RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 79

Chapter 69

Naomi waited as Rachna ran through the presentation with Arpita, and then listened to the assistant's opinion of which two bridal dresses they should take along with them to the symposium for display purposes. The recent graduate was very astute and despite the short time she had worked with the designer, was already in tune with Rachna's way of thinking. This was not to say that she attempted to curry her boss' favor by readily agreeing with Rachna's views. She was definitely not too shy to voice her own opinion. Naomi liked that about her, and knew that it was something Rachna appreciated in her assistant as well. Naturally when she considered Naomi's own bridal lehenga to be one of Rachna's finest pieces of work, Naomi couldn't help but think her brilliant. Her suggestion that they include the mood-board Rachna had created for the design in lieu of the having the lehenga there, was insightful. Rachna had caught Naomi's eye over the other woman's shoulder and smiled at her friend's thumbs up signal, before nodding her approval to Aprita for her suggestion. Naomi would have been surprised if that hadn't been Rachna's intention from the beginning; that the less experienced woman had come to the same conclusion could only bode well for her career prospects with Banaras Beauty.

"Goodbye Arpita," Naomi called out when the young woman left the workshop to take care of some errands for Rachna.

"I think you can officially check off the box for your right-hand woman, Ra; she's really good."

"I think you're right. Arpita couldn't have come along at a better time. I envision that I will definitely be relying on her quite a bit in the coming months."

"Well you know you will always have my services at hand whenever you need them; although your UK distributor will probably have their own ideas... "

Rachna smiled. "Oh no, that won't be happening; I will be making it crystal clear that any direction that Banaras Beauty is to take will be in accordance with my wishes."

Naomi raised the glass of juice she had been sipping from. "Hear...hear Mrs. Rachna Tripathi." She swallowed the cool beverage. "KT was right about one thing, I do feel bad that I won't be here to celebrate with you, but unfortunately, I couldn't put it off any longer. If the parents had their way I would have left already."

"If it's any consolation, I don't agree that you should be prohibited from telling Rajeev, but on the other hand, honestly Naomi, since you are intent in proceeding as you have, I'm actually kind of glad that you will be leaving soon."

Taken aback by her friend's comment, Naomi took her cup away from her lips, and set it back on the desk before her.

"I warned you, not to do so, and still you did it anyway."

She couldn't even pretend that she was unaware of what Rachna was referring to, and folded her arms in front of herself. Testily, she defended her actions.

"And it bore fruit, Rachna; you cannot deny that. Just like that," she said snapping her fingers, "we got more information than we had previously. In less than what, three minutes maximum, we got more details than we have been able to put together ourselves. Look Ra, obviously the DNA results are the paramount discovery, but other than that, what real progress have we made? And all it took was a simple conversation."

Rachna nodded.

"Ji you're absolutely right; and who is to say that, just as simply, that Sanjay couldn't do the very same thing against us? He could just as easily relay the fact that we are asking about their past back to his mother. Worst still, he could very well let your secrets be known to her. Trust me, you don't want Sonal to get anything that will give her the upper hand. Sonal is at her worst when she feels threatened and right now, I'm sure she would love to take you down a notch. You have to understand how dangerous she is, Naomi."

"Pfft, you mean the Sonal who is no longer present in this house; the same Sonal who has no access to her son?"

"That can change at any moment."

"And the likelihood of that occurring is what Rachna? Like you said I will be gone the day after tomorrow, so where is the real harm? It can only help, Rachna. In fact it's entirely possible that we can have a lead that I can work on once I arrive in the UK. I know mummy won't begrudge me a few days in London, and if that is an issue; I can always depend on Vihaan being there..."

Rachna grabbed her friend's arms firmly.

"Bas Naomi, no more...you don't have just yourself to worry about now. You shouldn't even be considering sleuthing around London in your condition. I don't even think Vihaan will be party to anything like that. Just promise me...

