Rhythm & Blues Chap 24: Superficial

superficial

Chapter 23

24: Superficial

-0-

“What’s going on here? What’s all this crap?”

Tash’s voice resounded loud and harsh in the sudden hush that descended on the club. Loud enough to rudely jar the deeply engrossed couple out of their reverie.

This was not acceptable to Diva who followed his arch enemy onto the stage.“Tash leave them alone’” he exclaimed. “You are stretching your limits.”

“Yes you are.’” Shan declared irritably not pleased at the interruption especially when he felt the time was ripe to declare his feelings to Khanak who seemed at her most pliant and thawed out state.

But the object of his affections looked shaken and she was staring at his nemesis, her eyes wide with alarm. This caused him further aggravation and he instinctively drew her closer.

“What is this crap are you talking about?” He asked Tash with a sardonic grin; “…the dance?” Then he looked around in an effort to the entire throng of fans; “What say y’ all? Was the dance crap?”

“Nooooooo!” Everyone roared in unison.

“It was heavenly!”

“Maar daala (you killed us) Shan!”

Then someone called out; “Dude! The only thing missing was the kiss!”

“Yeeesssss! … Kiss her now…Right now!” A chant started.

Khanak’s cheeks were set aflame when Shan chuckled softly and hugged her tighter. She was thankful he didn’t comply to the crowd’s request.

“Shut up you guys! That is not what I’m talking about!” Tash wailed. She was almost foaming at the mouth as she witnessed the blatant display of affection.

“The ring Tash…her ring!” Trish’s voice urged.

“Show me your hand!” Tash demanded of Khanak and when she wavered she yanked it forcibly.

There was no question that the lovely ring mounted with the exquisite butterfly arrested in mid-flight was made of real diamonds just as Trish told her.

Khanak tried to retract her hand but Tash’s grip was firm.“This doesn’t look like a cheap trinket by any long shot. Who gave it to you?”

“I did.” Shan said.

“What?” Tash stared at him.

“Yes, you heard right Tash.” Shan asserted firmly while smiling reassuringly at Khanak. “I slipped it on her finger a few days ago when I felt the moment was right and this lovely girl was sweet enough to accept my proposal. We are engaged to be married.”

“I don’t believe it! It’s…it’s ridiculous!”  Tash screamed, her face growing white as a sheet.

“You’d better cause it’s the truth;” Shan retorted viciously feeling no sympathy for the woman who at one time he had considered a close friend.

But Tash wasn’t one to be easily dissuaded. She had an agenda and this was the perfect platform.

“Then what is this?” She lifted up her left hand displaying a plain silver band. It was not as lavish or ornate as the one on Khanak’s finger but a ring nevertheless.

“What about it?” Shan continued to stick to his guns.

“Have you forgotten already?” Tash sashayed forward with a coy smile, “Then let me titillate your memory. This, is the same ring you slipped on my finger a couple of months ago. Can you deny it? If so I have plenty of witnesses.”

Shan grew wary as he saw a skeptical gleam in Khanak’s eyes. He was aware that he was treading on dangerous ground but he couldn’t deny the truth; “Yes I did but…”

“There you go!” Tash laughed in triumph looking at the audience who were lapping up everything hungrily. “Now…how can a guy be engaged to two girls at the same time? Not only is that illegal but it’s freaking preposterous!”

“What’s going on?” Khanak exclaimed wrenching herself from Shan’s embrace as he addressed her rival. “Tash…You know very well that was nothing but a joke!”

“A joke? Of course not.” Tash then turned and snarled at Khanak. “This is a joke!” She threw her arms around a startled Shan. “Darling! I know how you love taking people for a ride but this is very cruel! You shouldn’t have fooled a poor innocent girl just to make me green with envy and only because I was away from you for some time. Promise me you won’t do it again.”

“This is utter nonsense! You are making it all up! Khanak I can explain!” Shan blurted out looking anxiously at Khanak while trying at the same time to disengage himself from Tash. But she wasn’t letting him go.

Khanak slunk away staring at both of them in shocked disbelief.

“It’s the truth darling,” Tash’s words mocked her stupidity. “How can Shan desire to be with a simpleton like you when he can have someone like me? Nothing could be more absurd!”

“Khanak please …Stop! Don’t listen to her! She’s lying!” Shan hollered reaching for her.

“NO! DON’T”

***

Khanak spun on her heels and bolted. The place had suddenly turned in to a suffocating dungeon. She could hardly breathe. She had to get out.

Pushing blindly through the crowd that had shifted their collective attention on to her—an object of amusement and ridicule. They were murmuring about her and laughing. It was unbearable.

“Khanak!” Someone called out.

She continued toward the big red exit sign. That was her only goal, her escape.

She stumbled in the dark and fell. Her knees stung. But the hurt inside was stronger. She couldn’t yield. Not yet.

She had to put the widest distance possible between herself and those who considered her easy prey.

Finally she surfaced. The air cleared but barely. Her chest still felt constricted.

She glanced around but couldn’t tell where she was. As if it mattered anymore. She laughed. She was all alone again, a homeless orphan.

She took a left defying instinct, nothing could be relied upon any more. She tried to pretend to be invisible but it was impossible—her attire, her gender made her shine like a beacon.

She saw men gawking at her like hungry wolves. She cringed with fear.

But she couldn’t stop.. She needed to keep moving or they’d catch and maul her…if not them then someone else would, the ones she was running from … they’d trap her again in their cleverly spun web of deceit.

Scenes replayed in her head as she hurried along at a brisk pace toward an unknown destination, intuitively dodging her way around on the sparsely populated streets.

Tarun’s uncouth assumptions, his cheap and vulgar insinuations. Her new acquaintances… with their smiling faces and friendly chatter…their huddled whispering in the corridors.

Someone deliberately bumped into her and grabbed at her behind. Swearing aloud she hit out fiercely at her attacker and connected.

She got a glimpse of her attacker’s stunned rough features before he turned about face and walked away.

Trish’s conflicting and confusing words. Tash’s loud derisive laughter…the loathing in her eyes. Diva’s aghast face…

Life for them is a big farce, a grand charade. They are on the stage all the time, playing a part, their true faces hidden behind masks. She had become a part of them–the unwitting player who had been asked to play herself. The accidental tourist.

And Shan…It was agony to even think of his name.

But she couldn’t erase his face from her mind. The harder she tried the brighter it got. The beautiful man she had fallen in love with. The wonderful soul who had urged her to dream big…helped her believe in herself.

Those warm brown eyes in which she’d dared envision a glimmer of affection, of hope…

She came to an abrupt stop. It had started to drizzle. She began to shudder uncontrollably. Tears finally flowed unchecked. I’ve never felt this alone before!

