Randhir's phone buzzed as Sanyukta was winding up the kitchen after her dinner. She could not help but notice the name flashing on the screen and her face went ashen. Seeing her reaction Randhir picked up his phone and walked off into the porch to answer the call.

She did not remember the details but she was certain that Vishad had been stalking her that evening, looking for any opportunity to take advantage of her. She could not imagine what state she could have been in if Randhir had not come looking for her on the beach that night.

She wondered how a creep like Vishad could be related to the sensible Shekhawat men. Fortunately he spent most of his time in Mumbai where he worked with a girl called Tanya, his deemed girlfriend. If she were not managing the company's Mumbai office efficiently he would be fully dispensible.

Sanyukta suspected it was Tanya's efficiency that Vishad piggybacked on. Packing him off to Mumbai was the most sensible thing Randhir could have done, he would remain there under Tanya's watchful eye. She wondered why Tanya had stuck around with a cad like Vishad, she could find a better man anytime.

Randhir emptied his mind of thoughts before preparing to deal with the black sheep of the family on the phone. His voice betrayed no emotion when he spoke, as the unrelenting man on the other side responded sarcastically. "Bhai, what's up, still watching over your underage house guest?"

Randhir could visualise his smug face."State your business, Vishad; I am too busy for small talk!" He tried to sound indifferent."Busy with what, teaching your pet kitten the right moves in bed? I am sure she is a good learner!" He slurred. Randhir' could barely contain his rage but he tried to remain calm.

"You are drunk as a skunk so I am going to ignore your trashtalk. Hear my words, that Tanya is as good a girl as you will ever land, don't piss her off by sleeping around. Hold on to her, it will be your best decision. And don't even think of harassing any girl again unless you want to end up behind bars." He paused.

Randhir desperately tried to erase the memory of Vishad trying to molest Sanyukta. "Boy, do we love to hate each other! You are getting possessive of the little wild cat; she must be really keeping you happy!" He sounded like a crazed hyena as he howled with laughter.

"Not everyone is a butt-head like you Vishad! I protected her from your insanity because it was the right thing to do, that was all. And nobody hates you; I just rue how you work hard to ruin everything that is worth anything in your life. If you don't behave yourself Mom will hear about your debacle on the beach!"

Randhir knew Renuka was Vishad's Achilles heel, if she became disillusioned with him he would have no support left. "Anyway, I need you to clarify details regarding the renewal of the existing license!" Vishad changed tack immediately, and Randhir smirked as he sensed the impact his words had on him.

Of course he would have to avoid overplaying the Renuka card with Vishad, there were other ways to deal with a pest like him. In a few minutes he finished the call and walked back into the house to see Sanyukta standing before him with a plate of chilled sliced mangoes.

"No thanks, you go ahead!" He was distracted because of the thoughts swirling around in his head, but she would not take no for an answer. "This is the season's best Mancurad and I took the trouble to drive a hard bargain, you cannot decline the offer or I will zap you with my power." She grinned at him.

"Who asked you to bargain then?" He could not let her win so easily. "We haggle over the price for everything Randhir, how else can one make the money last till the end of the month?" She did not care if saying this before a rich guy like Randhir made her look cheap, this is what she was and she was not ashamed to be an ordinary girl!

He wished he had not spoken those words but it was too late now, he made a mental note to remember to watch what he said to her. He dropped the argument and complimented her as he tasted the delectable fruit. "These are really good; remind me to pick up some more. By the way, where are Parth and Vidushi?"

"They said they were going to somebody's pool party, why don't you call him?" Sanyukta suggested. Randhir called up Parth and he answered after a few rings, sounding like he was on cloud nine. "Make sure you stay the night and watch Vidushi like a hawk, there are sure to be wolves on the prowl." Randhir warned.

"Don't even think of trying to drive back home in a drunken state or I'll make sure Inspector Rane locks you up until our parents return. Please Parth, be careful and call me if you need anything!" It was stressful for Randhir to look after the business, the home and the family singly. He hoped Parth would understand this.

"Let me talk to him!" Sanyukta snatched the phone from Randhir. "Listen you ass! If you drink too much or do drugs I'll mail Harsh uncle and make sure you get grounded for the whole summer. So just behave, ok? I want to see both Vidushi and you alive tomorrow!" Randhir had never seen her snap at Parth before, she sounded like a mother.

"Hey, thanks for dessert! Don't brush your teeth yet, it is time for my treat now." Randhir sent her upstairs as he stayed back to make them foaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. As he carried the tray upstairs he could hear her singing loudly on the deck, oblivious to the world.

"Will you please stop baying to the moon; you will give the wolves in Kamchatka a panic attack!" He teased her as he set the tray down before her. "Hey, I was just singing along to Andy Williams Moon River, no need to be rude here!" She was indignant but stopped singing anyway.

https://youtu.be/BEfTs8QiVwA

"Listen to this instead." He played her another rendition of the song sung in duet. "No way, is it really them? It cannot be!" She looked surprised. "Yes, they are really Anju and Harsh singing during their college days. Dad has digitised many songs that they sang back then, without Mom's knowledge, of course!"

They hardly spoke as the song played out fully. It felt like it was the sound of two lovers singing their story in someone else's words; they were two drifters off to see the world! Unfortunately for them their story did not play out in real life, and all that was left were these sounds. Sanyukta sat still, unable to react.

Her trance was disturbed by Randhir as he handed her something. "This is for you! And finish your drink before it goes cold." He told her softly. She stared at the stuffed version of Bambi the baby deer for a few seconds. "Thank you Randhir, he is my first soft toy!" Her lips curved into a big smile.

"You know Bambi grew up and fell in love with his childhood sweetheart Faline and then they had twins, a boy and a girl!" She was like a kid in a candy store as she fussed over Bambi. "I know you called off your date because you had to watch over me Randhir, I am  sorry. You deserve to be out with a girl of your choice just like Parth and Vishad tonight. You can still go to her, Bambi will take care of me!" She whispered to him.

"Who said I am not spending time with a girl of my choice?"' He said enigmatically and she turned to see the expression on his face. "What I meant was, it is too late now, Parth told me Rewa is at the same party, making out with a mutual friend, besides I can always worry you for fun. Don't forget, every dog has its day and some day I will be that dog, but tonight we have to put up with each other!" He switched the track smoothly before she could jump to any conclusions.

"Randhir, I know I said I'll stay in the guest bedroom, but to tell you the truth, I am scared, the place is still new to me. Can I stay in your room until I have to go home?" She did not know what he would say. "So I got you Bambi for nothing then? Hey just kidding, of course you can, I'd have sleepless nights otherwise, worrying about you!" He threw his arm around her in an affectionate way as they entered his room to strike off another night on the calendar.