RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 18

Kabir had removed his jacket and was rolling up his shirtsleeves when their demanding toddler determined that she had had enough of her car-seat. On the other side of the car retrieving their necessities, Rachna smiled and shook her head at the bossy piece of baggage their daughter was becoming.

"I am so blaming you for this diva behavior, she obviously believes that she is the princess you treat her like, KT."

Releasing the safety straps, Kabir reached for Aryia as she tried to scoot out of the seat. "She is my princess, I can't deny that fact."

"So how do you think she will react to your young prince?"

Rachna watched as her husband's face lost all expression and hastened to continue, in hopes that he wouldn't misunderstand her. "KT I'm not trying to lay blame or to be vindictive, but we can't avoid the topic. This situation is just a part of our life now and naturally my concern is for my daughter." She came to stand in front of him, entreating him to look at her. When he finally looked down at her, she smiled her support. "And my concern extends to my husband as well. I know that I'm wallowing in my own misery over all of this, but I have had some moments of clarity where I realize that this is affecting you just as much, KT. Us not talking about it isn't going to make it go away."

"Do you have everything, Rachna?"

She nodded, accepting that this was something he wasn't ready to speak on . Instead she clasped his hand as they began to walk. "So do we appease Her Highness first with the playground equipment, or a spot of relaxing for all of us first?"

Kabir laughed, as Aryia began bouncing in his arms at sight of the toddler swings not far from them. "I think the decision has already been made; maybe if we are lucky it will wear her out and she won't be so demanding."

"Hmm...just remember Miss Bossy is all your doing."

Rachna looked down at her husband as he lay on her lap. She lightly traced the contours of his handsome face smiling when he sighed with contentment. Her glance lowered to Aryia who lay on her papa's chest, tuckered out from her play. How she adored them both, and in this acknowledgement knew that this was the true reason that her moods were swinging like a pendulum. Yes, the betrayal of his lies stung, but she had to consider what he had gone through. What would have happened if he had disclosed everything as it had happened? Would the shock have been bearable? Would this news have affected her pregnancy, and risked their precious daughter? Even to contemplate that possibility tore her apart and she wasn't quick enough to stop the stream of tears from running down her face. She wiped her face, but still couldn't prevent the evidence of her emotions from splashing on his face. He opened his eyes, the temporary peace he had achieved disturbed by the liquid reminder that he was the root cause of his wife's desperate unhappiness. He rose to get off her lap when she shook her head, smiling, and gently pushed him back down. "Don't you dare move, I like you right where you are."

Kabir closed his eyes and ran one hand through his hair. "Rachna, I'll never be able to express how sorry I am; no words will ever be enough, but please..."

"Kabir Tripathi, I love you with my entire being, nothing will ever change that."

She had stunned him into complete silence.

"I'm angry and I'm hurt and I'm so scared, but my love for you and for our child is everything to me. I am truly trying to come to grips with this and I know I am going to have good and bad days, but at the core of everything going on will always be that I love you and the family we have created. " She smiled sadly. "I'll probably need reminding of this, so I hope you are listening."

"Rachna, I truly don't deserve you, but I know I couldn't live without you."

Continuing her ministration of stroking his face, Rachna watched in silence when Aryia stretched in her sleep before settling back down in comfort. "She is growing so fast isn't she?"

"Too fast if you ask me, Rachna. It seems like everything that every day there's something new: a new word, a new action. Naomi was absolutely correct in saying that every day is a joy experiencing life through her eyes."

"Yes, she's right."

"I've only seen one picture of my son, of Sanjay... and I feel absolutely no connection to him Rachna. I truly do not know how I ever will."

She thought about it for a while before speaking. "Perhaps the key will be the children's interaction with each other. Assuming that Sanjay is aware of his baby sister and is keen to meet her, perhaps Aryia can be the catalyst that will bring the two of you together. I know that you will be most natural around our daughter. She brings out the best in you, and your son will deserve this from you as well."

Kabir sat up then, recognizing the huge concession Rachna was making from her stance not so long ago.

"He's just a child, with no fault other than being born in less than ideal circumstances. I was wrong to think, and to speak badly of him because of this."

"Rachna..."

"But don't misunderstand me KT, my goodwill does not extend to his mother. I do not trust her. I'm convinced there is more to all of this, and no one will ever convince me otherwise. Please don't let her near my baby, KT."

"Never, Rachna."

"I can't decide if I'm glad that I won't be here next week or not, but my head tells me that it's probably all for the best."

"Banaras Beauty's first client and so soon. Despite the fact that your client is taking my wife away from me for the first time, I have to tell you how very proud I am of you Rachna. Can you tell me about i?"

She smiled at him, and launched into her plans, and he was never happier."

