A Jealous Rage! Chapter Fifty Seven

                                                      The stroke of a violinist!

Chapter Fifty Seven

 

The International school of arts and learning was a private institution in Mumbai; it was divided into an all girl’s school and an all boy’s school so you were either here through academic achievements, or by having wealthy parents.  Riddhima Shergill was one such girl who had rich parents that could afford the cost of the absorb dent school fees.  She was a tomboy by nature yet over the past year her personality seemed to change as she began playing the violin in a more serious refined way.  Her parents were surprised by her talent and encouraged her to play more by sending her for extra lessons, her school was big on arts an once a child’s potential was discovered from a very young age they were groomed for stardom, they were groomed to be  bigger than their dreams.  No doubt Neha and Vikram Shergill had pride for their princess’s talent but due to his demanding role at Kapoor Industries being second in command Vikram found it difficult to be there at every single recital or function that Ridzy was performing at.  Most times it was up to Neha to be there for her daughter and to ensure she made up for the lack of her sometimes absent father like today.

The schools facilities was grand and impressive, no doubt when you are bank rolled by wealthy parents every single need of a child is full filled in a lap of luxury, the back stage room where all the participants were was huge and busy with over bearing mothers and their talented kids while they got them ready for their upcoming performance which was taking place in a short while.  Neha on the other hand was on the phone in conversation with her mother, yes ma, no ma, we’ll see, I’m not sure, ok fine we’ll try ma, yes I promise.  Poor little Ridzy on the other hand was impatient with her own mother, tugging on her sleeve, mama please answer me mama please she caught her mother’s arm a bit more forcefully to get her attention.  Neha was annoyed at the constant interruption and interrogation from her sometimes demanding daughter, for the tenth time Ridzy please stop it I’m on the phone baby, but mama you not answering my question she moaned childishly. Looking confused she said what question, when is Priya aunty coming? For god sake Ridzy how many times have I told you, but mama why isn’t she here yet, baby just let me finish speak to nani first ok.  Ridzy scrunched her innocent little face disappointed, the concert was going to start soon and her aunty was not here yet. Going to the corner of the backstage room where she left her violin, she sat on the floor cross legged and sulking.

 A few minutes later, please tell me why my beautiful girl who’s dressed like a princess is looking so sad. Just hearing that voice alone, Ridzy jerked her head up and jumped up in excitement as Priya dropped to her knees.  The little girl rushed to hug her with force, you came she squealed you came I’m so happy she clung to her neck. Hugging the little girl back Priya laughed, off course I came, I can’t miss my rock-star perform today.   She handed her a little bouquet of pink roses, these are for you she said, for me Ridzy squealed in wonder and happiness all at the same time, my papa always buys flowers for mama and sometimes he buys them when they fight she said quite innocently. Priya laughed well now I bought them for you because you my most special little girl ever.  Standing there looking on with her own smiles, Riddima Shergill are you now finally happy, Neha asked,  didn’t mama tell you your aunty Priya was coming.  Priya looked up to Neha and they both smiled at each other Priya my daughter is driving me crazy since this morning and it’s all because of you, they all laughed and hugged together it was a special sight to see.

On the other-side of town at the headquarters of Kapoor Industries, Ram called out to Jenny to ask if Vikram was back, yes sir he’s in his office right now.  Ram nodded and walked down the passage to Vikram’s office he didn’t bother to knock.  Vikram was at this desk busy looking into his computer screen with a frown, he looked up blankly to find Ram glaring at him.  What’s wrong he asked?  Ram certainly did not look impressed and made that vocal, you dumb ass get of that chair and come with me now.  Vikram was confused where to he asked, just come with me Vikram and he walked out the office to the bank of lift not giving poor Vikram a chance to question him but to tag along rushing after him,  he tried again for at least some sort of answer Ram what’s going on I’m busy.  Ram eyed him when I blast your head against that wall then you will be busy until then I don’t want to hear another word from you.  Vikram was clearly at a loss for words.

