Inconvenient Relations (9 page)

Interplay

R
uhi knocked on her husband’s door. “Grey? Are you up yet?”

“Just a minute! What’s up, Bee? Want something?”

I bet she has concocted some kind of revenge for last night
, he thought with trepidation when he saw her looking terribly innocent and oh so cute holding a cup of coffee in her hand with her face scrubbed squeaky clean, a natural pinkish hue on her cheeks, and her heavy mass of hair caught up in a crooked bun. But the aroma from the fresh brew was strong enough to infuse him with happy serotonin.

Happy enough he wondered,
How would she react if I kissed her? She would probably run a mile or worse use that Swiss army knife. Better to be safe than sorry.
He grinned sheepishly hoping she hadn’t read his mind.

Midnight eyes appraised him.
It’s obvious he hasn’t slept much. His eyes are puffy, he looks haggard, and also a little nervous. He’s probably anxious about last night. Well I’m not going to make him feel any better!

“Just wanted to check my e-mail, haven’t done so ever since I got here.”

“Oh what an idiot I am!” he said, running fingers through his tousled hair. “Of course you need to access your stuff. I should have given you the password. Let me do it now.”

Holding the door wide open, he said, “Come on in. Sorry it’s a mess.” He grinned ruefully while scrambling to right the bedsheets and scoop up the pillows, which had fallen to the floor. “I’m not used to having visitors,” he added, gathering up the books and magazines, which lay scattered all over.

“These happen to be my faithful sleeping companions, and I guess they’ll continue to serve that purpose for a long time,” he muttered, stealing a glance at her and was rewarded by a deep blush of discomposure.

“Here’s your coffee. Shall we?” she said, thrusting the cup sharply toward him.

She is gutsy, that’s for sure
, he grudgingly admitted to himself while clearing the miscellaneous paraphernalia from his desk.

His life is full of books, papers, and the occasional woman—and in that order
, she thought conjuring up the picture of the mysterious Des in her mind. The perception was so hilarious she clamped a hand on her mouth to stifle laughter.

His eyebrows scrunched together. “Something funny?”

She shook her head; her body shaking with mirth. “It’s just that our situation is so odd. People would have a tough time believing it.”

“Then it’d be better not to reveal the truth, wouldn’t it?”

Oh yes! Better for you while I prepare myself to be hanged and quartered.

“Here you go. The username is…” He looked embarrassed. “I should change it.” He wrote it down on a piece of paper. She looked at it and started to laugh again.

“Seems like our lives can be defined by a series of four-letter words.” Then she muttered something, which caused his jaw to drop. “And don’t you dare tell me it’s not ladylike to swear, Grey!”

“I won’t. Didn’t know you could handle it.”

“I can. I went to college.”

He laughed. “I think that’s justification enough. The password is worse. You can change it.”

She did. “Now, if you will give me some privacy please.”

“Oh, yes of course,” he said, walking out of the door.

She scoured through the e-mails, most of little consequence, which she deleted without opening. Among the rest were some that included references and certificates from her work and school, which she had made requisitions for before embarking on this nightmare of a journey.

I guess I was counting my chickens before they hatched, but what else is a new bride supposed to do? Stop dreaming?

Cousin Vinay had sent some pictures he’d taken at the wedding; her piqued fingers hovered over the attachments.

“I have to see how naïve and gullible I was before I came to know the truth.” She hadn’t yet looked at the wedding album, which lay hidden and almost forgotten in the deepest recesses of her suitcase.

That’s not me
, she thought, contemplating the image of a girl dressed in bridal finery smiling brightly at the camera. Ruhi has lost her innocence; she is now an experienced woman of the world who has
been there and done that
thanks to her husband. She frowned, at least he turned out to be good for something.

He looked suave in red and bloody sincere as well. She spied a lot of envious looks pointed in her direction—a goodlooking, well-established groom from a well-to-do family. What else could a girl ask for? How she wished they were here looking at her right now.

“You are looking drop-dead gorgeous in those pictures.” She heard his voice utter softly from behind.

“But apparently, that didn’t work in my favor.” She swiveled around, her eyes blazing.

He didn’t wither. “There are plenty of things that do.”

She flushed. “A little too late to realize that, aren’t we?”

