FF: Serendipity Concluded Epilogue/Pg 20 - Page 13

Part 12

Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
'cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)

I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone
~ Lyrics from the album ' Dream Lover by Bobby Darin

"Chaliye. Delhi ke traffic mein hume waqt lag jayegi aur hum ek minut bhi miss nahin karna chahte hain" called out Khushi, as she tried to hurry everyone out of the house so they could drive over for AR Designs's Fashion show 2013.

Relax Khushi, "hum apne gaadi mein nahin balki limousine mein jaa rahe hain. I'll know when it arrives. Meine Mohan ko tumhare ghar bej diya to pick up Buaji, aunty and uncle aur meri car waise bhi NK ke paas hai" said Arnav as he walked down the stairs buttoning his sleeve.

Khushi could not tear her eyes away from her Arnavji as she left her mouth hanging open. He looked extremely handsome and dashing in his new pitch black tuxedo that set off the crisp white of his shirt quite well. She took in his chin, smile and his eyes and forgot what it was that she was telling everyone to hurry up about.

Arnav smirked and flicked her nose "phir se laal ho gayi hai".

"Waise NK ji kahaan hai? Kya woh hamare saat Fashion show pe nahin aarahe hain?" enquired Payal, just as Maya walked over.

"Nahin, use kuch urgent kaam tha, he will join us later at the show" replied Arnav looking at Maya and including her in his reply.

Maya smiled weakly but could not conceal her disappointment from Arnav's gaze. He knew her very well thanks to their close bonding from Harvard days.

"You look lovely Maya" he said in an attempt to cheer her up.

Anjali and Khushi caught on quickly and hugging Maya showered their praises on her choice of the sunset orange colored saree studded with tiny rhinestones in an abstract pattern that she had worn for the event.

Khushi was a bundle of excitement as she looked out the window from the luxury of their limousine. She drank in the splendor of "The Grand Hyatt" where AR Designs Fashion show was staged. She had worn a fiery red and magenta saree with discrete sparkles that was part of the 'Utsav collection' to be launched in the show that evening.

She clutched her Arnavji's fingers to still her nerves. Arnav smiled as he squeezed her hand thinking how beautiful his Khushi looked in the show stopper saree of his show. She did not know it yet, but she was going to walk that ramp on his arm when it was time for the showstopper to be presented. The family was escorted by the hotel security to their place of honor at the very front of the hall near the ramp.

"Hai re Nand Kisore, Payaliya, Kusi, ee to ek dum swayam Indra ki sabha lag rahi hai. " exclaimed Madhumati rushing to her nieces the moment she saw them, while Naaniji and Arnav spoke to Garima and Sashi.

The fabulous banquet hall boasted of a sleek and shiny ramp, floor to ceiling angled screens in the background and huge strategically placed monitors to show case the fabulous creations from ARs design team to audiences that sat far away from the ramp. The adjoining covered terrace and private conference room were set with tables covered in crisp white linen and lined with covered shiny dishes filled with culinary delights. The whole place was elegantly decorated with white black and gold as the theme to provide a neutral backdrop for the colorful outfits to be revealed.

Akash and Arnav reveled in the joy their wives experienced for the first time in their lives. They had to quickly settle down as the lights dimmed to indicate commencement of the show.

Music filled the air as the runway lit up and a spectacular show of lights to synchronized music began that was to transport the viewers to something beyond magic for the next four and a half hours.

"AR designs is presenting its new styles in five categories this year; its signature Business Casuals and Formals for the modern Indian men and women, an ethnic line for Men and Women where bold saturated earthy color rules the ramp, and for the first time since their inception AR is also introducing an exclusive line of maternity clothes for the modern Indian woman. Without further ado ladies and gentlemen feast your eyes on AR's 'More Mitti ke Rang Colors of my Land' " boomed the voice of the Master of ceremonies.

"Arrey yeh to apne Nanheji ke keechenhue tasveer hai" clapped Khushi as she saw the back ground images flash on screen Colorful Kathakali imagery, the teeming crowd of busy Kolkotta, the languid laid back Goan beaches, the vibrant and verdant green and blue of the back waters of Kerala; spectacular sceneries and digital captures of the beauty of India, Delhi to Kanyakumari and Kolkota to Goa, spanning the length and breadth of the country was on display as the outfits inspired by each area were taken for a spin on the catwalk by stunning models. India, its land and people set a perfect backdrop to the collections that AR launched that night.

