RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 87

Chapter # 82

Kabir had been taken aback at first when the driver had delivered Daadi's luggage and Rachna's files sans the two women, until his employee had informed him that at Daadi's insistence they had diverted to Rajeev Sir's home for a visit. It made sense. Being that Daadi had been with Naomi for the past few days, it was natural that she would want to speak to Rajeev first. Calling for one of the house staff, Kabir had instructed him to deliver his grandmother's belongings to her bedroom, while he took his wife's work files to her studio. She had returned with an excess of paperwork, denoting a successful meeting earlier in the day with Patel Industries. To say that he was proud of his wife's achievements would be an understatement, if ever there was one. It was a momentary distraction, but as he closed the door to her workroom he again felt weighed down by burden of his behavior towards the wonderful woman he had married. Kabir looked at his watch. As he had arranged for the driver to collect Sanjay from school today in anticipation of meeting Daadi, he now found that he had been availed spare time, which normally would be a blessing in disguise on account of his busy schedule. However this was not the case today; he hadn't the temperament to do any work, but at the same time his was reluctant to contemplate the present situation any sooner than he had to. Logically though, this was totally unavoidable.

On reflection, Kabir hadn't been able to find anything to complain about in Sareena Arora during the course of their telephone conversation last night; nor in the time since. She had been courteous to the extreme, almost as if she understood the tumult caused by the unearthing of Sanjay's true parentage; and in particular, how he was feeling now that his rights over his son looked to be so abruptly stripped from him. Solicitously, practically everything he would have instructed his legal counsel to pursue, Dr. Arora had offered of her own volition: Evidence of her late brother's marriage to and divorce from Sonal; documentation of the custody ruling that had granted full guardianship of the child to his father in the first instance, and eventually to her on the untimely death of brother. In response to an uncertainty that he hadn't even expressed, Sanjay's aunt had even offered willingly to submit to a requisite DNA testing once she arrived in India; to satisfy any and all concerns he had. And then she had thanked him profusely, for being a stable influence in her nephew's life for the past months.

What could he do, but accept both her generous offer to prove what his head, if not his heart, was slowly coming to grips with, and in return, he invited her to his home so that they could resolve this matter with the dignity it deserved. In the interim, he assured her, he would take care of the issue of Sonal, who from past experience was an obvious flight risk. They had then exchanged the contact details of their respective attorneys, and somehow, in spite of feeling as if his heart was being ripped from his chest, Kabir managed to get through one of the most painful conversations of his life.

Sareena had been as good as her word. Kabir had received a call earlier today from his attorney who advised that he had heard from the London barrister, and that copies of the associated legal documentation and court rulings were to be sent electronically by the end of the day. He had then indicated to Kabir that in light of this information he would of stop the Tripathis' suit for custody of the young boy against Sonal.

"Nay, until everything is verified, I would prefer not remove this action as an option," Kabir had responded.

Even when the lawyer counseled that in all likelihood that Kabir would not have a legal leg to stand on in the pursuit, Kabir had adamantly refused. For Sanjay's wellbeing, until confirmed that he was not the youngster's biological father and Sanjay's custody arrangement finalized; he would protect his son from his conniving mother.

*********

Back at Patel Industries, Sonal kept the regretful smile on her face until the moment she ushered Laksh through the door of her cabin. "I am just so bogged down with work for the next couple of days; you know catching up on things for Mr. Patel. Perhaps at the end of the week," she suggested as an alternative to the offer of lunch her coworker had proposed. Finally he left, and in closing the door behind him, Sonal closed her eyes and exhaled in relief. When he had first shown up, she immediately believed that she had been found out, and that the missing offer was Laksh's reason for seeking her out. However, it would seem that with the number of responses that Banaras Beauty had received, that a single unaccounted for proposal had not raised any alarm. Then again, Sonal thought as her eyes wandered to her locked file cabinet; the amendment of Laksh's master data, removing the Sarla S Studios' name as one of the interested parties easily alleviated what would have been a blaring omission. Of the three companies Sonal had most feared, only Sarla Sehgal had expressed the interest in forging a business relationship with Rachna Tripathi. She was grateful for this, as it had made her task that much easier than having to come up with an untraceable method of purging multiple documents. Regardless of the number of reports, more than one of them turning up missing would definitely not have gone undetected. A major crisis had been averted.

She took her seat behind her desk and tapped the pen she held lightly against her cheek. Now that she had eliminated this potential threat, it was high time that she got on with her plan to force Kabir to take the next step in the custody issue with Sanjay. Torn between whether a direct approach versus having her attorney contact Kabir, she wondered which would have a more an immediate effect. She needed to ensure that Kabir proceeded with the next steps in order for him obtain legal custody of Sanjay before Rachna's pregnancy progressed too far along. Sanjay had to be in the position to be named as the Tripathi heir before there was any chance of him being usurped by the possibility of Rachna giving birth to a son. Kabir had rested on his laurels for long enough, Sonal thought. Some catalyst was needed; something that would leave Kabir with no alternative but to seek immediate custody of her son. She took a look at her watch and decided to dwell on it for a moment more.

*******

Rajeev stared at the photo and then up again. Finally, here was the breakthrough he had needed, and amazingly it had come from the most unlikely source.

Stoney-faced, Rajeev looked over to the deliveryman and then back to his neighbor who sat with him in the lounge. In a hushed tone he questioned her.

"Aasha, are you certain; are you absolutely sure?"

"Ji Rajeev, I am." She replied just as softly as she placed the photo back on the coffee-table. "The other workers had gone back to the truck, but the supervisor remained back at the door, and was having a conversation with him." Aasha again pointed at the photo. "He and the man here were blocking the entrance; they had to move so that I could get into the building. After that I came directly here to meet Naomi, and she had confirmed that there was only one delivery to be done."

