One may ask–what’s there in these wild open spaces.
I hold my breath
Then exhale
There’s nothing to fear here
I’m wild
I’m free
21: Lights
“Damn where is she?
“Shan I’m really pissed that you find your watch more attractive than your companion!” Natasha pouted.
You got that right, he mused while shooting off a text to Diva hoping Khanak would be with him.
“Shan I’m talking to you!”
“Where is Ms. Mishra? Wasn’t she supposed to be here tonight?” inquired Rohan Khatri, one of the designer twins who had opted to let his brother organize the entire show tonight, while he watched from the side lines.
“Ms. Mishra? Who is she?” Tashu asked casually.
Shan didn’t care to enlighten her, sure that she knew already, but was putting on an act of ignorance.
“Rohan is talking about Ms. Khanak Mishra, Jhankaar’s new lead dancer, isn’t she Shan?” Tarun drawled directing a sly smile at him.
“Yes she is!” Shan snapped back pretty sure that Tarun had a hand in Khanak’s disappearance tonight. I need to get to the bottom of this! He resolved but didn’t have time to act on his intentions as the show had already started.
Khatri’s summer collection was on display. Tall, thin dead pan models swayed their bony hips down the cat walk sporting various articles of clothing in bright summer colors.
While the women oohed and aahed and their men ogled at the skimpily clad girls, Shan didn’t see anything because Khanak had completely taken over his mind.
Just then…
“Ladies and gentlemen!” A widely beaming Roshan Khatri had taken the mike seemingly unable to contain his excitement. “We are indeed privileged that Jhankaar has chosen our venue to show off their latest acquisition…. their new lead; the gorgeous Ms. Khanak Mishra!”
Shan sat up, his blues abruptly driven away. She’s here! She didn’t let me down!
“I’m so sorry Shan that you have to make do with someone who is well below your usual level of expectations! Hope you’ll forgive me but you see I couldn’t help it..;” Natasha pouted.
“You better reserve your judgment for after you’ve seen the performance! You may be unpleasantly surprised!” He didn’t hear another word.
The curtains on the grand stage drew slowly apart unveiling a scene that resembled an artist’s studio. Canvases, paints and other paraphernalia lay scattered all over.
Shan was surprised when Diva appeared wearing a smock splattered with paint. But he wasn’t acting his usual happy self, instead he seemed in agony as he paced around like a wild man. He trashed the canvas he was working on and pulled at his hair, seeming utterly deranged. He was brilliant, he had captured the audience’s attention.
Appearing unable to handle the situation anymore, he finally went and stood in front of a shrouded canvas that occupied center stage. He pulled away the sheet revealing an unfinished painting of a girl in a veil. He hugged the canvas and broke into tears. It was clear he had fallen in love with his own creation and as a result was suffering the consequences. He collapsed on the floor in misery.
Then perhaps as if by the force of his incredible passion and love, the painting seemed to come to life.
The scene transformed into a dreamscape.
A slim graceful figure emerged slowly from the fog–her face hidden by a veil of gossamer blue.
The audience moved as one, their eyes glued on her, instinctively knowing they were about to witness something extraordinary, as her bell clad feet struck the floor, effortlessly keeping pace with the rhythm.
Shan smiled—Khanak was back where she belonged.
Glancing around him, he saw all eyes without exception were trained on the lone figure on stage as if bound by an invisible thread. Even Tash’s curiosity seemed perked.
He too moved to the edge of his seat, his pulse racing. Anxious. He did not want to miss the moment when her face would be revealed.
“Manmohini…”
There was a collective sharp intake of breath as the danseuse, tossed her veil away revealing a visage that was exceptionally beautiful not only due to its exquisitely etched features rather more so for an untouched, untainted quality rarely encountered in showbiz.
Her loveliness was of a substance that dreams are made of. Something remote and unattainable.
She was like an ‘apsara’–a heavenly maiden who held in thrall not just her creator but each and everyone who laid eyes on her. With the allure of her wonderfully expressive face and the smooth elegant movements of her hands that moved seamlessly with her lithe body, she cast her spell.
The memories of the first time Shan had laid eyes on Khanak came flooding back when as Shakuntala, she had enchanted and held him captive. Yet this time the magic was reinforced several fold.
He had fallen head over heels and he fell again. This time quite willingly, offering little resistance as she interpreted the simple yet profound words of the song.
‘’Lat uljhi suljha ja baalam..’’
His eyes followed her in a trance as she danced down the catwalk and catching his gaze smiled mysteriously and motioned to him if he would care to rearrange her wild untamed tresses. He was urged to rush on to the stage and run his fingers through her hair. But was the very next moment he was swamped with envy when she turned toward someone else and asked him to set right the awry vermillion dot on her forehead.
‘’Maathe ki bindiya bikhar gayi hai..apne haath sajaa ja baalam.’’
