Inconvenient Relations Page 10

  That’s how these guys work, Ruhi, slowly. Do I know anything about him except what he has told me? Am I really sure this Des is a done deal?

  “No, I’m not.” She stopped again, at once rattled and afraid. “I don’t know anything at all. I haven’t even met her. They may pick up from where they left off after I’m gone, leaving me holding the baby.

  “Oh god! What a fool I am. I was almost ready to be the sacrificial lamb at the altar of Shaan and Des!”

  She sat down prostrate on a vacant sidewalk bench, realization hitting her all at once. He is indeed very clever, but I am no less. “Ruhi Sharma will get you for this, Mr. Shaan Ahuja.” Her face lit up; this is going to be exciting.

  Suddenly, she heard a piercing scream and saw a small child shoot out from a store behind her and launch himself right onto the street. She saw nobody following behind. Jumping off her seat, she raced after the boy and plucked him out of the way of the oncoming traffic. Accompanied by the sounds of screeching tires and brakes, she ran back to the store with the child struggling in her arms and marched inside with the purpose of giving the owners a piece of her mind, when she was nearly knocked over by someone tall and spare heading in the opposite direction. “I don’t want another penny from you, darling sis, and don’t expect me to be back any time soon!”The lanky person announced loudly before blundering out onto the street, shouldering her aside without as much as a sideways glance.

  Oh no, he’s the nickel guy, she thought, her eyes following as his long legs carted him swiftly away.

  “Hey wait! Your five cents!” But I don’t have any money. A quick dig into her pockets confirmed that fact.

  “Surjit! Surjit! Kithe chala gaya?” (Where did he go?) A woman called screaming from inside the store.

  “Mamaa!” the struggling bundle in her arms yelled back. Surjit? Ruhi frowned at the little boy who had almost succeeded in slipping out of her grasp.

  “No you don’t! Not until I tell your mother a thing or two,” she said, placing him firmly on the large counter of what looked like a medium-sized convenience store.

  “Surjit! My son!”

  A harried-looking young Asian woman popped out of the back. Her weary and drawn face made it appear as though she carried the weight of the entire world on her shoulders. “What are you doing with him? Let him go!” she shouted as soon as she saw the boy in Ruhi’s grip.

  “Madam, if it wasn’t for me today, you would be singing a different tune.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your boy had run out onto the street and thank heavens I was there to rescue him, or else…” You’d be preparing for a funeral! Ruhi opted to not rub it in.

  “Surjit! Oh this boy will have my life one day!” The young woman let out a frustrated sob. “I don’t know what to do with him. Thank you. I’m so sorry I was rude. It has been so difficult lately with my husband sick and me having to manage on my own…and so many other things…” Her voice trailed off as she gazed forlorn into space.

  Feeling a sudden outpouring of sympathy toward this woman who was barely a few years older than her yet who already seemed to have her platter of misery spilling over, Ruhi sensed her anger melt away. “I’m sorry for your situation, but do keep a better eye on your son in the future.”

  The young woman smiled. “I will. You look like you are from back home. I am Sanjana Singh, the owner of this store.”

  “I am Ruhi or Bee as I sometimes like to call myself,” Ruhi replied with a short laugh.

  “Hi, Ruhi, Bee.” Sanjana seemed amused. “Hmm…interesting. Do you want a drink or something? You look tired. Have you been running?”

  Yup, running from somebody dangerous. “I could do with a drink of water, then I should get going. My…friend is waiting for me.”

  “Do stop by sometime. I’d love the company. It can get very lonely here. And yes, thank you so much for saving Surjit. I don’t know how to express my gratitude enough.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.” Ruhi put her arms around Sanjana’s shoulders who hugged her right back. “I’ll surely stop by.” She waved while stepping out of the store. She had found a kindred spirit.

  I have to come back anyway. I still owe that nickel.

  Her phone buzzed loud in her pocket, jolting her out of her musings. It was the first call ever that she had received, and it was from him.

