“Jake, I’ve done it!” Rachel exclaimed enthusiastically as he entered the kitchen one morning nearly making him jump in surprise.

 Apparently, she had been waiting for him to announce her terrific news because her exclamation had followed when he had barely entered the room. The ‘it’ must be something pretty special since she had been avoiding him lately – at the point where he did not see her for a whole day. No matter how much he had cursed himself or tried to divert his mind he still missed her. But he still believed that they should not sleep together. And if that made her indifferent to him, he couldn’t be bothered.

And today she looked radiant.

“Hmm… let me guess. You’ve cooked me an Indian food?” he asked hopefully admiring the way her hair was falling across her face. They looked soft and his fingers itched to touch the long tresses and feel the texture. She grinned at him and shook her head in response to his guess.

“Hmm… you…you’ve finally decided which colour to paint the master bedroom of the penthouse?” he asked as he tried for another guess.

“Nope. You have one last chance.”

“Alright. At least give me a clue.”

“Okay. It’s something next to impossible.”

He sat on the nearby stool and sipped his iced tea pensively trying to look as serious as possible while he was having X-rated thoughts about her legs. By now, he was imagining them entangled around his naked body. “I know,” he said suddenly. “You’ve stolen Ash’s slippers!”

Ashton had a cute ‘tweety’ slippers while Jake had a bunny one that Aunt Susie had gifted to both of them on their thirteenth birthday. And Rachel had fallen instantly in love with Ash’s cute pair of slippers and had almost begged him to gift them to her. Jake had offered his to Rachel but the latter had wanted only tweety. And had been trying to snitch them from the adamant Ash even in their adulthood.

Laughing at his latest suggestion, he watched as Rachel shook her head again. “Nope, although I’m still working on that.”

Jake lifted his hand in defeat. “I give up. So are you going to tell me or not?”

“Okay, hold your breath. I’ve succeeded in getting a … tada divorce!” she cried dramatically ending the sentence with a theatrical note.

For a moment, Jake though he had heard wrong. He must have. It couldn’t be what he had thought it was.

“I’m sorry. For a second I thought I heard you say you’ve gotten a divorce.”

“Right! We’ll be getting a divorce soon, Jake.”

Shocked. Of course he was shocked. That explained why he wasn’t happy – yet. It didn’t however explain the sudden need he felt to strike his fists against something hard. And he also felt like scowling. So he did.

“What do you mean?” he asked trying to sound casual certain that there was a misunderstanding somewhere.

“Hey! You’re supposed to be dancing around,” she told him looking at him with a gleeful light in her eyes.

“Well, I’m not,” he muttered folding his arms forcefully and glared at her. “Explain yourself,” he barked quenching down the feelings that were threatening to overcome his senses.

She peeked at him curiously and finally said. “Well, your father and I had a little talk and he has agreed to sign the paper that stipulates that he had no objection whatsoever for our divorce. In fact, he had already…”

“What kind of talk?” he interrupted still not thrilled. He found it normal that he was not thrilled because there might be a catch after all.

“Well,” she pursed her lips in a thoughtful manner and replied. “A friendly one.”

“You’re kidding me right?” Initial shock subsided finally giving way to disbelief. “My dad will never sign those damned papers after a ‘friendly’ talk.”

“Well, yeah but we came to some sort of arrangement.”

He lifted his eyebrows in question and felt angry when she deliberately avoided his pinning gaze.

But he would not give up. He had to know what kind of stupid act his dad had come up with to make him feel guiltier towards Rachel. “What kind of arrangement?” he asked suspiciously.

“It’s…hmm…it’s kinda private.”

“Private? Hell, Rach! What does private mean? Why do I get the impression that you’re hiding something from me?” he watched as Rachel flushed guiltily. She had always been a lousy liar.

At her silence, he persisted. “Did you go with that sterility plan after all?”

She shook her head vehemently in denial. “No way! I swear I did nothing of the sort.”

“Then? Why the hell are you being so evasive? Why don’t you just come out with it?”

