RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 72

Chapter 58

Kabir looked up from the paperwork he was reviewing, a questioning expression on his face.

"Have you changed your mind then Rachna? Are you now favoring a distributer who will insist on the cheap mass production of your line?"

"Nay KT, that's definitely not what I want Banaras Beauty to evolve into; why would you think ..?"

She looked down to where her husband was pointing on the second page of the documentation from Patel Industries. It was the listing of the invited UK distributers. Her shock registered on realization that it was one of the agencies that she had annotated; one of the three that Sonal had referred to her employer.

"You are familiar with this company KT?"

"Ji Rachna, I am. For a young company they have already amassed an excellent reputation for their marketability skills, and although that is definitely a plus in the promotion of some wares, I'm not convinced that this would be the right approach for Banaras Beauty. I knew that even as dynamic as they were, that they wouldn't be the right fit for KT Creations when they approached me. Naturally, since your designs are at the very least on par with mine," he teased, "I don't believe that they would be the best suit for your designs either." His wife's silence had him wondering what was going through her mind. "Of course Rachna, this is only my opinion; I have complete trust that you have the acumen to make the decision that is right for Banaras Beauty."

Rachna reached across the table to hold her husband's hand. In reaction, he raised his eyes to meet her soulful brown eyes full of admiration, and so much more.

"Thank you Kabir. You can't even begin to comprehend how much your faith in my abilities means to me. That you have such belief ..." She swallowed, closed her eyes, and then cleared her throat, her emotions getting the best of her.

Kabir stood and moved around and gathered her into his arms. "Aacha, note to self Kabir; be very careful with your compliments around your extremely beautiful, but highly emotional wife," he whispered gently. He followed his words with a tender kiss to her forehead.

She laughed at herself then, and stepped out his embrace, wiping her eyes as she did so. "I am past ridiculous after this, KT." She motioned his attention back to the documents. "How about you stave off your compliments; I'll hold the tears, and we can get through reviewing this paperwork. If it's possible, I really would like to have it on its way with Arpita when she leaves for the day."

Kabir nodded. "As you wish Madame Ji," he replied . "Especially since this is not the only work we have scheduled for the day."

"Exactly; so getting back to the proposal, you were speaking of this agency here," Rachna continued, "What more can you tell me about them? How long ago was it that they contacted you?"

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Kabir observed with satisfaction as Rachna prepared to sign off on the documents committing her participation in the upcoming symposium. Their discourse had carried on for some time, and contrary to her earlier sentimentality, Rachna had been the consummate professional as they had deliberated the pros and cons of the proposal. He had found their discussions thereafter most stimulating; truly an exchange with a fellow designer par excellence. He smiled wryly as his wife exhaled with relief after she sealed the endorsed paperwork in the return envelope and handed it to Arpita for delivery back to Patel Industries.

"I'll leave now to ensure that it is delivered before their offices close today, Rachna."

"Thank you Aprita, I will see you tomorrow bright and early. We've got a lot on our plate for the near future, so I hope you are ready for some pretty busy days ahead."

The assistant smiled and nodded. "I'm sure it won't be anything you won't be up to Rachna. Good Night."

Arpita had barely exited, before Kabir came closer to his wife, leaving the slightest distance between them. "She's absolutely correct Rachna, you are more than capable in handling this; in fact I must confess that I find your competency extremely attractive Mrs. Tripathi," he drawled.

Rachna attempted unsuccessfully to sidestep him, laughing as she did. "Aacha? Well aren't we both fortunate that it is I that will be participating in this symposium and no you Kabir. Surrounded by so many of your peers, I can't fathom your ability to maintain any sense of control." Looking down where he held her hand, she raised it so that he lowered his gaze to their connection. "Might I remind you of the work still to be done? Once we finish everything then we should have just enough time to freshen up and take Aryia next door so that we can make our reservations for a very special dinner."

"Dinner?"

"Ha, Mr. Tripathi, I figured that you shouldn't be the only one who can orchestrate a surprise, but before we can get to that, we will have to finish all of our work. Now shall we move on to our next task or not?"

Of course he moved to give her clearance to leave.

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"I have absolutely nothing to wear, Rachna; nothing is suitable." Naomi paced the room, before going to the closet again and pulling out another dress. She walked over to the floor length mirror and held the outfit up to herself for a second. Sitting on the little space left on the bed, now laden with what looked like her friend's entire wardrobe, Rachna smiled. Finally it appeared that she was satisfied with something. Or so it seemed, until the dress landed on the ever growing pile on the bed, and Naomi's pacing began again.

