His Pretended Fiancee`(spin off of Marriage For Convenience)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

"What are you doing here Dr. Sandeep" dad asked in his professional tone.

Bless him to be so practical in life.

Too bad when his services were needed the most, he wasn't available.

"I thought you'd be leaving for China today with Sia" he stressed the name Sia. He was excited about it.

Hell he was excited!

My association with Sia meant our association with Malhotras and Malhotras were one of the leading and fast progressing hospitals of the city.

Indeed good for his reputation.

Another feather in his effbee profile status.

"I have come here to bid my farewell and hand over my responsibilities."

"Responsibilities?' he lifted his head and squinted his eyes narrowing through his reading glasses as he was engrossed in file of one of his patients.

"Responsibility and me do not stand in same page for you." I couldn't help the snide remark.

I do not now why I cannot control myself while I am here in hospital.

This place gets the worst in me out.

Rather it wouldn't be wrong that I am the worst human being on the planet.

Dad is actually right when he is shocked at the use of term responsibility.

He didn't respond but the grim expression on his face disclosed the inevitable hurt.

Nevertheless he continued his concentration on the file.

"I have to leave" I bite back the apology that was stuck in my mouth.

Apologizing meant I had forgiven him, forgiven myself, which is not possible in this lifetime.

I am bound to live this life scarred and I abide to the destiny.

"Have a nice flight and take care." The smile was back in his face like last few minutes of conversation did not happen at all between us "and Sia too" he winked "she is a nice girl." And the hyperactive bubbly social media addict that he was he added "she likes all my updates and tags all my pictures. She is a nice girl."

"Yes Dad" I stress on dad very well remembering that he had his professional boots on some time ago when he acknowledged me as Dr. Sandeep instead of son.

''''''''''

"No it is not possible' I heard some whispers form the janitor.

"But he is a big shot from Arab country" the other voice was almost pleading, "he will fill your pockets with lot of money"

"Money? Ssshhh.." the other voice said "be quiet and give me some time. And meet me somewhere else. This is not the right time and place."

But.."

"Ssshh.." the voices were muffled

I quickly barged inside wishing to catch the people red handed. The conversation sounded a little suspicious.

But I found the room empty.

I looked around still not sure if the voices were figment of my imagination.

I looked around and found dirty linens, towels, some washing liquid and disinfectants.

Yup

Totally normal stuff

Nothing suspicious.

I was about to leave when I heard another commotion.

I walked towards the voice and then slowly went behind the huge pile of laundry ready to be washed and found Ravi in a crouching position.

Though his back was to me but the stink of his handmade oil and the white coat, his side parted hairstyle.

I knew it was him.

"I know you are not alone" I barked.

He stood scared almost slipping me me.. "oh Sandy sir" he took a sigh of relief, his eyes suggested otherwise.

"What are you doing here?' I asked in an authoritative boss-like tone.

No matter I had not been coming to hospital very often earlier but still I was the son of the owner of the hospital so the staff was actually scared of me.

Guiltily he lifted his mobile "sorry Sandy sir, had late night shift and then Dilip from morning duty also did not turn up. Serving whole night and day I was tired so I thought to take a break, I was watching a Tamil film, it very nice action, romance and lot of drama." His mobile screen that displayed the hero displaying his supernormous power of killing ten gangsters in one blow and then flying in the air as if he was a freaking superman He lifted his phone to show it to me

"You are watching a Tamil dubbed film. Really?" I asked shocked.

"Well they can be easily downloaded." He defended himself.

I let him alone and left for the airport.

"Dr Sandeep" purred kitkat, one of the nurses "where had you been.? I missed you."

Oh did she miss the part where I was engaged?

"Really I am now a phone call that you can miss?' I mocked.

"Really that was one hell of a lame pj" this was infamous Sia who couldn't wait for me till I reach the airport.

Yes she was that excited.

To run away from her family. Her words not mine.

