The Red String Theory (Chapter 17 updated on page 59) - Page 17

Chapter Ten: I do' but do you?

Date: 8^th June 2014
Time: 11.42a.m
Place: The Honeymoon suite, Mariott, Paris.
Mood: Determined

She had been absently flicking through the channels, not really paying attention to what was on TV, when she heard the door open. Her instinct told her to get up and go have a look, but then she decided against it. Besides he'd have to walk past her to go to his room anyhow.

"Morning." Nakusha greeted

"Morning...although it's nearly afternoon." Dutta responded fact like, looking at his watch.

"Where were you?" She asked rather quickly.

He definitely had the smart casual look going for him, in that dark blazer, but she could never be too sure with him. If the one thing-the only thing- she had learned about Sir Patil, it was this: not everything was as it first seems when it came to him.

Indeed the first time she had met him she thought him obnoxious, but truth be told while there remained an arrogant streak within him-again one she could not fault when she reflected at how far he had come in life-he was as further away from being obnoxious than one would naturally assume for a guy of his stature.

"Out." Dutta replied nonchalantly as removed his blazer.

"Yes... but where?" Nakusha persisted.

"What are you my mother?" Dutta began amused somewhat at how; indeed it appeared as though he was a teenager getting in after a late night, while his mother questioned him.

"Because if you are..." He continued:

"...You're asking all wrong. Your posture isn't straight enough. You need to act as though your spine is made of steel, your nose should be tilted upwards as though a foul smell follows you around and most importantly you have to frown more." Dutta counted off as be began demonstrating each of those things for Nakusha.

"Haha," Nakusha sarcastically responded.

"I'm serious." Dutta insisted before he answered her query by simply saying:

"Working."

Dutta settled his laptop on the table. Upon not hearing any response from Nakusha he looked up to see her frowning.

"Yes just like that. Now you look like Mrs Patil." He mocked, producing a crooked smile.

Nakusha merely narrowed her eyes at him.

"What, Nakusha?"

"I am working. Not everyone is on a vacation like some people." He remarked, looking accusingly at Nakusha, who merely scowled back at him.

"I had a meeting with a couple of the guys from our Paris branch; we're expanding the press line so I had to iron out a few details." He began enlightening her as he plugged his adapter into the computer.

Nakusha was silent again, but then suddenly announced:

"Let's go," somewhat satisfied with his account.

"Huh?"

"Food, I'm hungry." Nakusha explained, straightening up off the sofa.

"Wait, you haven't eaten? But it's almost lunch time." Dutta reasoned.

He felt bad for her. He suddenly felt guilty; as though it was his fault she had not eaten. Maybe he shouldn't have snuck out this morning. Dutta's meeting had been at 9 o'clock. He could easily have gotten up at eight, instead of 6am, like he had. He knew why he did it. Nakusha wasn't going to leave his remark hanging;

She's not in my life anymore'

That's what he had said to her the night before.

He knew it wasn't enough. She'd have questions. Heck this was Naksuha, she wouldn't just have questions; she'd have theories and a counter hypothesis all at the ready. She wasn't going to let him so easily off the hook. He knew that. He did know that.

If anything Nakusha had a right to know.

A right' generating from what source exactly was something Dutta wasn't quite sure he was happy thinking about. Of course he knew the answer. He knew where that right arose from. Of course he knew. The beginnings of it had started all those years ago in Sydney.

But it was Scotland, when he knew. When he really knew.

But hadn't he put an end to all of that two years ago, when had failed to give her a reason, despite knowing full well what she had wanted to hear?

Whenever he closed his eyes he saw those same piercing green eyes searching his face, urging him silently to say exactly what she wanted to hear from his mouth that day in the rain. To say the words that-and this is what made his heart sink all over again-he too had wanted to say to her.

Stop it Dutta.' He reminded himself, as he heard Nakusha speak.

"I know! It's almost lunch time, come on, there's this beautiful restaurant just outside, let's brunch!" She said excitedly.

"No thank you, I've eaten." He smiled back weakly.

"SO?" Demanded Nakusha, as she crossed her arms:

"So? Well, that generally means that I'm not hungry." Dutta rationalised.

"Hungry shmungry, its brunch. Nobody says no to brunch." Nakusha jeered, waving off Dutta's reasoning.

"Honestly, you go." Dutta told her as he turned back to look at his laptop screen.

Nakusha was quiet for a second, before she blurted:

"Is this about last night?"

Dutta now looked up, her piercing green eyes were downcast, a subtle colour rose in her cheeks, but it was the way she was fidgeting with the hem of the cardigan that forewarned Dutta: that she was about to apologise:

"I'm sor.."