Today the all girl’s school and the all boy’s school combined in this yearly once off concert when both schools mixed together, no doubt there was pride for their little angel Neha and Priya sat in the fourth row from the front of the big auditorium.  They were not big on being made a spectacle, but rather casually blended into the crowd.   No doubt there were other well known rich parents here who made them-selves very noticeable, Neha softly referred to them as cheap braggers; Priya had to laugh at her friends comment.  For any parent there was always that nervous tension, right now Priya had that feeling, she clutched onto Neha’s hand, god Neha I don’t know how you handle this I’m feeling so nervous, Priya really there’s no way of handling it  I swear I’m a nervous wreck every single time, they leaned close to whisper more.  The auditorium lights dimmed and the heavy blood red curtain draped open; the spot lights shone brightly making the stage the center of attention. The compere made the introductions there-after there was a welcome address from the all girls school principal, and the all boys school principal gave a key note address as well.  So began the concert each child introduced themselves before their act and went on to display their own individual talents.  No doubt there was a huge display of talent it was a spectacle to watch and then some to laugh at with their slapstick comedy.    Priya and Neha were sitting in anticipation one being a doting aunt and the other a loving mother. Unbeknown to them their seats next to each were being quietly cleared out, leaving a few empty spaces in the row that they sat in.   

Finally their wait was over they clutched each other’s hand tightly, oh my god I want to cry Priya whispered, look at her when she did she get so big,  I know Neha said proudly with tears in her own eyes I don’t even know how it happened.  Ridzy came on stage wearing a navy blue velvet satin dress, with a fine layering of tulle lining underneath.  Around her waist was an ivory belted ribbon, her hair was neatly braided on the side and knotted into a bun, on her feet she wore little ballerina slippers.  She came up to the microphone and spoke in her child voice, my name is Riddhima Shergill and I’m going to play the violin, I just want to say I love my aunty Priya very much and off course, I love mama to.  The audience had to laugh at her cuteness the aunt and mother couldn’t stop beaming with pride and tears.  Priya blew a kiss to her all the way to the stage.  There was a glow of surprise on the little girls face, her eyes popped wide open and she shouted in excitement, papa, Ram uncle dropping her violin she ran down the stairs in front of her as the audience gasped and turned to look at all the drama taking place in the center of the main aisle.  There was delight as the little girl ran to her father who dropped down on his knees and hugged his little princess, oh papa you came thank you so much I love you and she kissed his cheek, she turned to her uncle hugging his thigh as he lifted her up kissing her cheek, he laughed with pride carrying her forward back to the stage, the audience clapped in excitement for the little girl indeed they were shocked at who was actually here.   The compere came back on stage, what a lovely surprise he said to the audience we have Mr Ram Kapoor here thank you sir thank you for coming please come up on stage sir, Ram picked up his hand to signal no and very nicely declined, please continue he said as he went to take his own seat next to his very shocked wife.

They both looked at each other as he sat down, she held onto his arm curling her hands around it  dropping a light kiss on his shoulder thank you she smiled at him with tears in her eyes. He covered her hand with his own and smiled back at her as the sounds of violin strung together classic and soft it floated through the auditorium, the girl stood poised drawing a bow across the stringed instrument like she did it forever , in the background she was accompanied by her music teacher on piano playing in synchronized harmony to her violinist student.  Little Ridzy built up on the tempo picking up the speed into a some- what modern twist that had the audience mesmerized by her many transitions,  focused she was and feeling her music,  she played it out beautifully moving her head and shoulders like a pro, indeed she was stepping ahead into something big.  When finally her piece was over her family stood up clapping with pride and joy while other parents were equally impressed at the little girl’s performance and could not help but join in.  Ridzy curtsied to the audience  while her teacher looked on proudly the darling little girl couldn’t stop smiling at the clapping but she was most excitement because of her parents, her Ram uncle and her aunty Priya were all here to see her play, today she was indeed a spoilt little princess.

