FF~ HUMAN#10- Imp Note pg149..please read!! - Page 2

Everything will be fine my love, I promise!

Shaan hugged Khanak as they stood outside the county court waiting their turn along with Officers Richards and Gonzalez and their lawyer Dirk Ladd. Though he was not overtly impressive in appearance unlike the brilliant lawyers often depicted in shows on TV, his bearing, personality, intelligence and attitude inspired confidence. He was there well before they were and put Khanak and Shaan at ease right away by his charm and empathy towards their situation.

You were at the wrong place at the wrong time, that's all. These things can happen to the best law abiding citizen amongst us and unfortunately there is no easy way out. But let me assure you that you have nothing to fear, just speak the truth and leave the rest to me.

Once their case was called they went inside the court which was small in size compared to the regular criminal courts. Khanak was feeling extremely nervous and frequently kept shooting glances at Shaan who smiled and gave her hand a tight squeeze.

Darling, the judge's heart will melt once he sees you looking like what you are in that outfit, an innocent school girl; he wouldn't even have to listen to the case.

Khanak smiled, what was this with her husband that he never failed to put her at ease. She glanced down at the dress she was wearing, a simple cotton belted dress in peach with a frilly collar which demurely reached down to her knees. She had found nothing else to wear and had thought it quite childish; If it didn't melt the judge's heart then he was made of stone.

The presiding Judge Sanders, if looks could deceive, was a man in his late 50s or early 60s which a shock of white hair which tended to flop down on his brow making him keep push it away with his hand at regular intervals. He had a wide noble forehead and wore an amused twinkle in his eyes as if the entire world in front of him was a big joke. To Khanak he appeared the direct opposite of the picture Officer Richards had painted, she had expected him to look like a tyrant but then Hitler too had never killed anybody with just his looks.

They were sworn in and their statements were taken after Officer Gonzalez and Richards had given theirs. Shaan was thankful that both of them were matter of fact and to the point and did not appear to unfairly implicate them for something they hadn't done.

Khanak's nervousness eased steadily with the casual way the proceedings were being handled, she had initially anticipated a full scale trial and a prosecutor with a booming accusatory voice cross-examining her each and every word.

Lawyer Ladd was cool as a cucumber as he acted in their defense, his main argument was that as foreigners they weren't expected to be aware of the country's laws and being good law abiding people they had completely cooperated with the police.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief including Officer G who had the grace to look chagrined when the judge announced the verdict and the misdemeanor was reduced to an infraction, though the fine was hefty and included the court costs. There were handshakes of congratulations all around.

Shaan? How are we going to afford everything, the fine, court costs, and lawyer's fees? I don't think our traveler's cheques cover anything near that amount? Oh God what kind of a mess I have landed us in, it is my fault entirely!

My little sweetheart! Don't worry Akshay bro has wired all the money and everything will be paid for.

But, but.. She looked at him with concern on her face.

Yes,I know what you want to say but are hesitating to say it. How are we going to repay him? Don't worry I will do it once we get back. Because of the generous honeymoon gift from our friends and family we saved a lot on airline tickets, so that amount will come in handy now.

He smiled and gave her a tight hug, Your hubby isn't an idiot honey, though he may often appear to behave like one in your company.

She hugged him back; This is certainly a surprise, my burthal patidev can be smart and brainy too!

Sab aapki khoobsurat sangat ka asar hai meri jaan, nahin toh hum buddhu ke buddhu hi bane rehte.

Buddhu nahin burthal.

Wow ismein bhi argument? Accha ji burthal!! He laughed.

Just then his cell rang..

Oh yes Bro everything went well! Our lawyer came through for us; looks like these are fairly minor cases for him and thanks for wiring the money on time. I will take care of it when we return.

Good, good! Dad and I had gotten so worried! Those guys there didn't tell us anything about what you had done, just kept asking questions; and Dad has been very upset, he wants to talk to Khanak and then to you, I want to talk to her too.

Shaan relayed the message to Khanak and handed her his phone watching anxiously as she talked to Sunil.

He could only hear her side of the convo and by what he could gather Sunil wasn't grilling her or blaming her for anything. He just appeared to be asking her about her health and the trip.

He smiled to see her blushing;

Haan Daddiji woh mera khoob khayal rakhte hain, magar bahut sharaarti bhi hain.

