Red silk tie...

 Because of the PR firm's appointment to shoot for brochure content for the Ulwe project, he missed the ultrasound appointment, he made a visit to the site soon after. Being in the state of mind he was, being available for the ultrasound appointment would have taken some serious thinking anyway... he didnt feel like doing the "right thing"
THATS ALL he seemed to be hearing the last couple days... from Nachiket, from Rishi, from his wifey's ex-boss Ram... "Do the right thing, be a man"
He chuckled derisively to himself at the unintended pun in that comment....

Her parents and Ritu were in town, she didnt need anyone else. This baby thing was her "all consuming over whelming, life swallowing desire anyway" so she must be reveling in the feeling.

He wondered if they all expected him to switch something on like a light bulb and get on the ride... the project was a noisy crisis ridden mess, his transition from being a bratty South Mumbai guy to a serious no nonsense Exec at the construction giant did not come easy

He had put in 80 hours a week towards it. From the days he first met his wife to now....
She had a lingering low opinion of him he realized... that he would not live up to her lofty expectation.

He had never envisioned a "family guy" kinda image for himself.

The sex was outstanding, his career not so much sometimes, his social life was demanding... he was juggling it all

The baby... fatherhood, pre school, staying up at nights, no sex... just made him furious

The fact that his wife will walk out on him with no second thought made him just murderous...

He entered the house after 8 PM.... it was strangely quiet... he checked his phone for texts from Dadi or Mom... none.... maybe they all went out to eat?
HL asked if he should make him a drink... "stiff" he muttered between his teeth, followed by a reluctant "Thanks".

He went upstairs... the French doors were fixed now... open, the chiffon like watered blue curtains swayed... fighting the his wife's thorny roses....he walked over to the balcony and held the rails staring down...
the kids played at a private "Hill residents only" private park that had expensive imported play equipment

He gritted his teeth at the thought of doing that soon....

HL left his drink on the wrought iron oval table.........
he picked it up and took a swig......

He heard footsteps... she stood in the doorway... leaning on the frame.... she wore a saree ... paper thin....... in pale pink transparent... like a gauzy tissue... her blouse was the same color of  the border a darker burnished pink gold..........he felt quick color rush to his face as his heart beats accelerated when his eyes paused over her breasts..........her hair was short now, just over her shoulder.....silky black
He took a step towards him and then another.... he stood watching... her eyes were big pools..... "Damn!" the familiar word rang in his ears...
She boldly reached for and grabbed his tie, crushing it......

Good match..

Her parents arrived in the morning, Pradeep brought them from the station, Dad had insisted they fly, but her Dad refused.

Her Mom was trembling with excitement and joy.

Huṁ kēvī rītē huṁ chuṁ khuśa nathī varṇana karī śakō chō her Mom repeated over and over again.
Her Dad smiled content...

"She was busy so we thought this khushi should be shared in person"

Ēka mātā tē mulākāta līdhī hatī anē jēma tēthī bīmāra hatā tyārē huṁ kaṁīka bōla hatī āśaṅkā, jāṇē (I suspected something was off when she visited) her Mom murmured...

Khanak prodded her to speak in Hindi...
Her mother looked mighty embarrassed
Huṁ tamārī līla ēka sāthē vāta karavā pan̄jābī śīkhaśē (I will learn Punjabi to talk with ur lil one) she told Khanak

They just sat there staring at Khanak...

Khanak did not utter a word about her disappearance or Shaan's indifference... they didnt need to know

Ritu had begged her not to say anything

She knew her friend was bold bordering on reckless.............

Khanak threw up a lot and didnt eat much.... she didnt have much time to think about her own finances or the bold plan she shared with Ritu...

She was sure it wouldnt work with Shantanu...

She would have this baby and raise him irrespective of Shaan accepting that fact...
He didnt appear any more amicable about it... in the last 48 or so hours she had seen him he seemed cold and preoccupied...

She did not fear dealing with it...

~~

Nachiket and him stood by the coffee machine at the Corp office, there were a couple of Union meetings and a press thing on the agenda for today... Shaan wore a navy suit crisp white shirt underneath, a crimson silk tie...
He had slept for 4 hours in his trailer at the Site....

