RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 69

Chapter 55

"And now we come to these last few photos. She looks beautiful as usual, but the symbolism is lost on us, and you are missing entirely." After allowing her husband the opportunity to view, Naomi's mother slid the images across the table. They both observed the young man in front of them, noting his reactions, the way his eyes softened; how he gently caressed the photo he held.

"I missed her last shoot as I was attending a seminar out of town. Aside from the one shot that Rachna had sent to my mobile these are the first images of the shoot I've had the opportunity to see."

"Yet there is significance in them to you?"

Rajeev nodded. "Kabir and Rachna's staircase. I left to attend the seminar the morning before the photo shoot took place, and she met me on the staircase with a cup of coffee to take on the road with me. She was determined to tell me about her last photo shoot, and why it would mean the most to her." He had placed the pictures in a particular order, and now placed them on the table, one at a time.

"The step she was on when I first noticed her." He smiled. "She was on the phone with you Aunty, reassuring you that she was eating well, and getting sufficient rest."

He placed the second photo down. "The stair where I asked her for one week for us to get to know each other better. She hadn't been impressed that I had been so dismissive of her brother's influence over whether she remained in Banaras or not."

Holding onto the last photo just a little longer, he smiled and placed on top of the others. "The step where, just after five AM, dressed in the most ridiculous Hello Kitty pajamas, Naomi confessed her love. And then she kissed me on the cheek, wished me a safe journey and told me to leave."

For a few minutes there was complete silence, until Naomi's mother spoke. "Did you leave then Rajeev, without telling our daughter how you felt?"

"I did, only because by that time we had an audience of four, and my preference was that the discussion be conducted in private."

"But you did eventually?"
"Of course he did Shelly, how else would we all be where we are now?" He turned piercing green eyes on the younger man. "And speaking of which, how did you come to arrive in New York today of all days Rajeev?"

He laughed mockingly at himself, since he considered that his arrival was later than it should have been. "I'm here today only because my bullheadedness prevented me from arriving any sooner, Uncle. My not being in the mood to deal with my brother, resulted in me not learning that she had been crying late into the night until the end of the day when I arrived at my parents' home last night for dinner. Consequently I caught the first available flight today."

"Rajeev, what was the problem that you didn't want to communicate with your brother?"

Now that wasn't the question he had anticipated, but he was coming to expect the unexpected from Naomi's mother. A seemingly innocuous question could hold so much weight with her, and now afforded this opportunity he was resolved to divulge any and everything to the pair who would ultimately determine his path forward. "My regrets had gotten the better of me: regret that I had let her come to face her parents alone; regret over the promise she had exacted that I stay behind and take care of Rachna. I was rapidly becoming unfit company for anyone so I had no desire to talk to Vihaan any sooner than I had to. Ironically, this became my biggest regret; that through my inaction, my worst nightmare could have manifested itself. I knew she was due to talk to both of you; I knew that she had yet to contact me since, and then came to know that she had been up crying in the middle of the night. Staying away any longer become out of the question."

Leaning back on the sofa, Naomi's father studied Rajeev. Finally he sighed. "Son, I do hope the arrangements you've made for Rachna are suitable. At the very least you will be in for either an earful or worse case, a bout of tears over your broken promise in the first instance, and if our princess doesn't deem that you have made adequate arrangements...well it would be real a shame for your reunion to spoiled because of this."

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It was nowhere near settled, but they were one step closer, Rajeev thought as he sat in the make-up chair being subjected to all manner of torture. How he had allowed Kabir to talk him into this - he shook his head.

"This really isn't your thing at all is it? A shame because you do have the looks to pull it off. One last touch and we're done. Now I think the idea is that we scoot you this way so you can avoid her when she comes back for her touch up. You look really great."

"Thanks." He looked over to where Kabir was motioning him. When he reached there, the designer nodded approvingly. "This is payback for leaving Rachna isn't it?"

Kabir took the suit jacket the production assistant brought over and held it out to Rajeev. "Not at all Rajeev. I figured perhaps you may want photos with her that the two of you were actually aware were being taken. Since they are guaranteed to be stunning, Nathanial and I figured, why not incorporate your reunion into the actual shoot. Two birds, one stone so to speak. Who knows this could the beginning of a new career for you Rajeev."