  She recognized she’d almost forgotten the original intent of her mission. Schooling herself to sound as carefree as possible, she answered,“What’s up, Shaan?”

  “It’s been two hours, Bee.”

  She sensed a sudden thrill at the sound of his voice, the smooth tones floating like a caress into her ear.

  “What does that mean? It’s not 7:00 p.m. yet,” she retorted, swamped by an irresistible urge to taunt him.

  “Damn you, Ruhi! I will…I have had too much of this!” She could imagine him smoldering with vexation. It made her laugh.

  “My poor Grey. Angry at your Bee? I was teasing. C’mon, be a sport. Smile for a change.”

  Meanwhile in the apartment, Shaan stared at the phone in disbelief. He couldn’t believe this was the very same girl who had been living with him for the past five weeks. Was she becoming a baffling enigma or he was going mad? Perhaps I should consult a shrink!

  He shook his head in an attempt to clear it. I will not lose my cool no matter what she does. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Your dad called.”

  “What? And you are telling me now!”

  He grinned. “I tried to call you earlier, but you wouldn’t pick up the phone, Ms. Bee!”

  There was a long pause.

  “Uh…huh. I guess I didn’t hear it ring. Did you complain to him about me?”

  The clever bitch, apologies and aggression in the same breath!

  Seeking to control his mirth, he attempted to cover it with injured irritation, “Why would I do so and get myself into trouble? It was your idea, so handle it yourself. By the way, he is on a business trip and called to check in. He also wanted to make sure you’re behaving.”

  “Oh yes he was!”

  Shaan looked up and saw her stride in angrily through the door. “He thinks way too highly of his damaadji! Time I showed him your true colors. You…!” She looked away. He could sense her on the brink but too proud to shed tears.

  Seized by an overpowering need to touch her, he walked up and took her hands gently in his. “I was kidding. He said nothing along those lines. He loves his little girl more than anything else in the world.”

  “Are you telling me the truth?” Her big eyes, which had now transformed into pools of liquid black, posed the simple question.

  “Yes. Your Shaan would never lie to you,” he assured her, taking the vital first step. He couldn’t keep his silence any longer.

  Time stood still. For a brief blissful moment, he even believed he saw a glimpse of submission in those lovely eyes. Perhaps it was his flight of fancy.

  “No! Don’t try to divert me from my purpose. Remember, we don’t have much time left to convince my parents that we hate each other,” she said, removing her hands from his grasp.

  This is going to be a long uphill task, he thought and sighed.

  “All right, I needed to tell you something, but you aren’t in an amenable mood. Get ready, we are going out for lunch and then to see some sights or spawn the wrath of your precious dadamoni and di!”

  “But I am always in a receptive mood for you, sweetheart!”

  Her voice dropped to a seductive whisper as she scooted closer.

  An abrupt surge of excitement rushed through his being. Was she indeed melting? Could this be true?

  “Gotcha!” She flung her head back, laughing merrily. “I was just pretending!”

  “You had me almost fooled there.” The words escaped his mouth before he could clamp it shut.
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  His gaff didn’t escape her notice as she eyed him perceptively. “Then I am a worthy student of a great master. I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”

  Shaan collapsed in a chair, trying to will control over his erratic respirations. Wow! It’s obvious she is playing with me. He grinned. Life is definitely taking an exciting turn. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

  Jaunt

  He looks cool, Ruhi thought as she stole a peek at her husband. Shaan had chosen to don a polo shirt in heather green and tan casual pants over which he had pulled on a teak cord blazer. She was seeing him wear a jacket, or for that matter anything which even came close to being called formal attire, for the very first time and he looked…good!

  Good enough to rev the pulse rate up a few notches and make me giddy. He’s also watching me, conveniently taking cover behind those shades, and it’s driving me nuts! She raised a hand to her forehead.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, steadying her arm.

  “Yes I am.” If you’d only remove those glasses.