Haan beti sharaartein karni ki aadat uski badi puraani hai, jaane kab chootegi?

Nahin Daddiji, mera waisa matlab nahin tha, mujhe unki sharaartein acchi lagti hain! She said shyly while looking at Shaan from under her lashes.

Sacchi? He silently mouthed while raising his eyebrows in amusement.

She blushed and nodded slightly, only paying partial attention to what Sunil was saying.

Beta tum sun rahi ho na?

Huh? Oh Haan Daddiji! Mein sun rahi hoon! Aapki ab tabiyyat kaisi hai aur Mummiji, Dadiji, Akshay bhaiya, bhabhi aur meri pyaari Megha sab kaise hain? She asked in a hurry as her cheeks grew deep red and she bit her lower lip confused at how she was behaving with her father- in- law. This would have never happened in the past, before she met Shaan.

Mein kab beemaar hua tha ki meri tabiyyat ke baare mein pooch rahi ho? Sunil laughed figuring out what was going on, as Khanak put a hand on her mouth flustered and pointed an accusatory finger at Shaan who was lounging against a wall watching her engrossed.

You know your love is true

When she blushes at

The very sight of you.

Her lashes flutter

She steals glances

Then looks away

Her lips part

Her bosom heaves

Her body screams

Come to me

What?!

Kahaan kho gaye? I thought that was my disease. Daddiji wants to talk to you! His Obsession's laugh rang like music in his ears as she handed him the phone and before he could grab hold of her wrist had walked down the hall to chit chat with Officer Richards. It seemed like they had lot of interesting things to talk about.

Hey Dad! Haven't heard from you in a while!

Haan, haan. Phursat toh nahin milti tumko! Looks like you and bahu are having a lot of fun over there!

Hmm! Yes, it has been very interesting indeed! Shaan smiled to himself recalling some of highlights of the trips so far. She keeps me busy Dad!

Sunil laughed, No!!!'Don't give me the lurid details please! Aajkal ke bacche bhi na'!

Shaan laughed; No Dad, I didn't say anything like that! I mean she helped a lady give birth in the airport, and another girl who was almost a goner..

Oh is that right? Looks like she carries her identity with her wherever she goes or rather it follows her but what about you Shaan?

What about me dad? (Puzzled.)

You held our entire household at ransom for 1 full day until now we are finally breathing a sigh of relief. Let me be, but do you know how much you have put your Dadi and Mom through?

I, I am sorry Dad, I didn't mean to. It just happened and in our lawyer's words we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. (apologetic.)

I don't care. Bahu is still young, and new to the place, she may have gotten carried away. But you; you have lived in that country, are familiar with its ways. You know that they are sticklers for rules and would not let anybody easily off the hook; I did not expect this amount of carelessness from you Shaan!

Pause...

I, I'm sorry Dad. I really have no excuse for what I have done. But things are really not as bad as you think they are.

I thought that you were supposed to have become responsible son, now that you have a wife and maybe someday a family to care for. You have also broken away from our business. Imagine what will happen if you continue to behave like a lovesick teenager!

(Was that the way he appeared to the world? A careless, irresponsible teenager, who blundered around blindly before falling down and fatally injuring himself?)

Shantanu, are you listening to what I said? Think it over son, apne aapko sambhalo before something really bad happens.

Yes Dad. (If this was his father's opinion; then what about his brother, his friends, and his wife. What did they think about him?) He wondered as he hung up.

Okay Akshay bhaiyya I won't tell him, we'll keep it as a surprise. OMG! He will be so happy! Thank you so much for your help, we'll be more careful the next time.

Hahaha! Its okay Khanak, actually I am feeling a little envious of you two, honeymoon mein adventure? Great memories you can both relate to your children and thanks for making the Khandelwals famous with the American authorities!

Please Akki bhaiyya, don't embarrass me! I am feeling really bad right now.

Oh no Khanak! Meri pyaari behen..tumhara bhai tumhein zara sa tease bhi nahin kar sakta kya?

Oh no! Aap apni choti behen se kuch bhi keh sakte hain.

Its okay meri choti si pyaari si behna. Now that you are my sweet little sis, tell me freely if you have any complaints against my bro...then uski khair nahin!

Khanak laughed imagining Akshay beating up Shaan; I will surely tell you bhaiyya, so far he has been behaving himself quite well. She blushed.