She appeared pissed off now. “Why are you so pushy anyway? You should not bother yourself about the reasons. You should be happy that your ordeal is about to end. Aren’t you happy that our marriage would finally be over?”

That question enthralled him suddenly making him snap out of his previous emotions. Shock, disbelief, anger. But he was not feeling happy at all. Not even a little bit. Instead he still felt like scowling. And it would hardly look appropriate for him to be dancing around with a scowl on his face!

Get a grip, Crighton, he admonished to himself. What was the matter with him? Of course he was happy that their fake marriage was finally over. What did it matter how and why she had done it? The most important part was that she had outdone his father and trapped him in his own game. How shrewd!

Jake was thrilled to the bones to finally find his father defeated even if he was not the one who had done it. That would teach him playing God with their lives now! He was sure Rachel must have come up with a pretty solid plan this time.

“Sorry! I was still under the shock. Of course I’m happy that this sham is over.”

Her smile faltered a bit and then became brighter than ever seeming almost forced. “Not yet. I said it could be over. There’s just a little problem.”

“Now why was I expecting something like that?” he asked scornfully. “Shoot away.”

“”We’ll have to wait for two months.”

“For what?”

She threw him a look – the kind one would give a child and not a very bright one at that. “For the divorce or annulment whichever you want.”

“And then?” he asked expecting something dramatic. His father wouldn’t let him go that easily, would he?”

“And nothing. Don’t be so dense, Jake. We both sign the divorce papers after two months and then…” she paused and made a pout as if in pain. “…we’re free.”

“That’s it?” he asked puzzled.

When she nodded, he blinked in surprise. He had been expecting a complicated and almost impossible condition his father would have demanded. Like produce a heir within two months or something. Or hijack a plane even!

“Are you sure? I mean…”

“See for yourself,” she cut in his sentence midway producing a paper. It was the marriage certificate which had initiated the whole set-up. The one he had signed instead of his father. The one which bore his signature at one end and Rachel’s at the other end. It read that he was agreeing to marry Miss Rachel Lloyd within three days – which he had and that he wouldn’t be able to get a divorce till Devin Crighton gave his approval.

Which he had. And that was it indeed. No ulterior motive, no conspiracy. With a final jolt, he realized that there was no deceit or anything; in two months he will be a free man.

                                              ****************************

“How’s my favourite girl doing?” asked an all too familiar voice from behind Rachel.

“Slade??” she exclaimed gleefully. “What a pleasant surprise. It’s been such a long time since I’ve heard from you. I’m so angry with you. You’ve not answered any of my e-mails for almost six months,” she pouted at him.

She was only joking, of course. Slade Palmer had been her only true friend from childhood to high school. Then she had grown up and attended different colleges and had other priorities which had made them drift apart a little but they had tried to keep their friendship alive. It was difficult to keep in touch with Slade having moved to New York where he worked as a lawyer in Forrester modeling agency.

“I swear I did not receive any mail from you. I would have answered back,” he said as he entered her office.

“You’ve lost too much weight,” Rachel reprimanded easily. “Isn’t New York food to your taste anymore?”

“Sure thing. But I’m too busy thinking of you to eat anything,” he flirted back with her.

Rachel thought nothing of it. She and Kyra was used to the light banter that Slade used only for the two of them.

“Oh yeah, “ she replied back coyly. “I’m honored.”

His turquoise eyes stormed with affection. “Jokes apart, I’ve missed you so much babydoll.”

“I’ve missed you too,” she answered giving him a bear sister-brother hug.

Jake chose that precise moment to enter the office and seemed to falter on seeing them enlaced in such an intimate position. His famous scowl was back. Ever since Rachel had announced that the marriage was going to be over in two months, he wore a permanent scowl on his face. She gathered that he was too impatient to wait for the waiting period to be over.

But he looked so good with his black suit which outlined the green hue in his eyes. His black raven hair was swept away from his forehead in a stylish manner but a lock of hair had fallen from the neat background. Rachel’s fingers itched to sweep it back tenderly to put it back into its place.