"Knock, knock, ladies," Kabir called out as he entered the workroom, holding a package in his hand as he approached. "I come bearing a gift direct from New York for our bride-to- be. Actually, I started to get worried when I was informed that it wouldn't be here for another day or so, but it seemed that it was meant to reach you on time." He held it out to the young woman. "Nathaniel sends his very best wishes and had insisted on its hand delivery, as soon as it arrived." He looked from Naomi, to his wife and raised his eyebrows in question to the palpable tension he sensed between the two women. Rachna chose not to respond, so he turned back to their friend.

Naomi looked confused, as she accepted the box, and placed it on Rachna's work table. "Thank you, but I don't understand," she stated as she began opening the present. "Couldn't he have just brought it with him to the wedding, it really wasn't..." she paused when removal of the box top revealed the heavily embroidered black velvet lehenga. Carefully removing it, Naomi held it aloft to admire it. The zardosi work was stunning, the metallic thread work giving the full skirt an elegant old world feel. Peering back in the box the simple cream crop top and matching stole of the softest cashmere, would almost seemed a letdown in comparison to anyone else, but Nathaniel knew her all too well. Naomi loved the simplicity of them, which she felt lent a stylish contemporary feel to the outfit. She was already envisioning how she would be able include this outfit in the pre-wedding event schedule they had.

"This is absolutely perfect particularly with the unpredictability of the weather in the UK, I can't believe that he took the time to do this for me." She carefully set the lehenga back in the box. "Sorry guys, I have to go; I've got to send him a thank you message, and get this packed in my luggage . Ra I will come back later to finalize everything we have to, okay? And as it pertains to your concerns; you're just overthinking things."

Rachna chewed on her lip as she watched her leave; Naomi's easy dismissal of Sonal's capabilities troubled her so much. She looked up, following the unexpected movement of her hands, which Kabir had taken and raised to his lips.

"She's right," he said, brushing his lips lightly over them. "You are over-thinking. I already know that you will give a marvelous presentation, Rachna. You should have no doubts at this stage."

She smiled at his mistaken assumptions, but still appreciated his attempts to placate her.

"Ha KT," she replied gratefully. She tilted her head up and rose slightly on her toes aiming to meet her husband as he bent towards her.

"Betas, are you in here?"

Both KT and Rachna turned to face the door on hearing Daadi's call.

"Aacha, there you are. I have come to a decision about something."

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"Believe it or not Sonal , we've actually managed it all without you. There is absolutely no need for your concern, my dear. The team has pulled together and everything is in hand, so you may as well enjoy the final few days of you leave basking in your new-found freedom from the confines of your cast."

"But Mr. Patel, surely and extra hand at the symposium wouldn't be unwelcome?"

"Nay my dear," the portly gentleman responded as he ushered his assistant from his cabin. "I insist that you tune out from us for a few more days; no need to upset the flow of things right now."

The young woman who had taken her place approached.

"Sir, it's time that we leave to meet with the convention manager at the hotel."

He looked at his watch, "So it is." He nodded at the staff member appreciatively and then back to Sonal.

"As you can see, I am being well supported. There is no need at all to rush your return. Just enjoy your time off and we will see you next week. Come my dear," he indicated to Sonal's stand-in, and then left earnestly conferring with the young woman.

Sonal stood rooted, unnerved at the dismissive manner in which she had been handled. She cleared her throat and pushed her hair back over her shoulder, glancing around while attempting to maintain her nonchalant air. "Well, it looks as if there's a few more days of rest and relaxation in my immediate future," she offered her colleagues who seemingly had nothing better to do than to witness her public devaluation by their boss. There was little response to her comment, and she could not help but wonder at the sincerity of those who had actually bothered to acknowledge her.

"I guess I will see you all on my return then," she added to no one in particular, as she left, her back ramrod stiff.

She had failed in her attempt to obtain access to the finalized symposium data, so it seemed that she would have to return to the Tripathi household sooner than she expected.

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"Coach, she's here!"

