Marriage For Convenience (completed)

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

“Why don’t you just sleep on the bed and I’ll take the couch?” I asked as I saw her again half on the bed, half on the floor, little drool emitting from her pink mouth showcasing her deep slumber as she was draped in the thick comforter I arranged for her yesterday.

How I got it?

Don’t even ask

It took a lot of convincing and a little factual detailing to my mom that Pari cannot sleep in conditioning.

“Then switch off the conditioning,” my granny advised

My mom on the other hand put her pointer on her cheek thoughtfully “Why does she feel cold when you sleeping with her?”

There is thin line between innocence and being crazy

While my gran ma coughed at the comment, Pari spit the drink from her mouth letting the cup and saucer tumble on the carpeted floor.

“Give them the comforter” my gran ma dismissed while Pari busied herself cleaning the stuff.

We however or specifically Pari was granted with the much needed comforter to keep her warm but still since the split was right on top of the couch and she was prone to hot weather, she couldn’t sleep.

I tried to switch off the conditioning but didn’t help 

I was a bit too addicted to the artificial gadgets

And Pari did not want to bother me in my own house, she being intruder.

These wereherexact words.

And in the closed rooms I love to keep my balls intact.

She notes down every penny spent on her including daily meals and the admission fees and tuition fees of her studies too.

It’s bugging sometimes but I think I’ll manage some day like I managed convincing her for the car and chauffer.

She still gets scared when I wake her up even though it’s been a week she’d been here

Or she tries to get up before me.

I wonder how long it is going to take her to come and share the bed with me

*Coughscoughs* that came out wrong

I mean she has to trust me and relax, neither couch nor half bed or floor would help her start fresh in the morning.

“Pari” Sia was knocking the door loudly and Pari jumped from the half lying position scared, her eyes wandering left to right and right to left as if seen a nightmare.

“Its okay I am here, I am here” I murmured softy as I bent to reach her caressing her only visible head.

She pushed my hand away a little too harshly trying to abuse me “That’s what I fear the most.” She spat stretching straight stiff like a board like she wasn’t sleeping moments ago

Talk about trusting me.

My inner too gave a worried expression, as she was actually sore of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

How do I know?

The way she tries to stretch her arms and limps and the pained expression.

I do notice guys. 

Shoot me! She looks $exy too.

Bloody hormones!

“Sorry I am late.” Pari apologized as soon as she opened the door.

“No Pari I am a bit early” Sia had an unusual grim expression, her eyes tired of probably too much studying and her dark hair disheveled of too much inserting the pen in her hair while thinking.

She bit her lip a little uneasy of what she was about to say “Actually I have my Weekly tests today and I am stuck with this mathematic problem.” She paused trying to asses Pari’s face if she was disturbed.

Someone tell her that there is nothing that happens in this room that can be disturbed

My inner made a sorry face stroking my face in pity but I kicked him away

 “You; I mean are a science student” Sia added adjusting her glasses again.

‘I can try to help. Come in.” Pari offered easily.

“Are you umm.. sure?” Sia was hesitant “We can do it in my room.”

“Why” Pari nodded her head not taking any clues of her hesitation.

God bless her innocence or negligence,

 Dumb dame!

“Pari I think you two would be comfortable in the study.” I gave her the glare eying the pillow that was left on the couch; evidence that we weren’t sharing beds.

“Give me five minutes I’ll join you at the study” she politely sent her making her way to the rest rooms.

“Thanks” I said honestly.

“For what?” she scrunched her eyebrows.

“For helping Sia,” I said casually pushing my hands in my pockets.

“That’s a turn of events” she made a duh face “I expected something in line of keep away from my family, don’t get attached blah… blah…”

“Its only tuitions right?’ I asked wondering what the big deal it was.

“Yeah its only tuitions” she said nonchalantly as she walked away ignoring me astutely.

‘God could we even able to breathe without disagreeing with each other?’ I thought to myself.

My inner plopped his lower lip blaming me for everything.

``````````

“Sia all the best” my mom hugged her kissing her forehead.

“Thanks Ma” Sia said closing her eyes taking in the warmth of her love.

“Have this curd and sugar, it an omen for good luck” my mom slid the spoon full of curd in her mouth making me gag.

She used to do it when I was young leaving for my tests and I used to hate the taste.

“Love you Ma” I could feel the truth in Sia’s words, her eyes glistening with unshed tears and to change the gloominess she added, “Pari had been a great teacher. I think I feel confident now.

 A smile erupted Pari’s face and it was then I realized she too had been trying to hold back her tears “I will tutor you for your classes and for your tests so don’t worry and do well.”

“Thanks Pari” Sia gave a quick peck to her before leaving for her tests.

I tried to look into her face to read what was upsetting Pari so much but my granny beat me to it.

‘Missing her mom” my granny whispered pressing my hands softly.

I simply nodded in acceptance.

`````````

“I think I can take up the profession of proficient photographer” Pari boasted as I stood awkward my legs crossed and face aghast with no show of emotions.

Dang I was covered with foam.

