RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 23

Chapter #21

"Naomi, just one more thing before you go."

"Kabir Tripathi, if I have to hear thank you one more time from you, I swear I will scream. I am not doing anything one friend wouldn't do for another, so please stop okay?"

Kabir nodded. "Point noted, but actually..." Naomi's eyes were drawn to the movement of him turning his laptop around to face her. "Actually, I was hoping to share this, and discuss it with you."

Focusing on the screen, she read the contents and looked up at KT's face. "Are they serious, they really want me for another campaign?"

"They feel that the initial campaign embodied the brand, and since you were the face of it, they are looking for your participation in the launch of upcoming collection. The funny thing though is that they haven't been able to reach you either through your agent or directly. It wasn't my place to contact your agent, but I know you haven't changed any of your contact information. So, my friend, that leads only to one of two things, either you are ignoring all of your emails or somehow just ones related to your modelling. Naomi, I understand you had an aversion to participating in Rachna's launch, but have you decided to give up on all modelling entirely?"

She stared at the floor. "I honestly don't know. It was really fun when my career first took off, but now I'm just not sure. Maybe it was too much, too soon, but the appeal isn't there anymore. Now even the thought of all that travelling turns me off. One day I know I will definitely do a shoot for Rachna, but as for all of the rest, I just don't know." She looked again at the email on KT's computer. "Out of curiosity, have you begun your end of the design process?"

"I have."

"And in terms of the photo-shoots, what are the expectations for them?"

"Well I can't guarantee that they wouldn't want you to go to America at some point, but if you are truly interested we can replicate the first time, and have them shot here."

Naomi smiled. "I'll think about it then." She turned to leave and then paused and turned back; she felt foolish, but she just had to ask. "KT, do you think that I'm doing the wrong thing by even considering giving it all up right now?"

Kabir watched the young woman recognizing that she was truly agonizing over her decision. Finally he answered. "Truthfully, as a designer, I would definitely lament the loss of someone of your caliber." He saw her nod of acknowledgement, and then placed a finger under her chin and raised her face up. "But as your friend, I recognize that you have had a lot going on so I would tell you take your time and make the choice that's best for you."

She smiled in response to his support. "Thanks KT. I will let you know."

Turning around to leave the studio, she was surprised to see that a most unexpected visitor had arrived .

"Ah the ever- efficient Pari, I didn't realize that your talents extended to the design studio as well. Good Morning."

"Good Morning, Sonal ji how very nice to see you again."

With narrowed eyes, Sonal watched the younger woman leaving the studio, before plastering a smile on her face, as she turned back to Kabir. "Good Morning Kabir, I..."

"Why are you here Sonal?"

Effecting a repentant expression she walked over to him. "Actually I came to apologize, complete with a peace offering; it's your favorite." Holding out the large coffee cup, she soon came to know, that he would not accept even this from her. She sighed sadly and placed it on his work desk. "Kabir, I know that I have done wrong in the past, but I think considering the situation, we need to work through this for the sake of our child."

"Come Sonal, truly you do not expect for me to believe a word you are saying. It was well established five years ago that you have no sense of right and wrong, and since then your actions have shown no different. I would ask that you not bother waste either your or my time. Obviously we will have to communicate concerning Sanjay, but for now, I prefer to keep this only to the absolutely necessary. Your continued attempts to manipulate the situation will not be tolerated."

"He spoke of you all night Kabir; of you and his baby sister." She pounced on his stunned silence. "And it made me ashamed Kabir. Ashamed that in my selfishness, my greediness to keep him solely to myself, that I had denied my child the family that he deserved, and that I had denied you and Daadi, your rightful places in his life. I need to confess to you Kabir that I knew of Rachna's pregnancy when I first approached you. And I admit to giving in to the basest of human emotions, of being so envious, that I thought to hurt you by informing you then. It took my little boy's chatter last night to show me how very wrong I was, and I knew that I had to tell you this today. I know that you have no reason to trust anything I say, but still I felt it the right thing to do, Kabir."

She stood there waiting for his response, for any sign that he was receptive to anything she had just said.

He turned away from her and back to his task. "That was a very pretty speech, Sonal, but totally unnecessary. I am not interested in any epiphanies you may have had yesterday or any you will have in the future. I will tell you this now and I want you to take heed of it, our only interaction will be as it pertains to Sanjay, and for now, at the appointed times. Nothing in this situation gives you carte blanche to come to my home or studio, or near my family for that matter, over and above the visitation days. This will be the first and last time you shall attempt anything like this. While I am happy that Sanjay is content, let me reiterate again, there is no place here for you Sonal."

Sonal nodded. "I understand, and I can't say that I blame you. My behavior in the past, well, it too is something I am ashamed of. I would hope that the passage of time has allowed all of us to mature somewhat, me in particular."

