RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 83

Chapter 74

The patient file in hand, Dr. Misra welcomed the young mother and her husband into her office. "Rachna, Mr. Tripathi, please come in and have a seat." She opened the folder as she moved behind her desk to sit. "I wasn't expecting to see you until next week; is there a problem you feel we needed to attend to, some complication?"

Rachna glanced at Kabir before answering.

"Ji, there has been a complication of sorts that we actually hope this visit will address." She peered once more at her husband.

"Tell me..." the physician encouraged.

"Actually it concerns our friend Naomi. She was due to leave the country two days ago, but changed her plans unexpectedly. It occurred to me that she may have decided to come to see you before she departed. We desperately need to know if she made an appointment with you and if..."

"I'm sorry I cannot disclose any knowledge relative to any of my patients..."

Frantic for information Rachna interrupted her. "I understand, but please, if you could consider making an exception in this case. You see, she was in such a terrible state when she left home and we have not been to get in touch..."

The doctor glanced from wife to husband, before shaking her head, "If your friend has decided to distance herself... then perhaps she had just cause to."

Kabir was certain that the doctor's focus had turned more to him when she had answered. Not necessarily in indictment, but there was definitely something in her demeanor that hinted that she could know more of the situation than her words suggested.

Yes, you would be right, " Rachna replied deciding that being totally up front could be the only way that she could conceivably get the physician to consider divulging the information that would aid them. "We...I in particular allowed her to leave under such a terrible misconception..." Rachna paused, as the gravity of the situation hit her once again. She raised one hand to her mouth to contain a building sob. "I have made the worst mistake..."

Dr. Misra opened her mouth to speak, but paused when she saw how overwrought her patient was becoming. "Rachna, I am very sorry, but I cannot ethically provide the information you are looking for. I appreciate that it is a very troubling situation, but there is nothing I can do. However, from a professional standpoint, I must advise you, that you must calm down...stress is quite unhealthy for you in your condition."

"Please... anything you can tell us will hep. We just need to know. We are so very worried."

Kabir reached and held his wife's hand. In her duress, Rachna was clearly missing the big picture. The doctor hadn't outright denied treating their friend, which would have brought their queries to an immediate halt; therefore, in all likelihood the physician had attended Naomi. However, in terms of specifics, it was obvious they would not be forthcoming. Kabir turned to his wife.

"Rachna, she is right; you must settle down for the baby's sake...please. You've done your best."

He handed her his handkerchief so that she could mop her tears. Then he folded his hands and thanked the doctor for her time before suddenly pointing behind her shoulder.

"Dr. Misra, I see that you have a copy of today's newspaper on the credenza behind you. Have you had the opportunity to read it?"

She narrowed her eyes in question, before addressing her patient's husband. "I have, but I fail to see what this has to do with..."

"Then you couldn't help but notice the headlining articles, I gather?"

"Ha, but again I..."

Kabir reached over and grasped his wife's hand. "Since it's clear that we can trust you to maintain whatever we discuss in strict confidence, we would like to give the truth behind Naomi's condition."

He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a card. "We will understand completely if you cannot respond to us, but perhaps, if there is anything you know that will help..."

She reached across the desk, and then examined the business card for Shailesh Agarwal, turning it over to see the handwritten contact information for a senior police inspector. Her eyebrows raised and then the doctor and the man across from her shared a look of understanding. She nodded. "Tell me."

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

It was far too early for lunch, but Kabir was hesitant to leave Rachna's side. Not when she was in such a delicate state predicated by the entire situation and today's events in particular; and definitely not with her still entertaining this ridiculous notion that they should be apart. He was not going to let her leave his sight without getting to the bottom of her intentions. Once she had taken her place in the passenger seat of their car he closed the door and went around to the other side. He made a brief phone call before opening the door and then sat behind the steering wheel. As a final step he re-checked his wife's seat belt, sending a small smile in her direction.

"As a matter of full disclosure, I am warning you that you have been officially kidnapped Mrs. Tripathi, with I might add, the consensus your entire family. We need to talk"

Rachna nodded and dabbed her eyes with her husband's handkerchief. "But don't you think we should first go to the hospital..." she began, before reading Kabir's determined expression. "Tik hai" she agreed.