"So, I've allotted five days for the consultation, but that would be the maximum amount of time, so if I do finish up earlier you can rest assured I will be changing my flight to come home to you two."

"But for now it's Sunday through to Saturday? What about your accommodations have they been confirmed yet?"

"Um, actually I'm just waiting on email confirmation of that, but I'm sure it will be settled soon."

"Will you allow me take care of it? I would rest better knowing that you are somewhere I'm familiar with."

"Thik hai, but don't go overboard, I don't need anything elaborate."

They fell into a comfortable silence, content just to be with each other after their days of dissent.

"Oh, the website is done, when we get home you have to take a look at. Naomi did an excellent job! She went on and on about how what she did wasn't anything special, but it really is well done. "

Kabir and smiled at the thought of their multi-talented friend. "Our Naomi is certainly living up to her fairy status of late hasn't she?"

"Yes, and that's why I insisted she run away this afternoon as well. She has been working overtime dealing with the two us, in addition to Aryia. I hope she is having a good time today whatever she decided to do."

"Well let's hope she's not outdoors, as that looks to be a pretty heavy raincloud overhead. I think we need to get going Mrs. Tripathi."

"My confession did not constitute an invitation Rajeev Agarwal, so back away from me and take me home." The pain in her eyes was real as she continued. "What sort of girl do you really think I am? I won't lie, yes I have kissed and been kissed, but I know my limits, and I thought that you would be the sort of guy that would respect that."

Rajeev was a total loss as to how the situation had descended to its present state. It had been a heady feeling to realize the woman he desired reciprocated his longing, and his move to embrace her seemed a natural progression, but somehow Naomi totally misconstrued his intentions.

"Sweetheart, I don't even understand, why you would even think that?"

"Because our situation is impossible, you will be leaving and moving here and I will eventually have to leave Banaras, so it not right that you place me in a position that will compromise my beliefs ."

"Dammit Naomi, I hugged you, I didn't ask you for sex!"

"Well, I guess I should thank you then. At least I know what it would have meant to you!" She reached for her cap and walked out of the room, and then from the sound of it out of the flat all together.

Rajeev ran both hands through his hair, and blew out a frustrated breath over the farcical conversation he had just had to endure. He backtracked to the bedroom to make sure the door to the balcony was closed and noticed that it had started to rain. Hopefully the little fool had sense enough to wait in the downstairs foyer and not go outside.

"What's this fabric swatch here, Rachna?"

"Oh goodness you would think I would be more careful with this fabric after this morning, but I've still left it out! What do you think of it KT?"

"It's beautiful, but I think it would be a bit too modern for most Indian brides; I mean if that was the intent."

"I totally agree, but I thought it perfect for a non-traditional bride. I saw it and it just called to me. I don't know when I will get to make it, but I purchased enough of it to cover any eventuality."

"Rachna, you can't be serious."

"She thinks it's for my client in Mumbai, but she is so in love with it."

The couple walked out of the office, stopping in the lounge before they would go their separate ways; Kabir back to his studio and Rachna to start dinner.

"KT, thank you for making the time for us today."

"We both needed it, love."

The heard their friends before they entered the house proper; neither were happy.

"You are being totally unreasonable!"

"And I told you to go away and leave me alone, Rajeev!"

Resembling a drowned puppy, Naomi stormed through the house and headed directly upstairs. Realizing his need for assistance , a just as drenched Rajeev, stopped to KT and Rachna. "Your friend has serious issues, you do realize that don't you?"

"Excuse me?"

About to say more, KT held his wife's hand to bring pause to her response for the moment.

"There's no other way, I just can't see any other alternative to the situation. Will there be a problem with me staying here a while longer?"

Kabir studied the other man. "Is there a delay with your completion date?"

"There will be in about ten minutes or so." Mentally calculating how much time he could buy, Rajeev figured what he was doing would have to suffice. He looked at the pair watching him expectantly, trying to make sense of what he was asking of them. "Naomi has decided that she won't have any more to do with me once I move into my own place. One kiss and she loses her mind."

"Umm who did the kissing, Sir?"

"Dammit, don't tell her I told you, she'll probably hold that against me too."

"I think I will go and check on her okay?"

"Rachna, I also need to get hold of her brother, is that something you can help me with? I'm certain I'm not allowed anywhere near any of her computers right now."

"If all else fails, we can reach him via skype on my computer."

Left alone with Rajeev, Kabir studied the restless man beside him. "How long of a delay do you expect you will need Rajeev?"

"I guess that depends on how stubborn she proves to be."

"I pity you then my friend, she can be pretty headstrong. Did anything go your way today?"

"Well I'm pretty sure that my entire boys hockey team are in love with her and she does like my building."

Kabir smiled. "Sometimes it's the small things that get us through the rough times. Stay as long as you need to."