"It's ok. You don't have to apologise." He interrupted softly.

"I don't?" Nakusha tentatively asked.

"No, Nakusha..." He began,

"You don't." He spoke clearly.

There was something in his voice. For one Nakusha was sure he had emphasised you.' But more than that, she could have sworn that she saw something in his eyes. He face was still, although warm and affectionate, which clarified his genuineness, there was something there. He was hiding something. If anything and this really struck her-so much so that she was certain her heart sank a little; but it looked as though he was apologetic. If Nakusha didn't know any better she'd have assumed he was the one feeling guilty. As though he was the one who should be apologising to her.

But for what?

Instantly, and completely unintentionally Nakusha thought back to the last time they had spoken.

Two years ago in Scotland;

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"Give me a reason." She asked calmly

"What?"

"Give me a reason." She repeated.

But he didn't.

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Nakusha forced herself out of her memories when she realised, Dutta was now finally looking directly into her eyes.

Dutta sensed that Nakusha wasn't satisfied, sighing he continued, this time looking directly into her eyes. Even if it meant he'd feel that ache all over again.

"Nakusha," he sighed

"The one thing you and I have never done is awkward. So please let's not start now. Deal?"

Nakusha gaped at him for a while, he was hiding something. She knew it. And then she vowed to herself that by the end of the day she would get it out of him;

Even if it kills me' she promised before she finally smiled;

"On one condition."

Dutta looked at her, half smirking, knowing full well what her condition was, he said:

"Brunch?"

"Bingo! Smart and handsome, two for two Mr Patil." Nakusha winked.

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Date: 18^th July 2012
Time: 10.35 a.m
Place: Room 312, Mansfield Castle Hotel, Scottish Highlands
Mood: Melancholic

If it had been raining last night, there was no indication now anyway. The sky was a beautiful blue: bright and clear with a fortunate sparkling of golden sunlight. The perfect day for a wedding some would have said. Outside, birds chirped, the air still but with a hint of warmth, a sweet musk wafted through the open windows, as indoors a welcomed wedding panic set in.

"She's going to kill me!" Baji paced, running his hands through his hair, yet again.

"Will you calm down, they are here somewhere." Dutta reassured him.

"WHERE?" Baji practically yelled, as he fell to floor looking frantically under the bed.

"What are you doing?" Dutta asked curiosity washing all over his face.

"They are not under the bed. Why would they be under the bed?" Dutta questioned, pulling Baji up as he suddenly remembered that as best man it was his duty to ensure Baji looked the part. If he didn't, Dutta dare not think what Kala Tai would do to him.

"Well I found one of my cuff links in the bath," Baji began frantically;

"IN THE BATH..." he repeated dramatically feeling as though Dutta hadn't quite grasped the gravity of the situation.

"...so really why wouldn't the vows be under the bed?" Baji half panicked, as he quickly checked to see he still had both his cuff links.

Dutta watched Baji for some time, who continued fretting, either with his hair, his tie (Which he had changed six times nonetheless before settling back to the first one) to even his jacket, buttoning it and then unbuttoning it. Dutta suspected Baji was merely nervous and his frantic constant checks were a coping mechanism. A mechanism which clearly did not work.

After watching Baji panic for some time before the mirror as he fixed his hair, Dutta finally stepped in front of him, blocking Baji's view, he placed his hands on his shoulders and he shook him hard like a rag doll.

"Snap out of it man!" Dutta glared at Baji.

"It's your wedding day..."

"Really? Mujhe laga it's my birthday," Baji sourly responded, freeing himself from Dutta's grasp.

Dutta merely ignored him as he continued:

"Everything is perfect. You don't like a ghaddah, if anything for once you've scrubbed up well..."

"Ab itni be tareef math kar." Baji sarcastically scorned, but again Dutta carried on ignoring him, but this time changing tack as he was clearly failing to get through to Baji:

"Do you love Haya?"

"I, What?!" Baji asked completely confused, having not anticipated that question.

"Well?" Dutta asked again.

"Of course I do, Bhau. That's the dumbest thing you've ever asked me..." Baji began but Dutta interrupted him;

"Do you want to spend the rest of your life with her?"

"More than anything." Baji spoke clearly,

"Bhau, I want to go to sleep watching her and wake to find her huddled in my arms. I want to watch cheesy talent shows while lounging on the couch with her. I want to shop for dinner plates together and argue over which of our fine china will never be used. I want to argue about leaving wet towels on the floor. I want to dance with her in the middle of our kitchen for no reason at all. I want to be driven mad by her. I want her to fuss over me. I want to come home from work every day to her. I want to grow old with her; I want to father her children. She is my be all and end all..."

