UPDATED
: 12-10/08 Part Fourteen (B)
: The Dinner As they rode the elevator to the lobby, Aditi begins to feel shy. Bharat still hasn't released her wrist. And that devil in the back of her mind says: you are not so unhappy about that either. Aditi waits for the devil's better half, the sensible angel, to offer a rebuttal, nothing; seems even her sensible angel is enjoying the feel of Bharat's possessive grip. And oddly enough, he makes her feel safe, even in his possessive grip. She never thought that she would want another man to feel possessive of her. Suddenly, the sensible angel says: with Bharat, his possession feels protective, not obsessive. Aditi begins to feel shy about these feelings she has emerging for Bharat. She doesn't want to have feelings for him. He makes her feel giddy, shy, empowered; and for the first time in a very long time, beautiful. But can I trust these feelings; and more importantly him? Aditi sighs quietly thinking: I never used to talk to myself, then suddenly Bharat Singh changes that; and me.
Bharat glances at Aditi, finds she is lost in thought. He wants to bring her back to him, not let her think about what is happening too much and tugs on her wrist. Aditi looks up, "Bharat, she starts. Bharat interrupts, "nope". Aditi laughs, "you are a mind reader now?". With you my Aditi, it is sometimes written on your face. Then both feel a bit awkward at his saying "my Aditi". Then Bharat says, "all right a compromise". Aditi looks at him, then lower her eyes, she doesn't want him to see she is feeling disappointed that he is going to let go of her wrist. But instead of letting go of Aditi completely, Bharat slides his hand into hers entwining their fingers together. His large hand engulfs her smaller one. Her hand tingles where their palms meet. The warmth of his palm is seeping into hers. Aditi can't stop her fingers from curling into his a bit more. He squeezes her hand, tightening his grip and says, "see, I am not unreasonable". Aditi is surprised, and secretly glad that he did not release her. But for some reason feels she must protest anyway. Aditi sighs, "Bharat, where can I go, we are in an elevator". Bharat turns towards Aditi, with a finger from his free hand he runs it around Aditi's ear, making her giggle because it tickles. "It is not that I am concerned you will go anywhere Aditi". Bharat pauses, waits until Aditi looks at him and finishes, "it is that I want to hold your hand, I like the feel of your skin against mine". And if holding your hand is the only way I can get that; he squeezes her hand once more. Aditi just stares at Bharat for a moment, then looks down feeling very shy.
Bharat guides Aditi off the elevator when the doors open. He lets out a quiet laugh as they cross the lobby. Aditi finally looks up, looks around the lobby, which is deserted by now and asks "what are you laughing at?". "You, us." Aditi looks puzzled, Bharat explains, "this is where we bumped into each other for the first time". Aditi protests, "no, where you almost knocked me to the floor", pauses, and adds "your highness." Bharat lets out a bark of laughter, "okay, okay, you got me". "I was in hurry to get to a meeting. "I wasn't paying attention, satisfied?". "Not really, you never apologized for almost knocking me flat", Aditi says primly. With that Bharat, lifts their entwined hands, places a kiss on Aditi's fingers, softly says, "so sorry Madam, am I forgiven?", as he looks into Aditi's eyes. Flustered again, it takes Aditi a minute to regain her composure. "Well, I guess so. Then regally adds, "but see that it doesn't happen again Sir". Still holding her hand, he bows over it slightly, "never my lady, never". A bit of a roguish pirate grin crosses his face as they reach the entrance doors.
As Bharat opens the door, Aditi laughs at his self satisfied grin. For some reason, it made her feel feminine and desirable all at once. That warm, sexy, throaty laugh of hers stops him for a pico second. "Ahhhh, shoe girl, I wondered where you were!". Aditi remarks "shoe girl?", in a bewildered tone. Bharat realizes that he has spoken aloud. "Well", he pauses, rubs his earlobe between the thumb and forefinger of his free hand; trying to think of a way to not explain his remark. "Eh hem", Aditi waves her free hand in front of his face, "shoe girl Bharat?". "Explain please". He sighs, knowing he won't be able to get an explanation out, instead offers, "hmmmm, I'll explain, some day, when we are being lazy at home and have nothing to talk about"; then grins cryptically. Aditi looked at him strangely. He seemed totally unaware of the actual implication of what he had said. Did he just say there will be other times they will be together outside of work; this is not just a "thank you" dinner? Aditi sighed, thinking she should pursue his remark and the "at home" remark as well, then decided, no, better not to disturb a sleeping lion; lest one was prepared to be bitten.