Sensing that the men were near the completion of their work, Rajeev stood to move closer to them. He noted the foreman directing his underlings to leave, and then after staring in Rajeev's direction, the supervisor made the conscious decision to approach his mother instead. Rajeev intercepted the documentation being handed over, and grabbed the pen that the worker held aloft.

"I think it best if I sign," Rajeev indicated with a small smile.

He took his time, reviewing the document; far longer than it should have, as he hoped to evoke a reaction from the man who, along with his workers, had seem decidedly uncomfortable from the moment Rajeev had opened the door for them , and identified himself.

His mother called out to him, "Rajeev, beta, is there a problem with the paperwork?"

Rajeev smiled at his mother, as he perused the documents detailing the items collected, which the furniture store had offered to sell on consignment for him. " Maa why don't you take a look at the samples Aasha has brought over...I'll like to have some sort of plan for the nursery in order for when Naomi returns."

He waited as his mother left the room and then turned his attention back to the waiting worker. Purposively he spoke as he boldly signed off on the paperwork. "Rajeev Agarwal." He started to hand the paperwork over. "Aacha, did you need some sort of identification for reference, Uncle; perhaps to confirm that I am actually who I say I am?"

The older man looked up suddenly; his face ashen. He realized that the younger man suspected something.

"What did he ask of you, " Rajeev asked bluntly. "Don't even bother deny that he did not."

The other man swallowed " He was totally believable, you have to understand this... he said he was you and that he and the young lady were newlyweds...we thought we were helping him out; that's all."

Rajeev closed his eye as he listened to the man' story; any lasting doubts of the identity of culprit behind everything was gone. He immediately pulled out his mobile to call the lead police investigator. As it turned out it was not necessary when his doorbell rang suddenly, and when he opened the door, the officer in question stood there in the flesh. His news established that there could be no other offender than Abhi. Regardless of the fact that he had taken his wife along with him, the fact that Abhi had left for the UK last night; for London to be precise, was too coincidental not to prove his involvement. Supposedly a combination business/romantic vacation for him and his wife, Abhi had booked a week- long stay overseas. And now with corroboration of a possible earlier attempt against her, it left none of them in a doubt as to their next action.

They would have to act fast to ensure Naomi's safety, Rajeev thought, but it would be done.

********

Finally, after an interminable wait, his grandmother and wife returned home. As Kabir went to bend down to his Daadi, the older woman prevented him and instead enveloped his grandson in her arms.

"Nanhe beta," she whispered to him in concern as his emotions seemed to pour off her beloved grandson - her pride and joy. She felt his pain as if it was her own and as she closed her eyes prayed that her return would help sooth his distress; both his and her bahu's, who was suffering in her own way.

"Welcome home Daadi; I'm so..."

He faltered, choking on his words, and in response Daadi held him tighter. He stayed there for a while, accepting her comfort, until out of the corner he perceived Rachna about to walk past them, and reached out for her wrist. His wife stopped and looked him stoically; her expression was totally unreadable. He raised his head and stepped back from his grandmother.

"Daadi, I am an absolute fool," he began as he pulled his wife to where he and his grandmother stood.

"It's clear that I have no concept of what it means to cherish the one who has always been there for me. The one who has only wanted the best for me; who would move heaven and earth for me, I have treated abominably. I'm not certain if I deserve her forgiveness, but I need it; if not today then someday at least." He watched his wife's face. Rachna showed no evidence of softening her stance, but he hadn't expected her to; not after the way he had behaved. He cleared his throat before he continued. "I've done what you would have me do, Rachna. No let me correct that - I did what I should have done in the first place. I have made contact with Sanjay's Aunt and we have agreed to take the steps to resolve this...this situation we find ourselves in."

Rachna's eyes teared up. Finally she spoke. "Do you think I do not understand how hard this is for you Kabir...do you not understand that Sanjay has become a part of my life, of Daadi's, of Aryia's as well? Th This is never anything I could have ever wished for, but it's the right thing to do..."

"Ha, but..."

Kabir stopped talking when his mobile rang. Determined that no incoming call could be as important as the discussion he was having, he moved to reject it, only to realize that it was their driver. Knowing that he had been on his way to collect Sanjay, instantly Kabir got a bad feeling. Furrowing his brow, he answered, and learnt that in fact there could actually be something more pressing than their conversation.

"What!"

********

"I want to go home!"

"Sanjay Beta, you are home, you can't have forgotten your room and your toys..."

"Nay Mama, I want to go home to Papa and to my family! You said you were taking me home!"

It took everything in Sonal not to grip and shake Sanjay. He was acting like a whiny brat; had been ever since he realized that she was not returning him back to the Tripathi house.

"Beta... you cannot stay with Papa forever... "

"Yes I can, my Papa said so. I want to be with my family."

"Bas, Sanjay" she shrieked. She closed her eyes and began rubbing her temples. She would be just as happy as not to have to put up with the boy, and expected not to have to tolerate him for much longer. She looked at her watch. By now either Kabir or whoever was scheduled to collect Sanjay from school would have come to know that the child had left the premises with her. She walked over to the door and stood there as if looking into the flat. There was just enough disarray to make it seem as she was hastily packing to leave, but perhaps one more suitcase was needed to perfect the look. She needed just enough to raise panic in Kabir. She was just setting the extra piece of luggage when and the doorbell rang and the baritone of Kabir's voice called out in anger through the door. Angry or not, Sanjay immediately responded to the familiarity of his father's voice and rushed to the door, calling for him in return.

On the other side of the door, Rachna came up behind her husband at a pace in deference to her condition. Nothing she had said on their way up to Sonal's apartment seemed to be sinking in. They could not allow things to escalate, which they surely would if her Kabir lost his temper, as he seemed on the verge of.

"Kabir, please try to calm down. We cannot let the situation get out of control; especially, not now."

Faintly, they heard Sanjay's voice coming from inside, and in response, Kabir deliberately took a deep breath. As much as he wished to severely berate his son's mother; he could not do it in front of the young boy.