Well I wouldn't lie and say that this trip did not bother me at all.

I was taken aback when Pari suggested for me and Sia to travel alone to China.

And if I was reading well Sia too stiffened besides me and when her eyes angled towards Pari she put her trademark mask on "wow! You are the best Pari" she sent a flying kiss in her direction.

Had I looked in her direction I am sure her lower lid would have been shrinking and retracting which isn't visible for a normal man, but somehow I happen to notice.

Probably it is because we share chemistry, an incongruous bond. Bond formed to due to unanimity of having an irrcorrigible past that we both like to keep buried in our hearts till we die.

Sia was happily dancing jumping up and down in her own place "it would be so much fun. We'll pick an apartment. I have heard they are better than hotel rooms. We can have our projector room, not to forget sight seeing. I have even heard of this wonderful night club and..." her continuous rambling was broken by none other than the mighty Raj "hold on hold on" he shouted "what are you implying Pari?" he shouted "Sia and Sandeep on a tour alone?"

"It is a business trip Raj" Pari stated, her eyes not leaving the two of us trying to gauge how much excited we two were, Sia however doing an excellent job with the regards.

"Don't you get it, they'll be traveling alone and they are engaged for heaven's sake?" he almost scratched his own hair at the idiocy.

Well he looked more like one!

"Exactly they are engaged, they need to spend time with each other, know each other and find out whether they are compatible with each other, probably fall in love with each other." Pari explained calmly.

Fall in love' her words echoed in my head but were soon flickered into tiny pieces when Raj objected like the opposition party of India objecting ruling governments policy of GST.

Well Raj's response was a primitive grim one 

But Pink moma, Sia's mom interjected dreamily "You mean levis jeans"

"Levi's jeans?" well this was a chorus question asked by everyone at the table.

Even though I did not ask but still being human, curiosity was part of me.

"She means 'live in relationship" gran ma patted on her head at the antics of mom's English "you can really make your own thesaurus of mutilating English. I'd probably get you a Grammy too for the same."

"Yes yes see even gran ma is against them traveling alone." Raj said excitedly as if he earned a full Bingo.

"Did you fall somewhere in the morning?" gran ma asked Raj out of blue.

We all mirrored confused expression.

"No gran ma? Why do you ask?" Raj was extremely polite unlike his conversation with me

"Then why are you behaving and talking as if you brain has received a hammerage?" gran ma mocked yet her face serious.

I would give that to her.

"Gran ma. I .. I meant" Raj tried to say something but was immediately cut off by gran ma "I was showing disappointment at your mom's English. Never once did I opinioned my opposition towards their traveling together."

"But gran ma they are only engaged." Raj argued Gran ma immediately cut him " so? They are engaged and they are two matured adults who know what they are doing. I think I trust my daughter. You should have faith in your sister too."

"So I'll arrange for the tickets and get your visas and everything done." Sia's dad stated rather announced with a tone of finality.

Well wasn't my opinion required?

My consent?

My approval?

No 

A reminder this is Malhotra family.

All the decisions are based on drama drama and melodrama

Too bad I did not consider this part of deal when I agreed to this pretended relationship.

But if it brings along holiday, touring a foreign country and most importantly annoying Raj; I am game for it 

"Please get me a chinese doll, ones that are fair with needle straight hair and a long frilly pink dress " Pink moma like a little girl asked "I want Pari and Raj's little girls to play with them.

"You guys are crazy" Raj intervened still fighting to evade us aka Sia and me from traveling together

But Pari beat him to it immediately "Raj didn't you hear mom is asking them to get Chinese dolls for..." She wriggled her eyebrows.

A tiny smile accompanied with a blush surpassed Raj's face and his eyes immediately switched toward Mr. Malhotra who was busy again probably making calls regarding our bookings and confirmations.

Like a lost puppy, ignoring everybody else's presence, he followed after Pari

Men will be men

Shrugging Sia nodded her head 'China here we come" she mimicked a plane with her hand sand flew it imaginarily in the air.