As they reach the car, Bharat unlocks the passenger side door, ready to assist Aditi into the car. Aditi tugs at their hands, Bharat stops, she raises an eyebrow, tugs at their hands again, "my hand, if you please". Bharat raises their hands up to his face, untangles his fingers from hers, but still hangs onto Aditi's hand. Aditi feels a bit silly with her hand in the air standing at the car, "Bharat you have to let go now, how will I get into the car?". Bharat smiles, "I know", turns her hand over and places a tender kiss in the middle of her palm. "But just so you know Madam, but it is only a temporary loan I will want it back". As Bharat assists her into the car Aditi marvels at how this man can turn her to mush with such a simple gesture. Bharat settles into the driver's seat; starts the car; pulls out on to the street. He reaches over to where Aditi's hands lay in her lap and takes her hand back. At her look of protest, he says, "Madam, I did tell you it would be temporary"; as a wolfish, but charming smile, encompasses his face. Aditi can't believe he is so bold with her, but can't convince herself that she is offended in anyway.
Bharat asks if she has any particular likes or dislikes in food as they drive through town. Aditi says, "well, no" and stops. Aditi tenses visibly as a sudden memory flashes of Karan being enraged because he felt she was paying the waiter too much attention by smiling at him. Karan accused her of inviting the waiter to flirt with her. He completely over reacted, pulled Aditi from her chair, grabbed her upper arm and dragged her out of the restaurant. Aditi rubbed her upper arm, as if to try to erase the memory. The deep bruises Karan left on her arm, and elsewhere once they returned home, had long since faded; but not the horrible memory of the pain and humiliation Karan inflicted that night. Aditi felt sad, thinking: a simple question and I am transported back to that horrible night. She shudders slightly, hesitantly says, "anywhere you want is fine Bharat, really". "Aditi", he very gently squeezes her hand, "what is wrong?". Bharat knows that choosing a restaurant can't have caused the sudden change in Aditi. But he doesn't know how to broach what, clearly, is bothering her either. "We can go anywhere you like". "Don't be shy sweetheart, tell me what you prefer". This time the endearment doesn't cause a scowl, but a smile instead, to cross Aditi's face. She dips into that well of courage to help her shake off the horrible memory of Karan; and says lightly "anything but Chinese Bharat, I really don't care for it at all". "All right, no Chinese. So my lady, how do you feel about spicy food?". Aditi's smile remains, "I like spicy food, as long as it is not so hot as to make flames shoot from my eyeballs." Bharat begins to laugh as the image flashes in his head, Aditi joins him. They ride in a companionable silence until they reach the restaurant.
Bharat parks the car and reclaims Aditi's hand as soon as she steps out of the car. "Hope you like Punjabi food". "Hmmm, will you be okay in those sticks you call shoes to walk, the restaurant is a few blocks from here". "Oh I will be fine, as long as you don't want to jog or run, there are limits to what these "sticks" as you call them, will allow". Aditi begins to feel shy again about Bharat holding her hand, and tugs. "Bharat, please, I don't want people to stare". "Stare?". "Well, when a lucky man such as I, has a woman as beautiful as you with him, people will stare. Sorry sweetheart, but there is nothing I can do about that". Aditi blushes ten shades of red and stutters, "t-t-that is not what I meant and you know it, stop embarrassing me". Bharat, laughs softly, "Aditi, how can I embarrass you with the truth?". And if you think those pretty blushes and entreating eyes of yours are going to get me to let go of you, well think again. I'm quite happy holding your hand in public; I don't mind if people stare". Then adds, to himself: get used to it Aditi, it will happen often, if I have anything to say about it.
