Chapter 27

Anj01

@Anj_01

hii friends

Sorry for the delay. I was busy at office. To compensate I have given a long update.

:Cure me with your Love:

Part  27

Since their fight was over everything came back on track for Mini and Neil. Days and months passed by and their personal life was a bliss. Though they have difference of opinion on many matters but it was nothing serious. They both have come to realize that they are different individuals and just because they are married its not always necessary to have unanimous consent on everything.Now they took it in healthy way and discussed about everything. Neil was still overprotective towards Mini. This one habit he was trying to get rid off but couldn’t do it.For him when it comes to Mini and her safety all his calm and composed nature takes back foot and overprotective and caring side shows up. He came to realize that in such situation he tends to be authoritative and bossy sometimes which pisses off Mini but he couldn’t help it. Mini, on the other had come to terms with his husband mode. Though she still didn’t like it but she understood that all his bossy behavior was because of his love and worry which he feels for her not an ounce of it is related to chauvinism. Over the time she had also devised her own ways to counter him. They both have come to realize that the beauty of marriage lies in becoming devoted to each other completely but yet preserving each ones individuality.

Restaurant business was also flourishing. Both the app’s idea and multi cuisine menu idea not only increased their revenue but also gave wider recognition to them. Now they were quite popular not only in Patiala but also in surrounding towns. They had hired more staff and were planning expansion of the restaurant. Neil was giving all of his time to the restaurant and Mini was juggling between restaurant and photography. She was now assured that she doesn’t have to look back and worry about day to day things at the restaurant as Neil has been managing it well. His temper with the staff had reduced with the time. Mini started attending independent seminars and exhibitions more frequently. She had came to the conclusion that instead of working for someone else in this sector she will develop her own network and will work as an independent photographer because it was more satisfying to work as per her own likings and rule rather than following someone else’s set of norms.

Mini and Neil was at restaurant when Mini received a call from Delhi. She kept blabbering ‘yes sir’, ‘thankyou sir’, ‘its an honour’ while biting her nails in excitement. When the call was cut she ran towards the kitchen to share the news with everyone. “Guys you wont believe who called me” said a very excited Mini.“Who called you?” asked Neil rolling his eyes at her childish behavior. “Hotel Management and hospitality industry is organizing an award function to encourage its members. They will give away awards in different categories. And…….” Mini left the sentence in between to build up the suspense.  “And what?” asked Neil impatiently. “And they have decided to give us the award of most promising new venture in northern part” Mini finished as she jumped in excitement. “WHAT?” shouted Neil as he couldn’t believe his ears. “This sounds like a really a big thing.” Said Naeem bi. “But how…I mean… suddenly…how do they even selected us?” asked Khursheed miya unable to hide his surprise. “I also asked them exact same question over the phone and answer will blow your mind off like it did mine.” Replied Mini. “Tell us na Mini madam” asked Simpy impatiently. “Remember, last month we hosted that hi fi corporate party.” Asked Mini. “Yes I remember, how can I forget those people. They were so fussy about everything.” Answered Simpy.“Exactly, those people were the selection committee members for the awards and they visited many new restaurants in northern states which were becoming quite famous and talk of the town. They hid their real identity and booked restaurants for corporate parties to value their services and food and to give them  all a fair chance. And they were so impressed by us that they chose us from among more than 150 restaurants.”Explained Mini. “Oh so that’s why they were acting all fussy so that they can test our hospitality.” Concluded Geeta.

“Oh my God! Mini do you understand how big this is and how much we are going to benefit from it.” asked Neil excitedly. “Yes…yes I know Neil…finally your hard work has paid off” said Mini as she hugged him in happiness. “Not only mine…our hard work…. you me and all of our staff had worked hard to bring us here. Its our team’s victory.” Said Neil as he dedicated the restaurant’s success to their team. “wo toh hai sir par humne toh sirf follow kiya hai aapne aur Mini madam ke karan hi ye sab possible ho saka.” Said Geeta and Simpy agreed, “Haan sir sach kahu to kabhi kabhi bahut bura lagta tha jab aap daat dete the par ab samajh mein aaya har cheez mein perfection hona kitna zaruri hai” All of them celebrated this good news. Mini and Neil went to haveli and shared this news to everyone. All the family members were very happy for them. Mini informed them that the award function is in next week and they have to go to Delhi to receive their award. Neil asked Mini if they can go before hand as they were going to his home town so he wanted to visit some friends and relatives and also wanted to go to his parents house. Mini agreed and they decided to leave day after tomorrow for Delhi.