After driving a few minutes, she looked to the side. As if he read her mind, Kabir answered her unspoken question.

"I'm absolutely certain that Dr. Misra will be able to assist now that she has a full understanding of the situation. She will either be in contact with the Inspector or Rajeev directly. Perhaps even both," he mused. "Therefore, Mrs. Tripathi, it is time for your attention to be directed elsewhere, specifically to the explanation I believe that I more than deserve."

Rachna nodded, ill at ease as to how much longer she could realistically expect to be able to withhold the truth from her spouse.

Purposively playing on his wife's sensibilities, Kabir guided her through the park towards their bench, the one where he had proposed marriage, which thankfully was vacant. They sat and he encouraged her to lean on his shoulder. He held one of her hands and raised it to his lips, brushing it lightly before sighing.

"Rachna Tripathi, it's about time that we get on the same page. And just so we have all the facts, I will start." he continued before she could protest the topic.

Rachna nodded in silent agreement.

"I recognized the possibility of something being wrong from the time you mentioned that you had found that YouTube clip with Naomi's final walk and the fact that absolutely no other clips were online. There haven't been, I've been checking. Then the article on the New York launch was printed and I realized at least one of the photographs were independently shot, although why hers and Rajeev's photo shoot would have garnered such attention I had no clue. Next came the sports articles, which again were over and above the norm, and focusing far too personally on Rajeev. It seemed that each subsequent write-up was a buildup from the last each leading to something, and that ultimately she was the target of some intrigue. Someone definitely has Naomi in their sights, Rachna." He hesitated before continuing. "If not for the attack on her, I would think that the information that the packet you received would have been the culmination of the plan, to show her is the worst possible light."

Rachna shook her head.

"Nay Kabir I don't think so."

"How can you say that Rachna, everything points to it, the stranger watching her in the park, followed by the attack, it's undeniable that she has been targeted."

"A stranger: what stranger Kabir?"

He explained to her what Rajeev had disclosed to the police, of how in the park the day before Naomi's attack that Sanjay had spotted someone; a man who he had identified as her friend who misses her a lot, the same person who had hurriedly runoff after the child had called out to him. Kabir watched as his wife's eyes widened. He hadn't wanted to alarm his Rachna any more than she already was, but she had to understand the reality they were facing.

"It's not the first time."

"Not the first time for what," Kabir wondered aloud.

"Sanjay...he said a similar thing to Vihaan. He brought up that Pari's friend, who misses her so much and the fact the he has her picture on his phone. We dismissed it at the time, but now, it's perfectly clear."

"What are you saying Rachna?"

"What I'm saying is that it's clear that Sonal has an accomplice in her scheme, but in no way was Naomi ever intended to be the endgame."

Kabir sat up straighter and stared at his spouse. He shook his head in incredulity.

"You believe Sonal to be behind this?" He looked at her, seeing at once the truth in her eyes. "My God, you actually do...and this is the reason behind your action, isn't it?"

"Ha KT, I'm just giving her what she hoped to accomplish, just until we locate..." She failed to complete her sentence; she couldn't, not when things were so unsettled already. Until she was certain that some headway had been made to discover the secret behind Sanjay's parentage, she couldn't destroy her husband's belief of the child being his son. For both his and the Sanjay's sakes she would have to suppress this information. Besides, she had no alternative but to put this aside until they located Naomi. Beyond that, nothing mattered.

Kabir gathered his wife in his arms, squeezing her in reassurance. His brave beautiful wife; she of all people understood Sonal's capabilities, but she was mistaken this time. There was nothing to be gained in this improbable attempt to separate him from his love; none that he could see at least. But obviously Rachana's intuition was directing her to take the action she had, and if nothing else, Kabir had complete faith in his wife. He sighed heavily before unhappily assenting to her wishes.

"I trust you Rachna, so I won't ask any more of you. Will you at least promise me that you will come home once we locate and are assured of Naomi's safety?"

He smiled into her hair when she whispered her thanks.