Such was the power of her ‘abhinaya’ or art of expression that each member of the audience felt that she was personally conversing with him or her.
The rhythmic part of her dance was equally mesmerizing illustrated by her dynamic footwork and lightning quick pirouettes that made her skirt swirl around like a floating galaxy of glittering stars.
There was a pin drop silence in the auditorium when the music ended and Khanak held her finishing position.
Everyone let out a collective sigh. It was followed by a deafening roar as they all stood up to give her a standing ovation and inundated her with flowers.
***
Khanak collapsed into a chair in the green room. Her feet that had been flying across the large stage seemed now unable to hold her up anymore. She trembled with hands clasped over her flushed cheeks and said; “…they appeared to like me Diva.”
“Like you?!” Diva grasped her shoulders; “My dear, they loved you. Theyadored you! Didn’t you hear the clamor?”
“I…I did,” she replied. Her eyes were shining. “…and it was such a relief! I was worried as it was a fashion show with a western theme…would they accept an all Indian number?”
Diva broke into a loud guffaw, “if you are talking about the pretenders, then yes, there is no dearth of the kind. It is laughable when you see how they try to outdo each other trying to exhibit their…” he gestured with his fingers, “…phorenness and look down upon anything even faintly ‘Indian.’ But deep inside they cannot deny their roots and after all art does not have a language nor a country. If you are good at what you do, you’ll have no trouble finding people who will appreciate your work wherever you go, and that’s what it’s all about!”
Khanak nodded seeming relieved.
“You have arrived lady! Ms. Khanak Mishra has arrived! Just beware the likes of Tash, Tarun and co!” He had a broad beam on his face as he removed her new dress from the hanger.
Khanak’s face fell, “I saw her. She was sitting next to him, looking like a doll…so beautiful.”
“Yes. A painted doll! Khanak…!” He exclaimed in apparent frustration, “…how can I explain to you? Please don’t waste time comparing yourself with her or for that matter anyone else! I see it, the audience sees it and most important of all Shan sees it! You are different and hence unique! You’d stand out in any crowd! While most of them out there are engaged in pretending to be what they aren’t, Natasha included, you are comfortable in your own skin! With your abundance of talent and energy, you don’t have to fear anybody, rather they need to fear you! Did you get that?”
“Yes I got it. You don’t have to repeat that again. May I recommend you to anyone who needs a pep talk?” Khanak said giving Diva a tight hug.
“Oh..C’mon don’t make Diva blush!” But he looked pleased.
A loud banging on the door made them both jump.
“Khanak are you there? I need to see you!” They heard Shan yell.
“Diva! What will I do? How will I behave?” Khanak asked anxiously.
“My dear, you don’t have to do anything. Just follow his lead and trust your instincts.” He chuckled and walked over to the door and threw it open.
“What’s going on here?” Shan demanded barging in.
“Girl talk. Now she’s all yours.” Diva said cocking his head sassily to one side. “I think I better say hi to my old friend,” he winked suggestively at Khanak before sashaying out but not before blowing Shan a kiss that made him blush.
Khanak giggled nervously.
***
“Khanak I…” Shan began but had to stop as he felt an odd sensation of movement, as if he was about to fall. He almost staggered back against the door.
No girl ever before had had this effect on him.
In a halter neck antique rose Versace dress of silk tulle and georgette embroidered entirely in crystal Khanak looked so radiant and ethereal that he feared she’d disappear at any moment.
Her cheeks burned under his gaze. He found his voice at last, “you…”
“Were you pleased?” she asked, her brilliant eyes laced with anxiety.
“Pleased? By what…” He repeated before the implication of her words dawned on him. Damn! Only she can pose such a question! “Khanak! You better wipe off words like that from your dictionary” He continued approaching her, “I don’t know how to say it. You were phenomenal! Perhaps one of the best if not the best dance debuts on the Mumbai stage…” Then he dared to venture further as she shyly lowered her gaze—-“You took my heart and this time I’m not sure if I want it back.”
–0–
Below is my favorite rendering of this beautiful song—
tbc
Liking it so far. Please leave a few words in comment. 🙂
Yes I am writing! INCONVENIENT RELATIONS BOOK 2– the continuing saga of Shan and Ruhi. Expect a lot more Insanity this time around from this sweet and sexy couple.
The Book is tentatively titled Now And Forever.
Here’s a SNEAK PEAK for my dear readers—- ENJOY!
1: PASSIONS
-0-
Author’s note: Picking up the story from we left off in Book 1. Shaan and Ruhi have just consummated their marriage and it is the morning after—
The Grand Canyon:
A bright light pierced the eyeball and ambushed the retina, shattering precious sleep from those weary eyes; a more irritating phenomenon couldn’t be conceived nor tolerated.
A graceful arm rose and flung itself across that bewitchingly delightful visage and a command emanated from those bruised and battered ruby red lips…
“Go away!”
Ruhi heard a sharp intake of breath.