Only Arya didn’t like it. “Genie aur Veer Balika tum dono log mujhe yahi chhodkar jaoge” asked Arya being sad at the thought. “Chhutanki, we are not going therefor holidays we will have to do lots of work there and you will bored” Mini tried to reason. “No, I want to come with you” said Arya stomping her feet.“Chhutanki, last week only you took leave from school because of fever now you cant take more leaves. You have to complete you class work also.” Mini explained again. “Genie atleast you help me” asked Arya coming towards Neil. Neil gave puppy expressions to Mini to let Arya come with them but Mini glared at him in response, “Neil I would have not mind taking her with us but she really have to cover for all the class work of last week. I cant take any chances with her studies” said Mini with finality. Arya was angry with them but Neil cajoled her by promising they will bring lots of chocolate and toys for her.

Mini and Neil left for Delhi. They checked into the hotel where awards functions were going to be held. That day they decided to just roam around Delhi. Neil took Mini to his favorite food joints while Mini also did lots of shopping for everyone in the family. Next day Neil took Mini to his parents house. It was a beautiful three storey bunglow in the posh area of Delhi. Not only it was beautiful from outside but also breathtaking from inside. Though it was locked since many years and thus covered with dust but still everything about it from décor to furniture screamed of upper class elegance and grace. They uncovered furniture in every room. Mini noticed antiques and other very expensive looking artifacts in the house. “Your mom’s taste was so good. I really admire how she decorated her house with all those artifacts.” Said Mini while looking at marble statue placed in the corner. “No, not mom, actually dad had a thing for all these artistic things and he being an IFS officer was posted in different countries. He used to bring these things from every place he visited.”Clarified Neil. He then showed her the whole house and the garden area which had become deserted due to lack of maintenance. He showed her his room, where he grew up. He then showed her his parents photos. Mini looked at the photo frame. A beautiful and elegant lady in silk saree and tall n handsome man in formal three piece suit. She touched the photos and took their blessings.Definitely Neil went after his father in looks but he has his mother’s eyes.Thought Mini as she looked at the photos closely.

“Why you have kept this house close?” asked Mini. “Its my parents house I have lots of memories here I didn't want to rent it out. Shalini maasi calls me every now and then and ask me to sell this house but I don’t want to sell this either.”Answered Neil. “But we cant keep it close like that. It deteriorates the house.”Mini expressed her concern. “I have an idea. Since we here for some days now. Lets hire a caretaker and a watchman for this house. They will maintain it and Delhi is not far away from Patiala. We will keep coming here in month or two month for weekends. That way you will get to live here and also it will not deteriorate further.” Mini gave her idea. Neil liked it and they decided to act upon it. Neil got a call from his friend and excused himself while Mini kept exploring the house. She couldn’t stop herself from wondering that how Neil adjusted in their old style Haveli when he spent most of his life in this beautiful modern house. Neil returned and asked, “Mini some of my friends are calling us for dinner tonight, should I say yes or not?” “We came here early so that you can meet your friends so what is there to say no? say yes to them.”Said Mini. “No I thought I should ask you first whether you’ll be comfortable with them as you don’t know them all.” Explained Neil. “Its ok Neil, I met most of them at our wedding and you don’t mind hanging out with my friends in Patiala so why would I mind to go out with your friends?” Mini assured him.They made their plan to meet in Delhi’s coolest pub. Mini was excited as after Australia she had never been to pub. Patiala was not the city famous for pubbing.

Mini wore blue color knee length one piece sleeve less dress and Neil chose ragged jeans with classic white T shirt. He paired it with faded blue color jacket.All Neil’s friends greeted them at pub. Mini said hello to some of his friends Rohan, Varun, Akash and Priya while Neil introduced Mini to some other friends who hadn’t attended their wedding. “Mini, meet Akshay, Vinit, Neha, Maya and Pooja. Guys meet my wife Mini.” Soon they all were engrossed in their old friendship memories and stories. Mini was listening to all this with interest.She never knew Neil was this popular among his friends. She felt as if she was listening about all together a different person. College days Neil seemed so much fun loving and frivolous guy with carefree attitude while her husband Neil was responsible, caring and perfectionist types. Mini liked all of them except this one girl Pooja. She was not getting good vibes from her and the way she kept looking at Neil and finding excuses to touch him it was evident she was besotted by Neil and Neil seemed to have no idea about it. “Boys can be so dumb” thought Mini.