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"It still bothers me that we haven't heard from either of them; what am I going to tell Ma and Papa when I get home, other that I had to suffer through the nicest skype interrogation ever." Vihaan looked over his shoulder, past Aryia who he held perched on his shoulder, to Rachna who was laughing behind them.

"Aunty definitely has a way of going about things. Oh to have been there when she casually dismissed Kabir last night and sent him back to his hotel room; my poor husband, his only consolation was that Naomi's mother effectively stopped Rajeev in his tracks last night as well. Count yourself lucky Vihaan, you just got a small sample of what your bhai has had to contend with."

"As he should, but frankly why I should have..."

"Don't worry you will understand when you have a daughter, Vihaan."

"Oh no, I will leave that up to Bhaiyaa and Bhabhi; I'll just be the favorite uncle. That way I know at the end of the day I can give the little ones back." He waited until Rachna locked her workroom, and then passed her the little girl. "See just like this."

She smiled taking her gleeful daughter into her arms. "Thik hai Vihaan, just remember this when it comes time to send your special little niece, the youngest, prettiest green-eyed one who adores the ground her Chachaji walks on, off to her in-laws house. Make sure to call me and let me know how that goes for you."

He hesitated, pondering on Rachna's words."Oh God, you don't think I've made it worse for them do you ? Maybe I was too flippant with Bhabhi's mother; you'll have to call her back and let her know that we are a good family, Rachna. Oh God, Ma will kill me if I've gone and ruined..."

"Settle down Vihaan, I'm sure everything's okay. I'm sure that Aunty got a good sense of who you are and that you have been a good Devar and friend to Naomi. Let's look at it as a good sign. She wouldn't have felt the need to seek you out if there wasn't some serious consideration being done about their relationship. With their daughter relocating thousands of miles away from them, of course her parents are going to scrutinize everything." She held his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad you were here at the right time, Vihaan. Just think soon I'll be hard at work on her dress. I may even have to break the cardinal rule and outfit the Agarwal brothers as well, after all they will have to be worthy of the exquisite Banaras Beauty adorned bride they will be adding to their family."

"Aacha, beti, and I think it would be in your best interest to get started immediately. One thing is for sure, between KT Creations and Banaras Beauty, this is certain to be the most fashionable shaadi Banaras has seen since my own."

Both Rachna and Vihaan laughed at Daadi's outrageous comment.

"Vihaan you seem to have your timing right again this evening. Can we offer you dinner, beta? I will make sure to save you a seat next to me."

"Daadi you make me wish I was a few years younger, it's the only way I could possibly keep up with you. I would love to join you for dinner, thank you."

Rachna looked past Vihaan to where Sonal rested on the sofa with Sanjay. Her head had risen, indicating her attention to their conversation. With all certainty she had to have heard the invitation. Yet surprisingly she hadn't made a move to leave; interesting, very interesting. Perhaps she meant to see this meal through.

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They hadn't talked in two days and she couldn't help but wonder if he was as disturbed as she was. She had been wrong not to contact to him after she had talked to her parents, and the matter hadn't improved when after her spa treatments that she had slept so much of the day away, missing another opportunity to contact him. That KT had to awaken her to eat something last night indicated how the stress of everything had taken a toll on her, but it had been no excuse. Still she had thought to have awakened to at least some form of communication from Rajeev: a voicemail, text, email , something , but there hadn't been, nor had there been an answer to her subsequent text. He had to be upset with her; there was no other reason for his absence.

She held up her hand to the artist who was about to begin touching up her makeup. "Can you just give me five minutes; I have a telephone call to make."

"Sure Naomi, just call out for me when you are ready."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." She watched the young woman walk away before picking up her mobile and dialing.

"Hi, how are you?"

"Rachna, how is he? Could he be so angry that he doesn't want to speak to me?"

"I don't understand what..."

"I mean, I know it's my fault that I shut out the world for little while after... but I was certain that he would be in touch after I spoke to Vihaan. Maybe he's not feeling well or something. Could that be it? Just find out for me, don't say it's me, just ask him how he is feeling , please?"

"I don't understand, what's wrong?"

"No never mind Ra. Forget that. Just ask him directly why he won't speak with me. Right now, make him give you an answer."

"I can't, he isn't home."

"Well he should be there soon, so..."

"Naomi, he's not here he's left." Her friend's silence alarmed her. "Naomi?"

