A Jealous Rage! Chapter Fifty Eight

 When Duty Calls!

   

Chapter Fifty Eight

Priya always had a good eye for taste, growing up in a middle class background it was obvious that luxuries were not a common occurrence, but not being able to afford much didn’t stop one from admiring beauty at it's best.  Through magazines or a book, on television or just passing through the many shops watching in innocence the beautiful displays that could alone bring a smile of wonder, nice to have but for many just a dream.  Who would have ever thought dreams, even if not dreamed could come true, no doubt Priya was one such lucky wonder.  In her wealth there was an elegant simplicity about her, she dressed for comfort more than style.   Well groomed without trying too hard, from her lustrous silky hair to her perfectly manicured hands and feet, and in the natural light of her make-up there was something about her that just caught your attention holding you captivated by the depth within her eyes, filled with so much expression.  Indeed the confidence of a woman can make a man, go weak at his knees.  It’s complicated understanding what’s behind her thought process, what is she thinking, and what is she feeling without saying much but no doubt the beauty of a woman can floor a man flat to the ground.  There was no easy trick in the book, it was hard work for a woman to keep up with a rigorous beauty regime, looking good feeling good was all part of embracing the woman inside.  These past few months Priya wasn't interested in paying much attention to herself, though she still kept herself well groomed she didn’t keep up to her professional appointments to be styled and pampered, but this morning she woke up feeling a need for change, just that something to lift her spirits up and make her feel womanly all over again, and the perfect man to do exactly that was the very talented, Leo Paul.

 Lifting the wet thickness of her hair in his hands, he simply asked so my honey girl what are we doing with your hair today.  Priya looked at herself through the mirror confused with what she should do, I’m not sure Leo why don’t you surprise me she smiled.  Oh my my my am I so happy to hear that but before he could get carried away with his free creativity she pointed her finger at him through the mirror and very quickly set her limit, don’t you dare think you going to have your wicked way with me she warned him?  Awhhhh he staggered back clutching his chest, oh that just hurts he turned his head up in the air in faked pain, don’t you trust me princess, he asked?  Priya laughed oh stop you are such a drama queen but still NO she said, widening her eyes at him. We’ll see Leo winked at her, when I turn you into a ravishing hot beauty we’ll have your Ram Kapoor just a slobbing German shepherd on heat after you.  She burst out laughing spoiling his illusion or we’ll have him a ferocious Pit Bull at your front door,  grrrrr he sharpened his teeth in mock humor girfriend that’s so not nice of you, they both laughed out imaging  Ram Kapoor the slobbing German Shepherd verses the ferocious Pit Bull.  Leo finally held his reddened cheek, oh stop you silly girl you making me blush.  Their eyes connected in the mirror somehow a sobered expression turned up with some tender emotion, it’s good to see you girl and there was maybe just a teary glint of something in his eye, she smiled back at him with nothing said but just complete trust in this master genius.

Leo Paul was the owner of one of the trendiest hair salons in the country; he was so sought after by the rich and glamorous without doubt he charged a king’s price for his talent.  He had a soft spot for Priya Kapoor she was a darling girl and he loved her to bits, there was something pure and honest about her, that he himself couldn’t hold back in his professional demure that he just let himself be comfortably gay.  Leo’s mouth sure did the talking and his fingers did the walking,  he was quick like a magician his dramatic turn of the chair to the flip of the hair, to the snip of the layers he did it all in a flamboyant style.   Oh my god Leo what have you done, Priya was mortified at what she was seeing and nearly on the brink of hyper ventilating, oh my god she said I am so dead.  Come on baby relax you going to be a knock out, don’t you baby me you, you, you rascal she shouted at him my husband is going to kill me.  Leo laughed now come on girl we all know that’s not possible that man loves you way too much, not when he’s sees ten inches chopped off she so worriedly said.  Come now don’t be a spoilt sport just let Leo finish his work and we’ll see, in the meantime you sit back and relax as he swiveled her chair for his artistic impression while Priya closed her eyes imagining Ram threatening her before she left,  dare you cut off even an inch of hair and you will regret it.   A little while later a different scenario took form as Priya looked at herself in the mirror for that final look, touching her hair in wonder oh my god this feels divine, she turned around flipping her hair from side to side I love it, I totally love it she beamed, you are brilliant she praised Leo Paul.  Didn’t I tell you baby girl just trust in your Leo, throwing her arms around his neck, thank you, thank you, thank you so much I just absolutely love it.  You so welcome.