She was standing in what looked very much like a spotlight and felt forced to look up.

The hoarding was brand new. It’s lettering obliterated by her tears and the rain. But what caught her attention was the partially shrouded face of the dancer. She could barely recognize herself.

Some Awesome Reviews on ‘Milan- A Wedding Story’

MIlan cover 1

Here are some recent reviews on my new book MILAN–

“A captivating look into the developing relationship of a young couple falling in love for the first time while honoring family traditions. Throughout the wedding planning, the bride-to-be is in a constant state of nervous excitement and total confusion that will keep you guessing until the very end. An absolute joy to read.”
—Yvette Klobuchar, bridal dress designer and author of Brides Unveiled

“MILAN is an interesting combination of today and yesterday in India, ultimately bringing Mili, twenty-four but innocent and immature for her age, together with Ahaan, a bit older but more in tune with the customs of their country. This story of their arranged marriage, (still practiced in their country), goes through the accepted steps of bringing their union to fruition. The story follows through the Roka (unofficial engagement), the Sagai (formal engagement ceremony) and other preparations for the magnificent wedding which her father insists on, taking the reader along for all the rituals and experiencing all Mili’s continuing uncertainties as she leaves her childhood home to make her new life with her husband’s family.”
—Nancy Sweetland, author of The House On the Dunes

“In Milan, Simi K. Rao has created a delightful story and a glimpse into of an enduring part of Indian culture. Mili’s family wants her to marry Ahaan, an old acquaintance, but as a modern young woman, Mili is reluctant, fearing that she’ll be forced to abandon her career in music. But fortunately, Mili isn’t the only modern person in the pair, and the two embark on a journey that includes old traditions and a promise from the groom that guarantees Mili her own passions in life. But the best part of the story is the realization for Mili that Ahaan appears to be much more than a husband chosen for her. Despite her initial resistance, she might fall in love. Rao writes with flair and includes the colors and scents and sounds that many of us associate with modern India. Without being the slightest bit didactic, Rao educates us, too, about Hindu traditions and the beauty of language describing the bonds and promises of love and marriage.”

—Virginia McCullough, author of The Jacks of Her Heart

Rhythm & Blues Chap 23: Glad You Came

glad you came

Chap 22

23: Glad You Came

-0-

Dil toh pagal hai, Dil deewana hai…sigh, thought Diva as he watched Shan follow Khanak’s progress back toward the Green Room. Go after her! What are you waiting for? Knock her senseless with a burning red hot smacker! 

But Shan didn’t take his unspoken advice instead gave his head a strong jerk as if trying valiantly to uproot himself out of a trance. Poor darling…I feel for you babes! Diva empathized.

“Diva…” Shan looked at him, “it appears that Khanak has spun her magic on the Japanese.”

Just like she has on you! Diva smiled.

Shan looked at him suspiciously before continuing in a brusque clip; “They are so impressed that they want to book her for a couple of shows. In fact they are anxious to talk about it right now.” His tone then softened, “She’ll be so pleased.”

His face then broke out into a huge grin; “I will tell her later. Surprise her with it! Yes!”

Diva nodded enthusiastically, “Yes darling! Do that! She’ll love to hear it from you.”

“Cool! I will later tonight. That girl deserves the best. She has worked so hard.”

And she has you on her side! Diva thought dabbing his eyes with a tissue.

“I will see you later then at the party,” Shan said turning to walk away.

“What? You aren’t taking her with you?” Diva asked.

“No. I need to meet with these guys first and remember it’s a surprise!” Shan smiled. Then mid stride he paused back and pointed a warning finger at his friend; “You better bring her Diva! Or I don’t know what I’ll do!”

“Pretender!” Diva called out once he felt Shan was safely out of ear shot. “He thinks I’m his messenger boy. As if I can’t see the way his heart does balle balle when he is with her. Why can’t he just confide and be done with it?! And there that poor girl in such a state!”

His pristine hands fluttered like a couple of winged creatures in the air as he hurried to do Shan’s bidding; “Love is a weird thing. It turns smart sensible men into bumbling donkeys! But mein kya karoon?! I love them both so much! My babies!”

***

Diva knocked on Khanak’s green room door before he breezed in. But then he drew to an abrupt halt, his blue eyes opening as wide as saucers.

The girl in question was sitting in a chair staring despondently at the mirror.

“Khanak my jaan! Meri Shan ke heart ki armaan!” he exclaimed. “What happened? Why aren’t you ready yet?”

“C’mon quick! Get up! Do you want him to kill me? Hailaaa! Though I wouldn’t mind having those big sexy hands on my neck. But they’d look so much better elsewhere.” He then looked at Khanak. “Don’t you get me?” Then as she shook her head in the negative, he let out his breath; “Good! Because it’s censored! Girls should preserve their innocence till their wedding night samjhi?”

Khanak blushed furiously.

“And what are you wearing?” He said staring at her salwar suit; “Girl! This is a dance club, not your local mahila mandal.”

He quickly sifted through the dresses on the rack. “Yes this will be perfect. Wear it.” His eyes were shining. “Shan teri toh vaat lag gayi! (Shan it’s your funeral.)”

“I am not going.” She said. “Can you take me home?”

Then when he raised his exquisitely arched eyebrows, she tried to explain with her hands clasped tightly on her lap; “I…I’m not really a party person and I don’t know anybody there…”

Diva affected a loud cackle…; “As if anybody does. To tell you the truth half of the invitees hate the other half’s guts! But everything is obliterated for the cameras. They’ll kiss, make up and embrace each other. They will show off their latest acquisitions, their Lamborghini’s and Louis Vuitton’s and their sparklers just so they can make it on tomorrow’s Page 3.”

But he succeeded in making Khanak even more anxious; “I definitely don’t see myself hobnobbing with such a crowd.”

“My dear girl, the choice is out of your hands now! You are part of that crowd! By doing what you did on stage today, you have taken your first step into show biz! Everybody is sitting up and talking about you. They want to know more such as where you came from; what were your beginnings; how you met Shan; everything. Besides you are Jhankaar’s new face!”

The hand he placed on her head was almost paternal, “It’s a tough deal yes, but fame is not an easy game. You are forced to wear a lot of faces and do things you’d hate to do otherwise. Because talent is not everything here. Its visibility…being the media darling will make or break you! And you do want to be famous don’t you?”

“Yes I do… but…”

He smiled. There was a shrewd glint in his eyes. “You’re worried you’ll be pitched against that Tash and you are afraid you’ll lose. Yes she is a force to reckon with, a seasoned player. But you can’t wish her away. She won’t vanish into thin air if you don’t face her tonight. Rather it’ll reinforce he to use all her deceit to get you out of the way…and you can’t let her do that! You have to buck up and face her!”