The high-tech programmed laser lights precisely highlighted and drew the viewer's attention to the evolving fabric story on stage. It seemed like a grand narration of a lovely tale spun with weaves and wefts of the various parts of India. The explosion of earthy, rich colors in the ethnic line brought down the roof with applause. AR that was known for its muted palette had gone bold with its color this year and fashion journalists were scratching away on their notepads both paper and electronic.

"This would be a trendsetter for the rest to follow", tweeted one,

"Arnav Singh Raizada has taken the art of putting on a fashion show to new heights of splendor" tweeted another,

"And AR is the first and the rest nowhere" tweeted a third.

"Khushi, come" whispered Arnav in her ears bringing her back to reality as he helped her up and followed by Akash and Payal took the stage for the final walk of the evening down the ramp, surrounded by his designers and models.

"Relax Khushi, mein hoon na tumhe sambaal ne ke liye" said Arnav squeezing her arm as Khushi smiled at him and replied

"Hume pata hai, aap sambaalenge hamesha".

Khushi realized as she walked with her Arnavji that she was wearing the most important piece of the entire collection of the year, the showstopper, she felt both proud and humbled at that moment and basked in her Arnavji's love for her. Payal had donned the showstopper for the maternity collection. The Raizadas and Guptas applauded collectively with misty eyes. Who could have thought a couple of years back that such a scene would greet their eyes.

Arnav began answering the various questions thrown at him by the journalists and fashion reporters from the media. "Before I conclude Ladies and Gentlemen let me answer the one question that has been hurled at me multiple times today, who is responsible for this spectacular event, the mother of all shows as one of you put it? AR group is proud to be partners with ' The Three friends and Technology' group that has handled all of our Multi Media and Stage production for this event. I would like to welcome on stage Mr. Nand Kishore Gohil founder & CEO of this company and the mastermind for this incredible presentation"

Khushi's mouth fell open and Maya clamped a hand to her mouth as she quivered in her seat with excitement when she saw her Nandu take the stage with aplomb. He was beaming and despite a faint shadow of stubble looked every bit impeccable in his dark suit and crisp white shirt. His hair that he had neglected to trim the past few months was long and curled a bit where it hit his collar adding an artistic edge to his persona. Nandu went on to answer questions and introduced his partners Andy and Ryan.

"Arrey wah, ka baat hai Nand Kisore! Tum ne to kamaal hi kardiya. Kaa Maya Jaal rachayi" gushed Buaji squeezing NK's cheeks in the private banquet hall that was prepped for the family to retire to.

"To yeh ta aapka project. Very well done NK bhai" hugged an ecstatic Anjali.

Khushi and Payal and the rest of the family showered him with their congratulations and blessings.

"Beta, I am so proud of you "came a distinctly familiar voice as a gentle hand landed on his shoulders causing NK to spin around.

To his astonishment he stood face to face with his dad, Brij Kishore Gohil whose face was suffused with pride and pleasure and his mom whose eyes were filled with tears of Joy. NK hugged his dad and mom, his heart bursting with pride and joy; he looked up at Arnav mouthing 'thanks bro' as he realized it was Nannav's doing.

"I wish Iyer Uncle were here to see this" muttered NK, berating himself for not inviting the one man who set off the train of events leading to this day.

"But I am very much here my boy!" came a voice right next to NK. Lo and behold! NK spied Mr. Subramanian Iyer next to him patting his shoulder "Your cousin the smart and shrewd Arnav flew me down with him in his private plane yesterday. He had paid me a visit and explained to me your commitment and sincerity and had asked for permission on your behalf for you and Maya to be united" he finished glancing at Arnav.

NK beamed at his cousin who just stood there a lazy half smile of contentment on his face, and gave him one big, brotherly hug saying "Nannav mere bhai, thanks for everything".