Curiosity now gaining the upper hand, she blinked and found herself in direct confrontation with a pair of eyes whose color closely resembled the bark of a Monterey pine, like decadent dark chocolate. The aforementioned creatures were subjecting her figure to a very minute inspection and apparently quite relishing it!
Several moments passed before it dawned on her that it had been no freaking dream.
She stared back, holding his gaze as gentle warming rays of sol slanted their way through the small square opening and bathed her golden. She was lying there stark naked, with barely a stitch on; her body on display for his exclusive amusement!
Her heart skipped several beats and eyes screwed shut in confused panic as she recalled in vivid detail the uninhibited transgressions of the night past. She crossed her arms over her chest attempting in vain to restore some of the lost dignity and winced as she crossed her legs, her nethers complaining having borne the brunt of the uninhibited assault.
Shaan’s lips parted in wonder as he watched a deep pink suffuse her torso and creep up her cheeks. How could the most beautiful creature in the world, his Goddess of love of whose temple he had appointed himself sole guardian, manage to become even more irresistible? And to add to the ambrosial palate her eyes were spitting fire! He could feel his insatiable appetite stir within his groin again. God! I need to have her before she reduces my life to shambles..as if she hasn’t already!
Parking a possessive hand on a dainty hip he squeezed it hard then leaned down close so she could feel his warm breath fan her burning face. She shuddered then writhed in mortification as she sensed desire replace her affected anger. No! I need to stand my lost ground though I have no clue why.
“So?” She inquired.
“So?” His brow arched in amused curiosity.
“Am I taken?”
He stared at her in disbelief for a brief moment before throwing his head back and laughing out loud. “God! How beguilingly innocent can you get? It’s unbelievable!” He wrapped his leg around her pelvis, communicating his need in no uncertain terms and was pleased to witness her skin to pucker with excitement. “Yes my darling. You can consider yourself officially deflowered.”
A quiet ensued as she weighed the information.
“Did you enjoy it?” He queried.
“What a dumb question to ask!” She retorted.
“Dumb? Now I really want to know. Did you?”
“Absolutely not!” Her eyes flashed. “I’m black and blue both inside and out!”
“It’s only natural,” he said with a tinge of remorse. “Uhm… the more we do it the better it’ll get. And… you made me wait so long that I couldn’t control myself…you are,” he paused to savor the contours of her shoulder that made her let her breath out in a hiss before she turned her face away. “you know you are undeniably ravishing, more so now than ever!”
“You ..you are a brute!” She censured loudly while reaching for her clothes.
“Brute?” He was stunned. Nobody had called him that before.
“You call this..this lovemaking?” She managed to hook her fingers into the back pack.
He regained his cool. Madam was trying to ditch her beloved. Hitching a sturdy arm around her waist he pulled her back. “Because it is love making…” He said kissing the back of her bare shoulder, running the tips of his fingers over her nude arm, causing her to purr and stretch luxuriously like a satisfied cat.
“You are so mean!” She insisted.
“I am not. And your body is telling an entire different story!” He forced her to turn on her back trying to overpower her will. His lips reached for her mouth, knowing that to be a failsafe method of breaking her resolve.
She struggled her mind resisting the temptations of her body, upsetting his effort to have her at all costs, until finally he let go baffled beyond belief.
He watched silently as she turned her back on him and swiftly covered herself with some random attire. “Where are you off to?”
She turned back, her face all flushed from their exertions. “Uh…I’m going to try to get a quick wash before everybody gets up.”
“And then…?”
“Then…? Don’t you remember, we are supposed to go white water rafting today?”
“Uhmmm..yes. But there aren’t any compulsions.” He said lying back and cushioning his head on his arms, a wide grin settling on his face when he saw her turn away in chagrin at his body’s flagrant display.
“But ..I want to go. Don’t you?”
“I wanted to earlier..but not now..not after last night. You know what I want…what you want.”
She shivered when she felt his fingers slip inside her blouse. “No..I can’t lose this opportunity. I..I’m going even if you don’t want to come.”
“Ruhi…!”
Emitting a wretched cry, she wrenched herself from his grasp and slipped outside the confines of the tent. After pausing for a fraction she ran, no… hobbled to the river while the lower half of her body screamed in protest.
She found a small secluded spot behind a large boulder where a shallow pool of water had lodged. Without a second thought she waded in, feet skimming over the river rock worn smooth by eons of erosion, deeper and deeper till her waist was submerged letting the cool wetness seep inside her skin, numbing the burning pain which was making her brain run amok. Standing there, waiting for her harried breath to calm, she ran her gaze far and wide absorbing the early morning light as it bounced off the rippling waves as they rushed in their endless quest, in all the brilliant colors of the rainbow. Her hands tried to catch them but failed, her fingers acting like a sieve.
Then she saw a face in the water, but failed to recognize it. Confused she splashed before realizing it was none other than of her own.