Sonal opened the door a crack, and held her son by the shoulder, preventing him from exiting the flat.

"Hello Kabir, and oh my Rachna too..."

"How dare you abscond with my son, Sonal?"

"Abscond... now that is a pretty harsh description of a mother who merely collected her child from school, Kabir."

"Do not dare to play word games with me Sonal, " Kabir seethed. "You know perfectly well that our arrangement..."

"Is temporary and as far as I am concerned unenforceable, Kabir Tripathi. It was only by my grace that allowed you to keep our son for the length of time you have!"

Kabir ignored his squirming son, who valiantly tried to escape his mother's grip and get to his father outside. He glared directly into Sonal's eyes and lowered his voice. "And lest you forget the reason for him remaining at home Sonal, you are one telephone call away from being charged with child abuse, which I can assure you, with the evidences I have, will not be viewed lightly."

Sonal's grip on both the door and Sanjay became lax, and Kabir used the opportunity to push the door open. The little boy darted through the enlarged opening, immediately reaching for his father. Kabir briefly hugged him before passing him over to Rachna.

"Beta, go downstairs with Rachna Aunty, and wait for Papa in the car, thik hai?"

"Ji Papa," the little boy called out before holding his hand out to Rachna. They hadn't taken but a few steps, before Rachna turned back and cautioned her husband not to be too long. She knew that despite his efforts that Kabir was furious, and they did not need any troubles right now that Sonal could use to her advantage.

*********

Sareena listened intently as Kabir, with Rachna beside him, explained the afternoon's happenings. One could never tell with Sonal, but they had to act as if the suitcases Kabir had seen were an actuality as opposed to the scene being staged to evoke a reaction.

"Are you certain, Rachna, that she isn't aware of your actions?" Sareena's worry was clear; both on her face and in her voice.

"I would say after today, that's a safe bet, Sareena," Rachna replied before explaining the possible missing offer from Sarla. "I cannot speak to the intentions of the other companies, but I was assured personally by Sarla that a proposal would be forthcoming. If Sonal was aware of what I've done, why would she still be making such an effort?"

"So," Sareena continued, "Perhaps it was all a ruse."

Kabir interjected, "Be that as it may, it will probably be best to settle things as soon as possible. Do you need any assistance with travelling so far? I know that last minute tickets can be quite expensive."

Sareena cheeks instantly became rosy; her finances were not something she liked to discuss with those she knew, let along virtual strangers. "No, that won't be an issue. I am pretty self-sufficient, thanks to my bhai," she answered by way of explanation.

The couple comprehended what she had relayed in her few words. While money wasn't the most important thing in life, it was reassuring that this would not be an issue as it related to the rearing of the little boy that they all loved so much.

Sareena changed the subject, "Actually, I have managed to get some time off in the next few days and was planning to travel then. But I don't want you to feel indebted to me, if necessary I can book a hotel for the length of my stay."

"Absolutely not, " Kabir replied. The offer still stands, Sareena; we have plenty of room and it would be for the best."

Rachna stilled; while she had come to know that Kabir had contacted Sareena, he had not disclosed the nature of his invitation. She glanced over to him, studying him for a second, before turning back to the Skype call.

"Kabir is absolutely right; you must stay with us, I insist. You will be able to have time with Sanjay, and we can all get to know each other better." She smiled at the screen. "I suppose there's no hope of you bringing our friend back with you is there," Rachna asked wistfully.

"I've already offered, but she's not budging. I believe the plan is for her to go back with her parents to her brother's place, until I return. Mind you that's subject to change particularly if this Abhi character attempts to find her."

The married couple sat in stunned silence

"I'm sorry did you just say Abhi," Kabir asked. He turned to his wife. "You visited Rajeev today; do you know anything about this, Rachna?"

Not at all, I...Sareena, are you certain about this?"

"As certain as the special arrangements that have been made for Naomi as of this afternoon," Sareena responded. "I can't speak to all of the particulars, but apparently her in-laws aren't holding back when it comes to her protection."

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter #83

"So you are an honest to goodness- take a bullet for your client- bodyguard, Jack," Naomi asked skeptically of Sareena's former boarding school classmate as she helped him with his computer.

"I can't believe it really; you don't exactly fit the type," She continued to the blithe man she had been introduced to. Just looking at the way he was lounging so casually on the furniture did not lend itself to the readiness one would want in a protector; but then again he was off duty.

"I don't think there's a particular type in my business, Naomi. And as it comes to taking a bullet...well let's say I don't necessarily go looking for that either, but yes I would, if I had to. But I don't think the concept of protection is foreign to any of us - I think there is someone that anyone of us would give our lives to protect." He stared at the striking woman working on his laptop. "Most mothers for instance, would die for their children. And never discount a man in love...I would think a man would lay down his life without hesitation to protect his sweetheart if the situation called for it; don't you think?"

The fingers that were flying over the keys seconds before, stopped. For some reason, Jack's words struck a chord with Naomi and she turned and stared at him.

"But since we are being truthful; if you hadn't told me I would never have taken you for a model either. You don't seem the type either. From my experience, most of the high end models have more to them than you do. They're usually tall and really leggy and the really fortunate ones..." He cupped his hands at chest level, to describe what had to be one of his personal preferences.

The slight lift of her spirit that had come through chatting with Serena's interesting house guest...correct that employee... dissipated with his sudden boorish manner.

"Well I suppose it's good I've given it up then, isn't it, especially with me so lacking..." Naomi replied sarcastically and turned her attention back to the laptop.

"Wait a minute, let me finish. Most models are tall and leggy, and yeah, so I prefer the ones that have ample charms, but what I was trying to say is that most don't have the brains to go along with their beauty. I've worked for a few, and for certain, I can count on one hand the number that would be able to help me with this. For that matter, I can't think of even too many tech support types who are as beautiful as you either. Or any who have such hypnotically gorgeous eyes..." he complimented.

