RaBir FF - Recasting the Princess CH 11 pg8 03/12 - Page 4

Chapter #4

"Come in..."

The response to her knocking on the door came even before Rachna could lower her fist. Clearly she was expected. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders before entering the office. In her hands, she held the not only the one completed draft that had been requested by days end, but also the beginnings of the second of the six that were to make up the collection she was working on. Provided that it was approved, she was certain that she would be able to complete it tomorrow.

"Sir..," she began before hesitating and closing her eyes. "I mean...K...uh Kabir...," her eyes hidden from his, she stumbled over his name. When she finally reopened them, she caught the designer staring at her with a slightly wistful expression, before he schooled his features to one more impassive. He had insisted earlier in the day for her not to call him Sir; that such formalities were unnecessary between them. It would take some getting used to she thought to herself, as in no way did she feel on par with someone of his experience. Already, in their limited interactions, she felt that she had learned so much from him.

Kabir cleared his throat and then looked down at his watch for no other reason than to prevent himself from appearing a complete fool. He could get lost in staring at her all day, and in fact had spent far more time doing just that, than he should have already. In fact he had found he had to distance himself from her after a period of time today. His continued concentration lapses would have been difficult to explain otherwise, as he basked in her presence, he sardonically thought. He suddenly frowned when his eyes focused on his timepiece.

"Aacha, Rachna," he began as he realized the time. "You were technically off the clock forty minutes ago..."

"Haan Kabir, I know; and I had all intentions of leaving since I had completed the sketch from this morning. But then, well, I guess inspiration struck and..." her words tapered off as she approached his desk, and took a seat across from him. She shuffled the sheets she held, and presented the newer of the two drawings to her employer, hoping that it would justify her delay. "Kabir, I honestly think that this design will fit perfectly into the theme of our collection, but before I proceed any further, I wanted you to have a look."

Kabir took the drawing, and again had to school his features as not to betray the feelings that coursed through him. "Our collection" she had said. Hardly, he thought. In the months since the accident he had thoroughly studied Rachna's ongoing designs: in doing so it had provided him an abstract connection to his absent spouse. Consequently, it seemed as if he was more familiar with them than his own, so to see the beginnings of his wife's final, unfinished design, reproduced once again by the extraordinarily talented designer was completely overwhelming - and yet encouraging at the same time. It was impossible that this could be recalled, without all of her suppressed memories able to follow suit. Surely she would not summon up what was just a minute portion, albeit a meaningful one, of her life, and leave her heart and soul in the shadows.

Gruffly he answered. " Thik hai, tell me how and why you believe that this particular design should be incorporated, Rachna. Tell me what this design means to you."

**********

She ended up being delayed even further when she and Kabir had discussed in depth. He listened to her, and in the end, had faith in the correctness of her choice, and she could have stayed talking to him even longer. For the life of her she had no understanding why he would believe in her so much, but it was an undeniably fantastic sensation, Rachna realized as she laid her head back in the auto that the firm's security guard had hailed her minutes ago. Reflecting back on her day, all she knew was that she was so glad that she had made that second call to the company. Despite it being only one day, it felt as this was absolutely where she should be. And Kabir Tripathi... well he was amazing, there was no other way to put it. Rachna could fully understand the level of competition it must be for a post with his company. As a leader he was first class. She couldn't wait to return tomorrow; to once more feel capable and sure of herself under his tutelage.

She remained lost in her thoughts for the bulk of the ride home, but just before she reached there, she had the foresight to request the driver to make one stop. Sweets were definitely in order.

"Has she not arrived yet, Daadi. She should have reached there by now. The security guard called directly after he had secured the auto for her...Dammit, I knew I should have driven her home..."

Seated in the Garg's living-room on the other end of the phone call, Daadi tutted to her grandson. "Nanhe, beta calm down; I'm certain that nothing untoward has happened. You will only upset everyone if you make an issue of this...Aacha," the older woman muttered as her attention was drawn to the doorbell ringing, and the entrance of her beloved bahu shortly thereafter. "She is home beta," she whispered to Kabir. "It looks as she just stopped for laddoos, which can only mean that she is extremely happy with the way her day has gone. Now I will talk to you later, beta," she concluded as she hurried to end her call, as she observed Shail leading her daughter in her direction.

