RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 86

Chapter #80

"Did she or did she not? It's a simple question Rachna, requiring a simple yes or no answer. Which is it, dammit?"

"Rajeev that's not fair; you can't possibly think to hold this against her. That's tantamount to accusing her of bringing what happened to her on herself..."

"So I assume that's a yes then. Even after finding out that she was pregnant she continued this dangerous game the two have been playing all this time." Rajeev groaned in frustration, as he ran his hands through his hair. If ever two women needed to be separated it would be the woman in front of him and his wife. He turned his gaze back to Rachna. "She should have known better; she should have at least had some consideration for the child she was carrying, and the possible danger she could bring to it, not to mention herself!"

It was neither here nor there that Rachna had held that exact opinion at the time, but she would not tolerate her friend being berated in absentia, by the man who through his inaction was, in her opinion, putting her friend's pregnancy in just as much danger.

" Well, perhaps when you see fit to see yourself off that high horse you seem content to dictate from, I would suggest that you google stress and it's relation to first trimester miscarriages, Rajeev." She saw that she had shocked him, but had had absolutely enough.

"You want to talk about not considering her condition; well that is exactly what you are doing under the guise of protecting her. Why can't you understand that this unknown person does not pose the only danger to her, Rajeev? Because you are so rigid in thinking that you are doing what's best for her; that only you know what's good for her, you are not even factoring the toll all of this has to be taking on her. I know that you consider her your wife now and that's a source of comfort for you, but she doesn't even have that luxury. In her mind you have deserted her! She is alone and pregnant for God's sake, forsaken by the only man she's ever loved. Right now those babies are all she has to hold on to,...a-and if anything were to happen to them...do you think she will forgive you for that? Or herself...why can't you understand, we made a mistake by having her leave..." If there was any more to her comment, it went unsaid when Rachna suddenly burst into tears. When she unconsciously placed one hand on the slight swell of her abdomen, both men instantly became alarmed.

Instinctively Kabir reached for his wife. "Rachna..."

She removed his hand and glared at both men. She addressed Rajeev first before turning to her husband, "Spare me your concern and save it for the woman you claim to love; she needs it more than I do. And as for you Kabir Tripathi, Don't dare to touch me after treating me as if I am your enemy in all of this. Now either call the driver for me or take me and the children home; I've had enough."

*******

She was losing everyone she cared about; one person at a time, Naomi thought as she left Heathrow after seeing Daadi off this evening. Daadi: her surrogate grandmother and by virtue her twins' as well, had joined the growing list of loved ones lost. She had no idea how she would move on without any of them. Although Daadi had remained optimistic to the very end, Naomi knew better and that she would was unlikely to see any of them again.

"So can I treat you ladies to dinner, since we're all together?"

"That would be great Vihaan; what do you think Naomi?" Sareena cheerfully called out from the front passenger seat.

"I'm actually really tired; I think I'll just turn in for the evening."

"Bhab...Naomi," Vihaan corrected, "You have to eat...at least for the babies' sake."

"I will," she had replied. "I promise I'll get something; I'll eat something at home."

Sareena interjected, actually thankful that Naomi had declined, "In that case we may as well call for a rain check, Vihaan. It doesn't make sense for just the two of us..."

She blushed when the man in question glanced over, caught her eye and raised one eyebrow; seeing her excuse for what it precisely what it was - that she hadn't really wanted to dine with him at all and had only agreed for Naomi's sake.

"I can whip up some quick pasta if you want Naomi," Sareena had continued, and to cover herself, extended the invitation. "You're more than welcome to join us Vihaan."

He had no qualms in agreeing; he would see that his Bhabhi ate enough at least.

In the end he had ended up in the kitchen with Sareena after they had insisted that Naomi relax in the lounge with a tall glass of milk. Surprisingly between the two of them, they had worked quite proficiently in tandem to produce a tasty as well as nutritious meal.

Sareena had laughed at the man sized portion Vihaan had placed in front of Naomi, and quickly switched out his plate for her houseguest's.

"Wait...what?"

"Really Vihaan, how do you expect her to eat so much," Sareena asked.

"But she is eating for two... well actually three. Surely: the more the better?"

Even Naomi cracked a smile at his theory. All men were idiots, she thought, but at least there was good intent behind Vihaan's actions. But even the normal sized portion proved too much as she hadn't much appetite to begin with. Sareena stopped her when Naomi went to remove her plate.