Naomi flushed, but kept her full attention to her task. For Sareena's and Sanjay's sake she hoped Jack was better as a bodyguard, than he was interacting with women. But maybe it was just her, she thought, and the fact that Rajeev had spoiled her for good so that any man was sub-standard in comparison to him; even the good looking ones who would take a bullet for you.

From the doorway, Sareena looked aghast at her friend. She caught his eye and frantically motioned him to her, before turning away. He smiled to himself and then asked Naomi to excuse him.

"What's up Reena?"

Sareena punched his arm. "Jack Thompson, have you gone crazy; I have assured Naomi's family, and in particular her fiance that you are good at what you do, and that you are a total professional."

Her former classmate, shrugged. "You didn't lie."

"You're here to protect her that's it, Jack. Don't even think about trifling with her. And what pretense is this," Sareena hissed , "When have you ever needed any sort of tech support, when you specialize in that sort of stuff in addition to..."

"Settle down, I'm just letting her get to know me; that's all - not to say she's isn't quite fit," he teased his friend; jumping to continue when Sareena would protest "But I don't think I'm her type anyway... too superficial, too obnoxious, and definitely not the strong silent type that's she's attracted to. She's probably missing him even more than ever right now."

Sareena stared in amazement. "How do... you haven't been here long enough to..."

The man, who looked as if he should be in a boy band, ran a hand through his dark wavy hair and winked at his longtime friend. "Just count it as one of my many talents, "Jack replied, before sobering. "Don't worry, Reena. She's in good hands, and afterwards, so will Sanjay be when we go and retrieve him. No harm will come to either of them."

*******

The last of the lights in the house had extinguished just after 10:00PM, and at about the same time, the street had quietened as well, which would make his work that much easier. He had watched the house for some time; had even taken the opportunity to get out and walk, unobserved, the perimeter of the property looking for the best entry point. As had the previous intruder, he unknowingly determined that the French windows of the designer's studio would provide the surest access. Now he waited. Considering the average twenty minutes it took the normal person to fall asleep, the forty minutes he decided to wait would give them a definite buffer to carry out the job that needed doing. He would wait five minutes more, and nudged his partner awake, shaking his head at his associate's sleepiness.

Assured that his cohort was in position, he took advantage of the shadows and approached the house. With the least amount of effort he gained entry to the studio. He entered and remained motionless for minute...waiting in hope, but nothing happened. He put his hands on his hips and hung his head, shaking it disgustedly. It is what it is, he thought, as he let his eyes become acclimatized to the dark room. He then left the studio and entered the house proper, scanning his surroundings in a practiced fashion, before heading to the main door and unlocking it to let his partner in. She looked ridiculous in the night vision goggles he had provided her, but he couldn't afford her to go tripping around the house in the darkness, risking either their discovery or her getting hurt. She led the way to the staircase, and he watched as she slowly walked up them ahead of him tightly holding onto the bannister. He suspected that her safety wasn't the only reason for the tight grip. She waited at the top of the stairs for him, and he placed his hand on her shoulder and pointed her in the direction she should go. He put one finger to his lips and sent her to the nursery where the daughter of the family was. When he saw her enter, thankfully silently, he turned and headed to his own destination; the bedroom where the little boy, Sanjay would be at rest.

The moon shone into the room spilling over the bed, which gave him a glimpse of the child. He smiled briefly, and then turned his attention to the bedroom itself. He knew that there was a monitor in the nursery, but there was none in this bedroom - not a good sign at all. Otherwise, the room appeared secure, with sturdy window locks, so there was that. He stayed in the room for a while before leaving it and slowly closing the door behind him. The room next to this one, he would have to check for more than its security, but it would have to wait. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up and he smiled...finally, he thought, it had taken them long enough.

********

Kabir had shot up suddenly, unsure what had woken him so abruptly. He listened in the quiet of the night- first to see if there was some noise had come over the baby monitor, and then on realization that it hadn't emanated from there, for something else that could have broken his rest. There was nothing except an uneasy feeling. Beside him, Rachna stirred. He hushed her and lightly kissed her on the forehead, before getting out of the bed. Something was wrong.

"Who are you and what the hell are you doing in my house?"

Jack smiled in the darkness. He could appreciate the menace in the homeowner's voice.

"Kabir Tripathi, I've been advised that you care for your family a great deal, and most likely would give me some trouble this evening, but I still must confess to being a bit disappointed."

Only his quick reflexes saved Jack from the devastating blow that would have done some damage, had it connected. But his training saved him, and he ducked it and stepped behind the impressively sized designer, gripping the fist that had swung at him , forcing it behind the designer's back. He was deceptively strong and it took Jack more effort that he had hoped to expend to secure his hold on the man, who he now had pressed up against the wall outside the little boy's bedroom.

"It shouldn't have been this easy, Kabir Tripathi; especially after an intruder entered this house and almost raped your wife's best friend and seriously injured her husband-to-be. We shouldn't have been able to enter your home so easily. If not your friends, do you not value your family at least: your wife and children; your grandmother?"

Kabir stilled...we he had said; which meant that there were others in the house. And he had no clue how many there were, and what they could possibly want.

"What do you want...Who sent you?"

"I'm just here to do a job KT; I can call you KT, right?" Jack didn't give the man time to answer, and continued speaking, figuring to bring a quick end to this potential problem. "Actually..." he began until out of the corner of his eye he caught a faint movement in the glass of the picture frame that hung on the wall beside him. He shook his head.

"I don't think you want to do that Mrs. Tripathi; not when your husband is in such a precarious position."

Deftly, but making sure that his witness caught his movements Jack reached into his waistband to withdraw the object and pressed it hard against her husband's back.

Rachna gasped and dropped the heavy vase she had been about to wield against the intruder in her house.

"Nay," She gasped.