Baji suddenly stopped talking. Dutta was smiling widely at his best friend.

"Oh wow." Baji began, realising what Dutta had just done.

He sheepishly ran his hand through his hair before he mumbled;

"Thanks man."

"Huh?" Dutta asked, placing his hand behind his ear, and pretending as though he hadn't heard him;

"What was that I didn't quite catch it?"

"THANK YOU SWEETUMS!" Baji mocked as he pinched Dutta's cheek, which resulted in Dutta slapping his hand away, before the two began laughing.

And then not a second later the door of his room swung open as in stepped his sister and brother in law. Baji gulped, knowing that not his sister but his death was stood in front of him.

"Looking for something?" Kala asked raising an eyebrow she waved a piece of paper before Baji's face.

It was Baji's vows, the ones he had written himself. The ones he had practically rattled off to Dutta merely a minute ago.

"Where did you find it...?"

"Some questions are best left unanswered." Kala spoke sweetly, before she stepped up towards Baji, handing him the piece of paper, she smiled widely and hugged him. Moving slightly back, she whispered so that only Dutta and Baji could hear her:

"If you mess up again, then I promise you I will kill you little one."

Baji gulped yet again. He may have been the groom, but this was Kala's wedding through and through and she would deliver a grand event even if that meant she would have to kill the groom herself.

Dutta couldn't help but smile anxiously a little. Kala unconditionally loved Baji, if anything although there was only a four year age gap between them, she was like his second mother. But growing up, all-including Roops (who viewed Kala as a role model somewhat) had grown accustom to Kala's temper and need to control everything.

Just then as Kala fussed with Baji's tie, her pager beeped. Yes she had a pager. (This wedding would be the wedding of the decade even if it killed her.)

"That's the bride. Gotta go." She announced very business-like, she had walked a couple of steps, when she suddenly stopped. Turning around she walked back towards Dutta and Baji. She first hugged Dutta:

"Good job." She congratulated him.

Dutta could have sworn that Kala knew what had happened merely minutes before she came in. She moved back a little but still in his embrace and added affectionately:

"It's so lovely to see you."

For a moment Dutta could have sworn he sensed something in the way she had said that. As though she knew something about something. No doubt, the Rao's had always been affectionate towards him (and Roops) but Dutta couldn't help but shake the feeling that Kala Tai knew more than she let on.

Hugging Dutta quickly again, she then turned to Baji, her eyes glistening, she took in her brother.

Indeed he was handsome.

She gently placed her hand in his hair and fixed it before she spoke ever so softly;

"I'm so proud of you."

She tenderly placed the hand that had been fixing his hair on his cheek, before she flashed him a smile, her own (small dimple) showing before she saw the one that would always warm her heart: her brother's dimple.

They hugged each other for some time and Dutta felt somewhat of a pang at seeing the brother and sister interact. Of course he had Roop, but when was the last time they had hugged? It hurt Dutta when he was unable to recall how long ago it had been. He had an awful feeling it was years and years ago.

"Ok, remember, I'll send Kishore when it's time." Kala spoke in her sudden businesslike manner, nodding at her husband, who stood tall and ready for whatever order she would bark at him. Clearly Kala Tai had left the building and now Kala the wedding planner was back in action. Stepping away she turned on her heels and marched off.

Kishore quickly passed Baji something and winked at him, without Kala realising what it was. Dutta had a sneaky suspicion it was something to take the edge off, before he was summoned by his wife who was already half way down the hall;

"Gotta go!" Kishore remarked before he sprinted out after his wife.

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Meanwhile down the hall...

He was back; Nakusha had been drying her hair, when she heard the door shut.

"Tea." He beemed handing Nakusha a cup.

Nakusha looked up at him warily.

"Dash of milk, no sugar. Just the way you like it." He reassured her, while he smiled. That smile of his, the one that made her stomach somersault.

Well at least it used too.

He was making an effort.

Damn it.

This is exactly what Nakusha had been afraid of. Hadn't she told herself that she was merely doing a favour for a friend? She had only agreed to be his plus one, on the condition that they would go as friends. Nothing more. That's all this was.

So why was he going the extra mile?

They had broken up four months ago, (well they were on a break at least- as he would remind her time again.) Nakusha didn't see any difference between the two, but for some reason to him it made a whole lot of a difference that this-whatever this was-was just a break.

After the whole family fiasco' as Nakusha thought of it, he had flown out for a couple of months (work purposes) during which time Nakusha realised a few home truths.

They were not meant to be.