Oh, come on, Rachel! she scolded herself. Don’t act like a silly schoolgirl. Determinedly, she thrust his thoughts aside and ignored him. As far as she was concerned, Jake Crighton was history.

Jake was throwing murderous looks her way and she couldn’t help wondering what she had done now. Not much apparently. Only married him.

Fortunately, Slade oblivious to the tension that was emanating from them, moved towards Jake to offer him a handshake. “Hello Jake. It’s been a long time.”

But Jake only nodded completely ignoring his outstretched hand and rudely moved past the poor Slade.

“Have you got the keys of the house with you?” Jake asked addressing Rachel directly still wearing his scowl.

Fed up with his macho attitude, Rachel opened one of her office desk drawers and handed him her spare keys. Why was Jake behaving like such an asshole lately anyway? Two weeks had gone by since she had told him about their impending divorce and his mood was worsening. Sometimes, instead of answering her back, he talked in monosyllables almost rude and fierce. It was so unlike him.

“Do you need me for anything else around here?” she asked him before he made his way towards his office where he usually locked himself up till late in the afternoon.

“I don’t think so. Why?” he barked.

“I’m going out with Slade for diner. Don’t wait up for me, I’ll be late,” she informed him. Not that he was used to wait up anyway since he reached home after she had dined. But for once, Rachel did not want to be the one who did the waiting. There was a lot to catch up with Slade anyway. It had really been a long time since they had chatted and she had lots of thing happening in her life lately to keep him updated.

She longed to relate the past events to him. Slade was the only person to whom she could reveal her true feelings without hesitation. He would understand without judging her. He had known about her crush on Jake during their teens and had been there to comfort her when Jake had rejected her. Had helped her to recover. Maybe his presence could lessen the void in her heart now. At least she hoped so.

“Sure but I don’t think I need to remind you to be discreet,” he rasped angrily and stormed out of her office his back rigid.

What the hell was that? She stared at his retreating back unbelievably. That was totally uncalled for and he knew it. She and Slade were like brothers and sisters; they had known each other forever and had grown up together. What was the problem with him?

“What’s with him?” asked Slade as soon as Jake was out of earshot.

“I married him,” she giggled hysterically.

“What?!” Slade looked totally shocked shaking his head disbelievingly. “How come I was not invited? What the hell is going on here?” he started then sobered on seeing the pained expression on the face of his best friend. “On no Rach! Not again!”

Rachel couldn’t help it ;she burst into tears.

                                                    ****************************

“Oh thank God you’re here. I think I’m getting tired of my own company,” Kyra grimaced as she opened the door to Rachel then jumped delightfully as she caught sight of the familiar figure behind. “Slade? Why, you fox! It’s been a long time. I’m so glad to see you again! You’ve forgotten all about ‘poor’ us in New York haven’t you?”

“And I’ve missed you too Tick,” Slade answered grinning ignoring the way she scowled at the use of her nickname. “Sorry about my long-time absence. I’ve been caught with some work lately. It’s been a rough period.”

“You do look tired,” Kyra remarked. “And weird.”

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged indifferently. “Feels damned good to be back however.”

“Have you got something for me?” asked Kyra hopefully battling her eyelashes coquettishly at him.

Slade grinned; he was used to the girls flirting with him. “What about a kissy?” he queried knowing that Kyra was only joking. They had been friends ever since he could remember and he felt so comfortable around the girls that he could say anything without fearing of being judged.

He had brought them several gifts but was not about to mention it yet else he would only be hearing delighted squeals from them.

“Oh. I’ll be so honored,” Kyra replied touching her heart dramatically.

“Excuse me,” Rachel butt in. “I’m really touched at the tearful scene but I’m feeling hungry. So, if you don’t mind, can we proceed?”

“Why does she always think about food?” groaned Slade.

“Beats me,” shrugged Kyra as she put on her coat. “And look at her figure, she so doesn’t look like someone who eats that much! She never gets fat.”