********

Shuddering, Rachna walked away...away from her husband's protest of her direction, but unable not to go to the nursery as she had been instructed. Obviously there was someone waiting there, another felon, but to save her husband, and to protect her daughter she did exactly as she was told. Behind her she heard Kabir struggling and braced herself for the dreaded sound of a shot from the weapon she had seen pressed against her husband's back moments earlier. A sob escaped her when she reached the closed door to the nursery, and knocked thrice, and she had been told to. The person opened the door holding her daughter, and Rachna stood there, her mouth agape.

Naomi looked at the terror on Rachna's face, and immediately understood. She thrust Aryia into her mother's arms and dashed down the hall. Rachna followed her once she had shaken off her shock.

"Jack, you absolute jerk! I knew I shouldn't have let you talk me into this! Get off him already!"

Their struggle had made its way down to the floor, with the bodyguard still in control, but as soon as his client's voice sounded, both he and Kabir came to a sudden stop. Jack tightened his grip of the designer.

"Okay, I'm getting up now, Mr. Tripathi; we're all good right?"

He stood and held out his hand.

Slowly, with his assailant's aid Kabir rose.

"Naomi, I guess it would have been too easy to telephone that you were coming," he asked breathlessly. He then nodded in direction of the man who had moved to stand beside her, "And I guess this a friend of yours here?

The tightening of his grip was the only indication he gave, and Kabir swung out without waiting for an answer from Naomi. This time he connected. Or, considering that he must be some sort of professional; maybe the man allowed him to.

"That's for frightening my wife, you bas***d. Now I assume you've been hired as protection for our friend here and that you are going to give me a really plausible excuse for you breaking into my house tonight."

Jack held his chin, and checked his jaw. Kabir Tripathi could pack a punch, that's for sure. Then, instead of addressing the designer, he turned and approached the women who now stood together. He folded his hands.

"Mrs. Tripathi, I'm so very sorry for causing you any distress. None of this was any of Naomi's doing at all, so please don't blame her." He pulled out the metal device that he had deceived Rachna with. "Forgive me for giving you the wrong impression; at no time was your husband in any real danger."

Naomi jumped in the middle of the absurd apology.

"I told you...didn't I tell you that this was a huge mistake and that someone could get hurt?"

"Come on Pretty Eyes, give me a break. I did everything in my power not to hurt Kabir. And there was no way that I would have harmed a pregnant woman, so I diffused the situation of having to defend myself against Rachna's attack with a little white lie. So all's well. Remember our talk a couple of days ago, about taking a bullet...well your friends are the classic examples of natural protectors. I did what needed to be done with the minimal amount of damage."

Naomi wasn't convinced, but didn't have time to go on, as the infuriating man had turned away from them, and back to Kabir. He held his hand out to the designer.

"Jack Thompson, Security Specialist and Bodyguard, and as you correctly deduced assigned to Pretty Eyes here," he said with a grin, before continuing, "And also to Sanjay now that I'm here in Banaras. I realize that our entry into your home was less than conventional, but I did insist on it in order to perform a preliminary security assessment. Kabir Sir, even if there wasn't the issue of Sanjay's and Naomi's security, I have to advise that it was far too easy for us to break in. Perhaps come the morning we can discuss this."

Kabir just nodded his head, stunned from the night's happenings.

Rachna, took the lead from her disorientated husband. "Your luggage," she asked the pair.

"In the car," Jack answered, "I'll collect it now."

Rachna nodded, and stole a glance at her friend, who appeared suddenly exhausted. " Naomi, I can get your room ready in..."

"No," Jack interjected, stopping his descent down the stairs. "I have reason to suspect that the room is compromised. I don't want her back in there until I've have the opportunity to sweep it."

Rachna nodded and watched while Kabir and Jack went to collect their bags.

"Is that why you were in the nursery; to go to bed?"

Naomi nodded and smiled at Aryia who was settling back to sleep on her mother's shoulder.

"Our baby started fussing before I could even sit though."

Alone in the hall, the friends stood there and looked at each other.

"You're back," Rachna said finally.

Naomi nodded. And then her eyes welled with tears. If she had any lingering doubts, Rachna realized then that everything had come back to her friend; her memories and probably her terror and anger at all of them, with it. She indicated for Naomi to follow her back to the nursery. Once there she placed Ayria back in her crib and took a seat beside Naomi.

"Are you okay," she asked not sure herself if she wanted the truth from her friend.

Naomi shrugged.

"It's not so late that you can't call Rajeev, you know," Rachna offered as an alternative to Naomi, instead of discussing her ordeal.

The crisp British accent than answered was for the first time filled with irritation. "Oh calling Rajeev is that last thing Pretty Eyes wants to do tonight. Not after the trouble she's created for herself now; isn't that right, Naomi," Jack said as he placed her carryon on the floor.

Rachna looked to her friend who was now alert and bristling with anger.

"I took the first step towards taking my life back, Jack; so just get over it!"

"And in doing so you've thrown down the gauntlet to a complete sociopath, Pretty Eyes!"

Rachna's eyes had turned from the bodyguard back to her friend. "Naomi, what have you done?"

*********

Knowing that he did not have much time, Rajeev had arrived at the Tripathi home just after breakfast the next day.

"I just needed to cover all of my bases before I travel for this away game today. I don't know what sort of signal I will be able to get, and I don't want to risk possibly missing her call."

"Are you expecting her to call, Rajeev beta," Daadi asked calmly. She watched as Rajeev ran one hand through his hair. The coach was clearly agitated this morning. She approached him, signaling to Rachna who in turn went to the kitchen.

"Sit down beta; tell us what has happened." She took the cup of tea that Rachna came back with and placed it in front of him, and encouraged him to speak.

"Despite every precaution we took Naomi and Abhi met. I can only surmise that he was there in an effort to discover her whereabouts, but as luck would have it, she actually ended up there at the same time - at Vihaan's office. I can only conclude by what happened next that she remembers everything, including the identity of her assaulter. She confronted him, subtly, but apparently in such a way that the bodyguard that was hired immediately interceded and ushered her away."