He looked fresh and ready to ambush

"Are u going to the Doc appt" Nachiket asked...
"Not sure" Shaan said coldly
"You are just confirming the low opinion she has of you on this topic" Nachiket said " U do realize that dont you?"
Shaan just drank his coffee

"So over night I am supposed to be gushing and accepting and teary eyed Apte?" Shaan asked bitingly
He rarely used his boss's last name... now he had...

"Whether u accept it or not its going to be here" Nachiket said coolly

"She left you just for this vibe" his onslaught continued...

"Since she began it I will do the honors of ending it my way" Shaan said bluntly

"She is way more pig headed than u are. You guys are the worst" Nachiket muttered worried...

"A good match dont you think?" Shaan said derisively abandoning his boss walking away purposefully

Prescription Seduction

RITU arrived unannounced at 10ish that nite.... Khanak sounded excited and thrilled when she spoke about her pregnant state, when the topic slid to her husband..... not so much...
"You cannot live like this forever Ritu said...
"Do you realize you have said that to me over a dozen times in the past three years... since... mera matlab" Khanak began to speak about Sooraj's sudden death

"THAT was different you fool, then Gujral found you"
"Sometimes I think what we share is only lust"
"Hallelujah... Praise the Lord" Ritu broke out into a noisy loud laugh
"You are a nut" Khanak stopped her

"YOU THINK, you have a lusty relationship... YA THINK?" her friend demanded
"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" you are too loud"
"Raaaz toone baat hi aisi kahi... I mean, I could tell from the way he looked at you in Trishna's engagement'
"I should have had sex and dumped him" Khanak said boldly
"Then he would have come back for me, and more and more, and then would  have a last name of Gujral, and then" "Oh wait! Isnt that what happened now?" Ritu pretended to be confused

"Hee haw, too funny" Khanak hated being mocked at
"Oh! Wait the only difference is you saved it all for the big nite" Ritu laughed uncontrollably
"NOT the big nite dufus, 10 days after the big nite in Boston"
"Oh! Hooooooooooooooo, sure American consummation" "So did u guys do it the whole nite"
"SHUT UP" Khanak shrieked
"OMG You did didnt you"Ritu pretended to act shocked
"For tormenting him for 4 months he said" Khanak said all breathless... husky.
The girls didnt say a word afterwards for a few minutes, just stood under the jasmine wrapped pergola and stared out at the Arabian Sea....
"He never forgets anything..." Khanak said softly...
"Dont you think he should let me go instead of being an unwilling Dad?" Khanak asked her... sombre..
"Would you rather he lie and pretend like movie Dads? Ritu asked her
"No" said a defiant Khanak
"On top.. you just abandon the marriage and him and take off" Ritu continued...
"I dont like pity" Khanak said in a trembly voice
"Youve said THAT to me a million times" Ritu said unhappily
"Thats what I will get now... duty and pity" Khanak said firmly
"Do you know something more and are holding it back?" Ritu asked worried...
"This is the happiest time of MY life Ritz... I dont care if its not his" Khanak said softly...
"Toone sorry bola, bhaagne ke liye?"
Nope... I am hoping seduction will work..." Khanak said softly
Ritu turned around to stare at her friend...if anyone ever thought the friends did not share a honest relationship... this one statement alone struck and crushed that myth

Bummer!

The Doc and Khanak headed upstairs, Khanak saying something softly... barely audible to her... he could notice the lil bump like swelling on her lower belly.... he walked to the bar to fix himself a drink, his Dad wanted an update on the day's happenings, Akshay and him had returned a day ago from Sao Paolo...he wanted to share something about what they planned next for their commodities biz...

The women talked about Madhavi's appearance in the magazine...

Dadi watched Khanak walk up the stairs...
She walked over to Shaan

D:All good at work? (softly)
S: Not one day actually... (smiling derisively)
D: Your job is very stressful... (thinking aloud)
S:Which job isint?
D:Maybe you should consider...
S:Commodities is not my thing Dadi...
Sunil: Ma, why the sudden worry over his career choice...
D:Hes 28... LOOK at him...
Sunil:I thought you always wanted him to be focussed, get rid of his rebellious ways, stop dating... and settle down... looks like he is doing exactly that now (chuckled)
Shaan instinctively looked up... at the now empty stairs...
D:Khanak needs him...
S:She decided that she doesnt! (bluntly)
Sunil is startled... "Shaan... she is back"
Shaan:You guys need to let me handle this one? Please?
Dadi backed off... worried...
D:I understand she is ziddi...
Shaan:That almost sounds cute Dadi... (mocking)
Sunil:Ma... (signalled her)