"Aacha, and I fully expect to be reminded how much you love me when we speak on the phone tonight...10:00 PM sharp, Rachna."

Rachna tearfully laughed, and held him tighter. "As if I could go so long ...I love you Kabir...I love you so much."

---------

"It's my entire fault; I should never have insisted that she keep the truth from you. At least then she would be safe."

"Don't worry Ma, she's fine. We will locate her and then we will explain everything to her. She will understand Ma, I promise you."

"You can't possibly know that she is okay. How can you even suggest it? She has walked away from everything. She didn't even want her belongings, Rajeev. How can you even remotely believe..."

"I know because my heart tells me so. Please trust me."

Rajeev smiled sadly at his mother as he reclined in the hospital bed. "And my knowing wouldn't have changed a thing. If anything I would have been more adamant that she left. I don't care about anything, but her and the baby's safety. " Rajeev looked at the nearby clock. "Didn't Papa say he was coming soon?"

His mother nodded.

As if his question had conjured him up, Shalish Agarwal entered the hospital room.

"Beta, how are you feeling?"

Despite comforting his mother minutes ago, in truth Rajeev had little patience for the niceties of conversation when his father's earlier phone call had given the impression that some new information had come to light.

"Much better, but you indicated that..."

His words were interrupted by the sharp rap on the door and the entrance of a middle-aged woman, wearing the standard white lab coat identifying her as belonging to the medical profession.

"Namaste, you must be the Agarwals," she addressed the couple. She then turned to the patient. "And you must be Rajeev; how are you feeling today?"

"Better, thank you Dr.?"

The woman smiled, and held out her hand to the young man, "I am sorry, I thought that the inspector may have told you to expect me. I am Dr. Misra, and up until two days ago I was Naomi's obstetrician. I believe I have some information you have been seeking."

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

He had had to close his eyes, when relief: absolute and profound swept through him. It had been one thing, his private belief that she was safe and convincing his family of the same, but to have tangible evidence of the fact had been overwhelming.

"Rajeev Beta..."

Emotion choked him and it took a couple attempts for him to respond to his mother's concerned plea. Finally he opened his burning eyes, to find Dr. Misra watching him.

Hoarsely he spoke, "I apologize, please continue."

The physician nodded.

"First time mothers in particular tend to be overly anxious, and Naomi is no different. I suppose due to her earlier complications, she was even more anxious over the flight's effect..."

"Complications, she is having problems with the pregnancy?"

She rushed to assure the clearly emotional father-to-be. "Actually it was a very common issue; nothing to be overly concerned about. As I was saying, I had the availability so I agreed to see her. It was easy to see that she wasn't herself, and I felt compelled to query after her well-being. Now that I am aware of the facts, I'm certain she had no recollection of the true events that had led to her condition, and was in complete denial over what had been supplanted in its stead. I advised her to submit to an assault examination, but her only concern was the child and what was best for it. Naomi had the opportunity to hear her children's heart beats for the first time that morning. Both of them were very strong, but that then opened a new spate of problems that arise from being pregnant with multiples."

She paused in her oration, to allow this piece of news sink in to her audience. She heard the exclamations of the would be grandparents as she focused on Rajeev who was shaking his head in rejection of this information.

"Twins...Nay, she can't be carrying twins; she's far too tiny, too delicate."

The doctor smiled for the first time.

"The human body is quite miraculous, Rajeev; rest assured she is more than capable. With God's blessings and sufficient care she will safely carry and be delivered of two healthy babies. But, there are challenges associated. I did recommend that she stay to recuperate for a few days before she travelled, but she was determined to leave, so I made arrangements for her to be seen by a former colleague of mine in London. Dr. Khan is the head of Obstetrics at the hospital she works at, so I can assure you that she is receiving the very best of care. On arrival Naomi was admitted into the maternity ward as she was severely dehydrated, which we suspect is the result of the air travel combined with the residual effects of the drug. This in fact could be quite dangerous for both mother and child, so it was important that she be treated immediately. She is however doing much better."