 When the concert was over and they all got up to leave, Ram asked his adorable little niece so what does our Ridzy want to do now, jumping up and down even more happy she said I want to have a burger and one strawberry milkshake, one banana milshake popping her eyes even bigger and also I want a chocolate doughnut, Neha immediately said no Ridzy  you can't and Vikram said baby that’s not good for you but papa I want a burger please. Ram said well if my Ridzy wants a burger  and two milkshakes and a doughnut well then that’s what she’s going to have, yayyyyyy she clapped her hands in excitement they all couldn’t stop laughing at her exuberance.  Neha turned to Vikram but what about the boys she asked with concern, Ram said don't worry about those two they busy playing play-station with their uncle Rishab, today its our Ridzy's day he said adoringly.  Much later that evening after spoiling Ridzy to whatever she wanted to do, Ram and Priya were returning back to their home when suddenly Priya shouted in excitement, Ram stop the car now, in shock he said what happened, what’s wrong, just stop the car she demanded, he screeched to a break at the side of the road, what he turned to her? She laughed kulfi pointing out to the vendor, Jesus Christ Priya you will kill us both for this craziness, awhhh come on Mr K don’t be spoilt sport, she giggled as she opened the door and he shook his head following her out the car.

 It was close to midnight a beautiful night it was, Priya went to the ice-cream vendor to buy her favorite, Kulfi, as she took the kulfi of her choice Ram came to stand next to her very casually, I swear Priya you will give Ridzy a run for her money with your childish behavior.  She turned to him pouting her lips into a big kiss for him, she brought the kulfi to his mouth for a bite, he had no choice but to bite into the ice cold cream stick covered in finely chopped pistachio nuts, Mr Kapoor live a little more and enjoy the moment she grabbed another kulfi and walked to stand against the car leaving Ram to settle the very minor task of paying.  He walked to her leaning against the car.  She tilted her head against his shoulder licking on to her kulfi and looking up to the stars.  It was peaceful and solemnly, she asked softly, Ram do you think our Kush is up there as she pointed up to a single star that seemed to be sparkling more brightly than the others, he looked up at the direction of her finger holding her close to him rubbing his cheek against her head, yes was all he said.  

There was quietness and just the sound of night time more silence passed as they finished eating their kulfi.  She picked up her head and moved to stand in front of him, wrapping her arms around his waist, he spread his legs  further apart to bring her close up to him while gently stroking her back,  she laid her head against his chest and spoke what her heart felt right this moment, Ram I love you more for the little things that you do, what you did for Ridzy today was so special and I was so proud of the man you represent, you made her so happy and you made me even more, thank you for just being the person you are, I just love you so much. How much he asked her, she moved a little and flung her arms out this much she smiled,  only that much he asked, hmmmmmm shaking head with a pressed smile she said no this much more she stretched herself even further, he laughed at her expressions taking  a deep breath and inhaling all the kind words she spoke he pulled her back to his embrace and he simply spoke what he felt for her, Priya there’s not a thing I won’t do for you baby wherever you are I want to be there, I want to know that you are always safe, I want to know that no matter what happens you are the most important part of my life and I just want to say how proud I am of you,  for the way you’ve just picked yourself up and became my Priya all over again. It’s a second chance we have baby and I’m not wasting a moment of it.  He tightened his arms around her as they hugged each other tightly on the roadside.   It was past midnight who would ever think that this was just a husband and wife, who would ever think that this was just loving of the heart of lover’s, the simplicity of speaking  to each other baring their souls open to midnight and the star’s above.

The next day the Mumbai Telegraph spoke of a lucky girl Riddhima Shergill who was surprised by the very famous Ram Kapoor, her doting uncle.  At school she was the highlight of the day as the other kids came to know of her association with the richest man around and no doubt more celebrity news was going to make rounds of this cute story.   While Vikram took a few minutes to tweet a picture of him and his daughter with a simple line, ‘my baby girl did me proud’.  The next few days seemed to fly by rather quickly, Ram was busy with business and also in preparing for the upcoming Presidential tour in accompanying the President to the world economic conference in Geneva and there after travelling straight to Mexico with talks to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.  Domestically during the past two weeks he flew four times but he'd always done that within a day and got back home to whatever ungodly hour he could make it.  Priya on the other hand tried to keep herself busy around the house, she was missing spending time with Ram but she also understood the bigger picture to his life.   She battled a bit with sleeping, the nightmares still would come to disturb her but she felt safest when she was wrapped in Ram’s arms.  Though she never shared with him her trouble in sleeping because by the time he got to bed he was always too tired to even think of anything being wrong with her so Priya hid her suffering to herself because she wanted to be strong for him. 