"Namaste, Rachna beta."

Rachna blinked, experiencing a comforting sensation from the greeting from the elderly woman who was a stranger, yet seemed not to be at the same time. She glanced to side noting the crutches that rest near to her and pondered what could have happened to her.

"Beta, this is Daadi, our neighbor," her mother explained to Rachna.

Another someone who she had obviously forgotten, Rachna lamented to herself. Quickly, Rachna placed the boxes she held on the nearby table and immediately bent to offer her respects to the woman who was clearly shared a close association with their family.

"Namaste Daadi, I'm sorr..."

"God bless you beti, "Daadi said as she placed her hand on her bahu's head, effectively interrupting the apology that Rachna was about to issue.

A shriek suddenly echoed in the house and Rachna startled, a look of abject terror coming to her face. That was Aryia, she was certain; where was Gunjan that the little girl would be so distressed? But just as she was about to excuse herself to attend to the toddler, the little girl in question came darting into the room, and Rachna came to realize that they were actually screams of joy as the happy toddler looked over her shoulder back at her pursuer who dramatically gave chase. The excited child caught sight of her mother and made a beeline for her.

"Mama, Mama Jayjay catch me!"

Rachna gathered the toddler in her arms and watched as the handsome little boy, no older than six years of age, following Aryia came to a full stop. He cautiously looked over to Daadi who nodded gently back at the little boy.

"Hello Jayjay," Rachna called out to him presuming the little boy to be kin to their elderly neighbor.

"Do you remember me now?"

"Sanjay, beta..." Daadi called out, a warning tone in her voice.

The little boy appeared stricken, and Rachna quickly moved to appease him. She motioned him over to where she had crouched to meet Aryia. "I'm sorry beta," she began as she included him in her embrace of the little girl. "...especially as you must be a very special little boy if, this little one likes you; perhaps we can get to know each other from today onwards," Rachna suggested.

Sanjay nodded, grateful for her acknowledgment, although still very confused by everything.

"Did you like work today?" Sanjay asked his mother.

The question took her aback, but Rachna nodded. "I did actually, very much."

Her own mother interceded then, taking Aryia from Rachna. "Aacha, beti , why don't you freshen up and we will hear all about it over dinner. Daadi and Sanjay are not our only guests this evening."

************

She found Naomi in her bedroom, where she was just finishing nursing the twins. Beside her Gunjan sat with Piyush up on her shoulder patting his back. He too had just completed his meal as evidence by the empty baby bottle next to her sister.

"Welcome home Ra. I hope you don't mind us commandeering your bedroom," Naomi asked. "Rajeev had a faculty meeting this evening, and I didn't want to spend the time alone, so I came home..."

"It's okay, really. Actually it works out well. By the time I would have gotten around to telephoning you, Sir would have been back and you wouldn't have had the time to speak anyway."

"That's true," Naomi replied smiling. She then watched as her friend approached Gunjan and lean over to peer at the infant her sister held.

"How was he today, Gunjan? And how are you; are you still feeling unwell?"

"We're both fine, Rachna. Piyush was a very good boy today, and I...well whatever it was bothering me, it cleared up by mid-morning so... anyway would you mind holding him for a bit? Mayank should be home soon and I just need to..."

Rachna was already reaching for the child, before Gunjan could finish her sentence.

"Thank you, Rachna," Gunjan called out as she made a hasty retreat.

Rachna's smile lasted as long as it took for Gunjan to close the door after she exited.

"Naomi, would you say that there's something lost in the bonding process if a mother bottle feeds her child instead of breastfeeding?"

"I really can't say, but personally I wouldn't have it any other way, Ra. Mind you, for obvious reasons, Rajeev does appreciate the chance to feed the girls directly...so I would say that it probably doesn't make a difference. It depends on the person I guess." The green-eyed mother stared at her frowning friend. "Why Ra; is something bothering you?"