"That's not possible Rachna," she whispered. "He promised me that he would stay with you." Her voice becoming increasingly shaky she asked her friend, "Do I mean so little to him that he can't keep one promise to me?"

Frantically mouthing to Vihaan to call his brother right now, Rachna tried to calm her friend down. "Naomi you're wrong, please don't think that."

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"What is it Vihaan?"

"How is it possible you leave to go to her, and she's now feeling worse than ever? Where the hell are you Bhaiyaa?"

"I don't have time for your theatrics, Vihaan, what..."

"Bhabhi needs you; get from wherever you're hiding and go to her now."

"What.." and then he turned and saw her head resting on her arms as she lay on the vanity table in front of her. Her shoulders heaved with sobs the sound of which hadn't reached where he stood, but whose existence was undeniable. "Kabir, can I have your handkerchief?" He took it when he produced it and headed for her.

"Naomi you have to calm down, everything's okay."

"How can you say that Ra? He's left you, and you're stuck there with that witch. Tomorrow I have to wear the most indecent dress ever, and today your husband decides out of the blue that I should shoot with some random guy, some stranger. How could he have left you, Rachna after he promised me?"

She startled when the mobile was grabbed out of her hand, and her face raised so that the tears could be wiped from her cheeks. Kneeling beside her, her comforter's face was partially obscured by the linen wiping her face, until she reached up and grabbed at cloth, and her eyes widened.

Taking the handkerchief back from her now lax grip, Rajeev cleared her face of her ruined mascara as he lectured.

"I left because my first priority is and always will be you, Sweetheart. Rachna is just fine. She has Gunjan and I suspect Vihaan with her as we speak. You on the other hand, have been suffering for past few days, and this was not acceptable to me. I should have never let you come alone, so I'm here now so we can take care of this together, thik hai? We will both speak to your parents and resolve this one way or another. Now I have no idea why you would think it a bad idea to take some photographs with me Sweetheart, but I had to tolerate a whole lot so I could look good enough to be in your presence, so there will be no quarrel regarding this either." His matter-of-fact talk was like a balm to her distress, steadying her, allowing her to calm down a bit.

He handed her his mobile. "Say hello and goodbye to your Devar, and thank him for watching out for Rachna." He smiled patiently as she spoke to his brother and then disconnected the call. He nodded to her phone, where she had left Rachna hanging on.

"Ra?"

"Enjoy your time with Mr. Bossy Overbearing Agarwal, thik hai? We will talk soon okay?"

"Goodbye Rachna; I'll talk to you later."

She hung up the phone and cast her eyes down. Rachna was wrong, he wasn't bossy or overbearing; he was dependable and constant and he loved her so much. For a second time her eyes filled with tears.

"You will come home with me to speak to Mummy and Daddy?"

He didn't correct her and let her know that they wouldn't be going far, just nodded. "Yes sweetheart, so no more tears, thik hai?" he said with one final wipe with the cloth before lowering his forehead to hers. "It has been unbearable being away from you."

"Really, I have had a great time without you, can't you tell," she said, laughing tearfully as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He stood taking her with him and enveloped her in the warmth of his embrace. They stood there in silence, their eyes closed, shutting out the world so that they were only aware of each other. It felt as he breathed for the both of them, the rise and fall of his chest releasing the last of her anxiety. "Rajeev?"

"Hmm Sweetheart?"

"You look absolutely incredible. Are you really the one I'm to take these pictures with?"

"Ji Naomi, provided you let me go and get ready. How about I go back where I was waiting for you, and when you are ready, you come and teach me how this modeling stuff works. You have five minutes."

She looked up and smiled at his five minute ultimatum. "I think I can do that." Thankful for her heels, she didn't have far to reach when she reached for his kiss.

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"Rachna Aunty, did Rajeev Uncle go to New York to get Pari to bring her home?"

"Ha Sanjay, he did."

"And then they are going to get married?"

"Ha Beta, if everything goes to plan Rachna aunty will be making Pari a pretty dress for her wedding," Daadi remarked.

Vihaan paused and looked around the table "Pari?" he asked questioningly.

"Pari is Naomi," she responded.

"She has two names, Pari and Naomi," piped the young boy. "How come you didn't know Uncle, I thought she was your friend."

"She is beta, but she's a very new friend. We haven't even met in person yet, just spoken on the phone and on the computer, because I stay in London, remember?"

