Chapter 3

It was March 2013 and Avi's 13th birthday. Mrs. Kapoor had come specially to India for her grand son's birthday. Her mom coming over meant a break for Sim. She would get to spend time with her and Mrs. Rai never interfered then. She was always happy when Sim's parents came. Not like other mother in laws who frowned and made comments. She was different from others in that respect. She was just too particular about religious stuff and overprotective of her sons. But a perfect host. She loved entertaining guests and serving them. Always happy to have guests. But that meant additional work for Sim, cooking and cleaning. Sim and her mother had gone to Simla to buy Avi gifts when Mrs. Kapoor got a call that Mr. Kapoor was very ill. Both of them were worried now. Mrs. Kapoor made calls back home in London and the servants told her that Mr. Kapoor had really high fever and was vomiting. Both mother and daughter went back to Sim's place and Rahul decided that Mrs. Kapoor should go back immediately. He didn't once think and drove Mrs. Kapoor and Simran to Delhi so that her mom could take the earliest flight possible back to London. While sleeping that night in Delhi, Simran felt proud of Rahul. He had done so much for her mother that all the anger and frustration that she felt left her. She saw his calm handsome face with long lashes. He had grown to become a very handsome man over the past 10 years. He had put on a slight weight and his face was a bit more chubbier now. He didn't look like a skeleton any more. He looked yummy. She could't resist any longer and this time there was no Avi in between them. Slowly bending forward she kissed his eyelids. Rahul woke up with a startle. "what are you doing?" But Simran was in no mood to stop. She had gotten this opportunity after a very long time and no way would she let this moment slip. She put a finger on his lips and said "shhhhhh...." Slowly she kissed his other eye and then forehead. Soft pecks on his cheeks and when she reached his lips he turned his head the other way. 'Not this time mister!' Screamed her brains.

She took his face in her hands and deliberately turned his head towards her face and smooched his lips. It was anger at first but then she slowly sucked on his upper lip ever so gently and he took her lower lips. It was as if he realised what he was missing. He slid his hands under her night shirt and slowly caressed her back. Simran was now on top of him. With a quick move she took her t-shirt off and Rahul saw her round, firm breasts in a black wired bra. Once they had been tiny now the perfect size. He could't resist now. His hand were at the straps trying to free the juicy mangoes from their black covering. She helped him remove it and there he saw her pink nipples, hard and inviting. She cupped her hands around the back of his head and pulled him closer to her chest. And he sucked her juicy nipples and bit her sweet, honey flesh. She moaned in delight. They made love passionately and this time it was not for 5 minutes. It was long and satisfying. After making love both of them slept in each other's arms not saying a word to each other but happy. They had missed each other.

The next morning when Sim woke up Rahul had made the tea and even kissed her good morning. She was surprised because he never did that at home. She was happy. All her doubts that Rahul didn't love her vanished in that moment. She felt in love all over again. She was on her last sip when the phone rang. It was Mrs. Kapoor. She told her that her dad was very ill. He was diagnosed with Hepatitis E. Suddenly as if jolted back to reality Simran remembered why she was in Delhi. Everything had been too good to be true. Her moments of happiness seemed to blow up in the air like dust. How could she forget that her dad was ill? She was so busy finding love that she forgot about the person she loved most. How could she be so SELFISH??? Tears welled up in her eyes and Rahul took the receiver from her hand. He told his mother in law not to worry and that he would soon be there. After that he made a few phone calls. He called home and enquired about Avi and told his parents that he would be going to London. He arranged for the next available flight and was soon on a plane to London with Simran. This was the second time he would be visiting her house. Simran though tensed about her dad was still happy that Rahul was sitting next to her on the plane.

Upon reaching London they went straight to the hospital to meet Mr. Kapoor. Simran couldn't bear to see her father like this. Suddenly he seemed to have aged. With IV syringes in both hands and a white stubble on his face, his eyes were yellow, like lemon yellow. Even his palms and the soles of his feet were yellow. Simran tried hard to keep back her tears. She went and sat next to him and held his cold hand. "hello papa, how are you?" Mr. Kapoor looked at her and a tear rolled down his left eye. "I am not well" he said in a frail inaudible voice. Simran wiped his tears "don't worry you will be alright" and she kissed his fore head. "look who has come with me" she pointed towards Rahul and he came up and sat beside Simran. Mr. Kapoor gave a weak smile, "now I will be alright" he said looking at Rahul.

The next few days Rahul was in charge be it talking to the doctors, getting medicine, taking care of Sim's Mom. Simran looked after the house and business. With the little knowledge she had, she tried to look after it. Ekta had her term exams and Simran didn't want to bother her with anything. Ekta was 10 years younger than Simran and totally different in nature. She was good at studies and was not interested in getting married. She wanted to complete her graduation and do her masters. She was better looking than Simran. Her beautiful face was demanding of attention. Its high cheekbones called your eyes to the statuesque bone structure underlying its gentleness. She had been graced with a look that could be that of royalty. Her thin, rose coloured lips pursed in what appeared to be mid-kiss. The slight hint of moisture on her lips made them glisten in the light, causing them to look as though they were really a reflection on the waters of a pond and not really a part of her at all. Her hair was midnight-black and it flowed over her shoulders up till her waist. She oozed confidence. A true beauty with brains. Rahul loved her a lot. She was like a little sister which he never had. Whatever Ekta demanded he made sure that she got it. Simran, though glad that her husband and sister shared a beautiful bond, would sometimes get jealous when Rahul paid more attention to Ekta.