When he finally came back in March she told him. She didn't really know how he would react. She had expected perhaps something, but no. He merely looked up at her, from across the dinner table, sighed, shrugged somewhat and continued eating his spaghetti bolognaise. And that was that. They were no longer a couple.

Weeks after that, they didn't see each other; they often bumped into one another at the hospital whenever he had work, and it was polite. Civil have you. But really in every sense of the phrase he was a done chapter in her life.

Well that was until two weeks ago.

Something changed.

And it all began with a surprise visit from his mum; Shelly.

Nakusha had been washing up when she heard the doorbell. At first she assumed it must have been Leela, who came back to pick up something her daughter had left behind. But when she opened the door she was in for a surprise.

Awkward.

That's the word. It had been an entirely awkward twenty minutes or so that Nakusha was in the company of Shelly. Naturally Nakusha invited her in, why she was being so polite was beyond her, but even Nakusha had a rule: that any guest that came to her front door at least deserved some hospitality-even if that person had not been so hospitable themselves.

Her visit had been short. Rather abrupt. Heck Nakusha had a niggling feeling that it wasn't planned. More than anything Nakusha suspected that it was merely an attempt for Shelly to get her bearings. A feat that somewhat solidified over the next few days when Shelly's motives became all but clear.

It started off with flowers. Roses nonetheless. One day out of the blue, on her front doorstep, then in her office and then worse of all, while she was out lunching with a colleague, the waiter had come over with another single stemmed rose.

Nakusha was not a flower person, and roses? They were the worst of the lot. But this was just the beginning. Two days after, he came in the flesh himself. Something about a leaked pipe and his house being inhabitable. Of course Naksuha had told him all about a nearby travel lodge that he could stay in, she even found him the number and handed him the phone, but no, he didn't get the message. Instead she ended up with a lodger.

But the icing on the cake came last weekend, when he had dropped by her consultation room and insisted they grab a coffee. Nakusha who was worked off her feet, had rejected it, but he told her that they were headed in the same direction and the coffee machine was in their route too so why not?

Why not indeed?' Nakusha grumbled to herself noting how his charm was on full beam.

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"As friends?" Nakusha asked sceptically.

"Friends." He nodded, placing the card in her hand.

She was still unsure.

"Why?"

"Ok, so although I'm invited from the Brides side; the father and brother of the bride are long term associate partners of our firm up in Glasgow." He quickly explained before he added:

"The Groom's sister insists on a plus one."

Nakusha merely raised an eyebrow at him; how dumb did he think she was that she would fall for that.

"I know what you're thinking, which is why I called and checked. Turns out she is completely insane. Hence the whole castle' wedding."

Nakusha had noticed the venue, she didn't really pay attention to the names of the bride and groom. Why would she when it did not affect her anyway? She didn't know them, nor did she feel she would get to know them, but the venue? That she had noticed. Naturally it had piqued her interest. Although Nakusha wasn't one for grand events, even she couldn't say no to the beautiful landscape and breathtaking beauty of the Scottish highlands. She had nearly said yes merely to check the place out, before she realised who was in front of her.

"SO, what do you say?" He asked, flashy his perfect pearly smile.

Nakusha looked up at him, his eyes were twinkling, for an instant she couldn't help but lose herself in them, but quickly retracted when she recalled the hollow voices of his sisters;

Perfect trophy wife.'

"I dunno, you could ask someone, make it a date..." Nakusha began

"That's the plan." He mumbled, but Nakusha hadn't heard him, instead he spoke over her, taking her free hand in his:

"For old times' sake," he spoke using nostalgia as a weapon.

"Please as a friend I promise," he practically begged.

Noting that Nakusha's defences were somewhat crumbling, he took the opportunity to slide his thumb delicately over her knuckles all while maintaining a longing gaze;

"Would you please do me the honour of attending this wedding with me?"

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She had said yes.

Now stood there, with the hair dryer in one hand, while he hovered over her with the tea (just the way she liked it,) she regretted it. She should have known what he was up to. The sudden interest. The sudden attentiveness. It was all a warning. One she had missed because of his infectious charm. Now that she thought about it, last night had been a clear indicator: helping her out of the car, walking close to her (too close to her) to even somehow claiming the only room left was a double bed, they'd have to share.

Of course he had to make do with the sofa set, and truth be told Nakusha was glad that his frame did not fit it at all. She had hoped he had the most uncomfortable night, but now with the tea and how admittedly affectionate he was being, plus those eyes. Nakusha was afraid that by the end of this wedding she may end up back where she was eight months ago.

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*This chapter was quite difficult, I *nearly* took it out as I felt it to be somewhat of a filler. But anyhow I hope you enjoyed it. Do let me know. As ever till next time ;) *