Chapter 2: The One After Dinner

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2017
San2045

I smiled as I remember that night. It was quite pleasant actually. After our almost fight about uncle Oliver we didn't bicker much. Riona was very happy, her eyes sparkled like she was actually living her dream. Maybe she was. I was happy seeing her happy.

After the dinner we strolled in the lawn, we as in me and Randhir while Riona was running around, barefoot. It was romantic to walk hand in hand, silently. The evening breeze felt cold against our warm skin but that didn't bother us. The dark sky comforted and cocooned us. His skin provided me the warmth I needed in the cold night. He was everything I needed at that moment. We didn't talk, we didn't bicker or brought up the past. The past I was curious to know about but I shut my mouth for time being. He didn't speak anything either. He just held my hand, entwined our fingers and walked along with the me.

"Sanyukta!" I felt a hard tug against my arm. Jolting back to the reality I shook my head and tilted my head to look at the intruder. It had been three days to that event. Instantly a smile adored my face looking at him.

"Hello boyfriend" I greeted him in a teasing voice. I was very happy. The happiest I have ever been. He looked good enough to eat. Calm your thoughts, woman! I rolled my eyes at my subconscious as usual. He was dressed in a black button down shirt with sleeves folded up to his elbows. His blazer was carelessly dangling off his one arm while the first three buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned. His toned chest was visible and that somewhat didn't sit right with me. I think many of the staff must drooled on this hunk while his way here but he's mine.

"Huh! Someone's coming around." He grinned while leaving towards me with his elbow resting on the table. My breath hitched in the throat as his face inched closer to mine. I met his eyes and a thousand butterflies swarmed my stomach as the desire in his eyes hit me. Those dark orbs were the most intense and gorgeous pair I had ever witnessed. I felt my skin prickle by his intense state. Without a thought I leaned towards him and pressed my lips against his. Just as we were about to deepen the kiss the loud ringing of the phone disturbed the intimate moment.

Grunting he pulled away from me and hastily pulled his phone. I observed him as he walked far away from my desk and to the corner while not even sparing me a glance. I watched his demeanor change completely. From what I reckon he changed from absolute bliss to broken in a second. Scared I stood up as his shoulders sagged and he let out a loud breath. I was aware of the loud noise my heels clinking against the floor were making but I didn't bother. Just as I was about to place my hand on his shoulder he turned around and looked at me. His face was blank, no emotion whatsoever.

"I have to go back to New York" He said his voice hoarse. It felt like a cold water was splashed on me. Why was he suddenly leaving?

"What happened Ron? Baby I can help. Please tell me." I spoke softly while trying to touch his arm. He shied away from my touch which definitely hurt. What was happening?

"I need to go." He said and moved away. I tried to hold his arm but he was too fast. Cursing under my breath for wearing heels I followed him outside the cabin.

"Randhir! Wait! Randhir??" I yelled not caring that my voice was loud and Marilyn was giving me a surprised look and others in the reception were probably staring at me. But my main concern was Randhir. He was everything right now. Not these people's judgemental stares.

Before I could reach him he had already disappeared in the elevators. What happened suddenly? Who was he talking to? I could feel the rejection and stress taking a toll on me as my body felt heavy. I felt like collapsing on my bed and never to get out. Only when I thought everything was going fine then this happens.
***

It had been several hours since Randhir's sudden disappearance. I came back to house as I couldn't take to stay in the cabin longer. I was currently lying on the bed with my phone beside me. I did try calling him but he was not picking his damn phone. I just hope that he's okay. I thought of calling Rehan and asking him what's the matter with Randhir but I don't want Rehan to take stress. Rehan is really a sweet guy and he actually didn't deserve the pain.

Though I have met him once we really connected well. And though Randhir won't admit that he's a bit jealous I know he is but it's in a harmless kind of way. I mean John Keats and Thomas Hardy are my kind of thing and also Rehan's. I'm so happy that he was taking literature class. He was actually pursuing English literature before the accident so I'm truly happy for him. Though I have not actually spoken to him from few days but we exchange texts. He sends me some beautiful quotes and poem lines and I send him weird emojis and English puns.

"Mum!!" I blink twice before turning my head around. Riona was standing near the door with her nose scrunched up and her hands on her waist, like some angry lady.

"Hmm?"

"Let's go shopping" She said while adjusting her bag strap.