Aditi sighs, but doesn't protest again as they walk to the restaurant. She is pleasantly surprised at Bharat's choice. Rather than a fancy, expensive restaurant, he chose to take her to a family style place that seems to be very popular. "Are you sure we will get in Bharat, it seems to be awfully crowded". "Not to worry, I have an in with the owner". As they stand inside at the front of the restaurant, waiting to be seated, a huge man, not just in height, but in statue suddenly grabs Bharat and lifts him off the floor in a bear hug. Bharat grunts in pain as the man pounds him on the back saying in a loud voice with a British accent, "Bharat, why is it you have waited so long to come again?". Barely able to speak, Bharat groans "Sameer, you are crushing me". Sameer laughs and lets go of Bharat. Aditi who was alarmed at the enthusiastic greeting Sameer gave Bharat, takes a step back as he approaches her. But she is halted by Bharat tugging on her hand as he introduces her. "Sameer, meet Aditi Khaarma." "Aditi, this giant is Sameer Devi, my long time friend from London". "Not London, Delhi. Bharat, I, we, live in Delhi now. I finally convinced Meghna that we needed to move back to India, let the children get to know their parents' country". "Hey that is great Sameer!". But enough of you, where is your better half; and can we get a table?". Sameer laughs, "my better half, you don't say that around Meghna Bharat, please, you will give her ideas". "Say what around me you old goat." "Who are you talking ... Bharat!". Aditi watches as, the woman she assumes is Meghna, rushes to embrace Bharat. Aditi is so surprised in the way Bharat is behaving. He is so lively and high spirited; laughing, joking, hugging the couple as they talk of old times. Finally, Meghna spots Aditi, standing slightly behind Bharat, she has quietly been enjoying this new side of him. Yet, even with all the embracing, back slapping and getting reacquainted, Bharat would not let go of her hand. Meghna asks, "so Bharat, who is this?". "You are holding her hand so tightly, I think you are afraid she will disappear". A grin is surprised out of Aditi as Bharat flushes. "Oh, erm, this is Aditi" as he pulls her beside him. Meghna gives Aditi the once over, like a Mother inspecting a prospective bahu. Aditi flushes to match Bharat and shyly says, "hello". Meghna realizes Aditi is not the type of woman they are used to seeing with Bharat. She beams a huge smile at Aditi, "welcome, welcome". "Sameer, why have you kept Bharat and Aditi standing here you fool, get them a table". "Never mind, come Bharat, I will take you to the table myself". As she leads them away, it dawns on Sameer what she said, "hey who are you calling a fool, you ... he pauses as Meghna stops, turns, puts her hands her hips and gives him a stern look, "err, my angel. I was just getting ready to do that". She grins slightly, nods, again leads Bharat and Aditi towards their table; as they try to conceal grins of amusement.
Finally seated, glasses of water in front of them, Aditi is quiet. She is fussing with the silverware, nervous all of a sudden to be "alone" again with Bharat. Bharat reaches over to take her hand, Aditi not quite fast enough, can't evade him. He slowly slides his fingers in between hers, presses their palms together, saying "thought I forgot didn't you my lady", as he grins like a pirate stumbling across hidden booty. Aditi shakes her head, "you Sir, are incorrigible", but doesn't try to remove her hand. He laughs, then a bit more soberly says, "you tempt me to be Aditi". "I can't seem to stop myself from wanting to touch you. I want to have that contact with you. And if stealing your hand to hold is the only way, then, he pauses, pulls in a breath and says,"then I guess you will have to get used to that and I will have to settle for that, for now". Aditi is shocked into silence. Whatever she had thought to say completely blown out of her mind by what Bharat said. Bharat is playing with her fingers, brushing his thumb against her knuckles; as if he cannot resist the velvety feel of her skin. The feel of Bharat's hand brushing back and forth over her knuckles and hand bring her out of her haze. Her face, her body suddenly feel like she is standing too close to a raging fire. Aditi is absolutely flummoxed by Bharat's directness. She was quite certain that no other man has ever been so frank with her. Not that she knew that many men, but even still. As Bharat continues to play with her hand she becomes aware of the feeling of being stared at intensely. As she turns her head, she finds Meghna watching them with a keen eye from behind the counter separating the kitchen from the dining area. Aditi suddenly yanks her hand from Bharat's. He notices she is not looking at him, but across the room. He spots Meghna, he rubs his chin, shrugs his shoulders slightly, as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't be by his Mother. Aditi takes advantage of Bharat's being distracted by Meghna to excuse herself, and heads to the ladies room. Her legs are a bit shaky as she walks between the tables.