"You know technically I should be uncomfortable about the tour. But why does it look like that you haven't defecated since a decade?" Sia asked making me cough.

"Did you mean constipation?" I asked 

"Wow Mr. genius" she plopped a cherry from the chocolate cheese cake into her mouth. "relax baby I am not going to cold blooded murder you alone in China" she patted on my head.

"Thanks for assurance" I laughed lightly after wiping the sweat off my forehead.

"Are you actually worried about traveling with me alone?" Sia asked once we were alone bidding goodbye or farewell kiss according to her mom.

"No." I replied shocked "why do you ask?"

Where did this come from? 

Fiddling with her fingers, I saw her nervous or indecisive for the first time "I mean you know about the incident of me attacking my therapist."

I laughed a throaty laugh and I did notice her observe my Adam's apple at that.

Glad that I do have some attraction for her I said "well I am sure you'd attack me one day but that would involve throwing off each others clothes, kisses, spanking, loud moans, groans" the seductive tone of my voice was shunned by a painful groan for I did not notice that she'd worn sharp pointed heels and was in a comfortable position to kick the soft leather of my formal black shoes "ooohh " I was seething in pain.

"Well I wouldn't think twice before attacking you if you continue your thoughts like this and trust me it would only lead to fatality and not some orgasms"

Why do I forget that this girl has quick reflexes?

Can I take the back door?

However you can applaud on my bravery 

I am still traveling with her alone.

'''''''''''''''

"Oh no! I cannot fly. I am feeling sick, I need out" This was neither Sia nor me instead a 10 year old boy who clung tightly to one of the hostess. "Please open the doors. Please " he begged "Mom mommmm he rushed towards the door" the stewardess trailing behind her.

"Its okay. You'll meet your dad soon. The doors are locked. They cannot be opened now" she tried to convince him "why don't I get you a glass of juice with handful of chocolates so that you do not feel sick?" she asked politely.

But the child was beyond understanding "No you are lying. Mom told me if I wasn't sure I can get down from the plane but you are keeping me trapped."

"Your dad misses you. He is waiting for you in China. Don't you want to meet him."

"No" the boy cried, "I hate him. I hate you. I hate the pilot. I hate everybody."

Sia abruptly stood form her place ignoring the other stewardess who was asking her to be seated with her seatbelts she reached to the little boy and bent besides him "hi I am Sia, your name?"

But the boy stood silent ignoring her, his tantrum and insisting to leave the plane forgotten for he was not comfortable with attention, I guess.

After silence of couple of minutes the guy started again "let me out"

"you know even I hated to fly and on my first air travel, I was even louder than you. I freaked out" and then she leaned closer to his ears "I actually pulledthe stewardess's hair out of her bun making them fall all over because she was not letting me out."

I could totally visualize the well groomed stewardess given tough time and her well made hair all over the place.

Sia can definitely do that.

Keeping the smile intact I observed how Sia managed the little kid.

The guy was now paying little attention 'and when she forced me to drink water I actually vomited it on a bald man who was sitting across me."

She went silent waiting for a response

And it did come.

"Then did she let you out?" the boy asked.

Sia sighed 'No she didn't. Nobody can. Once the airplane is in moving position we cannot be moved out. It may be dangerous, people might die"

"Just like my mother" the boy asked curiously "my mother is dying" he admitting before sobbing into her arms.

Sia hugged him back and let him cry, "she'll be fine."

"No she won't. Doctor said there are no chnaces therefore we are going at dad's. She cannot take care of us. She is that unwell.

"In that case I would say she is a happy mother to have a lovely and brave child like you."

"I am brave?" the child asked more to himself 

"Yes you have to strong and brave for both mom and yourself. She will always be there for you even if she is dead" though glassy eyed Sia composed herself before taking the kid to his seat and buckling him up.