"Leave it Naomi, we're not finished. I'll get it after."

"Thanks, I'll think I just head to my room now," Naomi replied.

Vihaan sighed, as his Bhabhi left the room. "She barely ate; you can't tell me that's good for her either?"

"That's why I made the effort of insisting pulsing the extra vegetables into the sauce, Vihaan; extra nutritional value."

"Thank you."

"Well someone needs to take care of her," Sareena responded. "Especially with your brother shirking his responsibilities to his family."

Vihaan closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. He had somehow forgotten in the last hour or so, why he had issues with this woman.

*******

"Don't dare to touch me after treating me as if I am your enemy in all of this ..."

He could not shake them; Rachna's words had played over and over in his head for hours.

Kabir was convinced that the darkness he stared out at could not compare the black stain that blighted his honor after the abysmal manner he had treated his beloved wife. He had felt and remained completely and utterly ashamed from the moment the plaintive words escaped Rachna's lips this afternoon. What did it say of his character that he could so callously treat the woman who had always stood for him; who had loved him through thick and thin; the one who had made him whole; the mother of his children. He had been nothing before her; he fully understood this, and yet it had been so easy to mistreat her. Worse yet, he had felt justified in doing so.

Her reaction would forever astound him , when she had carried on as normal; fixing the evening meal for their family before happily settling the two children for the night and then taking the extra step of ensuring that he was settled, and not in need of anything else before at last finding her own bed. Without complaint; without reproach, his loving wife had seen to his needs, after being made to feel the villain for the past twenty-four hours. He closed his eyes. Truly there was no greater cad on the face on this earth. Amends of a colossal magnitude were necessary, and he would do so. His first step would be to stop being the irrational ass he had been for the past 24 hours and to do what he should have in the first place: to give his wife's discovery due consideration. And then to take a sensible approach to what it all meant. So he left their bedroom and headed down to his studio, where he would have the privacy and also not disturb Rachna rest.

The email to his lawyer to ask for the immediate cessation of the investigation was the easy part. Unashamedly it took him several false starts to actually dial the telephone number he had been provided. His heart was still broken over the entire situation so if his voice came across a little strained; there was nothing he could do about that either. The call, once placed, was picked up on the second ring.

" Hello this is Dr. Sareena Arora"

"Dr. Arora, this is Kabir Tripathi. I am calling from Banaras, India."

*********

She couldn't stop re-reading the email that had come from the local Registrar's office; the official cancellation notification of their legal marriage ceremony. She should have just deleted it, but could not bring herself to do so. Over and over she read the list of recipients and wondered why even this had not prompted a response from Rajeev. Their respective email addresses had been listed first and second, so he had to know the steps she had taken. Had it meant nothing to him at all?

Naomi gave into the self-pity that hit her like a ton of bricks and curled herself into a ball on the bed. She held her stomach; knowing fully well that only that their children growing inside her were her only grip on reality. If not for them she would give up completely. If nothing else, she had to remain strong for them and only them. But it never felt harder than it did tonight. Oh God what was she going to do, she thought as her tears dampened the pillow beneath her head. She missed him so much, how could he not be missing her too?

Rajeev slammed the laptop closed and held his head in hands. He should have never come back to the flat, he thought. He should have taken up his parents' offer to return home for a few days of recuperation. Once again his mulishness had gotten the better of him, and the perdition he now found himself in was one of his own making; or if he was accurate was of her creation. Naomi presence was everywhere, almost as if his home had become a living entity given animation by her essence that seemed present in every corner of his house. Now that she was gone from his life, he could not escape her. He was exhausted; his eyes burning from his lack of sleep, but he couldn't settle down in any room, and he had tried. But each contained reminders of her: every last one of them. Yet none were as bad as his bedroom, where logically he should be resting right now. He had avoided his bedroom like the plague all day, Aside from her photo on his night table; aside from the suitcases containing her belongings being stowed in there, it was the room itself; the place where they had consummated their love, that he avoided. He closed his eyes and swore he heard her voice, and the words they had spoken that day:

"I'm sorry everything was such a mess...So will it be lunch or conversation Rajeev?"