  “Better?” He smiled, removing them as though having read her mind. She frowned upset, though in reality it was because they had just stepped into the very dark and cool interiors of the restaurant. She almost ran into his back, blinded for a few seconds.

  “Are you really all right, Ruhi?” This time with both his hands on her shoulders and his husky voice drizzled with a pleasing anxiety.

  “Yes, I am!” As soon as you take your bloody hands of me, you handsome brute! She glared at him.

  Surprisingly the result was immediate, but not due to the force of her thoughts. Shaan too was having a rough time maintaining a bland disposition.

  Is she growing outrageously provocative by the day, or am I falling for her feminine wiles?

  “Ahem… Welcome to the Olive.” The hostess had to raise her voice slightly to get the couple’s attention. They were engaged in a task quite different than what usually brought people to the restaurant. “Table for two?”

  Shaan affirmed with a brisk nod and led the way. He was trying his best to appear indifferent, not bothering to note this affronted Ruhi quite a bit.

  “I hope this would do. Unfortunately, we are booked solid.” The hostess looked apologetic as she led them to an enclosed booth.

  “Yes, this’ll do fine, thank you,” Shaan replied with a slight smile. It’ll do very well indeed.

  “Ladies first.” He directed Ruhi ahead with a gracious tilt of his head.

  What a weird guy he is, at times rude and at others charming.

  The hostess rattled off the beverage selection after they had taken their seats in the cozy booth, which appeared to be way too intimate for Ruhi’s liking. Her discomposure did not escape Shaan who watched quietly as she slid to the farthest end.

  Damn I need a drink! “I’ll have a glass of your best Kalyra and sparkling water for the lady please.”

  “You are drinking! Isn’t there a law against drinking and driving in this country?”

  “Yes. But that’s as long as I don’t go above the legal limit or cause an accident,” he explained softly, his minute scrutiny made her writhe in her seat.

  “I still think it’s a bad idea, though.”

  Darn! Doesn’t she realize the havoc she’s stirring in me right now in that virgin white summer dress?

  She blushed as she attempted to rearrange the neckline of her blouse which exposed her delicately boned shoulders. She had never before felt the need to do so, but his eyes… She grabbed the menu to hide her confusion. “What am I supposed to order when I can’t understand a single word?”

  “Let me help,” he said, removing it from her hand. “Since you have trained your palate to rebel against most cuisines, I decided as my very last-ditch attempt to bring you to one of my favorite places and if you happen to dislike this too…you are on your own.”

  She couldn’t help breaking into a smile.

  “Hello! Good afternoon, folks! Welcome to the best taste in town! And a rose for the lovely lady!”

  They were startled out of their reverie by a flamboyant voice, which belonged to a particular slim and long body now bent at the waist offering the aforementioned bloom to Ruhi.

  Shaan smarted at how the ABCD was able to provoke an immediate smile of pleasure on his girl’s—My girl?—face. Bloody slick bastard!

  Have I seen him before? She racked her brains as she stared at the neat figure all in black with slick gelled hair smoothed back into a tiny ponytail at the nape of his neck ala Amitabh Bacchan in Cheeni Kum. Then it hit her when he looked directly at her with a cheerful smile. “Ahh! A desi beauty unlike any other, how lucky you are, sir.”

  He addressed Shaan without taking his eyes of Ruhi who colored crimson. He is the five-cent guy!

  He didn’t appear to recognize her though and was now sporting a quizzical look.

  “Ahem!” Shaan brusquely cleared his throat, thoroughly irritated at the daring of this young upstart who seemed to have Ruhi eating out of his hand. Perhaps we were better off at home!

  “Do you serve anything to eat out here?”

  “Oh, please accept my apologies, got a little sidestepped. But of course! Can I start you off with an appetizer? I recommend some Artichauts or our best seller Tomate con Meile?” he said as Ruhi scanned the menu for details…

  “No, I don’t favor any of that. May I?” Shaan asked her briefly and, without waiting for her reply, quickly ordered for both of them including the entrées.