The two women looked shocked by his words, and this was the mild version of Vihaan's retelling. He didn't dare alarm them further by relaying the truth as his brother had witnessed it; how whatever Naomi had whispered to Abhi had aggravated the man immensely. How outwardly the man had barely reacted, but the look in his eyes was downright frightening in its malevolence. And now she was gone, he told them; with no-one having heard from her in the past 36 hours - nor were her parents available. Rajeev had no idea of Naomi's direction, and he was worried as hell.

His audience seemed stupefied by his information; neither seeming able to speak.

"I have been calling her repeatedly; I just need you to try to contact her for me, or if she checks in, let her know to call me immediately."

He drained the rest of his cup and then stood and turned to leave. Kabir and a stranger had approached in the time he had had his tea. For a moment he was filled with hope that perhaps the newcomer was the bodyguard, and his eyes automatically turned to the second floor. However his hopes were dashed when the man spoke, and instead of the expected accent, a Southern twang emanated.

"I couldn't help but hearing you, might I suggest GPS as a viable option if your little lady is giving you trouble, Sir? You will be guaranteed never to lose her again."

Kabir immediately interrupted, "Rajeev this is a client of mine, from America," he said as way of explanation. Rajeev nodded and then excused himself, after eliciting the promises from his friends to help him contact Naomi. Once the door was closed behind the coach, Rachna looked to the staircase and asked the one question that was on everyone's mind of the woman descending.

"Why are you making him suffer, Naomi?"

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Chapter #84

Chastened, Rachna entered the bedroom, and silently came to sit beside her friend. Apparently she had been alone in her thinking, when questioning Naomis intent. Both Daadi and Kabir had expressed their dismay at her immediately, but that it had been a stranger who made her understand how unthinking she had been, was beyond discomfiting.

Naomi had stopped mid-stride on the stairs, coloring when Rachna had for all intents and purposes accused her of being so heartless. She had swallowed and then turned around and re-climbed the stairs, without uttering a word, refusing even to acknowledge her friend.

They all heard the slamming of the bedroom door.

Jack had approached the dining room table then. Erased was the cockiness that the man had previously displayed. He extracted a device from his pocket and placed it on the table next to Rachna. She looked at it and then back at the bodyguard in confusion.

"She left under the worst conditions imaginable, under both physical and mental distress. Now, today in finding this listening device, I have confirmed her fear that not only had she been violated physically, but even her intimate moments in the privacy of her own bedroom weren't her own for some time. Only she would know what that entails, but I can imagine that this would be as traumatic as the physical attack itself; a reality whose full extent has only been revealed to her a few days ago. As foolhardy as she has gone about it, I totally understand what she means by wanting to take her life back, and this news is a definite setback to this. Then out of the blue she hears the one voice she's yearned for ever since she was ousted unceremoniously out of his life...and she's shattered because all she wants is to meet him on an equal footing, not when she feels as broken as she does now. So tell us, what should she have done, Mrs. Tripathi?"

Rachna reached over and wrapped her arm around Naomi's shoulder. They sat there, until the quiet was interrupted by a beep of an incoming message on Naomi's mobile that lay charging on the nightstand. She reached for the phone and checked the new message; and then scrolled through all of the previous ones, she had had no clue were there.

"I had absolutely no idea that Jack had been assigned to me until my run in with Abhi, and then after that everything happened so fast. This is the first time my phone has been charged since the decision to change my flight to an earlier one was made. It didn't occur that he would be trying to reach me...if he hadn't after I had left him a message, why would he now? I wouldn't have ignored his calls, Ra... Never in a million years would I."

She may have been ignorant to Naomi's feelings, but Rachna was quick in comprehending what she had just relayed.

"So you were intending to return before you met Abhi?"

"Of course, Ra; how could I not? I wanted... I want justice for both of us. I could have lost him that night, Rachna and then where would I have been?"

"He refused to leave, Naomi, not until you were safely away. That's why I acted as I did that morning. I'm...I'm sorry for my part in it all, but we had to get him to the hospital right away. I...we all thought you would immediately see through my act..."

Naomi nodded. It had been good that she had a few days between the return of her memories, and piecing together everything to try to understand her friend's actions that morning. The hurt may still exist, but in understanding their reasoning made it more bearable.

"And is your quest for justice the only reason for returning, Naomi," Rachna asked, needing to know exactly where her friend's mind was.

"I'm not sure; I won't be sure until we have talked. Right now I'm not even sure if I will stay," Naomi replied evasively.

Rachna felt her stomach knot. "You love him and he loves you - desperately. He has lamented sending you away, that the wedding being cancelled... he has worried about you and the babies...it has killed him that he couldn't come to you. And before you even think that is some sense of obligation, I'll have you know that he has to be over the moon to be a father. In fact he's already..."

"Already what, Rachna," Naomi asked when Rachna stopped mid-sentence.

"I can't tell you," her friend answered smiling, "It's a surprise. All I know is that you can't think to leave again."

Naomi felt a flicker of hope ignite inside her and forced her insecurities aside in hope that what her friend was telling the truth. Even if it was; she knew that this wouldn't be the end of her problems, but it would help. She turned and looked her friend in the eyes.

"I'm the problem, Ra. I don't know if I can be the woman he deserves to have in his life. I feel like an empty shell of myself right now, which is crazy, because I know I'm one of the lucky ones. Things could have been so much worse, Rachna, and I'm trying to be brave, to get over this quickly, but the only thing I can think of, is it fair to him, to come to him like this before I have?"

Rachna looked her, finally understanding some things.

"Is this why you have moved back into this bedroom; so that you can face your fears..."

"Yes. If I can push past them, then maybe we stand a chance." She fell back on humor, as she usually did when she felt unsure, "So if I start screaming in the middle of the night, don't be alarmed, just send my babysitter to me."