“And look who’s talking!” Rachel answered. Kyra was even thinner than her but she was not a great eater as herself. She was athletic and had a gorgeous well-toned body which made her envious sometimes.

“You two are never going to change,” muttered Slade ruefully and added quickly at their glares. “Not that I want you to of course.”

After diner, Slade leant against his chair in the restaurant feeling happy and relaxed after a long time.

“It’s just like old time,” he observed. He felt really glad that nothing had changed between the three of them. Friendship like theirs was so rare especially in the contemporary times.

“Yes,” answered Rachel somewhat subdued in contrast to her usual bubbly self.

For them at least everything was the same. She couldn’t help remembering that her whole world had come to an end or would be in one month approximately.

How would she survive with the permanent pain that had settled in her heart for the past days. It simply would not go away. It was okay almost bearable when she was among friends but came back as fierce as ever during the lonely nights. Especially since she could not sleep a wink till Jake was back home.

It was a good thing that nobody died of unrequited love.

Oh, how she wished now that the marriage couldn’t be ended- ever. She so regretted her decision of having convinced Devin to sign on the agreement. No matter how barren the marriage would have been, she would at least have Jake’s companionship. It was wishful thinking on her part because even as regrets filled her, she knew she would never retain Jake in an undesired marriage for her own selfishness.

Especially when she knew how he felt about her. She knew she was idealizing the concept of love sometimes but she couldn’t help it. It was the way she was; a hopeless romantic.

Her two friends seemed to sense her sorrow and Kyra bent over the table to hold her hand while Slade squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

“Cheer up, girlie,” Slade encouraged. Rachel had been telling him the whole story on their way to Kyra’s apartment. It’s his loss, you know. You never really gave up on him, did you?”

Sadly Rachel shook her head. She had known that Slade would understand.

“And I wonder why she is giving up on him now,” Kyra mumbled under her breath.

“Well, that’s her choice. We can’t contest it,” Slade said sensing that she needed some support.

And for that Rachel felt grateful. For the past months she had only been hearing reasons why she should not give up on her love but Slade was defending her.

“What we can do..” Slade went on. “… is try to cheer her up.”

“What do you have in mind?” Kyra asked looking at him pleasure shining through her eyes. Rachel had always wondered if there was something more special than friendship between the two of them. Slade had always had a mischievous streak ever since childhood and although he could not match Ashton’s maverick nature, he had a fair share of mischiefs and had pulled out several stunts during his childhood.

“Watch me,” he winked conspiratorially to both of them and signaled the waitress, a pretty blonde who was new around.

“Can I help you sir?” she asked rubbing her hands down her apron and preparing her notebook.

“Yes you can. I’ve got a major problem here.”

“What kind of problem?” she asked wrinkling her nose suspiciously at him which made both Rachel and Kyra giggle like some foolish schoolgirls.

“Oh nothing of that sort. What’s your name?”

“Are you hitting on me? If you are..” she showed a gold ring on her left finger. “… I’m already happily married.”

“No, no. I assure you. See, these two chicks here,” he nodded his head towards them. “They are completely nuts about me and I can’t decide which one to choose since both are gorgeous and wonderful.”

“Slade!” Rachel poked him laughingly in the ribs. “Don’t mind him, he’s only joking.”

“Hey, I’m dead serious,” defended Slade but was betrayed by the mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Sure. Next thing you know, you’ll be better off choosing me instead of one of them to avoid breaking their heart!” the waitress answered wryly trying to sound outraged.

“How did you guess?” Slade asked roguishly and all four howled with laughter.

                                                  ****************************

Rachel shook her head fondly as she remembered Slade’s jokes in the restaurant. She had enjoyed herself very much and was feeling a bit tipsy after two glass of wine. But she had felt damned good to see the three of them together again after such a long time. Slade was staying around for one whole month and they had plenty of time to recuperate loss time.