Rajeev looked in the direction he expected Naomi to arrive from and came to a complete standstill totally enraptured by a view he could only hope to be a part of their future, as she pushed Aryia in her stroller, deftly maneuvering it, while retaining a firm grasp on the young boy's hand. He couldn't wait until this: a family of their own became their reality. He probably was frightening her with his constant hints on the subject, he thought, but it seemed that almost from the very beginning he seen the possibility of a life and family with Naomi. Now he wanted nothing else. He smiled at his musings as he watched her and the children's approach.

He knew the exact moment that she had become aware that he was paying attention, when she stopped a reasonable distance from him and his young team, and bent down to free Aryia from her pram. He watched with a smile as Naomi pointed the little girl in his direction, and then slowly followed the toddler's ambling steps. He closed the final steps between them and scooped the little girl up into his arms, and spun her around.

"I hope you noticed the improvements: that I had confirmed that you were winding down your game and I was very cognizant of where both children were," Naomi stated in way of greeting.

"I'm very impressed," Rajeev countered, "Although I confess to being a little surprised that I have three visitors instead of the one I was expecting."

Naomi looked over to Sanjay and then back to Rajeev before answering. "Kabir and Rachna had to attend an urgent appointment with their lawyer."

"I see," he answered understanding that the matter pertained to the child. "I hope everything is okay?"

"I'm certain it will be," Naomi answered affecting a bright smile. "But it coincided with the end of school and Daadi was busy with something. They should be here by the time we are ready to leave." She added as she stepped a little closer to him. "I figured a little practice at the mummy thing would be good for me. How am I doing?"

"Not bad Sweetheart; not bad at all actually."

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Somehow, he would have to rid her of the bas***d child she was carrying. He would never be able accept the evidence of her infidelity. He suspected that she would be upset initially, but when he planted his own child within her, she would realize that his children were the only ones she had been destined to bear. He cursed when he felt the vibration at his waist and closed his eyes in disgust, at the continuous interruptions.

"Tell me."

"Abhi Sir, your father has telephoned again, He is most insistent that you attend him at the head office this afternoon. Sir, it sounds as if it's of the utmost importance. Please if you just give me a message that I can relay to..."

He disconnected the call.

Naomi was passing him, practically within arm's reach, her hands full with treats for the passel of street urchins she constantly surrounded herself through her association with Rajeev. Today she actually had some of them accompanying her, and he observed as they competed for her attention. Except for the one child who had glanced in his direction, double taking as if he recognized him, all of the other boys were totally focused on Naomi. Dammit it, Abhi thought when he realized that the inquisitive child was actually Sonal's son. Quickly Abhi pivoted and walked the other way. He would have to circle back in order to regain the vantage he had to watch her. His wait had come down to the last twenty-four hours, and it wouldn't pay to get caught now since he was now more than certain that the young boy had spotted him.

"Are you okay, Sanjay?" Rajeev asked the little boy who sat to the side, quietly eating his treat.

The unusually reserved child looked at the man who was holding his little sister allowing her small tastes of his ice-cream cone.

"They all like her a lot," was the little boy's response as he watched the older boys surrounding Naomi.

Rajeev nodded in agreement. "Ha beta, they do, and Pari likes them as well, but I don't think as much as she likes you and your sister."

"I like when it's just us and Pari."

"Sometime it is very hard to share someone you like a lot."

" For you too? Do you like to share Pari with her friends, Rajeev Uncle?"

"Sometimes it okay, but I like when it just us mostly..."

"I think her other friend still misses her and wants to see her cause he came here today too, and was staring at her a lot when we got the ice-cream."

"Her other friend, beta?"

Uh huh, that uncle has her picture on his phone just like you and Vihaan Uncle," Sanjay casually remarked before returning his attention back to his cone which had started to melt.

Rajeev peered at the child, and then scanned the immediate area. He didn't see anyone familiar at first, but then studied the man who stood a distance away, a camera held up to his face. His lips tightened on recognition, when he lowered it.

"Sanjay beta, is the man over there with the camera, Pari's friend?"