Chapter #18

"At the very end he called me an Ice Queen, and said that no man would ever want a frigid woman like me. At first I thought he was talking nonsense and that my non-responsiveness was all just a result of my upbringing; that if we had gotten married that I would be more receptive to his advances." Naomi paused to wipe her eyes with the heels of her palms. "And then I began to wonder if maybe Abhi was actually right; that I was seriously flawed somehow. But both of our theories were wrong, and if I hadn't been so messed up considering what was wrong with me, I could have managed a better defense against this."

"Which is precisely what Naomi; you're not exactly making any sense right now."

"Falling in lust, Ra." Looking for support from her friend Naomi's eyes widened in surprise at the other woman's reaction. Grabbing the closest pillow she aimed it directly at Rachna's head, when rather than commiserating with her, her friend instead burst out laughing.

"Oh Naomi, you've been so sensible dealing with KT and me; I was truly worried that you had finally matured. It's so good to know that you're still your quirky self."

"Rachna, I'm being serious, I have a major dilemma here."

"Okay, so you're telling me that you've forsaken all modesty and are now just fixated on becoming intimate with my Sir? Fine then, go for it Naomi, you're both consenting adults. "

"Rachna Tripathi, are you mad; I couldn't just do that, not without knowing ..."

"But you're in lust, so what do you have to know?"
"It's not that simple, Ra."

"Then it's not lust, at least it's not for you." She could see the trail of her friend's thoughts and continued, "And I'm more than sure that it isn't for him either."

"Ooh, well that just makes me a bigger fool than ever. I've never been so confused before in my life. I've probably, no I've definitely wrecked any chance I had with him."

"Come on it couldn't be that bad."

"Let's see we kissed, I confessed that I was way too attracted to him, and then basically accused him of just wanting sex from me when he gave me a hug - yeah, I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm bipolar and wants nothing to do with me."

"And I'm so sure he isn't thinking anything of the sort, Naomi. However, you really need re-think that fallen in lust' stance, that's definitely not your problem, sweetie."

Rajeev entered the studio, catching Kabir unawares as he was finalizing his plans for the upcoming week.

"Kabir, I can't fault you for pulling out all the stops, but I could very well have been Rachna, and everything you've planned been found out."

"No, I was sure I had more than enough time, not when she is dealing with our Naomi."

"Ah yes, Naomi; she's proving to be very complicated young woman."

"Undoubtedly, but once you get to really know and understand her, that's when you will get to realize how very special she is." He stopped what he was doing completely and turned his full attention to the other man. "I have to confess, Rajeev, my initial invitation for you to stay here was purely selfish on my part. I still don't understand what or why it happened, but your interaction with her sparked something. It was honestly the first sign of anything we had seen in her from the moment she came back. If nothing else, we have you to thank for your part in pulling her out of such an unhappy state. But now... well let's just say you have a lot of people rooting for you. I especially, would hate it if your intentions towards her weren't true Rajeev. She's not one to be played with and if you have any thought that you won't treat her in the manner she deserves, it would be best if you walk away now."

"Kabir, I have at the eleventh hour just cancelled the furnished option clause of my sales agreement, in order to have a legitimate excuse not be able to move somewhere she isn't comfortable being yet. And I'm looking to ingratiate myself to her older brother, who by all indications is quite capable of nullifying any of my attempts to have a relationship with her with one word; no less on a day where, in her mind I've wronged her. If this doesn't speak to the nature of my intentions, I don't know what else I can do to prove my sincerity. God, the shopping alone I will now have to subject myself to is too unbearable to even think of!"

Kabir shook his head in disbelief. "Well no one can accuse you of taking a half-hearted approach to things. That's a hell of an excuse as any, but if things work out as you hope, then I'm sure she will be more than willing to help you out."

Indicating the details on Kabir's laptop, Rajeev grimaced. "Ah well, that all depends on her availability, you seem to have secured much of Naomi's time already. "

"Only the latter part of the week, and then only until noon on Saturday at the very latest. I'm just trying to make the next week as painless as possible for everyone."

"And by everyone, you mean for Rachna in particular I take it. Kabir, I know it's none of my affair, but I have to ask, is this truly a legitimate claim? I mean just from the snippets I've been privy to, it sounds as if your ex-fianc is bad news; are you certain that the child is even yours?"

" Unfortunately yes to both: Sonal has proven to be trouble, and yes testing has proved that he is mine."

"Well I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position; both you and Rachna."

"Thank you, but if nothing let the fact that my family is still intact show you that no issue is insurmountable. I really do hope everything works out for the two of as well."