"Neither,"

One word was all he had answered her with before unabashedly capturing her lips, crowding her with his presence and lifting her and carrying her to his bedroom...to his bed. He knew that he had overwhelmed her that day, purposively coaxing her passion. For one who valued control, Rajeev realized that he had none around her; especially on that day when Naomi had finally realized how he felt about her - that she was all to him. He was blatant in his seduction and initially he had been unable to stop himself, but in the end he had offered her the choice instead of sweeping her along with him. He had seen the fear of the unknown in her eyes, but couldn't contain his elation when she had had said no, when he had asked her if they should stop. Once assured that this was truly what she had wanted he had sought to make her first time all it should be. There was no clear seducer after that; her shy overtures endearing, yet more erotic to him than any experienced lover, had been a gift of pure love. In the end it became a first for both of them and the melding of two souls destined to be together. That they had conceived the first time they had made love had only validated their bond in his eyes; this was a conclusion preordained by Heaven itself. They had been destined and now without her, or even the possibility of her sharing this revered space with him ever again, Rajeev was filled with dread. What had once been their haven was now his own personal hell... and he could not bear it.

He couldn't do this, if he stayed, he would surely go mad. Grabbing his keys he ran from home as if a demon was on his heels. But once seated behind the wheel of his car, he found he couldn't even leave. It would be akin to denying her, to leave the home he had asked her to create in anticipation of their future together. He was the one to insist on it, deferring to her preferences so that it she would be happy in what he had fully intended to be her marital home. He had already done a disservice to her, and as Rachna indicated was possibly setting her up for a tragic end if he didn't do something about it soon. He couldn't exasperate the situation by leaving home too.

*******

"Hi...it's me. I-I know it's late there; I guess you're asleep now, so I hope you're resting okay... And that you're okay...I don't know why I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong , I mean something more than everything ... Anyway I... well actually something made me think that you may not have contacted because you've been unwell ...at least that's what it feels like. I hope I'm wrong though."

Naomi took a deep breath, which probably sounded overly loud on the other end. You can do this, she thought, as she urged herself to keep talking on the phone. She had realized as she lay in her bed, that she had to at least try to reach out to Rajeev, although it was probably cowardly to place the call now when in all likelihood he would be asleep. On the other hand her message could just be the impetus to encourage him to call; and for her to hear his voice again. She squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed before continuing.

" ...Anyway I'll be meeting up with my parents in the next day or so and... then I guess I'll be heading home a few days after that. Once- once I get there, I will most likely have to stay in place for a while for the sake of the...um I mean to sort out things and start over. I'll be on this number until then in case there is anything you needed to reach me for... After that I'll probably change my number...it will be for the best I think...Rajeev, I still don't understand how any of this happened, all I wanted was us, you know...um so you can reach me here if you need or want to..."

Naomi had started to cry halfway through leaving the second part of the message for her fiance, and by then end had dissolved into uncontrolled sobs. From the doorway, Sareena peered into the dimly lit bedroom. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop; had in fact hoped to find her still up so that she could discuss the phone call she had just received. She didn't quite know what to make of Kabir Tripathi, and was hoping that Naomi could help her. All of that was pushed aside now and as she entered the guest room. She plucked a few tissues out of the box on the chest of drawers. She offered them to Naomi when she sat beside her on the bed.

"That was very brave of you, Naomi; I'm not sure under the circumstances I could have done the same."

"I miss him so much. I just don't understand what's going on. Everything feels so wrong. I thought that after a few days that things would be clearer, and that maybe he would realize that he was mistaken..."

Sareena reached to hold Naomi's hand and surreptitiously took her pulse when she did. She frowned slightly. "Why don't you get some rest, Naomi? Maybe after a goodnight's sleep things will make more sense."

Naomi dabbed her eyes, suddenly exhausted. She looked up when Sareena unexpectedly took her mobile.

"But...suppose Rajeev calls..."

"Well it will be too bad, Naomi. I'm afraid I have to pull rank right now. You need to calm down for the sake of the babies. The last thing you need is to end back up in the hospital. Think of your children"

Rjeev listened to the message, not understanding what the fates intended for him and Naomi. How could a window of a few minutes change everything? On hearing her distress, everything Rachna had said rang in his head. Would she still be up he wondered? He would try, he had to. His landline rang first though.