Before we knew it, It was the last weekend before Ram could leave, he was flying out on Monday night and today was Saturday a working day for him.  He had scheduled meetings at the house and was working from his home office with his project team since 0830 am this morning.  Now it had just gone past 1130am when he said to them continue here, I’ll be back now, he got up to leave his office walking out dressed rather casually in jeans and a shirt.  He was about to climb the stairs to go to his room when sauntering down the staircase all dressed up looking very casual and chic was his wife; she had a designer bag on her arm, heeled sandals on her feet.  Looking up at her with his hand on the balustrade blocking her path down, so madam he asked, where do you think you going to? She smiled at him, out she said, lifting his eyebrow out where he asked, out to place that won’t be of interest  to you.  He walked up a few stair’s enclosing her with his body holding her against the balustrade, enlighten me please he said with a devilish glint to his eye and she said I’m going to the salon to have my hair cut.

Looking at her open hair he wrapped his hand around it to feel the silk through his fingers why do you need to cut it he asked, because I want to she said, no he said you not cutting it, why not she asked? Pushing his body closer to hers because I said so, he took his hands to her face and slid it against her head bringing her face to his, he kissed her. With the intensity of the kiss her bag slipped from her hand as she kissed him back, god I miss you he said against her mouth, their tongues deepened into each other but they sprung apart when they heard a door open and voices down the passage.  In heavy breathing she turned to pick up her bag and he turned in time to see two of his employees looking at him with business in mind sir I think we found something that might interest you, what is it he asked as he ran his shaky fingers through his hair while Priya smiled a bit to sexily for Ram and said excuse me gentleman I’ll leave you’ll to your discussion and she walked down the last two bottom steps her ass just a bit to shapely against those snug fitting jeans she wore.  Ram said to his two team member's go back to the office I’m coming now, he went after her, Priya he called out but she chose to ignore him Priya he called out to her again she turned around seeing him walking towards her with a serious threat while she mischievously continued walking backwards, what is it Ram? Priya you are not cutting your hair, I think Mr Kapoor if you really like long hair then you should grow your own, Mrs Kapoor don’t get smart with me ok, she laughed go back to work Ram your staff are waiting for you, do you think I really give a fuck, shush she scolded him just go.  I’m warning you Priya cut just an inch of your hair and you shall regret it, she giggled blowing him a kiss go make some money Mr Kapoor and she turned around running to her waiting car. He shouted out to her I swear it Priya you shall the see the worst of me as he idly threatened her watching the car leave with her body guards in tow. Smiling to himself he turned to walk back inside the house to just business of the day.

 

          Looking forward to your comments on this chapter and do post on the blog if you can.

 

                                                      Until Later, Love

                                                                  T

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Jealous Rage! Chapter Fifty Six

     
                                                                       

 

Gripping into the side of my dreams!

 

 

Chapter Fifty Six

 

The twisting and turning inside her stomach made her sick to her gut, the doctor was ruthless Mrs Kapoor your baby is dead, you can never have children ever again.  No doctor you wrong this can’t be true, through this harshness a different voice seared into her brain like a razor blade, I said shut the fuck up, you bitch.  He pierced the gun into her skin, no my baby, my baby stop it, please stop she cried.  Shaking her head from side to side against the comfort of her pillow, her naked body was restless against the softness of the satin sheet,  her hands protecting herself like a shield please leave me alone.  The pain, the blood all seem to engulf her at the same time, no, no stop. she screamed.  I will kill you, you rich bitch did you hear me, did you hear me he cursed his evil eyes that were red and glowing with an intent to kill.  Curling her toes and pressing them into the sheet she stiffened her body as her eyes flew open, she was wet and dripping in perspiration.   Ram she thought, her breathing heavy as she turned to feel her way on her big bed, reaching out into the darkness for her protection.

