RaBir FF - Hennaed Hands -COMPLETED Final Update on page 43 (9/21) - Page 31

Very nice update enjoyed alot

In the studio, Kabir sat with Mohit reviewing images from the photo-shoots in advance of his teleconference with his American partners later that evening. While he personally abhorred photoshopping images, he knew it to be a necessary evil in this industry. Whether it was luck, or a testament to their subject; he was inclined to think it the latter, very little if anything was needed for the photos they had viewed thus far. He had been absolutely correct in his initial assessment of Naomi's potential as a print model. It appeared that she had a very bright future ahead of her in this area, should she really be interested. More importantly, he thought checking the time yet again, the quicker he could get this task over with, then the quicker he would be able to meet Rachna.

"Stay with me here KT, we're just about done here, but I do need your input."

"You're right, I'm sorry. I have something really important to attend to as soon as possible."

Focusing back at the task at hand, they were well involved in the process when his grandmother walked in followed by Rachna's father.

"Nanhe, beta?"

Hi head down, checking another image, Kabir answered, "Ji, Daadi?"

"Beta, excuse me, but Rachna's father has come to see you."

Kabir looked up finally at the visitors to his studio. He walked over in greeting, "Namaste Uncle. Why don't you go with Daadi and I will join you in a minute." He watched as the pair walked out, and turned back to his colleague.

"Okay, I can see why you're distracted, that would be enough to do it. I'll go through the remaining images and make notations that you can review later, KT."

His mind already on his upcoming conversation, Kabir nodded.

"But KT before you go, let me just show you one thing more." he brought up another set of photos and turned the monitor towards KT.

The image was perfection itself. KT had no idea how Mohit had managed to get the angle to take the photo, somehow he had positioned himself to capture the moment he had collided with Rachna that day of the park photo-shoot; their expressions had been captured exactly. Anyone looking at this photograph would clearly understand their emotions in that moment.

"KT, it's none of my business, and actually I had just brought this set over for Naomi and Rachna, but you have to see that all she's thinking about is forever in this picture. She's a great girl KT, don't let her down."

KT nodded and walked out to what he figured would be the most important conversation he would ever have.

Without preamble, Rachna's father delved right to the heart of the matter. "Your Grandmother has told me that if I deny your relationship with my daughter, that you will step away. Tell me Kabir, will you?"

"Dayal, how.."

"Nay Mausi Ji, I would hear Kabir's answer."

"Oh Gunjan, to have a camera right now; isn't Irrational Rachna' just the cutest thing ever?"

"Have smartphone, will click!" Gunjan replied showing the image she had captured to Naomi.

At least it got the reaction they wanted and Rachna stopped sulking and got up, attempting to grab the phone from her sister. The ensuing laughter took hold of all three of them finally relieving the tension in the room.

"Ra what is your problem, everything has worked out for you, one little hiccup and you are the queen of tragedy!"

"I know, Naomi, I'm just so irritated though, I had planned everything out perfectly!"

"Well just think now of all the plans you can make to get ruined Rachna, and"

"Not funny Gunjan."

"If you let me finish, I was going to say how much of an effort KT will make to make it all up to you. I guarantee he will be here before the end of the day to sweep you off your feet. As a matter of fact, I bet he won't be able to stay away and will show up before lunchtime."

Rachna grabbed her mobile, excited when it had started ringing. Her face fell as she identified the caller, "Wow, at least I have idiot number two I can talk to in the meantime; Hello Shekhar, sorry I haven't changed my mind, so I'm not taking you back... What? She's leaving Banaras... Today? Oh God, give me the details. Look you have plenty of time, go there and meet her, and I will get there as soon as I can. It will be okay. Okay, bye"

Putting on her shoes, Rachna turned to Naomi, "I'm going to let Mummy know where we are going, but I need you to come with me okay?"

"Sure Ra, I'll get ready now."

Making the short trek next door, Kabir knew that finally, it was time to settle things between Rachna and himself. He anticipated the reception he would receive, but he had a renewed sense of purpose now. He was just about to ring the doorbell, when she opened the door. Her head was turned away as she talked to Naomi, who smiled as she looked straight ahead. Naturally Rachna did as she was wont to do, and walked right into him. "Good Morning Rachna, heading off to somewhere?"

Watching the range of expressions on her face, Kabir pretended not to notice her attempt to hide her hands in the folds of her dupatta. And It was all he could do not laugh out loud when she raised her chin rebelliously before she answered, "If you must know, I'm on my way to meet Shekhar."

"Thik Hai, do you need a ride, I have the time."

Uncertainly she looked at him, and nodded.

"By the way Naomi, Mohit is in the studio with some photos you had requested, you should be still be able catch him if you go now."

"Wow, thanks KT, I've been waiting to see them. Rachana, since KT can help you out here, I'll see you when you get back, okay? Bye guys!"

The little traitor,' Rachna thought, watching a waving Naomi leave as if she couldn't get away fast enough.

"So where are we off to then, Rachna?"

