RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 29

Chapter #27

Okay the pace of the story is driving even me crazy, so looking to getting through multiple chapters in the next week. Hope everyone enjoys this and the next few updates!

Naomi sat on the edge of the bed fastening her black Mary Jane heels as she listened to Sanjay's "Jayjay's" she corrected herself chatter as he finished playing on her computer. She looked at her watch, hoping she wouldn't be late.

"Pari, I died again, I'm no good at this one."

"Oh Sweetie, that's just because it's a new game that's all. The more you play, the better you will get at it. But we have to go down to see Papa now. Do you remember how to get out of the game or do you need me to help you?"

"No I have it." She smiled as she looked up to see the little boy had shut the game down and now was fascinated by her rotating screen saver. She got up and looked around and then placed her ballet flats beside the bed, near her outfit so she could change quickly as soon as she was finished with KT. "Okay, I'm ready now, how about you?"

"Yup, I'm ready Pari." He watched as his friend stood up noticing the difference. "Your shoes make you really tall now Pari."

"Just for a little while, Jayjay; I'll be back to normal once I take them off." She took his hand and walked out of the room.

"I like your computer, Pari, the games are nice."

"We will have to play some more next time then."

"Okay, Pari...I like the screen with the buildings and stuff too. I saw one that I've been to before."

Naomi paused, "Really? Will you show me later?"

"Okay. Do you think Aryia will be asleep again when I come back?"

"I think that she was just really tired today, but I bet you she misses the play time with you as well."

They started to walk down the staircase in silence.

"Pari, I had fun with you today ."

"So did I, buddy. I wish we could continue, but I have to do something this afternoon. We will definitely have another time to visit. Maybe I can find a game that we can start teaching Aryia. Do you think she might want to play with us as well?" Naomi smiled as she watched Sanjay scrunch up his face.

"Isn't she too small to play?"

"Well it may have to be a baby game, but I should be able to find something."

"Okay."

Looking up from Sanjay, Naomi smiled, seeing that Rajeev had come home. He was watching them, his expression unreadable. Together they walked in his direction, stopping to greet him. He spoke before she could utter a word.

"You really don't think you're leaving the house dressed like that, do you?"

Naomi felt Sanjay move a little closer to her, uncomfortable at Rajeev's stern tone. She on the other hand wasn't and had no qualms in responding. "Don't you like it?" She arched her eyebrow when he didn't respond. "Come on, I just have to go the studio a second, and then I will go get ready to leave. You can see what we models have to contend with." Still holding Sanjay's hand, she turned back to see him still rooted where he stood. "Snap out of it Rajeev and come on."

Rajeev blinked out of his stupor and followed Naomi. He swallowed in an effort to moisten his suddenly dry mouth. The cropped t-shirt and leggings she wore left nothing to the imagination. The entire outfit was blatantly sexual, form fitting to each and every one of her curves. For such a petite woman, she had an incredible figure. And those heels, well those were another matter entirely. She walked in them as if she was wearing trainers; hell actually better than, if he considered her clumsiness, when she had attempted to play hockey with his boys the other day. He recalled her comment about how her heels were an integral part of her modelling, but she hadn't mentioned that they would make her legs seem as if they went on forever. Neither had she disclosed how they over emphasized the natural sway of her hips; the high stilettos had added an entirely new dimension to her gait, one impossible to ignore. Just a glimpse of her attire was enough for every possessive instinct to rear in him. Never thinking he would ever compare himself to Abhi, he could almost empathize with the man now; if she had paraded around dressed in this fashion on a regular basis during their relationship, it was no wonder the man had seemed obsessed with her. He followed unsure if he was truly prepared for this side of her.

"Hey KT, we're here."

Kabir looked up from his workstation to see Naomi and Sanjay entering the studio. He smiled in greeting at the pair and then nodded in acknowledgment of Rajeev's unexpected entry. "Come Jayjay, you can have a seat here, while Papa works with Pari, thik hai?"

"Okay Papa, but what are you gonna do?"

"Well I am going to make Pari some pretty clothes, so I have to measure her so everything fits just right. It won't take Papa long and then we can spend some time together."

"Okay Papa."

Kabir, measuring tape in hand, readied to begin, when Naomi stretched suddenly and yawned. He smiled at his model. "You okay?"

She held "Sorry, I'm ready now."

"Since it's been a while, we're going to do the all of them."

"Yes, because I'm so sure I've grown so much."