Rahul spent 20 days in London tending to Mr. Kapoor. He had taken up full responsibility and made sure that Mr. Kapoor got well soon. The day he brought his father in law home he was a relieved man. He told Simran then that he was really scared the past few days. What if something happened to her dad? How would he have handled things? He then told Simran that now he had to go back because his business was also suffering and more over Avi was alone. He needed at least one parent with him. Simran was sad that Rahul would be leaving but she knew he had to go.

Ekta and Simran decided that before Rahul left for India they would keep a small party for him. Ekta ordered a pineapple cake and Simran set about to cook dinner and decorate the house. She went and got a nice red shirt for him as a gift. Rahul had taken Mr. Kapoor to the hospital for a follow up check and was unaware of the plans going on at home. Mrs. Kapoor made the gulab jamuns as she knew he loved them the most. When both the men came back in the evening they were surprised to see the house decorated in balloons and a big hand painted banner was up on the wall saying "Thank you Jiju". Ekta had made it for Rahul just to show how much they loved and appreciated him.

Rahul was overwhelmed. He had a big smile on his face and gave Ekta a hug. "What's this Chutki?" ( he lovingly called Ekta Chutki) " Nothing Jiju just a small surprise for you. Go freshen up and let's start the party."

"Is anyone else coming?"

"Just a few friends and family" replied Ekta.

Rahul went up to his room and saw the new red shirt on the bed. He looked over at Simran and asked " wow! Is this for me?" "Do you like it?" Asked Simran coming up to him. "It's really nice, but red?"

"Red is the colour of love. That is what I feel for you" said Simran coming closer to him and trying to give him a hug. Rahul backed up and slightly pushed her away. "Really?" he said. He took the shirt and went into the bathroom and shut the door. Simran was left standing outside with no hug or a kiss of appreciation. She was sad. But she waited with hope that maybe when he came out then he would hug her. But that never happened. He came out dressed talking on his mobile and went downstairs without even a look in her direction. Simran was depressed now. She didn't feel like dressing or going down now. But since she was the host she had to. The party was fun Simran's Mama( mother's brother) and cousins had come. They had music on and were dancing. Everyone loved the food and Rahul was enjoying talking with Mama and teasing her cousins. But not once did he acknowledge Simran or praise her.

That night when they were in bed, Simran could not hold her anger and frustration any longer. She asked Rahul

"Do you love me Rahul?"

" no" came Rahul's reply

Simran was quiet that NO really stung her heart. But her mind was just not ready to believe it.

" who do you love then?" She asked again.

"No one." Came the reply.

Now Simran was irritated. " Come on Rahul! What's your problem why can't you give a proper reply to a simple question?" She said, clearly irritated.

"Your question is dumb, so that's the answer you get. These things are meant to be understood. Why do I have to say it every day" he said with irritation.

"But if you say I love you once in a while will that hurt your ego?" said Simran.

" I don't have time for such bullshit!Don't bother me I have a flight to catch tomorrow. Let me sleep!" With these words he turned his back towards her and went to sleep. Simran was heartbroken. Tears rolled down, stinging her cheeks and she cried silently to sleep. The next morning Rahul left for India without giving a goodbye kiss.

A few days later the door bell rang and when she opened the door there stood in front of her a handsome man in his 40s. Tall and well-built with a perfect nose, a model's cheek bones, prominent chin, dark eyes and freshly coifed dark brown hair, he looked like a movie star. It was Ali. There was a sudden flutter in her stomach. The sort that you feel when you meet your crush. Ali was Simran's Mama's friend and was a regular guest at the Kapoor's household. 20 years ago Ali was new in London and the Kapoor's were the first family who had befriended him. Ali loved the food Mrs.Kapoor cooked and regularly came over to have dinner or lunch. Simran was in high school then and Ekta a toddler. Simran loved it when Ali came over. They would play the piano and carrom board together. She secretly had a huge crush on him. There was a time when her parents were looking for a boy for her, she wanted to say that why not consider Ali. But she knew that her parents would never agree to it and then Ali's coming home would be stopped. She didn't want to spoil Ali's relationship with her parents and Mama just because she loved him. So she never brought up the topic nor told anyone about how much she adored Ali. Now seeing him after so many years she felt like a teenager again. "Oh my God Sim!!! It's you!" cried out Ali in surprise and gave her a bear hug and peck on her cheek. Simran's cheeks flushed and she felt a sudden rush of adrenaline as she hugged him back. "Yes it's me" she said. Ali put an arm around her shoulders and entered inside.

