthusiasm and her goodness.

She was ready to feel tiny prickles in her heart as long as Sujal was terribly happy with this girl. Why she had even decided to b Sneha's best friend!

S muttered-"I don't think so…. " and looked at kashish closely. She seemed to b genuinely happy with his being together with Sneha.. Didn't she really feel any thing for him? Not a slightest bit of jealousy, anger or sadness? Was he really so unwanted and useless in her life?

S-"Excuse me, I gotta go call Sneha."

Sujal left abruptly.. As abruptly a certain feeling of despair engulfed him.

Maybe all my plans are useless. She doesn't wan to b with me loud and clear. Why didn't I understand that from the beginning? She had just wanted to settle our differences and live civilly. I was the only stupid one who read to much in her actions and heard her unsaid words… sighhhhhhh.

*******************************

A week or so later Sujal suddenly announced that he had broken up with her.

Its not that she wasn't a nice. His heart was just not into seeing anyone. After giving up on kashish he had tried taking interest in Sneha, tried to like her but he couldn't feel a spark. He felt that he was betraying both Sneha and himself by trying to pursue this relation. So he simply apologized to her and told her that he was not as yet ready to b with another women. Seemed like he was truly and royally hung up on kashish for the rest of his life.

Kashish to had got used his talking abt Sneha and praising her all the time. She had been amazed to hear abt his breakup. She hoped she wasn't in anyways responsible and felt a betraying flicker of happiness in some deep corner of her heart upon hearing the news of his breakup.

***************************

Sid-"I don't think there any thing cud b done. This is stalement."

S-"Hmmm…. I guess then I should offer a draw."

Sid-"I was talking about ur life man… But I guess this game of chess is at stalement too.."

S-"Huh.. I guess u r right on both accounts maybe I should offer a draw in my life too then."

Sid-"How do u do that?"

S-"I don't know… It's better than making stupid plans.."

Sid-"Hey! Come on don't give me that long face. It' unbecoming of u, it's just a game, sometimes u lose…"

S gave a small smile-"Thanks for understanding bro… Don't worry I'll b alright."

*****************

More than a month had passed since sujal and kashish had went out for dinner.

Everyone had forgotten it had ever happened. Except sujal and kashish, the two ppl who valiantly tried to forget it.

K was finally feeling as if she was over Sujal… perhaps a few weeks more I wud forget that we ever went on that magical date.

While S was finally starting to see things beyond K again. He followed every method and step which K had already adopted related to him….. Perhaps forgetting that night is going to b the hardest lesson of my life.

*****

Nick was coming back in a 2 weeks. His fianc wasn't coming but, he was going to b married pretty soon. All the ppl in Sinha household were gathered in the living room discussing about the appropriate date for the marriage..

Kaveri-"I think that 3 months is too soon.. There are so many things to b done, so many preparations to b made, so much shopping to do!"

Sam-"Yah.. Such little time to splurge so much money…"

K-"Hey!! Bhabhi is right. We need to shop a lot. U men wud never understand."

Sid-"No ways. I can't wait for more than 3 months.. Let's get him married as soon as possible"

A-"Maybe we should ask Nick first"

S-"Oh uncle really!! U know Nick. It's a surprise in itself that he chose a wife , when he is incapable of deciding which side of his toast he should butter.."

Sam-"Sujal's right! Let's get him married as soon as he comes. Sanskriti (name of nick's fianc ) cud come along with him."

Kaveri -"Nooooooooooooooooooo"

Sam-"Yah!!!"

K-"No.. Bhaiya!! No no no no nooo"

Sid-"Yessss yesss yes!!!"

And evry1 starts shouting all at once. K jumping on Sid to close his moth while trying the same with her husband Sam.

WHISTLEEE!!!!!

S-"All right1 stop behaving like a bunch of sissies."

K opens her mouth for a quick rebound but closes it again just as quickly. Let some1 else reply, it wasn't only me whom he called a sissy.

Sam-"Oh yah! Who r u? Tragic king Lear?"

S-"Hey! I meant no offence. Let's just say… Who ever wins will have his say. The winner decides the date and we all wud agree with him or her and try and convince Nick together for that date."