“Ruhi…”

She turned back, dismissing him, and started typing furiously on the keyboard. He sighed and sat on the bed, opening the manila envelope, which Sujoy had handed him yesterday. He hadn’t found the time to go through the contents in detail though most of what he had gleaned made him feel excited and nervous at the same time.

Yes, this is what I had been waiting for: a step into the big league, membership into an exclusive club, which only admits the best and the brightest.
He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath savoring the feeling of success.
It’d be nice to share the spoils with someone else.

And that someone is you, Ruhi.

His eyes snapped open, waking up as though from a period of prolonged darkness and ignorance. Nothing seemed more real or true. She belonged here with him. She was the only one whom he could think of sharing his joys and sorrows with. Des had been someone he had latched onto at a moment of weakness, and with hope she’d give him what he hungered for. But she had used him, sucked him dry, leaving him so thoroughly disillusioned he’d committed himself to a life of loneliness.

But this girl sitting in front of him was different. He felt drawn to her despite everything, and whatever she did to irk or irritate him pulled him closer. What had wrought this change in him, he wasn’t certain, perhaps it was her pluck. Or her ‘I won’t take it lying down’ attitude, but regardless, he was sure he didn’t want her to leave in three weeks.

But making her stay would be an entirely different affair.

Maybe I can reason with Bee; she is definitely more approachable.

***

At least I have found myself and know what I want
, he thought smiling while reading the letter again.

Mr. Shaan Ahuja, you have been chosen to participate in a highly ambitious and confidential mission from among a group of exceptionally deserving candidates. Due to your brilliance and hard work, you have earned yourself a place amongst the topmost tier of engineers. You have passed the first and most important preliminary step; the final decision will be made after a rigorous selection process.

What would it involve?
He wondered. Whoever drafted these official letters fancied themselves to be CIA agents in training. He chuckled.

“Grey?”

“Hmm?” He looked up; she seemed flustered.

“Uh…” She wrung her hands as though in a stiff conflict. “I have a close friend who is getting married next month.”

“Do you think it’s a good idea?”

“What?” She stared at him as though he had uttered something absurd. “Yes, I think it is a good idea because she has known him for years, and Abhay is best for her.”

“Then Abhay is a lucky man.”
It’d be a tough job for any guy to win her approval. I envy this Abhay.

“Because he is engaged to my friend?”

“No, because you think so highly of him. I bet there are not a lot of men out there who belong in the category.”

She smiled, catching his trend and capitalized on it. “You are absolutely right, and that’s why I want him to marry my best friend.”

“So what’s the problem? Give her your blessings.” He didn’t like Abhay.

“The crunch is, she’s having last-minute jitters. Says she won’t tie the knot unless she convinces herself arranged marriages work, and no matter how much I try to reason with her, she won’t get it!”

“So what does she want?” He asked, walking up to her.

“She wants to see us, you and me, right now with her own eyes and decide either way.”

“How would it help her?”

Ruhi flushed, disconcerted. “She wants to analyze us, determine if we’re happy or not, and this silly girl believes she can do it by observing us together. She fancies herself to be highly intuitive!”

“So you want to show her that we’re happy?” he asked with a playful smile.

“I do, but I’m not sure it’ll work out,” she said with a skeptical pout.

“We can always try to pretend. After all, Bee and Grey are friends, and they don’t exactly hate each other, do they?” he whispered, squatting next to her chair.

“I… I have no idea what happy couples look like though.”

“I do, just follow my cue,” he assured while turning the webcam on.

Radhika, a girl around Ruhi’s age with a cap of curly dark brown hair whose astute eyes spoke a lot about her intelligence, was eagerly waiting at the other end.

Switching on his charm, he addressed her, “Hi, Radhika, I am Shaan, your friend’s most ardent admirer.” He winked slyly at Ruhi who glowered back.

Giving both her shoulders a tight squeeze, he whispered harshly into her ear, “Damn you! This is an act!”

“Hi, Shaan! Wow! I’m Radhika. I should probably not look.”

Ruhi’s pal giggled and blushed.

“It’s working! Your turn. Go on!” he urged.

“Wha…at?”