As Priya walked out the salon she felt on top of the world, her hair felt lightweight and soft with all the layering adding a defining look which was that instant pick me up she was looking for, getting into the back seat of her waiting car she thought for a moment and then called to confirm that she was still at work, yes she was, so Priya decided to pay a surprise visit to Natasha’s design studio which was just a block away from here, but not without some greasy lunch in hand as she herself was starving.  Now and then she didn’t mind indulging in a bit of fast food only just a bit.  Off course Natasha was over the moon and said to her my darling sister-in-law bless your dear heart I’m so starving right now,  Priya said that  makes two of us as they tucked into their Big Mac burgers, one a heartily juicy grubber and the other a vegetarian wrap with extra large Big Mac frys to die for and a coke to wash away the grease.  Oh heaven Natasha couldn’t help drooling and eating at the same time, your hair is just fantastic I think Leo Paul is so biased I never come out looking like that Nutz complained with food stuffed in her mouth. Priya laughed that’s because you don’t need to look like me when you got such naturally straight hair yourself, Nutz had to argue with her some more on who looked better.

By the way Priya what happened to bhai?  Priya was munching on a chip oh he’s working she casually said, Natasha sipped on her coke but he’s leaving on Monday?  So Priya asked, well duh he should be spending the weekend with you.  Priya laughed I have no hope for that lets just finish eating before you spoil my mood.   A little while later Priya was looking around at the different styled mannequins with all the fabric lying all over.  So what’s this she asked going over to stand in front of one intriguing display?  Nutz said oh that’s my Middle Eastern inspiration, explaining further she said I’ve suddenly become crazy in to belly dancing , I’ve even started going for some belly dancing classes it’s like the best thing that I could have ever done, really Priya asked with curiosity why so? I’m not sure but I just love that sensuous feel of the body moving without touching it’s just so damn mysterious and trust me it does wonders for these thunder thighs here she gripped her thigh to show off the extra bit of flesh.  Priya laughed I swear you mad there’s nothing wrong with your thighs you are just perfect.  Hey Priya I have an idea why don’t you join me at one of my dance classes we’ll have a blast I promise you.  Priya almost choked me oh my god your bhai would so not be impressed with me.  Nutz said well bhai doesn’t need to know anything I mean he’s going to be away for the next two weeks any way so why don’t you come along and just have a look.  Priya thought for a bit ok we’ll see but for now I really have to go I need to go shopping to get a few things for him.  Nutz said ok my dear sister-in-law rubbing her flat stomach to emphasize how full she was thanks for my lunch I’m stuffed, you welcome Priya said now you don’t work to late please go home early and take care of my Karthik.   Natasha said off course I do that anyway you can just take your possessively sister act and go home to my bhai Nutz retorted, hahahaha very funny Priya said, I’m going shopping first.

At the Mansion Ram was pacing his room it was early evening and Priya was not home yet, where did she go to? He had worked flat out trying to get through all that he needed to so that they could spend the rest of the weekend together maybe he'd take her out shopping, and then to a fancy dinner, off course ending up with a much needed night at their apartment,  but where was madam she was not here and he was getting agitated.  He picked up the phone to call her but stopped in mid air as she walked into the room looking damn hot carrying in her shopping bags; hi she innocently said, I thought you were still working.   Ram couldn’t say much because he was too deeply shocked to think, you cut your hair.  Ignoring him she put the shopping bags on the dressing room floor, off course I cut my hair I told you I was going to, and I told you that I didn’t want you cutting your hair he shouted at her.  She turned around to look at him it’s my hair and if I want to cut it then that’s my decision to make, like hell it’s your decision how could you go ahead and cut your hair when I damn well forbid you not to. She looked at him like he’d gone mad you forbid me she asked, I’m not a child Ram for you to forbid me, no you my wife he shouted, so she shouted back standing with her hands against her hips.  So what I say goes he yelled at her.  In utter disbelief she said you must be out of your bloody mind yelling back at him, only that made Ram even angrier  and all he could do to release his frustration, was storm out of their room and out the house to avoid world war three.