“My dear Khanak…,” he sighed standing her up and held her arms. “You are beautiful. Your talent is so fresh that you shine like a beacon. People are already falling under your spell. You have nothing to fear. In fact Tash is the one who feels threatened because she can see you usurping her place in Shan’s life…even though she is really living in a delusion. You have to show her you are here to stay. Besides Shan needs you by his side… and I know you want to be with him…”

***

CRAZY HEARTS NIGHT CLUB, Bandra:

A place where insane hearts find each other and have a wonderfully awesome time

The club was rocking to the latest in dance music. Every night it was a different theme. Tonight was devoted to the engaging rhythms of hip hop and jazz to which grooved a rambunctious crowd of the young and restless from the upper echelons of Mumbai. All having drifted in to let their hair down and dance until the wee hours of the morning.

Tash had just completed a sizzling routine, dressed in shimmering white a la Kylie Minogue. But she didn’t look very thrilled.

“You were brilliant Tash! …Ooooohhhh all those sexy moves! Were they choreographed with Shan in mind? And btw your ankle, it looks as right as rain!” Trish said.

“Yes in a way… but I’m not so sure now. He looked sort of annoyed,” Natasha said doubtfully. She seemed to have grown a permanent frown.

“Of course, I’m pretty sure he took notice even though he was watching the door most of the time…” Trish gushed with a flutter of her false eyelashes and a wide smile on her vampire red lips though inside she wasn’t feeling very sympathetic–You stuck up bitch! Your days are over! Shan could care a hoot! …hope you break your back this time and get permanently laid up!

“You think so?” Natasha turned to her.

“Yes, I know so. But you know Tarun is game anytime, maybe you should get connected…”

“Tarun? Never! Your brother is a big time loser!” Natasha’s eyes flashed.

“Yeah I know.” Trish nodded agreeing wholeheartedly; that’s why I think you are both made for each other!

“Wonder where Shan has disappeared…”

All of a sudden there was a commotion near the entrance. Someone had arrived. People stopped dancing and looked up. It was a new face and a popular one– always a worthy distraction.

Trish grabbing a Bloody Mary from the bar and joined the crowd while hollering at Tash; “C’mon! Let’s check them out. Must be some money bags…”

***

“OMGEEEE! Who do we have here? Mousey Ms. Sweetie Pie herself!” Trish exclaimed, her mouth agape when she saw Khanak.

Khanak looked stunning in an elegant raspberry red flowing cocktail dress with spaghetti halter straps and a gold and silver broad sequined belt, the skirt just stopping short of her pretty knees. Her hair was set in wavy curls and caught up in a red, gold and silver bow and her feet were clad in strappy red and gold sandals. With minimal makeup and a dazzling smile she looked as fresh and alluring as a new born daisy.

Light bulbs flashed in a frenzy as people elbowed each other out of the way to get near her. Autographs were requested and signed while a couple of paparazzi hounded her and thrust their mikes in her face.

Diva meanwhile butted in. “Leave way! Ms. Khanak is here to have fun. Direct all interview requests to me, I am her secretary.” He said clearing the way for Khanak.

Then he spied Trish and Tash and gravitated towards them dragging a confused Khanak with him. “Here’s your honored guest Ms. Natasha. What happened darling? Did you bite into a particularly sour lemon?”

Trish forced her mouth closed and looked at Natasha who was glowering at Diva who said;“Haaye if looks could kill! Tash, you should consider the horror movie genre…the directors would save plenty on makeup.”

“DIVA!”

Khanak tried to shroud her snigger behind her hand when something bright caught Trish’s sharp eyes.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing.” Khanak said snatching her hand away.

“No. It’s a ring! Tash…look!”

When all of a sudden;

The entire club was plunged into darkness except a sole beam that spotlighted Khanak.

The sun goes down, The stars come out

And all that counts, Is here and now

My universe will never be the same

I’m glad you came

Then as the foot tapping music sprung up, several cross beamed lasers in a multitude of colors lit up the small stage where stood a lone tall flamboyant figure with his legs splayed wide, his head turned to one side and his hand holding a black glittering fedora cocked jauntily over his forehead. He was dressed in a white checkered plaid shirt, sequin red tie and baggy khaki cargos.

Khanak’s heart jumped into her throat and she grew lightheaded when she recognized the smile on the handsome profile.

“SHAANNNNNNNNN!”

The crowd screamed as one when the dancer smartly snapped his feet together and began to sing with his outstretched arm pointed directly at Khanak.

Khanak felt irresistibly drawn to the strikingly gorgeous man who also seemed to have eyes only for her. Everything else faded into the background.

You cast a spell on me, spell on me

You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me

And I decided you look well on me, well on me

So let’s go somewhere no one else can see, you and me

He sprung off the stage. The crowd shifted en masse and gave way as his long legs covered the distance to Khanak in a few effortless strides. He vaulted over the railing that cordoned off the small enclosure where she stood and grabbing hold of her waist lifted her back to the floor, all the while gazing intently into her eyes and ignoring everyone else.

Turn the lights out now

Now I’ll take you by the hand

Hand you another drink, Drink it if you can

Can you spend a little time, Time is slipping away,

Away from us so stay, Stay with me I can make,

Make you glad you came

She followed him in a trance as he led her to the dance floor and stood there in the middle hypnotized while he danced around her in light fluid movements… limbs loose and dexterous…living the music…interpreting every word and making it his own.

His moves almost made him appear to float. His feet glided on the floor as he did complex acrobatic moves that were mesmerizing to watch but hard to breakdown. It seemed like he was wooing her, making tantalizing advances and trying to win her over. He was without a doubt succeeding hands down.

The sun goes down, The stars come out

And all that counts, Is here and now

My universe will never be the same

I’m glad you came

Then switching pace he jerked her close making the crowd gasp with anticipation. She did not resist when he made her stretch both her arms above her head as his hands skimmed over her torso then hoisted her up in a single smooth movement. She scissored her long legs around his waist and arched her back while he hugged her body and rested his forehead on her chest.

A loud applause peppered with whistles and catcalls erupted around the attractive couple who seemed lost in a world of their own.

“Glad you came Khanak;” he whispered huskily in her ear then lifted her hand and kissed it. She lowered her gaze in shy distress.

“Atta boy Shan! Way to go!” Diva yelled his approval.

“What’s the hell is going on here?!”

tbc

PS: Sorry about the delay but I’ve been busy with several things including the promotions of my new book MILAN. Yes it’s out! And you can get it here!