"Yeah right NK! Don't mess it up ok! And don't hurt her ever. Waise, I owed you big time for standing by my Khushi like a rock at all times, even when I was not with her. Ek aisa dost jo usske saat har waqt tha, jis pe woh pura bharoza karsakti thi" Stated Arnav returning his hug in equal measure.

"Khushi ji, aap ne aakhir Bhai ko thodasa filmy banahi diya" chuckled Akash sharing a conspiratorial smile with his Khushi Bhabi.

NK was patted, hugged, blessed, praised countless number of times, his heart was bursting, and yet there was one very important thing that he had to take care of.

NK's eyes scanned the room in search of his Maya who had not spoken to him yet. He spotted her standing demurely by the windows clutching the edge of the drapes absorbing the entire scene in front of her. As her eyes fixed on her Nandu an intense emotion of love crossed her face.

Slowly he held out his hand and kneeling down on one knee, spoke as an expectant hush settled down in the room. "Maya you are the reason and inspiration for me to create all of this, your love is what has made this possible. I do not want to wake up to a day without you by my side, or dream another dream without you being a part of it. You provided me meaning and direction in life and though I have no ring on me at this moment to offer you, will you say yes and do me the honor of consenting to be my wife?"

There was absolute silence as the family waited. Maya glided forward as if in a dream and alighting softly on his bent knee she replied "Nandu nee yeppo inda question keppen nu kaathirunden".

"Maya don't talk nonsense please, at least not at such a gripping moment" pleaded Nandu.

She gave out a tinkling laugh in response and throwing her arms around his neck shouted out 'Yes I will. I merely said I was waiting for you to pop this question every waking second of the past five months' Maya declared in ecstasy.

A loud clapping and cheering ensued. Meerah & Brij wrapped loving arms around Maya, and the Guptas walked over to give the girl in their Nand Kisore's life a once over.

Buaji had her finger on her cheek as she shook her head from side to side saying "Aaj kal ke bacche.. Hai re Nand Kisore! Kitne thez hain"

"Well Said! Maami. Mein bhi wohi sochi thi" chimed in Iyer uncle.

"Hain, kaun maami, hum hai Bua, Nand Kisore. Aur Sochi thi nahin, socha tha. Aap hi Maya ke Bapuji ho?" "Aamam, hai mein Maya ka father hai. What Bua, matlab app kaun hai, Nandu ki?"

"Ee lo, laagat hai NK babua ko apne life partner hi naahin, balke Hindi ka partner bhi mufat mein milgaya hai, Hello , Hai Bye, Bye!" exclaimed Manorama to her husband when she overheard the conversation between Iyer uncle and Buaji, while Mamaji laughed and rolled his eyes.

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

"God, I thought we would never get away and be alone" gasped out NK as Maya and he ran out into the gardens and neared a private nook adjacent to a picturesque gazebo covered with jasmine creepers.

Maya giggled, dizzy with the excitement of the events of the night and the thrill of escaping from under the collective noses of their family. She felt as if a fully shaken bottle of champagne had popped its cork inside of her and was bubbling away ready to gush out any second.

NK caught her in his arms breaking her pace and gazed at her, as he ran his fingers through her lush hair that she had straightened for the event. It fell in a long waterfall of black currents and veiled her almost backless blouse that was held together with a flimsy string on top and a single diamante clasp at the bottom. Her normally beautiful eyes looked stunning with make-up and her pale pink lips trembled in invitation as he casually stroked her bare back.

"Don't I get a reward for all my accomplishments for the night?" NK pouted with a merry twinkle in his eyes.

"May be, May be not" came the sassy reply from an equally mischievous Maya.

"Well may be I am in no mood to leave anything to chance tonight" said NK and without a warning he drew Maya flush against his hard body and swooped down to claim her lips in a long drugging kiss that left her mind drained of all thoughts but the sensation of heat seeping through her lips and reaching all the way to her toes, curling them.

Maya's body shimmered under NK's touch. Her skin heated as he casually grazed his knuckles down her back and skimmed her waist leaving behind a hot trail. Passion struck like a bolt of lightning, and a feline purr of pleasure escaped Maya much to her surprise.