The story of the world is such, when two very sensible men who happen to be best buddies have wife issues to contend with, they do what comes naturally first, they drink.  Both Ram and Vikram were very much tipsy, Ram wanted to know from his friend, when my wife cuts her hair what is she trying to tell me?  Vikram thought about that seriously and quite cleverly said; oh she’s probably telling you to fuck off.  Ram responded not so seriously, you bastard can I shoot you now?  Vikram laughed in his very drunken state maybe now is not such a good time?  Why do you think so Ram asked, because right now pointing at him he said you need to save our Indian economy first, hahahahaha very funny.  There was a few minutes of golden silence as both continued to sit aimlessly, savoring the remains of their drink.  Vikram turned to Ram and asked him seriously, when my wife dumps the flowers I bought for her what is she telling me?   Ram looked at his friend holding his glass up with a genuine drunken grin he added, she’s telling you to fuck off. Cheers bud, they popped open a new bottle of hard core liquor to drown.

It was just past 1:00AM; Priya was wide awake waiting for Ram she hadn’t heard a word from him since he’d stormed out the house earlier and he wasn’t even answering her calls.  She was concerned where did he go to?  Her phone rang and in eagerness she rushed for it thinking it was Ram only to hear Neha on the other-side.  What’s wrong, Priya asked?  Is Vikram at the house?   Priya was surprised, no he’s not why are you asking?  He’s not home and he’s not answering his phone we had this silly fight earlier, I just don’t know Priya I’m just so mad at him right now.  Priya said well that kind of sounds familiar, what do you mean? Ram is not home we had a stupid argument, he left the house and he’s not even answering any of my calls.  Unknown to these concerned wives their husbands were on their own drinking agenda carefree and careless drinking at a bar and here they were worried for them, when they realized these two were probably together they got seriously annoyed.

In the early hours of the morning when Ram finally found his way home he staggered up the staircase, hearing his footstep Priya breathed a sigh of relief.   When he entered the room she was horrified at his drunken state while looking at her through his hazy view, all he could see was her dazzling face hey babbyyy girl and then he crash landed on her side of the bed, Ram she cried out reaching out to him to ensure he didn’t get hurt but instead got herself trapped with his big useless body, his eyes were closed and he smiled slurring you a veryyyyyyyy verrryyyyy naughttyyyyyy he didn’t get to complete what he wanted to say as sleep over came him and he loudly began to snore.  Poor Priya was stuck trying to get away from his grip but eventually she managed to get out, with all that force she almost fell over on the floor but managed to hang on to the side of bed, god I’m going to kill this man she thought miserably.   Once she recovered she stood up and began to undress him removing his socks and shoes.  He reeked of alcohol and she hated the smell almost wanting to throw up, it was a bad night for Priya she couldn’t even get an hour’s sleep.

It was Sunday afternoon Ram had finally woken up, the stress of work over the last few weeks and last night’s drink or two was messing with his head, he sat up on the edge of bed his hands on his head with his bare feet firmly on the floor trying to find some balance so that he could stand up.  Priya walked into the room very quietly and stood in front of him with her hands crossed, she glared at him and then asked so would you like to explain yourself?  He looked at her blinking his eyes, explain what he asked, where were you last night Ram and why did you come home drunk? I was not drunk he said adamantly, yes you were she shouted at him.  Oh stop being ridiculous I was not drunk; he denied further I was perfectly fine.  Priya not giving up asked so why do you look like you have a serious hangover right now, what a rubbish he said, look at yourself Ram she ordered, can you just talk a bit softly he groaned, closing his eyes I have a headache please just get me a painkiller.  A very unsympathetic Priya said to him you know what this serves you right, go get it yourself and she walked out the room leaving Ram moaning to god, can’t she be nice for once he complained.  While downstairs a very angry Priya couldn’t stop her-self from performing her wifely duties, as she gave Bansi Kaka two pain killers with a glass of cold water, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to serve to his master.

Ram continued to spend the rest of day in bed, he was so tired and out of balance, ok truth be told he was recovering from a hangover but he’d never admit it to that madam. Priya on the other hand spent her day giving him the silent treatment, how dare he ruin their weekend I will never forgive you for this she vowed.  At dinner time he finally made it downstairs both of them giving each other cold stares, while they continued to eat chatting to the family but very much ignoring each other.  When dinner was over he went to his study to spend a few hours in some peace and quiet, while Priya went up to her room, he sat in his chair thinking it’s my last night at home and she’s being so damn uncaring what’s going on with her, why this sudden change in her attitude he thought.  Ok he got drunk and came home late but she was also responsible for his condition why did she have to go cut her hair when he specifically told her not to why all this now when he’s leaving, what is she planning?  It worried him endlessly and he needed to find his answers tonight. 