Surprisingly, once they reached the platform at the train station, it was not hard to locate Shekhar and Neeta, such was the spectacle they were making. To the amusement of the crowd, Shekhar was animatedly pleading with the young woman, whose hand he held, not to leave. Beside her, obviously an older relative of Neeta's stood to the side shaking her head in disbelief, a coy smile on her face.

"Shekhar, I came as soon as I could..."

"This is supposed to convince me to stay, Shekhar , the girl who is in love with you?"

"Neeta, Rachna is not in love with me."

Placing one hand on Neeta's arm, Rachna showed her the palm of the other, while shaking her head, "Trust me Neeta, I'm really not."

Seeing a free bench nearby, Rachna guided Neeta in that direction. "Shekhar why don't you go say hello to KT."

On his hesitation, both women turned to glare at him both declaring for him to go away.

Seated on the bench, Rachna reached for her mobile and started scrolling through her messages. "Look Neeta you have to understand, it was all a ruse to get out of a situation neither of us wanted, and at the same time Shekhar was hopeful that you would come to realize that he was truly serious about you; that some competition would have you at least willing to fight for him." She handed Neeta her phone. "But, knowing him the message came out all wrong. If I sounded at all convincing when you asked me if I was in love it's because I had just received this. And if that's not good enough for you, feel free to read the rest, ok?"

Allowing her the time to read the messages Rachna looked away to scowl at the two men in the distance.

"Is that directed at your or me, Kabir?"

"Well since I know she loves me, I'm inclined to think that it's all yours."

"I guess I deserve it." He waited a minute before speaking again, "Oh God, she's smiling, Neeta's smiling; if Rachna has pulled this one off for me I'll love her forever."

"And you know I'd rather you didn't."

"Wow Rachna, this is all so sweet, so why haven't you answered his last message?"

Turning back to Neeta, Rachna rolled her eyes, "Don't even get me started."

Neeta laughed, " Well I'm glad I not the only one having issues. That idiot Shekhar, I'll should let him suffer for the next four days until I get back, but I love him too much."

"What do you mean when you get back, he told me you were leaving for good!" She retrieved her mobile and got up, "Neeta have a great trip, and all the best with Shekhar, you are so welcome to him."

Unexpectedly Neeta stood and hugged her, "All the best to you too, Rachna, thank you so much."

Smiling sweetly at Shekhar, Rachna reached up and pinched him on the arm. "How does a four day trip translate to leaving forever? I have absolutely no idea why she loves you. Just go to her already! And Shekhar feel free to delete my number from your phone, please. "

He pulled her into a bear hug whispering his thanks and rushed off.

"Idiot"

"Another one?"

Rachna looked up in confusion, "Did you just say something KT? He shook his head and she sighed, "Let's just get out of here okay? What happened?" she exclaimed when suddenly her grabbed hold of her shoulders and spun her around to witness Shekhar down on one knee in front of Neeta, oblivious to the crowd gathered on the platform. She raised her hands to her mouth, covering her gasp of delight, "Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for them!"

"So it looks as Shekhar is getting his happy ending now, all thanks to you, Rachna."

"Well too bad you missed out on yours this morning Kabir Tripathi," she muttered walking pass him as they headed back to the car.

Smiling behind her, he walked to catch her up and grabbed her hand, "What was that Rachna?"

"Nothing at all, KT. Thank you for bringing me here, I'm ready to go home, and don't you have some work or something to do anyway?"

"Nay Rachna, I actually have a free afternoon. So why don't we spend it together, unless you have plans that is? So how about lunch?"

"Nay KT, I'm not hungry."

"Thik Hai, well how about you indulge me in testing a theory then."

He drove in silence until they came to a familiar place. She sent him a sideways glance as he parked, and then rolled her eyes. She opened her own door, determined he would not soften her stance with any act of gallantry, but she did not prevent him from holding her hand as they began to walk.

"Okay Rachna, I'm going to talk, and then you will let me know if I have forgotten anything. I think I have it all in order so just listen okay?"

"Tell me."

"Okay, every great story deserves a great title, so I've called it The Khadoos Boss and the Princess Next Door.' It all begins.."

"KT what are you talking about?"

"Shh Rachna, just listen; now where was I? Ah yes, It all began during Diwali..."

Yay!! Finally the Shekhar drama is over! And Rabir meeting was super cute! I am so looking forward to the next update where we will hear this story of the Khadoos boss and the Princess Next Door! Haha 😆

Firstly u made my day Kelly...

Amazing update
Can't wait till next chapter

Ohh wow!!!

Originally posted by: nividances

Yay!! Finally the Shekhar drama is over! And Rabir meeting was super cute! I am so looking forward to the next update where we will hear this story of the Khadoos boss and the Princess Next Door! Haha 😆

Originally posted by: hapo

Firstly u made my day Kelly...

just another awesome update...

Shekar was just too dumb n cute...

n our rabir khadoos boss n princess nxt door i m just restless for ur nxt update...