"Goodbye Sonal."

She nodded and then grabbed the extra coffee cup, with a small rueful smile. "Well thank you at least for hearing me out, Kabir. I will see myself out." Turning away, Sonal moved to leave the studio. Pausing before exiting, she turned to see Kabir, staring into space, pondering who knows what, and her smile turned to one of satisfaction. In no way had she expected him to accept anything that she would say today, but that hadn't been her intent at all. Right now she just needed to plant a seed of doubt. Her stride grew more confident and she stopped on reaching the lounge. Seeing no one there, she entered the room proper and looked around the space, coveting the home that had at one time had been so close to being hers. Her attention was drawn to the movement on the second floor, and she watched as Pari passed by carrying little Aryia. Recollecting the scene she had walked in on she wondered the nature of their conversation. It probably want anything of note, in fact, it was their action; their closeness that probably told her more than their exchange would have. Clearly theirs was not an ordinary Employer/ Employee relationship and it was details such as this that she believed would prove useful to her endeavors. Readily acknowledging her mistake of being too pushy yesterday, Sonal realized that it was definitely the time to step back and observe. If nothing else the past years had taught her that one must make sure and keep every option open when looking to achieve something. She was certain that there could be more than one weakness in the Tripathi marriage other than the arrival of Kabir's son. And if it there wasn't, surely one could be created with just a little nudge in the right direction. She just need gather enough information to devise the right plan that would separate that behengi from her Kabir.

10:12 PM

"The week really is going by so fast KT, I can't believe that it's Wednesday already. Thankfully, it's been productive as well. Shryia is absolutely thrilled with her design, and I am so excited to get back home to get it on its way. I even think that I will be able to get home a day early."

"Rachna Tripathi, you're trying to change the subject again." His wife's silence was a clear indication of how very flustered she still was over his suggestion. "Now where we..."

"Can't I just appreciate the sentiment of your gesture KT, I mean to receive them alone was more than enough."

"So you are saying that you won't have chocolate with me tonight then?"

"I didn't say that, but I thought you meant that.."

"Rachna, quietly listening to you chewing in my ear is not my idea of romantic, so let's just do it my way thik hai?"

Rachna looked down at the small silver tray she had discovered on her return to her room this evening. On it was a selection of chocolate truffles along with the invitation to share them with him at 10 that evening. "Fine, go ahead."

She could hear the smile in his response as he began to speak. "Now, where we? Ah yes, we were deciding where we would share our chocolate. Are your eyes closed again?"

He waited knowing that she would do so, if for no other reason than to make him happy. "So, perhaps we're on a blanket in the park enjoying the sunshine, or maybe we are in our studio trying to concentrate on work, but failing miserably, as we are totally distracted by each other." He paused, "No I don't think either will do, I think those are too commonplace for us tonight. Tell me Rachna, was your bath truly as delightful as you described last night? "

Her eyes suddenly shot open and immediately drifted to the soaking tub across the room. The candlelit room and drawn bubble bath complete with rose petals had been yesterday's surprise. Obviously the concierge staff had received the instructions to prepare the room as soon as she had returned back to the hotel. She had thought nothing of it when she had been approached by the Hotel Manager when she had entered the hotel last night, but the distraction of their conversation had been sufficient for her husband's instructions to be put into motion. After a long day, the awaiting hot bath was most welcomed; she had luxuriated in the indulgent treat he had arranged. And now he had her envisioning the experience again, but with the added deliciousness of his presence and of him feeding her chocolate. Naturally this would have added an entirely new facet to the experience.

"How long do you think it would take before your kisses completely taste like chocolate, my love?"

"Kabir, please, .. this is just too much, you need to stop."

"You would deny me my imaginings, Rachna?"

She felt the heat on her face at his choice of words, ironic now that she was completely caught up in the fantasy he was creating. Breathlessly she responded. "You know I would deny you nothing."

"Have a chocolate my love."

She did, unknowing if the train of her thoughts had the morsel tasting even more sinful than it actually was. She closed her eyes as she savored the sensation of the truffle melting in her mouth. If he continued in this vein, the taste of chocolate would never be the same again for her.

Her heard her soft sigh over the phone, and smiled. "Rachna, before we continue, will you do one more thing for me?"

"Anything, KT."

"Go and open the door."

"KT no, please tell me you haven't sent anything else, it really isn't necessary."

"Why don't you see what it is before making your decision?"

She slipped on her robe and went to the door. She had barely opened it when she was crowded by her visitor who left no space between them when he pulled her to him and kissed her senseless.

Somehow, without releasing her or breaking their kiss, Kabir managed to wheel in his carry-on and close the door behind them before sweeping his beloved in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. He moaned as she deepened their kiss, but finally he pulled away to greet the woman he couldn't do without.

"I couldn't stay away Rachna; I had a sudden urge for chocolate."