Going up to the room he found her sitting on the bed watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy on their flat screen, getting straight to the point he said I want to know, what your problem is?  Looking at him she laughed like he’d asked the most stupid thing ever, you talking to me pointing to her-self?  Off course you he said in annoyance who else can it be? Oh let me see who else can it be she thought maybe your big fat ego she said, Ram was certainly not happy to hear that and said, Priya I’ve just about had it with your bad attitude and it better stop right now.  She got of the bed like the warrior queen she was pointing at him, you dare to tell me that I have a bad attitude when you come home drunk as hell, you didn’t even have the decency to answer your phone while I was here sitting at home wondering if you were ok.

Oh please there’s no need for all your drama, nothing happened to me but I want to know why did you go and have your hair cut what are you planning he asked her?  For crying out loud I’m not planning anything I just felt like a change so I did it what’s the big deal?  Grabbing her shoulders he shouted back at her, the big deal is that I don’t like it, so then that’s your problem to deal with not mine she shouted back at him as she twisted out of his grip.  He grounded his teeth in frustration there is more to this than you telling me you are hiding something from me, oh please I’m not hiding anything she denied, don’t you lie to me he yelled.  Oh very clever Ram you want something to be wrong so that you can find an excuse not to go tomorrow, isn’t that right she asked?  He didn’t say a word to deny the accusation but she went on to say and don’t look at me for an excuse because you not getting it from me.  Oh what rubbish he said please don’t give yourself that much importance I have a business to run and a commitment to my country so don’t think I need an excuse from you not to go.  Well then go she threw her arms out; in a sarcastic laugh I’m not stopping you, just go.

 He was mad at her oh so you can’t wait for me to go right, which means you have something planned while I’m away. Oh please just get over yourself Ram she went onto the side of the room to switch of the television, where do you think you going to he shouted at her I’m not done talking to you, you call this talking she shouted, then was it he demanded to know, I don’t know and I don’t care she yelled back at him.  She tried to walk past him but ended up crashing into his shoulder, oh please for god sake can you just leave me alone, madam for your information I didn’t do anything if you want to leave the room then just go I’m not stopping you.  Priya pushed him aside as she walked out the door but before she could leave she turned around to face him and another thing you need to shave, running his hands along his chin he said defiantly because he knew she hated it, I’m growing a beard so deal with it.  She looked at him like he’d gone mad are you crazy she asked?  If you can cut your hair then I certainly can grow a beard he counter acted.   Priya was not impressed, fine she said do what you want to do, fine he shouted back I will; she walked out the room in a maddening rage.

A little while later after she’d calmed down she knocked on Rishab’s room door knock, knock can I come in she asked?  Off course bhabhi I’ve been waiting for you, she smiled sorry I’m here now so where do you want to work in here or downstairs, here please he pointed to the seat next to his desk, she went to sit down and then asked him so what section do you want to go over? oh bhabhi this literature stuff is so damn boring I just hate it why do I have to do it he moaned,  what literature stuff you talking about Priya asked, that Shakespeare dude and all his stupid words I just can’t understand what he’s saying,  Priya laughed you know the problem you have is that you to lazy.  ohhhhh please bhabhi don’t be so hard on me that’s why I have you around, you rascal she said pretending to twist his ears ouch he shouted before she could even try, as he rubbed his ears he said, bhabhi can I ask you something? What is it?  Are you and bhai fighting?  Priya was embarrassed for a moment, why are you asking? Because I heard you’ll both shouting just now. Priya blushed but not hiding the truth, yes we fighting, why he asked worriedly are you ok?   Off course I am fine she smiled at him tenderly you see the more we fight the more reason I have to demand a bigger present from him, she winked at him, Rishab found that awesome enough to try and latch on to some of that for himself hey bhab’s how about you ask him for a Ferarri?  Priya laughed actually I was thinking maybe a Porsche will be more like it,  Rishab was fascinated and said wow I’m seriously impressed, you ROCK dudette!  Priya laughed now dude I’ll be seriously impressed if you can type that essay by yourself, oh bhabhi you such a spoilt sport, I know she said to him lovingly lets crack this Shakespeare stuff together. 

