Mine, To Hold And Behold

Chapter 10

I didn't even realize that we both were staring into each others eyes until A knock on the bedroom door interrupted us. I cleared my throat as Pari pulled away her hand from mine. "Come in" I called out. A tall, beautiful girl, or shall I call her a lady, entered the room. She was fair, almost pale, dressed in a full sleeved cream colored long top that ended just a little above her ankles and brown colored legging beneath and her hair and forehead were covered in Hijab. A Muslim perhaps. She had a binder in her hands and she looked almost nervous.

"Yes Anya", Pari spoke up.

"Pari, everyone is waiting outside. Mr.Samuels and Mr.Salim has arranged for a bonfire in the backyard. You both better get there before someone else comes in" she said the last part in a hushed whisper. Pari sprung up from the bed as if it caught fire,

"Thank you Anya" She engulfed the tall woman into a bear hug, which she managed to return, "You are a Saviour. Thanks for the warning" Pari pulled away.

"Warning?" I asked frowning at the two women, "Why do we need a warning? And what if someone walks in on us? It wasn't as if we were ding something wrong?" I couldn't help the anger that was bubbling within me.

I was fuc*ing tired of everyone trying to judge us. I needed to punch something at least break something, perhaps to break a 'someone' would be much better.

"Relax Raghu! I don't want anymore drama in here. I am tired okay"she said sighing.

"Whatever" I said getting up, "And who the hell is Mr.Samuels?" I asked.

"Noel" Pari replied in a 'duh' tone. OH, so he is Noel Samuels? As in, after her wedding Pari will become, Pari Samuels? I cringed at the thought.

The tall woman walked out and I closely followed Pari, I pulled her a little away from her friend and whispered "Who is this chic?" She jabbed me in my ribs with her elbow, "What?" I asked

"Mind your tongue, Mister. She is Salim's secretary. If you happen to hear her qualifications, I bet you are gonna faint"

"Ooooooh1 So scary" I whispered, for which she just laughed, "No seriously, Since when did Salim start appointing females in his office. Not to forget a hot and sexy one at that?" I asked staring at the retreating back of the tall lady. When I got no response I looked down at my short angel, who pursed her lips and crossed her arms, I raised my eyebrows, and she snapped out of whatever she was in.

"I don't know. Ask your friend. And anyway, what's so wrong in appointing females?" She asked in a offending tone,

"Come on" I said in a duh tone, "How can a hot blooded guy can concentrate on his work when a sexy lady is parading in his office with that luscious body of hers?" I asked, shaking my head, wondering how Salim is coping up with the woman. She is definitely an eye candy and Salim has to be blind if he hasn't realized it yet. Behind all those layers of clothing, I am sure, a sexy sensuous women is hidden.

"You can't be serious. She is NOT parading in his office. Cant you see she is covered from head to toe, literally",

"Babe! we men like our gifts and women fully wrapped up. Because it leaves a lot to imagination and a lot of excitement while peeling of those layers. Be it our gift or our woman" I said in a seducing whisper in her ear, slightly brushing my lips across her ear lobe, while her eyes closed and lips parted. I couldn't feel any much happiness, than knowing that she is still affected by me.

She pulled away too soon, "You are disgusting. I can just hope, Salim isn't like you. Anya is a great girl. She should be treated with respect" before I could defend myself, she glared at me, "You are sick". With that she walked away,

"All men are sick, sweetheart" I yelled to her retreating back. She just shook her head in disagreement and walked away, not once giving a backward glance.

I shook my head and let out a chuckle.

*****

Fire has a unique ability. If you stare deep into it, you feel like its inviting you, to be engulfed in its warmth, the same feeling you receive when you stare into your woman's eyes. The nearer you go, the more the warmth of it welcomes you. But even fire has privacy issues, just like women. Once it feels like someone is invading their privacy, they show their furious side and try to burn you alive. Just like women.

Uff!!! Now I understand, why they say women are so complicated.