She had changed. Ruhi Sharma had changed. She didn’t belong to herself anymore, instead she bore his indelible stamp and it frightened her, bewildered her, urging her to make a run for it, so to take a breath that wasn’t enmeshed with his. For he influenced her every notion, manipulated every idea that occurred in her mind causing her to invariably sway to his tune.
But wasn’t that the way it was supposed to be? Isn’t this the day, the moment she had been waiting for all along?
Yes.
Then why do I want to resist?
She thought for a moment before proclaiming aloud– “because I’m me… I cannot not be me, even though I am his.” The constant churn in her mind, appeared to slow down some.
Sensing a flurry of activity upstream she glanced in the direction and spied the Andys preparing for the upcoming adventure.
“Do I really want to battle the seething river? Hell no!..But…” Her lips curved into a wicked smile as she plotted. Her brain’s naturally hewn abilities still very much intact. It was very hard for her to disregard the distinct pleasure she felt while perceiving her spouse’s irritated face.
***
Shaan on the other hand was experiencing a plethora of emotions. What have I done to make Ruhi run away from me? Did I really hurt her? God forgive me if I did, for then I’m a rogue indeed! Why in hell couldn’t I control myself instead of pouncing upon her like a hungry wolf!
He sat up, legs crossed and berated himself over and over. “And the gall I had to ask her how she felt! F***! I’m sick indeed!”
Then he recalled the way her delicate fingers had fluttered over his back, how she had whispered his name, saying she loved him, dearly with no reservations. And those very words had driven him insane with what he felt was boundless love, prompting him to take liberties with her body. Not for one moment had he paused to think how she’d feel. And she had borne the assault silently.
“How I wish she had said no, but then, would I have paid heed? No, because I was in heaven, all at the expense of my lovely wife.”
‘There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason. Let it flow….’
“Let it flow?” He asked himself. “Like hell I will! I can’t! I simply can’t! I need to find out what she’s up to!”
Hurriedly throwing on what he had worn yesterday, not caring in the least for the wildly unkempt picture he painted, Shaan thundered out of the tent. Then, after casting a quick look around, he strode rapidly toward where saw a hubbub of activity.
He stopped a few paces away, observing young Andy help Ruhi put on her life jacket. He must have said something funny, for she broke into a smile then burst out laughing and her voice like sweet poison stabbed at his heart.
How could she allow it? He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth in blind fury when he saw the handsome guide’s fingers graze her bare arms.
“Hey bud! Wanna rock and roll? Your pretty friend seems all set for the ride!”
All Shaan wanted to do was wipe that smug smile off that face and shove it up his ass! But he had an audience and she was watching very closely. He accepted the deep orange jacket reluctantly.
Fortunately their group was small enough to fit into one craft. They were four men including himself, the Andys (father and son), a middle aged heavy set man called Steve and two women including Ruhi and Steve’s girlfriend Stella whose conspicuous accent betrayed her Down Under origin.
Stella was obviously very fond of the great outdoors as evidenced by her deep sun tan displayed to great advantage by a ridiculously miniscule bikini. And she obviously had a thing for men for she quite openly flirted with Andy Jr. then switching over to Shaan, subjected him to a frankly appreciative look which escaped her very loud and boisterous boyfriend’s attention but not Ruhi’s, who looked ready to drive her Swiss army into the woman’s gut given the slightest chance. Seeing her thus, Shaan chose to play it up some more. He began by giving Stella his most brilliant smile and offered her a hand aboard, which she accepted gladly, then settled herself down next to him in the aft—apparently the most stable part of the boat— saying she was afraid of becoming river sick. “This is my first rafting trip you see!”
He knew she was fibbing but didn’t care because it served his plan perfectly well. He then added flame to fire by making conversation which basically amounted to nodding at appropriate intervals as Stella jabbered nonstop, and appearing intrigued when she acquainted him with her adventures while skinny dipping near the Great Barrier reef.
“Care if I buy you a beer sometime handsome?”
“Huh?” He turned to her with a start; his attention distracted by the antics of his wife, who had brazenly chosen to take her place at the bow and was behaving like he didn’t exist.
“You’ve got a brave lass there my fellow!” Andy Sr. muttered.
“Brave my foot! I wonder if she even knows how to swim properly!” Shaan replied curtly but his expression betrayed his anxiety.
“Don’t worry lad. My son, he’ll take care of her.”
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, Shaan thought.
But soon the frazzled nerves and injured egos were set aside as their trip began with the towering red sandstone walls hemming them on both sides and the sounds of the Colorado filling the air.
It began at a sedate pace, the gentle current carrying the raft forward offering them vistas they’d never come across before. As the Andys took turns extolling the history of the river and the canyon, the passengers stared around in awe, watching as the walls came closer then drifted apart playing hide and seek with the sun.