Ram on the other side was very much fast asleep snoring contently, when she felt him she breathed a sigh of relief, touching both her hands against her face she tried to calm down gulping in more air, thank god she was safe.  Gripping her stomach she felt no pain, where was the blood, there was no blood it was all a nightmare within a dream just an awful nightmare, I’m ok she thought I’m really ok.  She turned to the nightstand reaching out for a glass of water, thirstily trying to quench the dryness in her throat.  Setting the glass back on the night stand she held her chest to steady her shaking hands trying for a few more deep breaths to calm her racing heartbeat.  Not thinking anymore she did the only thing she could do and that was cuddling up against Ram.  His back was facing her, she wrapped her arms tightly around him curving herself into his frame and rubbing her face against his skin to feel his warmth.  I so need you more than anything else in this world she whispered, please make this go away I don’t want to think about that horrible part of my life, please god make it go away she sobbed.  She tightened her eyes wanting to shut out the evilness in it, the pressure on her mind squeezed into darkness but just a speck of light filtered into her mind the tighter she squeezed, the bigger and brighter it became as thoughts of her romantic night in the bath tub came flooding through.  There was a satiated feeling within her, the after affects of that much loving, having her man sheathed inside her so deeply.  It’s ok I’m safe she thought, reassuring herself as she clutched him even tighter.

Later that morning Ram woke up stretching his arm’s, but his movement was held back by his sleeping beauty.  He tried to gently un-wrap her arms from him but that seemed to be a sweet delay.  Strange he thought normally she was the first to wake up, maybe he’d exhausted her from all the loving they did to each other.  To be honest even his body ached in places, he could so easily just go back to bed right now but unfortunately business was there plus a mother who needed re-assurance and a sister whom he needed to speak to this very morning.  He got out of bed going into the bathroom to get ready for his day.   Once he was dressed  he came back to the room he couldn’t help but smile as he walked to the bed to pull the cover up which was slightly exposing her nakedness.  Her hands were wrapped around his pillow while she slept so peacefully, he couldn’t stop from admiring her innocence. Dropping a gentle kiss on her cheek he whispered I love you.

Exactly two hours after Ram had left, Priya finally woke up.  Her body was aching in all sorts of places, she winced as she moved her legs, gosh she hurt all over.  Turning to look at Ram she found an empty spot, glancing at the clock her eyes popped, oh my god look at the time she thought, it’s so late but today she didn’t really have the energy to wake up, in-fact she lay back down on Rams pillow hugging it to her, yawning she closed her eyes as she tighten her grip on the pillow.  Thinking again off him she smiled wanting to hear his voice, so she decided to call him. Ram answered her call, hey baby, immediately she moaned at him I’m not speaking to you, Ram laughed now baby what did I do wrong?  Why didn’t you wake me up she pouted?  Ram smiled imagining her expression, how could I, you were sleeping so peacefully that I almost wanted to stay back with you.   Really she said smiling sheepishly, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to oversleep I hate not seeing you off in the mornings,  but I don’t know why I’m feeling so tired this morning, she yawned.   He laughed well I think we had a busy day and night so off course you’ll feel tired, she smiled at the  beautiful memory.   Ram asked Priya with concern, baby did I hurt you last night?  No why would you hurt me?  I’m just asking, she laughed so Mr hotshot Tycoon what are you doing right now?  I’m in a meeting he said.  What she shrieked at him, you talking to me like this while you in a meeting?  He laughed off course not silly, actually I’m meeting my new office he laughed.  Oh she said not wanting to know but really dying to hear if that hyena was around, so is she there Priya asked him. who Ram asked, you know who she said, playing ignorant he said do you mean Jenny?  Irritated Priya said off course not you buffalo.  Ram said Mrs Kapoor did you just call me a buffalo?  Priya giggled Mr Kapoor I think I just did.  Well Mrs Kapoor I seriously think I need to make you pay for that, he teased, but let me remind you Mr Kapoor that could be a bit of problem.  Why he asked, well you see I am just a poor housewife after all, so how can I ever pay you back?  He laughed there’s nothing poor about you baby, anyway we’ll negotiate tonight and I think we’ll do it the old fashioned way, and what’s the old fashion way she asked?  You pretty much naked he said.  Priya was just about to respond when she heard Jenny’s voice in the distant background, sir this just arrived for you.  Priya said to Ram I’ll speak to you later Mr Tycoon you can get back to making some money and I’ll think about getting out of bed, they both laughed.  Ok sweetheart I’ll speak to you later he said and they both disconnected the call.