Sanjay did remember that Rajeev uncle's brother had said that he lived there. Yesterday, he had wanted to ask him if he had gone on the Eye, but then mama got tired. And afterwards she had said that he shouldn't talk about London because those were the sad times, not like now which were the happy times, here at Papa's house with his sister. If he promised not to talk about London, then he would be allowed to have dinner with everyone and not in the bedroom. He liked this a lot better, so he wouldn't talk about London anymore.

"Vihaan Uncle, do you have a picture of Pari on your phone like him?"

Supposing that he was referring to Rajeev, Vihaan nodded, and pulled up the image to show the youngster. "Yup my brother made sure to send one to me."

"Pari looked pretty that day."

"She did indeed, beta."

The little boy took another bite of his dinner chewing it slowly. "When she comes home you have to take a picture with her so you can have one like her other friend does."

"I will have to make sure I do, beta, just like Rajeev."

Sanjay shook his head. "No her other friend, who misses her a lot."

Vihaan looked around the table quizzingly, but thought nothing of the little boy's odd statement.

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"We're going to take a five minute break and then just do a few more, thik hai?"

"Sure KT, we'll just be here waiting" Naomi said smiling.

Walking away he heard her teasing laughter. "Oh no, you didn't call for that five minutes, Rajeev Agarwal, don't even think that you get a kiss for that." Kabir shook his head.

He reached Mohit and Nathanial as they studied the images.

"So what is the prognosis?"

Nathanial put his hand to his forehead. "They're getting better frame by frame Kabir. It has to be something from this set."

For KTs sake, Mohit went to the beginning of the set and flipped through them again. Kabir sighed. "You're right, both of you. He won't like it though; it definitely isn't what he signed up for. He only wanted to do it for her certainly not to be used."

Mohit looked at the two designers. "I have the production folks on standby in case of a last minute request, but it will have to be submitted soon." He looked at his watch "Actually very soon, as in a couple of more photos and then that's it. You don't have time to negotiate with him KT; you have to make a call on way or another."

Mohit was right, Kabir thought as dialed the person who had known Rajeev longer than all of them. She picked up immediately.

"I have an issue Rachna."
"She's not had another meltdown has she?"

"I think that this may actually be worse than that. How do you think Rajeev would react if his photos were included in the campaign; actually majorly featured in the campaign?"

Her pause told him everything he needed, and she reaffirmed it with her words. "It's not him at all."

He sighed. "That's what I figured. Would he do it for her, to make Naomi happy?"

"My God KT, are the photos that good that you're considering bribery?"

"They are incredible Rachna. Their chemistry is absolute magic."

"Thik hai, this is what you need to do then."

Kabir listened in wonder. "Mrs Tripathi I bow down to you, that is brilliant; you are brilliant, love."

"Thank you Kabir, but you have to give them the heads up. He won't be happy if he is totally blindsided."

"I love you Mrs. Tripathi. I will call you in a couple of hours thik hai?"

"I love you too KT."

He wandered back over to the couple. "You won't mind doing a few more for us will you? I have to tell you that the ones we have are brilliant. We will probably want one or two of them placed for the reception tomorrow, I hope that's okay?"

Naomi's eyes sparkled when she looked up at Rajeev. "I would love that; you wouldn't mind would you Rajeev?" She bit her lip nervously when he hesitated, finally exhaling when Rajeev smiled and kissed her forehead. "If only to make you happy sweetheart."

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"They look so stunning together don't you think?" She looked across to her husband who sat on the bench; the perfect vantage to view the nearby photo-shoot. "He did an excellent job of comforting her as well. You can't tell by looking at her now that she had been so distraught not so long ago."

"It sounds, Shelly, that you have made your decision already. Are you truly satisfied that you know everything there is to know? This is no casual decision that we are making."

Naomi's mother reached into the bag that her husband limply held and offered him a chocolate covered almond. "And yet you still allowed them to meet. Jonas, be honest, if you had any serious concerns you could have eliminated everything by asking him not to meet her. Now that we have, there will be no way that we will be able to keep them away from each other."

"Don't you think she's too young?"

"She's almost four years older than we were, and weren't we sure all those years ago?"

"Things were different back then though."

"I agree, and frankly I'm thankful that it hasn't been a case of us learning about her marriage after the fact."

