RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 52

Chapter 42

Naomi's eyes had always been the secret to her success, not only due to their beauty, which was a given, but mostly due to how expressive they were. Whether highlighted in dramatic makeup or simply natural, they were forever telling a story. Mesmerizing in every professional frame they lulled the viewer into the sentiments clearly expressed in that moment. Likewise for those who knew her the same could be said; one would only need look into her eyes to discern the young woman's emotions at any given time. Today for instance, Kabir thought, they had revealed her absolute devastation at being betrayed by someone she considered a friend. Sitting alone in his studio Kabir wondered how he would ever get her to forgive him, especially when his insult had been the least of his failings.

The sound of her slap had hung in the air, rooting them both where they stood. Silently they had stared at each other for mere moments yet in that short space of time, Kabir had been able to read her eyes as if she had spoken each word aloud: disbelief...pain...self-reproach...doubt.

Dear God, what had he done?

He took a step forward, stopping when she retreated.

The sound of her name came from behind, tender with concern. Naomi turned towards the caller, unable to hold her tears in check when she saw Rajeev standing there.

Looking from Naomi's face, over her shoulder to the other man who looked ready to speak, Rajeev's eyes teemed with anger as he entered the room proper. His voice was flat when he spoke again, interrupting whatever Kabir had hoped to say. "Kabir..get. .out."

Neither had been aware of his presence, but it was apparent by his reaction, that he had been witness to everything. Kabir watched as Rajeev approached Naomi. He noted her hesitation in going to Rajeev before the man's whispered entreaty had her flying into his arms. Walking out of the room, her desolate weeping echoed in Kabir's ears. He returned to his studio to await the confrontation made inevitable by his actions; how could any less be expected?

The wait had been longer than he had anticipated, and if what Rajeev had just disclosed was true, any notion of a swift reconciliation was shot down.

"She has packed everything, Kabir. She's determined to leave this house and in her mind that means she has no alternative but to leave Banaras and go home." He laughed derisively, "The funny thing is that if there was an inkling of the type of woman you accused her of being in her, I might have had a chance; maybe I could have convinced her to come home with me," Frantically, Rajeev ran his hand through his hair. "So after ripping my world apart she then asked me to promise that I would still stay here to watch out for Rachna while you are in New York; can you believe that? And fool that I am, I said yes. Because I love her with everything I am, I've agreed to give peace of mind to the man who through his callousness has cost me everything... ..." He couldn't continue and moved to leave the studio, but then suddenly stopped and turned back.

"As her friend, how could you not realize that her physical issues would be the least of her problems? When you were busy scolding her, did you ever consider that she had to be wrestling with the choice she's made, frightened that she may have made a mistake. The one time she needed understanding from you as a friend, you fail her Kabir. Instead of offering her some modicum of comfort, you manage to verbalize the very fear she hadn't quite overcome." He walked back and slammed his fist on the worktable. "Dammit Kabir, I would have borne any question, every damn accusation you had, as unfounded as every last one of them would have been. You needn't have treated her like that." He took a step closer, bringing him face to face with the designer. "The entire time she has been here, she has fought to preserve you and Rachna's relationship. When your wife would have left you, who was it that convinced her to stay; to give you a second chance? I want you to think about that Kabir, when you are flying back home to your wife and child, who you still have in your life because you had a friend who supported you and fought for the two of you."

He placed the box on the table. "Just so you know, she had made her decision, all she wanted to do was to talk to her parents first and to receive their blessing," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. Now, unless I can undo the damage you have done, the need for this is pretty well negated. Keep it so you can fully understand what you've done. Maybe you can feel better knowing I would never have treated her as callously as you have suggested."

Kabir watched as Rajeev walked out, every step conveying his fury. His eyes were drawn back to the box Rajeev had left, and he picked it up. Dreading discovery of what lay inside, as if there was any doubt, Kabir opened it. Rajeev had done well. The delicately designed emerald and diamond ring was perfectly unique, just like her. And now because of him, it sat in its box instead of on the finger it belonged on.

Rachna entered the bedroom with the breakfast tray, placing it on the nightstand on her husband's side. She went over and opened the drapes allowing the morning sun into the room. When she turned back Kabir's arm lay across his face, a deterrent to the intrusive rays. She walked back to him, and sat on the edge of the bed, forcing him to move over. She reached up and pulled his hand down.

"I should be very, very angry with you Kabir Tripathi."

He stilled, and finally willed his eyes to open. His wife's bubblegum pink lips were inches from his. The pout she wore dissolved into the sweetest of smiles and she leaned in to brush her mouth against his.

"I waited almost all night for you to come up from the studio that I ended up falling asleep, and if that wasn't bad enough now you seem determined to lie abed all day! Wake up sleepyhead, the day is passing."

Kabir sat up in bed, settling against the headboard, just as his wife had a spoonful of food at his lips. He opened his mouth, chewing slowly when she had removed the utensil. Her beatific smile enchanted him and for a split second he was content.

