Chapter 31
By all accounts, the news that Sanjay had shared tonight was just cause for her to contact her lawyer. Despite the fact that it seemed that he had initiated contact, there was no doubt that Rachna had engaged her son today for some time, in direct contravention to the arrangements that had been named. It made for a definite quandary; she had all right to now pursue access to Aryia should she choose to. That would definitely disrupt the harmony of the Tripathi household; but would it be enough to separate Kabir and Rachna permanently? Perhaps it could, but there just was no guarantee of this happening. The couple had already proven unpredictable and so she would have to tread carefully. Of the opinion that she would only have one shot at this, her plan would need to be the one with the best chance of success. Besides, with unlimited access to everyone in the house would only come an increase in the information sources wouldn't it?
"Mama?"
Sonal smiled at her son before answering him. "Aye Sanjay, it's possible that Mama was wrong; Aryia's mummy is probably a very nice lady."
"I think she is nice. I think Papa thinks so too cause he is always giving her kisses. I don't think Papa would do that if she was bad."
Sonal gripped the stem of her wine glass tighter. "So you didn't see Pari at all today Beta?"
"No Mama, she went with Rajeev uncle for shopping and hockey. Mama what's hockey?"
"A game, beta."
"Oh, I like games, Mama."
"Mama does too."
"You sigh as if you are carrying the weight of the world, Naomi. Will you tell me what's wrong?"
"All of this, doesn't it have an air of narcissism to it, Rachna?"
Looking around the empty lecture room at SVC that they were using as a staging area for the photo-shoot, Rachna smiled. "As I recall you thought KT brilliant when he suggested the locales of the shoots. Personally I think that is wonderful that the company agreed to it as well. At least from this end you will be getting a pictorial of your experiences here in Banaras, which is totally fitting since this is your modelling swan song so to speak. So let's try again, what's going on, Naomi?"
"Nothing worth worrying about; I'll be fine."
"Thik hai. I'll let the crew finish up with you. We will be waiting outside for you."
Rajeev caught wind of something going on as he passed the first group of students on his way to the faculty lounge.
"I don't know which I liked better, those sexy green eyes of hers or that walk. Damn, did you see that walk? If I'd known that she would be the model, I would have signed up to be an extra for that photo shoot too."
"Yeah too bad they gave first preference to the media students though."
He turned completely when another voice sounded. "And of course Mr. Player himself had to be selected. You know Karan is going to make a move on her, don't you? He got that look in his eye as soon as he saw her. He won't be able to resist especially now that he has been paired with her for the shoot."
"Can you blame him; that's one fine piece back there."
The other boys laughed, high fiving each other in agreement.
"Well if he gets that, he will definitely have moved to the big leagues. He will be a legend!"
The photo shoot was almost winding down, when the photographer noticed the change in his model. Up until now, her work had been first-rate as usual, but suddenly it was as if her very essence had been laid bare for everyone to see. In an instant she seemed to have become luminous, her actions the most charismatic he had ever seen. Deciding to stop shooting, Mohit called for a break in order to consider the surroundings to see what change was the basis for what he had noted. He followed Naomi's line of sight and smiled to himself. "Naomi, dear, I want to re-shoot the corridor walk one more time. Extras to your original places and this time Karan, no intercepting Naomi , thik hai?" When Kabir came over to query, he nodded when the photographer said to trust him. Noting that Naomi was back at her mark, the photographer called out. "Okay Naomi, remember, watch the placement of the books, and you're just your average college student walking."
Rajeev could see her focus was on him, and almost imagined that she was performing solely for him. 'An average college student' the photographer had called for. Leaning against the far wall, his arms crossed and his expression mostly hidden by his Ray-Ban sunglasses, Rajeev scoffed at the concept that she could ever be considered an average anything looking the way she did right now. With that come-hither walk and the coy smile on her face, she would cause riots wherever she went. And that was even before one considered her outfit. One day Kabir would really have to explain his fascination with her midriff, which even covered with a net fabric, as it was today, was still far too exposed.
One can only tolerate someone's vanity for so long, Naomi thought as she smiled at the young man insisting that she join him for coffee, when she really needed to leave. She supposed he considered himself the big man on campus, and never had any female rejected him before now. "Look, I'm really sorry Karan, it was really nice meeting and working you, but I really have to go. I am meeting my boyfriend this afternoon to go furniture shopping. He wouldn't take it lightly that I hold him up so I can spend time with another guy."
"Come on Naomi, its one cup of coffee that's all; a totally harmless five minute coffee break, with a nice guy." The student turned to see the college hockey coach near. "Look here is our coach, he can vouch that I'm a good guy, right Rajeev Sir?"
The coach approached. "Karan seems a nice enough guy; I've never heard any complaints about him. I'm pretty sure no harm would come to any young lady just having coffee with him. "
The young man looked appreciatively at the coach and then back to the beautiful model. "See Naomi, so what say you?"