He shook his head vehemently. "No my princess wouldn't deny her daddy from walking her down the aisle." He ate another almond. "Do they even walk down the aisle over in India? Well it makes no difference, it not as if he has mentioned marriage anyway."

"There's a ring."

"My God, Shelly are you a private investigator in your spare time?" He laughed when his wife smacked him lightly.

"Perhaps I am not as gruff and overt as you are, but I am just as capable of getting the answers I want and am very thorough in my research. I will admit that I do like him, a lot. I still want to speak to her alone at some point, but I feel good about the two them."

"I see, so to think otherwise, I will be seen as the villain in their love story, is that what you are saying? I know I was abrupt with her..."

"You're her father and you love her and want the best for her, that's all. Perhaps you were a little curt, but you didn't have any real facts at the time. Besides, not every love story has to have a villain you know Jonas. And for certain you are not the villain in theirs."

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Abhi waved off the men as he sat in his office.

"Next time fellows, the first round will be on me."

He waited until he was sure that they had gone and removed the headphones from his laptop listened to the recording that had been sent to him. With her own words, Naomi had proclaimed his right over her:

" He asked me to marry him you know, a couple of time actually, and I must have known deep down that it would be wrong to accept his proposals, but to tell the truth he was one more proposal from a yes.. because it would be easy."

He knew just how long to forward the recording to hear what he wanted , and it only affirmed that she had always been meant for him. He played it over and over hearing the words he needed to.

" He asked me to marry him you know, a couple of time actually, to tell the truth he was one more proposal from a yes."

He rewound the recording and started it again.

"He asked me to marry him you know, a couple of time actually, to tell the truth he was one more proposal from a yes."

He sneered at the image he had just received, wondering when that useless Sonal had intended on telling him that Rajeev had gone to her. The man's closeness to Naomi galled him, but it would be allowed if only because it would bring her back into his proximity. She was his, she had basically said so herself. And he had no intention of sharing her with this coach for much longer.

Chapter 56

"Since it's officially tomorrow here, I just wanted to call to wish you all the best for the launch today Kabir."

Laughing at the absurdity of her announcement, considering he was just settling in for the night, Kabir shook his head at his beautiful wife's image on the computer monitor.

"Thank you Rachna. And if I may, can I tell you that you look absolutely beautiful tonight?"

"That, Kabir Tripathi, you are welcome to say at any time of the day or night," she responded sassily. "I will assume that since you are back in your room, that all the preparations for tomorrow are complete?"

"Ji Rachna, which means I am free to admire you as long as you have the time to spare."

"Hmm how exciting, perhaps I should reschedule my day to accommodate you. Despite knowing that I would be destined to have to share you with Aryia at some point, I cannot think of a better way to spend my day."

"Nor I, Beautiful. Before I began gazing to my heart's content, tell me how are the children?"

"They are fine, all of them including this little one here," she answered patting her tummy. "I don't know if it is because of how busy I've been that I haven't noticed, or the fact that I've adjusting to this pregnancy faster, but I have been feeling better every day Kabir."

"You must still take care, Rachna, it won't do for you to be lulled into a false sense of security and over-exert yourself unwittingly."

"There's no need to worry, up until he left Rajeev made certain of that I stuck to a schedule, and now Gunjan and Daadi have taken over without skipping a beat, to keep me on the straight and narrow."

Kabir nodded, deferring to her capacity in understanding her limitations.

"Sanjay is also doing well. He has fully recovered physically, and is in much better spirits with his mother with him. Not surprising he wishes to be with her, but not exclusively where he doesn't spend the time with us either. In fact it appears he is very intrigued with Vihaan for some reason. For that matter, so is Aryia; it must be that Agarwal charm," Rachna teased. "Actually I think it is the fact that he is a new face that's all."

"I see."

"Obviously that will all change in a few days, when she has all of her favorite people back home though; her Papa particularly. I expect there will be a fierce completion for your attention when you return Kabir Tripathi."

He yawned in response. "I'm so sorry Rachna."

"Don't apologize KT, you have had so much on your plate with this launch, and other things. I will let you go now so you can rest. All the best for the launch; I'm sure it will be an enormous success. And one more thing Mr. Tripathi, make sure you celebrate your success, both you and Nathanial deserve it."