The child's response was immediate. "No Rajeev Uncle, not him." He stood up and turned. "There, Rajeev Uncle," he said looking behind them, and then began waving. "He's over this way...Hi!"

Rajeev swung around, only to see a man's retreating figure.

"Why is he leaving uncle?"

"That's exactly what I would like to know, beta."

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"Rachna I am so sorry."

"Life constantly changes, Kabir; there was nothing you could have done about it, you had no choice in the matter." Her lips turned upwards. "Of course that will just mean that I fully expect our post-celebration to be even more special."

Kabir shifted gears on the car and began the trek home from their lawyer's office. Again Rachna was having to make concessions due to his decisions and again he was on the receiving end of her understanding. He was so undeserving of it, but as usual she had offered it without complaint or hesitation. He sighed.

Hearing her husband's sigh made Rachna even more cognizant not to express her own frustration in a similar fashion. Taking a few deep breaths, Rachna closed her eyes, lest they reveal her truth. Would Sonal never cease to be the bane to their existence, she thought.

Sanjay's mother had decided to go out of town for a few days, and had contacted Kabir insisting that their son be brought home so that she could see him before she left. Not trusting her intentions, Kabir had bluntly refused based on the evidence that, only days before she had been booking flights for the two of them to leave the country.

Everything had quickly escalated from there, with threats bouncing back and forth from both quarters over the telephone. Before they knew it they had been pulled into an emergency mediation session at their lawyer's office. And by the end of it, any thought of that Rachna had of her husband's participation in her final preparations at the venue was shattered. He would need to stay home to supervise this final visit, and logistically speaking it wouldn't make sense for him to even bother afterwards due to the time constraints.

Finally opening her eyes, Rachna reached over and placed her hand softly on KT's, where it rested on the gear stick. Smiling at him when the act got his attention, and he glanced over to the passenger side, she spoke. "It will get better KT; once everything is settled, normalcy will prevail in the Tripathi household, I promise."

He raised her hand, taking it to his lips. "Shouldn't that be my line, Rachna?"

She laughed. "If so, then it just shows that we are truely of one accord, Kabir Tripathi." She let her mind drift for a second before suddenly glancing at her watch. "Oh no, I didn't realize that it was this late, KT. Naomi was due to meet Rajeev's parents this afternoon." She grabbed her mobile, about to message their friend, when she saw she already had one from her. "She's taken them with her, and says she will bring them back home afterwards."

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Naomi gasped when she opened the jewelry box at the sight of the beautiful kundan necklace and earring set. She lightly stroked the exquisite piece comprising of diamonds, emeralds and pearls in awe.

"Aunty it's so beautiful. Thank you so much, but it is far too much."

Savitra Agarwal shushed her. "Nothing is too much for the daughter of this house, and these other things are expected of us," she said of the gifts she had asked Naomi to collect to give to her family. She rest her hand on her would be bahu's hair and smiled when the young woman raised her head. "Are you feeling well today, beti?"

Naomi glanced across the room, and answered once satisfied that Rajeev was well occupied with the children as not to overhear their conversation. She nodded. "Yes Aunty, things seem to have settled somewhat, so I am." She smiled to herself when she noticed that now it seemed her mother-in-law was now caught up in watching her son interacting with Aryia and Sanjay. Perhaps she was envisioning the near future.

"I'm certain that he will be a good father, Aunty."

"Bas Naomi," the older woman said turning her attention back. She dabbed at her moist eyes. "No more Aunty, please. Not now, when you will be bring so much joy to this family. Do you think perhaps you could call me mother instead?"

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They talked once more, to finalize their plan of action.

"I am depending on you Sonal; you must ensure that you carry out your side of things."

"It will be. You may have to play it by ear to determine how best to proceed, but she will be willing and ready. Have you stopped the articles?

"Ji Sonal, they are on pause; for now. The other item is at the ready and will be dispatched at the right time."

" Thik hai. Well all the best the Abhi; I hope tomorrow night is all you dream it to be."