Delhi's night sky opened up to shower the lovers with the first of its June showers. Rain was beating down on him plastering his shirt to his body but NK did not care as he kissed her lips and she clung to him as if for dear life. Maya moaned and shifted so her bosom grazed his chest and NK felt his control wash away with the rains; he slid his hands into her hair as he trailed open mouthed kisses down her slender neck and tasted the erratic pulse at the base of her throat.

"Nandu." She moaned stroking his muscular shoulders, sending the blood rushing straight to his gut, as she threw her head back arching, her saree clinging in wet patches accentuating every sinuous curve and peak of her body.

The blood leapt in NK's veins at the sight and hauling her back against his body, he kissed her with an almost savage need, his hands stroking and caressing every alluring curve of her pliant body. Some sane part of Maya's brain clamored to bring things back to normalcy and prompted her to grip Nandu's shoulders hard. Breaking away from the kiss she rested her cheeks against his, applying gentle pressure to still his ardor.

NK vaguely remembered that this was the exact scene he had conjured in his head, in his dreams all those sleepless nights he had been away from her.

"Maya, before someone walks along and blames me as a Sydney raised confused Desi who ravished an innocent Indian girl in the open, let's get out of here" he pleaded.

Maya smiled and kissed his cleft chin "What are our options?"

"Geez, the woman could coolly stand there and demand options mere seconds after melting in my arms!" thought NK incredulously as he rattled on, his fevered imagination conjuring images in his mind to go with his words, "Well option one- we could duck into the bushes and finish what we started; option two - we could head for the car and finish it there or option three - we crash into one of the hotel rooms and-"

"I prefer option four" came the response.

"HuH! There is no option four" exclaimed NK puzzled.

Maya chuckled as she looped her arm through his and repeated deliberately as if speaking to a particularly slow child "There is one now. Option four that is. We go back and join the family before your Nannav and my appa end up launching a search party".

"But, Grrr hmphhh pfist.. heck!" muttered NK utterly bemused and at a loss for words.

"Nandu, stop talking nonsense" laughed Maya as she playfully dragged him along.

NK sighed complying and hand in hand in the light of the moon they walked back to join their family weaving rich colorful dreams of happiness and love in each other's company to last many lifetimes to come.

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

Part 12

Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
'cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)

I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone
~ Lyrics from the album ' Dream Lover by Bobby Darin

"Hurry up everyone! Delhi's traffic is at its peak this time of the day, and I really do not want to miss even a minute of the event today" called out Khushi, as she tried to hurry everyone out of the house so they could drive over for AR Designs's Fashion show 2013.

Relax Khushi, "We have still have some time at our disposal. Besides,Aman has arranged for a limousine to pick us up, and I'll know when it arrives. I have sent Mohan over to pick up your parents and Buaji and drive them over to the event, and my car is with NK. So we have to wait for our ride" said Arnav as he walked down the stairs buttoning his sleeve.

Khushi could not tear her eyes away from her Arnavji as she left her mouth hanging open. He looked extremely handsome and dashing in his new pitch black tuxedo that set off the crisp white of his shirt quite well. She took in his chin, smile and his eyes and forgot what it was that she was telling everyone to hurry up about.

Arnav smirked and flicked her nose "Watch out Khushi, you are betrayed by your nose ------, it's turned red again".

"By the way, Where is NK ji? Is he not going with us? enquired Payal, just as Maya walked over.

"No, he has some things to attend to urgently. He will join us later at the show" replied Arnav looking at Maya and including her in his reply.

Maya smiled weakly but could not conceal her disappointment from Arnav's gaze. He knew her very well thanks to their close bonding from Harvard days.

"You look lovely Maya" he said in an attempt to cheer her up.

Anjali and Khushi caught on quickly and hugging Maya showered their praises on her choice of the sunset orange colored saree studded with tiny rhinestones in an abstract pattern that she had worn for the event.

Khushi was a bundle of excitement as she looked out the window from the luxury of their limousine. She drank in the splendor of "The Grand Hyatt" where AR Designs Fashion show was staged. She had worn a fiery red and magenta saree with discrete sparkles that was part of the 'Utsav collection' to be launched in the show that evening. She clutched her Arnavji's fingers to still her nerves.