"How is jijaji? I heard he was not well"

"He is much better now". They came and sat in the living room and Simran called her mom and Ekta. "Look who is here?" Mrs. Kapoor and Ekta came out and the house was filled with joy and laughter and old stories. Simran was happy as old memories came back and she was like a shy teenager again. Ali always made her blush and still after so many years he had the same effect on her. After dinner Simran was getting the guest room ready for Ali as her dad wanted that Ali spend the night at their place that night. She was smoothening out the bed sheet when Ali entered and partially closed the door. He came up and sat on the edge of the bed. " Are you happy Sim?" The question puzzled Sim but she sat down and just gave a sad smile and nodded. "How is Rahul?" he asked.

" He is good." she replied quietly. " Does he treat you well?"

She nodded. She could sense a longing in his eyes. It was as if he longed for her too and was heart broken that he couldn't have her. He used to have the same look back then too. Sometimes she thought that not only she but he too had a crush on her.

"Simran!!" Mrs. Kapoor shouted from below and jolted both of them back to reality. For a moment there they had gone back in the past.

"Yes!" She called back. "Coming!" She hurriedly went out the door to ask her mother what she wanted. After 5 minutes she knocked back on Ali's door. He was dressed for the night in a grey T shirt and black track pants. He looked amazingly handsome. Not a bit more than 25. She was a bit embarrassed at her own figure. He being older was so well maintained and she had put on weight in the past 10 years. " Would you like to walk down to the chemists with me? I need to get papa's medicine. Mummy told me to take you along."

"Sure" was the reply and both went walking down the road. It was a chilly night. The crisp breeze made goosebumps on the skin. They walked along in silence. It was an awkward sort of silence. Both had a lot to say to each other but something was stopping them.

"How old is your son Sim?" asked Ali breaking the awkward silence.

"He is 10 now, very naughty" replied Simran.

"What happened to you? Don't you take care of yourself? You used to be so fit." Simran started laughing " I know, I have gained weight."

"What is your routine like in India?" he enquired.

" I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, switch on the geyser and start preparing for breakfast and Avi's tiffin."

"Don't you have servants or a cook?"

"No, I do everything myself. Finding help is really tough. No one is ready to work in homes. The poor people would rather work in fields than wash and clean someone's dishes. They find it demeaning."

"Man!! I can't believe it, you of all the people! But I am really proud of you. You make your papa proud."

"Where did you go away? I never heard of you after I got engaged. You seemed to break all ties."

"I got a job in Canada, but I kept in touch with your Papa through email. I didn't have your email or number and I didn't feel it right to ask your dad. I missed you a lot. Sometimes I really wanted to talk to you but then I thought maybe your husband would mind my talking to you so I avoided it." Having said this there was a silence between them again. They reached the chemist's shop and bought the medicine. Ali didn't let Simran pay though she insisted. On their way back Simran wanted to know more about what Ali had been up to. She asked him if he was married. He told her that he had married but got divorced. According to him the marriage didn't CLICK! Simran teased him on his CLICK. She laughed at this expression and asked him if he had a girlfriend. To that Ali said " I am looking for one but can't seem to find anyone like you." Simran blushed at this and her cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson. "What is your Rahul like?"

"Rahul, frankly speaking i am still trying to figure out what he is like." Ali gave a quizzical look.

" I mean sometimes he is really sweet, he looks after his parents and my parents well. He is overprotective of Avi, never refuses to buy me anything. Whatever I ask for he makes sure that I get. But he has a very bad temper. When he is angry he breaks things. He doesn't like to talk much with me. So I am always confused. I don't know when he is in a good mood and when he is in a bad mood. If I say go right he will definitely go left. He is a puzzle which I am still trying to solve."

"Hmmmm, so I suggest that if you want to go left tell him to go right. I bet you he will go left then" and both burst out laughing.

That night when Simran lay in her bed and went over the proceedings of the day she realised that she felt really happy today. She had been smiling since the time Ali had come. She laughed whole heartedly after ages. She started comparing Rahul and Ali. The thought crossed her mind what if she had married Ali. Her life would have been really different. She wouldn't be washing dishes and sweeping floors, the way she did at Rahul's house. And he would have loved her a lot. Unlike Rahul who never gave a her a kiss or a hug. She had to ask for them always and most of the time never got them. She fell asleep with these thoughts and dreamt that she was climbing up a green hill with a back drop of snow capped mountains. On top of that hill was a wooden hut. She needed to reach that hut. She was panting and out of breath and was trying to walk up the steep hill. She was about to reach the top but just couldn't reach up. She tried with all her might but was just not able to get up on the hill. Suddenly a hand appeared and pulled her up. It was Ali. She reached the top of the hill with Ali's help and fell into his arms. Her head resting on his chest and she was wheezing. He rubbed her back so that she could breath normally and held on tightly to her. She looked up into the darkness of his eyes and they kissed. It was a deep slow kiss. Savouring The sweetness of each other. Simran woke up with a startle. What the hell was this? How could I dream of kissing another man other than my husband? A cloud of guilt lurked over Simran. She felt ashamed of her lustful dream. While in the shower when she closed her eyes the scene of her kiss with Ali returned. A shiver ran through her body. She shook her head and thought no more thinking of Ali. This is wrong!

Ali left after breakfast but he did take Simran's number and promised to stay in contact from then on.