Every1-"Ok!!"

Every one sat in a circle and decided to play 'Bluff'<also called 420, Cheat, bullsh**(in movie 'how to loose a guy in ten days.')>

Sid-"All of u have no chance. I am gonna win this"

A-"Let's have a best of 3"

K-"I'll make coffee 4 every1"getting up

Sam-"What!!! U r not playing?"

K-"No."

K came back after 15 min with all the coffees. The game was in a full swing and it seemed like Sujal was gonna win.

Kaveri-"Kashish u also play in the next round"

K-"No Bhabhi. I don't feel like playing"

Sam-"Why not? Most of the times u r unbeatable at this game"

Sid-"U are such a perfect little liar.."

K-"I just don't believe that any1 of us cud actually persuade Nick to get married on the date we want. Plus Sanskriti has a say in this too. And my dear Siddharth bhaiya lets just say tht I am trying to mend my ways, so I don't think I wanna lie.."

A-"As u wish.. But I think that u wud have been unbeatable. Next to sujal u r the best one a this game"

K…..—exactly the point dad.. I don't want to enjoy this game and then feel remorse on losing to him. That wud make me fight with him and call him names and that wud lead to interaction which I have successful avoided for more than a month

K-"Thanks dad but I'll pass the offer"

The game continued with enthusiasm and excitement.. Like kashish her brothers were also not very good losers especially since Sujal had beaten them in 2 straight games…

S stretching his hands..-"Well people. I think there is no need for the 3^rd match, since I have already won these two. I will b the one now who decides the date of Nick's marriage"

Every1 whined in protest to this and to settle every1 sujal says

"Ok! Ok! The rule remains the same… lets just change it to a best of five. I have already won two and if u can stop me from winning even 1 more game.. Then u all can have whatever u want"

Every1 agrees to this and a fresh set of hands is delt.

Kashish was silently all the commotion from her seat in the sofa. She sat like a curled Cheshire cat watching every1 with powerful observant eyes. And yes she had been watching Sujal too.. By now she had made out the pattern in which he bluffed(lied, threw a false card).

Sam-"Common dad, Sid u can beat Sujal. I never had any luck in card games"

Kaveri-"Where did u learn to play? It's almost as if u r a professional liar. U keep such a poker face."

S-"Ah! U all can keep worrying and wondering. I am still going to win. Just 10 more cards to discard."

Sid-"10!!! I have 25! When did u lose so many?"

S just gave a magicians smile and continued to discard cards rapidly. With only 4 left in his hands S says

"2 aces"

"BULLS***!!!" kashish shouted from her seat. She was sitting on tender hooks by now.. So lost she was in observing Sujal- his charisma, his charm, arrogance, intelligence, body language; that she didn't even realized that she had voiced her last thought out loud, until every1 stared at her.

Sid-"Are u sure?"

K-"Uhhh.. Umm.. Yah. I am."

Kaveri-"How do u know it's a bluff?"

K-"I just do… I was watching Sujal(Don't tell him that u were looking at him silly!!!) .… what I mean is tht I was… I was just seeing how many cards he had… only two are left in his hand, so he has to b bluffing(good bluffing)"

S looked at K thoughtfully, 100 thoughts raiding his mind. She was observing me? How does she know? Why is she looking away? Is she blushing?!? Something's damn wrong and fishy.

S-"Well I can wait for for my turn to dispose the remaining 2. as it is I can catch every1's bluff easily."

K getting up and getting out fast-"I don't know! Do whatever u want! All I know is that it's a bluff." And she was out of the room.

S-"Come on Sid bhai it's ur decision.. U can believe on some 1 who is not even confident enough to play the game or u can trust ur experienced instinct…"

Sid-"Umm.. Ahh…Wellllll…aa…. Ok I'll not open. Another Ace."

Kaveri, Sam, A-"Pass"

S-"2 more aces and thts the game. I win. And I get to decide the date."

Sid-"What? But.. buutt.."

S getting up with a triumphant smile and walks out too-"Guess u should have listened to ur sis.. Maybe she does have more brains than u hahahaa.."