  “Excellent choice, sir, I couldn’t have done any better.” Mr Sleek hair disappeared with a brief nod of his head after shooting another puzzled glance at Ruhi.

  “That was very rude of you, Grey!”

  “I don’t think so. Anyway, since you haven’t been here before I thought I may as well go ahead and do the honors. Did I do it wrong?” The hell I care if she thinks I did! The hell I care if she thinks anything! Blast! She’s my wife for God’s sake, and here I am tolerating some nitwit boldly flirting with her!

  Ruhi looked on with consternation as Shaan squeezed hard on the stem of his wine glass. “Watch out you may break it.”

  “Huh?” Why the hell does she not appear to know anything?

  She shivered.

  “Are you cold? These Americans consider even seventy degrees hot,” he said, offering his jacket.

  “No thanks, I’m fine.” It’s your eyes. They seem to be piercing through to my soul, and I feel naked.

  Her hands shook as she tried to sip on her sparkling water, suddenly wishing they weren’t here but in the apartment watching comedy reruns on TV, making small talk, playing pretend.

  “Hey, I know where I’ve seen you before!” Mr. Sleek hair had reappeared with their food. “You were on the bus that day looking all hot and bothered, and I came to your rescue with the nickel. Cool! Isn’t it?”

  She inclined her head. “Yes…those five cents.”

  “What five cents!”

  “Shaan? This nice…” She hesitated.

  “My name is Pratik, by the way. Pratee to my friends.”

  “He pitched in with the change I was missing for the bus ride, and I still owe him. Can I borrow it from you?”

  He delved into his pocket and produced the coin.

  “Ah…uh, I guess that takes care of it.” Pratik sounded a little disappointed. He stood there looking curiously at the couple.

  Ruhi smiled. “I think we should introduce ourselves.”

  Like hell we should!

  “I am Ruhi and this is my…friend.”

  “Hi! I’m Shaan and we live together,” he volunteered with a broad grin stretching out one hand while placing the other familiarly around her shoulder.

  “But…” She stared at him, a slow flush creeping over her cheeks. How could he? She couldn’t bring herself to face Pratik.
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  “Isn’t that correct, my dear?” he said, looking at her for affirmation. His eyes bored into her, indicating a certain level of intimacy that didn’t exist.

  “Nice to meet you, Shaan.” Pratik shook his hand, the flashiness instantly substituted by incredulity.

  ***

  Damn you, Grey!

  You asked for it, Bee.

  “Why did you say that?”

  “Say what?” He leaned close, trapping her against the hood of his car.

  “That…that we live together?” she gasped out with a nervous frown. Out of the corner of her eyes, she thought she spied Pratik watching them not so discreetly from the entrance of the restaurant.

  “I was speaking the truth, and I believe you like honesty no matter what.” Shaan’s air was defiant.

  “But…the implications. What will he think?”

  “Think? Who cares what he does think? My dear, this is America where cohabitation is commonplace, and it was you who started it all. You wished to hide our true relationship,” he said, grinning smugly.

  He has me trapped in a web of my own design, and I thought I was clever. Yet I don’t feel mortified, rather I feel agitated and aroused. She smiled and took his breath away.

  ***

  “You are driving at 80mph, way above the speed limit. What if you get a ticket?”

  “I’m willing to chance it. Too tired of playing by the rules.” Who the heck cares! Be wild for a moment, and that moment will last a lifetime!

  “Hold on!” His eyes sparkled as he stroked the accelerator and edged into the leftmost lane—the fast lane. She held on to the dashboard but couldn’t deny a sensual rush when they breezed past the rest of the traffic.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Wait and see.”

  “Hell! Must have got off the wrong side of the bed!”

  The piercingly loud wail of a police siren could be heard approaching fast behind soon followed by flashing lights of blue and red.

  There goes a couple of hundred bucks and all the affected bravado down the drain! What a fool she must think me to be! Shaan frowned as he slowed to pull the car on to the shoulder.