Mundane Life–A Poem and an Interview!

P1020774

Here’s some mundane inspiration–

We run around everyday busying ourselves with mundane routine

Getting the kids off to school, soccer practice, summer camp

Going to work, coming home and working again

Getting dinner ready, walking the dog

Worrying about the future, finances

We continue doing the same old mundane things

We fear to stop and think

Beyond the mundaneness

We continue like busy little ants until

Something steps on us with a giant shoe

And life is over as we know it

If we survive we become philosophers

To give others mundane wisdom

That no one cares to hear

Since they are so busy living their mundane lives

–0–

Hi friends!

Occasionally I come across someone who is not so mundane and is able to delve beneath the surface. Sid Sharma is one such person. He interviewed me recently for Asian American News and I think he got me right!

Find out for yourselves here!

You are invited to The Wedding of The Year!

Milan- wedding invite

Yes! You are invited to the wedding of Mili Bharadwaj and Ahaan Kapoor! 

Please join me as they prepare for their life together in my 3rd book—

MILAN (A Wedding Story)

MIlan cover 1

Milan meaning in Hindi ‘a coming together’—a beautiful story of a traditional arranged marriage that transforms into a real life fairytale, set in the quaint hilltown of Coonoor in the lush Nilgiris (blue hills) in South India.

You will also learn about Hindu marriage rituals, the many colorful traditions as well as sample India’s sumptuous cuisine. Come join me as I embark on this journey. You will not be disappointed. 🙂

BUY IT TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

Amazon.com

Amazon.in

Amazon.uk

Amazon.au

Amazon.ca

Inconvenient Relations Book 2 Chap 2: Pangs

night in GC

Chapter 1

This book if I get around to finishing and publishing it will be called ‘NOW & FOREVER‘. It is the continuing saga of Shaan and Ruhi who you met in INCONVENIENT RELATIONS BOOK 1. It abounds with passion and suspense. Below is chap 2. Enjoy!

2: Pangs

-0-

“Shaaaaaannn!  I’m sorry for all I’ve done! Don’t leave me. Please!”

He didn’t resurface.

“Pleeeease Shaaaan!” Ruhi screeched at the top of her voice trying to outdo the wind that kept flinging the words back onto her face.

Still he didn’t pay heed. Did he not wish to? A panic seized her entire being. That must be it! He’s riled at me! God what have I done?! This can’t be happening! He can’t do this to me!

Scrambling to the side of the raft she readied to jump back into the muddy waters when several hands gripped her legs and hauled her back.

“Let me go!” She yelled, kicking at her captors with all her might and spluttering as a wave washed over the side of the raft. “I have to go to him! He needs me!”

They didn’t listen, instead, held her down but it was proving tough to do. She was nimble and desperation lent her limbs vital strength despite her injuries. She kicked, missed, then kicked again, this time connecting as someone let out a loud yowl and the hold loosened. She tried again to pitch herself overboard, but was overpowered and flipped on her back.

“Are you off your head kid?” Andy Sr. got in her face. “Do you want to kill yourself?”

“I will do what I want! Get off me! Don’t you see? Heeees drowning out there! I nnnneed to save his life!” She continued to kick and scream even though she could feel her strength failing. Her Shan had put himself in danger to teach her a lesson and she felt guilty as hell. Then she began shaking violently as her sensorium started to fade and her head took a trip to the clouds. She was feeling woozy and nauseated. Andy Sr’s voice receded, drifting to the end of a long tunnel. His face became distorted, all squiggly with fuzzy lines and shapes.

“Shan!” She wailed again in despair, holding on to consciousness for dear life.

“Kid…you are in shock. You’ll surely die if you jump in now. You’re bleeding from your leg. It needs attention. Your young man is healthy and strong. My son will get him out fine!”

“No!” She was growing weaker yet she wasn’t giving up. “He won’t return till he sees me, I know…. I can’t…can’t let him die. I have…. to go to him….” Her arms flailed wildly trying to beat her captors off, when suddenly there was a flash of light followed by a pitch darkness.

***

After what seemed like an eternity, Ruhi blinked open her eyes in a tiny enclosed space, which looked vaguely familiar. She moved then cried out in pain. Someone was jabbing at her right leg repeatedly with a sharp knife. Gasping, she pushed herself up onto her elbows and spotted a large gash that had been sewn up and whoever had done it was definitely no Pablo Picasso. Then everything began falling in place and panic gripped her insides again. “Shaaaan! Where are you? Shan! Are you alright? Why don’t you answer me?”

“Finally you are up!”

“What?” Ruhi gazed in confusion at the woman who was smiling widely at her. OMG! She is the same bitch who caused me to lose my mind! “No!” She exclaimed trying to scoot back. “Go away! I don’t want you near me. Where is Shan?”

But the bitch looked unruffled. “It’s all right. I was asked to keep an eye on you. You’ve been out for a long time. And who is this Shan? Are you talking about your husband?”

“Yes I am.” Ruhi replied glancing around recognizing the place to be their tent but what was the bitch saying? She’d been out for hours?

“What happened to him? What happened to my husband?” She demanded sternly of the woman, but her eyes betrayed the dread she felt.

“I bet he’s fine. Ole man Andy told me when he brought us back here after you crashed out. He fixed you up then went back. Don’t worry, he was sure his son had rescued him.”

“Then ..then why aren’t they here now. It’s getting dark and we started early in the morning. They can’t take that long! You aren’t telling me everything!” Ruhi said, grabbing the woman’s shoulders and shaking her. “Is he dead?! Tell me. Is he?! …Did I kill him?!”

“Of course you did not! You’ve got to be mad!” Stella retorted calmly. She could see the young woman was as deeply in love with her man just as he was with her and the poor child was terrified. She tried to pacify her by stroking her arm but her offer was rudely rejected. “It was an accident. You did no wrong. It takes much longer to ride upstream. We had to take a detour which happens to be twice the distance. Calm down, he’ll be fine! He’s strong and won’t give up so easy.”

“No.” Ruhi shook her head. “You’re wrong. He’s stubborn just like me. He won’t come back till I say I’m sorry. He just won’t! I need to go to him!” She stood up, then wobbled as a wave of dizziness hit her.

“You’re weak and in shock with all the pain and blood you lost. Here drink this!” Stella handed her a flask and when Ruhi refused, she forced it into her hand. “Drink if you want to go to him.”

Ruhi looked doubtfully at her before taking a tentative sip, then immediately began to splutter and cough. “What is this?”

“Brandy.” Her companion smiled at her reaction. “Drink some more. It’ll do you good, warm you up.”

