Part 9
Nikki shakes her head in the negative, but, begins fidgeting the end of her kurti.
"Nikki, relax!" he tells her taking her hand in his and pulling it tenderly over his lap. "It is only your mother," he soothes, as his fingers slowly makes space between hers, till both their fingers are firmly entwined with each other.
She looks up at his face. His seductive smile begins to charm the strings of her heart and her eyes continue to be transfixed into his.
"Mom!" Nikki mutters as she sees her mother standing on the other side of the enclosure that separated the passengers and visitors.
She was dressed stylishly in a black shirt styled top over long black skirt and a printed scarf draped around her neck. As she got closer to them, her strong perfume begin to attack their senses. Abhi notices how mother and daughter shared well chiseled features, delicate built and diminutive stature. The sharp eyes, checking them out, signalled of a strong, domineering woman.
"I am so sorry, did I break your little romantic moment Honey?" she gives a fake laugh, the regret not reaching her eyes.
'Good Start!' Nikki is secretly pleased. Without even them trying hard, her mother caught them lost into each other.
"Are you okay darling?" Kavita's voice breaks into Nikki's reverie.
"Hello Mrs. Ahluwalia!"
"No problem," Abhi flashes a charming smile at her. "We were destined to meet, so here we are!"
Nikki squirms at the taunt in her voice.
"Well, in most cases, most of them are not guided properly into thinking before taking major decisions, but, I am sure you have guided Nikki well into taking the right decisions and will be proud of your teachings." The arresting smile continues to hover on his face.
Alarm bells begin to ring in Kavita's ears. Her son in law looked to be quiet polite and charming, but, can be a formidable one too. She nervously looks around.
He was a good looking man of average height, fair with a receding hairline, dressed in an expensive suit.
"Meet Abhi, my husband." Nikki motions towards Abhi with her hand.
Abhi smiles at him and shaking his hand says, "Nice meeting you Jas."
Blushing, Nikki glances at Abhi who winks mischievously at her.
In the car, on their way home, Kavita tells Abhi "Abhi, I hope you have no problem with us staying at your place. You see, the old school of thought is that parents should not stay in a married daughter's home, but, I don't believe in such old fashion thoughts."
"Yeah, of course! It is also old fashion to attend one's daughter's wedding too," Nikki taunts, her voice saccharine sweet.
Abhi looks sideways at Nikki and makes eyes at her, motioning her to keep quiet.
"Nikki, you are pregnant?" asks a shocked Kavita.
"Oh!" there was disappointment in Kavita's voice
"Thanks Jas!" Abhi and Nikki reply in unison
"Thank you" they murmur again.
When they reach home, Kavita is overwhelmed to see the huge house with interiors so tastefully and beautifully done up. After Nikki finished showing her around, they were seated in the living room, when Abhi's phone begins to ring.
"Hello Mama," Nikki joyously greets her mother in law. Her words and enthusiasm , sends a piercing pain through Kavita's heart.
"Nikki, its been ages since we spoke, how is your aunt now?" Rachna asks her.
"Fine Mama," she replies walking over to the other room, hoping her mother in law discontinues asking her any more questions about the unknown aunt, so created by Abhi.
"Thank you Mama and congratulations to you too. Be prepared to be called the Sexiest Daadi."
"Thank you for the compliment Beta and it goes without saying you'll make a very sexy mom."
Its been ages since she laughed so freely.
Nikki had the urge to hug her mother in law.
"I will come soon," Rachna assures her. "But, right now enjoy your mother's warmth for the short time she is there with you. I'll come later."
"Take care of yourself, the little one and also my Abhi." she signs off with a bye.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and turns to find Abhi standing there.
"Yeah," Nikki nods her head trying to avoid his eyes.
"No Abhi, I am fine. I just wish she was here." She walks away with a puzzled Abhi following her.
Dinner was slightly strained with mother and daughter darting barbs at each other, whenever the opportunity arose. However, Jas and Abhi managed to cool down tempers, with their funny chat and jokes. Jas tells Abhi now that he is in India, he would like to eat at good Punjabi dhabas and Abhi should take him to a few of them. He ignores his wifes glares and turned up nose at the mention of dhabas. Abhi tells him he would love to take him there. During the course of conversation, Kavita asks Abhi to call her Mom like Nikki does.
"Its not necessary though," Nikki tells him. "One has to get that feeling to do it. So only if you feel like doing it, then do it."
"Thank you," he tells Kavita with a smile, "I would love to call you Mom."
Later an annoyed Nikki was pacing , to and fro, on the lawn. Abhi comes and stands in front of her. He folds his hand in front of his chest and stares darkly at her.
"What is it Nikki? Why are you so rude with your mother? I understand you are upset with her because she did not attend our wedding, but, then its over now. Just forgive and move on."
"Well there you are right," unfolding his arms, Abhi shrugs. "I really don't know this Nikki. You seem to be turning into some bitter marm these days, which does no justice to your beauty.
Abhi goes closer to her and looks down into her face. Putting a finger under her chin he pushes it up to face him.
Abhi seductively caresses her cheek. Nikki shuts and opens her eyes.
"And these........" Abhi says softly and pauses.
"And ?" Nikki repeats
Nikki's heart begins pounding.
"Run, Nikki, Run," she hears her inner voice.
"No I want to stay. I am loving it. This is heaven," Another voice contradicts it.
"Don't be a fool, Once he claims them, you have no chance of escape."
"D....Don't," she fumbles, trying not to show him how much she wanted him to go ahead with the kiss. "Don't try to take liberties" she warns.
Suddenly Nikki notices a slight movement from the guest room above. Through the corner of her eye, she sees her mother standing at the window. Quickly, removing her hands from Abhi's lips, she places her lips on them. Abhi is taken aback by the sudden onslaught.
'Blame it on pregnancy mood swings Boy!' he reminds himself as he succumbs to the pleasure of her lips.
"I'll be there in few minutes " Abhi replies.
Once he is out of sight, Nikki bites the corner of her lip, blushing profusely. With the shake of her head, a happy smile breaks out on her face
Book Talk
Anupamaa
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