Shaan walked over to the balcony...
Sunil:Ma... let go..
Daadi:I worry for them..
Sunil: Isko bacha nahi chahiye... woh ekdum chali gayi.. usko apne baat pe ade rehna hai..
Dadi: U know sunil... they both have terribly strong egos... its not good for any marriage..
Sunil grunted... slowly acknowledging..
Sunil:Its not her fault she got pregnant.. it must have been an ... accident (Sunil swallowed the last word)
D:The happiest of her life
Sunil: Yeh to kisi ki sunta nahi...u are right in a way... Akshay is not a crazed workaholic... like this guy...
Sunil and Dadi stared at Akshay and Boo playing with their lil guy...

They both sighed...
Dadi: Woh bacha to kabhi chhodegi nahi
Sunil:Yeh usko nahi chhodega..

Dadi:Happiness is so elusive...

Upstairs...25 or so mins later

Dr Mittal: You just need to sleep a lot and rest..
K: Umm... so many women work...
Dr Mittal: I dont know of one Gujral woman that did (smiling) while she was expecting
K:But Doc... I.. (I am not a Gujral bahu literally... I come from an economically disadvantaged family... I have to support them no matter what... in a fit of fury my husband paid off my loans... he is the last person on earth I want to be indebted to... he is a reluctant father.. he might actually sue me for abandoning him) I love to work (she said not expressing ONE of the truths..
Dr Mittal:I DO TOO.. I have three and have worked through all of mine
K smiled...
Dr Mittal:Are you a Gujarati?
K nodded shyly...
Her husband walked in..Khanak jumped out of her skin stretching her mirrorwork chiffon skirt all over her toes...

Dr Mittal: You have a shy one here Shaan..
Shaan looked at her bent head...as the Doctor spoke about everything........... calmly... knowledgably
Dr Mittal: She is doing great... if you can come in tomorrow we can do the ultrasound...
K:I should be able to (confident, uncaring if HE could go or not)
He nodded... meeting her eyes...
His were inscrutable...
Dr Mittal: Did you have any Qs?
He leaned on the bed post... arms across his chest.. "None that I can think of" carelessly... watching a mole on her left breast...

Dr Mittal:I told her she can eat guilt free... sleep with no worry..
The husband and wife looked at each other..
Dr Mittal: Oh BTW... she asked me.. if it was OK to be intimate

Shaan watched color flood to his wife's face, the red matched her skirt...
Dr Mittal: Its perfectly OK... in fact we encourage it....
Khanak mind screamed "STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP You were NOT supposed to tell him that... I didnt want him to know I asked that"
She looked at her husband like "The Doc MADE THAT ONE UP I did not ask a word... U MUST BE SMOKING POT IF YOU THINK I will ever let you touch me again"
Dr Mittal's onslaught did not end... she continued .................."Infact when the second trimester begins, she may want to be intimate more frequently.".
"Bummer!" said Shaan shrugging.........softly, smugly throatily... mocking...sucking his breath at the visual of her moistening her lips attempting to arrest her own arousal...to the Doc's ears it sounded as if he was granted a punishment.... 

And so began the lil mating/arousal tit for tat game they will play

Cuttin it down...

He pulled into the ground level garage, the basement parking was closed for some reason, his family owned 7 of the few available slots, yep, Dad was involved in financing construction of the building...
He parked in one of the guest lots as his phone rang, it was Nachiket
"Hope you are headed home man" he said reassuringly
"Yep... just pulled it"

"I spoke to Rahat, he said we shouldnt be messing our hands with poaching from the other guys" Nachiket expressed his opinion on two of Shaan's key direct reports quitting to join the competition, another behemoth construction giant in Mumbai, the "O" giant...

"I can fill for one of the guys, but the guy that does govt liasioning on design, I cant" "Cant be at the Site every morning, and cant be wiping paan stains off the walls at Navina Mumbai Mahanagarapalika" Shaan finished with a thick Marathi accent, waving to an elevator...

"Absolutely not" "When we begin roofing on Block E next week, we are looking at doing 5 nights in a row" Nachiket sounded ominous...

"Sathe, bring in the Union wish list for you?'

"Rahat met those guys last nite"

"In the elevator boss, might cut off"

"Hey BTW Gujral, how is she doing?"