Rachna smiled, reaching up and began unbuttoning his shirt, "Should I draw the bath now?"

Chapter #22

Hello Readers, the request was made, so here it is. Pure fluff , and not really moving the story at all, I guess you can call it a weekend treat, so I hope you enjoy. I will get back to the story proper in the next chapter.

She woke to the rays of light beaming through the bedroom's picture window; the beauty of the moonlight that had shone so stunningly over the ocean the night before, had now given way to the encroaching sun as a new day began. Turning her back on the intruding brightness meant moving away from her sleeping husband, but even in slumber, he sought her out as he drew her back against him cradling her with his body, one arm draped securely around her waist. Rachna snuggled against him and tried to go back to sleep. She should have been at total ease this morning, but for one detail, which she would take care of now before KT woke. Slowly, as not to disturb his rest, she reached for her mobile on the nightstand and was about to about to press the speed-dial number for home when the nibble on her earlobe stopped her in her tracks. Her husband's voice in her ear was still husky with sleep, but the timbre of it stirred every nerve ending in her body; even if she totally opposed everything he was saying.

"You're solely mine for the next two days, love. I will play second fiddle to no one, not even our daughter, Rachna. Besides it's way too early to be calling anyone."

That's not fair, KT we've never both been away from her, I just wanted to make sure that..." Another nip to her ear, this one a little sharper than before, had her losing her train of thought completely, and when he began trailing kisses down her neck, he easily plucked the mobile from her now pliable grip, putting it back where it had been. By the time he had reached her bare shoulder her thoughts were a complete muddle, and she turned back to face him, more than willing to continue what he had begun. Wrapping her arms around his neck she moved to kiss him, whimpering as he tenderly caressed her, evoking the reactions that only he could. He was right, it was far too early for phone calls; besides nothing mattered but the two of them right now anyway.

Rachna put one arm up to cover her eyes from the full strength of the light now that the sun had fully risen. "Oh God KT, just close the drapes and let me sleep already." She heard movement and was grateful that he had complied with her request although she still lazed for some time before finally rolling on her side and opening her eyes. The harshest rays had been blocked and she looked at her husband lying beside her staring back, an amused expression on his face. He pushed her hair back over her shoulder, smiling.

"Is your plan to stay in all day, Rachna, truly I don't mind."

"I'm sure you wouldn't, but no, it isn't."

"I've had breakfast delivered, would you like to have it in bed?" He smiled when she shook her head."Thik hai, get up and come and eat then."

Kabir sat in the living room looking at Rachna's mobile shaking his head. He looked up to see his wife who despite her attempts, still looking delightfully disheveled in her robe and her hair tied back in a loose ponytail. "You've just missed a message from home."

She raced to where he was sitting on the sofa, holding her mobile. "Is everything ok, KT why didn't you bring me the phone?" He pulled her to sit on his lap and held the phone so she could see the video.

The screen was filled with a shot of today's edition of the Banaras local newspaper, reiterated by the close up on the date. "Good Morning Ra, I'm actually surprised not to have heard from you already this morning, but since I hadn't, I had just enough time to prepare this. As you can see this is today's edition of the newspaper and..." The image panned over to crib where Aryia stood, happily leaning on the railing. Rachna laughed as Naomi negotiated the perfect shot of Aryia holding the newspaper so that the date was still showing. "Okay here we go...as in all the great blockbuster films, here is your proof positive that the image of your daughter is live...your proof of life video so to speak. Okay Aryia give it back, this is Daadi's and she hasn't read it yet." The image jumped for a little while and then came back into focus with Naomi holding Aryia in her arms. "As you can see she has made it through the night fine, and we are looking forward to a great couple of days together doing things girls do when they don't have any parental supervision, you know extra time at the playground, lots of cartoons and no set bed time, stuff like that." When Aryia began babbling, Naomi quckly hushed her. "Shh, Aryia, don't tell them everything, if they know what we really plan on doing they'll come home sooner and put us on punishment. Anyway, I hope you guys have a great time; we will see you Saturday morning. Oh and Rachna I will not be calling, so don't panic, but I will message you this evening and sometime tomorrow. But all jokes aside, please don't worry, I will take good care of our girl and she will be fine. Love you guys. Bye...wave Goodbye to mummy Aryia."

Rachna laughed and waved back at the image of their daughter waving enthusiastically on the screen. She looked puzzled when a view of the ceiling came on. In the background she heard Aryia's garble and laughed out loud when Naomi's voice sounded. "What he's four years old and you agreed to meet him by the swings today? Oh I don't know Aryia, what would your papa say?" Aryia squealed in response. "Well that's true, papa isn't here and what Papa doesn't know..." And then the video shut off.

"She is so silly."

"But are you feeling better now?" he smiled when she nodded. "Shall we eat now?"