"You are a nice girl" the boy complimented once Sia retreated back to her place

And I seconded him totally.

Only if I knew she is fidgety and restless whenever she is sleeping in the flight. She keeps on taking turns and still sleeps like a dead rat soundly unaffected by all the safety or other announcements.

I was okay with all that but the worst came when she denied the stewardess with our supply of food.

It's still fine. I respect her decision if she doesn't want to eat while flying and it makes her nauseous but the very fact that she denied the steward to serve me too was beyond my patience 

"oh he doesn't want me to be disturbed while I am sleeping. So no refreshments and meals for him too." She smiled sweetly at the shocked steward 

"Your wish ma'am" the steward shrugged throwing a pity face at my direction

Please tell him that pity face is not going to stop growling of my stomach.

She might look like an angel when smiled at the little boy and wished him luck but she was a devil dressed in red sleeveless stop and blue denims for me. I can even buy her horns to complete the looks, an inevitable barbaric laughter to fill in the back ground too.

I am not being dramatic!!!

I am missing my free food while in flight.

You should feel for me guys.

"You are really acting like a girl on her periods" Sia mocked as she followed after me as I ignored pulling the cart of both our luggage along.

Yes I am a thorough gentleman. Although I am terrified at the fact the girl following behind is nothing less than a witch I am still carrying her luggage.

"Why are you so grumpy?" she asked as if last few hours in the plane were lost in her memories.

I ignored her.

"Come on I was sleepy, a girl needs her beauty sleep" wow! That was her defense

I ignored.

"See we are her for a week we cannot fight like kids for a week

I ignored

Don't be angry" she pulled her cutest puppy dog face, "I apologize"

I found my resolve of ignorance slipping, her apology without uttering the golden word 'sorry' adorable so I initially answered "I am only starving. So can you please hurry so we can reach our hotel and I can feed myself with some food."

"So if you get some food you'll stop acting like a retired sixty year old who is no longer getting his pen...?" Sia mocked.

When I glared at her choice of words she immediately corrected "I meant pension. What were you thinking?" she wriggled her eyebrows, a naughty smile playing on her lips

But I did not ignore her instead smiled when she handed me a loaded cheeseburger.

Nibbling no biting the big bites of burger as I that was only portion of oxygen left on earth 

"Hold on tiger, I too did not eat in the flight." She laughed slightly.

"I thought beauty sleep is enough an appetite for a beautiful lady" I replied chugging on to the remaining lettuce that was stuck in the wrapper of burger

Don't judge I was starving!

'''''''

"You can check with the machine. It is ready to be shipped. The papers are also ready," said the Chinese manager whose name is quite difficult to pronounce, I'd rather put some marbles in my mouth and then be able to spell Zyen Un Len Si properly.

Sia however doesn't mind.

With her causal attitude she continues to chew her gum and very informally shake hands with Zyen "no problem buddy. Thanks" and then winks at him.

Blushing the Chinese guy looks at me wondering if he'd got the right information that the two of us were engaged.

"I'd however advice you to wait for couple of days as we are expecting the delivery of latest and innovative machinery that would not only serve as monitoring the statistics of the patient but also has modernized technique of laser operations. We do not mind upgrading you with the latest machinery for minimal exchange fees only if you are interested." The guy offered.

I looked at Sia for her insight in the matter but she shrugged saying "You are doc. You have the know how, you decide." She started turning pages of the manual of the new suggested machine scrunching her eyebrows while reading like it was a foreign language that she couldn't get a bit.

"How different is the operational use of this machine from the former one?" I asked him.

"Well it is quiet different actually. I can give you the user manual in advance if you want to get the know how before you decide. On second note, we'll be using this machine day after to treat one the patients in our affiliated hospital, you are a pediatric right?" he asked and I nodded in approval.

"You can join in the operating surgeon in the theatre and actually be a part of surgery. You'll get the exact demo of how the machine works. If you confirm I'll communicate with the officials and the operating doctor right away." The Chinese guy suggested.