Later in the day Priya had a special guest who dropped by for a visit, Neha her best friend.   She was so happy to see her and after they hugged each other, Priya could sense something was not right, so with concern she asked, are you ok?  Neha pressed her lips together almost in a smile, almost in a cry but trying hard to control herself by not speaking, her tears were there threatening to spill.  Priya said to her, let’s go up to my room. Caving into an emotional melt - down is something girl-friends do best.  Just the comfort that someone else understands without judgment and with pure concern makes a huge difference.  So it’s ok for a good cry and a good friend is all we need if only just to listen.  Neha was emotionally worn out sapped from all of her energy; she sat on the sofa wiping away her falling tears that couldn’t stop flowing. She didn’t want to talk she just wanted to cry because she could.  Priya passed on a clean tissue  to her, why are you doing this to yourself Neha, I can’t bear to see you like this.  Neha took the tissue from her friend blowing her nose and trying to compose herself to some degree, I can’t do this anymore Priya  I just can’t.  What can’t you do Neha, what’s happened?  Vikram the kids everything I just can’t do this all on my own.  I feel like I’m the only one running around from this end to that end, I know that Vikram is busy but I’m also busy taking care of his house and his children, what about my needs Priya?  When he comes home its dinner for him and then he’s stuck to the sports channel, these days he doesn’t even ask me about my day or what I do, don’t my needs count anymore?  Don’t get me wrong Priya I’m not saying he’s a bad father or bad husband it’s just that sometimes I would like that extra help around the house, sometimes I would like some appreciation for what I do.   Between my three kids I’ve got to play chauffeur to and from school, then they have after classes I have to make sure each one gets there on time for all their extra - curricular activities plus feeding them on time, one wants this the other wants something else, it’s like I have to be permanently stuck to the kitchen, then it’s time for homework and Rahul just leaves everything for the last minute and expects me to run around for him.    Sammy I want to shake that little brat he is such a busy body I’ve got to be constantly running around cleaning up after him.   I tell you Priya I just had it with these kids. 

This morning Vikram made me so mad that I was ready to strangle him, imagine he tells me a day before that he can’t come to my Ridzy’s school concert. This child has worked so hard to prepare and Vikram tells her that he can’t come because he’s busy in some important meeting.  My little girl was so upset and it broke my heart when she said to me mama I don’t want to take part in the concert anymore because if papa is not there I know I won’t be any good.   Priya felt really sorry for Neha she could understand as a woman how much you have to give of yourself to your family and she felt really bad for poor little Ridzy that her papa could not make it to her concert.  You know Priya at her age she is brilliant at playing the violin I don’t want us to miss a moment of it.  As parents I feel we both have to be there to support her but Vikram feels as long as I’m there with her that’s most important but Ridzy wants us both to be with her,  he tells me I am making him look like the bad one and I need to be a bit more understanding of his work pressures.  What about me Priya is he understanding about what I have to go through in my day,  as long as things get done he can’t be bothered how it gets done and that pisses me off.