Arnav smiled as he squeezed her hand thinking how beautiful his Khushi looked in the show stopper saree of his show. She did not know it yet, but she was going to walk that ramp on his arm when it was time for the showstopper to be presented. The family was escorted by the hotel security to their place of honor at the very front of the hall near the ramp.

"Hai re Nand Kisore, Payaliya, Kusi, this place looks like the Palace of Indra, the king of Gods. " exclaimed Madhumati rushing to her nieces the moment she saw them, while Naaniji and Arnav spoke to Garima and Sashi.

The fabulous banquet hall boasted of a sleek and shiny ramp, floor to ceiling angled screens in the background and huge strategically placed monitors to show case the fabulous creations from ARs design team to audiences that sat far away from the ramp. The adjoining covered terrace and private conference room were set with tables covered in crisp white linen and lined with covered shiny dishes filled with culinary delights. The whole place was elegantly decorated with white black and gold as the theme to provide a neutral backdrop for the colorful outfits to be revealed.

Akash and Arnav reveled in the joy their wives experienced for the first time in their lives. They had to quickly settle down as the lights dimmed to indicate commencement of the show.

Music filled the air as the runway lit up and a spectacular show of lights to synchronized music began that was to transport the viewers to something beyond magic for the next four and a half hours.

"AR designs is presenting its new styles in five categories this year; its signature Business Casuals and Formals for the modern Indian men and women, an ethnic line for Men and Women where bold saturated earthy color rules the ramp, and for the first time since their inception AR is also introducing an exclusive line of maternity clothes for the modern Indian woman. Without further ado ladies and gentlemen feast your eyes on AR's 'More Mitti ke Rang ' Colors of my Land' " boomed the voice of the Master of ceremonies.

"Wow!!! These seem to be the pictures that our Nanheji had taken during our trip to Kerala, and his numerous excursions in India!" clapped Khushi as she saw the back ground images flash on screen.

Colorful Kathakali imagery, the teeming crowd of busy Kolkotta, the languid laid back Goan beaches, the vibrant and verdant green and blue of the back waters of Kerala; spectacular sceneries and digital captures of the beauty of India, Delhi to Kanyakumari and Kolkota to Goa, spanning the length and breadth of the country was on display as the outfits inspired by each area were taken for a spin on the catwalk by stunning models. India, its land and people set a perfect backdrop to the collections that AR launched that night.

The high-tech programmed laser lights precisely highlighted and drew the viewer's attention to the evolving fabric story on stage. It seemed like a grand narration of a lovely tale spun with weaves and wefts of the various parts of India.

The explosion of earthy, rich colors in the ethnic line brought down the roof with applause. AR that was known for its muted palette had gone bold with its color this year and fashion journalists were scratching away on their notepads both paper and electronic.

"This would be a trendsetter for the rest to follow", tweeted one.

"Arnav Singh Raizada has elevated the art of showcasing fashion to new heights of splendor" tweeted another.

"AR is the first and the rest nowhere'" tweeted a third.

"Khushi, come" whispered Arnav in her ears bringing her back to reality as he helped her up and followed by Akash and Payal took the stage for the final walk of the evening down the ramp, surrounded by his designers and models.

"Relax Khushi, I am here for you. Trust me I'll take care of you" said Arnav squeezing her arm as Khushi smiled at him and replied"I know that you will; always."

Khushi realized as she walked with her Arnavji that she was wearing the most important piece of the entire collection of the year, the showstopper, she felt both proud and humbled at that moment and basked in her Arnavji's love for her. Payal had donned the showstopper for the maternity collection. The Raizadas and Guptas applauded collectively with misty eyes. Who could have thought a couple of years back that such a scene would greet their eyes.

Arnav began answering the various questions thrown at him by the journalists and fashion reporters from the media. "Before I conclude Ladies and Gentlemen let me answer the one question that has been hurled at me multiple times today, who is responsible for this spectacular event, the mother of all shows as one of you put it? AR group is proud to be partners with The Three friends and Technology group that has handled all of our Multi Media and Stage production for this event. I would like to welcome on stage Mr. Nand Kishore Gohil founder & CEO of this company and the mastermind for this incredible presentation"

Khushi's mouth fell open and Maya clamped a hand to her mouth as she quivered in her seat with excitement when she saw her Nandu take the stage with aplomb. He was beaming and despite a faint shadow of stubble looked every bit impeccable in his dark suit and crisp white shirt. His hair that he had neglected to trim the past few months was long and curled a bit where it hit his collar adding an artistic edge to his persona. Nandu went on to answer questions and introduced his partners Andy and Ryan.