"Well that won't be essential " I denied immediately "I don't think that will be comfortable for me. I prefer reading the manual and then I'll take to the Malhotras the actual customers you are dealing with." To make the conversation more friendly I added "I do like the machine and I would also consider buying it for my own hospital 'khuranas"

Taking this as an opportunity for further sales the Zyen guy notched up his salesman skill and said, "in that case I insist you to be a part of the surgery. The doctor would indeed be obliged to have a qualified pediatrician like you alongside the major surgery and the girl is 14 only so it would be a bless." He was kind of forcing me.

"Listen bud" I said a little loudly but loud enough for Sia to look up and join in the conversation.

She stood besides me paying full attention to the conversation "I told you I am not entering that operation theatre."

"But why?" Sia piped in "I do not know much about your profession but what I read in that manual most of the things are new and they are also planning a seminar and doctors conference to introduce and train doctors regarding the same. I think you should go for it." Sia was also pushing it by now.

"Who are you to think? How can you decide for me? It is up to me to decide. And I have decided. I do not want to be a part of the operation" I quickly barged out of the room not even waiting to find out what I had dropped on the floor with a thud voice while sprinting out of the place.

I quickly seated myself in the cab rented for us by the company and sat waiting for Sia to arrive.

Probably she wouldn't come.

She'd witnessed the worst side of me; she might be by far planning to run back to India.

Hell she might have called up Mr. Mlahotra asking for a quick return ticket.

To my surprise though she returned moments later and seated herself comfortably besides me.

Instructing the driver to our hostel she extended her phone towards me "play" she ordered making me look at the screen of the phone with app of candycrush opened for me to play.

Happy that she did not indulge into the reason of my behavior I took the phone from her and started playing the game.

"No don't play that level please" she shouted all of a sudden "I am yet to play this level and I want to clear it first" she acted like a kid "please please please" she begged making me smile; the huge chunk of ice was broken.

Walking into the duplex apartment of our rented hotel she quickly opened the refrigerator and threw bottled water at me.

She took another bottle from the fridge and started her search operation digging into her huge travel bag.

After spending almost ten minutes in her overloaded bag and by overloading I mean fully stuffed with her bare essentials, okay I leave the tampon part aside but other than that sanitizer, hand towel, wet tissue, sos medicines, a small dairy, pen, magazine, novel, the list goes endless.

How can girls keep so many things in such a small bag?

More than that how can a girl need so many things.

Ignoring her I toss her phone on the bean bag that I was sitting and threw my head back on the black leather sofa that I had occupied after I had returned, the event of the day returning back to me.

I hate losing my temper, I normally don't. I try looking for best in people and am always positive, yet....

I simply jerk attentive from my slouch position when Sia throws my feet landed on the glass center table on the floor.

Before she says something I apologize, "I am sorry I shouldn't have shouted."

"No problems" she replied half heartedly "I am good."

"We are good?" I asked expectantly. I had experience with few girls. They do not forgive so easily.

"Sit straight" she ordered and I immediately complied.

She then walked and stood behind me.

Scared that she was trying to have a pay back I turned around to see her massaging her palms rubbing them together.

"What...?" before I could question her soft fingers were moving around my head in circles.

Yay! She was giving me a head massage.

But I felt guiltier for shouting at her earlier.

"You don't have to Sia. Thanks though." I shifted forward.

But the feisty girl that she was, she pulled my hair to get me closer to her "ssshhh.. You are stressed, a little massage by a pretty masseuse would do the magic." She muttered seductively.

I smiled

She was right!

Closing my yes I enjoyed 15 minutes of blissful massage.

But the trance was soon broken

"So what happened back there?" Sia asked.

I stilled beneath her fingers.