"Gunjan ..," Rachna answered succinctly. "I just don't get her behavior. She always seems so ready to rid herself of Piyush, and I don't understand why at all. I really think I will have to speak to Mummy... or bhai at the very least." She pondered over the stark difference between the two mothers. "I fear that she may be suffering from post-partum depression; I mean how can she not wish to..." She closed her eyes, unable to speak another word, and just held the baby closer to her chest and to her heart.

Across the room, Naomi willed her friend to realize the reasoning behind the connection she had to the infant. Secretly she was thrilled that Rachna recognized the wrongness of the situation, despite the fact that it may take some time for the true scope behind her feelings to reveal itself.

"I think you should Ra. Perhaps Aunt Shail could shed some light on the situation. But for now let's get back to you... you have to tell me, was your day everything you expected it to be?"

Rachna opened her eyes and most of the maternal worry had evaporated from her eyes; now replaced with something very much like awestruck wonder. "Oh you have no idea what sort of day I've had...I almost cannot believe it myself."

**********

It couldn't have been a more eventful evening; nor one that could have given rise to so many questions.

Absently, Rachna fiddled with the gold bangle she now wore. Who was she to Daadi that she would have so insistently forced her to take it as a gift this evening? The box of sweets that Rachna had given in return was paltry by comparison, but their elderly neighbor had accepted it from her as if was a fair exchange for the heavy bracelet. She was not mistaken that the act had made Daadi teary-eyed, but before Rachna could speak further on the matter, Daadi had suddenly made her excuses and voiced her need to leave so that Sanjay could settle down for the night. Thwarted in her attempt to spend just a little more time with the woman and her sweet grandson, by their sudden departure, Rachna had volunteered to accompany Mayank who had been asked to escort the pair home. Daadi had smiled regretfully in farewell, and insisted that after her very busy day that Rachna should prepare to rest herself. So instead, Rachna had bid farewell to their neighbors; assuring the young boy that she would be so happy to meet him again very soon. Then she had helped Naomi prepare the girls to return home, since Rajeev Sir would be coming soon to collect them.

Now she was alone with her thoughts, and trying to understand it all. She had done nothing, but re-tell her day, explaining how very happy she was to have taken this new post. It was nothing that should have predicated Daadi's actions - at least on the surface. However Rachna could not shake the feeling that something about her connection to their neighbor and her grandson was being withheld from her. She shook her head: she could stay up all night trying to figure this out, but this was something she could not afford to do. She wanted to make an early start in hopes that she would finish the new design, and that meant a good night's sleep was a must. Removing the bangle, Rachna went to her wardrobe to place it in the small jewelry box that was hidden in the back, on one of the higher shelves. It was as she was doing this, that she heard Mayank passing her room, speaking aloud. The intonation of his voice revealed that he had taken up baby duties for a now awake and fussing Piyush - which meant that Gunjan more than likely had gone to bed. She decided then and there that this was the perfect time to speak to him.

"Bhaiyaa, what are you doing?"

Rachna rushed into the kitchen to stop her brother as he was about give the scalding bottle of infant formula, to the baby he held in one arm. She quickly grabbed bottle and tested it contents on the inside of her wrist. As she expected it was far too warm, so she placed the hot-to-the touch bottle into a bowl of cool water.

"Oh God - How could you not test the formula first bhai? Surely by now you should know this!" Her attention focused on the baby who had begun crying when she raised her voice. Her brother stood there stunned at her outburst, and then even more when he suddenly found his arms empty when Rachna snatched the child away from him.

"Where is Gunjan; could she not at least given you proper instructions on how to prepare your son's bottle, if she couldn't be bothered to tend to her child herself?"

"She's settling Aryia, so I told her that I would...I thought that it would be simple enough to handle. After all I will need to soon enough any..."

Rachna dismissed whatever her brother was mumbling, and took the now cooled bottle and began feeding the baby. She turned and walked out of the room without speaking.