Ruhi couldn’t say anything but grin like an idiot at the camera. His close proximity was driving her pulse haywire and compelling her to retreat as far away from him as possible. How was he able to do such a good job at pretending?

“Damn you, Bee,” he muttered under his breath. Then aiming a brilliant smile at the camera, he said, “I don’t remember seeing you at the wedding. My sweet wife must have made you aware I never forget a pretty face. Didn’t you, precious?”

What is he talking about suddenly turning all cryptic on me? Does he mean Des?
Take your bloody hands off me!
Ruhi stomped his foot hard enough to make him loosen his grip but not for long.

This weird but intimate interplay was not lost upon the captive audience at the other end who chipped in, “Hey! Don’t forget about me. I’m still here!”

“Oh yes! Sorry, Radhika! As you can see, my wife has me completely under her spell,” he said, bringing his face close to her warm cheek and inhaling deeply.
Gosh! Does she smell good?

“I get why Ruhi has not been in touch ever since she left home,” Radhika said, her face turning deep red.

“Radhika, I’m sorry but we… I mean, Shaan and I…” Unable to proceed further, Ruhi gave up.

“Have been otherwise occupied. Hmm?” he said, appearing to complete her sentence, speaking her mind, fulfilling an irresistible urge. Then he turned his intent gaze upon her as if sharing a deep and intimate secret; his brown eyes speaking volumes trapped her within. She couldn’t look away.

“Ruhi!”

Gosh! What was I thinking? Thank God for nosey friends.
“Ye…es! Radhika, sorry…I forgot. Grey—I mean Shaan…Lord!”

“It’s okay, dear. I got what I needed. I won’t be a bother anymore. Thanks and bye, Shaan!”

Radhika signed off with a broad smile on her face. It was exactly what Ruhi had wished to see, but her own heart was in a mess.

Shaan withdrew from her reluctantly, her allure having taken a definite hold on his senses.

Swiss army or not, those lips were meant for kissing. He sighed.

With her hair now spread like a dark cloud over her shoulders framing her delicate face, she looked like a lost waif, fragile and breakable.

No, I cannot afford to make a single error, but the going’s getting tougher. I need to pretend some more.
“Give me a five, Bee! I think she fell for it hook, line, and sinker,” he exclaimed, grinning broad with delight and victory.

I did too, almost.
There was a bitter taste of regret in her mouth.

Reactions

R
uhi and Shaan stood in front of each other in an awkward silence. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to ventilate her insides. Then appearing to have made up her mind, she stepped up to him, grabbed the coffee cup from his hand, and marched out of the room.

“Hey, but I’m not done yet,” he called after her in vain.

There was a loud clatter as the cups were violently dumped in the kitchen sink, the sound of a brief run of water from the tap, and a few seconds later he heard the front door close with a decisive bang.

“God! This girl’s bent on driving me insane!”

He hurried into the living room and for sure she had left. Her sneakers were missing and so was her cell phone. Thank heavens! But she had left her wallet behind; she won’t go far, he surmised. Dropping down on the sofa, he held his head in his hands. “Is this what I want to live with, the rest of my life?”

He smiled shaking his head slowly in resignation. “Yes, I’m pretty sure of it now. Might as well get used to her ways.”

Glancing at the clock, he estimated he’d give her a couple of hours, hoping by then she would have walked long enough to be willing to listen to reason.

But this time, Ruhi didn’t walk, she ran.

She ran—away from her feelings and warped-up emotions, away from herself and what she feared she had become. She ran to escape reality.

She paused at the bus stop where she had met Sunshine but didn’t find her there, and it concerned her. She had developed an affinity for the elderly woman. Perhaps she has a date today, and old or not, she deserves all the happiness she can get.

With a smile, Ruhi thanked her. Sunshine had taught her a very important lesson—live life to the fullest and with no regrets. It was something she had to remind herself of constantly. I have to achieve that goal before it’s too late.

She turned right at the corner, then continued straight ahead following the route of the Orange line bus. It was a long, seemingly never-ending boulevard, which changed its name from Rosemead to Orange Grove as if it changed its character, twisting and curving before straightening out again.

The road’s like me
, she mused.
It reflects the way I’ve been trying to fool myself by assuming the guise of Bee.