She turned to the older couple and passed them a document. "I understand that you have another son in London. Here is Dr. Khan's contact information. I imagine that if you contact your son now, he should be able to visit both Dr. Khan and still manage to see Naomi today should he wish."

They thanked her effusively and excused their selves from the room so that they could get in contact with the London based physician.

Left alone with the bedridden man, Dr. Misra approached him.

"I'm glad that we have the opportunity to speak privately. I would rather not have brought this matter up in front of your parents."

Immediately tense, Rajeev nodded. "Tell me."

"In speaking to Dr. Khan today I did come to learn that one of the junior doctors had reported that she has had a particularly bad nightmare concerning a threat to the babies. I cannot say for certain if she is remembering, but I wanted you to be aware of the possibility. From a medical position I can say with fair certainty that there was no trauma that would lead me to belief that she suffered the worst of assaults, but in the course of my examination I did come discover a very tiny incision in her immediate pelvic area. The incision was made by something extremely sharp and was an exact wound. A more severe laceration with whatever this instrument was would have assuredly terminated her pregnancy. I've mentioned this as you need to be aware the extent of her victimization. In the worst case scenario, such a threat could have been used to ensure her complicity; only she can tell us this. Regardless if we learn everything, the truth of the matter is that whoever her assailant was, he knows far more about her than a random opportunist. You may have a serious issue on your hands."

----------

Her shift finally over, Reena rode the lift up to the maternity ward on the third floor. As her only connection to her nephew, she didn't want to leave the hospital without verifying how Naomi was doing. Thankfully she was coming up to her allotted days off, so she would have additional time to meet her. Utilizing the hand sanitizer at the entrance of the ward, she rubbed her hands together, before pushing the swinging door with her shoulder.

"Aacha, if you must know bhaiyaa she looks like a princess ready to be awoken with a sweet kiss, truth be told."

"Don't even think about it Vihaan. Stay away from my wife."

Vihaan laughed at Rajeev's response on the other end of the call happy to be in a position to jest with his older brother after the past days of worry. "Chill bro, I know my limits." He sobered. "How am I to know that bhai, I'm not a doctor. All I can say is that she looks well for being asleep. You're joking, right? You do realize that's creepy, right? Tik hai, one picture, I'll send it to you in two minutes."

He kept moving from one spot to another trying to get the right angle to take the picture of his Bhabhi to send to bhaiyaa. He couldn't decide on the perfect position: bhaiyaa would probably freak if he captured the IV, but Naomi's head was at a weird angle from the other side. He held the phone up... and then lowered it. Maybe if he tilted her head just so...

"Excuse me what do you think you are doing?"

"Just taking a photo, I'm sure she won't mind...Hey!"

He turned in astonishment when his smartphone was snatched from his hand.

"You! What are you doing here Vihaan, and why are you taking pictures of her? Who is this patient to you?"

"Actually..."

"Vihaan beta, is there some problem?"

The man turned towards the door where Daadi stood. "Nay Daadi, I was just explaining to my friend Sareena..."

"We are not friends," the agitated doctor responded.

Vihaan moved to correct himself. "Daadi, Sareena...excuse me Dr. Arora, is actually one of my firm's clients, who coincidently works here..." He studied her for a second. "But, I thought you were in posted in the Acute Care..."

"I am... I've just come to visit..."

"Naomi? You've come to visit her?" He smiled charmingly at the woman. "You know her. Wow it's a small world isn't it? I can't believe that you of all people know Bha..."

The soft voice still filled with sleep came from the bed. "Kismet...Vihaan, at least that's what Rajeev would call it."

Vihaan's attention swung to the bed and he rushed to Naomi's side, "Bhabhi...finally... hey come on don't cry Bhabhi. You know bhaii will find some reason to blame me," he teased.

She shook her head, "Don't call me that...I'm not and never will be your Bhabhi; your brother made that perfectly clear to me before I left."

So sorry for the late update; I got incredibly busy over the last couple of weeks. Will try to push out the next chapter sooner rather than later.

Kelly

Chapter 75

"Bhabhi...Naomi, please just hear me out..."

Naomi wiped her eyes impatient with herself for her weakness in Vihaan's presence, but was determined that a clean break was a must.