The process seemed innocuous enough at first, but soon the watching became intolerable. Rajeev knew that the pair were close friends, and that Naomi had great respect for Kabir as a designer, but being witness to their easy camaraderie as the designer went about his business, felt like the hardest thing he had ever done. Naomi was positioned with her back to him, Kabir walking around her to obtain the measurements he needed. They chatted with each other companionably in hushed tones, and it was galling not to be privy with what she was sharing, only aware that she had Kabir smiling as he wrapped the tape around her. It took a relatively short time before the maneuvering of that measuring tape set his teeth on edge. The tape seemed to be more an instrument of seduction, providing the means for Kabir to touch her in places that no other man should. When she raised her arms and the designer reached around her, just knowing that it encompassed the fullness of her breasts, no matter how brief irked him to no end. Naomi's giggle when Kabir touched her waist and his subsequent apology; hearing him say that he had forgotten that she was ticklish in that area, left him frustrated that the man was aware of something he had only learned . And so it continued.

Naomi had turned her head towards him only once, sending and enchanting if enigmatic smile. In that moment, he could only wonder the reason behind her requesting his presence. Why would she even think he would wish to witness another man pawing her under the pretext of work? Only one reason made any sense to him, and he shook his head that she would stoop so low to intentionally look to make him jealous. He would have never expected it from her. And yet he couldn't walk away, even though the extent of the task seemed excessive to his untrained eyes. What more did Kabir require?' Rajeev thought as he used the hated tape to capture every inch of her. He looked around the studio, lamenting that today would be the day when there wasn't a female assistant to do this. Hell, where was Rachna when she was sorely needed?'

Naomi turned now that they were finished. "Okay, Rajeev, I'm all d..." She stopped confused as to why she was the recipient of such rancorous regard. Unconsciously, she placed one hand on her stomach, and took a step backwards.

Her movement caught in his peripheral vision, Kabir turned away from his desk to face his model. He watched as, from afar, Rajeev shook his head in a nonverbal message to Naomi, his displeasure evident. The look that he then sent in Kabir's direction, vicious, almost threating, before storming out of the studio explained everything.

Naomi faced to him, her eyes glistening and filled with pain. "I don't understand what did I do?"

Kabir shook his head. "Nothing, you did absolutely nothing wrong. Just stay here for a minute, okay?" He rubbed her arm encouragingly before exiting in pursuit of Rajeev.

He caught up with Rajeev as he was about to ascend the stairs. Grabbing him by the arm he spun him around. "That was uncalled for Rajeev, how dare you upset her like that?"

"Oh now she's upset, well perhaps she shouldn't think to play games when she can't handle the consequences!"

Kabir looked at the other man askew. "Games, you are truly mad aren't you? You have no clue what you are speaking of. If she has issue with you she is more likely to tell you straight to your face. Look it's obvious what the problem is, I totally understand how you are feeling."

"Don't dare to tell me you understand me, you.."

"Dammit Rajeev, why do you think I got so upset when you had asked Rachna to design for you; do you think I wouldn't have felt the same way knowing that she would, by necessity be close to you?" He saw that he got the man's attention. "Even today, I would prefer her not to. Look I don't understand why you would think she would do whatever it is she has, but I can tell you for certain that if Naomi asked you to come it was only to share this part of her life with you, not for any malicious reason. If I had known you would react like this, trust me I would have waited for Rachna to be available and had her take Naomi's measurements."

Rajeev ran his hands through his hair. "Okay, I've messed up, I get it. I just never expected, hell I didn't know what to expect, but certainly not that I would react like that." He shook his head in disbelief. "And less than twenty four hours, I had the audacity to try and lecture her on jealousy. She must think me totally heartless...Kabir, just tell me one thing though; what the hell do those heels she has on have to do with making sure clothes fit her?"

KT laughed. "There's a total legitimate reason for that too, as more than likely the footwear she will be wearing will be a comparable height, I needed to ensure the correct length." He clapped Rajeev on the shoulder. "You do realize that a bit of groveling is your only option now, right?"

Kabir watched Rajeev as he walked away back in the direction of the studio. "I guess you heard that?"

Rachna walked across the room to stand by her husband. "It was difficult not to. Is everything okay?"

"A slight hiccup, but I'm sure he will fix it. That's not why you came out is it?"

"No, actually I heard Aryia over the baby monitor and was just going to her. I'll get her cleaned up so Sanjay can visit before he has to leave, thik hai?" She kissed her husband's cheek before going up the stairs. "Give me fifteen minutes."

"Naomi, will you forgive me?"