"I havent been home" Shaan said evasive

Nachiket heaved... patiently... "Gujral"

"Boss let me deal with this one if you dont mind?" Sarcastic...

"Shes pregnant dude!" Nachiket scolded him...

"Thanks for the FYI..." Shaan mocked...

The elevator glided to a stop on 9th... he steped out the scent of lemongrass and lavender greeted him in the hallway... everything about the building was shiny and impeccable... it could be in Manhattan, or SFO's Financial Distt... it was so spiffy

"U shud take a couple days off" Nachiket offered an olive branch

"And DO WHAT?" Shaan hissed...

"Whatever you love doing when she is around"
Shaan was furious... he was trying NOT to think about intimacy, his boss was poking him unnecessarily...

"Gotta go"

"Go easy on her dude"
Shaan just disconnected

Keyed the code in the door and walked in... the expansive living room was filled with women's voices

Dr Mittal was visiting...

Dr Mittal: Congratulations! Another Gujral baby? (grinning)

He smiled a forced smile...

Dadi gushed "Hes on 80 hours a week, but his wife tells me he has promised he will cut it down to 40 when the baby is born" (defending her workaholic grandson and his now falling apart marriage)

"You mean the pubbing?" he chuckled... his smile not reaching his eyes..
Dadi squirmed... as his wife looked at him like she didnt give a damn.... Dr Mittal turned to pick up her voluminous bag

For now and for future...

She woke at 4 ish in the evening nauseous  but bright eyes... the house was quiet... Hill was always quiet... quiet and sparkling clean...

When she stepped out of the suite, she heard faint voices downstairs, Dadi and Madz were deep in conversation....
Dadi smiled as she saw her approach...

Madhavi made a pretense of standing up to greet and hug her "We are SO GLAD you are back my love" she said...
Khanak responded with a "Hmmm"
"I know HOW much you want a family... its always been part of your life's goals" as if she knew Khanak from puberty or before
Dadi waved to HL...

Khanak didnt care for MIL's sermonizing or patronizing, a wave of thrill passed through her at the thought that she had a baby inside her... a little worm of a thing... the size of a pea? it didnt matter it was hers...

"I dont think Shaan never pictured himself with kids... you know how some men are"

Dadi Shhhh Madhavi... thats all in the past now...
M:Mom... I mean they have been working out or smoothening cracks so its OK (insistent)
D: He brought her home...
M:That he did (disappointed?)
Khanak was quiet as usual.... just flipping through some fashion fluff magazine, that had her MIL's picture.. on some women's empowerment event...

The men lived real lives, if the women stayed home... their lives were meaningless... in a high society setting...

"Shaan loved the freedom, independence the sense of having no responsibilities" Madhavi continued...
"Look who is here" she heard Sunil

"I thought you were @ work" Khanak said joyous...
"I am going to hover over you like a drone, until you have that baby" Sunil waved a finger in warning
Madhavi giggled like she did care...

"I" began Khanak

"You acted in fear" Sunil said glumly
NONE of them knew the circumstances under which she was brought home... or the serious fight they had had...

"The Doc will be here at 8" Sunil said softly
"Dad I have Dr Mehta" she said...

"I know, Khanak... she consults at Khushboo's birthing clinic" Madhavi admitted smugly

HL brought an array of food and snacks... her life had transformed 4 weeks ago... that morning she started throwing up... the thing she had desperately been seeking, the thing that would anchor her to the ground... as she flew in the Concorde... married to Shantanu Gujral

She hoped they would fight less, she hoped he would be home more... she hoped... 
~~

He did NOT see himself with a whiny crying baby...it was not HIS vision of life... he knew it was her vision. 
He can now ping her, go pick her up at work, and whisk her away to dinner, a weekend getaway to Goa... or Matheran... or Singapore...
He was the apple of her eyes... they fought like cats... made love like they have been separated for years...
She couldn't wait to breast feed, he couldn't bear to see anyone or anything on her breasts except himself....
He gritted his teeth at that thought...
He was never dishonest with her, when they made out in his rec room after the engagement he told her he hated kids...
He had not missed one opportunity since...
"I am just going to find a way to have some then" she said once chuckling...
He had shown her what he felt about that dare.....




She abandoned him the moment she found herself pregnant... like nothing else mattered to her anymore
It was painfully difficult for him to forgive her for that... he no longer felt guilty about not wanting kids... her disappearance overwhelmed and consumed and erased any thoughts or feelings of remorse he held about not wanting to be a Dad...