I am still the same young and vulnerable girl who had come here seeking to win undying love from her husband. But he ruthlessly killed the dream, and now after I had allowed the wound to scab over, he has laid it open again, so it feels as fresh as the day it was first inflicted.

The street signs grew blurry as tears filled her eyes, and she waited for the traffic light to turn green at the crosswalk.

No, he cannot do this to me, he cannot be so mean. He was pretending, that’s all.

But it had felt so real. The way he had looked at her, the pressure of his fingers on her skin, the words he had spoken—everything was so sincere. And for one—for just one ludicrous moment—she wondered, what would it feel like if she let him make love to her, the way only a man could love a woman?

She stopped in her tracks, dazed and breathless. “No, Ruhi! Stop daydreaming. Banish those thoughts from your mind. They are sinful, taboo.”

But the tiny inner voice persisted.
They are not. You are wedded to him and physical intimacy is a natural consequence.

“He doesn’t love me, and I believe there can be no intimacy without love and trust.”

But he did say he was done with Des. Didn’t he mean it?

“He is a player. Someone who toys with the hearts of young and innocent women like me.”

But there has been no hint of misbehavior. He has been nothing but the perfect gentleman since you met
, she argued with herself.

That’s how these guys work, Ruhi, slowly. Do I know anything about him except what he has told me? Am I really sure this Des is a done deal?

“No, I’m not.” She stopped again, at once rattled and afraid. “I don’t know anything at all. I haven’t even met her. They may pick up from where they left off after I’m gone, leaving me holding the baby.

“Oh god! What a fool I am. I was almost ready to be the sacrificial lamb at the altar of Shaan and Des!”

She sat down prostrate on a vacant sidewalk bench, realization hitting her all at once.
He is indeed very clever, but I am no less.
“Ruhi Sharma will get you for this, Mr. Shaan Ahuja.” Her face lit up; this is going to be exciting.

Suddenly, she heard a piercing scream and saw a small child shoot out from a store behind her and launch himself right onto the street. She saw nobody following behind. Jumping off her seat, she raced after the boy and plucked him out of the way of the oncoming traffic. Accompanied by the sounds of screeching tires and brakes, she ran back to the store with the child struggling in her arms and marched inside with the purpose of giving the owners a piece of her mind, when she was nearly knocked over by someone tall and spare heading in the opposite direction. “I don’t want another penny from you, darling sis, and don’t expect me to be back any time soon!”The lanky person announced loudly before blundering out onto the street, shouldering her aside without as much as a sideways glance.

Oh no, he’s the nickel guy
, she thought, her eyes following as his long legs carted him swiftly away.

“Hey wait! Your five cents!”
But I don’t have any money.
A quick dig into her pockets confirmed that fact.

“Surjit!
Surjit! Kithe chala gaya?
” (Where did he go?) A woman called screaming from inside the store.

“Mamaa!” the struggling bundle in her arms yelled back. Surjit? Ruhi frowned at the little boy who had almost succeeded in slipping out of her grasp.

“No you don’t! Not until I tell your mother a thing or two,” she said, placing him firmly on the large counter of what looked like a medium-sized convenience store.

“Surjit! My son!”

A harried-looking young Asian woman popped out of the back. Her weary and drawn face made it appear as though she carried the weight of the entire world on her shoulders. “What are you doing with him? Let him go!” she shouted as soon as she saw the boy in Ruhi’s grip.

“Madam, if it wasn’t for me today, you would be singing a different tune.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your boy had run out onto the street and thank heavens I was there to rescue him, or else…”
You’d be preparing for a funeral!
Ruhi opted to not rub it in.

“Surjit! Oh this boy will have my life one day!” The young woman let out a frustrated sob. “I don’t know what to do with him. Thank you. I’m so sorry I was rude. It has been so difficult lately with my husband sick and me having to manage on my own…and so many other things…” Her voice trailed off as she gazed forlorn into space.

Feeling a sudden outpouring of sympathy toward this woman who was barely a few years older than her yet who already seemed to have her platter of misery spilling over, Ruhi sensed her anger melt away. “I’m sorry for your situation, but do keep a better eye on your son in the future.”

The young woman smiled. “I will. You look like you are from back home. I am Sanjana Singh, the owner of this store.”