Noel and Salim indeed arranged a bonfire, at the backside of the villa. A small fire was ignited and a few logs of wood was kept aside for later. Mrs.Smith managed to bring all the dinner outside. They set a small table and all the dishes were placed on it. In the corner of the table all the plates and other cutlery were placed, to enjoy our buffet dinner.

I invited Mrs.Smith and Richard to join the bonfire.

As all the three ladies brought out the food, I saw Salim putting more log into the fire, taking up the opportunity I walked to him and kneeled beside him, he looked up at me and before I could speak, "Dude, I need to tell you something" he said and stood up. "Okay" I said and followed him inside the house.

"Look, I don't know how to put it but.. I think Noel isn't what he looks like" he said.

"I know that" I said.

"No" he shook his head. "He is different in a complete different level. Look, I will tell you from the start. while all of us were making our way to here. I overheard your dad and Pari's talking about something like, overtaking the business, as in heir.Now we both know that you are the only son of your dad, but we also know that he isn't going to make you the heir in the next... say like 200 years?" I rolled my eyes at him. "So who is the next heir?" he asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know. We don't have any close relatives. Its always been just me and dad. And the only closest family to ours is... Mr. Sharma and Pari, so..." I trailed off, trying to figure out this puzzle.

"Yes, Pari, she is most likely going to be your fathers heir. Just think," he stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Why would a guy, any guy, ever marry a girl whom he knows, is in love with someone else. Or else, a girl who was previously having a love affair with some other guy and isn't over him yet, why? Unless he has an ulterior motive, or benefit with the wedlock", Salim said.

"Are you trying to imply that Noel is marrying Pari because he thinks she is the heir of my dad?" I asked. For which Salim nodded with a toothy grin. If I didn't know any better, I would have mistaken him for a kid who just received a gift on Christmas from Santa himself.

"But dude! That's stupid. Not like I am desperate about the money or something but, Pari becoming the heir is just a possibility. I mean, dad and me, we fight, we disagree, we insult each other, but despite all, we still are family. I am his son and he is my father. We do love each other, though that 'love' is buried somewhere deep deeeep, in our hearts we still do. My dad just wants me to become a responsible person. After all he cant leave the fate of a multi national company and thousands of its employee's future in the hands of an i***t, who doesn't even know the 'b' of business just because he is his son, right? He wouldn't do that and I have no complaints with it. If Pari become's the heir, then I am more than happy, because she is far deserving than I am. And I can bet my life on it, that, the day I prove my dad that I have become responsible, he will hand it all over to me and Pari will be proud of me that day and will happily step aside for me. So... yeah! It makes sense. But where the hell does Noel fit into this ....equation? He isn't going to get anything from this 'deal' he is trying to make" When I didn't receive any reply after my outburst I looked up to Salim only to find him staring ahead of me, with a blank expression. I followed his line of vision to find my dad and Mr. Sharma standing near the door.

Both of them were standing with a shocked expressions. Their mouths ajar and eyes misty. Damn! I hate emotional scenes.

They both stepped out of their trance states and walked forward and stood just in front of us. I turned to Salim and we both exchanged some blank look, both unaware of what is going to happen. My dad cleared his throat and got our attention, "So you love me, huh?" he asked smiling shyly. Of course I do, you.... you.... mad man! Although I didn't voice my thoughts, I tried to speak but my throat felt heavy, constricted. Please Raghu, do not cry. Please. I cleared my throat "Don't you?" I asked instead of answering his question. He just chuckled at my response and I smiled.

"Soo...." Mr. Sharma spoke up, after a moments silence, "You guys think that Noel is marrying my daughter because he thinks that she will become your dad's heir" he asked,

"We don't think, we know" Salim answered for me. "Well, what else can be a reason for a guy to marry a girl who can never love him back?" he asked and everyone remained silent. Mr. Sharma deep in thought.

"wait" I interrupted the silence again, "We don't know whether Pari is still in love with me or not. I mean, she declined it and..."