"I am amazed Nand Kisore. You have created a veritable web of illusions (Maya Jaal), and transported us to another world", gushed Buaji squeezing NK's cheeks in the private banquet hall that was prepped for the family to retire to.

"So this was your project. Very well done NK bhai" hugged an ecstatic Anjali.

Khushi and Payal and the rest of the family showered him with their congratulations and blessings.

"Son, I am so proud of you "came a distinctly familiar voice as a familiar hand landed on his shoulders causing NK to spin around. To his astonishment he stood face to face with his parents, Brij Kishore Gohil whose face was suffused with pride and pleasure and his mom whose eyes were filled with tears of Joy.

NK hugged his dad and mom, his heart bursting with pride and joy; he looked up at Arnav mouthing 'thanks bro' as he realized it was Nannav's doing.

"I wish Iyer Uncle were here to see this" muttered NK, berating himself for not inviting the one man who set off the train of events leading to this day.

"But I am very much here my boy!" came a voice right next to NK.

Lo and behold! NK spied Mr. Subramanian Iyer next to him patting his shoulder

"Your cousin the smart and shrewd Arnav flew me down with him in his private plane yesterday. He had paid me a visit and explained to me your commitment and sincerity and had asked for permission on your behalf for you and Maya to be united" he finished glancing at Arnav.

NK beamed at his cousin who just stood there a lazy half smile of contentment on his face, and gave him one big brotherly hug saying "Nannav my brother, thanks for everything".

"Yeah right NK! Don't mess it up ok! And don't hurt her ever. Anyway, I owed you big time for standing by my Khushi like a rock at all times, even when I was not with her. You were the one constant friend that stood by her through all the turmoil she faced, the one she could depend on always." Stated Arnav returning his hug in equal measure.

"Khushi ji, indeed you have succeeded in adding a dash of filmy streak to straight laced brother's personality" chuckled Akash sharing a conspiratorial smile with his Khushi Bhabi.

NK was patted, hugged, blessed, praised countless number of times till his heart was bursting, and yet there was one very important thing that he had to take care of.

NK's eyes scanned the room in search of his Maya who had not spoken to him yet. He spotted her standing demurely by the windows clutching the edge of the drapes absorbing the entire scene in front of her. As her eyes fixed on her Nandu an intense emotion of love crossed her face. Slowly he held out his hand and kneeling down on one knee, spoke as an expectant hush settled down in the room.

"Maya you are the reason and inspiration for me to create all of this, your love is what has made this possible. I do not want to wake up to a day without you by my side, or dream another dream without you being a part of it. You provided me meaning and direction in life and though I have no ring on me at this moment to offer you, will you say yes and do me the honor of consenting to be my wife?"

There was absolute silence as the family waited. Maya glided forward as if in a dream and alighting softly on his bent knee she replied "Nandu nee yeppo inda question keppen nu kaathirunden".

"Maya don't talk nonsense please, at least not at such a gripping moment" pleaded Nandu. She gave out a tinkling laugh in response and throwing her arms around his neck shouted out 'I said, I was waiting for you to pop this question every waking second of the past five months. Yes I will.' Maya declared in ecstasy.

A loud clapping and cheering ensued. Meerah & Brij wrapped loving arms around Maya, and the Guptas walked over to give the girl in their Nand Kisore's life a once over.

Buaji had her finger on her cheek as she shook her head from side to side saying "This young generation of kids, how self-assured and fast they are, with a mind of their own."

"Well Said! Maami. Mein bhi wohi sochi thi" (I was thinking the same (said in a feminine gender)) chimed in Iyer uncle.

"Maami(Maternal Aunt)? Who?, I am Bua(Paternal aunt), Nand Kisore! Aur Sochi thi nahin, socha tha. (Bua corrects Mr. Iyer's grammer). And, You must be Maya's father. "

"Aamam(Yes), hai mein Maya ka father hai. (I am, Maya's father, I am) What Bua? I mean how are you related to Nandu?