She hadn't heard him enter the studio, let alone walk to where she stood beside KT's workstation. She quickly dashed the tears from her face, and turned to face him. "You don't deserve my forgiveness."

"I know sweetheart, but I am truly sorry for acting that way. My only excuse was that I was caught off guard by everything: the way you are dressed, how close Kabir would have to get to you, and those shoes Naomi, those things should never see the light of day as far as I'm concerned!" He smiled, when she giggled and wiped her damp face gently. "You know it's probably for the best that we didn't meet earlier in your career; you probably would have had the worst reputation - the beautiful green eyed model, with the overbearingly jealous boyfriend.' Most likely no one would want to work with you because of me."

"Boyfriend?"

"Yes, one who is asking his sweetheart to dry her tears, and find something pretty to wear so he can take her for an early dinner to make up for being a total fool."

"But, what about the furniture shopping we were supposed to start today?"

"No, that needs to be put off. I can't chance that my sweetheart be angry enough that she buys out the entire furniture store just to get rid of me." His regret at his behavior showing on his face he pleaded. "Please say you will go to dinner with me, Naomi."

"I guess I have no other choice, how else am I to see if I have good taste in boyfriends?"

Clearing his throat to announce his arrival, Kabir entered the studio. He sent a smile to Naomi and then looked over her head to the man beside her, receiving his nod of confirmation that he had set things to right. "Jayjay, I have it on good authority that Aryia is awake now. Would you like to visit with her?"

The little boy hopped of the chair anxious to go and see his little sister. He stopped beside Pari and Rajeev uncle and said goodbye. Grownups were funny' he thought, first happy then sad and then happy again.'

Sanjay ran upstairs with Papa close behind him as they raced to the nursery. He turned his head to look behind him, Papa was catching him up, but he was sure that he would beat him. He reached the door to the nursery just ahead of him, and ran right into someone and fell down. He wasn't hurt, just startled, but the hands that picked him up were gentle and the person had a really nice voice too as they worried over him.

"Sanjay, beta , I'm so sorry, I didn't see you. Are you okay?"

He answered before he realized who it was. "I'm okay. Is Aryia really awake?"

"Ha beta she is. Are you looking forward to seeing her today?" When he looked up he saw that it was Aryia's mummy. He nodded in response, a little too scared to talk now. But she smiled at him, and he began to feel a little better. "Thik hai Sanjay, your Papa is here now so have a good time with your little sister."

Rachna stood up and faced KT. "I'm sorry" she mouthed, a worried expression on her face. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Walking away to go back her studio, she turned back to see Sanjay and KT still standing at the doorway. She smiled and waved, gasping when the little boy returned the smile and sent his own tiny wave back.

Chapter 28

Sonal rolled her eyes at her son's statement as she picked up his supper. "Why were you tickling Pari, Sanjay?"

"I didn't do it Mama, Papa was the one who was tickling her."

She placed the dish in front of her son, who now had her full attention."Your Papa was tickling Pari?"

"Uh huh, when he was putting the measure around her belly. He said sorry that he forgot she was ticklish. Papa is making her some pretty clothes so he had to make sure they fit right."

"Were you in Papa's studio?"

"What's a studio, Mama?"

"Where Papa works, beta."

"Yes, me and papa and Pari and Rajeev uncle.And he made Pari cry."

"Who Sanjay?"

"Rajeev Uncle, mama. He got a mad face when papa was using the measure, and it made Pari cry."

Sonal smiled to herself. What a helpful boy Sanjay was. Trying not to look too excited she spoke. "Did anything else happen, Sanjay ?"

Sanjay liked having his mother's attention, so he thought really hard. "Yes Mama, Pari has two names, Pari and Nomi."

"Nomi ? That's a funny name are you sure that's it?"

"Uh huh Uncle called her that when he said sorry, Nomi."

Sonal sat there, some memory just out reach. She went over what her son had told her and then it came to her. "Beta could the name be Naomi?"

"Yes, that's it Mama, Naomi."

Sonal left the room and picked up the magazine she had been reading a few nights ago. Rifling through the pages she came to the article. Her eyes widened on confirmaton that the subject of the article was none other than the nanny. "Why hello Pari, it seems you have a few secrets after all." She read the article in full and then opened her laptop to see what else she could discover about the young woman, now that she knew who she really was.

"And Mama..."
"Mama is busy Sanjay, eat your dinner."

"Okay Mama." He guessed he would have to tell her about Aryia's mummy later.