"You're being irrational; you have choices galore here, Naomi. You're just letting your nerves get the best of you." Rachna shuffled through the pile until she found one of Naomi's favorite dresses. "Here, you've always had a preference for this dress; your confidence boosting dress you call it. You will look lovely in it."

Naomi shook her head immediately. "No Rachna, it's not appropriate, it's way too slinky. I couldn't possibly meet Rajeev's parents in it. It just screams foreign hussy', no it won't do at all. Nothing I have will do."

"Now you are just being silly, Naomi." Rachna stood and collected the discarded choices to hang them back in the closet. "Sit for a second Naomi, just take a minute to relax, thik hai?" After she had returned the items back to the closet, she turned to find her friend sitting on the bed with her head hanging down, taking deep breaths. Rachna shook her head and went to sit beside her and rubbed her back encouragingly.

"I feel so queasy Rachna, I think I'm sick."

"You are not ill, just nervous."

Brought on by her anxiety or not, Naomi stomach was definitely unsettled. She gulped for air as she waited for the wave of nausea to pass. "Is Daadi home yet? Maybe she can help me select something."

"Aacha, my opinion doesn't matter now? Besides what happened to you waiting for me to help you with this?" Rachna answered gently as she continued to rub Naomi's back. She looked up when the door opened and Kabir entered, an outfit draped over his arm. He stopped short, and then nodded in comprehension when Rachna mouthed "bad nerves."

"Aacha, it appears that your histrionics are contagious, Rachna. I think it best to conclude this business as quickly as possible before I am infected as well."

Naomi looked up as he laid the outfit on the bed, and then reached into his jacket pocket and extracted the jewelry box he had secreted there, pausing while he awaited Rachna who had headed back to the closet from which she had selected a pair of Naomi's favorite heels which she placed on the floor beside the bed.

The long olive green straight suit was accented with sapphire blue and brushed gold embroidery in a concentric pattern beginning at one hip. As added interest, the cuffs, square neckline and hem were bordered with bands of the blue and gold fabric. The plain sapphire dupatta was a perfect foil for the graphic pattern, and the neutral peep-toe heels, Rachna had retrieved from the closet were the perfect choice. It was a seamless fusion; conservative, but with enough modern aspects to appeal to the most contrary person. Naomi loved it.

"We've just returned KT; there's no way you could have had the time to..."

"You're absolutely right Naomi; there is no way that I had the time to do this on my own, but that is the benefit to being a two designer household; I just completed what had already been started," Kabir responded smugly. He watched as the younger woman turned to his wife, who stood grinning beside him.

"You just never know when inspiration will strike, and in this case it was a combination of things; the first being your beautiful engagement ring, which I was privy to seeing before you had left, and then there was this purchase that was made for you." Rachna took the jewelry box from her husband and gave this to a very confused Naomi.

"Only the most important of work has kept Daadi away from home today, but she wanted to make sure that we gave you these in hopes that you would wear them tonight.

"Aacha, before you open the box.." Searching his pockets KT found and pulled out a note and passed it on. Recognizing Daadi's hand writing, Naomi began reading:

My Darling Beti,

A beautiful love story immediately came to mind when I saw these; the story of a love that transcended cultural differences, distance and a few manmade obstacles to boot. I know that meeting your future in-laws for the very first time is a terrifying prospect, so I hope that in wearing them, you will remember that his love had him crossing an ocean to get to you. And that in return, beti, you found the courage to follow your heart and return to be with him. The hardest part is over; everything will fall into place now.

I will see you very soon,

Love Daadi.

Naomi gasped on opening the small case at the beautiful emerald, sapphire and diamond dangling earrings. She then turned her attention back to the suit, the design concept so much clearer now that she had read Daadi's note.

"This absolutely perfect, but it's too much, all of you have done so much for me." She began reaching for her mobile. "I have to call Daadi to.. ."

"Bas Naomi,"Rachna interjected, "You are talking nonsense, and anyway Daadi is unavailable right now."

"But.."

"Nay Naomi," KT replied. "Rachna is right. Besides there is never enough family can do for each other; and before you even attempt to disavow us, I've told you that we surpassed the boundaries of friendship a long time go. We're family and that's that." He smiled at the younger woman. "And as family you know that there's nothing more exciting for us than a wedding. Now granted, we are in slightly unchartered waters here while you and Rajeev's family's determine how we proceed with your shaadi, but until then you cannot begrudge us gifting our sister on her engagement to the man she loves."

"JI Naomi, and I dare you to tell Daadi who considers you her daughter, that you will not accept her gift."

Naomi laughed shaking her head, "No way, even my bravery has its limits." She admired the ensemble once more and then stole a glance at her engagement ring. "Thank you guys; I love all of you so much."