"Here they go---- I guess dear NK has not just found a life partner, but also a Hindi partner for himself. Hello , Hai Bye, Bye!" exclaimed Manorama to her husband when she overheard the conversation between Iyer uncle and Buaji, while Mamaji laughed and rolled his eyes.

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

"God, I thought we would never get away and be alone" gasped out NK as Maya and he ran out into the gardens and neared a private nook adjacent to a picturesque gazebo covered with jasmine creepers.

Maya giggled, dizzy with the excitement of the events of the night and the thrill of escaping from under the collective noses of their family. She felt as if a fully shaken bottle of champagne had popped its cork inside of her and was bubbling away ready to gush out any second.

NK caught her in his arms breaking her pace and gazed at her, as he ran his fingers through her lush hair that she had straightened for the event. It fell in a long waterfall of black currents and veiled her almost backless blouse that was held together with a flimsy string on top and a single diamante clasp at the bottom. Her normally beautiful eyes looked stunning with make-up and her pale pink lips trembled in invitation as he casually stroked her bare back.

"Don't I get a reward for all my accomplishments for the night?" NK pouted with a merry twinkle in his eyes.

"May be, May be not" came the sassy reply from an equally mischievous Maya.

"Well may be I am in no mood to leave anything to chance tonight" said NK and without a warning he drew Maya flush against his hard body and swooped down to claim her lips in a long drugging kiss that left her mind drained of all thoughts but the sensation of heat seeping through her lips and reaching all the way to her toes, curling them.

Maya's body shimmered under NK's touch. Her skin heated as he casually grazed his knuckles down her back and skimmed her waist leaving behind a hot trail. Passion struck like a bolt of lightning, and a feline purr of pleasure escaped Maya much to her surprise.

Delhi's night sky opened up to shower the lovers with the first of its June showers. Rain was beating down on him plastering his shirt to his body but NK did not care as he kissed her lips and she clung to him as if for dear life.

Maya moaned and shifted so her bosom grazed his chest and NK felt his control wash away with the rains; he slid his hands into her hair as he trailed open mouthed kisses down her slender neck and tasted the erratic pulse at the base of her throat'. "Nandu'." She moaned stroking his muscular shoulders, sending the blood rushing straight to his gut, as she threw her head back arching, her saree clinging in wet patches accentuating every sinuous curve and peak of her body.

The blood leapt in NK's veins at the sight and hauling her back against his body, he kissed her with an almost savage need, his hands stroking and caressing every alluring curve of her pliant body. Some sane part of Maya's brain clamored to bring things back to normalcy and prompted her to grip Nandu's shoulders hard. Breaking away from the kiss she rested her cheeks against his, applying gentle pressure to still his ardor.

NK vaguely remembered that this was the exact scene he had conjured in his head, in his dreams all those sleepless nights he had been away from her.

"Maya, before someone walks along and blames me as a Sydney raised confused Desi who ravished an innocent Indian girl in the open, let's get out of here" he pleaded.

Maya smiled and kissed his cleft chin "What are our options?"

"Geez, the woman could coolly stand there and demand options mere seconds after melting in my arms!" thought NK incredulously as he rattled on, his fevered imagination conjuring images in his mind to go with his words, "Well option one - we could duck into the bushes and finish what we started; option two - we could head for the car and finish it there or option three - we crash into one of the hotel rooms and ..."

"I prefer Option four''" came the response.

"HuH! There is no option four" exclaimed NK puzzled.

Maya chuckled as she looped her arm through his and repeated deliberately as if speaking to a particularly slow child "There is one now. Option four that is. We go back and join the family before your Nannav and my appa end up launching a search party".

"But, Grrr hmphhh pfist'.. heck!" grumbled NK, utterly crestfallen as he reined in his passion for the moment.

"Nandu, stop talking nonsense" laughed Maya as she playfully dragged him along.

NK sighed complying and hand in hand in the light of the moon they walked back to join their family weaving rich colorful dreams of happiness and love in each other's company to last many lifetimes to come.

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