Daadi looked at the two empty chairs and sighed. "I've gotten too used to my Naomi and Rajeev being here; it feels a little lonely without them, don't you think?"

Rachna smiled."It does Daadi, but Rajeev has some making up to do today, so ..."

"Uff, that young man, I don't know what I'm going to do with him. But then again I realize that young men in his condition generally tend not to think straight, right Nanhe?"

"Daadi, I have absolutely no idea what you are speaking of, I've always been pretty level headed I think."

He watched as his wife and grandmother burst into laughter, soon joined by Aryia who giggled in enjoyment of her mummy doing so. Kabir shook his head. "Look at you two, encouraging my daughter to mock her father; shame on the both of you."

Rachna reached over to clean Aryia's face of the remnants of her meal, teasing her with the cloth. She removed her bib and then took her out of high chair watching as she ambled to her grandmother. "Book Daadi," she demanded. The older woman picked up the toddler and turned to her family, smiling. "I guess it's story time, so why don't you two take some time together. I know both of you have been busy today."

"Thank you Daadi, we won't take long..."

"Excuse me please don't even think to cut my time with my granddaughter short, Rachna. I will let you know when I'm ready to relinquish her." She winked at Kabir. "Nanhe, I insist you keep this meddlesome woman occupied for a while."

"I think I can do that Daadi."

"Very Good Nanhe."

Taking advantage of Rachna as she stood up to clear the table, Kabir pulled his unsuspecting wife by her arms, so that she fell on his lap. Caressing her face, he greeted her. "Hello wife, it seems ages since I've seen you." Rachna laughed. "Exaggerator, it has only been hours. Although," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, "hours can seem like days sometimes. Don't you think so KT?"

Naomi's entrance did not go unnoticed. Across the restaurant, one of the three men immediately recognized who she was. And although unknown to the second man, he could not help but stare at the stunning young woman. She was dressed simply, but the overall effect was sexy as hell. Embolden by the drinks he had consumed Vivek peered at their third companion, who hadn't seen her come in, and smirked maliciously. He spun back to the second man and spoke. "Raj do you know that before Abhi did the right thing and married a nice Indian girl, he dated a hot foreign model? What was her name Abhi?"

It was all the entreaty needed to start their boss's son on his favorite subject; Naomi, the model whose heart he had broken. Vivek let him go on, encouraged his boasts, always more outrageous with each telling of the story, all the while watching the couple who waited to be seated. Finally he had his cue when he heard Abhi giving Raj advice on how to handle women. "I hear she went into mourning after I left, but it was her own fault though. Raj you need to know how to handle these Ice Princesses, to let them know who is in charge. If she had just given just a little of herself, then she would have reaped the rewards, and got her heart's desire. Instead the frigid little girl has had to wallow in her grief ever since."

Abhi took another swill of his drink, satisfied that his storytelling had shown him in the best of light.

Their companion spoke.

"Well it looks as you left her too early Abhi, because it seems that your Ice Princess has definitely started to melt." He motioned across the room to where the couple stood.

Naomi's long sleeved blue sheath dress skimmed over her curves; offering tantalizing hints of what lay underneath the silky fabric. In contrast, her riotous dark curls hung down past her shoulders and the large silver hoop earrings, and embellished heels hinted at her flirtatious nature as she flashed her enticing green eyes mischievously at her escort. Abhi watched as some whisperings in her ear made her blush and look up adoringly at the man she was with, and then was left reeling when she allowed him to place his hand on the small of her back as they followed the host to their table.

"Good God, is that her?" Abhi bristled at Raj's mirth at this turn of events. " It looks as if you lost out by not knowing how to handle a bit of ice, Abhi. And that is no slow melt there; that guy has set a fire under your princess."

"Am I totally forgiven, Naomi?"

"I think the more important question is if I've deemed you boyfriend material, Rajeev."

"And have you?" She didn't answer immediately and he watched as she searched her purse and then pulling out her mobile. He didn't object when she scooted as close to him in the booth they shared, but wondered what she was up to. He followed her action when she raised her phone. "Selfie time Rajeev, smile."

He pulled her hand down. "What are you doing Naomi?"

"How else are we to confirm our new status; really Rajeev how can this relationship be legitimized if not posted all over social media? At the very least I need to update my Facebook relationship status."

"You're joking right; please tell me you are joking."

She looked at him in all seriousness before answering. "Of course I am joking." She smiled at him teasingly, "but you really need to lighten up a little, you scare far too easily. Now, may I have a photo with my boyfriend to keep on my mobile? I'll even share it so you can have it as well. And yes probably with Ra too, but that's it, I promise."