Sach?

Much!

Daddy I want to give chacchi a kiss..can I??

Chaachiii!!! Kissie for you, Teddy and Shaan chacchu!!! Muaaahhh!!!

Muaaahh baby!! Why don't you give your chachu the kiss yourself?

No, I will not! You do it for me, I am feeling sleepy..I am so pretty please??

Yes, my dear..I will my pretty little niece!

Khanak eager to fulfill her assigned task went back to where she had left Shaan with a bounce in her step. Talking with Akshay and Megha had made her feel particularly happy and she was sure that all their problems had come to an end with this incident.

She found Shaan staring out of the window looking quite serious and pensive.

Missing me?

Hmm? Let's finish our work here and get out. Appearing quite distracted.

Guess what Megha wants me to do.

What? He was avoiding her eyes.

She stood on tiptoe and kissed him softly on his cheek.

He looked at her in surprise and a slight smile lit up his face, and for a few moments he was himself again; Thanks! We've gotta go now..

She frowned peeved; she had expected him to kiss her back, why was he behaving like this? Maybe there was indeed some reason to hurry.

~~~~~~~~

Where are we headed now? She asked as he took hold of her hand and strode purposefully down the street.

To a coffee shop, I need some java.

Don't you want to know my opinion before you march me down there?

He stopped midstride and turned to face her; What do you want then?

Coffee I guess. She replied wryly.

There I asked you; happy? He set off again.

Fortunately they didn't have to go far before they found a coffee shop. These happen to be a quintessential feature of the American urban landscape with their refreshing aroma, bustling activity of idle chatter or a casual meeting spot for business; people tend to gravitate towards them for comfort and that appeared to be exactly the reason what had brought Shaan here.

He placed a large cup of the frothy brew in front of her before taking a sip of his house blend. His eyes unnaturally sought out the window instead of her face.

How did you figure out what I wanted?

Isn't cappuccino your favorite concoction or am I mistaken.

Well it is one of them but not right now. I would prefer to have something ice cold.

I'm sorry, I'll take it back then and you can get what you want.

No, it's alright, no big deal. Coffee is coffee. There is actually something else which is more important. Do you know what time it is?

3 in the afternoon; he said glancing at the huge wall clock, why?

Kya apni patni ko bhookha maarne ka iraade hai aapka? I haven't had anything to eat all day except for a couple of cookies; and you may be stoic enough to handle it but I cannot! She turned away looking upset.

Oh! My bad! I'm so sorry; I should have paid better attention. He took one look at her distressed face and wanted to console her, his hand drifted across the table of its own accord in order to hold hers; but he held back. With her nose in the air and a downward petulant turn to the corners of her mouth she looked adorable. He wished to savor her anger for sometime longer.

He hurried to the fast food store across the street and bought a couple of sandwiches. But when he came back he saw her smiling at a young man in dread locks wearing a printed Ganesha T shirt.

If you care to come with me, I can show you some places where they do ganja and charas here'smoke dens we call them.

The lady is with me and she is not going anywhere!

Shantanu.! These spots seem quite interesting, maybe I should check them out. She seemed hell bent on irritating him as she flashed a brilliant smile at Ganesha T.

Khanak! I think you know exactly what I mean! He glared at her before turning to Mr Colorful; My wife is allergic to smoke and she's sure to have a seizure if she comes with you, so it's a no go. Now if you'll leave us alone!

Sorry man, take it easy! Nice to have met you sis, maybe we can meet again when I come to India next year! Namaste! He joined his hands and bowed before sauntering away in a hurry.

You invite trouble like flowers attract bees! What's it with you; he said in an angry voice while handing her the sandwich.

He wasn't trouble, actually I found him quite cute but you scared him away. Were you worried that I will run away with him..hmm? She teased winking coyly before taking a bite from her sandwich. Umm its delicious.., can I try yours?

Fascinated he watched her and felt his pulse quicken, as he noticed her lick a miniscule trace of ketchup from the corner of her mouth.

What? No you can't! It has chicken in it.

Meanie! Her face flushed with hurt; Can't you try going veg for my sake for just one day?

He smiled at her tenderly before shaking his head in the negative. Why did he find it so difficult to tell her that he was doing exactly that? Was he fearful of too much affection?