Kabir watched Rachna in the mirror as she put on her earrings and did a last touchup to her hair. The sunny yellow she wore complimented her healthy glow, which he immodestly had no problem taking credit for. She raised her eyes and met his stare reflected in the glass. "What is it KT?" He walked up behind her and embraced her, his hands coming together on her tummy and he pulled her back against him. "I'm just admiring my beautiful wife." Her sigh was music to his ears, but he knew that he would have to retreat if they had any hopes of leaving the suite. Reluctantly he backed away and walked over to his luggage, retrieving two items out of it. "Rachna I've got something that I..."

"Kabir Tripathi, I absolutely forbid you to gift me anything else. Put whatever it is away this instant."

"But.."

"No I'm serious, I don't know what you are trying to prove, but it's totally unnecessary." She walked over to him as kissed him on the cheek. "I appreciate everything you've done, but why the need for more, when I've already received the best gift of all?" Placing a finger to her lips to stop her, Kabir smiled and handed her the packages. "Naomi has sent these to you along with the explicit instructions that they are not to be used in conjunction with each other. I confess to being very intrigued."

Rachna sat and opened the smaller of the two packages. In it was one of Naomi's digital cameras along with a note to take a lot of pictures including a few of the Gateway of India for her screensaver collection. Placing it aside, Rachna un-wrapped the larger gift, which was actually two smaller boxes that had been taped together. Immediately recognizing them, Rachna burst into laughter, the meaning of the message now fully understood.

Beside her KT looked on in confusion. He picked up the two identical boxes and read the label, 'Clothing Optional'. The only thing that differentiated the two boxes was that one had a little red devil embossed on it while the other had a blue halo imprinted on it. His hysterical wife offering no clarification, he reached for one of the boxes with the intention of opening it, only for Rachna to smack his hand and snatch it from him. "You can't open it now that will spoil the fun, KT." She caught her breath to offer an explanation to her confused husband. "Clothing Optional is a lingerie website that Naomi found when we were in university. Your item is either packaged in a naughty box or a nice box depending on the item."

" Oh Really?"

"For the record I would like to say that this is the very first time I've ever seen a naughty box, but having seen the website, well, whatever is in there should be, uh interesting."

"Okay, I understand the message now, but are you not going to open them?"

Rachna collected the two boxes, and packed them in a drawer out of sight. "No, we are leaving. Tonight when we are back in you can select one of them, and then we will see what we end up with."

It had been a great ,albeit busy day. KT had hired a driver to take them around so that they could maximize the time that they had. Being that she had one final meeting with Shryia Friday morning , before they flew back home on Saturday , KT had agreed to make it an early evening. As she held his hand across the dinner table she raised her eyebrow at his suggestion that they forgo dessert head back up to their suite. "I'm sure that the two hidden boxes waiting in the room have absolutely nothing to with this right KT?"

His eyes twinkling with mischief he responded. "The thought never entered my mind, but now that you've mentioned it.."

Rachna leaned closer to him, "You my husband are insatiable; you are displaying a desperate lack of control."

He shook his head and brought her hand to his lips. "I confess to being desperately in love with my wife and nothing else. Shall we head back upstairs now?"

He certainly had a way with words, she thought. Only the pinging of her mobile prevented her from leaving the table that instant. She looked down to receive her message.

Great Day, settling little miss down now, this parenting stuff a walk in the park LOL.

Of course he would select the naughty box, and now he was stuck trying to coax his wife out of the water closet. She was taking forever, and his only thought was that whatever it was, it was a little too risque for his Rachna to even consider. "Come on Beautiful, don't worry about it, put on whatever you feel comfortable in ."

"Are you sure?... Okay, I'm coming out now."

She came out in the hotel robe firmly in place, and a quick look behind her showed that the lingerie box remained intact. Only slightly disappointed Kabir took her hand and led her back to the bedroom. She looked at the nightstand and saw an all familiar silver tray. She raised an eyebrow, and Kabir smiled as he picked up a truffle and offered it to her before she could say anything. "I couldn't resist getting just a few more."

She ate the chocolate treat in silence and then leaned in to him. "Like I said, KT, you have become insatiable ." She kissed him slowly, pushing him to sit back on the bed. "Absolutely no control whatsoever, so it's probably a good thing that I received these isn't it?" Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the fur covered cuffs and held them aloft. "Now the question is who needs them more?"

It was her secretive smile that had him reaching for the robe sash. When he untied the knot, the robe fell open giving him a glimpse of what she wore underneath. His hands fell away and he swallowed. He looked up into Rachna's face dumfounded, and deftly she clicked the cuffs in place, and then removed her robe. "KT have you never heard the saying be careful what you ask for, you may just get it?" She reached for the tray and made her selection. "Have a chocolate, Love," she offered.