Nine months... thats all he had... with her... life was going to change forever...

The thought of starting a family was running through her mind every time they made love... the thought he didnt want ANY was running through his...

If her disappearance was intended to shock him and make him give in and accept the arrival...

Well... he'd have to think about that........., he never thought too far out in the horizon about his personal life. He was consumed by his professional one

For now... he knew he wanted retribution

Turbulence

He acted like he didnt look at her, just kept talking, she shut the door to the bedroom behind her, the suite door was still open...
She walked over to her closet, everything was in its place... there were more bags of clothes, gifts from Dadi, MIL and others... there was no craving for anything material. She had it all.... in this home...
She had more than she could ever want... the only thing she ever wanted, she couldnt have...

She quietly changed into a spaghetti top and pajamas in apink rainbow like pattern... and went over to the crisply made bed... just when she was about to slide in, she saw the balcony and smiled... her flowers were in full bloom... she walked over...


"I will do anything for this baby"

"Hope you will not mind if I do the same for what I believe in"

"I KNOW you dont want to be a parent Shaan" she said shrilly

"We AGREED on it... when you found yourself pregnant you just took off"

"WHO even told you?" she asked irritated

"What if you hide, you think you can never be found?" he smirked...

"U just want to appear noble to your family, you dont have any time for me now, you will have none for us tomm"


"Keep pushing the envelope Khanak, just when someone's ready to call the cops, get on your motorcycle and flee" he had bit out in her apartment...
"Dont you get it?" she asked snarkily.. tapping her temple like he was an idiot... "I am ABSOLVING you of the responsibility of fatherhood, go on to becoming the shining star in Corporate India" she dismissed

"YOU are absolving me?" he sneered...

"I will make sure you never have to feel obliged to care for him" she told him categorically.. "See him or care for him"

"You do that Khanak Gujral I will sue your sorry ass, and ensure I get full custody" he had barked....

Certain

She finally made it upstairs an hour so later.... Dadi went with her muttering something to herself.
"You are home now, we can start planning"
"Dadi I dont want anything" she began
"Ofcourse not you have no wants... but I am having a pooja, to celebrate... Nandini and Ambika, and the kids will all be here in a week, Pradyun aa raha hai kal"

Her heart skipped a beat... she knew there was going to be more trouble... "suno, tum abhi change karo aur so jao"
"Dadi he returned all the money you loaned me?"
"I said I dont want to talk about it now"
"Its important to me now" Khanak began hoarsely

"It is not Khanak Gujral.... you have had a toast and a slice of banana bread, you need to take a nap before it all comes out"

"I have to start looking for a job. Game's over as" she stopped grunted "Over I mean he said it"

They were standing outside Shaan and her room... arguing... he was in the lounge portion of the suite, taking a call the door was partially shut...

Sunil waved from downstairs "Is he charging money now?" he asked
Dadi started laughing...
Khanak thought it was a bad joke considering the fight that happened in her apartment...

Sunil:Go IN beta
Dadi: Nahi ji kudi nu apne (wink) da intezaar hai
K:Dadi please no bad jokes
D:Arey
K:I think you must tell me
D:Lets make a deal, you take a nap for 4 hours I will tell you whatever you want to hear. Deal?
Dadi extended her hand
K:Can I look for a job?
D was upset "I wont answer that"

Khanak entered quietly... without looking at him...

"You cannot pretend forever to want the baby" she had spat at him
"Just like you can vanish at the drop of a hat I can do whatever I please" he spat back
"I dont need you or your money to raise him" she mocked
It had made him FURIOUS
"Only time will tell what you need Khanak" he bit out...
She was certain he didnt want the baby
He was certain he wanted revenge...

Savior of all things in trouble

He was impassive she was unhappy... at being discovered.... she knew he didnt want to be a Dad... his family was now involved....

Dadi: Ek news doon tumhe?

K:Hmmm

Dadi: Kal Bai Aada aa rahe hain...

Khanak dropped her spoon with a clatter...

K:KYON? she asked...

Dadi laughed out loud....

Madhavi rolled her eyes "For you Betaaaa. We have a busy weekend you guys, no fights, no nothing" she took a dig at them.

Shaan was on the phone...

K:Dadi I just keep feeling nauseaus (her voice was hoarse)

Dadi hugged her "Its going to be a aone naughty child" she said smugly

Madhavi: Like MY younger one...