"No Vihaan, you listen... your brother made the decision that neither I, nor my children are to share a relation with you or anyone in your family. I don't know how you found me, but your being here isn't necessary nor wanted. Thank you for checking on me, but you really should leave now."

Vihaan reached for her, hesitating when she drew back as far as she could, stuck as she was in the hospital bed, and turned away from him.

"Just go, Vihaan...please."

He dropped his hand and looked across the room at Daadi for guidance. The older woman shook her head unhappily before motioning him to her. He walked away, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Sareena immediately moved to where he had just stood. Incredibly he heard the doctor offer to place him on a list of banned visitors if Naomi wished. He turned back glaring at the audacity of the woman. He actually took a step back towards them, fully prepared to challenge her outrageous suggestion. Who the hell did she think she was to interfere in their family matter?

"Naomi, you only need to say so, and I will ensure..."

The despondent woman stared one final time across the room at Vihaan. "Yes please," she instructed the doctor. Saddened by her stance, Vihaan bowed his head in defeat and then retreated to the hall. Daadi followed him.

His reaction was one she had never seen in the overly-confident man she had previous dealings with, and Sareena wondered if perhaps she had made a mistake in making the suggestion. She turned back to Naomi.

"And Aunty: should she be excluded from your visitors as well?"

"Daadi, no I need to see her, well at least one last time." She sat up in the bed. "Would you mind calling her back for me?"

Sareena agreed. "I will ask her to come in and give you your privacy." She looked at her watch. "Actually, I should get going anyway; I just wanted to check on you before I left for the day." She took a pillow and propped it behind Naomi's back, and then pushed the over-bed table in position. "Your supper should be here soon," she offered. She hesitated for a minute. "Naomi, perhaps this is an inopportune time ,but I was wondering if I could visit you tomorrow to talk about Sanjay..."

Naomi readily agreed, "Of course..." she let out a little laugh. "It may actually help to distract me from all of this." She fell silent then, not elaborating further on her situation.

The young doctor sighed softly. Naomi was obviously dealing with a catastrophic problem of her own and here she was pushing her own selfish agenda into clearly troubling situation. "Thank you, I really do appreciate it. So, I guess I will leave you to your visit. Try not to get overworked okay, it's not good for you and your little ones," Sareena advised, before turning to exit.

"Reena, um...could you disregard what I said about Vihaan and banning him; it really isn't necessary."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, I'm sure he will respect my wishes. And can you ask Daadi to come in please?" She smiled her goodbye to the doctor as she walked out of her room.

Warily Sareena approached the pair. Vihaan was on his mobile, but looked up when she approached. Her stomach dropped at the scathing look he cast in her direction, before giving her his back. Instead she approached his companion.

"Aunty, Naomi has asked for you."

The elderly woman smiled. "Thank you, Beta."

Sareena returned the smile with a tentative one of her own, before stealthily glancing one last time in Vihaan's direction. She bade them both good night and hurried to the lift.

...

Seeing that it was almost 10:00 PM, Rajeev figured he had mere minutes to speak to her, before she would definitely be unavailable, so he dialed Rachna's mobile number. As anticipated, she picked up on the first ring.

"Rajeev...Do you have news...is everything...I'm sorry, how are you feeling?"

He couldn't blame her for her nervous expectation and moved to allay her fretfulness. "I'm feeling so much better now, thank you for asking." He paused to compose himself before continuing. "We've located her, Rachna," he said emotionally. "She's been admitted into hospital in London for a few days, but she and the babies are okay. Vihaan and Daadi are there now, although Vihaan has managed to get himself banned from visiting her for the time being. Her anger at me has her lashing out at him in my stead. But at least she has agreed to see Daadi."

Silence met him, so he continued.

"I can't thank you enough Rachna, your wisdom in realizing that she would be worried enough to go to the doctor..."

"I only thought of what I would have done in the same situation," came the shaky reply. It was apparent that Rachna had begun crying. "I'm so, so relieved, Rajeev," she wept. "And the baby... the baby is well?"

"Babies you mean... Ji, both of them are fine."

"Both? Wait...what...are you sure?"