I do not want to talk about this

I do not want to talk about this

I repeated in my head

Her hands moved from my head to my shoulders massaging my shoulders gently 

"Sandy you are most patient fellow and most respecting guy fellow I have ever met. And if you loose patience and shout at a girl, it means a lot."

"I apologized earlier and I promise it would never happen again" I quickly erected my wall of defenses that she'd forgive me and let the matter slide.

"No Sandy, it's not about me and your yelling at me, its about you. You are running away, denying the truth. I guess sometimes speaking up helps." She now shifted in front of me bending such that her golden orbs could directly meet my darks, 

I immediately averted my gaze but she lifted my chin with her soft fingers "Can you trust me as a friend? Can you share why you hate being in the operation theatre so much? Can you speak your heart out?" she then took a deep breath "I know I am being bipolar of keeping my secrets and still forcing you to open up. Heck I even know I wouldn't be of much help. But I am sure if you speak up you'll help yourself." She finished looking directly into my eyes, her eyes holding a silent promise that she wouldn't judge and yet searching into my soul for an answer.

I cannot say

I cannot word it loud

I cannot 

I cant.

She then stood on her feet defeated and was about to leave 'dinner time" she shouted probably to ease off the thick tension in the room when I held her.

Encasing my fingers in her muscled and toned elbows I pulled her towards me as gently as possible.

One look in my darks and she muted bending on her knees and holding my hands encouragingly "I am not a responsible doctor" I confessed.

"That's bullshit." She denied "you are amazi.."

I put my finger on her lips "hear me first"

"Because of me, a patient died in the theatre and my dad did everything possible to keep my act of irresponsibility discreet or my license would have been cancelled, I would have never been able to practice, my life, my career would have been ruined. Too bad everything is still ruined" I was shivering by now. My past that had been haunting me by now was having a face off with me.

Sia cupped my face in her tiny hands and wiped off my tears that might have slipped off and kissed me on my forehead "it will get okay. You were young then. My Sandy is responsible now. I believe in you." She said in my ears as she she hugged me tightly.

Whether it was her soft embrace or her fruity scent but I did feel calmed with her around.

A loud ringing of "apoon munna bhai"[I am your bigbrother ringtone] broke us apart and Sia leapt to receive the call 

"Why did you extend your stay?' even though Sia was a few feet away I could still hear loud shouting of none other than her brother R>M>

Can I simply enter into her cellphone and knock the living lights out of him?

We were having a moment here.

"No I am not sleeping with him. Remember I promised" Sia said trying to calm. "Look today is Saturday and before Pari cooks some healthy mix veg khicdi why don't you and dad plan a take out from the new restaurant. Make it fast she might reach home in few" Sia laughed as her words reached the bulls eye

Her foodie brother would do anything for food just like his dad.

"Raj is ordering chicken stew and some barbeque. What would you have for dinner?"

Sia asked behaving oblivion about the hideous past that I shared with her.

"Its only 4. Why don't we watch some subtitled chinese movie and plan about dinner later?" I offered.

She quickly jumped on the couch happy with the idea and dropped the bottle that she used to massage my head with.

With supernormal reflexes of mine I immediately picked the bottle making sure not to drop even the tiniest drop of liquid.

Once in firm grip I turned around the cylindrical bottle in my hand to read. 

Wait my eyeball turned into the size of golf balls and as if they were attached to springs they jumped out of the sockets.

Why this melodrama?

Because I read "moisturizer' written in bold

"YOU massaged my hair with a freaking moisturizer?" I asked bewildered. I mean what the f### was that. I repeated louder "MOISTURIZER"

'Really moisturizer' a horrified shock engulfed me.

Her defense "I did not have any oil, and look what's mentioned in the ingredients 'with. Ess.en.tial. oils.'" she read syllable by syllable.

"But I do not read anywhere 'can be applied on hair too" I shouted scared of shock of losing my precious, soft and healthy hair"

No wonder guys turn bald after marriages

And I am only pretending to be engaged *cue a sweating emoji*