*********

Rachna was taking extra care with her makeup this morning, wanting to appear confident and capable instead of as demoralized as she actually felt. She had her first meeting with the executive from Patel Industries to review the distribution offers on the table for Banaras Beauty today. A touch more blush and finally she was satisfied, At last looking up from concentrating on her reflection , she perceived her husband behind her studying her in the glass. Silently he approached her, and reached for her, adjusting her dupatta so that it lay perfectly on her shoulder.

"You look beautiful, Rachna; are you feeling well this morning, love?"

Rachna looked away, brushing off his compliment. "I am fine thank you, Kabir," she answered. She brushed her hair to her satisfaction and then stood and began collecting her belongings. "I will just stop over to Mummy to check on Aryia, and then be on my way. Hopefully I will be back early this afternoon; I will call to let you know. If it looks as if I will be running any later I will get the driver to take me directly to the airport..."

"Airport, Rachna,"Kabir snapped.

"...to collect Daadi, when she arrives from the UK." She finished

Kabir looked confused. "I didn't know that she was flying back."

"Yes, well she called yesterday while you had gone to Mohit's. Since I was in the position of defending both Naomi and my intentions most of the afternoon, it may have slipped my mind."

"She has left Naomi alone, Kabir asked uncomfortably.

"Don't be so foolish, KT; of course provisions have been made for her. However Daadi thought it best to get back to and support her family during such a trying time. In particular back to you, who obviously are most affected by this; after all that's what family is for isn't it... to support their loved ones in time of crisis. To do any and everything they must for them and for the greater good, which in this case is you over Naomi." She looked at her watch. "I have to go now Kabir. Have a good day."

Rachna left before he could say anything else, but she figured that he had enough to digest as he comprehended the not so hidden message in her words. And frankly she just did not wish to speak to her husband any longer. As she walked briskly next door, she was kept busy with her own thoughts as she wondered what the day would bring for all of them. She prayed that it would only be good. After the past couple of days, she was more than ready for things to go their way.

Chapter #81

"Mrs. Tripathi, I'm so very pleased to meet you at last. And Arpita, how are you today? Mrs. Tripathi..."

The young designer folded her hands and smiled affably. "Please call me Rachna; and I am just as pleased to meet you Laksh."

The executive smiled back charmingly. "Rachna it is then. If I may, I would like extend to you my heartiest congratulations on the selection of a most competent assistant. Arpita made quite the impression herself at the symposium, and you could not have asked for a finer representative for your company."

Rachna beamed, so happy for the accolades that the very deserving young woman at her side was receiving.

"I couldn't agree with you more; already Arpita has gone above and beyond one could ever expect, and I anticipate nothing but success for Banaras Beauty with her at my side."

Led into the meeting room and offered seats at the boardroom table, the two women took in the number of folders on the table before them.

"Rachna, your words couldn't have been a finer segue to what I will be pleased to discuss with you today," Laksh replied as he took his seat adjacent to the talented young woman. "As you can see there has been a more than fair response to your company's presentation, and a number of the participating distributors have written up proposals in hopes that you will select them to represent Banaras Beauty in the UK in the first instance. Indeed," the executive continued, "A few of them have been as bold to include clauses that would provide distribution opportunities beyond the UK, and into farther markets."

Hours later Rachna shook hands with the executive and prepared to leave. They would meet again in a few days once Rachna had the opportunity to have the necessary legal reviews of the documentation provided, after which she would shortlist the entities to those she would consider entering an agreement, if any. As he ushered the two women through the office, Laksh made more than one stop to introduce Rachna, and Arpita for that matter, to a number of his colleagues, for whom interest was high to know one of Banaras' fast rising fashion industry stars. Not surprisingly, Rachna noticed, Sonal was nowhere to be seen. Of course she could be busy with her own tasks, but Rachna's instinct told her otherwise, especially with the flagrant omissions from the proposals list; one in particular, which stood out for not being there. Certain that this was her adversary's doing, Rachna decided to leave things as they were, for now. This would give Sonal a sense of security which was exactly what they needed right now. They could not afford to have the woman suspicious of what information they had uncovered and its ramifications for her- not yet anyway.

The missing offer was the first thing that Arpita brought up as they were seated in the backseat of the town-car.

"Rachna, I find it unbelievable that Sarla Sehgal, of all people, did not make a proposal."