After letting Neha speak her mind and release all her fustrations,  Priya said Neha please don’t mind what I’m going to say, promise me ok? Neha looked at Priya, off course ya, I won’t mind you are my friend.  Priya smiled squeezing her hand, sometimes you are your own worst enemy Neha.   Neha looked at her blankly, what do you mean?  I know that Vikram has told you many times to get help but you are just an obsessively compulsive control freak and I think that's wearing you out,  it’s not possible to do all that you do without help, maybe if you could consider just getting somebody to help with the cooking and the cleaning it will give you a bit more time for yourself and you  have to face facts  your life is hectic with three kids  you can’t do everything on your own.  Really I think you should discuss this with Vikram about getting in a servant to help out.  Neha said I know what you saying is true  but I just can’t handle the idea of having somebody else invade our living space I don’t know if I can do this Priya.  Look Neha you just admitted you can’t do this on your own and in order to help you, you have to comprise on certain things unless you some sort of superwoman Priya joked, and to be honest you know you not, they both burst out laughing. Finally Neha said maybe you right it’s time that I do get some help around.  Priya smiled I’m glad you think so, in fact I think I can lend you some help from Kapoor Mansion because personally I think there is way too many staff here and you need someone whom you can totally trust, so I will speak to ma about it and I'm sure she won't mind at all.                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now coming to the problem about Ridzy's school concert, I would hate for her to be disappointed because Vikram cannot be there,  I can’t be Vikram but if it’s ok with you and Ridzy I would love to come with you.  Neha was shocked, Priya you would do this for us, Priya smiled why not I’m doing it for Ridzy you know I love her very much, anyway I’m a bit selfish to you see I want to be a proud aunt tomorrow because she is my super-star, so off course I want to be there.  But Priya don’t you think it may be a bit much for you, for months you have not been out to anything crowded.  Priya smiled bravely there is no but in this I want to come if you will have me.  Neha un-expectantly threw her arms around her friend, you are my lifesaver she kissed her cheek I love you Priya I just can’t believe you doing this for us.   Priya laughed hugging her back it’s nothing Neha it would be my pleasure.  Neha said Ridzy will be so excited when I tell her that her aunty Priya is coming to watch her perform you know how much she loves you and I love her just as much.  So now that we have settled that how about I make us some tea Priya offered.  That would be just perfect Neha followed her out the room, you know Priya I’ve always missed not having any of my family live in Mumbai but you know what you and Ram make up for all of them.  Priya smiled as she linked her hand to her friend, it works both ways Neha you and Vikram are just as important to us.  

That evening when Ram came home he said to Priya, can I speak to you for a few minutes please? off course she smiled, did you ever need my permission before?  Looking at her he took her hand in his I need to ask you again, she looked to him weirdly, what is it Ram you sound serious?  It is baby it’s serious you see I got a call from the Presidency again and they are desperate for me to join the President on his tour, I know we spoke about this but baby I need to know if I go will you be ok because really I’m not prepared to leave you alone?  She smiled lifting her hand to touch his face and let her finger wander along his cheek, looking him into his eye she said Ram I will be perfectly fine really I will, I promise. He closed the distance between them sliding his finger along her lip and down her chin you know you are the most important thing in my life, right?  She nodded her head I know just like you the most important thing in my life.  He touched his lips to hers and kissed her, I will miss you he said and she said I will miss you even more.

Ram spent the rest of the evening in his study behind closed doors,  speaking to the President on a few issues and then getting down to his own business while Priya on the other hand was in bed reading her book.  Somewhere along she dozed off to sleep but was restless, there was a tightening grip in her throat she couldn’t breathe, help she tried to scream through her blocked airwaves but it gripped her even tighter , struggling with all effort she woke up at the speed of lightening sitting up on her bed gasping for breath, holding her throat and calming her rapid heart- beat.  God in heaven she thought what was happening to her, she needed water desperately turning to her bedside table she almost knocked the glass down as she greedily gulped the water.  Once she drank enough she held her one hand against her throat  and the other against her eyes trying to silence her mind. Dear god what is going on with me, she looked at the clock it was 1230am her bed was empty. She got up and went down to the study in search of Ram ,she knocked on the door and walked in to find him leaning back in his chair talking on the phone in conversation,  when he saw her he smiled and motioned for her to come to him.