“Rohan,tell Mini about Neil’s Girlfriends. How all the girls used to shower their attention on him after all he was a college heart throbe.” Said Pooja giving evil smile to Mini. Everybody else gave irritated looks to Pooja for being so insensitive and dumb. Neil also felt uncomfortable and was about to say something to Pooja when Mini stopped him. “Oh come on husband, have some trust on your wife. I am not jealous of some random girls from your past. You are mine now. And nobody dares to touch what is mine.” Mini said last line looking directly into Pooja’s eyes while Rohan whistled to tease them. “Your wife has got temper” All laughed and brushed off the topic.

Rohan was having shot after shot. “Rohan bro,I think you are already drunk so you should better stop now” said Neil to stop his friend. “Arre abhi toh starting hai…..aur tujhe kya ho gaya. Why you are still stuck on first peg? Tu toh college ka sher tha mere yaar…..sab peeke fail ho jate the par tera stamina kuch aur hi tha” said Rohan spilling another of Neil’s secret from college days. Mini gasped at him while Neil tried to give explanation. “It was long ago yaar….ab toh aadat bhi nahi rahi…..that time was different now I am a grown up responsible person.  “Oye purane dino ki yaad mein hi sahi aaj toh ho jaye yaar” said Rohan and ordered one large peg of Neil’s favorite whiskey.Neil tried to say no but all of his friends begin cheering him up “come on Neil Oberoi bottoms up for the old time sake” Mini watched in shock her husband gulped down the peg in one go. Like a normal wife she should be angry on her husband for behaving so reckless but seeing him like that was giving her adrenaline rush. Feeling excited she also expressed her wish. “I also want to try that” said Mini while eyeing whiskey. “What?...are you sure? I mean you never told me you drink.” Asked Neil surprised at her sudden wish. “I don’t drink. I tried wine in Australia few times but I didn’t like it. But after seeing you guys I also want to try it” replied Mini. Before Neil could say anything further Rohan ordered one small peg for Mini. Mini gulped it down in one go before Neil could ask her to go slow. She made faces as she felt its bitter taste. After some time she felt another wave of adrenaline rush as the alcohol kicked in. She drank one more peg then two more. Now she was feeling liberated more than never before and on the top of the world.

Some friends suggested dancing so all of them went to the dance floor. Pooja grabbed Neil’s hand and pulled him to the dance floor. She was leaning on to him more than necessary. Neil was getting uncomfortable but Pooja was continuously trying to touch him. Mini noticed this and with the alcohol charging her up she came in her sherni mode and went to the dance floor. She tapped Pooja’s shoulder and jerked her away from Neil. Pooja staggered back. “What the hell?Is this the way to behave?” asked Pooja angrily. “I think I told you already, nobody dares to touch my man….so just f**k off b***h” said Mini equally angry.

Pooja looked around for help from other friends but everyone averted their eyes from her so she having no other option left the place feeling insulted. All of them sighed in relief as she was irritating the hell out of everyone. “I am sorry love for all this. She is not even a good friend. I didn’t know she would be here. I asked Akshay about it and he told me that she came to know about our plan from other girls and got self invited” Neil gave explanation. Mini put her finger on his lips, “I trust you Neil Oberoi, just cant see any b***h getting her claws on my husband.” Said Mini in slurry tone as alcohol started to have its effect on her. She pulled Neil in the middle of the dance floor and they danced till their feet gave up. All of them enjoyed a lot and finally at the end both of them were drunk. Their sober friends dropped them at their hotel.

Both came into the room supporting each other. Neil fell on the bed while Mini had some other plans in her mind. “Oye…get up…get out of your clothes” ordered Mini again in that slurred tone. “What? Why?” asked Neil suddenly sitting up straight. “Kabbadi khelenge” said Mini rolling her eyes. “Haan toh uske liye kapde utarne ki kya jarurat hai?” asked Neil innocently as alcohol had affected his thinking ability also. “Idiot, We should make love. Hurry up now” explained Mini as she removed her dress and crawled on bed. “I think your becoming nymphomaniac” said Neil while trying to stop her. “Shut up….I am your wife its your duty to fulfill my every desire” replied Mini as she tugged at his jacket.“But we are drunk so we should not get physical” Neil tried to reason with whatever logical reasoning his alcohol affected brain allowed him. “Really, who said that”? asked Mini as she pushed him on the bed. Neil thought for some time then gave up. “I don’t remember now who said that but I will tell you in the morning.” “Ok, but since you don’t remember who advised against drunk sex so we will follow his advice from next time.”Said Mini as she touched him intimately. “I am telling you we should not…..whoa!”Neil left the sentence in between and forgot everything as a moan escaped his mouth from her touch. “I love you so much my nymphomaniac wifey……come here now” Neil said and pulled her on him kissing her soundly on lips.