"Dr. Misra confirmed it herself. It seems that I have double the reason to get her to forgive me now, but unfortunately that probably means that she is most likely twice as angry with me."

"Not only you, I'm afraid," Rachna responded. "We both betrayed her."

"We did what we had to, "Rajeev corrected. "I'm only sorry that it has affected your friendship to the extent that it has."

"Nay, Rajeev, your relationship far outweighs ours. I would gladly sacrifice our friendship..."

"Nay you wouldn't and it won't come to that, Rachna. I promise you." He paused for a second. "It's almost ten so I'll let you go now. I expect you have another conversation scheduled, even though that shouldn't be the case," he chided, making Rachna aware that he knew of her current status. "I just wanted to let you know and to thank you for your help. Perhaps now you can lay your focus on reconciling with your husband and go back home where you belong, Rachna."

...

Naomi's meal had arrived just as Daadi had settled in the chair beside the hospital bed. When it appeared that the young woman wanted to talk rather than eat, she had put her foot down, insisting that she ate, lest she suffer the indignity of being force-fed. Now she approvingly watched as her young friend partook of the food that would provide much needed nourishment to her and the babies who thankfully, and despite their mother's recent ordeal, safely thrived inside her. When Naomi had finished, she had helped her to push the table aside and then settled for their conversation.

"Daadi," Naomi began, "What are you doing here?"

"It had always been my intention to come with you, beta. To come and help finalize the wedding with you and your family had been on the cards for a number of days. However you managed to spoil the surprise, by not showing up for your flight. It was a most distressing discovery, and I'm afraid I caused quite the stir with the airline, when I came to realize this," the older woman added with a wry look. She sobered just as quickly. "Everyone, with the exception of you parents that is, has been very worried these last few days..."

"I called mummy and daddy and told them that I needed a few days in London, so they are not expecting me for another day or so," Naomi explained. Her eyes swam with tears. "As it pertains to ...well my whereabouts shouldn't be a concern to anyone else."

"Arrey, how can you say that? What about your family in Banaras: your fiance, your in-laws? Surely you must have realized..." she was swayed to silence, when Naomi raised her bare left hand, encumbered by the IV.

"I think this is self-explanatory, Daadi."

"And your children's grandparents, do they not at least have any right over..."

"Rajeev's decision removed their right..."

Daadi looked at her in disappointment. "You know that isn't true. And as it pertains to Rajeev's choice..."

"You weren't there, Daadi, you don't know how he treated me... there can be nothing between us ever again. I'm so glad I never let him know..."

"And do you think that this remains true, that he hasn't in fact been told already?"

Daadi watched the expressions play out on Naomi's face, before she affected an indifferent air.

"And..." she replied stubbornly.

"He is an honorable man, beta. Do you think his integrity will allow him to abandon his children let alone their mother?"

"Oh yes the honorable Rajeev Sir, it has always been about his reputation hasn't it? We mustn't chance that his honor be impugned can we...heaven forbid his image be tarnished. His honor, Daadi, his integrity; what about mine... how does his supersede mine? I was true to him. I gave him everything I had to give; everything I am, and it meant nothing to him. My honor didn't matter one bit to him. In the end he wouldn't even give me the benefit of doubt...And I don't care anyway. I'd rather be alone than be with someone who would only want to be with me to save face. "

"That's not true, Naomi, you know it's not. You wouldn't be so upset if that was the case. I doubt that either of you have fallen out of love so quickly..."

"KT was right, it wasn't love - Rajeev said what he had to in order to get what he wanted from me, and..."

"Bas Naomi! Feel free to cry, to rail against destiny, anything you must, but you will not demean the relationship you have developed with the life partner of your choosing!"

Daadi had never raised her voice to address her, never in the years they had known each other, and Naomi would be lying in saying that she wasn't shaken by it. She started to cry, not because of her chastisement, but because Daadi's words were causing her to confront issues she wanted behind her.

"Daadi do you even understand what happened that morning," she asked miserably.

Her replying tone was harsh, "Do you Beta; truly, do you even understand?"