"Hmm, I don't think that will be the best thing Pretty Eyes',"Rachna mocked. "Rajeev is going to have such an issue with Jack if he keeps such familiarity up."

Naomi laughed honestly this time. "Perhaps he should be more particular about who he agrees to hire as my bodyguard, then," she replied, "Although he does seem proficient enough."

"You do realize thought that none of it matters, Naomi. Rajeev loves you so much he will accept you as you are."

"It matters to me, Ra."

They would agree to disagree in this case, so Rachna changed the subject. Her curiosity had been piqued, and she had to ask what she had been speculating since last night.

"So was your meeting with Abhi truly as bad as Jack thinks? What did you say that riled Abhi so?"

A look of satisfaction came over Naomi's face.

"Only that I would never be his; that my mind, my heart and especially my body belonged to Rajeev and only him. And if he dared to come near or attempt to harm me, my husband or our children that he would regret it in this life and all them hereafter."

She awaited Rachna's reaction.

"Your husband?"

Her cheeks reddened.

"Well, maybe I exaggerated a little," Naomi continued, thinking that her recollection Rajeev's act of filling her maang that night as having more validity than it actually did, was a little silly. "In my defense though, I was in a complete rage at the time."

Smiling at her, Rachna spoke. "Well, all I can say is whatever is going on in your mind must be catching as Rajeev is exaggerating just as much; since he is constantly claiming you as his wife nowadays as well. And as it pertains to that criminal...I would say what you told that deviant was more than deserved. He will get what is coming to him."

Naomi's mobile pinged again with another message. She was glad as she hated to even think of Abhi .

"I'm so tempted to answer, but I don't want to disturb him at work. What time do you think he will reach home, Rachna?"

Rachna gave an estimate and then watched Naomi nod determinedly.

"I will call him tonight, but Rachna, I...well I don't want him to know that I am here yet, not for another couple of days yet. Just so I can get myself together and take care of a few things."

Rachna agreed. "Thik hai, he won't hear it from us, but make it soon; he needs you as much as you need him, Naomi." She sighed and then stood. "I will have some breakfast sent up and then leave you to do what you have to. Just don't get too caught up that you neglect eating, you overachiever you," she teased her friend. "I suppose one baby at a time was too simple for you, too?"

"Don't be mad because I'm just more efficient than you, Ra."

The two women shared a smile and then Naomi walked her friend to the door. They hugged once they got there.

"I'm so glad you've come home, Naomi, but more importantly Rajeev will be to. We'll talk later this evening okay," Rachna said before slipping out of the room.

Evidently Daadi was of the same mindset as Rachna, as the two women passed each other on the staircase, the former carrying a tray on her way to Naomi. They paused briefly and Rachna nodded, which Daadi took as an indication that she had made amends for her earlier mistake.

"Rachna, beti, I know she doesn't want us to mollycoddle her, but we have to bear in mind that it will be a challenge for her coming to terms with what happened to her. And where she wants to go from there," Daadi stated.

"She is going to call Rajeev tonight, Daadi."

"Brilliant, that's absolutely brilliant news!"

The two women turned in the direction of the man had come up behind Daadi. He paused and relieved the older woman of the breakfast tray.

"Pretty Eyes is probably famished, and if not she needs to eat something for the sake of those babies anyway."

Rachna cringed. "Jack, a word of advice: you probably should lay off the pet name when you meet Rajeev, he..."

"Oh I doubt Rajeev will care too much for me at any rate," Jack replied boldly.

"Jack, beta," Daadi began sternly ...or perhaps not, as her smile totally belied her tone.

Suddenly Rachna stared at Daadi and the bodyguard. She knew full well that Daadi could be quite the strategist, and the overly familiar bodyguard seemed an ideal candidate for a partner in one of her plans. And then there was the fact that of all of them, Daadi had not stirred at all during the ruckus of Naomi's return last night.

"Daadi..." Rachna began warily.

"Beti, don't you have an appointment with the corporate lawyer today?"

"Ji Daadi, but..."

"Beti you mustn't be late: business is business."

*********

Due to his wife's earlier warning, Kabir wasn't surprised when close to noon, Daadi, Naomi and Jack left home for some unknown destination. He talked briefly to the bodyguard before his departure and arranged for him go over the provisional security improvements he had decided on. Pending his feedback, they would be implemented immediately, both for the security of his family, as well as in anticipation of the expected fall -out from Sareena's arrival in a couple of days. Most of the work would be done on the ground level, since Jack had deemed the second floor as secure enough, once he installed some equipment in Sanjay's as well as the bedroom Sareena would occupy. The bodyguard had already ensconced himself in a guest bedroom on the ground floor. From there he would be able to monitor everything and if needed, provide a first line of defense should anything untoward occur in the coming days.

Kabir sighed: two days, and everything would change. He knew it to be inevitable so it didn't make sense to fight against it any longer. He could only hope that after all was said and done, that an accord could be struck with Sanjay's aunt that would allow their family to remain a part of the little boy's life; even if it was to be in a small measure. He imagined that the distance would be a hindrance, but as a lone female, surely the young physician would appreciate the support that a ready-made family could offer her as she raised the young, rambunctious boy.

Before he knew it the time had passed and Rachna had returned home from her consultation. Kabir turned from his work-station at the sound of her voice as she entered the studio. He smiled at her, as she came to him and placed her hands on his shoulders in order to reach up and place a kiss on his cheek. When she did, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. He closed his eyes and exhaled; as always, her nearness comforted him.

"I'm glad that we have this opportunity to talk before everyone returns," Rachna began.

Kabir glanced at the wall clock. "Oh...I hadn't even noticed the lateness of the time; let alone whether they had come back."

Rachna narrowed her eyes. It hadn't appeared that her husband had been hard at work with any design, so it must be everything else that had him so occupied. She wrapped her arms around his neck tight, and pressed closer to him.