In the morning Mini woke up having throbbing headache. She sat up on the bed holding her head and groaned in pain. She looked down found herself naked. She quickly pulled the blanket to cover herself. She looked around the room and for few seconds couldn’t recognize the hotel room. She panicked at the thought where she was, who brought her here and why the hell is she naked. Then she heard the bathroom door unlocked and saw Neil coming out of there. She immediately relaxed as realization struck her where she was. “What happened?Why you are looking so pale?” asked Neil sitting on the bed. “Nothing….I couldn’t remember for some time where I was…and this headache” said Mini again holding her head in both of her hands. “You are having hangover, here take this tablet it will ease your pain.” Neil offered her medicine. She quickly took it and gulped down it with water. “Pass my clothes” asked Mini from Neil.  He handed her the clothes and started getting ready for the day. “So did we….I mean did we had sex last night or we were just making out.” Asked Mini now feeling much more comfortable after having medicine.“Now you know why I was telling you to not get physical when drunk. Because we don’t remember anything” said Neil. “Chill yaar, its not like we are strangers and had one night stand. We are married.” Said Mini casually. “Then why do you want to know we did it or not” questioned Neil. “Just out of curiosity” Mini shrugged her shoulders. “Well, truth be told even I don’t remember anything. I had similar hangover in the morning. I just remember I was asking you to stop…after that it’s a total blackout.” Said Neil honestly. “Hmm….then may be we didn’t” concluded Mini. “We were so drunk….I don’t remember when was the last time I was this drunk….gosh I hate hangovers…..thats why I restricted myself to very little alcohol over the years.” Said Neil remembering last night. “Hmm…its ok…..even I didn’t like people who get drunk but last night I saw you guys enjoying and I wanted to experience how it felt.” Confessed Mini.“I think you got enough idea now” said Neil as he laughed at her. “Ya, enough for life time” said Mini as she laughed with him.

That day they went to meet some of Neil’s relatives in the morning and Mini with their help managed to hire watchman and housekeeper for Neil’s house. In the evening they got ready for the award function. They went to the function. Mini was mesmerized with the whole grandeur of the award function. All veritable who’s who of the hotel industry were invited. Mini didn’t know anyone personally but she was surprised that some people here among the hotel biggies already knew Neil. Finally the moment came and Mini being the proprietor was called on stage for receiving the award. Mini went on the stage and received the award. Mike was offered to her to say something. “Thank you every one for considering us to be worthy of this award. Seriously when I took over Patiala Babes I never thought I would reach this far.  All this became possible because of our team’s hard work and because of one man without whom I cannot imagine Patiala Babes and my life. Neil Oberoi, our super chef and my life partner. And last but not the least I would like to dedicate this award to my babes and hanuman uncle who started this restaurant.” Mini completed her speech. She couldn’t say more because she was already on the verge of crying. Everyone clapped for her. She came down from the stage and almost ran to Neil. She threw herself in his arms and he happily hugged her.

Mini and Neil were sitting on their table when one elderly man came and put his hand on Neil’s shoulder, “I was wondering why they choose this Patiala babes restaurant what is so special about it. Then this lady took your name and I got my answer” the elderly man said as he joined them on the table. “Mr. Malhotra,its great to see you here and thanks for the compliment. Getting praised from you is in itself an achievement.” Said Neil as he shook his hands with Mr.Malhotra. “Meet my wife, Mini. Mini Mr. Malhotra from Malhotra group of hotels,I dont think he needs any introduction after that.” Neil introduced them.“Lovely lady, nice to meet you” Mr. Malhotra kissed Mini’s hand and bow down a little. Mini gave a pleasant smile. “And Neil, meri itni tareef mat karo, main tumhe itna pasand hota toh tum hamara hotel kabhi nahi chhodte” Mr. Malhotra said to Neil. “You knew the reason sir, it was just creative differences nothing else. I respect you a lot.” Replied Neil. “Ya ya I understand you young people these days….dont want to be bound with system. Anyways, Congratulations once again. Wish you luck for the future.” Said Mr. Malhotra and left their table.

“OMG!He was The Mr. Yash Malhotra the Ceo of Malhotra group of hotels. And you have worked for him” said Mini unable to believe what she heard. “Yes, I worked in his hotel for few months as a sous chef. I handled his very important clients one day as the head chef was not available. He was very impressed by me then.”Explained Neil. “Wow, but why did you left them. Agar aaj bhi tum unke hotel mein kaam kar rahe hote toh aaj kaha ke kaha pahuch gaye hote” Mini expressed her shock. “I told you I have worked with quite a few biggies in this sector but I didn’t like their style of working. So kept changing jobs and cities.Cooking is not a job for me its my passion. I need creative and expressive freedom to follow it. Aur agar main wahi kaam karta rehta to Patiala kaise aata….tumse kaise milta?” said Neil while taking Mini’s hand in her.