"Have you eaten Rachna?"

"Everyone has eaten KT. You are the only lay-about around here."

He smiled wanly. "I see." Hesitating before bringing up the subject, he pondered on all Rajeev had said. "And Naomi, how is she today?"

He watched as Rachna's smile wavered. "She's up which is good as that indicates that she is feeling that much better. She's actually in the nursery reading our story to Aryia right now, but she seems so sad today. She's cuddling Aryia as much as she's reading to her. I expect she's going to miss the little menace for the next couple of weeks. I asked her and Rajeev if they would like to come with us when we collect Sanjay and go off to the park, but they declined. Actually Rajeev did, as he's taken leave from the college, to spend the day with Naomi. I don't think he's in the mood to share her." She spoon-fed her husband another mouthful. "So it will be the just the four of us. But that's okay with me too," she smiled.

Despite her earlier thoughts, when she returned to the nursery and saw Naomi doting over her daughter, she did make one final attempt to get her friend to join them. "The fresh air will do wonders for you after being stuck at home the past few days. Are you sure you won't come?"

Meeting in the middle of the nursery, Rachna took her daughter from her god-mother, waiting for her friend's answer. Naomi shook her head in denial to the request.

"No Rachna, just go and enjoy the time with your family, okay. Tell Sanjay hello for me."

A deeper voice responded. "We will be bringing Sanjay back home later, I'm certain he would like to see you before we travel tomorrow. Will you back in time to see him, Naomi?"

Rachna smiled as she looked back at Kabir who had finally arrived. She turned back, surprised to see Naomi's strained expression before silently, she turned her face away. Rajeev had come to stand over her, his hand protectively on her shoulder.

"I'm taking Naomi to visit some friends, but we will try to get back to see Sanjay."

Rachna approached her friend, deep concern in her eyes. "Are you still feeling unwell? Perhaps you should get some more rest."

"I'm fine Rachna; don't worry about me."

A few hours later the park was still surprisingly quiet, but that just meant there was a bit more space for the children and Kabir to frolic in. Rachna smiled, the activities of the two children had definitely lightened her husband's spirits that had seemed off until they had reached the park. She watched as Aryia toddled between her Papa and her brother indecisive as to who was the better playmate. As long as she was able to retain the ball they had brought with them, the little girl was most content. She watched as her daughter lost grip of the toy and the ensuing peals of laughter as she went after it ahead of her brother. Covering her mouth when it appeared that Sanjay would reach the ball first, she braced herself for the tantrum that would follow. The little drama queen plopped down and screeched, much to the horror of her brother. Sanjay looked terrified that he was the cause of her reaction, which was made worse by Papa having to come to pick her up. Taking pity on the little boy, Rachna called Sanjay over.

"I'm sorry Rachna Aunty I didn't mean to make Aryia cry." He looked nervously when Aryia's mummy motioned for him to come closer.

"Can I tell you a secret Sanjay?" Rachna whispered. Sanjay nodded. "That was a little sister trick to try to get her own way." She held the little boy and turned him around to see the little girl on her papa's shoulder. "Look she doesn't even care now that she doesn't have the ball, so don't worry about it."

"Girls are tricky, Aunty."

"Do you think so?" The little boy nodded. "Well it's probably a good thing some girls have big brothers to make sure they don't get into too much trouble."

"Rachna Aunty, am I a good big brother?"

"Ha beta, you are. Aryia is very lucky to have you as a big brother."

They both looked up when the Kabir's shadow fell over them. "I think a little someone is hungry."

Rachna laughed. "Just a little someone- not a big someone too?"

Kabeer grinned mischievously, "Well, if you are going to feed Aryia, I guess I'll have a little something as well."

"Now you see that, Sanjay, even Papa uses tricks to get his own way. Are you hungry too beta?"

"Yes, but I won't trick you about it."

Rachna laughed and reached into the baby bag for the moistened wipes so that everyone could clean up for their meal. As she turned to the collect the food containers, the little hands were there ready to help her. Everything was working out so well, she thought.

Later as both children lay napping Rachna wondered aloud, not for the first time, how Sonal could have produced such a delightful child. It must come from his father's side she told Kabir, given the near perfect man she had married. "Don't you agree KT?"

"That Sanjay is a joy, definitely, Rachna. That his father is perfect; nothing could be farther from the truth."

"Well we will have to agree to disagree about that Kabir Tripathi." She reached out to caress his face as she continued, "In my eyes you are complete perfection."

Kabir had closed his eyes when Rachna had touched him, unable to accept the adoration in her eyes, not when he knew how truly imperfect he was. And when she had continued in her praise, it took everything in him not to shout out his denial, but how could he explain any of this to his wife? The wife who he knew, by all rights shouldn't even be with him today.

"Unfortunately the perfect husband definitely does not equate to the perfect friend," he thought. ...or assumed he had. He opened his eyes when Rachna's hand fell away suddenly. She was looking at him curiously.

"What do you mean by that?"