"It occurred to me as I was yawning in the back of the car, how exhausted I am, Kabir. So much has and still is happening, and since we had freed our calendars for the Rajeev and Naomi's wedding, I thought that maybe we should go on holiday: all of us."

Kabir stiffened.

"I think that perhaps the UK should still be a viable option. We could ensure that Sanjay is settled and then..."

"What..."

"Hear me out, Kabir, please. Actually I was thinking that perhaps after we settle Sanjay, that we could explore some property options just outside of London, since the likelihood of me having to travel there for work will be a definite. Plus it will allow us someplace we can use as a home base if we are permitted to spend time with Sanjay. It need not be anything too large, and I figure outside of the city would be more economical. We wouldn't have to worry about intruding in Sareena's personal space, and ..."

She stopped when her husband captured her lips softly. She was dazed when he raised his head.

"How do you do it, Mrs. Tripathi? How do you know to say the very thing I need to hear, exactly when I need to?"

She kissed him back.

"I can only surmise that great minds think alike, Kabir Tripathi," Rachna stated. "I don't imagine that Sareena will be unreasonable if we request time with Sanjay; I'm guessing that she may be open to some sort of arranged visitations. At least, I hope she is; because to be truthful, I cannot imagine him not being a part of our family, after all of this is sorted."

********

His heart had begun to pound in his chest when his mobile rang for the first time today, but his hopes crashed when it turned out to be his mother to inform him of a business gala that his father wanted the Agarwals to attend as a family unit in five days.

"Maa, that is the day of the tournament final. It begins late in the afternoon, and by the time everything concludes... I cannot guarantee that I can make it."

"Rajeev, beta you cannot refuse. This event is critical to your father's legacy; you cannot say no."

"Maa, my team has worked so hard all season; I cannot short change them either. Tell Papa I will do my best, but right now I cannot make any guarantees. I will better know the day of, thik hai?"

"Beta, please..."

He had to hurry her off the phone just in case Naomi attempted to telephone. "Maa we are just leaving the match heading back to Banaras now. I will have to go."

It had been in vain, as no call came for the entire length of the trip back home. He hurriedly entered his flat to check his answering machine which he noticed, was flashing.

It had been his father, following up on his mother's message. Only this time the request had become a command from the senior Agarwal. His mother would call later to give him the particulars.

She did, minutes later, but Rajeev was able to get a thirty minute reprieve, when he pleaded for time to freshen up. He had barely stepped out of the shower when the phone rang again.

"I get it Maa; it's an important event, and I promise I will try my best to be there. But it hasn't even been twenty minutes. Couldn't this wait for the minimum time I requested?"

"Is this not a good time Rajeev? I can call back if you don't have time to speak right now."

His mouth dropped open, and it seemed, dried up in an instant.

"Sweetheart," he croaked.

There was silence on the other end of the phone, and Rajeev immediately panicked, thinking that she may have misinterpreted his words and disconnected the call.

"Naomi...Sweetheart," he beseeched, anxiously.

And then he heard it: the muffled sob, that she was obviously trying hide from him.

"No Sweetheart, anything but tears..."

"I didn't think I would ever hear your voice again. I've been listening to your messages all afternoon, but nothing compares to your actual voice, " she whimpered.

The moisture pooling in his own eyes, gave truth to her words, but innately, he understood that such intense emotions were not good for her, and that he needed to calm her down.

"Settle down, Sweetheart. Getting so overwrought is not good for you or the children. Dry your tears and tell me, how are my daughters?"

He heard her smile in the teary voice that answered him.

"How are you so certain that they are girls; you could be meant to have boys, or one of each, Rajeev Agarwal."

"I don't believe so...I am sure that you carry my two little angels this time Sweetheart. But in the unlikelihood that I am wrong, just know that I will cherish and love our babies regardless; almost as much as I do their mother. Now take a deep breath and tell me if you are feeling well."

She did just that, and thankfully her voice sounded less shaky when she spoke again.

"Physically yes, but I would think the more important question is how are you feeling?"

It was all she would ask; all she wanted to know right now. They would get into the real details when they met, but for now, Naomi needed to know that he was recovering.

He told her the truth, willing to play the game of avoiding the deeper issues they would have to address at some point.

"I am not back to full health, and I am suffering from some weariness, but I am much better. However I will be at my best when I can see you again Sweetheart." He paused. "Did you leave the UK afterwards," he asked, again not venturing into the full scope of what she had done.

"Yes," Naomi replied, "Jack and I left as soon as we could."

"The bodyguard is still with you then...that's good. And did your parents leave as well? I wasn't able to reach them either."

"Yes they decided to as well."

He sighed, just imagining the distance between them now that she had left London.

"You're safe that's all that matters for now. That and the fact that I have finally spoken to you; and will be on a daily basis, will have to do, until I get the all clear to come to you, thik hai?"

"Your bossiness is showing, Rajeev."

"I've been convinced that plain talking works best for us, Sweetheart, so don't complain."

"I never thought that it was a bad thing; that was Rachna: remember?"

"So it was."

A knock came on her door, so Naomi had to cut the conversation short. By the sound of it she suspected in may be Sanjay and she didn't want her location to be determined just yet, which the little boy's voice would certainly accomplish.

"I have to go, but I'm going to email you something okay?"

Rajeev concurred, now feeling somewhat chilled by his state of undress.

"Okay, I'll wait for it; and I will speak to you later. We have a lot to discuss. I love you, Sweetheart."

Her door was opening, and she was right, it was Sanjay.

"I love you too," she answered abruptly and disconnected the call.

Rajeev narrowed his eyes when the click sounded in his ear. He shook his head, and went to get dressed. As relieved as he was for their brief conversation, he was still worried, but in the end, he had pondered on Naomi's strange farewell for as long as it took him to access his email. After that, the ultrasound images she had sent were enough to remove all thoughts from his mind. When his vision got too blurry, he pressed the heels of his palms against them to dispel his tears. And then he studied the proof of the miracle they had created... their two beautiful babies.

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