Monday was here, Priya wished this day never came; pretending to be normal was hard work, especially when all she wanted to do was sulk.   She still hadn’t spoken to Ram since their fight and the thought of Ram being away from her for ten days was a nightmare in itself, but right now all she needed was every reserved excuse to be angry at him so that her emotions remained strong enough for him to leave her.   Ram was somehow battling with his own reasons, the thought of being away from Priya was hard for him to contend with and yes he was foolish enough to admit he needed just an excuse to stay back with her but his bad luck this madam didn’t really care much that he was leaving and that bothered him way too much, in-fact it grated on his nerves with much annoyance.   The green room was tensely filled with hidden emotions, as they both by-passed the other with much silence. Through the strains of the quietness Ram’s phone rang, it was his pilot informing him they were on schedule to take off and he needed to make his way to the airport so that they could arrive in Delhi on time.  A heavy feeling washed over him as he picked up his in- flight bag from the bed, Priya on the other hand busied herself looking for something just anything she didn’t really care what it was, she was just busy hiding herself keeping her hands occupied in her cupboard.   Ram stood at the entrance to the dressing room looking at her with her head stuck inside her cupboard.  Priya he called out to her, she pretended to not hear but she could feel his eyes burning into her back, he called again Priya, yes she said.  Very sadly he said I’m leaving there was silence that followed, he was on the verge of stepping closer to her when she called out bravely, ok bye have a safe trip was all she said. 

He was stilled by her casualness and said thanks I will, you take care and he turned to leave in desolation.  Holding her breath, her breathing hurt against her breastbone thud thud thud he was leaving, his footsteps could be heard and her tears were choking up, while his heart was breaking at her indifference, there was uncertainty in his stride but glory be to god at his last step almost out of their room, he heard his name called out into the air, Rammmmmm, like music to his ear he stopped dead in his track, thud thud thud his heart beat jumped for joy as she came like a wind crashing into him holding him back, her arms wrapped around the front of his chest covering his heart her face pressed against his back while his Louis Vuitton in-flight bag dropped heavily on the floor.  He covered her soft hands with his, taking a deep breath he breathed a sigh of relief and then turned around within her embrace as he hugged her for dear life, his eyes shut tight to absorb her body.   I’m sorry she cried Ram I’m so sorry, holding her face in between his hands he couldn’t bear to see the tears spilling on that beautiful innocent face, I’m sorry too he whispered I’m so sorry for what happened he kissed her lips hard, while her hands gripped into his hair kissing him back with all that she had to offer.  I’m so sorry was all that they could say to each other Ram leaving was going to be that much harder for the both of them as their resolve broke.

In Delhi Air India One, the VVIP squadron of the Indian Air Force a Boeing 747-400 aircraft which was used to transport the Indian heads of state on their international visits. Tonight this aircraft was under tight security as it was being put through its final checks by the IAF’s Air headquarters squadron based at the Indira Gandhi International airport which commanded, and operated the Presidential flight.   Ram had tried to negotiate with the President’s office to allow him to travel on his own private jet from Mumbai to Geneva, but they insisted Ram had to travel with the Indian delegation all the way from Delhi.  There was strict protocol attached to the schedule and even stricter measures in place at the airport. The IAF was a force to be reckoned operating in military precision, every single minute was accounted for into a strategically successful air force operation. 

Ram embarked the aircraft escorted to his first class window seat; he looked out into the night but the brightly lit runway made it seem almost day time and he could clearly see on either side of Air India One, two MiG -21 fighter jets waiting in position for take -off ready to escort Air India One out of Delhi air-space.  No doubt for any Indian diplomat or civilian traveling with the President’s entourage there was always pride at the sight of watching the IAF in action.  The billionaire Ram Kapoor was indeed glued to the beauty of the two fighter jets, wondering what it would feel like to be flying one of those babies; he was thrilled by speed and fascinated by action. He was a dare devil of many in his bachelor days that were filled with stories of much speed but his marriage grounded him to a level that his wife was all that he needed, he smiled at the thought of her already missing her dreadfully so he called her just to whisper, I love you baby but the President interrupted a very lovey, dovey conversation, calling out to Ram to sit next to him, sir I’ll be with you in a minute he smiled in acknowledgment while his heart was listening to the cherished words that filled his life when she said to him with enough tenderness I love you to.   

                                                             Until next time, keep dreaming 

                                                                           Love T

 

Ps, looking forward to your comments on this update, do post on the blog if you can.