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The hotel elevator doors closed and it began its ascent, leaving the fifth floor behind. Alone now save for the man beside her, Naomi concentrated on the numbers as they lit up in sequential order: 6, 7, 8 and then 9. It stopped and the doors slide open again. She must have hesitated for a second, because he had to place his hand on the small of her back, and guide her out of the lift before the doors closed. The couple then walked in silence until they reached her hotel door.

Naomi cleared her throat, and turned her attention across the hall. "So that's KT's room right there. He has the best balcony attached to it; I mean it's really beautiful."

"I see. And have you been spending much time in Kabir's room and on his balcony?"

Confused, she raised her head. "What do you mean? Why would I..." She stopped when Rajeev lightly caressed her face and smiled.

"Aacha, there you are; it seemed I lost you around the time the elevator closed a couple of floors down." She clammed up again. Sighing, Rajeev took hold of her hand and brought it up to his lips. "Sweetheart, are you going to open the door? I really would like to get back down to my room to get some rest, an impossibility until I know you are secured in your own room."

She blushed and he understood immediately what had been going through her mind when he had indicated that he would come with her up to her room. "Actually I was hoping you would come in... for a minute at least." He was taken aback by her invitation. Naomi studied his face attempting to keep her mind on what she wanted to say, and away from the wayward thoughts pervading her mind. "Ah the tickets to go home; I thought we could see what we could find online and book them since tomorrow will be a busy day." She stepped away from him and reached into her handbag, extracting the key card which would grant them access to her suite.

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It took less time than she thought, but by mutual agreement they determined that they wouldn't purchase tickets to see her parents until the morning after, since it appeared that there were plenty of seats on the flights they had viewed. That decision made, Rajeev had stood and held his hand out to Naomi, and led her to the door.

"Make sure you latch the door behind me, Naomi."

She had looked up, afraid to speak for fear that she would say something she shouldn't, perhaps even telling him that to do so would mean him being on the wrong side of the door, so she just nodded.

And totally contrary to his statement, Rajeev continued to hold her hand, making no move to release it or to leave.

"So I was considering your apprehension about showing the dress tomorrow and thought that perhaps I could help you through it."

In the end his advice worked. She had walked the runway for the last time with no reservations or regrets. She had accepted the congratulations of the two designers, and her fellow models, but as she had watched Rajeev across the room she knew she was more than ready to leave this phase of her life behind. Now her thoughts and eyes focused solely on the man who would be her future.

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"Gunjan Garg I do not snore!"

"Ha Rachna Tripathi, you do, and frankly I can't stand it any longer. It seems like it's getting worse every night!"

Rachna looked at her sister aghast. "You are so lying, if it was anywhere as bad as you are saying KT would have said something.."

"Well perhaps it's a pregnancy thing, or he's just way too sweet to mention it to you, but it's really, really bad Rachna. I'm exhausted from being up all night," she whined.

"Aacha, go ahead and sleep in the nursery, traitor. Just remember when you start complaining that I'm too busy for you that you didn't want to stay here with me."

Gunjan hugged her younger sister and smiled. "Oh sweetie, it's not as if you will be up much longer anyway; I can see how tired you are. At least my being in the nursery will allow you the opportunity to sleep through the night, instead of having one ear tuned into the baby monitor. Trust me, Rachna in the morning you won't even miss that I wasn't here."

Reluctantly, Rachna agreed. She had to admit that she had been staying up late, and then sleeping very lightly the last few nights. The last thing she needed was for Kabir to come back to her looking drawn from a lack of rest; she would never hear the end of it. "Thik hai, Gunjan, go and have a snore free night."

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He had arrived just in time he surmised, as he studied her as she lay asleep in the lamp lit room. Her sketchbook and pencils were spread in disarray across the bed, evidence that she had fallen asleep at her task. He shook his head, even as he drank in the sight of his beloved, the first time in days not over a computer monitor. The faint shadows under her eyes were clearly discernable and he vowed to rectify the situation and ensure that she took sufficient rest, particularly if her next checkup indicated that she should. For now though, Kabir was just content being back home with her. Silently he removed her drawing materials and left just as quietly as he headed to wash away the vestiges of his long day of travel.