Dadi: He set records... uska hai ab... to hoyega hi... (smiling)

Khanak turned red....

Shaan: Dadi, That French Door has a crack... I thought Dad had his assistant call a handyman..

Dadi: Not sure puttar...

Shaan:I am going up to check...

Khanak thought "thats my cue NOT to follow you"

He turned around and looked at her almost as if he read her mind....

She was dizzy and sleepy... she would kill to go back to her bed... she sighed and lay back...

Nobody talked about her disappearance... maybe it was common in high society families.... but she wondered HOW he found her

K:Dadi aapne kaha Shaan ko?

Dadi looked startled "I have NO idea" she whispered... "I dropped my chai when he called me" 

"Bus Ritu ko maloom tha aur aapko" Khanak muttered

D:Ab laut aayi na, bus koi gal nahi putaar she said smiling..

K: He  (stopping)

D:You know he is mad...

K didnt respond... if legal separation and custody was in the cards, she would fight it until she died...

"How DARE he claim a child, he doesnt even WANT"

M:You should go upstairs beta

A screeching "Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" jolted her

Sonali walked... ran... sprinted... "Deee yeh kya ho gaya?" she asked laced with half surprise half shock...

Madhavi laughed at the girl's feeble attempt of humor

Dadi:Bus beta... dont crush her...

K:Yeh kab aayi? Tum kab aayi?

S:Main gayi hi nahi, mujhe 11 din ki chutthi hai... Wed, nahi Thursday ko jaaoongi

K's muddled brain ached "Oh no, another 5 days with this brat?" it wailed...

S: Kya feel ho raha hai aapko?

K wanted to say "I wanted to be incognito... I didnt want you here, I didnt want my husband to be the savior of all things in trouble"

Upstairs Shaan was setting up to take a conference call... Dad's assistant texted him "Home emptied things on its way to Hill"

His lower lip twitched in a derisive smile as his wife's favorite peach roses bobbed in the breeze outside..

"Thanks"

Everyone and their aunt was home when she entered, he was on the phone, so he just  watched her board the elevator...
"I hate the new car smell" she complained when she had got in....
"I dont like the smell of leather" she said later feebly...

He turned to look at her, her face had turned crimson with nausea... he pulled over... they walked to a coffee shop asked to use the rest room... and 20 mins later she was back in the car

"I can take a cab" she muttered...
Resting her head on the seat... dozing off...
He stopped at a Pharmacy and bought barf bags and some Altoids... Bhabhi would be on them all the time he recalled....

Dadi hugged her and sobbed.... she was tired and worn out...
"Kya khaaogi? "Dadi demaded
HL jumped up and grinned... smiled overjoyed.... he didnt know... but he was happy...

"Subah kya khaaya?" Dadi asked
"Kuch bhi nahi" Khanak sulked...

Sunil hugged the breath out of her "Now I have my own lil teacher... it better be a girl like you" he kissed her forehead
Madhavi did a exaggerated display of affection

NOT ONE PERSON said a word about her being gone...
"You are so hoarse" Dadi observed...
"I was fighting" she said defiantly

"She hasnt eaten anything? Dadi asked Shaan 20 or so mins later when he walked in
He shrugged and sat down...
Sunil just watched him....

"I have a site meeting at 3" he said... taking the coffee from HL

His wife sipped something steaming hot... with an unpleasant look

Congratulations love" Madhavi said artificially gauaging his pulse....

Thanks" he said under his breath staring at his wife's bent head

Sunil knew its going to be a long pregnancy at that moment

"Empathy"

Madhavi sipped her green concoction.... and stared out the Arabian Sea... "Maybe she did the right thing Sunil"
"Shaan ko nahi chahiye bacha...but she desperately wants one she is a smart girl... she stepped back assessed the situation and did what was right for both"

"She is immature.."
"I dont think so" Madhavi argued....
HL brought Sunil's pre-lunch snack... something horribly healthy... "Ek flat tire Ale HL" Sunil commanded
"Now?" she asked

"Its past 11 Madhavi and my fave girl returns" he smiled...
"He should have just let her be" "Usko force karke hame kya milega?" "You know the Parmars"
"Ankit Parmar is a jerk" Sunil said bluntly like his son...
Madhavi huffed and sighed... "Hmppfff" she grunted...
"He is way too focussed on his career.. ab paisa laga hai Ulwe mein, hes getting a influential role. Ghar par rehta nahi abhi 30 ka hua hai..."she ranted in chaste Punjabi

HL returned with his frosted mug... the morning breeze caused the jasmine vines to sway on the white pergolas extending out from the balcony... in signature style.... Sunil could very well afford a swanky bungalow in Pali Hill or Juhu, but he liked high rise living it was less hassle with the Tax guys also
The penthouse was over 25,000 sq ft in all, bigger than any bungalow.... he had bought 4 apartments, torn the wall down and exponentially multiplied the living space... the average apartment in Mangal Kunj was between 12-15000 sq ft...

