Casa 50B on 146 Most links on Page 1) - Page 37

Tu mujhe jeene nahi degi!! I am all in a frame of mind for tonight's match & here I go!! After reading this I will have to drag myself out of this mould to the match!

Originally posted by: adventure_gurl

I agree Saaz! Aditee this update was amazing loving it!😃

PART 18

8:40 PM Onwards Saturday evening

A strange coincidence had occurred earlier. The RFID system had failed in Nirav's warehouse in the suburbs of Ahmedabad and he had to go meet with partners in Mumbai to get it going for shipments tonite. She had found out when she went back to the table. But he promised he didn't have to be gone until 9 PM. She was nervous, edgy and had no apetite. She was extremely aware of the man who waited her at the lobby. "She could just sneak away from here at 9 but she was sure he would show up at her door".

What would she tell Ritu'''. she had no idea. She had no idea what he wanted to talk about tonite either. Something churned in the pit of her stomach, she grabbed the water and gulped it down forcing a cube of ice down. Her chai just sat there. He wanted to know if they should order dinner and be done by 9.

She didn't think she would ever be hungry again in her life.

Nirav was quite likeable, he was curious, he wanted to know everything about in the space of that one hour. He even asked the "big question"'.. when she would like to get married. Her heart had stopped beating for a few seconds and when it started back again, it was extremely painful, it was beating twice as fast. Nirav? Getting married to Nirav? Nirav Saraf. Khanak Saraf? She didn't like the sound of that at all for some reason

He quickly answered a phone call, she was reminded of Sooraj again, he didn't care if she didn't take his name after marriage. He was happy if she were to be Khanak Mistry. SHE had wanted to change her name she had insiated. Khanak Saraf'''.. just did not sound right. She couldn't come up with any reason not to like him either

He was fussy about food, he talked a lot, didn't make her laugh much''' but seemed like a decent guy.

He didn't send her heart pounding though'''. He was sitting three feet away and she was unaffected by his presence. Someone sitting in the lobby was making her mouth go dry.

She was tracking the time, every couple minutes''' she could no longer take it after 8:32.

Khanak: You should just go take care of the RFID thing

Nirav: (in Gujarati) I really wish I could, but I am enjoying your company Khanak.

Khanak did not like the sound of that. It meant that the wedding might happen

The walls were closing in''. one good thing was she didn't have to meet the other guy her Aada had picked, if this guy said OK and if she agreed as well. One less torture may be''''''.??

She had no idea what she would tell Shantanu. Why did he want to meet her? Not good'''. She had pursued Sooraj. She had enjoyed doing that. She would often tell him it was her greatest accomplishment in life. He would laugh as if she were joking. He would say "being pursued makes me feel so special. Hope you know what you are doing" and would always wink later

Khanak: I think your business should come first''.. I completely understand.

Nirav: I will call you tomorrow (confident and reassured)

She offers to pay, he thinks for a second and does the right thing, declines, pays for something she hardly ate.

They walk out to the lobby. She has no idea where Shantanu is hopes he doesn't see them together for some weird reason. She pauses "I have a friend that works here, I am going to check to see if she on duty, will say Hi! To her before I leave"

Nirav: Oh really?

Khanak: Yes (troubled smile)

Nirav: OK then, will call you tomorrow? It was good to meet you (genuinely happy)

Khanak: Yes! (feeble)

Nirav: Will go talk with my parents also (Gujarati)

Khanak: oh! (her wrecking ball hits her stomach) ''' I mean'.. Good!

She watches him walk away the turbaned guys at the door nod and smile''. With a "Thank you"

She walks aimlessly for a minute her phone rings, until she spots him, behind a pillar

Walks up to him " Umm'.. did you want"

Before she could complete her sentence, he turns around and looks at her, as if he knew where she was all along''. Gives her a sinking feeling

Tucks his phone into his pocket, hers rings now, she looks, its her Aada.

Khanak: Aada

Listens

Khanak: (in Gujarati) Yes I met him, he had to go (bends down and looks at his shoes, some sporty kind with the Nike swoosh on the sides)

Listens

Khanak: Umm'. Can I cal you when I get home

Listens, he has stepped away to offer privacy for the call, scans the lobby worried.

He is behind her when she hangs up "Lets go Khanak"

Turns around and almost careens into him

"Steady" that's all he says

They walk out together

To the guy that pages cars, he gives the license plate number MH-01-9V 'XXXX.

Shaan: I am not driving today, so we will have to take it someplace else we can't fight in the car (matter of fact)😉

Khanak: Oh! I''. (looks at him and shuts up, he doesn't seem happy)

Shaan: Can we go to your place?

Khanak: No!...... I mean'.. no! (worried) I am sorry, Ritu is home (she would die of shock if they were to appear at 9.30 and start trading insults. She would wonder how her "prospective groom" bears a strong "resemblance" to the hottie they met at Trishna's engagement. THAT would be mighty difficult to answer.