“OMG! A waterfall!” Ruhi jumped up squealing in glee and sure enough when Shaan followed her gaze he spotted it too–a narrow jet of water cascading down sheer rock into a spectacular turquoise pool below.
He smiled, at least she’s enjoying herself. So am I, though I wish so bad it was just the two of us.
And then all of a sudden, the mood of the river changed.
“Hold on folks! Rapids!” Andy Jr’s excited voice rang out.
Shaan felt Stella’s hand pulling on his arm, as the raft dipped. And then, when it felt almost certain the thing was going to capsize, it came right up again to the collective relief of everyone abroad.
Ruhi’s sure to have had enough of the excitement, she will want to come back to me now, Shaan thought with confidence.
But Ruhi was Ruhi. There was now a predictability to her impulsiveness and it seemed to get worse as he got to know her better. She was riding on a high, having for once escaped unscathed from the rapids, and at the same time was bristling with righteous indignation too.
What does he think of himself, coochie cooing with that big chested bimbo? He thinks I can’t take care of myself? That I will disintegrate without his lordship’s benevolence! I’ll show him and that bitch what Ruhi Sharma is made of! She doesn’t balk in the face of danger, rather she takes it head on! Lifting her chin up and squaring her delicate shoulders, Ruhi looked straight ahead and prepared to face the unknown.
Just then she felt a hand clamp down on her elbow. It was Shaan’s and he was glowering down at her with undisguised ferocity.
She tried to shrug him off but his grip only grew stronger. He grunted in a low threatening tone. “Enough daredevilry for one day. You’ve proved whatever you needed to prove. Now come to the back with me.”
“Never!” Tossing her pigtail to one side, she shot back with unparalleled tenacity. “Not while you have that piece of white trash practically sitting on your lap! Or have you forgotten what happened not so long ago?”
Her arm dropped to her side.
“Ruhi! How can you?”
Her chutzpah wound down a few notches when she realized what she’d just said but it wasn’t enough to make her back down.
“To your places please everybody, Hang on tight! This one is the mother of them all!” Andy Sr. yelled out sharply and he meant business.
Shaan sat stunned unable to digest what his wife had just told him when the powerful river decided to display its might again but this time to an unbelievable degree.
“Hold on tight y’all!” Rang out another warning, just as the water began to churn turning from muddy brown to frothy white in an instant. They heard a massive roar as the raft bucked and rode the waves not unlike a helpless rider at a rodeo who hangs on precariously for dear life hoping the bull tires before he falls and gets trampled to death.
Soaking the passengers to the bone, the water like thousands of sharp barbs raining on the flesh, the raft went under a massive wave and then after what felt like ages of relentless struggle surfaced again.
“Someone’s overboard!”
His breath caught in his throat, Shaan sprang up scanning the heads desperately and just as feared, she was missing. He tried to think, stay calm, praying silently while his eyes skimmed the waters.
“It’s ok! These guys are experts! She’ll be fine!” Stella shouted above the din grinning reassuringly.
“She won’t! Because she’s my bloody wife who always does what she wants! Goddamnit!” He hollered back, then spying the unmistakable orange jacket not too far away, dived in.
***
Ruhi’s lungs were bursting for air as she was tossed around mercilessly like a helpless toy. Sharp jagged rock cut in to her exposed skin. Fear was overcome by the need to survive, to see his face again. She tried to hang on, to whatever solid surface she could find. But her fingers, numb from the icy cold slipped, tearing her nails off their beds. Yet she didn’t feel a thing because she had to make it. She needed make it.
I love him God. Please let me see him one last time. Please? She prayed fervently, just as her mind began its descent into unconsciousness.
Then a miracle—she was grabbed from behind and as sure as can be was carried to safety.
Strong hands reached down and she was hauled back onto the raft.
Panting for air, thanking God for answering her prayers, she waited patiently for his arms to hold her again. But she waited in vain.
She looked around in panic, eyes wild and desperate. For the briefest moment she thought she saw him looking directly at her, his face rife with hurt, before his head disappeared under the water.
“Shaaaaaannnnnnn!” She screamed. But the river swallowed the sound.
-0-
What happens next? —- AM WRITING!
MEANWHILE GET BOOK 1 at these LINKS!
Picking up from where I left off after a long time—-
20: A Special Night
-0-
A blinding flash of light followed by another and yet another then several in succession.
Shiny limos plying equally shiny bodies that disembarked and gave the paparazzi their much needed glamour and gossip fix.
But Shaan didn’t realize that he too was one among them—a willing player expected to read his lines from a script repeated and rehashed so many times that it had become second nature. So much that sometimes it was hard to distinguish the real from the put on.
But this acting and role playing had become boring and stale. He wished he could fling the cloak away and scream—This is not me!
And that urge was particularly pressing today as he stood there all alone on the red carpet acutely missing his new associate and partner.