True, Ruhi felt a welcoming heat spread down her throat. But she gave the flask back. “No, I can’t afford to lose my senses. Not now!” She tried to get up again and this time managed to stay upright. Encouraged, she ducked out of the tent and saw that twilight had settled in.

“Why wouldn’t he come back? I could see he loves you very much.” Stella asked following her out.

Ruhi glanced back at her and burst into tears. “Because I’m a fool that’s why! And he’s deeply hurt. He has been nothing but kind and caring while I’ve always treated him badly, accusing him and calling him names for no reason whatsoever. I made a mockery of his love.” Then she saw the puzzled look on Stella’s face. “You won’t understand.”

She turned to the river and frantically scanned its expanse. She was fighting a feeling of despondency. Yes I need to be punished with nothing less than execution for my deed but please God not this way, not by taking him away from me! ..Please!

She noted some movement downstream. A couple of men were heading their way.

“There! They are back!” Stella exclaimed excitedly.

Yes they were back. Ruhi saw both the Andys looking tired and drawn. But where was Shan? She hobbled toward them as fast as the throbbing agony in her leg would allow. “Where is he? Where….?” Just then her eyes spied them carrying something wrapped in a blanket, something long and heavy. “Nooooo!” She screamed, gasping as her chest contracted in anguish.

“This isn’t true…It can’t be true!” She stumbled after them as they headed into the tent with their burden.

They didn’t say anything bit laid the tall bundle down gently on a sleeping bag.

She dropped to the ground and scrambled to pull off the blanket, desperately hoping it wasn’t him. But it was. It was her Shan.

“Nooooo! It is true! He’s dead! I killed him!” She wailed piteously collapsing on his chest.

“No kid. He’s just out cold.  He ain’t dead.”

“What?” Ruhi looked up with bloodshot eyes and was surprised to see both the father and son smiling. So there was still hope, it wasn’t all over. She shook Shan’s shoulders, calling out his name but he didn’t stir.

Andy Sr. placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He might have a concussion though I didn’t see a scratch on his head. He’ll come around…just watch over him.”

Ruhi stared at him in disbelief. “He’s unconscious! There may be internal injuries! He needs a doctor. You have to take him to the hospital. You can’t leave him like this! Call 911!”

Andy Sr’s reply was somber. “We’ve no signal down here and the landline in the camp is dead. The nearest phone is way down in that direction,” he said pointing his fingers to the south. “And the only way there is a gruelling 10 mile hike which I’m pretty sure no one’s up to. What we can do is stay on the lookout for the chopper patrol and hope they see our flare when they fly by.”

“But…he’ll die My husband will die! Please, you’ve got to do something!” Ruhi cried desperately.

“Listen kid.” The old man squatted down next to her. “His breathing is regular and his pulse is strong. He’s just hypothermic and needs to be warmed up real good. You can do it. Take off his clothes and wrap him up. We have plenty of extra blankets. I’ve seen this happen plenty of times. He’ll be right as rain by morning.”

“No. You’re lying. You can’t leave him like this. You can’t let him die!”

Andy Sr. gently squeezed her shoulder and after handing her several blankets his son had just brought in, left, after saying he’d work on trying to get help. “Just keep him warm.”

“No. Please don’t go. I need help!” Ruhi cried but they didn’t appear to care. The blond bitch, she too exited after giving her a tight hug, leaving the flask of brandy behind.

Feeling helpless, not knowing what else to do, Ruhi turned to examine Shan. She ran her fingers gently over his pale face, his scalp and neck and skimmed his body over carefully with her eyes. Yes Andy was right; she didn’t see any wounds either. And he seemed to be breathing just fine but why wasn’t he opening his eyes?

“Oh what can I do? Shan please tell me! Why did this happen? You must really hate me now. I’m such a horrible creature to have brought you to this!” She burst out passionately, then bent down, and held his face tenderly between her hands. “Oh… darling! Darling! Why did you do this? Why do you love me so much?  Why did you hurt yourself? You should have let me be. I’m so stupid and foolish. I was blinded with jealousy. I couldn’t see you being nice to another woman. Don’t you see?”

“Please open your eyes and say you forgive me…please listen to your Ruhi!”

She grabbed his hands and rubbed them hard just the way he’d done the night before. Tears sprung from her eyes when she remembered how he’d scolded her for keeping her wet clothes on.

“And you are not even shivering!”

She unbuttoned his shirt and quickly got rid of his clothes, hesitating only momentarily before removing his underwear. Then, drying his body the best she could, she cuddled up against him, wrapping the blankets around both of them. Placing an ear on his chest she felt reassured by the loud and even rhythm of his heart as also by the feel of his breath warm against her open palm.

Gently kissing his cold lips she blurted, “I’m mad, utterly mad about you. I adore the very ground you walk on. If anything happens to you, I’ll surely die… I love you like… like I’ve never loved anyone else in my life. It’s a feeling I never imagined. And when you said you loved me too, I felt that God had given me the best gift ever! Please…don’t take away that gift! Penalize me…do whatever you want with me, but please live for me!”

Her mouth grazed his cheek then slid loving across his rough jaw and she felt her heart squeeze in agony.

“I’m so impulsive and crazy! I don’t know what I’m doing or what I’m going to do. I just do it. It’s terrible to be me!”

“Shan! Please!” She sat up and tapped sharply on his cheeks, then, propping his eyelids open with her thumb, she checked his eyes with the LED lantern and she saw the pupils react– grow smaller and bigger.

“I don’t know what it means but I cannot let you die! Got it Shan? You’re not allowed to leave me! Say you forgive me just once and if you wish I will …I will go away. Even though it’ll surely kill me. But I’m willing to do it for your sake. If that’ll make you happy.”

But regretting her words right away, she instead chose to compromise and addressed his chest with the utmost sincerity. “From now on, I promise to be an obedient wife. I’ll follow your wishes to the T, be compliant, submissive and never ever think for myself again…never…”

“Really? You won’t?”

Startled, she glanced up, and saw him looking at her with his eyes wide open and they were twinkling with amusement.

“You… are alright?”

He smiled. “Yes.”

“Oh!” A look of joy and relief transformed her face. She smiled then laughed and pulling his head to her chest, hugged him tight. “You’re fine! God be blessed you are fine!”

She rained blissful kisses on his face. “He listened to my prayers, he saved you. I’ll be forever grateful to him! He can count on me as his devotee for life!”

“Uh..huh Ruhi. I was actually fine all along.”

“What?”

“I… was never in any real danger.”

“What do you mean?” She drew back, confused.

“It was just a little game. Tit for tat.”