********

Breathe Rachna, the young woman thought to herself. She felt on the brink of something very near to a breakdown. How could her sister and brother both be so careless? Didn't they know how blessed they were, that there were people who would never know the joy...She shuddered suddenly and closed her eyes. It fell as if everything good that happened today truly amounted to nothing in the face of the current situation. She refocused on feeding the baby, so it took a moment for her to register that her mobile, which she had charging on her nightstand, was ringing. Her eyes narrowed: it was almost 10:00 PM who could be calling so late? Balancing the bottle under her chin so that she could answer the call, Rachna connected.

"Hello?"

"Good Night Rachna; Kabir Tripathi speaking. I apologize for telephoning so late, however it occurred to me that in the midst of our discussions this afternoon that I had failed to advise you that we will be going on to visit some of the fabric wholesalers tomorrow..."

Rachna interrupted him. "We..." she asked "Are you certain you wish me to accompany you?"

"Absolutely, Rachna," the designer responded concisely. "I have never been more certain of anything. In fact your attendance is imperative." He paused for a second. "We will be leaving mid-morning, so we will pick up lunch while we are out, if that is acceptable."

Rachna nodded as she answered yes, and then realized that Piyush was sucking on an empty bottle.

"Oh no," she gasped.

Quickly she rest the mobile down, and hoisted the child to her shoulder and began patting his back. Judging by his fussiness, Rachna felt sure that he had swallowed more air than he would have had she been paying attention. The baby boy immediately let out a burp, but was not content yet. Holding him firmly, Naomi grabbed the phone so that she could excuse herself from the conversation with her employer. Little Piyush was not happy to have the hand rubbing his back gone. His cries increased in volume.

"KT Sir, I'm sorry I have to go..."

" Aacha, it does sound as if I have interrupted you. May I suggest that you lay him face-down on your forearm and continue rubbing his back? I'm sure that this will do the trick, Rachna. Trust me in this."

She was stunned for a minute, but finally found her voice. "Thik hai...thank you...I will try that. Good Night Kabir."

The method worked...but in the process of aiding the baby, Rachna came to understand that she was guilty of being as careless with the child as she had accused her bhai earlier. And perhaps she was overthinking things as it pertained to Gunjan's abilities as a mother. Either way, it was obvious that she had no right to chastise bhai or Gunan. After all, both children we healthy and especially in Aryia's case, happy for the most part. Perhaps she should cut her sister some slack, and just be the support the young mother needed. Humbly, she said as much when she took the now content baby back to his parents.

It felt like a burden had been lifted and she left their room feeling much better, and once again refocused and looking forward to what the new day would bring. She had her first business meeting tomorrow, which was exciting in itself, but she was also looking forward to their lunch in order to get to know her boss a little better. She would be lying to say that his unsolicited baby advice hadn't intrigued her to the extent that she now wanted to learn more about Kabir Tripathi. It wasn't possible that a man could be as perfect as he seemed to be: was it?

Chapter #5

She was assuredly one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his life, and it only made sense that she would belong to another. Not that this would have stopped him; in fact it was this very detail that made it even more crucial that they become closer. Rachna Tripathi: he had suspected her identity that very first day as they waited to be interviewed, and now that he had absolute confirmation, he knew that she would be the key to his plan. He had come to her office, fully expecting her to be focused on one of her designs, but she was distracted this morning. This had worked in his favour, providing him the opportunity to inconspicuously enter her office and study her. He actually managed to proceed towards her, almost to the point where he could just about make out what it was on her computer had her so engrossed. However, as luck would have it, the excuse he had used to come and see her, was also his betrayer. Rachna sniffed and turned her head slightly before jumping with a start, realizing his nearness. Hastily she switched from the search engine results to her screensaver, and turned fully towards her out-of-the-blue visitor.

"Kunal, you frightened the life out of me." Frantically she peeked out of the corner of her eyes to make sure her computer screen was deactivated.