Rachna smiled. "Oh I very much believe that she did but I expect that it ended up pushed aside, but we will address that in due course, Arpita."

The younger woman nodded in understanding. "Sonal," she replied, grasping immediately what her boss was intimating.

"Ha, Sonal. In the meantime I think we should schedule some time tomorrow morning to go over the initial batch that we should submit for legal opinions."

"The two of us Rachna? I mean isn't this something you would wish to discuss with KT..."

"And I will, but I also value your input, Arpita. Nothing that was said today was untrue; I do consider you very important to my little enterprise."

Her assistant smiled, both in appreciation and in fondness for the designer who was entrusting her with so much, so soon. "But not for much longer, Rachna; not if you decide to go with any one of these offers."

"Well we will see. In meantime schedule the time, and then let's have a look at the upcoming calendar. I will have more time available in the upcoming weeks now that I won't be travelling to the UK..."

Aprita, who was about to access Banaras Beauty's electronic calendar looked up, "Naomi's wedding?"

Rachna shook her head sadly. As expected, this revelation put a slight damper on the remainder of the conversation, but by the time Rachna had dropped Arpita back home, they had covered all they had to. Arpita, by mutual agreement would work from home for the remainder of the day catching up on any emails and appointment scheduling which she would review with Rachna the next morning. The young woman exited the vehicle assuring her employer that everything would be in sorted by the set deadline. And it was her complete faith in her assistant allowed Rachna to put all thoughts of work out her mind as she leaned back into the seat and instructed the driver to head the airport.

*******

The firm hug that Daadi gave her when they met, contradicted Rachna's belief that Daadi would want to return home after her long night of travel. Instead, the older woman had requested to be taken directly to Rajeev's so that she could meet him. Unwilling to fill her in on what she wished to discuss, Rachna had telephoned the coach to advise him that they would be visiting shortly. She could not help but note the gentler tone he had addressed her in today, but still felt that this concern would be better served in another direction. Regardless, she assured him that she was feeling well today. After some small talk, she hung up and faced Daadi.

The shrewd woman must have alerted by the subtleties of Rachna's tone when she had spoken to the coach, as she immediately questioned what was wrong. For the remainder of the drive, Daadi listened as her Bahu had given her version of recent events. Deciding to withhold her opinion for now, the older woman looked pensively out the window as they entered the gated development.

"This is lovely," Daadi exclaimed as they got out of the car. She waited as Rachna gave the driver instructions to take Daadi's luggage home and await their call. The two women then made their way into the building and to the lift to take them the couple of floors up to Rajeev's flat. As if their arrival was anxiously awaited, the door swung open as they approached. It was Rajeev's mother and she welcomed them happily.

She placed her hand on Rachna's hair and blessed her by way of greeting before pulling her into a hug.

"Namaste Aunty, how are you?"

"Thank you Rachna, thank you so much," Rajeev's mother whispered in her ear before releasing her.

"Beta please, go to the master-bedroom and call Rajeev so he can come to greet Daadi. He probably needs a break from his task at any rate."

Rachna nodded and confused, walked down the hall in search of Rajeev, while Savitra Aunty escorted Daadi to the lounge and offered her chai and some refreshment. Distantly she heard Daadi ask for directions to the powder room where she could freshen up first, and wondered if her grandmother was more tired than she had indicated. However, when she reached the threshold of the master-bedroom any consideration for Daadi took a backseat.

Rajeev was emptying Naomi's suitcases, and with the assistance of someone, she could only assume was one of the Agarwal house-staff, was packing her belongings away into the closets. And if these actions weren't encouraging enough, his next words spoken without affirming who had entered the room, had Rachna feeling a relief that she hadn't felt in days.

"Maa, have we had any word from the furniture store as to when we can expect the deliverymen? I would prefer for the room to be emptied before Aasha comes over with the design samples she's compiled for the nursery."

Rachna had blinked rapidly to prevent the tears that had immediately formed in her eyes from falling as she realized the steps her friend was taking. "You have retained a designer already, Rajeev; that was quick," she said, her voice full of emotion.

The coach finally looked up from his work.

"Actually Aasha is my next door neighbor. I don't think she is a designer by profession, but she has done some work that I know Naomi loves." He approached his former student, and ushered her into the hallway to put some distance between them and his helper.

"She called last night," Rajeev told in a low voice.