He wasn’t flashing his usual heartbreak smile nor paying heed to the earsplitting screams of jostling fans leaning over the fences with their arms and bodies stretched out, wanting to touch, to get a piece of him.
He appeared totally unaware of it all and that infused his persona with a uniquely mystic and attractive aura.
Where is she? Should be here by now. Not a peep from her since she left in a hurry this afternoon! Is she not coming? She said she would be here well in time. Khanak isn’t one to shirk from her professional duties. He racked his brains; Did she take that blabbermouth Trish seriously…or did something happen between her and that loser?
A voice hailed him from behind—“Someone is looking wickedly distracting tonight!”
He didn’t have to turn around to figure who it was. He cringed; “Natasha…you here?”
She was checking him out in her usual pose—perfectly coiffed head slightly tilted to one side, a slightly amused smile playing on voluptuous red lips and a svelte figure wrapped in deep sea green that perfectly offset her eyes. She had mastered the art of snaring attention.
Yet it did nothing for him. He stared blankly at her.
“Are you so overwhelmed with happiness that you are struck speechless?”
“Huh..?”
He heard one of the Khatri brothers’ high pitched laughter in the background. It was their show and she was the guest of honor.
He flashed her his usual smile; “think what you will Tash.”
“Won’t you walk with your dear old friend? Or have you forgotten your manners?”
Shan offered her his arm though he’d have preferred to seem uncouth and walk away. The news hounds didn’t need any more scoops that night.
***
Earlier at Diva’s–
Khanak had rushed over following the prompts of her instinct knowing that he was probably the only one most likely to provide the peace and comfort she so desperately desired.
“Now look at yourself!” Diva said turning her around to face the mirror.
Khanak’s stared at her image wide eyed, “Do I look okay?”
“Okay? OMG girl! Get real!” Diva exclaimed in exaggerated surprise. Today he had on a purple do with sweats to match.
“You look sensational! Stupendous! Kya kehte hain usko… Item! Yes you look like an item! And in that shade of blue you are bound to send the whole audience to the hospital–the men with hearts attacks and the women in a raging jealous hysteria!”
Khanak laughed; “Oh please leave it Diva! Don’t flatter me! Tell me the truth!”
“You hurt my heart!” he looked woebegone.
“Oh I didn’t mean that! I’m so sorry!” She jumped up to console him; “You are so sweet. I’m just not used to so much praise.”
“Girl get this straight!” he said tapping her shoulder lightly with his beautifully manicured fingers. “What Diva says Diva does! He speaks his mind–showering praise or critiquing when and where it is deserved. I don’t believe in keeping people in the dark!”
She nodded waiting expectantly.
“All right,” he smiled gently holding the point of her chin between his thumb and forefinger; “Let me put it simply. You possess a special kind of beauty, a rare hypnotic mix of innocence and charm. It is so powerful that it can even make a gay man wish he was straight.”
Her cheeks grew warm when she noticed that he was quite serious.
He then laughed and blushed himself, “But if that were to happen my Shaan wouldn’t like it at all! And Diva cannot afford to infuriate one of his best customers can he? Uske biceps dekhe tumne? Did you see his biceps? Mein toh mar hi jaoonga! I’ll be dead for sure!”
“That’s where you are wrong,” Khanak said solemnly turning back to the mirror.
“Diva wrong? Never! And that Shan is an open book for me. I’ve seen the way he looks at you sweetheart! Haven’t you?” His face wore a fond smile.
Khanak pursed her lips and shook her head not wanting to acknowledge what her heart so eagerly wished to believe.
“Eyes speak a lot…and I know exactly what Shan’s say.”
Khanak made a valiant attempt to steel herself, “He is a very nice man, kind and generous. It’s just his compassion that you see.”
“Okay. So be it. But why should you let that bother you?” Diva asked watching her closely for her response.
Khanak dropped her gaze; “I…I…”
Diva chuckled; “There! So the flame burns equally on both ends! Wonderful! I can’t wait to dress you up for the wedding!”
“Diva please don’t!” Khanak exploded in anguish. “… that can never happen!”
“But why?”
“Shan is meant for Natasha. They complement each other perfectly. They are the eternal couple!’”
“What utter rubbish! Who has filled your head with such bakwas?” Diva appeared genuinely surprised.
“I see it everywhere…in the news….magazines…even Tarun…”
“Tarun!” Diva spat out, “…that slimy SOB! His only job is to create malevolent mischief! Don’t you believe a single word he says! As for the magazines, Khanak hon… I didn’t think you were so naive! Don’t you know the only way the media keeps itself in business is by feeding the frenzy and fanning the rumors?”
She wasn’t convinced; “Yes you may be right. But I believe it in my heart to be true. She has been Shan’s friend and partner for a long time and he has relied on her. The only reason I came into the picture is due to the accident.”