Shaan: We'll go home then''' I mean my place! (firm)

Khanak: I am sorry but I cant''. (defiant)

Shaan: Don't worry, the mood I am in right now, you are pretty safe''' your virtue I mean (sarcastic)

As if he can't guarantee anything else.

The car arrives, a gold Merc this time '' the driver jumps out and opens the back door for Shantanu, he urges her to go in first, walks around and seats himself from the other side

There are copies of Wall Street Journal and Mint strewn all over with various Post it notes with hand written notes on it. She collects them in an organized pile and stuffs them in the seat pocket up front. What looks like a baggage tag in leather and gold falls off, it has "Varig" printed on it.

She grabs it from the floor and inserts it into the pocket, she doesn't look at him, he is busy checking his phone again

Driver: Kahan Sir?

Shaan: Ghar (short)

Shaan: Thanks

The driver is curious why his boss's son won't say a word to the girl seated by him. In fact this is the first time he has ever driven a female friend to the house. Unless it was a party nite, then he would drive them in hoardes. The radio is playing Sirius XM "Mostly Music's 20 on 20". She doesn't care much for English pop or rock. She looks out the window. "He probably never listens to Hindi"

Shaan suspecting the driver might get curious "The apartment is just around the corner"

Khanak: Hmm'.. I need to get home soon, Ritu is going to worry (doesn't even look at him when she speaks)

He doesn't say a word in response.

For someone that's usually cool and aloof, she was immensely high strung and agitated today.

The driver drives into a quiet underground parking lot. There are armed guards posted at the entrance of the parking. They nod at the driver, he parks it in one of the cavernous spots, and jumps out again and opens the door.

He steps out, walks around and opens the door for her, their eyes meet, his are bland. Her pallu gets caught in the door, she tugs, "Hang on" that's all he will say and opens it again

She desperately wants him to say something. But he won't. Escorts her to the elevator. Its shiny chrome, clean, deodorized, an attendant is seated inside. He quickly attempts to stand up, Shaan shakes his head

Punches 9, it glides noiselessly, no creaks no clanks'''. Her purse is in the car, in her nervousness to get out she didn't carry it with her

Khanak: My purse is in the car.

Shaan: It should be there when we go back

Khanak: Oh!......... yes''' I cant stay long. Its already so late.

Again no response.

It stops at 9^th, he lets her step out first, she waits for him, he makes a left turn, and knocks on wide twin doors. There is a brass knocker on each, and a bell on the wall. The door is ornate, carved'''. Polished

Khanak: I am not sure if I shud be going to your house. I ve never''. I don't usually go anyplace after work.

Hands tucked in his pockets

The door opens at the exact moment

The house is HUGE and awfully quiet, no TV in the living room, no smell of food, no Dad watching on the sofa, no Mum cutting veggies on the dining table arguing with him to change channels.

Guy: Shaan Baba

Shaan: Hari lal'..

Hari lal smiles at her

She hesitates by the door

Shaan: You might as well come in, since you've made it uptil here? (flat)

Shaan: Ghar par koi nahi hai?

Hari L: Ji nahi, Madam friend ke beti ki function mein gayi hai, Akshay Bhayya aur Bhabhiji khaana khaane abhi nikle.

Khanak notices there was no mention of Dad

She walks inside, the living room is expansive and chilly. There are multiple sofas, nooks with chairs, a bar on the right, a huge dining table on the left'.. two sets of stairways lead to what seems like a upper level. The stairway does not have rails on the sides.

It's the most elegant tastefully decorated, plush home, she has ever been to.

Shaan: Lets go upstairs (short)

Khanak: I d rather no'

Shaan ignoring her "Hari Lal dinner ready hai kya?"

Hari abhi to nahi L

Shaan: Kuch hai khaane ko?

Hari: Sir Khusboo bhabhi ne lunch mein lamb casserole banwaya who hai.

Shaan: Kuch vegetarian bana dogey please? (requests) Inkey liye?

Hari: Ji haan, dal subiz, roti aur chawal?

Shaan: kuch bhi (he doesn't care much)

Shaan: lets go Khanak

Hari Lal: Abhi kuch lenge aap?

Shaan: Haan mere liye ek Coke, Khanak?

Khanak: Nothing, just water''. Please''''. Thanks

Shaan: Juice, chai? Paani le aao. Thanks

Hari lal nods respectfully and walks away

Khanak: I can't eat''''. I don't want to (petulant)

Shaan: Let's take the show upstairs? Shall we?

He starts climbing the stairs, two at a time, unmindful of her following''..her phone rings, its Ritu, she wonders where she is, she promises to be back in an hour, Ritu is excited and vows to stay up to hear all about Nirav😕

To what looks like a media room, lounge, rec room''''. All in off white/pearl except for a huge transparent glass table in the center .