"What, now?" I groaned turning towards the clock. It was seven in the evening and I was in no mood to get out of the bed. Yeah I was worried but more like moping around for her boyfriend.

"Yes. Please? Pretty please." She pouted, jutting her bottom lip. I sighed while rolling out of the bed. No one could resist that. I was actually in sweats. It was actually black sweatshirt with some planet design on left side. My pants were loose leggings matching the color of my shirt. I was in mood to change to be honest so I only brushed my hair and grabbed my black sling bag. I was sure I looked like some homeless hippie but I was fine with it because atleast my hair was looking fine and also because I don't care.

"Let's go" I said turning towards Riona who was standing near the doorway. She excitedly nodded her head and was out of the room before I could even walk towards her.
***

As I waited at the signal something caught my eye. It was Randhir and though it was not clear I was sure he was talking with a women. More like he was arguing with her as kept grabbing her wrist. I did not want to believe it so I turned the car towards the right direction after the signal turned green. Riona was sleeping at the backseat after shopping so it was not going to be a problem. As I turned around the right I stopped a car at a distance and squinted my eyes to see the car's numberplate first because they both were standing on the other side of the car. I didn't want to accuse Randhir before confirming something.

As soon as I looked at the number plate I gasped. It was Randhir's car. What was he doing with this woman. Not waiting for a second I turned on the engine and sped off the car with looking at the pair one last time. It was Randhir and the women he was with was young and from what I could see, she was brunette. As I drove towards home various thoughts started invading my brain. Why was Randhir talking with this woman? Who even was this woman? Did he lie about going to New York?

As soon as I entered inside the gates I got out of the car and threw the keys towards the guard to park the car. I carefully picked Riona from the car and entered inside the house. As soon as I was inside I sighed looking at uncle. He was slumped on the sofa with his head resting on the cushion and his eyes closed. I instantly felt guilty for not calling him. I told him that we'll be away for shopping but I didn't tell him that we'll be late.

"Signora, should I carry her?" I turned alarmed and startled at the sudden voice. Looking at Martha I nodded my head.

"Should I serve dinner?" Martha asked once she secured Riona in her arms. I shook my head. After shopping for her compass box and cereal along with other items we had a short meal at KFC.

"No we had early dinner." I smiled apologetically. She nodded her head and walked away. Letting out a sigh I turned towards the door and took the keys and bags from the guard.

"Uncle! Uncle, wake up." I shook his arm. With a groan he rubbed his eyes and looked at me while squinting his eyes. Yawning he stretched his arms while I sat across him.

"Where's Riona?" He croaked

"She's sleeping. Martha took her upstairs. And I'm sorry for not calling you" I mumbled the last part. He shook his head and smiled.

"Never mind. Did you'll atleast had dinner?" He asked sitting straight from his position. I nodded my head.

"Yeah we stopped by KFC. Anyways I want to tell you something" I gulped. It has actually been four days since Riona found that Randhir is her father and we didn't get the chance to talk to uncle. It was always something holding us back. From past three days me and Randhir along with Riona were waiting late night at his house for dinner and then coming back here to sleep. It felt like we were sneaking out which we were not.

"You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" He said, his voice comforting and tender. I smiled remembering the same dialogue he uttered eight years ago.

"Yeah I know. Actually I wanted to tell you that Riona knows that Randhir is her father. He told her four days ago when you were away. We thought about telling you but I'm sorry that we held back. I mean...I don't know it just never came up I guess." I released a breath I was holding. I felt weightless, mentally ofcourse after telling him everything.

"Cara take a breath. It's fine. Actually I'm happy that you told her and I take it she took it pretty well."

"Yeah surprisingly she took it well after Randhir explained her, not everything ofcourse but yeah pretty much the gist. I mean considering all the shit Aryan told her about her dad she was eager to hear us out."

"Aryan? Where did he come in between this?" Uncle asked confused. I told him everything about Aryan and from what I studied a bit in Psychology in class twelve and also from basic human instinct I could read his expression and he was not very happy. I mean he was angry.

"That bastard. I always disliked him though."

"Uncle? You never liked Aryan? But I thought you did" I squeaked mortified at not actually knowing about his dislike. I mean Aryan has visited this house so many times and well uncle never said anything.

"No cara. He was not much of a joyous company and I think Riona was also a bit repulsed by him. Anyways it's nice that you finally saw his true colours. That sly dog."