Mere moments after Kabir had extinguished the light and got into the bed beside his wife, Rachna had instinctively rolled into his arms, resting her head on his chest. Her nightgown provided little barrier between then and her soft curves caressed him tantalizingly, as she nestled against him. Finally she settled with a sigh, and Kabir smiled in the darkness waiting for her acknowledgment of his early return. And waited still. Her slow, steady breaths indicating otherwise, Kabir still couldn't reconcile that she could have continued to sleep so easily, not when such a fierce desire had welled within him at her first touch. He lay there aware of every breath she took; every slight move of her body, until he chided himself for his diverging thoughts. She was obviously in need of rest, not his advances. He lightly brushed his lips over the top of her head, sighed and closed his eyes, willing his mind elsewhere.

It would have been the most pleasant of dreams, Rachna supposed. KT's return, earlier than expected and being held in his arms as she slept the night away was as near to perfection as she could ever imagine. In her dream she could snuggle closer and feel the weight of the arm that held her fast against him, safe and secure. She sighed at feeling so cherished and secure. Absolute perfection' she thought or it would be if it wasn't for the infernal buzzing in her ear. Irritatingly insistent, the noise demanded her attention and drew her from the paradise she had created in her mind. She resisted acknowledging the droning noise, knowing that to do so would mean that she would awaken, and have to face the reality of being alone and lonely for Kabir. Unconsciously, she shook her head and smiled to herself that her efforts to stay in the dream had manifested in the tightening of the embrace she was in. But still the noise continued. Surely if she could control her dream she could stop the infernal racket of someone snoring. She groaned in frustration, and low and behold, the noise ceased. She settled contently until another unexpected sound reached her ears.

"Are you ok my love, do you need anything?"

Rachna's eyes shot open and she gasped. Hesitantly she reached for his hand resting low against her stomach, and found it there, warm and solid; not a dream at all.

She began to roll over and he moved his arm, accommodating her movements, until she lay flat on her back, looking up at him. "You're home," she whispered. "How can you be home?" Her wonder evolved in to a smile; her joy to laughter. "You aren't supposed be here yet, not for another twenty four hours, Kabir. Oh God, I can't believe that you have come home!" He didn't have the chance to answer before she reached up and encircled his neck, drawing him closer. Kabir braced himself so that his full weight would not crush her, but happily accepted her affection as she kissed him excitedly. When she paused, he rolled, taking her with him. Their positions reversed, Kabir smiled up at his wife. "We lucked and managed to get everything settled..."

"We? Everyone has come back, Naomi and Rajeev?"

Kabir nodded and then held Rachna wrist as she sought to get up.

"Oh no Mrs. Tripathi, you can just stay right where you are. You will have plenty of time to visit her later today, much later, after you've rested. Surely you have to know that I've seen with my own eyes how you have been spending your nights. The evidence was spread around you." He waited for her denial, and looked her askew, when none was forthcoming. "You cannot even defend yourself can you, Rachna?"

"No Kabir, you're right. I shouldn't have stayed up so late sketching and I will make sure get some extra rest."

His eyes narrowed at her conciliatory tone. "You're agreeing, with no argument."

She smiled and nodded. "I'm just so happy that you are home Kabir; I'll probably agree to anything you propose right now."

Kabir reached up and brushed a few stray hairs back behind her ear. "That's a very dangerous statement to make to a man who has been without his love for so long," he whispered huskily. "One could definitely take advantage of such a situation."

She smiled in response and waited to see if he would.

"Kiss me Rachna."

And she did, so completely and thoroughly , entrancing him to the point that he would have given in to any demand she had by the time she had finished.

-------------

She supposed to be kissed awake could never a bad thing, but the wet slobbering variety she was receiving wouldn't have exactly been her first choice. However when accompanied by the excited babble of her god-daughter, they were extremely hard to resist. Naomi peeked to see where Ariya was positioned, and then grabbed the little girl and kissed and tickled her in return. Between childish giggles she squealed her name "Pari...Pari"

Naomi picked up the baby and held her close; she loved the tyke so much. Turning to face Rachna, Naomi instead came face to face with Gunjan with a tray in her hands, sitting at the foot of the bed. Rachna stood at the doorway and purposively locked the door. She then walked over to the bed, and scooted her friend over so that all of them could find a comfortable spot.

Rachna cleared her throat, "Since your fiance has gone home to let his family know of his return, we figure this is the best opportunity to talk before he returns, most likely with Vihaan in tow."

Gunnjan nodded. "We've got snacks and drinks, and now we want details; all of the details, Naomi."

Naomi smiled. "Where do you want me to start?"