“A game?” She shook her head in bewilderment. “Then what about what Andy said?”

Shan grinned looking slightly abashed. “They agreed to play along when I told them I wanted to show my wife whose boss.”

“You did what! You dared to play such a filthy dirty trick on me, that too of the worst kind! Making me suffer thinking I’d lost you. Think you’re dead when you were perfectly fine all along?” Her eyes welled up with tears of reproach. But the very next moment her hands curled up into fists and pounded on his chest. “How could you, how could you be so unimaginably cruel? How could you?”

He sat up, locked her hands in his and tried to pull her into his arms but she fought him. “But of course what else could you do? How can I expect mercy when I show none?”

“No darling, I didn’t mean it that way! I’m so sorry.” He said.

“No! Don’t!” She pushed him away and moved back. “Don’t say sorry. It’s me who is sorry! I’m mad…insane…my mind …my bloody crazy brain makes me do all these bizarre things”

She said fiercely, her eyes wild and bright. “I don’t deserve a man like you. You are way too good for me. Go away please…before…before I hurt you anymore. I’m not worthy of your love. I never was. It was all just a beautiful dream I saw.” She turned away and flung herself face down on the sleeping bag.

“No Ruhi! Don’t you ever say those words again!” He pulled her up and forced her to look at him. “Are you off your rocker?”

She shook her head, her face filled with abject pain. “No it’s the truth. I don’t deserve you. You are so sweet and tolerant and I, I’m the worse kind of bitch that ever lived. We aren’t meant to be together. I’ll surely wreck your life..or what’s left of it. Its better we part now.”

“Oh you sweet, stupid girl” He smiled, drawing her into his arms and rocking her gently. “Can’t you see? You’re the only reason I’m alive right now? Without you, I’d be breathing but my soul would be dead. You and you alone have shown me what love is, to rejoice in the feeling, to be driven to the brink of madness just to be near you, to hear your voice.”

“Then why…did you pretend?”

“Because I wanted to hurt you.” He said gazing intensely at her. “I wanted to make you suffer the way I did for the horrible words you said. What made you do so? Tell me.”

She sucked in her lips and screwed her eyes shut searching for a reason which would satisfy him.

“I… don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe the sight of that woman next to you made me anxious, reminding me of the pain I’d felt and I, without thinking just blurted it out, even though I knew you’d never hurt me again, because…” she shrugged her shoulders.

“Because you’ve started to take your hubby for granted, knowing he’s so crazy about you that he wouldn’t lift a finger no matter how mad you make him, right?”

“I guess…” She stared at him in wonder. “You seem to know me better than I do myself.”

Shan chuckled. “Confessions of an armchair psychologist.”

She then said in a desperate tone, “Can you forgive me? Give me a second chance? I promise I won’t play with you again. I give you my word!”

He shook his head.

“What..? You won’t?” She looked aghast.

“Never!” His expression remained stern.

“Shan…!”

“Never… will I forgive you if you change yourself even a teeny, tiny bit. Understood?”

Her eyes filled with confusion again. “But why?”

“Because I love you just the way you are, your games, your charades, they surprise and delight me except…”

“Except?”

“I’d like to be forewarned, so please give me a sign, so I can prepare myself instead of getting nearly killed like I did today.”

The corners of her mouth lifted and her eyes fluttered bashfully thrilling at the intensity of his affection.

“And now for your punishment…”

“What..?” Her eyes widened in surprise as he gently lay her down and settled himself over her.

“This brute of a husband is going to make love to his spunky wife!”

She blushed pink. “Is that a punishment?”

“Don’t you consider it one? Like you declared so vehemently this morning?”

He could see her fighting a smile as her color deepened and she looked away.

“Hmmm…this is something I’m going to have fun with.” He said hooking her untamed tresses behind her shoulder then calmly taking her earlobe into his mouth.

She sucked in her breath sensing the sharp edges of his teeth then moaned as his mouth moved down to make love to her throat.

“Stop it!” She gasped pushing him back. “Please!”

“Oh c’mon!” His brow furrowing with irritation. “You know you can’t say no to me!”

She retorted while trying to catch her breath. “Yes…I can’t. When you kiss me, even touch me, I lose myself, leaving you free to do anything you want!”

“So? Let’s get on with it!” He muttered bending to take possession of her lips.

“So…!” She continued to resist thought clueless as to why. “I, I wish to see if I find you just as irresistible otherwise!”

“Ruhi! You are f***ing loco!”

She giggled nervously. “Guess I am. Why? Are you afraid you’ll lose?”

“Absolutely not! I’ll make you beg and you won’t even know it!” He grinned warming up to the challenge. Then propping himself up on his elbows on either side of her torso, he enveloped her entirely within his sensuous gaze.

They stared at each other, neither wanting to give in yet knowing the inevitable was just a matter of time.

She tucked in her lips to prevent them from quivering. The pace of her breath had heightened. She was on the edge of losing the battle of wills and knew he could sense it too.

Suddenly a coy smile lit her face. “Hmm…this is way too one sided.” She said wrapping her arms around his neck and was pleased to see him startled. “I want to see if you can resist me too.”

“Of course I can!”

“I don’t believe so.”

What is she trying to prove? This is becoming intolerable. His mind was already on its way to getting addled when he felt her soft feet curl around his ankles and her hands like feathers glide over his naked back before her long slim fingers dipped into the hollow of his spine.

Shuddering with uncontrollable desire he gave up and pulled her roughly onto his lap. “Stop it darling!” He cupped her face roughly in his hands. “Stop this torture. You know very well what both of us want.”

Her eyes closed in passive acceptance and she lifted her arms allowing him to pull off her linen top. Her breath fought to escape the confines of her chest as his fingers slipped under the straps of her undergarment and slid them smoothly down her shoulders and in another instant the barrier gone and she felt his muscular ruggedness grazing her firm young flesh.

Embracing her with an ample tenderness like one would a fragile new born babe, he lay her back down and nibbled at the sensitive skin along the base of her neck. She quivered with ecstasy as his mouth relished the flavor of her skin; her dazed brain paid scant attention to the words he whispered.

“I love you with a blind passion which has no equal in this world or beyond. I’m not a man of many words so I guess I was trying to transcribe them through my actions. Please, forgive me if I hurt you…I never meant to.”

She let out all her pent up breath in a prolonged sigh arching her back when she felt his warm tongue paint her throat then run down the valley between her breasts to the gentle swell above her waistline. A loud sob escaped her mouth when his mouth sucked and teased her sensitive midriff and his hands defined the smooth lines of her flank.

She gasped clamping her feet down hard on the ground when she felt his hand slip between her thighs. Her fingers gripped his scalp tight attempting to resist the eventual.