U will say that long after he crosses 30" Sunil mocked his wife

"Arey woh bhi chhoti hai, Khushboo had hers closer to 30, so she has at least 15 fertile years whats the rush"
"I feel for the bechaari" Madhavi used the classic word associated with under privileged to express artificial empathy

The rush is, tera laadla usko time deta nahi... aaj VP, kal CEO, tennis... scuba diving... squash...he is aggressive and driven... uske mutthi mein aata nahi" Sunil spoke in Punjabi

"Woti di mutthi vich?" mocked Madz

"You know what I mean Sunil scolded her

"Cmon Sunil... she doesnt step down until Noon on weekends.. uski shakal se lagta hai isne usko chain se soney nahi diya hoga" Madz mocked her husband... "I mean she knows she got him good"


"thats a very cruel thing to say Madhavi... usne kabhi tere laadle ke aaage peeche dance nahi kiya," he did a trot with his fingers. "He went after her"

Hmpppfff" grunted Madhavi... I am going to take this call" she said theatrically waving her phone, glad it buzzed

Sunil shrugged and stared... grinning ear to ear as she left the balcony..

Not with my child inside you..

She sat staring out the window.... he didnt talk either.... she had no energy left, it was almost 10 am and she hadnt eaten a bite.... they had fought like cats and dogs not touching even once....
The "custody" word had caused her to fly off the handle....
He was hopping mad...
He braked noisily swearing as a bunch of teenagers crossed the narrow street... she knew Ulwe was a mile or two away from where they were right now...
She didnt care...
"I dont need your pity, I dont need your charity or your handout Shantanu Gujral" she bit out...
"Oh! you NEED it ALL Khanak Gujral" he slammed

"Like Vidyashram is the only place on earth?" (the school she was fired from earlier in the day) If I can leave once I can leave again...

"NOT with my child inside you" he said calmly... if a tone could slit a throat this was it...

"You are reckless and arrogant. You think if youve made a decision DAMN the world" he approached threateningly...
"I thought you were describing yourself" she mocked... laughing shrilly 
"You have no idea what you have put Dad through" he sounded menacing and unhappy

She felt terrible "I didnt want to hurt him"
"And Dadi? What about Dadi?" he asked accusingly...
"You dont want the baby! Why not let me BE?" she asked...
"I thought we settled then... I dont wish to go over it... we are heading home right now... this is between you and me. For the world, youve returned home... and all is well""I have to be at the site by 3, I will run you home when you are done with your theatrics"... that was the very last thing he said...
She rambled and argued and complained.... he leaned on the wall and took calls and just stared nonchalantly....

Ritu had said "If you are so sure he hates the idea of being a Dad, even then you should involve him in this Mystery, he could kill you, knowing Gujral he just might"

She didnt pack... she left her stuff there... just changed into a red Kalamkari kurta and a olive chudidaar...
threw up twice... in the plush bathroom...

Wore kohl, in her eyes and a arrow like teeka, chunky silver jhumkas...wore her kolhapuris and slammed the door shut as she walked out... he called his Dad's assistant and asked him to send help to pack and empty and handover the townhouse... and let himself out... 

Brass tacks

"Beta" Dadi croaked to Khanak
"Hmm" she said, as he stared down...
"Its a good thing... hes there to bring you home" Dadi said refusing to accept defeat...
'Dadi par main" she began

Her husband hearing every word spoken by both...
"Dadi" she began
"Shhhhhhhhhhh he must be very angry now... please Khanak" Dadi interrupted her
"Usko phone do" Dadi said...
He heard that and put it back on his ear... 
"Beta... I know you must be angry... but please beta... go easy on her"
"Ofcourse Dadi... he sid scnning his wife's face... minutely... her head was bent.. her gaze on his belt buckle
He felt his buckle with his left hand as if her gaze touched him...
Those clean long manly fingers.... with a touch of hair on the back hand...
Khanak didnt think she could be aroused in this state but she was.... intensely so....
Everything about him... his talk his look... his anger... there was a certain sexuality to it...she had met handsome men... but none like him... she had fought with a few people in life... none quite like the war she seemed to have with him....
"I am not sure Dadi... will call you"
"You promise me you wont be mad at her" Dadi demanded
"I dont make promises" he hung up...