This side of uncle actually surprised me. He never was disgusted by anyone easily, he was always friendly and enthusiastic around people. Guess Aryan really pressed his buttons.

"Yeah and also Randhir confessed his feelings for me."

"Did he now?" Uncle chuckled shaking his head.

"You're not surprised?" I asked him while reading my chin on the palm. He shook his head and looked towards me.

"I was hoping it would be later seeing that he was adamant to admit how much he was head over heels but I'm happy that he finally confessed. He had it bad, that boy." Uncle smiled fondly. That was something I always admired about uncle. Whenever he would talk about Randhir or Rehan or even Vidhushi he had this fond expression. He was really very much attached to them but it was odd considering that in these eight years he never really considered visiting them or he did and I was not aware of it.

"So now we are a couple. I just still can't believe it. I mean I always thought that this would be just a dream. I'm so happy uncle"

"Happiness suits you cara and I really hope that you both stay strong."

"Thanks uncle. I hope too."
***

After talking some more with uncle about office and random things I decided to walk back to room. One thing that kept revolving around my mind was that scene. I just couldn't understand what was Randhir doing there in that area near that building talking to some random women, more like arguing. This was not going to let me rest.

Thinking about the decision for about a minute I picked my phone. If my calculations are correct it must be 8 am in New York. Releasing a breath I dialled his number and tapped my feet against the floor as the ringing continued.

"Hello. Good mor...I mean Good evening ma'am." Terence voice stuttered a bit. He was surely a bit lost about time difference.  But nonetheless he was polite and professional.

"Hey Terence. I just called you to ask about something important."

"Sure ma'am. What can I do for you?"

"Can you check Randhir's schedule and tell me if there is something important he has planned for tomorrow?" I was actually doing bad thing by asking his personal assistant but I had only this option left.

"Ma'am I'm pretty much sure that his schedule for a whole week was already cleared. In fact he asked me to push his important meeting for attending Riona's play."

"Oh. So he's not asked for you to book his ticket to New York"

"Err...no ma'am. I have not got any call regarding this subject. In fact he's not required in office for a week."

"Thank you for the information. Good bye."

"You're welcome ma'am and have a good day...er I mean goodnight."

I hung up the phone. What was Randhir playing at? If he was free for a three more days then why did he lie about going to New York? What was even happening? 

I picked the phone and tried to call him again. As soon as it reached the voicemail I groaned. Ugh! But then I decided to leave him a message.

"Err...Hi Randhir. I know that you're not in New York or not going to New York. I talked to Terence and I'm sorry for doing that but it was the only way to find out about you. Where are you Randhir? I just want to know that why you lied. I mean...I am your girlfriend now and I guess I have the right to know that. I'm just worried about you and please call me. Atleast message me please. I love you. Umm...bye"

Awkward. It was so awkward to talk to him like that. The cringe is real. After switching off the lights I moved in my bed and lied on my bed, trying to fall into a dream less sleep.
***

I sighed looking at the files in front of me. I was very wrong when I thought that being a President of Hotels across the world was easy. It was difficult running fourteen large hotels soon to be fifteen. 

It was a shitty day. Shitty was actually understatement. I forgot to set my alarm which resulted in bad morning and I missed my first coffee. Riona was grumpy this morning because Randhir did not call her and wished her morning which is one of the reason to say that it was horrendous morning. Uncle had to take a early flight because his close friend was admitted in a Chennai Hospital because he has a heart attack. He was mutual friends with Randhir's dad. So I think even Harsh uncle is flying to Chennai. With uncle gone Riona was more difficult to deal with. I had to drop her to school because driver was off to drop uncle.

"Yes come in" I shouted not even bothering to look up the door. As the door opened with a squeak I looked above and gasped. Randhir was standing there with his bloodshot eyes, messy hair and his face looking tired like he had not slept a wink.

As soon as the door closed behind him I stood up from the seat and rushed to hug him. I didn't even care about anything at the moment. I was just happy that he was here and he was fine. That's all that mattered for now.
***

Hello!

I hope you'll are not very angry at me. I just had some stuff to deal with. My dad was in a accident so I just couldn't concentrate on writing. I'm sorry.

But I promise next update will be early depending on your comments.

What do you think Randhir is up to? Who's this mystery women?

Fun fact: Actually Jignesh was supposed to end up with Kaustuki but the banter and aggressive relationship between Chris and Kaustuki was more appealing and well most of them loved them as a pair so I let him be with her.

All love