Rachna's eyes widened and she covered her mouth.

"But before you get too excited, Rachna...it was actually the case of her leaving a message on the answering machine. I uh, had left the flat momentarily, and missed the call itself."

" The important thing is that she called. How is she? Did she sound okay?"

Rajeev hesitated. " Why don't we go and meet Daadi so I won't have to repeat the story," he responded.

"What's wrong, Rajeev?" Rachna queried, but he was already leading her down the hall towards the lounge where he figured his mother and Daadi awaited.

********

It was almost eleven in the morning and Naomi was at total odds with herself. He parents had been due to arrive tomorrow, but unexpectedly sent an email to advise that due to some difficulties that the wedding planner was having with some of the vendors, that they were staying put until everything was resolved, and so would be delayed by a couple of days. Only on reading her mother's email, had the financial ramifications of cancelling the wedding ceremonies and all that it entailed, at such short notice, come to mind. Of course there would be some financial penalties in form of forfeited deposits and the like. Luckily her assignment with Nathanial and KT had resulted in a lucrative compensation; so she had offered this to her parents in lieu of any financial deficits they suffered as a result of her decision. Absolutely not, had been the reply in the quickly composed email response her mother had sent. She would have her own family to worry about in the near future and these funds should be used to provide for them, before anything else. It was extremely generous of them, and while appreciative, Naomi now felt so guilty for all of the troubles she had created for everyone.

And, unfortunately, this wasn't the only source of her disquiet today.

She sighed as she thought of the more pressing problem that she faced; her imminent departure from the UK. To say that she had become extremely nervous of the potential effects that air travel would have on her pregnancy was an understatement. She could not - would not - risk her pregnancy by haphazardly travelling, which made what she had said in her message to Rajeev absolutely true. Once she left she would stay put where she was, and this was lending itself to her hesitancy to leave London right now. Well that, plus the fact and she was petrified that she would be so far away if by some miracle things somehow resolved themselves. Just as the UK was the most central location for all parties for the wedding, so would it be for the interim until she was absolutely convinced that there was nothing more between Rajeev and her. Plus she would have the added benefit of remaining under Dr. Khan's care. Her intuition was telling her that she should try to remain here as long as possible, that it would be in her best interest to do so. But the way that things had been of late, she wondered if she could trust even it. Sighing, Naomi closed her eyes praying for some sign that she shouldn't make that final step to leave.

The first sign came by way of a song, that she knew and adored...

You've been on my mind,

I grow fonder every day,

Lose myself in time,

Just thinking of your face.

God only knows

Why it's taken me so long

To let my doubts go,

You're the only one I want...

They had danced to this song, Naomi suddenly remembered as she lost herself in the music and her memories. After the doctor had taken her blood, and everyone had left it was just them there and she had wanted to dance; to hold him close to her... and she wouldn't take no for an answer. One dance, Rajeev had said, and then she would rest. She agreed, just to get close to him...

I dare you to let me be your,

your one and only...

I promise I'm worth it

To hold in your arms..

She had moved seductively with him to the music, and then had stretched up and pressed her lips right at the vee of his shirt. Naomi's eyes popped open and she placed a trembling hand to her lip; the memory of his sharp intake of breath so vivid it was as if she heard, now. Another flash and she recalled reaching to unbutton his shirt; his gentle but firm denial; her insistence; his rejection - all to the same song that was curiously playing extremely loud in the flat right now.

*********

Sareena stood at the picture window that framed the London Eye. She was obviously in deep thought, as she didn't hear when Naomi approached. She was humming to the music, and Naomi smiled.

"I'm not sure that I would have taken you for an Adele fan, Sareena."

"God yes, I love her; she's so brilliant. One and Only' is one of my absolute favorites."

"So I gathered," Naomi replied wryly.

Sareena studied her houseguest for a second before raising her hand and, with the remote she held, reduced the volume of the CD player.

"I'm sorry; I didn't wake you up did I?" She smiled when Naomi shook her head. "It's just that listening to Adele helps me to think, and..."

"Is everything okay, Sareena?"

Naomi watched her hostess sit down and shook her head.

"Nay; it's not. Everything is happening so fast; changing so quickly and I don't know if I'm prepared for all of it."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that in the spate of a few days I have gone from searching for Sanjay, to the prospect of him coming home in a matter of days. I'll finally be taking legal custody of him, and I have no clue how I will actually mange." She looked across from her to the other woman. "Kabir telephoned last night; that's the reason I had come to your room last night."