“You know jab se hum yaha Delhi aaye hain….I am seeing a completely different version of you. I came to know so many new things about you. Your house, your friends, your professional identity….Its all so overwhelming. I feel so ignorant….you know I am your wife…I should know all this but it’s a surprise for me. Just like you know each and everything about me and my life I also want to know you inside out……Seeing you here in your hometown….its a different experience…..I am feeling guilty now” Said Mini and looked down unable to continue. “Hey, what happened love?” asked Neil in concern as he lifted her face to look into her eyes. “Nothing…I just…was thinking…back in Patiala, its always about my problems, my worries, Arya’s problems, my issues, my priorities…..I never thought you would have some of your own problems also,some of your own desires, own priorities, own concerns, own life apart from us”said Mini holding his hand.  “Why are you thinking all this. waise bhi jahan tum aur Arya ho meri life, meri priorities,mere concerns sab wahi hain. You both are my life.” Said Neil while coming closer to sit next to her. “No, I just remembered our fight. I accused you of not recognising my individuality but in reality its totally opposite.” Said Mini looking down in guilt. “Hey, don’t say this. Its not true. We not only love each other but also give each other enough space. That’s the beauty of our relationship. I know you came here …in my home town for the first time. You never met my friend circle and relatives properly that’s why you are feeling like this but trust me its not like you are missing something big and important. During my childhood, college days and initial struggling days here I might had different personality but people do change during the course of time I am sure you might have also changed a lot. Just because you don’t know some trivia about me doesn’t mean you know me any less or dont respect my individuality. Infact, I feel more liberated more responsible, more loved more….Alive since we are together. I believe in living in present. My present my future both are you.” Finished Neil as he kissed her forehead.

Mini hugged him as she finally felt at peace. “I am hungry” Mini told him. “Then lets go to the food section and eat something” said Neil standing up. “I cant walk, my heels are killing me” said Mini pouting like a child. “Fine, you sit here I’ll bring something for you” said Neil and went to get some food for her.Mini was busy in her phone when a man came and sit in front of her, “How are you Mini?” asked the man. Mini gasped in shock and momentarily her eyes become moist as all the past memories came rushing to her then all she felt was rage seeing this man here after so many years. “What are you doing here?” she asked with gritted teeth. “I saw you at the hotel yesterday and I inquired at the reception about you. I waited for you for many hours but you didn’t come back.I got to know about this function and you were invited here so I came here to search you.” Man replied keeping his one hand on Mini’s hand. “Don’t touch me”Mini shouted and pulled her hand back. She stood up and turn to leave but that man held his hand to stop her, “Please stop Mini” man requested. “Leave my hand right now or else I’ll call the security.”Mini warned. “Just hear me out for once” man pleaded again. “I said leave my hand” Mini tried to pull her hand.Neil came back with food plate and saw one man troubling his wife. He immediately kept the plate on the table and rushed towards them. He saw Mini struggling to free her hand from that man’s clutch. His blood boiled at the thought some random man touching his wife.

He pulled that man and turned him around by holding him by his collar, “How dare you touch her?” asked Neil angrily. Mini also turned around and saw Neil extremely angry at the man. “Main uske sath kuch bhi karu tum kaun hote ho beech mein bolne wale.” That man asked pissed off at the interruption. “I am her husband” said Neil. The man looked shocked at this revelation. He looked at Neil and then at Mini. Mini also looked uncomfortable for few seconds but then she noticed what Neil was about to do and she was horror struck. “And I am going to teach you a lesson about how to behave with women.” Said Neil as he was about to punch the man when he heard his wife screamed, “NO” Neil turned around to see Mini. She was holding his hand and her eyes pleading him not to punch this man. “Neil, please leave him” said Mini as she couldn’t stop her tears from flowing. Neil immediately left the man and turned towards Mini,“Mini, what happened why are you crying and who is this man?” he asked as he cupped her face. Mini continued to cry for few seconds. Neil hugged her and consoled her all the while shooting daggers to that man. Neil was so pissed with him right now. He ruined such an important day for his wife. Few moments ago she was so happy and now….who the hell was this man and why Mini stopped him from punching the day lights out him. He got his answer as Mini finally controlled her emotions and looked at that man, “Meet the man I hate most in my life, Mr. Ashok Khurana, my father and a great human being” said Mini sarcastically and now it was Neil’s turn to be in shock.

to be continued........

precap- Mini talks to ashok khurana