"So no more nerves; you are okay now?"

"Just perfect; I guess," Naomi replied. She took a look at her watch. "Actually, you guys have to excuse me, I have to start getting ready so I won't be late, that's all I'll need."

"That's fine Naomi, we actually have to get ready ourselves. KT is fortunate that he's married to someone who thinks he is still worth dating."

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He was running late; had known he would be, but still hadn't expected that time would have got away from him as much as it had. With the upcoming inter-college tournament and the lost time due to his trip, Rajeev had planned to put in the extra time with SVC ladies, but with a few more kinks than he had expected still to be worked through, he had no choice but to work with them longer today- the worse day possible. If nothing else, he thought wryly as he rushed up the staircase, he would get a foretelling of his future wife's reaction to his tardiness and be able to adjust accordingly in the future. If only it had occurred any other day besides this one. He knew she was already nervous to be meeting his parents tonight, and his delay was probably exasperating the situation. No, he thought, this was definitely not the day he should be risking her ire, but it was just unavoidable.

She was laying his trousers carefully on the bed, and then turned away to reach for something in the wardrobe when he entered the bedroom. Her dupatta started to slip off her shoulder, and she removed it and placed it aside, while she searched for and then removed the shirt and jacket she wanted. So intent in her task, she wasn't even aware of him, and fool that he was, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene of domesticity in front of him. He was completely enthralled, and getting later by the minute, but somehow none of that mattered anymore. All he saw was his wife to be's efforts on his behalf, and was totally lost. And then she finished and looked up and saw him.

"Rajeev, did you just get here? I didn't even hear you enter." He didn't speak, so she continued. "I hope you don't mind me going through your things, I figured that you may get caught up with your practice session, and so..." He started to walk to her, a look on his face that had her speech faltering and her cheeks heating. "Rajeev are you okay?"

He shook his head, "I would have to say no, I'm definitely not okay. You see, Just about every day at SVC I'm encouraging the students, the young ladies especially to strive to be more, both on and off the hockey field; to focus on their studies and future career aspirations." His approach had crowded Naomi, resulting in her heedless retreat back against the nearest wall. She had nowhere left to go, when he reached to caress her face. "But today I find myself believing that there could be nothing more perfect than what I have just witnessed."

Naomi swallowed, before responding to his words, "So despite all of your liberal speeches on female empowerment, you're saying that I've actually aligned myself with a male chauvinist pig?"

He nodded before whispering in her ear, "Would you believe me if I told you that you have never looked more beautiful than you were getting my clothes sorted? I definitely think you should be worried." he taunted, unaware of the effect the husky timbre his voice had taken was having on her.

Unconsciously she licked her lips. "I think I'll give you the benefit of the doubt this time and just believe that you are overreacting to witnessing a simple act of love. I've been advised that it's the little things that life partners do for each other that has them falling in love with each other, over and over , and since I know for sure that I'm not the subservient sort of woman... Trust me," she teased, "If there was anything I found demeaning or menial about this, I wouldn't have done it. I did it because my love for you made me want to."

And just because he wanted to, he stole her breath away with the kiss she had to know was coming. Only his intent backfired on him, and he realized that he was in a world of trouble. He would have to pack his belongings and move into his flat very, very soon, he thought. Today, at least, he somehow found the strength to resist the irresistible, but who knew what the next day could bring. He managed to raise his head , and after a few deep breaths, to speak.

"You need to leave Naomi, now."

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Standing outside of Rajeev's bedroom door, Rachna noted that Naomi was missing her dupatta. That and the fact she wore the dazed expression of one who had been thoroughly and satisfyingly kissed answered the unasked question of whether Rajeev had come home yet.

"I was just coming to tell you we were about to leave, and to wish you all the best, but I'm afraid to leave before the two of you now," she teased.

"He's a total Neanderthal, Rachna . Tell KT he needs to kick him out of the house; the sooner the better."

"Aacha?"

"Somehow my helping him by selecting his clothes for the evening had a totally unpredictable effect on him." Naomi offered by way of explanation.

Rachna grinned and nodded. "Men, and in particular husbands, or husbands-to-be, in this case, can be pretty baffling. The weirdest things seem to appeal to them. If nothing else it sounds as the household chores should be quite entertaining for you once you marry," she teased.

"You don't say?" Naomi responded sarcastically. She sighed, becoming a bit melancholy. "I will miss him, but his moving out will truly be for the best."

"Well it's not as if you won't see him, you will just have to behave with a bit more decorum when you are together."