Naomi opened her mouth to speak and then closed it. Her breath hitched before she desolately replied, "I know enough to recognize that things can never be the same between us again. What more is there is it to understand?"

While Naomi's words said one thing, the frenetic look on her face told another story causing Daadi to sigh. Gently she began stroking the younger woman's curly locks. Clearly she had yet to remember the true circumstances. And now following the doctor's advice not to press information on her that she may not be ready to handle, they were stuck unable to provide the clarification she so desperately needed. Describing Naomi's suppression of the details of her assault as a coping mechanism that they shouldn't force a resolution to, the physician had insisted on the concealment of all of the facts. She would remember if and when she was meant to. However, Daadi realized, until she did remember there would be naught but heartache in Naomi's life as she toiled under the illusion created by the lies she had been fed. Daadi attempted to comfort the troubled young woman, praying that her recent dream was a sign that she was remembering, and this tumultuous state would be temporary one.

"Breathe beti, try to relax. Perhaps things will be clearer tomorrow."

They would, Naomi thought. Although she did not have a clear recollection of what had happened, she knew enough, and tomorrow would be a major step in her new reality. She would contact her parents tomorrow and tell them of Rajeev's betrayal, knowing that they, at least, would fully support her decision to cancel the wedding.

...

Her mobile was ringing, but Rachna was not picking up. Flustered, Kabir went to his bedroom window, to ascertain if a particular light next door was on. A faint glow emanated from his wife's childhood bedroom, so unless she had already fallen asleep then she should have answered. His musings stopped when he felt a familiar touch as a pair of arms encircled him from behind. He inhaled the scent was hers before he felt the dampness of his wife's wet cheek press against his T-shirt and disconnected the call to clasp her hands.

"Have you decided to come home?" he asked softly.

He felt the movement of her head on his back, and closed his eyes in relief.

"I'm keeping my promise, Kabir Tripathi,"she uttered between her soft weeping.

He spun around to note her doe eyes, laden with moisture. Gazing down at the woman he adored more than life, Kabir raised his hands and cupped her face, before using his thumbs to sweep away the tears rolling down her face. So many tears, and yet it wasn't sadness that he perceived in her expression. He smiled softly. "Dr. Misra?"

Rachna nodded again.

"Thank God," Kabir sighed before he embraced his wife fully.

"She's in the hospital, and she's heartbroken, but at least she's safe," Rachna spilled. "And the babies are fine too," she added.

Kabir held Rachna a little tighter and let out a noisy breath, glad that the most pressing of their issues could now be put behind them. He moved to kiss his wife's forehead, but stopped just a hair's breadth away.

"Babies," he asked, and then pulled back completely. "Babies: as in more than one?"

"Ji KT... twins as a matter of fact."

"You know what this means don't you Rachna? "

"Ji, but we can discuss their reconciliation tomorrow." And then she clasped his hand and walked him away from the window. "Can we just go to bed now; I haven't slept properly without you for the last two days. I'm exhausted."

Kabir grinned at his wife. "Aacha, so this is you reason for abandoning our daughter and hastening home tonight, Rachna? You need sleep?"

"Ha KT, you see Aryia doesn't have these problems it seems. She has slept rather well. Mummy seemed to think that my leaving was a good idea, but insisted that I not disturb our daughter's rest by bringing her home too. I'm afraid it just us for the night. I hope you aren't too disappointed."

Kabir never appreciated Shail more than right now, he surmised as he saved his wife the last few steps to their bed, when he lifted her into his arms.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Tripathi," he whispered invitingly in her ear.

...

The house had seemed cavernous with just him and Sanjay there yesterday, Kabir reflected. But no more, he thought, as he carried the precocious little girl at his shoulder through the doorway in the early morning. Finally his household was getting back to normal. He hushed the shrill little voice who began calling out for her Mama.

"Shh Beta, Mama is asleep. We will go and see JayJay first."

"My JayJay, Papa! JayJay...JayJay!"

Kabir chuckled, at Aryia's flip flop from wanting her parent to her sibling so boisterously. "Hush Beta, before you wake up Mama."