"Oh ho...were you internet shopping on company time, Racha," he teased, admiring the rosy hue that swept her cheeks. He nodded towards her computer, and continued. "You know it would only take someone with a little know-how just a couple of keystrokes to know exactly what you have been up to." His baiting had quite the opposite affect than he wanted, as her face became fiery red now. He decided to change the subject in order to save her from whatever was causing her discomfort. "Namaste Rachna," he properly greeted her. "You have two choices: black coffee or chai," he offered, alternating between the two large disposable hot beverage cups he held. "I don't mind either; so you can choose your preference." He smiled warmly when Rachna made her selection and then backed away, and out of her personal space. Walking back around her desk, Kunal took a seat in the chair opposite her and waited while his co-worker gained some semblance of control. When she had settled enough to enjoy her first taste of the chai she had selected, he finally spoke his mind.

"It was rather of-putting to realize that you had stood me up yesterday, Rachna. Clearly I had no choice but to seek you out this morning for a do-over...or is this a raincheck?"

It took her a second, but then Rachna removed the hot cup from mouth, and bit her lower lip, recalling their impromptu agreement made on the day they had met. "Ahh...Coffee...we were supposed to meet in the breakroom on our first day on the job. I totally forgot Kunal; I'm so sorry."

Kunal's smile broadened. "It's not the end of the world, Rachna, trust me it was a busy day for me as well...but since I can see that you are completely remorseful, you can make it up to me by agreeing to having lunch with me."

"Today?"

"Today: itself," Kunal confirmed. "Something quick and completely my treat."

He knew she would reject him just by her expression, and wondered why.

"I wish I could, but actually I'll be out with Kabir..." Rachna said, tapering off into silence as she briefly turned back to her computer.

"Out with Kabir: of course you will be," Kunal mumbled under his breath, before he plastered a rueful grin on his face when Rachna turned back to face him. He held up his cup and toasted to the designer. "Well you can't fault a guy for trying..."

"Are you free tomorrow," she queried, shocking him to the core.

His mouth fell open, as he stared at her in disbelief. Hastily he placed his cup on her desk and grabbed his phone out of his pocket and checked the planner on his mobile.

"Is one o'clock good for you, Kunal? And for your information we can still go for something quick...but it will be my treat to make up for standing up a new friend."

It was more than he had expected when he had decided to visit her, so he quickly agreed.

********

Kabir was running late.

After his brief telephone call to Mayank the previous night, the anxious father had taken Sanjay to school the next morning and then returned home to await word that Rachna had left for work. When the call came from his mother-in-law that she had, he had checked the time and hastened next door. He was torn between the need to see how his children fared and hurrying to the office where their mother waited. Despite knowing that Rachna would have taken good care of their son, Kabir had been concerned over the baby's blatant discomfort the night before. Having gone through an intense colicky phase with Aryia, he was worried that little Piyush too may be susceptible to the same issue. He was led directly to Rachna's bedroom, where Gunjan waited. He couldn't blame his daughter for wanting to be there, even when her mother was absent Rachna's essence filled the space. Thankfully, Rachna had had no issue with this either.

Aryia brightened when she caught sight of him; squealing as she jumped up and ran to her Papa. Kabir hoisted her up to his shoulder and kissed the little girl before approaching the bed where Gunjan sat with his precious baby boy.

It was a brief and emotional encounter, but one much needed, especially from his point of view. Assured that both children were well, and that it had only been a temporary ailment that had befallen his son, nothing that necessitated a visit to his doctor, Kabir had thanked Gunjan once more for going over and above anything that could have been expected. In his mind, he thought that would have to find some way to properly show his appreciation to his sister and brother-in-law when all was said and done. Perhaps a vacation - a second honeymoon- to an adult only locale would be in order; he was sure that the pair would have had their fill of children by the time things got back to normal. Now, as he approached Rachna's office, he smiled in anticipation of being able to do this for his family - he knew for sure that his wife would heartily approve when the time came. He knocked lightly and absently opened the door without waiting for a response, to discover his wife and their new employee in an apparent meeting and clearly enjoying each other's company.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he posed, as he approached the smiling pair.