"Me- what about him? Your issue, Rachna, is this skewed opinion you have of your perfect Rajeev Sir. He is not perfect. Okay he's pretty close to perfect, but he's human too."

"So defensive, Naomi. Thik hai, from now on all of the blame will be laid at his feet." She laughed again, before continuing. "Seriously though, while we are sort of on the subject, I wanted to let you know that I managed to get you an appointment with my doctor immediately after my checkup. That should be definite reassurance to Aunty."

Naomi sobered immediately. The response to her confession had been without the anticipated recrimination. Apparently her perception that she was be chided severely, for what Naomi had thought of as her fall from grace, had been incorrect; not to say that her mother hadn't been disappointed. The fact that her and Rajeev's wish to marry had already been established, had somewhat softened the blow of their actions. However, mummy had demanded a compromise of her own: that Naomi register with a reputable gynecologist and take the necessary steps to protect herself during the interim period between their engagement and wedding. It was the only sensible thing to be done since her parents' demands had extended to no co-habitation before marriage, and more importantly, not even the thought of an elopement, which meant that there would be an extended period between the two events. Better to be safe than sorry, mummy had said.

"Thank you Rachna."

They heard Kabir and Aryia's approach, and wound up their conversation. With a final hug Rachna bade her friend good luck and then departed with her family. They had just sat in the car, having dropped Aryia off next door to her grandparents, when Kabir sighed.

"What's wrong KT?"

"Her dupatta was missing, and I expect that Rajeev is wearing more of her lipstick now."

"Yes and yes that would be a fair assessment."

"He has to move out. I just hope there won't be too much resistance from either of them."

Rachna shook her head, and smiled. "There won't be KT, I'm sure that they have reached the same conclusion. However the fact that you have certainly embraced your role as big brother; it's extremely cute Kabir."

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"Honestly Sonal, you took so long to come to the door that I was about to leave. Was that leg cast really worth the effort?"

"I want her out of this house and gone. I don't care what your intentions for her are; she just needs to go."

Abhi followed the hobbling woman back into the house, and closed the door behind them. "You are very daring this evening Sonal, speaking so forthrightly. Have you sent your nurse away as well?"

They had made their way to the lounge, and ignoring Sonal's difficulties, Abhi took a seat.

"Do you think I am stupid, that I would... look do you have everything, are you ready to use it? I need her gone."

"More so than you want Rachna gone, Sonal? They've just returned, what could my Naomi possibly have done in such a short time that she is now such a threat to you?" The woman wouldn't answer. Instead she tried another tactic.

"Need I remind you that they are engaged now; that she has gone to meet her in-laws, and a decision for them to marry could be made as soon as tonight? And believe me, they are both anxious to get it done."

Abhi shrugged nonchalantly. "Then I'm happy for them, they should have the opportunity to enjoy this time in their lives. An engagement and all that entails are guaranteed to be the highlights of their relationship. However after all of this joy, their marriage will never happen, you can rest assured, Sonal, and that is what will make their devastation all the better in my eyes."

"It has to be done now, I don't have a lot of time to get this done."

Abhi's eyes narrowed. "Is there something you wish to share with the class, my dear. You have done a complete about face from extolling the virtues of patience to this," he replied thrusting his hand towards her.

"None of this would be possible if it wasn't for me, you need..."

"Bas!" He shouted, and then sighed. "Thik hai, Sonal, we will start, but first, I need to pay a visit to her bedroom. If you can direct me"

"What? Why..."

"Just a precaution my dear, that's all. It's not as if you are in the position to help me with the extent of your injuries."

She had no choice, and she knew it. All she could do was to wait until he returned from the second floor, after doing God knew what in the young woman's bedroom.

He came to stand in front of her. "Thank you Sonal." He clapped his hands. "Thik hai, I suppose it is time to get the show on the rode then. Let me get going and make sure we can commence." He began to leave.

Limping behind him as fast as she could, Sonal angrily spoke, "What about the material, I know you have it: the recordings, the pictures, everything. When will I get..." Her words were choked off, when Abhi turned and gripped her around her throat.

"Not until I say so, Sonal. You my dear are becoming a touch unstable." Perversely he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek even as he maintained the firm grip cutting off her air. "For now my dear, just keep an eye out for the interesting articles about to be published in the daily. Now I will do my best to meet tonight's deadline, but don't be alarmed if you don't see anything tomorrow."

She nodded gasping for air. He smiled and then released his hold and continued. "And remember Sonal, we are going to start off nicely. We will let them all have their accolades, and then the celebrations they need before the final blow. Agreed?"

She could only nod her agreement, understanding that she had lost all control of this plan and was now totally at his mercy.