She wasn’t aware that she was wearing  a lackadaisical expression on her face when she tiptoed in the kitchen. Jake however caught the look as she silently entered the kitchen her attention not focused on him yet.

He had been unable to sleep at the thought of her arriving so late and here she was smiling to herself like some lovesick fool! Damn her! Okay, so she had always had a special affection for Slade. But now that they were married, there was no need for her to be dating her childhood sweetheart so openly. And till so late?

“Jake!” she cried surprised on seeing him her hand stilling her heart. “You’re still awake. I told you not to wait up.”

He scowled. “I know,” he answered simply and poured himself a glass of iced tea. He had not been waiting up for her. Of course not. He was awake only because… because he couldn’t sleep. But he wasn’t in the mood to defend himself.

“Are you alright?” she asked appearing really concerned.

He nodded.

“Well, you have been acting.. strange lately,” she delivered in hesitation.

He was in a bad temper. That was not acting strange, right?

“I’m perfectly normal, thank you,” he muttered roughly looking outside the dark night unseeingly.

He could feel her eyes on his back and heard the dull sound of her glass on the table.

“Jake, what’s wrong?” she finally asked.

He scowled more fiercely a futile action since Rachel could not see his face. “Why are you so late?”

As soon as he said the words, he ordered the sentence back but it was already out. .It was too late to retreat.

She frowned at him. “It’s not even midnight yet, Jake.”

He knew; he had been watching the clock for the past hour and wanted to smash it. It was only fifteen to eleven. What the hell was wrong with him? What if she was late? It would serve him right if she told him to mind his own business.

“Have you been drinking?” she asked instead coming closer.

Wearily, he closed his eyes. Now that was a good idea. To get soused and not wake up until tomorrow.

Before he could answer, she mused more or less talking to herself than addressing him. “Or have you got a fever?”

“Yeah. A fever for you.”

His eyes shot open. For a moment, he thought he had said those words aloud but felt relieved on seeing the unchanged look on Rachel’s face. She was still wearing her worried look; everything was normal. Thank God! Had he said those words aloud, she would have blushed to the roots of her hair. He loved to see red colour sweep into her cheeks and she would look lovelier than ever. He itched to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless. The need was so strong that he had a momentarily relapse and it took him a herculean effort to draw his next breath.

Suddenly, he felt the desperate desire to get away from her alluring presence. He was feeling suffocated.

When she lifted a hand to feel his forehead, he flinched in spite of himself and gulped down his iced tea. He felt more than saw Rachel’s step backwards and did not even glance in her direction. Slamming down his cup, he muttered a rough ‘I’m fine!’ under his breath and bolted out of the kitchen as fast as he could.

There! She had done it. Jake was so disgusted with her that he could not even bear her touch. She tried to put herself in his place instead on focusing on the permanent pain that had lodged inside her heart. How would she feel to be married to someone she did not love? It must be hard for him to be forced into such a situation.

She felt like bursting into lachrymose tears again but she had promised Slade that there would be no more tears. No she wouldn’t cry! she decided squaring her shoulders resolutely. She had a whole lifetime ahead of her and she had to survive without him. It would not do if she went crying every damned second.

She had taken a vital decision of her life and would stick to it no matter what. Kyra had told her that she was merely being stubborn but she knew that had Kyra been in her place, she would have done the same thing as her.

It was easy to fall in love but so difficult to keep it as an epitome of perfection and to its full expectations. She knew she should let Jake go but could not help herself from wanting him. Sometimes, she wished she had not been such a moralist.

But she had always been surrounded by love and affection; her life and childhood being calm and well-provided for. Her parents had loved each other deeply and both of them had cherished her in turn. Each of her parent had kept their own identity during their married life, respecting each other’s values and opinions. And her father had instilled some concepts about love so perfect in her that she had wanted to find that ultimate bliss herself. But such kind of happiness was gifted to the luckiest ones only.

Why couldn’t she have fallen in love with Slade instead? Life would have been so much easier. A pity one couldn’t love on demand!