“PARI” I yelled “OUT”

“I thought you love to show off” she eyed me top to bottom.

Don’t worry I had my assets covered, my sanity is safe.

She gave a distasteful lift of her lips making an ugly face ‘You’re so obsessed with that” she waved her hands at my top to bottom body “which I am so not interested.”

“SO” I was about to lift my hands to my hips but they were already occupied hiding my secrets

Yes I was bathing in MY washroom

Keep drooling now

“So” she simply shrugged “I am putting this on the sss with title “after Kim kiadarshan and Miley Cyrus it is The Raj aka Raichand Malhotra upcoming young business tycoon from India keen on his display of bold attitudes as he posts his nude pics on both sss and nstagram”

“You are so not gonna do that.” I gave a barking warning to her.

“Ooh” her mouth forming an ‘o’ as he eyes widened her eyes “I am so scared. But you know fear is always followed by victory.”

She walked out with that evil sinister looks in her eyes.

And what do you think I did?

Nay I did not have time for washoff

I f##king followed her and yes I was still undressed.

“Pari you are” I shouted 

“AAARRRRRRWWWWW” she shrieked closing her eyes “s**t you are indeed shameless”

“Pari look at me” I said softly reaching close enough to speak on her ears, I am sure my breath fanning her neck.

She stepped back “Please go and wash first” she pleaded her eyes close shut and hand still holding the data cable connected to my laptop that was always connected to both my sss and nstagram account.

“PARI I said look at me” I was loud and annoyed by now.

Slowly she lifted her hands away from her face and opened her eyes making sure to look at my face only.

I snatched the phone from her hands.

“Look” I ordered in my tone that I use with my employees and they always comply 

She shivered before putting her gaze on the screen on the phone that had my nude pic.

I widened the screen zooming my picture

I did see her swallowing a lump in her throat “RR.. Raj” she said her breaths hitched “I…. I was not going to..” she stammered.

“Look at the screen” I slapped the screen on her face and she complied widening the screen at the perfect V of my waist.

She licked her lips not wanting to see but the no nonsense look in my eyes made her follow my instructions.

She released a breath that she was holding as her eyes focused at the right spot “See I was wearing a nude colored undie, there was no need of egregious reaction.

“I .. I actually am not comfortable stumbling into men bathing. Why?” she paused feeling humiliated all of a sudden

My inner ready like a professor with glasses on the rim of his nose to spank me with a cane stick for my obscene behavior.

I hung my head low, guilty that I was.

Without other word I excluded myself for the washroom returning only after I was dressed and ready to leave only to be disappointed to see all my wardrobe stuffed in a small cupboard because I had to share one with her.

Damn why didn’t she bring her own cupboard like she brought her attitude.

“Why don’t you lock the washroom?” Pari asked all of a sudden when I was about to leave the room for breakfast.

‘Because it gives me the satisfaction of still being in control”, my temper getting over my words “I want to enjoy independence, the feeling that I own my room, my washroom even though I have to share every single thing with You” irritated that I was, the last line came a little harsher than expected.

But I needed space, I was feeling choked all of a sudden.

She stood still without any reaction

I could say because I did not hear any reaction from her

‘Or rather you walked away’ my inner argued angrily.

I shoved my middle finger on his face marching towards the dining table.

I was still eating even though I was angry enough to starve for months

Because Indian moms get all ballistic when their children leave the house without eating.

They behave as if they are possessed and would do anything to make sure that you are fed well before you leave the house.

And honestly I was in no mood of any such drama.

‘No aroma of food is much tempting.” My inner argued.

Gifting him with the silent treatment I seated myself at the dining table.

Now who wants the growl of a hungry stomach in the mid of business meeting.

Stupid that he is; my inner lifted the fork and spoon in the air performing the hooray dance in celebration.

“Gran ma you cannot eat this, I have made porridge for you.” My peaceful breakfast was disturbed by the same annoying voice.

“Pari you not cook for everybody” my mom intervened “You too have to study”

I looked up from the French toast and strawberry milk shake that I was drinking to look at Pari.

Don’t judge 

I am a man

And like every other male gender good food lifts my spirits. The food was delicious enough to cool my sour mood.

“Nay aunt…” Pari was stopped by coughing of my mom 

“Ahmmm” my mom just glared at her, not angrily but a soft warning.

I was amused at their wordless exchanges.

“M..mom” she stopped and looked at mom

“Mom’s better” my mom said appreciatively

So much an attempt to avoid bonding! 

 “I am fine and I am used to cooking before going to college.” Pari cheerfully stated, “So I am glad that I could help.” She said helping me with another toast avoiding eye contact with me.

She is mad at me.

‘Genius’ my inner complimented.[note the sarcasm]

“Can I try some toast?” my granny stretched to pick one.

But Pari chucked the plate away form her instantly “No gran ma you have to be careful, remember the stroke you had its because of your improper eating.”

“I was waiting that my angel, my Pari would come and pamper me with delicious food” my granny in her melodramatic best, “But you are like a strict teacher.” She pouted angrily.