Naomi nodded, "Okay Coach, but before I answer Karan, perhaps you can vouch for the type of girlfriend I am?" The coach nodded, as he approached her. "Karan she's the best type of girlfriend: Beautiful and sexy, sweet and funny, caring and devoted; and probably most importantly ,Karan, she's mine."
Rajeev looked at the ashen faced young man who had just realized his mistake. " I don't blame you for trying, but one day you are going to come on to the wrong girl and have to deal with a less understanding boyfriend so try to be more careful, thik hai?"
Rachna turned away from the mini-drama as not to be seen laughing at the young man, who was sheepishly walking away. She looked at her husband, her amusement mirrored on his face. "This can play out two ways for Karan," she said, "Either he will be known as the guy who had the nerve to make a play for Rajeev Sir's girlfriend, or the fool who did. Either way he will be a legend here at SVC." She shook her head thinking only could something like this happen to Naomi. But then her mind went back to before the shoot, and her friend's upset. "KT have you noticed that something is going on with Naomi?"
"Something else?" He answered with a smile.
"No really, it's definitely something. I think it may have to do with your upcoming trip. My best guess is that she is already dealing with some separation anxiety. She doesn't seem to want to talk to me about it though." Sensing his wife's worry, Kabir assured her. "I will see what I can find out, okay Beautiful? In the meantime, may I have the honor of taking my wife out to lunch once we finish up here?"
"Hmm a lunch date with the most handsome man I know, or back to a lonely studio; how ever will I ever choose?"
Sitting in the booth of the caf enjoying their meal, Rachna noticed her husband's sly smile. "What's so funny?"
Kabir grabbed his wife's hand and brought it up to his lips where he kissed it tenderly. "I'm actually considering the irony that this caf , that seemed the location of so many of our challenges before we got married, has now become our go to place whenever we are in the area." Rachna looked around recalling their ups and downs and related to the caf , and smiled in agreement. "We've come a long way Mr. Tripathi." She sighed. "I'm going to miss you while you are away."
"Well you can feel free to take a page out of my book." He cherished her caress when she reached to touch his cheek. "I wish I could, but logistically..." she sighed, thinking of the two new clients she had just acquired. "Just know the two Tripathi girls will be at home anxiously awaiting your return."
She noticed Kabir's faraway look and correctly assumed the reason for his distracted thoughts. " I'm sure that Sanjay will be missing his Papa as well."
Kabir blinked, "I'm sorry Rachna, I didn't mean..."
"Kabir he's your son, and you have a connection to him now. It would be unrealistic for you not the think about his feelings as well; just as unrealistic it would be for me to expect you not too. Plus there is no denying that he is a delightful child. Have you spoken to Sonal to let her know yet?"
"I had planned on doing so today actually. I have to be honest though Rachna, I am worried how the change in routine will affect him; I don't want him thinking that I've deserted him, or worse yet that..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but in full understanding, she did. "That the bad lady is keeping him away from his sister?"
"It still infuriates me that he was given that impression of you, Rachna."
"Perhaps we can ask Daadi to supervise a couple visits, so at least your absence won't mean the complete elimination of all of the visits?"
"You wouldn't mind this Rachna?" When his wife shook her head, Kabir could only acknowledge how truly blessed he was to have such a life partner.
" Of course this all depends on Sonal, so let me speak to her first before we sort anything out on our end."
It was just what she was waiting for, the perfect scenario to springboard her plan. Things couldn't have worked out more fortuitously for what she wanted to accomplish. Stifling her excitement, she responded to the news that Kabir had shared. "I understand Kabir, but to tell the truth, I am concerned how Sanjay will take the sudden changes. As you are aware he is very sensitive. Your skype calls to him will certainly help, but now that he is so used to spending time with Aryia... Kabir I'm just not sure how he will react not being able to do so. She paused. "Well we still have time to work something out , but I'm wondering if perhaps we can make the time to speak to Sanjay concerning the situation; I think he will better understand if we explain to him together, about your's and Pari's absence and why he won't be able to see his sister."
Smiling, Sonal disconnected the call and looked to her son, who sat quietly looking at television. She would definitely make sure that he was sufficiently worked up when his father spoke to him not being able to see his sister for the time he was abroad, but first, she had something more important to sort out. She looked through her contact numbers until she found the one she was looking for. She dialed the number, her excitement growing when the call connected. "Hello Darling, its Sonal...I have some work requiring your special touch...of course I will make it worth your while." She mentioned the upcoming launch, insisting that the other party ensure that they were on the list of press invitees. "I'm sure the launch will be wonderful, but I want you to specifically focus on the designer and his model flying in from India. I need the story to have a special spin to it. Just tell me the sort of details you will need, and how much it will cost." She listened , and smirked. "How much of a scandal? Let's go for life changing, darling."
Edited by crtkelly - 9 years ago
DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS
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