Dinner was a quiet affair. After making small talk , the two couples seemed to metaphorically retreat back to their own corners. Observing them, Daadi smiled. While Nanhe and Rachna definitely seemed in a much happier place, it seemed some small hiccup had disrupted the harmony of the other pair. Of the two Rajeev seemed the more comfortable, with her young friend appearing more unsettled. She watched as Naomi cast one anxious look after another seemingly on the cusp of speaking, and shook her head. The poor dear, obviously something had occurred on her outing that had her looking and acting so pitifully.

"Naomi beta?"

"Yes Daadi?"

"I'm sorry that I didn't get to speak further to you this morning after looking at the website."

Naomi smiled down the table to the older woman. "That's okay Daadi."

"You did an excellent job Beta, but there was one thing I thought missing. Even though you added shots of the reception there was one special fairy that was nowhere to be seen in any of images. I confess to being very disappointed."

Naomi shook her head. "Daadi, it wasn't necessary to have my photo anywhere on the site, not yet anyway."

"She's absolutely right, Daadi, it's not her time yet."

"Do you have a special rotation of models planned, Rachna?"

"No, Sir."

"So when..?"

"Rajeev, would you like to see the website after dinner?"

He decided to let her way for now. Clearly she didn't want to disclose whatever arrangements that she and Rachna had for her modelling any of Rachna's designs, so he had taken her up on her offer to view the website. They had been a few minutes into it, when she stopped and turned to face him.

"Rajeev, I'm sorry I...Oh not now."

The ringtone indicating the incoming video call sounded on her computer and she looked horrified at the identity of the caller.

"It's okay Naomi, just answer it."

"He..hello?"

"Hey kid, you have been difficult to get hold of; you haven't been avoiding me have you?"

She looked everywhere but the monitor when she answered her brother. "No Stef, that isn't it at all." Unseen by her brother who was now eyeing her suspiciously, Naomi was comforted when she felt the steady grasp on her trembling hand. She took a deep breath and then faced her sibling. "Actually I'm glad you called. I do have something I want to talk to you about, Stef."

"I have booked you into The Oberoi, Mumbai for the duration of your visit. The hotel will send a car to collect you from the airport, which I will reconfirm on the day you leave. I've emailed the information to you already so you can forward to your clients, but here is a hardcopy as well so you can have on at the ready should you need. Considering that you will be exceptionally busy the first couple of days meeting with the client, I thought that perhaps Wednesday afternoon you could explore the Kalbadevi fabric wholesalers, so I have contacted a colleague who will meet you for lunch and then show you what there is to be had there or any of the other shopping areas. Of course this is totally dependent on your availability, but I just wanted you to have the option."

Rachna looked to her husband, sitting beside her on the sofa, before reaching over and kissing his cheek. "You have gone over and above Kabir Tripathi, thank you so much." She looked over the documents and then shook her head in wonder. "I think you missed you calling KT, maybe I should just hire you as my personal assistant."

She smiled when he came closer and put an arm around her shoulder. "You do realize that most employers require their assistants to travel with them for business?"

She sighed contently, "Oh that would definitely be a benefit of working for me, Mr. Trpathi. Can I expect an application to be forthcoming? It will certainly save me from missing you."

"I would love to be able to accompany you on this trip Rachna, perhaps next time."

She sat up unable to assuage her guilt with what had to appear as her indifference to his situation. "I'm so sorry KT, I haven't even asked; what is the schedule for the visitations next week?"

"There will be two afternoon visits, Monday and Wednesday, and then a longer one scheduled for Saturday. I actually arranged the Saturday visit from noon, since you will be coming back early that morning. That way you will have the opportunity to spend some time with Aryia before Sanjay arrives."

"That will be wonderful, but I hope you've included yourself in this scenario as well. I will have missed the two of you, not just our daughter."

"As will we my love, we will have missed you as well."

They tore their gazes from each other, when Naomi came and threw herself down on the armchair adjacent to them. She ranted, her hands flailing, "He asked me to leave, that I didn't need to hear what they had to talk about, and Stef agreed with him! My own brother and my...my, and that man in there, told me to leave. Like I was nothing, like I had no opinion, no say in a conversation that is about me." She looked back in the direction of the office door and then turned to look at her friends' amused expressions. "Heck guys, after the day I've had, I might as well go and start packing to go home now," she whined. Her gripe met silence and she looked at them for a response. "Guys?"

"KT, after I returned from the UK and before everything was settled, I wasn't as high-strung as this was I?" Rachna laughed aloud when KT grimaced and then held his hand out and rocked it slightly.

"Well I distinctly remember a certain someone calling me irrational Rachna, so maybe I may have been a little excitable, but come on Naomi, you have to admit that you are taking this to an entirely new level."

Unable to avoid looking back towards the offending door, Naomi answered. "Oh shut up Ra, you're of no help."