Bharat turns his head to watch her and realizes he is not the only man doing so; a few others are following Aditi with their eyes as well. He is definitely perturbed when one man who was watching Aditi happens to glance over at Bharat. With an intimidating stare, rather like a predator staring down it's prey, Bharat makes his point and the man quickly turns his eyes back to his own table. Bharat settles back to wait while Meghna strolls over. He knew she would not be long in coming to the table once Aditi left. "Meghna don't start with me", Bharat says as she reaches the table. "Bharat, have I said a word?". "You don't have to, your face says it all". "Stay out of it Meghna". Meghna arches a brow, thinks: well, well, Bharat is already defensive about Aditi. Yet in the past if I wanted to say something about one of the women he was with, he could care less. Now he not only doesn't want me to say anything, he is protecting Aditi as well. Meghna smiles brightly at Bharat, who shifts in his chair nervously. Bharat thought: Meghna has a smile that spelled trouble just like 'Swati. And she just flashed it at me like a lighthouse beam out to a sinking ship. Bharat did not like that analogy at all! Meghna was watching Bharat's face and thought: yep, he has it bad, and about time too. He has always been able to keep himself apart, but not his time.
In the ladies room Aditi took a moment to steady herself. Bharat is a bit overwhelming to a girl's senses she thought. Her face was flaming and her body was trembling slightly. He made her feel things she did not want to feel, let alone acknowledge; even if only to herself. She had come to Delhi to start a new life on her own. She never planned to get involved with anyone. She certainly never envisioned being involved with, with ... her boss! That was hard admit. She did not want to be in an office romance. Aditi didn't want to be involved with a man; let alone Bharat Singh! Yet he made it impossible to ignore him, on any level. And whether she liked it or not, she and Bharat were becoming involved. He made it very clear at the table that he wanted to be more than friends. But Aditi wasn't sure she was ready to become more than friends, at this moment. Hopefully, Bharat would understand that and be willing to go slow. If not, there would have to be some touch decisions made. She was not giving up what she had gained in coming to Delhi: freedom; self-respect; living without fear; courage; relying on herself (for the first time since college); so many new insights of herself. Out loud, in a very clear and determined voice Aditi said, "I will not go back". I won't! I won't ever let a man take over my life and try to control it again. So Bharat Singh we will see where this is going, but be prepared, it won't all be on you terms". With that resolve stiffening her backbone, Aditi freshened her face, gave up on her hair which was rioting around her face in an auburn glow and walked back to the table; and Bharat.
Just as Meghna started to get up Aditi returned to the table. She smiled shyly, said softly, "hello Meghna", are you going to join us", in a hopeful tone. Aditi needed to have some sort of distraction from Bharat. That man was taking over her thoughts so easily, it was unnerving. As Meghna stood she said, "oh no, just telling Bharat that dinner will be out soon. Sameer wants it to be extra special since you are here". "Hey, what about me" Bharat complained in a sulky tone. "You, you behave yourself, you are with a woman of grace and dignity; don't embarrass yourself!". Aditi laughed, she couldn't help it. Both at what Meghna said and the look it brought to Bharat's face. He scowled her, bared his teeth and said, "how do you do that!". Totally bewildered Aditi, stopped laughing and said, "do what Bharat?". "I have known Sameer and Meghna for years, years! And in five minutes they fall in love with you and are telling me to behave myself. Same with 'Swati and Anil, for heavens sake, do you cast spells over and on everyone you meet?!". Aditi had no idea what Bharat was talking about. She was absolutely oblivious to the fact that people just fell in love with her innocence; quiet kindness; and the inner grace she carried with her so unconsciously. Bharat could tell Aditi just didn't see what others saw in her. No wonder this bewitching pixie was stealing into his heart so easily; and he gulped, possibly his soul; like a thief in the night.