Diva nodded, “Some of what you say is true but not everything. These eyes have seen a lot.” He laughed, “You can call me a walking behind the scenes encyclopedia! If I get my memoirs published I’ll become an instant millionaire! But then who’ll trust in me?” He said wryly.
Khanak gave his hand a tight squeeze; “I do Diva…”
He smiled, “I know you do darling. That’s why I love you. You are pure of heart and you don’t pass judgments just because…”
He paused before going on; “…as far as Natasha is concerned… she too used to be like you at one time… fresh, talented, hardworking, eager to make a mark. But then she changed, she became a victim to fame. She became self-centered. She couldn’t tolerate anyone better or even as good herself…she couldn’t let independent talent thrive. So instead of working on improving herself she began to resort to crooked and devious ways. She made herself indispensable to Shan; started producing his shows… took on some of the hiring and firing in the pretense of helping him out. It was a way of making sure that nobody in Jhankaar could challenge her position and then even got him to give her an exclusive contract.”
Diva looked at Khanak, “I could see Shan’s frustration build. He wanted to break free from her. But she had accumulated a lot of powerful ‘friends’ in the industry who always managed to convince him otherwise. Then all of a sudden out of the blue, I don’t know what occurred in that twisted mind of hers that she decided to break her ankle…”
Khanak broke in, “Break her ankle? What do you mean? Which dancer would want to do such a thing on purpose? You must be mistaken!”
“Exactly, no dancer in her right mind, but Tash isn’t sane! When she saw Shan unwilling to toe the line, she took it upon herself to teach him a lesson. So just before the new season began she faked an accident and broke her ankl, sure that he won’t find anyone else good enough to take her place thereby making him undergo a major loss and ultimately enslave him for the rest of his life. But…” Diva smiled, “…she made a mistake. She failed to figure you in to her calculations.”
Khanak stared unblinkingly at Diva, stunned at the revelation.
“Unbelievable isn’t it? But this is how showbiz works…talent isn’t enough anymore. You need a mentor…and fortunately you’ve found the best one in Shan.”
Khanak was at a loss for words; all this information was too much to absorb. It was difficult to fathom that evil could reside behind such a beautiful face.
Then—
Diva glanced at his phone and cried out, “OMG! Talk of the devil! You have been summoned!”
Khanak eyes twinkled, “Then we should get going!”
tbc
Excerpt
Standing in front of the large bathroom mirror, Ruhi combed her long thick hair. Should I leave it loose or braid it? Should I put on makeup or go bare? Should I wear all my bangles or just a couple of them? So many questions! Why don’t all men come with a user guide.
She braided her hair, glossed her lips, chose a pair of gold bangles for each side, and figured she was done. Then she offered a silent prayer, thanking God for the absence of her mother-in-law.
Tea and breakfast.
What? Herbal raspberry tea bags and Cheerios! And this man expects me to eat? Her spirits taking a dive, she put her head down on the table and mournfully longed for a piping hot refreshing cup of masala chai with cauliflower stuffed paratha on the side…Mama!
“Still off in neverland?”
She sat up, startled, to gaze dolefully at him while he smiled cheerfully at her, looking handsome and crisp in casual white shirt and jeans. Why was she always at a disadvantage?
“Care for some hot pizza?” He swept a large colorful cardboard box in front of her nose. “Authentic Neapolitan from our very own Tony’s. My favorite!”
She didn’t care for it, too cheesy.
He frowned at her while she pursed her lips together feeling helpless.
“This is crazy! If you don’t eat, you will disappear in no time. Then there wouldn’t be anything left to send back home!”
She glared at him acutely hurt. They had just reached here, and he was already thinking of sending her back home? What did he take her for?
“I guess I’m homesick.”
“Ah! I see. How stupid of me! Your parents must be terribly worried!”
Getting up immediately, he dialed her home; and yes, they were in a state of panic.Hearing their voices, she nearly broke down…wanting to reach out and touch the loose end of her mother’s sari.
“Accha. All right, I shall hang up now,” she said and handed him the phone, just as a tear threatened to roll down her cheek. She rushed to the window—the purple flowers had taken on a silver hue.
***
Imagine how much a new Indian bride has to deal with—
A husband who is practically a stranger, in-laws—and if she is accompanying him to a foreign land; new living conditions, new culture, and a new way of life.
As someone who has been through a similar experience I can tell you the task is not easy. These are the times when memories of home hurt the most.
In my book ‘Inconvenient Relations’ I have through my protagonist Ruhi tried to elaborate on what it is like to be a new bride in a foreign land.
You can find out more about my books here.
Glossary
Masala Chai: Spiced Indian tea. The spice usually consists of cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, black pepper, star anise and cloves.
Paratha: popular Indian flatbread prepared fresh from whole wheat dough, and served either plain or stuffed with a variety of vegetables like radish, cauliflower, potato, methi (fenugreek leaves) or paneer (fresh Indian cheese.)