“I am Ruhi or Bee as I sometimes like to call myself,” Ruhi replied with a short laugh.

“Hi, Ruhi, Bee.” Sanjana seemed amused. “Hmm…interesting. Do you want a drink or something? You look tired. Have you been running?”

Yup, running from somebody dangerous.
“I could do with a drink of water, then I should get going. My…friend is waiting for me.”

“Do stop by sometime. I’d love the company. It can get very lonely here. And yes, thank you so much for saving Surjit. I don’t know how to express my gratitude enough.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” Ruhi put her arms around Sanjana’s shoulders who hugged her right back. “I’ll surely stop by.” She waved while stepping out of the store. She had found a kindred spirit.

I have to come back anyway. I still owe that nickel.

Her phone buzzed loud in her pocket, jolting her out of her musings. It was the first call ever that she had received, and it was from
him
.

She recognized she’d almost forgotten the original intent of her mission. Schooling herself to sound as carefree as possible, she answered,“What’s up, Shaan?”

“It’s been two hours, Bee.”

She sensed a sudden thrill at the sound of his voice, the smooth tones floating like a caress into her ear.

“What does that mean? It’s not 7:00 p.m. yet,” she retorted, swamped by an irresistible urge to taunt him.

“Damn you, Ruhi! I will…I have had too much of this!” She could imagine him smoldering with vexation. It made her laugh.

“My poor Grey. Angry at your Bee? I was teasing. C’mon, be a sport. Smile for a change.”

Meanwhile in the apartment, Shaan stared at the phone in disbelief. He couldn’t believe this was the very same girl who had been living with him for the past five weeks. Was she becoming a baffling enigma or he was going mad?
Perhaps I should consult a shrink!

He shook his head in an attempt to clear it.
I will not lose my cool no matter what she does.
Taking a deep breath, he said, “Your dad called.”

“What? And you are telling me now!”

He grinned. “I tried to call you earlier, but you wouldn’t pick up the phone, Ms. Bee!”

There was a long pause.

“Uh…huh. I guess I didn’t hear it ring. Did you complain to him about me?”

The clever bitch, apologies and aggression in the same breath!

Seeking to control his mirth, he attempted to cover it with injured irritation, “Why would I do so and get myself into trouble? It was your idea, so handle it yourself. By the way, he is on a business trip and called to check in. He also wanted to make sure you’re behaving.”

“Oh yes he was!”

Shaan looked up and saw her stride in angrily through the door. “He thinks way too highly of his
damaadji
! Time I showed him your true colors. You…!” She looked away. He could sense her on the brink but too proud to shed tears.

Seized by an overpowering need to touch her, he walked up and took her hands gently in his. “I was kidding. He said nothing along those lines. He loves his little girl more than anything else in the world.”

“Are you telling me the truth?” Her big eyes, which had now transformed into pools of liquid black, posed the simple question.

“Yes. Your Shaan would never lie to you,” he assured her, taking the vital first step. He couldn’t keep his silence any longer.

Time stood still. For a brief blissful moment, he even believed he saw a glimpse of submission in those lovely eyes. Perhaps it was his flight of fancy.

“No! Don’t try to divert me from my purpose. Remember, we don’t have much time left to convince my parents that we hate each other,” she said, removing her hands from his grasp.

This is going to be a long uphill task
, he thought and sighed.

“All right, I needed to tell you something, but you aren’t in an amenable mood. Get ready, we are going out for lunch and then to see some sights or spawn the wrath of your precious
dadamoni
and
di
!”

“But I am always in a receptive mood for you, sweetheart!”

Her voice dropped to a seductive whisper as she scooted closer.

An abrupt surge of excitement rushed through his being. Was she indeed melting? Could this be true?

“Gotcha!” She flung her head back, laughing merrily. “I was just pretending!”

“You had me almost fooled there.” The words escaped his mouth before he could clamp it shut.

His gaff didn’t escape her notice as she eyed him perceptively. “Then I am a worthy student of a great master. I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”

Shaan collapsed in a chair, trying to will control over his erratic respirations.
Wow! It’s obvious she is playing with me.
He grinned. Life is definitely taking an exciting turn. Can’t wait to see what happens next!