"How..how is he?"

Sareena answered the first thing that popped in her head. "Devastated, Naomi; you could hear the heartache in his voice. It was a very difficult conversation. He is very concerned how this change will affect Sanjay, and I'm inclined to agree. It will have to happen soon, as I have I have just managed to meet with my Senior, and they are making an exception and giving me the time to travel to Banaras to collect Sanjay."

"You will be going there soon, then?"

Sareena nodded. "Yes, and after some formalities, hopefully I will be back here with the only family I have left." She paused, "And now that it's happening, I am wondering if I can actually be the parent that Sanjay deserves."

"You are his family and he loves you Sareena; I think that resolves the biggest of issues, don't you?"

"But then what; will love really matter when I will hardly be here to care for him? I will have to get back to work immediately and my hours are so irregular..." She let the words hang in the air.

"A sabbatical from work," Naomi suggested.

"Not an option; not at this stage, I would have to withdraw from my residency completely. And I've worked so hard for it all. The only alternative would be to hire staff; at the very least a housekeeper cum nanny."

Her distaste for this was evident in her voice, and Naomi could imagine the turmoil she was experiencing.

Naomi closed her eyes and took a deep breath; she had asked for sign, and it looked that she would receive two just to make sure she understood.

"I'm certain that it won't be problem finding a totally qualified nanny with more experience, but if you have no objection, perhaps I can apply for the position, for the interim at least; at least until you are more comfortable with the decisions you need to make. That is, if you can stand the company of an emotionally overwrought pregnant woman," Naomi joked to cover her nervousness for the other woman's answer.

**********

It as with gratitude that Rajeev had met Daadi. In spite of his brother's vigilance, he fully comprehended that it was the older woman that had been the greatest source of comfort to Naomi, and the best source of information.

"Physically she is doing fine, beta. I was present when the doctor confirmed that there has probably been little harm, if any, to the babies because of the drug. But they do wish to monitor her closely. And she is in very capable hands with Sareena right now."

Collectively they had all sighed in relief over this good news.

Rajeev took the opportunity to speak

"I've talked to her parents today. It took some doing, but for now we've decided that the best thing for her will be to stay put for now. Provided that it remains safe for her, Naomi's father is willing to let her stay for a while. I hope that I can convince Uncle and Aunty to allow her to remain there for the length that it will take for her memory to come back, or until I am given the all clear to travel: whichever comes first," Rajeev informed Daadi and Rachna. "Actually, we have initiated steps so that she can regain her memory quicker."

The older woman looked at Rajeev askew. "But, the doctor..."

Rajeev read her thoughts, "Obviously hers and babies' safety are paramount, but it would be best if she remembers. We won't jeopardize her by informing her directly; more like providing hints that hopefully will jog her memory. As it pertains to her safety, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that she is kept out of harms way, even if it means bringing in someone. For now the fact that she is with Sareena works in our favor. There is no way anyone outside of us would make the connection between the two of them. And equally important, I will know that she has someone who can care for her physically should it become necessary."

"But Vihaan, " Rachna inquired, "Will he keep his distance, until we discover the person behind this?"

"Ji Rachna, he understands. At the very most he may telephone but that's it. Whether by design or not, Sareena has made a concerted effort to drive him away. The last time I heard Vihaan complain so much about any female, it was you and Gunjan, actually, " Rajeev added. " Rest assured, Naomi will be safe, and hopefully home sooner rather than later."

Daadi picked up the image that lay on the coffee table. She pursed her lips, disturbed at the possibility that this man from Naomi's past could be the culprit behind all of their troubles. She looked up and met the steady gaze of her beti's betrothed.

"Don't worry Daadi, if Abhi has anything to do with this, I will not spare him. And for certain he will never touch her again."

"Nay, beta you will leave this completely in the hands of the authorities; promise me," his mother added; fearful that her eldest child could be driven to take matters into his own hands.

That he didn't respond immediately was unnerving to all three women, yet neither was his response, of any reassurance when finally made.

"Don't ask of me what I cannot, Maa. All I can say is that if any evidence of Abhi's involvement is uncovered, then it would be best if he is apprehended by the police before I find him."