Bharat knew he had to go slow and be very careful with Aditi. Not in the sense that he needed to wrap her in cotton wool and rescue her - she would probably whack him with something wicked dangerous if he even tried that! But, he had come to realize that something was chasing Aditi from her past. He didn't know what, he was determined to find out, but in the mean time he had to take things slower than he would have preferred. He wanted Aditi to trust him completely. To believe that whatever was in her past he would help her with. Because these feelings were not going to go away. In a moment of clarity, like a crystal bell being rung, Bharat Singh, man of the world, finally admitted to himself that he had fallen, completely, head over heels in love with this hauntingly beautiful, innocent, shy, defiant pixie of a woman. Even though he had just admitted it, he was having a difficult time comprehending it. He thought: you, Bharat Singh, are - in - love! He had been sure this would never happen to him. He was astonished; stunned; flabbergasted! It showed in his face too. Suddenly, Bharat felt like he couldn't breath, his collar was too tight. He ran a finger in between his neck and the collar to relieve the sudden pressure. His was on fire, he had broken out into a sweat. Damn!, he felt like he was having a heart attack; and it's name was Aditi Khaarma!
Aditi began to get concerned about Bharat, he is face was red; his eyes had narrowed to slits; his forehead was creased; he was breathing unevenly. He looked, well he looked ill. "Bharat, Bharat are you all right?". From the look on his face Aditi was afraid he was having a heart attack! He looked like he was going to keel over any moment."What is wrong?!". Aditi was actually becoming afraid. Bharat was so quiet, and acting so strange. "Bharat!". At the sound of Aditi's voice colored with concern, anxiety and fear, Bharat felt reality slap him in the face. "Bharat, please, what is wrong, should I call a doctor?". "N-n-no, I am okay. I just have a sudden ache, rubbing his chest. Then stopped the rubbing motion over his heart, put two fingers to his temples, err, headache, that's all. I am fine". Aditi wasn't so sure, but she couldn't very well argue with him either. Bharat stood, excused himself and beat a hastily retreat to the men's room. As soon as the door closed he went to the sink, turned on the faucet and stuck his head under the cold water. That brought him back to his senses quick! "Holy Crap! that's cold!", Bharat exclaimed as he shivered. Unbeknownst to Bharat, while he had his head under the water, Sameer had come in the men's room. At Bharat's exclamation he boomed out a laugh.
"You my friend are in big trouble!". Bharat shook his head causing water to fly everywhere, then reached to the dispenser on the wall, pulled out several paper towels to wipe his face; hair; and the outside of his black suit jacket. His pristine white shirt and silk tie were wet as well, but there was nothing he could really do about that, except hope the water marks dried quickly. "What do you mean Sameer?". "Any man who leaves (runs really, thought Sameer, but he did not say that to Bharat) the table like you did and then dunks his head in cold water is in trouble". "Now the question is, is it good or bad trouble". "Lay off Sameer, I just felt a bit warm, that's all", Bharat said. "You my friend are not a very good liar", Sameer countered. "So what did the beautiful Aditi say to you?". "Did she talk marriage, is she pregnant, what?" Bharat stared at Sameer as if he was speaking a foreign language. Then he was just plain furious with anger at Sameer's glib assumption that Aditi might be pregnant. "Of course not! Shut the hell up Sameer! You have no idea what you are talking about! Aditi is not like that!". "Don't think you can talk about her that way, even if we are friends!". Sameer smiled placatingly, and said "of course, she isn't my friend; I know that just from that innocent face of hers". "Then why the hell did you say something so ridiculous Sameer?". "Because, Bharat my friend, you looked shell shocked and about to deny what the truth is, why you are dunking your head!". "Oh really, and just what is the truth as you see it Sameer?". "You my friend", he says in a supremely confident voice, as he walks over to Bharat, slaps him on the back hard enough to make Bharat wince, "are in love with that beautiful girl"; and nods firmly. Bharat sighs, run a hand over the back of his wet hair, squeezes his neck to relieve the tension. Blows out a breath trying loosen the tension in his chest. Rubs the area over his heart absently. Hesitates, then for the first time admits, out loud, what he has known since he stalled going to sleep because a pagli bhoot with fiery auburn curls rioting about her face, dark chocolate innocent eyes and hesitant smile was haunting his dreams. "I know Sameer, I just this moment realized it. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I - love - Aditi. I don't know how this happened to me Sameer. One minute I am moving and shaking multi-million dollar deals all over India and the next I'm shaking in a men's room trying to figure out how to deal with one dangerous bewitching pixie!".
Part Fifteen
: The Awakening
{ I zoomed through checking the update, so please forgive my many errors 😊 }
Edited by fire_woman - 17 years ago
Hindi TV Shows