Every1 sighed and tried to quarrel with S abt it, but he was already out of the room, looking for K.

K was standing at the balcony looking the stars… ruminating on her stupid, mindless outburst.

"So how exactly did u know that I was bluffing?" Sujal said from behind.

K gripped the railing hard and momentarily closed her eyes.

Serves me right for the little slip. This is what happens for the slightest mistake. Now grin and bear the consequences.

K-"I told u. U just had 2 more cards left. It was obvious."

S-"If my bluff was caught I wud have received 10 more cards. It was a big risk… How were u so sure?"

K turned around with a frown and looked at him annoyed.

K-"It was just a guess then. Happy?"

Sujal couldn't help but smile. She looked adorable in her frowning, crinkled nose and it was almost 1 month since he had seen it.

S-"It's the first time u have done anything to make me happy.. How can I say no?"

K knew that her calm temperance was slipping, Sujal was getting to her. I need to get away. Quick.

K-"I didn't do anything for u." K started to move, predicting her movement Sujal moved in front to block her.

S-"But it does mean that u were observing me to know how many cards I had. Right?"

sujal was bursting with excitement, he had not felt this great for such a long time

K looked here and there, trying to get out of that place. Only if he wud move a little. He had her blocked exit completely. She was caught between him and the railing. If tries to she move, she wud come in physical contact with him and that was an absolute no no.

K-"Is it a crime to look at u?" Looking him straight in the eye now. No use trying to avoid the topic he knew u were looking. Denying it wud only prolong the conversation.

S-"Only if u don't admit it."

K-"Well I did. Now let me go."

S-"U can go. When did I stop u?"

K-"U r blocking my way! Move!"

S-"What if I say no?"

S looked at K with gleaming eyes and smirking lips.
He stepped closer to k-"What will u do then?"

k looked mighty uncomfortable and took a big gulp of air. K felt it difficult to breath and her heart beat accelerated to 120. Drawing on her last bit of strength she said shakily.

K-"What is this nonsense Sujal? Move."

It was windy as usual and K's hair was open. S raised one hand and slowly tucked a strand, which was blowing on her face, behind her ear.

S-"Ok I'll move. I don't want my princess getting that angry at me."

S moves slightty to 1 side just giving her enough space to squeeze through. While k seemed to b rooted to the spot her cheeks slightly flushed. Just as she started to get away Sujal said

"I am happy u kept ur hair long."

K-"Huh?", Stopping in her path again. Every word which Sujal was whispering to her right now was affecting her deeply. His each glance at her face, her lips, neck was making her more nervous, his each little movement making her palms swetty and mouth dry.

S-"It's still the fine quality, it was a few years back..", his hand still hovering behind her ear. Gently touching her hair.

K turned a deeper shade of red and opened her mouth only to close it again, for she didn't know how to react or what to say…

K-"_________"

They both stood there like this for endless moments. When kashish finally managed to break the spell and tried to leave again.

S-"Kashish r u free this Saturday?", in a very serious voice, all the gayness, teasing and laughter gone from his voice… Sounding thoroughly professional.

K nodded her head in affirmation and S gave a tight cursory smile.

S-"Good. Then b ready by 7.30"

K-"WHAT!!!!!!"

S-"We'll go out. So b ready by 7.30"

K looked at Sujal completely bewildered. Was he asking her out again. Why? He only said he barely likes me to Sid…. Why????

K-"Umm.. O.K. I'll b ready. But if u wanna discuss some case only, then why not use dad's study? Why go out?"

S looked at her disappointedly as a teacher looks towards a student who couldn't tell 2+2. He slowly raised her face by pushing her chin up with a finger. Now she was looking up at him straight in the eyes. And he was looking down upon her. Sujal dipped his glance to her lips and couldn't stop the smile forming on his lips. He slowly bent towards her bringing them closer.

Their faces millimeters apart S whispers in a sexy seductive tone-"Coz it's a date princess"

Then straightening abruptly he turned around and left a confused, dizzy K behind this time.

**********************************************************************

Originally posted by: saga4eva

Hey sweetie................

I luved it....

I still hav to read it........i will tell u how i liked it.........

Wanted to post the 1st comment