Atmosphere is everything. Be it television, the big screen, especially a book. Without atmosphere a story is bland and lifeless and Yes, forgettable! My favorite tales are those that provide me with a great audiovisual experience, so I can think and feel just like the characters, even be one among them. And if I get to satisfy my wanderlust, I’ve hit the jackpot!
In my stories I try to treat my readers to a similar kind of experience. In my book ‘The Accidental Wife‘ my protagonist Rihaan lives in the heart of NYC and below are some of the places he frequents— 🙂
The Amish Grocery Store where Rihaan bought Naina some carnations
One of the streets that leads to Rihaan’s clinic from his apartment
View of the city that Naina sees from top of The Empire State Building
It is one thing to prepare food for ourselves because we need to eat. It’s mealtime, we’re hungry, what do we have in the cupboard? But it is a whole different thing to cook a special dish or an entire feast because we want to shower someone we love with a caring gesture. It is a gift of indulgence that nurtures the soul, as well as the body. A home cooked meal that has been specially prepared for us, by someone else, can be one of the ultimate expressions of love.
How do we choose the perfect culinary delight to prepare when cooking for others? We might choose to cook our own favorite recipe or we might choose a selection of our guest’s favorite foods. A shopping trip to pick out fresh, vibrant ingredients is part of the delight. In India the menu might include pakora (a warm fritter), curry, tandoori, naan, or just a simple upma (porridge).
India’s aromatic spices are sprinkled into dishes according to taste, added carefully to lend a personal touch. They have been passed down generations and are known not just to add flavor but also nutritive value to food. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and ginger are a few of the earthy spices, and perhaps most sensual in the world, that are found in India. Spices are also available already blended together for ease of cooking (for those cooks who might want to achieve a well-known flavor) such as Garam Masala or Curry.
The fragrant smell of Indian cuisine, with hints of exotic herbs and spices promise to stir emotions deep in our hearts. Pakora and upma are two of the dishes enjoyed in The Accidental Wife.
Want to learn more about Indian Spices? Visit Spices Board India http://www.indianspices.com
Excerpt from The Accidental Wife:
“Oh My God! I suddenly remembered I am hungry! Have you had breakfast?” she asked, suddenly looking annoyed.
“Breakfast? No. But I don’t have any time.” He peeked at his watch again.
“Please!? Not a speck of grain has entered my stomach since yesterday morning. I will die of hunger, then I won’t be of any use to you at all.” She smiled again before heading toward what Rihaan assumed was the kitchen.
“I can make phataphat upma in just ten minutes!” she said peering at him through the open door frame. “Meanwhile you can relate your troubles to me. C’mon spill it. Don’t be shy!”
Rihaan stepped into the tiny kitchen to find it dwarfed by his lanky frame. Folding wiry arms across his chest, he leaned gingerly against the wall and watched as she went about her task in a haphazard fashion. Her attempts at putting on a show of neatness and method were failing hopelessly.
Great News! My first novel ‘Inconvenient Relations’ is now available worldwide! Am so excited!
Get it now!
Photo courtesy- franandwally.blogspot.com
The above scene isn’t uncommon in India or for that matter elsewhere in the world especially if you happen to drop by an Indian home. Why, you may ask do I have to remove my footwear before I enter your house?
Well, the explanation is simple. For us Indians, our house or home is a sacred place and to contaminate it by bringing dirt from outside is not just disrespectful, it is almost akin to sacrilege. And, if you happen to visit a temple you will be often expected to not just remove your footwear but also wash your feet before entering.
This is not necessarily a religious tradition. It is practiced across most communities in India and as I discovered, in many other countries of the world, including Asia, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, as well as some corners of Europe.
So the next time you happen to spy footwear outside a residence, you may want to remove yours too 🙂
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This tradition is mentioned in the PROLOGUE my book ‘INCONVENIENT RELATIONS‘
If you enjoyed this cultural nugget and wish to learn more, please join my Facebook group–
SIMI K. RAO READERS AND FRIENDS
Thank you!
Hello, readers!
I have two exciting announcements to share with you! First, the cover for my next novel ‘The Accidental Wife’ is finalized, and it is gorgeous. If you haven’t seen it already, here it is. We’re looking at an early March release date for so stay tuned.
The second announcement is that I’ve set up a group on Facebook for my readers, fans and friends. Please consider joining the group as it will allow me to share news, host events and interact more easily with everyone. To celebrate the release of THE ACCIDENTAL WIFE, I’ll be hosting an Author Chat for this group. It will be a couple of weeks after the release of the book (and after a special offer to pick up INCONVENIENT RELATIONS, my first novel for free)! The idea is that you’ll have time to read the book and then ask me questions about it, learn more about my culture and offer feedback. Facebook groups are the online equivalent of the office water cooler so stop by and hang out for a while. Here is the link for the group. If you wish to join please put in your request and I’ll add you to the group.
SIMI K. RAO READERS AND FRIENDS