"Not at all KT Sir," Kunal responded. "I just decided to rescue this hard-worker by ensuring that she partook of a coffee- break." He looked at his watch, and stood. "Which: by my watch is technically over now." He bid goodbye to Rachna and nodded at their employer as he exited.

When he heard the door close behind him, Kabir sat in the now vacated chair.

"Did you receive my email this morning, Rachna?"

"Ji Kabir, I did." She scanned her desk for the document detailing the names of wholesalers they were to visit, only to realize that she had been so distracted that she hadn't actually followed through on her intention of printing it out. Embarrassed, Rachna turned back to her computer. She flushed self-consciously when her computer opened up where she left it. She had been a fool to do this particular search here at work. It would have been bad enough had Kunal surmised what she had been up to, but even more so had the man in question were to learn that she was Googling him. She closed the page and took the extra step of clearing the search history as well. This definitely called for a more covert step, and possibly some outside help.

"It looks as if you need a few minutes, so..."

Afraid that he had become impatient with her disorganization, Rachna looked up, her face full of apology.

"I'll just grab myself a cup of coffee from the breakroom," Kabir concluded genially.

"Thik hai. I promise I will be ready by the time you are done."

***********

One or two of the fabric suppliers, she actually recalled, so it was a relief for Rachna to have some knowledge of the wares that they offered. Particularly as Kabir was so adamant that she take the lead in the textile discussions and choices for the collection she was working on. Hesitant at first, Rachna soon hit her stride as she discussed the viability of the different fabrics for the designs she was envisioning. By the time they had hit the third store, she had confidently taken the lead in the consultations. He doubted that she was even aware that she had regulated him to the role of a casual observer as she met and negotiated with the various tradesmen. And he couldn't be happier.

As they concluded their dealings with the second to last vendor on their list, Kabir queried whether she was ready for lunch.

"We're actually not very far from the caf that I had in mind," he stated.

Rachna blinked and flushed slightly at the thought on the one-on- one interaction the two of them would have, sharing a meal. The prospect felt more overwhelming than any of the business discussions she had conducted this morning, and yet she couldn't deny her eagerness to learn more about this man, that their noon break would afford her.

"If we are close..." she responded neutrally.

They walked a while longer and then after a right turn came to their intended destination. Out of the corner of his eye, Kabir noticed Rachna's surprise. He stopped suddenly outside the establishment which had her following suit. "I hope this is okay; if not..."

She stopped his words when she nonchalantly placed her hand on his arm. "Nahi, this is actually one of my favorite places..." Still holding onto him, she turned back in the direction they had come. "It must have been the route that confused me as to where we were. I was actually planning on having lunch here tomorrow," she confessed with a cheeky smile. She then moved ahead of him and started for the door. "I'm just surprised that you would like a place like this, KT."

His sense of chivalry wouldn't allow him not to get the door for her and he rushed past her to get it.

"Well I'm not certain exactly what your perception of me is, Rachna, but I can assure you that this indeed one of my favorites as well."

**********

Kabir was grateful ,that when she had been finally able, that both Rachna's family and friends had made a point of bringing her back to the restaurant where they now were about to order their favorite meals. The obvious reason in doing so was the hope that the familiar place would jog her memory. Unfortunately it hadn't, but at least it had provided a logical explanation as to why the server had been able to identify the pair of them and call them by name. Kabir was well aware that he couldn't control every situation, as he had in the office where everyone was aware of his wife's memory loss. However as they spent more time together, as he fully intended for them to, sooner or later someone would bring their connecton to the fore. His hope was that he would be further along in reestablishing their relationship before that happened, but there was really no way that it could be avoided. It was guaranteed to happen at some point. He was only grateful that she hadn't been confronted with the truth just yet. It was more than obvious that she was not ready for such a disclosure.

After they had established this was indeed one of their favorite eateries , they had settled to enjoy their orders. Kabir had steered the conversation back to one that would make her feel more comfortable: basically querying how the wholesalers they had visited would influence the designs she would need to complete. She was very forthcoming due to the nature of the conversation, and it became so easy to forget the situation they found themselves in. To Kabir it seemed for this moment in time, that he had his wife back.