Too late, Mama is awake, Rachna thought as she stretched languorously, roused by her toddler's vociferous prattle. Aryia's speech became fainter but was soon joined by an exuberant Sanjay, and the increased volume carried through the quiet house. Shaking her head in amazement that, in the first instance her husband would have gone next door so early this morning just to collect Aryia, and secondly would decide that an early morning play session was a must, Rachna got out bed and donned her robe. Quickly completing her absolutions, she left her bedroom on her way to the kitchen to fulfill her duties and help reestablish the status quo of the Tripathi household that she understood her husband desperately needed. She wondered if he even realized how much having his family intact meant to him. To both of them actually, she realized and not just because his happiness was hers as well. The smile she had woken up with dropped a notch. Now that the immediate issue of locating Naomi had been resolved, Rachna knew that she would have to turn her attention back to the mystery of the child who had entered and become such a great part of their lives. Strangely though, and perhaps influenced by their friends' current estrangement, this morning the task seemed extremely bittersweet.

Complicating the sentiment was the greeting she was met with when she had stuck her head in Sanjay's bedroom to let them know that she would going down to prepare breakfast, and would call them momentarily. The young boy had beamed at the sight of her, and had left his father's side to barrel into her. Hugging her around the waist he hugged her as tightly as his little hands could, in complete joy that she had returned.

"Rachna Aunty, you're back too! Papa said you he would make sure you came home, and he was right! I missed you so much Mama!"

Her eyes shot from the little boy to meet Kabir's. The expression on her husband's was unquestionable. Sanjay's slip of the tongue had articulated his utmost wish: that Rachna would completely accept his child and for Sanjay to become a legitimate member of their family - finally becoming their son...

And God help her for the first time, Rachna could fathom the possibility, now when it looked to be too late. In her confusion, she hadn't known how to react, but leaned down to his level to hug him and give him a proper morning greeting which she accentuated with a kiss. She then left, her eyes bright, comprehending that this wouldn't be just Kabir's loss if Sanjay was to leave their family.

...

Her eyes followed as the little boy raced back up the stairs to retrieve his school bag, forgotten in his haste to have breakfast with his now unified family. "Be careful Sanjay, beta," she called out. When she turned back to her husband, Kabir's look of downright joy caught her off guard.

"What?" she asked.

He shook his head, choosing to lean into her and gently brush his lips first against her cheeks and then finally her forehead as way of response.

"What are your plans for the day Rachna," he asked after to his wife who stood eyes still closed.

She blinked out of the dream state his attentions had put her in, with a self-conscious laugh.

"Actually, I'm expecting Arpita today. We will have to get back up to date with everything I've missed the last few days."

Solemn for the first time, Kabir studied his wife.

"Yes the symposium, I'm sorry that it did not go as you planned, Rachna."

"I'm not. I would do the exact same thing if I had to repeat it; our family is more important than any venture. Besides," she continued with a smile, "I have the most extraordinary assistant, who gave a good account of herself in a totally untenable situation that no-one could have expected."

Kabir nodded.

"And your plans, Kabir?"

"Wide and varied for me," he answered evasively, "But I will endeavor to be home early."

"I'm ready Papa!"

The pair turned to child who was now prepared to leave for school. An exchange of farewells was completed between parents and children, and then Rachna, with Aryia on her hip, escorted Kabir and Sanjay to the door. She had barely closed the door, when the bell rang. She opened it, gaping in surprise.

"Arpita? You needn't have arrived so early... come in, please. Have you even had breakfast?"

Adding to the surprise of her assistant's ahead of schedule entrance, Rachna stood astounded when the young woman relieved her of Aryia.

"Sarla Sehgal from Sarla S Studios will be arriving in less than hour. For some reason she is totally circumventing the guidelines ,bypassing Patel Industries and reaching out to us directly, but she absolutely refused to take no for an answer. She insisted and I figured it better to schedule the appointment and at least be able to keep you in the know, than to have her just show up on your doorstep." Arpita paused to take a breath and give her boss a moment to digest what she had relayed. Now that she entered the home proper, she took in the not yet cleared dining table.

"Tell me Rachna, what do you need me to do?"