Chapter Eight
Mohan had his own doubts about going back to Alibag. He had understood what Megha wanted about raising her baby on her own. He decided to keep it simple and finish his work as he had promised, and go back on his way. He was glad that he came. Megha's pleasant smile cleared all his doubts and he was unsure whether he could stick to his original plan.
The sight of her holding little Nanhi, was mesmerizing. I didn't remember she was this pretty. He guiltily ripped away his eyes, supposing it might be wrong to think that way.
"Thank you" She took the gift basket from him
As she walked them all inside, the girls joined Megha inquiring about Mohan. He was unaware of the attention and admiration received from the girls. Megha wasn't sure whether she liked it. Am I being jealous? Her inner voice frightened her. She didn't realize how much she had missed him, until the moment her eyes laid on him. She wished to know whether it was for good or bad
"I like what I am seeing" Mohan was elated looking around and at Megha
"Lovely. Are they handmade?" Mohan was confused at her excitement then found Megha checking the contents in the gift basket. She took each and every cute little thing made out of wood and other lightweight materials.
"Yes they are. Did I tell you that I design and make things for homes and offices? And that's what my business all about"
"Oh! You made these? The details are amazing in every piece" She appreciated his work and they shared the joy of creating things
"Thanks" He was happy about building a link between them with their creations
With great difficulty Shashi managed to control the girls from jumping all over him. When everyone bid good bye and went out closing the door, Mohan and Megha found themselves alone, all of a sudden.
"So, did you complete your trip?" She directed the conversation to a general topic
"Yeah I did! This is my long due vacation which I haven't taken in the past four years. It was about time to get away and see new things" He was happy, how the trip made way for him to see her. "And now back here to keep my side of bargain" He added like a whisper
"We had no bargain and you actually did more than our deal" She showed Nanhi's room
"But I gave my word and I am a man to keep promises"
Megha stared at him finding any traces of hint in his statement
"I have booked a room for myself at hotel Taj Mahal" Mohan tried to divert her and also a way to convince her if she had any worries about his staying in her house
"Oh!"
"As your personal assistant, I can start my work, at whatever time you like to work. I can cook breakfast"
Megha moved uncomfortably whether his proposal of cooking had anything to with her lack of skills there. He couldn't probably know about it
"No problem. I can manage with the cooking"
He didn't object, not wanting her to have second thoughts. But she still had.
"But Mohan" She was surprised to say his name for the first time, and with ease. He must have sensed something too, as he looked at her hopefully. But she tried her last fight against his staying back "I don't know you"
"So it goes. I got some personal references for myself". He placed three different envelopes on the table
"This one is a letter of introduction from my beloved Jijibua, who sure has only good things to say about me. She is a very sweet person and I am sure the letter must be only to brag on me. You can save it for later. The second one is from my little sister whom I had to bribe to say some nice things about me. Though it cost me hefty, I doubt any fruitful outcome. You can start with this one, anyway" Megha smiled at his gesture
When he placed the last one on the table he paused. He didn't know how to go about it but he wanted her to know everything about him. Megha found his silence disturbing and she focused on the last letter in his hand
"My ex-fiance too came forward to make some recommendation for me"
Megha found this news shocking. She waited for him to continue not knowing how to question about it further. Fortunately he continued.
"I was engaged for six months to Priya but we were very different persons. Our lifestyle, priorities, and values everything was too diverse to get along as life partners. We parted ways for good but we stayed as friends thereafter."
She wondered how many men maintained friends-only relationship with their exes. She felt a tinge of jealous surfacing for the unknown woman.
When she didn't say anything, Mohan thought it was time to change the topic
"So where shall I start now?"
"How about a diaper change for Nanhi?"
Mohan bit his tongue as an instant response but he knew that Megha was watching him intently
"Not a problem. Show me how and I am a fast learner"
"With one week trial period, I can vouch on that. If I see any lack of skills there, you are out of job. Deal?" Megha raised her thumb
Mohan laughed and remembered David's statement about Megha's deal making skills
"Done!" His confidence surprised Megha
"Can I ask you a favor?" Mohan's sudden request unnerved Megha
"I can't promise anything. Let me see what you ask" She managed to maintain her cool
"I was wondering if you could paint something on my bike"
"Why should I do this favor?" She liked the idea but didn't want to do it without a fuss
"I thought if you turn down my Nanny job, I would at least commission you to do the painting on my bike. Anyway you wanted to have the paintings on your portfolio" He winked at her easily which made her blush
Megha's thoughts wandered to the shrewd deals that Mohan made in his business world and couldn't help feeling proud on his go-getter strategy
"Very smart! That can be taken care of" She turned towards the kitchen suddenly wanting to be safe from his gaze
"By the time you finish the paintings, you will have a wonderful portfolio showcasing your skills"
"And by the time you watch Nanhi, you will have a nice addition to your dad skills"
His gaze locked with hers. "I am looking forward to know her better" And he teasingly added "And her mother"
Edited by Senpoo - 12 years ago
Anupamaa