“Gran ma please” Pari’s face crumpled like office flowers in the evening

She definitely can’t have people hating her.

“We cannot afford another stroke. We all know too well that you ate all the spicy and salty stuff at the wedding and that lead to stroke. Please” she almost begged

“The other day you hospital,” my mom intervened “That also you ate too much salt in your food hiding from me.”

That was the cue.

“Gran ma” I shouted, my eyes raging “You tricked me. You said it was because you wanted me married”

Like a mouse located by cat, my granny tried to hide behind the tiny bite of porridge that she was so unpleasantly eating.

As if she’d disappear behind that bowl and spoon of hers “So that stroke wasn’t related to my wedding?” I wanted confirmation.

“Aashi” my granny glared at my mom angrily as if it would erase the damage.

Pari was eying between my granny who paled as if she’d seen a ghost, my mom who was simply curios expression on her face ignorant of what her innocence had goofed up now and me like a raging dragon spitting fire from my mouth.

I threw the napkin on the table, leaving the glass of juice untouched and few slice of toast uneaten on the table.

My inner like a malnutrition child was moistening his lips with his tongue looking at the piece of toast hungrily silently begging me to eat…

But as usual like my self, I ignore and marched away….

‘Don’t get grumpy when you are hungry’ my inner warned following like a child trying to convince his parent to buy a toy instead he was convincing me for that piece of toast.

Greedy huh! I titled him

Impetuous! He returned my titling. i***t! 

“Raj” Pari followed me to my car.

“Yes” I asked irritably.

She looked at her feet curling her toes then at me. “Umm..” she tried to phrase some sentence “Can you drop me?” she asked scared.

I raised an eyebrow 

Pari asking for help. That’s new.

“The ch.. ..Chauffer he’s ..” she shrugged obviously not sure what to say “He’s busy so do you mind dropping me?” She looked at me expectantly.

I huffed looked at my watch “Five minutes. You have to be down in five.”

Like the sunflower shining like a morning glory, her face lit up and she smiled “Sure” and she rushed to the room.

I took my own time walking to the car, enjoying the wooden interior of my sedan waiting for her 

My inner patted me on my shoulders and made me look outside the window where she was walking towards the car in record time, her sling still hanging on her wrists as she worked on the stray curls of her hair trying to pin them in haste.

‘Raj is impressed, Raj is impressed’ my inner danced menacingly and I closed my fists tight fighting the urge to throw him under the wheels of my racing car

“Whoa are you really a girl?” I asked shocked.

“What?” she looked at me with a horrified expression.

I mentally slapped myself and the maniac my look alike rejoiced. i***t! 

“You are here in record time” I looked at my watch 2 minutes and 45 seconds, “You didn’t even take 5 minutes to get ready?” I gave my explanation

“Stereotype” she murmured and started clipping her seatbelt as I swished off my BMW only trying to burn off my rage as the fuel of my car burns.

“Raj can we be a li’l slow please” her voice soft and soothing with no trace of mocking or sarcasm.

“Why are you here?’ I asked ignoring her plea for slowing down.  “Had enough of your self-respect o…” I trailed on my thoughts clipping the words not supposed to be said.

“You were so angry and you left driving..” she paused trailing her words “I thought a company may be” she paused again “could calm you down”

“Damn” I banged on the steering bringing the car to an abrupt halt “Am I a kid or would I forget to drive if I am angry. More than that why do you care?”

She flinched at my reaction.

“Right I shouldn’t care.” She choked on her words hastily stepping out of the car and started walking.

“s**t” I banged the steering again parking the car to the left letting the emergency parking indicators blinking and followed after her.

“Pari wait.” Like a pet puppy I followed after her.

 Look what marriage stoops you to. Even though it is only for convenience.

Suits you my inner mouthed and I as usual tried to let him talk to my Ass

“Pari come sit in the car.” I commanded once I reached her.

“Am I a kid who cannot reach her college or why do you care?” she repeated my words from earlier.

“Look I am sorry” I looked around as we had audience that we had attracted.

Who wouldn’t enjoy newly wed couple arguing in the streets?

Well they know we are newly weds because of the red and white bangles that a bride is supposed to wear even after months of wedding.

 “Can we talk in the car? “ I begged the last word “please.”

Letting out a frustrated and helpless sigh she walked ahead of me sitting in the car and shutting the door close a bit harshly

‘My baby’ my inner cried caressing the hood of the white sedan and I pouted tracing my palms on his head adoringly.

Well Pari too wasn’t indifferent she too apologized mentally for her harshness towards my biiiiggggg car.

“I am sorry but I do care. And here” she removed a parcel of French toast packed in a foil paper for me “hunger makes you more angry” she extended towards me.

“Thanks” I smiled as I munched the tasty toast

Don’t stare I was starving!

She smiled looking at me and when she found out I was looking at her she turned  stiff and avoided looking at me. She turned to her old self-instructing, “Now do me a favor and drive. But remember this is only a car, not an airplane that should fly.”

I almost chuckled at her words but still continued driving, a small part of me glad that she cares….