It's a sheet of glass, supported on the backs of 4 expensive porcelain elephants , the center is stuffed with the most gorgeous silk, mirror work, brocade, beaded, patterned cushions in the brightest of colors. She walks over and kneels down and admires the elephants, but the cushions are too far in the center for her to get a feel for their texture. He is leaning on a sofa and enjoying the "view" afforded by her almost bare back.

Shaan: What did you tell him?

Her cheeks are flaming the instant the question hits her ears. She is up and seats herself on the couch, picks up a Cosmo from the table

Khanak: He had to go for something, RFID failure I think'''. (cool disinterested)

Shaan: Have you decided on a wedding date yet? (blistering)

Khanak: Umm. No' not yet''' (flips the pages quickly)

Shaan: Am I invited

Khanak: Sure. Ofcourse! Everyone I work with is

Shaan: Ho gaya tumhara?

Khanak: Haan'''.. shaayad (preoccupied)

Knock on the door thaws the sub zero freeze in the room

Its Hari Lal with a huge tray he sets it on the glass table and leaves

Shaan pops the can open and sips the bubbly gushing liquid from the can. In a swift motion, just sits by her.

It brings her insides to her mouth.

"Shantanu!" she says'''

That softens his expression a little.

They exchange a brief look and he focuses on the table

Shaan: What will you drink Khanak?

Khanak: Mango''.

He pours some Tropicana out into a glass and hands it to her. Picks up his Coke and walks to the window

She lets her breath out, it's a looong one

There are distant lights, speed boats, fishing vessels fitted with old fashioned gas lanterns'''.. she notices the window is all glass no protective grill''''.

Shaan: Did you tell him about us?

Khanak: No!

Shaan: No?

Khanak: There is nothing to tell'''..

Shaan: Main mazaak nahi kar raha hoon Khanak (exploding)

Khanak continues to be agitated "Main bhi mazaak nahi kar rahi"

Shaan: Shouldn't you have told me?

Khanak stands up "Why?" (incredulous)

Shaan: You don't know? (walks up to her, angrily sipping his drink)

Khanak walks away from the sofa and faces the windows, leans on the sofa, he stands in front of her for the final confrontation to begin

Shaan: Did you tell him you refused to say my name until a week ago?

His buttons have become the most interesting things for her off late. She just pins her eyes on them.

Shaan: Did you tell him you were upset I hadn't called you on the phone?

Khanak: I think you are ("misunderstanding")

Shaan: Khanak did you tell him it bothers you who I spend my evenings with (gruff)

Khanak: Ive never worried'.. I think I may have ("misled you" still not brave enough to meet his eyes)

Shaan: Did you tell him how angry I was not knowing about Sooraj? And how you go looking for me in my cubicle and when I am not around, speculate about the pictures on the wall?

Khanak: I shud have apologized about that. That was wrong (feeble)

Shaan: Did you tell him you avoid being left alone with me in the conference room every day, how you go to great lengths to put a distance between us when we are in a group? (scalding)

Saying that he takes a step forward, their eyes collide

She can't step backwards anymore'''''..in more ways than one'''. She clutches the back with both hands.

He sets his can on the curvy end table with the Tiffany lamp on it''.

Khanak: Shantanu! (plea)

Shaan: That's right!

Khanak: You said you don't want your people falling in love with vendor employees (hurt)

Shaan: Oh! This is definitely not love Khanak (intense)

The moment both had been waiting for since the encounter in the dark conference room arrives.

He steps forward, tucks her hair behind her ear with his right hand. Their eyes are on a marathon''

He leans forward and bends towards her face, she turns away shutting her eyes, he turns towards her, she turns sideways again, both his hands are in his pockets again

Shaan: Stop messing with me Khanak!

Her eyes are closed "You said I had nothing to fear"

Shaan: Of course I still maintain that.

Khanak uses Sooraj's line on him "Most people that pursue do not have a clue what they really want"

Shaan: Oh ! I know what I want ''

She continues to evade, he grabs her chin and just kisses her.

It lasts for less than 10 seconds''' his jaw is smooth and cold, her face is flaming and soft

It's the most glorious feeling she has ever known, it's the most pleasurable sensation he has ever felt.

Her eyes are closed, his are open''''

Labored breathing marks the release.

He smiles, something eggs her on, with her left index finger she traces the twin creases/clefts on his cheek making sure its real and not imaginary.

He watches her stunned.

Khanak: (clears her throat multiple times) Umm'. Umm'.. Ive never seen that on anyone before" (suddenly drops her hand like she touched fire)❤️

Shaan: Its custom made! (grins deepening the cleft)😳

Knock on the door!