"I dont need your pity" she provoked him...
"Oh thats not what I had in mind at all Khanak Gujral" he said bluntly...
They stood inches apart...

"If you dont want to bea Dad... you dont have to be.." she wouldnt stop...
"Here is the deal Khanak... we go back home... I dare you to say anything about our relationship to the family"
She began to speak...
"Shhhh" I am not done yet" he said "You go from saying a word a day to not taking a breath?" he mocked...
"I talk when its necessary... I will not be forced to do anything" he yelled...
"Ofcourse not... we wont call it force, if you hate the word"

"I can"

"Try it" he said (I can leave again?)

"You dont want the baby... why are you doing this?" she pleaded
"Hes mine too... we will share custody" he spit out

It took a second for that to sink in to her...
"CUSTODY? In your dreams" she yelled...
"And outside of it" he spat back...
They did not touch...

"I dont think" she began...
"I dont care for your opinion Khanak... we go home now. and you dont say a word about our agreement, UNTIL the baby is born... you will not make ANY attempt to flee"

"And why would I listen to you?"

"Because  you owe me now" he said softly
Her jaw dropped... he appeared cool and sedate... like he was reading a newspaper......

Game's up

"Knocked up" he read aloud... completely unemotional....
"Hes mine" she said spontaneously... as if she had rehearsed this exact same sequence of events in her mind, multiple times... while she lay awake at night...
His face colored briefly... his eyes clouding with an inexpiable emotion for a flash... the first time his wife was talking about their child...
Her soft palm was over her non existent under belly... the strange tightness she felt there whenever she sat on the floor or lay on her divan  the only sign her body was preparing to transform...

"I was told gender determination is illegal in India" he bit out furious........
"Hes mine" she said...
"So you have the whole thing planned out? Having the child during separation? Being gone for good?"
She was quiet... her heart was in her mouth... she was choking... her face red with guilt....
He walked in uninvited, exactly like he did years ago... there was books and magazines strewn everywhere... art supplies and what seemed like breakfast things...

"I am keeping the baby" she said vehemently

"I DARE you to endanger it Khanak" he said firmly speaking every word between hisses
She was up against a wall... he stood inches away....

"What had you planned?"

"You dont want any remember?" she responded shrilly
"I DONT... I agree" he said without shame... with that signature shrug...

"Well I want a baby... and I am having him" she said.. choked.. trembling...
The front door was open.. he kicked it shut...

"You talked Dadi into this infantile idea?" he asked as if he could kill her...
She was tearful... "I did not" "I planned to be gone... THIS was Dadi's idea" she said waving vehemently at her surroundings....... she was sure Dadi would not have tattled...

"Was I going to get visitation? Or were you going to name him Mistry?"he asked bluntly...

She shut her eyes to clear her vision, her tears rolled... she hated him for accusing her like that... she hated him for finding her... this was her special secret...

"I havent picked a name out yet"

"Since you are unemployed... you have all the time in the world now"

"Look at you you are proud of yourself of getting me fired" she acused

"Oh I am only doing things I have seen other people do... devious secretive things" he lashed back...
"I can always find another job Shantanu" she declared wiping her tears weakly
"Oh! I know what you are capable of Khanak" he said

"You got to play your game for three weeks... NOW I get to play mine... we play by my rules... we follow my rubrics" he said huskily...

His phone rang... he bent down to pull it out of the pocket of his cargo shorts... as always he was dressed superbly.... moss green tee, khakhi color suede... and a khakhi strap on his watch... he was unshaven though

"Its your favorite grand daughter in law, would you like to say good morning Dadi?" he asked softly
Dadi dropped her tea cup in a clatter... the Empress Dresden flower patterened Waterford china chai cup shattered on the italian marble floor

"Shaan" she cooed...
"I am in Khanak's house Dadi... game's up" he chuckled unamused...placing the phone gently on his wife's ear