Rachna picked up her laptop from dresser and brought it over. She logged on to something and exchanged the laptop for her daughter. "Why don't you start with how you managed to pull that off when you were really struggling with it?"

Naomi looked at the screen to the YouTube video titled "Bedroom Eyes on the Runway" and watched the short clip of her final walk at the launch.

"What on earth?"

"Apparently you got someone's attention," Rachna teased, "And it seems a few fans judging by some of those comments. So tell me what changed your attitude?"

"Come on, it's not like I had a choice, I had to wear it."

"But you looked like you were enjoying it sooo much Naomi,"Gunjan teased. "Something must have changed your mind about wearing that dress, so tell."

Naomi's cheeks flamed in response. "No comment."

The other women laughed. "Thik hai, Naomi, we will give you a pass on that," Rachna said, "But" she continued, grabbing hold of her left hand admiring her new ring, "You have to tell us what led to this being placed on your finger."

"And you're not allowed to omit anything, Naomi; nothing at all."

"Come on Rachna, isn't t enough to know that you can finally start designing something for me?"

She watched her friend shake her head, "No, I need all the details so I can be inspired; it's a design thing, you wouldn't understand."

"I'm so sure" Naomi responded wryly. She sighed, but then smiled cheekily. Despite her protests she was bursting at the seams to share her news.

"I was given some inspirational words to get me through my walk in this dress; and trust me I needed the courage. "

"It does seem that they went a bit overboard with the net usage." Rachna conceded.

"You mean to say that there was more sheer net than actual fabric."

"But you looked stunning, you know that don't you?"

"Forget stunning, you looked sexy as all out!" Gunjan interjected.

"Like I said, more net than fabric. Let's just say I had an intimate relationship with that dress; nothing came between us if you understand my meaning."

"Oh my, " Rachna teased.

"Anyway, I got my words of wisdom, and this was the result." She paused to pick at some of the snacks they brought, sneaking some to Aryia.

"So we moved to the reception and then I had to go and fight through a throng of gorgeous women who had taken a liking for my Rajeev."

"What!"

"KT had decided to use two photos from our photoshoot at the reception, and by the time I had arrived at the reception, Rajeev had amassed quite the fan base because of them." Indicating the comments on the laptop screen, Naomi continued, "These are nothing compared to some of the propositions my Rajeev had to contend with. There are some pretty shameless females around I tell you."

" You weren't worried were you, Naomi? I can't imagine Rajeev responding to any of these..."

"Worried, no; furious yes, but as soon as I entered, he had eyes for no one else. If I needed any final convincing, the fact the he disregarded so many beautiful women who were basically throwing themselves at him..." She sighed in memory. "It really was a great night."

"Okay,"Gunjan said, covering her mouth as she chewed, "So what happened next?"

-----------

KT had opened the door the next morning, to find Naomi there with her luggage. They had agreed that he would keep the bulk of it so she could travel light, and be back in New York in time to fly back to Banaras in a couple of days.

"I've just had breakfast delivered, and ordered enough, so why don't you come in and have a bite?"

She had checked her watch, before declining. "No KT, I still need to check out, and then get to the airport to make sure we are able to get a flight out today. Thanks for offering..."

He had taken her hand firmly and insisted. "Please Naomi, I just want to have a word with you before you leave."

She had allowed him to lead her to the door leading to the balcony and then stopped when he pulled up short ahead of her.

"I know that my actions only added to your stress, so I'm hoping this will be of some help. But before you think that any of this is guilt driven, I just need you to know that I always believed in the two of you; we all did."

He said nothing else, leaving her confused and had opened the door to usher her ahead of him.

She walked out, her gaze still on him. "KT I don't understand.." And then she had turned.

-------

"Everyone was there, Rachna; Daddy was standing looking out over the city with Rajeev, drinking coffee, and Mummy was sitting at the table poring through what looked like hundreds of photos. Before I could get over the shock that they were all there together, Rajeev walked over to me and hugged and kissed me on the forehead, and told me to enjoy breakfast with my parents, and that they wanted to speak to me alone."

Naomi looked at her friends, who returned her smile.

"But I suspect that both of you knew what was going to happen, right?"

Gunjan threw her hands up in protest. "Don't look at me I'm just visiting."

"And had no idea exactly what my husband was planning."

"Because you were too busy planning yourself, right Ra; there were definite elements that had your name written all over it."