She went to him gladly as she sat on his lap with her head resting against his chest while he cradled her, he continued to talk while she gently massaged his neck with her wandering hands, he was enjoying the feel of her touch and he slowly circled his finger along her stomach, his conversation was all about business and eventually he said to the caller, look I have to go now you can get back to me with the figures once it's ready and he ended the call.  looking at Priya he lifted her chin, are you ok he asked her, she nodded her head, are you sure he asked, once again she nodded her head.  He kissed her forehead I’m sorry I got delayed here I just have one more report to look at and then I’ll come up to bed.  I’ll wait with you she said,  baby it’s late you should be in bed he touched her cheek go to bed love,  she shook her head no can I lie down here on the couch while you work.  He lifted her chin no on second thoughts he said let’s go to bed. 

The next day Priya had a passing thought, something that she was meaning to do for a while and never got around doing.  Locating the number through their head of security she called with a nervous knot in her stomach to Delhi.  The call was answered by Lieutenant Colonel Rohit Singh the Indian Army officer who had come to her rescue.  Rohit this is Priya Kapoor I am so sorry to disturb you, he was silenced for a few seconds hearing her name, hearing her voice.  Priya he said what an unexpected surprise, how are you doing?  She smiled at his question but avoided it instead with something of her own.  I know that I should have done this a while ago but truthfully I didn’t have the courage to because I didn’t want to face what had happened,  I just wanted to say thank you Rohit thank you so much.  He was touched by her kindnesss why are you thanking me Priya, because you saved my life Rohit and that too of so many others and I’ll never be-able to re-pay you for putting your life at risk for me.   Rohit didn’t know what to say, being strong didn’t always help when your heart was in it, Priya every day I blame myself for what happened to you I wish I could have done more Priya, I wished that you never got hurt.  Priya was choked up with emotion it’s not your fault Rohit it was an accident, just a stroke of bad luck but it wasn’t your fault because you saved me and for that I will always be so grateful to you.   They both seemed emotional on one-side the tough army man and the other –side the billionaire wife.  In the background was a baby gurgling loudly enough for Priya to smile, oh my she said, is that little Aditi I hear.   Rohit laughed yes it’s her, our little terror.  Priya said she must have grown up so much, memories of the cute little baby came flooding back to her and she couldn’t help but think of her.  Rohit said Priya in a few week’s I’ll be coming to Mumbai for some meetings and if you permit me I would love to meet with you.   Priya smiled that would be lovely Rohit I would love to meet with you too, here’s my number and please do keep in touch, ok he agreed, definitely I will do and thank you very much for the call it really means a lot,  no Rohit thank you and please pass my love to Arpita and give Aditi a kiss from me.  

Her next call was to a florist in Delhi and after ending the call she sat down on the edge of the bed a sense of relief washed over.   She couldn’t understand how a strange co-incidence of a meeting would have such an impact on her life.  Rohit Singh through his wife and child became her saving grace, she curled her toes into the carpet while her mind wondered.  At the same time her phone beeped with an in-coming message from Ram, hey my beautiful what are you doing and she sent a simple message back to him, just getting ready to go out.  Within seconds her phone rang there was no hello, just straight to the question, where are you going to he asked her?  I’m going to Ridzy’s school concert with Neha.  Oh he said you never mentioned this before, actually it all happened yesterday Vikram can’t go and Ridzy was disappointed so I offered to go with.   Ram said but Priya you not going alone, off course I’m not Ram I’m going with Neha, and you will go with your bodyguards remember that Priya, Ram is it really necessary for that?  Priya are you looking for an argument or are you looking for a conversation, she made a funny face and stuck her tongue out to him in annoyance, you called me she pouted, yes I called you to have a conversation he said, oh well whatever she said.  Are you being cheeky Mrs Kapoor, no Mr Kapoor I’m just being your dutiful wife.....

 

 Whatever LOL, until next time, looking forward to your feedback on this chapter!

 

Love 

T