"You're incorrigible, what am I going to do you?"

"Well, let me have my photo first and then we will decide."

Having finally dislodged from her husband's embrace for a sufficient time to clear the dining table, Rachna returned back from the kitchen to him. He passed her phone. "I m sorry, I couldn't help myself." Puzzled Rachna took the phone to see that a message and photo that had come from Naomi.

New Status - In a Relationship - Dinner with my boyfriend <3

"My poor Sir," Rachna said, "He officially has his hands full now."

"My feeling is that he won't mind that part one bit. So I guess we can safely assume that all is forgiven."

Rachna nodded happily, before becoming serious herself. "Actually while we are on the subject of forgiveness, KT, I'm so sorry about this afternoon; I just took longer than expected with Aryia . Sanjay wasn't too upset was he?"

"Not in the least. I think because you handled it so naturally, he didn't get tense over the situation. Rachna I know you hate that you are in this situation, but as usual your practical nature seems to have surpassed Sanjay's initial reservations about you. Gradually he will become accustomed to the circumstances, and all will be well."

"Do you really think so, KT? I've found it so difficult to remain calm over it. I mean this is twice in two visits that we have interacted, and I know I shouldn't be engaging him at all. If Sonal should come to find about it..."

"Rachna, calm down, love. The practicality of it is that all interaction can't be avoided. In neither situation did you actively seek out Sanjay, so in effect you have done nothing wrong."

He flicked her nose playfully and smiled. "So Mrs. Tripathi, stop worrying your pretty head over things you have no control over and tell me what you have been up to while I was playing relationship counsellor to our infatuated friends?" Rachna held up her mobile. "Well first let me congratulate you; according to this, you did an excellent job KT, so very good, keep up the good work." She stayed where she stood as he came closer. "I did an exceptional job, so much that I think I deserve a reward."

She laughed at him, but reached up and lightly brushed her lips against his. "You are worse than a needy child, Kabir Tripathi." She held his hand to lead him towards her studio. "Well, while you have been dealing with the romantic niceties of our friends, I have been working on my client's happy ever after. Come let me show you; maybe you will find me worthy of a reward too."

The next morning, the freight train running through Abhi's head could not compare with the bilious sensation brought on by the awareness that Naomi had really moved on from him. Pathetically remaining at the restaurant the previous evening, long after his co-workers had left, he had fixated on the changes that had been wrought in the young woman. His anger had grown disproportionately as he witnessed every liberty ; every touch she allowed, and even worse every touch she willingly gave. Bitterly, he had imagined what else she was permitting, tormented that another should be the beneficiary of her newly awaken desires.

Entering his department, he barely acknowledged his assistant's greeting and declaration that an unscheduled guest had arrived and was waiting for him in his office. He hesitated on entering, taken aback by the striking woman who awaited him.

"Good Morning Abhi, I must say your wife is a very lovely woman." He watched as the stranger replaced the photo frame on his desk. "However, I am assured that your tastes actually lean toward another type." She watched as he took a seat, and then removed the magazine and placed it before him. "This type to be exact." Witness to his dogged determination not to fixate on the photos , she smirked. He cleared his throat. "Yes she is very attractive, but as you have rightly noted, I am a married man."

The woman smiled smugly, "So I guess my offer of her coming back to you would be of no interest then?" With no response forthcoming, she continued. "Sweet Naomi, she's such an innocent; a rarity these days don't you think? But a lot is changing in her life, and I don't expect that will be true for much longer; the things one does when they think they are in love." She collected her purse and looked to leave.

"And why would you make such an offer? What is in it for you?"

"I'm in need of information, which in turn will help to achieve what I ultimately want."

"And for information you offer her in return; that hardly seems an equitable deal."

"Ah well I must confess that she will be major player in my plans. She may be a little bruised of spirit when it's all over."

"I see. Still, I can't imagine that it will change anything between Naomi and I. If you know so much about us as you claim, then I'm sure that you also know that she wouldn't return willingly to me."

"After I'm done with her, you'd never know. But really Abhi, do tell the truth, as long as you are the first, would it really matter if she is willing or not?"

She had stuck a nerve, and worse yet, knew she had. "Just who the hell are you?"

"Just a mother seeking to secure her son's future." She gave him a business card, and prepared to leave. "Think about it Abhi, and give me a call if you're interested." She stopped at the door and turned back. "Mind you, I wouldn't take too long to decide; she has become quite smitten with her Rajeev ."