But he didn’t let go, instead slid up and began exploring her torso with his mouth, leisurely tracing the rifts and valleys of her rib cage setting her dermis on fire and then as her breath turned ragged and struggled to find a rhythm, he scaled her smooth and firm mounds of enticing flesh and locked on them as if to find sustenance and heavenly solace.

She whimpered crying out his name.

“Oh sweetness of my heart.” He heeded her call by coming up and gently licked the moisture off her eyelashes, then unable to hold himself any longer sought her mouth and proceeded to suck them dry.

She coddled his strong shoulders in her arms and hugged his waist snugly with her thighs even though the movement greatly aggravated the stinging pain in her leg. He, accepting the invitation, instantly thrust and locked himself securely inside her and this time she went along willingly with him on an unforgettable ride to a yet undiscovered celestial object.

***

Ruhi gazed at the silver moon through the window of their double walled tent while Shan rearranged the sweat ridden locks around her face and licked the beads of perspiration off her forehead.

“Love is such a simple word yet it packs a meaning so sublime. Nothing else compares to it. I’ll give everything up for you darling. Promise to never ever leave me again, will you?”

She turned to look at him and said somberly. “I will never leave you. Ever.”

“So, was I a brute?”

His words prompted an instant shy smile from his spouse who then turning her face into his neck placed a feather light kiss.

He let out a sigh of relief. “Phew! You’d got me worried there.”

Her head remained nestled on his shoulder.

“Darling why so quiet?”

“I was wondering what heaven is like? Is it like a sudden flash of blinding light which envelopes you in its brilliance, saturates your entire being with pure bliss then leaves making you pine for more?”

“Did you experience something like that?” He asked smiling.

She nodded blushing. “And you?”

“Hmmm…” he sighed turning his face to the moon. “Like the most dazzling meteor shower anyone has ever witnessed.” Then, jerking her plaint body against his, he grunted. “And the best thing about it is I can summon it at will, anytime, anyplace. Just like now.” He kissed her again.

tbc

To buy INCONVENIENT RELATIONS BOOK 1 and my 2nd NOVEL THE ACCIDENTAL WIFE click HERE!

My 3rd book ‘MILAN- A WEDDING STORY’ will be out soon!

Inconvenient Relations Book 2 #Teaser 4 #AmWriting

P1020990

Teaser 3

4: Arguments

-0-

“Oh now I understand why… That little stunt you pulled at Sunshine’s…” Ruhi said.

“Stunt?”

“Yes stunt or dare, whatever you wish to call it. It was a very slick way of showcasing your machismo, your virility, the extent of your dominance over your wife. That you don’t need to woo her with gifts or flowers. All you need to do is touch her and she will submit willingly to any degree of humiliation. You kissed me just so you could impress Sunshine!” Ruhi said nearly spluttering with anger.

Jesus! How blind can this silly girl get? Shan thought and took a step forward; “No that wasn’t my intention at all. I kissed you because I wanted to. Sunshine had nothing to do with it.”

“Oh really?” She leaned closer, “Is that so?” She glanced around. They had begun to attract quite a few curious stares from the passers-by. Her attention turned back to him. She said, “Then I dare you. Do it right here, in public. Show me, convince me that it wasn’t just a cheap gimmick.”

She smirked when she saw his jaw tighten, “Why…what are you afraid of Shan? It’s a free country isn’t it….like you once said. And I’m your wife or you could even imagine me to be your girlfriend…or a…”

“Shut up Ruhi and let me do it properly, will you?”

And shut up she did…and moaned softly, clinging to him as he kissed her…deep, unbridled, hot, delicious...thrilling as his scraggly jaw pricked her delicate complexion, trembling with desire as his rugged frame crushed hers…closing her eyes as the world began to spin dangerously.

Her eyes were still shut and she was smiling, breathing hard when after several moments he withdrew, albeit reluctantly. He had to hold her up for she was dead weight in his arms. He winked at a couple of gaping onlookers, then whispered into her ear,

“You are the only girl in my life whom I’ve ever wished to impress…and for that I’m willing to do anything…even jump off the tallest cliff. You just have to ask me.”

Finally she opened her eyes and stared at him in awe.

“Now if my quixotic wife’s demands have been met ever so slightly, can we finish the rest of our argument at home or…,” he growled into her ear, “if you are game we could even start a scandal right here. I’m sure these folks won’t mind.”

“Nooooo!” She gasped flushing beet red and shoved him away. “Let’s go home!”

xxxx

Like it? Want more? Your wait will end soon!

Meanwhile to get familiar with our favorite couple Ruhi and Shan read Inconvenient Relations Book1. Get it here!

Rhythm & Blues Chap 22: Overture

overture

Chap 21

22: Overture

-0-

“You took my heart and this time I’m not sure if I want it back…”

The words had emerged spontaneously as if from somewhere deep inside. Shan hadn’t planned anything. It was as if his soul had blurted out what he’d felt all along but didn’t have the courage to accept and now that it was out in the open, he couldn’t turn his back on it because it was the truth. Plain and simple.

But how would Khanak react? Would she believe him? After all he had tried so hard to show her he wasn’t really involved.

He waited with baited breath and a lump in his throat.

She stood silently in front of him with her head bent. Her shiny hair expertly coiffed lay fashionably askew (Diva’s a genius!) and it so enhanced the elegant lines of her lovely neck that his hand raised instinctively to trace them with his fingertips.

She looked up suddenly startling him. Her color deepened contrasting beautifully with the pale pink of her dress. Their eyes met and for the briefest moment he thought he saw a glimmer of understanding in those deep pools of ebony.

They appeared to be searching, probing as if looking for something. What? Sincerity? He’d have given anything at the moment for the ability to read her mind.

Khanak looked away feeling flustered. A strange heat was spreading through her body. There was something in those brown eyes she hadn’t encountered before nor had she dared to.

“Khanak I…”

“Yes?” she turned her face eagerly toward him.

But he didn’t speak instead kept looking silently at her.

***

The impasse was thankfully broken by a loud knock on the door.

“Hey Shan! Are you there laat sahib?”

Shan opened the door, “Rohan you?”

The chubby twin leered on spying Khanak in the background and laughed, “Just what I suspected! Bacchu…When will you lose your bad habits?”

“Rohan. Watch your dirty little trap.” Shan felt himself growing livid over something that wouldn’t have concerned him a tad bit in the past.

“Hold on my boy! I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Rohan said without taking his eyes off Khanak who seemed to be looking for a place to hide.

“Rohan…! Stay within your limits,” Shan said tersely while trying hard not to lose his cool.