For her part, as their conversation deepened, Rachna felt more and more at ease in his company, so much so that when she noticed that Kabir had the tiniest speck of sauce on the side of his mouth she automatically reached over with her napkin. Halfway out of her seat, she suddenly became conscious what she was about to do and came to a complete standstill. Kabir stared at her -the question evident on his handsome face. She sat suddenly mortified that she would act so forward. Her hand trembling, she pointed. "Um...y-you just have something..."

Kabir understood immediately, and grabbed his napkin off his lap and ran it over his mouth. He never took his eyes off of her, and could see how unnerved she had become. Casually he turned to take a sip of his beverage, thinking how best to settle his wife's apprehensions.

"Did it take long for the baby to settle last night, Rachna?"

She blinked and looked up at him, and took a deep breath, thanking God that he hadn't questioned the action she had almost taken.

"Nahi Kabir...your advice actually helped him tremendously. Thank you so much for suggesting it." She paused to take a long draw of her own drink. It was as good an opening as any to try to get to know the real Kabir Tripathi. "Do you have much experience with children, Kabir?"

Not exactly what she wanted to know, but it was the best she could do. For some reason she was afraid of his answer, that she would learn that he was actually married with children, and this rapid fascination that she was developing was ill-fated. Having posed the question in a way that the answer wouldn't necessarily shatter her perceptions of him, Rachna keenly awaited his answer.

"Some," he answered evasively. "And the child you were caring for?"

"He's mine," Rachna replied immediately. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I mean, he actually my nep..."

"But he feels as if he could be yours: right? What I mean to say; you're so close to your family that it feels as if..."

"Haan," she answered softly. "That's it exactly. But how did you..."

"Just a feeling, Rachna," Kabir replied. He peeked at his watch. "We have about twenty minutes before we have to get going. "Why don't you tell me about him?"

"It's not just him; he has a sister too..."

"The both of them then: tell me about them, Rachna."

***************

Once she was back in her office, Rachna realized that aside from his Kabir's enigmatic response that had indicated his familiarity with children, that she hadn't really learnt anywhere as much as she had hoped to about her boss. In fact quite the opposite had occurred whereas she had done most of the talking. He had been so easy to talk to, both during the remaining minutes they had before their last appointment, and then afterwards on in the car on the way back to the office. She was sorely tempted to put aside her work and do a proper online search on the man, but knew she couldn't chance it. Definitely not here at work: or for that matter at home. Aside from Gunjan, if anyone at home were to discover... She shook her head, that didn't bear considering knowing how overprotective her family was. What she needed was a PI who was computer savvy enough to know how to unearth all the facts on someone.

Thankfully, she had just so happened to have recently met such a person. Walking over to her office door, she locked it so that she could make her telephone call.

In his office Kabir pondered on his and Rachna's time today. Although he sensed her confusion as to the how and whys of it, Rachna was rapidly becoming comfortable with him; in fact far quicker than he had ever expected her to. He was hesitant to put a timeline on their reunion, but he was encouraged.

His attention was drawn away from his thoughts by a skype message coming through. He looked at the ID of the caller and answered.

"Namaste Pari; how are the girls today?"

"Good Bhai. They're actually resting now."

"So why aren't you, Pari? You do know that you should take advantage of their naptime to rest yourself."

"Well to tell the truth I had full intentions of doing just that - that is until about two minutes ago."

"Aacha," Kabir asked worried that his friend had a problem. "Is something wrong Naomi?"

The attractive woman on the other end smiled brightly. "Au contraire, Kabir Tripathi, far from it. As a matter-of-fact I would say everything is very right. I just wanted to clarify with you, exactly what and how much information I should be disclosing to Rachna, after my computer search on one Kabir Tripathi. Are you ready for all of your deep dark secrets to come to light just yet, Bhaiyaa," Naomi asked cheekily.