The designer was taken aback, “Hey calm down. I didn’t mean anything…nothing at all. I apologize if you felt otherwise,” he nodded at Khanak. “I just came to ask you both to accompany me to the stage.”

“Be sure to watch it in the future or else you can wish away your VIP passes to Jhankaar’s opening night,” Shan said offering Khanak his arm.

That was enough to frighten Rohan into behaving and genuflecting in front of Khanak as if she was the Queen of England.

***

“How can he?”

“How can who Tash?”

“How can Shan?! Look at him! Look at the way he’s flaunting that bimbo on his arm!”

Tarun turned to give his full attention to Natasha who looked like she had bitten into a particularly smoking chili pepper; one of the ‘Habanero’ variety. Her face bright red, ears steaming, her whole body consumed with a jealous rage as she glowered at the very handsome couple striding arm in arm down the catwalk.

He smiled, “You mean Ms. Khanak Mishra right?”

“Whatever her name is, I don’t care! He cannot dare to pay attention to another woman in my presence!”

Tarun wasn’t in the mood for sympathy, “Well Tash…she is his lead dancer and very lovely too I might add.”

“What? What did you just say Tarun?”

“He said exactly what he meant to Tash darling!” Diva breezed by with a bright smile and placed a sisterly palm on her arm. “For once he has spoken the truth. I guess that’s the magic of true beauty…” he sighed. “By the way did you like my artist act? You think I can be a future matinee idol?” He arched his head and appeared to rearrange an invisible strand of hair.

She flicked his hand away, a vicious light into her eyes, “Yes but only as a confused fag…and I can assure you you’ll find plenty of people to laugh at your sob story, me included.”

Diva remained unruffled…”at least I’ll have an audience but my darling you…” he flicked her chin up with a graceful forefinger, “… can kiss the limelight goodbye. From now on your rightful place is in the back benches.”

“Diva! How dare!”

But he had his eyes trained to the ramp, “OMGeee! Look at my lovelies! Don’t they look gorgeous! A match made in heaven! Gosh I need a tissue…” He sniffed and blew a kiss at the dashing pair.

The crowd got into the spirit and began a unified chant—“DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!”

Shan grinned and whispered something into Khanak’s ear. She in response colored prettily and nodded.

The models stepped aside cheering them as the music cued in.

The entire theater gasped as Khanak unclipped her dazzling crystal ensemble and flung it away to reveal an uneven lyrical dress in plum and pink. Shan, discarding his evening jacket took his scarf and fashioned it like a bandana around his head.

The following is a song from the Hindi movie Kisna—

Hum Hain Iss Pal Yahan,

Jaane Ho Kal Kahan
Hum Miley Na Miley,

Hum Rahey Na Rahey

 

(We are here at this moment

Know not where we shall be the next

Though we may meet or not

Though we may live or die)

 

The rhythm of the song seemed to be in tandem with the beat of the heart as the pair split up and moved to the opposing ends of the stage.

Both appeared displaced in a melee, their eyes flitting around as if in search of a lost love.

Khanak stood on tip toe, her feet bare and assumed the arabesque where she stood on one leg while extending the other straight back then fluidly moved it up in the air and pointed it higher as the front of her body bent low in balance. Then beginning slow in adagio and picking up the tempo as in allegro she began doing quick pirouettes and jumps around the stage…her movements effortless almost as if she was suspended in space. Meanwhile Shan complimented her adding high leaps in the air leaving everyone enthralled.

Rahegi Sadaa Yahan,

Pyar Ki Ye Dastan

Sunengi sada jise

Yeh Zameen Aasmaan

 

(The story of our love

Shall remain always

Resonating forever

Through this earth and sky)

Both of the dancers looked distressed seeming unaware of where they really were.

After a great deal of effort they spotted one other. Smiling with relief they sprang into motion. Khanak leaped high doing an aerial split. Shan caught her by the waist and lifted her straight up above his head. Holding his gaze Khanak relaxed her body and draped herself over his shoulder as he gently lowered her to the ground and they ended in a tight lover’s embrace.

The crowd roared jumping collectively to their feet. The couple on the stage seemed taken by surprise then smiling with embarrassment they split apart and took their bows.

***

“Calm down Tash…you look like you are going to burst an artery!” Tarun’s voice rose in concern.

“Make way! Make way!” Diva appeared as the uppity crowd jostled with each other seeking to be introduced to Khanak.

She was riding high with a near perfect ballet/contemporary routine and Shan was by her side. It felt as if she had already met most of her goals.

Therefore when her gaze fell on Natasha who looked ready to make a meal out of her, she didn’t feel particularly threatened. Instead she schooled a pleasant smile on her face and extended a gracious hand—a gesture that was bluntly ignored by her rival.

Tash jumped to Shan’s side and clung to his arm; “My poor dear. How odd you must feel in the company of strangers. Don’t you worry, your favorite Tashu is back and I promise to never leave you alone again!” She said while aiming toxic barbs at Khanak who responded with a graceful smile.

Shan priced Tash’s fingers loose, “I prefer strangers to so called friends who are just waiting for the moment when they can pull the rug from under my feet.” He smiled at Khanak, “…besides Ms. Mishra is not a stranger. Rather she has become someone infinitely more precious.” At that something intimate appeared to pass between him and Khanak causing Diva to burst into a merry giggle.

So you may think but not for long! Tash thought spitefully before she declared with a dazzling smile— “I hope everyone, old acquaintances and new are going to join me in my welcome back bash tonight!”

tbc

PS: Excuse me for the delay in posting. I’ve been caught up in a lot of things– including putting the final touches to the manuscript of my upcoming novel MILAN to writing Book 2 of INCONVENIENT RELATIONS. I hope to make the intervals shorter in the future 🙂

GET MY BOOKS

I live in a place called #Freedom

P1000580 (2)

Who wouldn’t want to live in a place called Freedom? But is an address enough?

Today on India’s 69th Independence Day celebrations I want all of us to take a moment to reflect on what does it really mean to be free–as a race and as an individual…

Below I’ve tried to pitch in with some of my thoughts—

We are not #free until we are all #free

#freedom from bigotry

#freedom from slavery

#freedom from inequality

#freedom from oppression

#freedom from child labor and abuse

#freedom from poverty

#freedom from corruption

#freedom from abuse–of humans and animals

#freedom from inequality (race, gender and everything else)

#freedom from forced prostitution

#freedom from illiteracy

#freedom from casteism

#freedom from child malnutrition

#freedom of expression

#freedom to be me

I am sure there are many things I missed but the general theme is the same. Let’s all strive together and really make the world a place called #Freedom 🙂

Thank you!