"And you believed her?" my dad cut in. I shrugged at him. He looked at Mr. Sharma, they both again conversed with that 'eye to eye' thing, which partially freaks me out. With some weired nods, they both turned towards us.

"Remember when you were eight, just before Pari left" Mr. Sharma said, "Your uncle from Mumbai bought you a bicycle for your birthday, you were obsessed with it. And after a week, your teacher called from school and complained to your dad that you bunked the school all week. Your dad broke that cycle to pieces to punish you" I remember. It was my first automobile, it had a small motor and gear too. It was the main reason for my fascination with bikes. I cried my eyes out when my Dad broke it, in front of my eyes. I shook my head to erase that memory, which was the first stain on our 'father-son relationship'.

"what does it have to do with any of this?" I asked. He turned towards my dad and when my dad nodded him to continue he spoke up again,

He turned towards me. "Pari threw a stone at your father the next day". What? Did I hear, correctly? The shock must have been evident on my face. I turned to Salim who had a similar shocked expression. The cool, pleasant, Gandhian Pari, she tried to hurt my dad? He chuckled lightly, 'Yes. She did. She couldn't see you in so much pain. You wouldn't stop sulking about it and Pari.. she just couldn't see you like that. She was so mad at Krish, that when she saw him, she hit him with a stone. Your dad had to get three stitches for that" he said still smiling at the memory. That's my girl. But, How the hell, can he smile at that? I hate my dad, but he, My dad is supposed to be his best friend, so why the hell is he smiling at that memory?.

"Stop smiling you as*hole" with that Mr. Sharma burst into a full fledged laugh, My dad hit his shoulder, but we couldn't miss that playfulness in his eyes. me and Salim stared at them in confusion. Weired

"Were you mad at her?" I asked.

"No. Nor me or her dad found it offending. You know, I didn't knew you were so attached to it. I just acted on instinct. I was not thinking. I soon regretted my actions, and I even tried to persuade you into getting a new bicycle but you were so adamant on the old one that you didn't even acknowledge the idea" he said and sighed reminiscing those days.

"Krish was so sorry for you, he even cried when you stopped eating" Mr. Sharma butted in.

"Hey!" My dad cried, "that you weren't supposed to say. Its personal" my dad looked away shyly.

"But Pari didn't see any of his pain. You were everything to her back then. So she did it" Mr. Sharma continued despite my dad's outburst. He shrugged as if it was an obvious thing. "That was the main reason why we decided to send her away from you. You ruled her life, Raghu. Intentionally or not, her life revolved around you and I couldn't let that happen. It was neither healthy nor reasonable. So we sent her away. But even being away from you, she didn't stop thinking about you. Her childhood friendship, turned into a crush and then eventually into love. I couldn't stop it" he said sighing.

"You wouldn't understand how painful it was for me to see my daughter love you more than me. Consider you as the top priority, and not me. She was the only one left for me and.... you were everything for her"

I took a moment to process everything he just said, and when I finally did. "So you were jealous of me?" I asked, He nodded, "Shamefully yes. We both were. You were everything for your dad too. You were mad at him because he thought he loved his work more than you, but he worked hard only for you. To make your life easy unlike his. So he was jealous of Pari too", he said not looking into my eyes.

I looked at my dad and he shrugged. I smiled once everything sinked into me. Pari loved me. My dad loved me. Mr. Sharma and Dad, they didn't despise our love or nor they didn't understand it. They were just jealous. Imagine two grown-ups jealous of two eight year olds. Its kind of amusing in a twisted way.

"So...." Salim broke the silence and all eyes were trained on him, "what is the bottom line of the story?" he asked. Yeah! what is the conclusion? I turned to face the old men again to get the answer. They both looked at each other and sighed,

"Krish!! you were right. Your son is an i***t" Mr. Sharma

"And so is his friend" my dad added.

"What" Salim and I both asked. They both shook thier heads,

"I got it" Salim exclaimed, I turned to him in anticipation, "She is still in love with him, right? Thats the bottom line" I grinned at his conclusion.

"No you fool" My dad said, Mr. Sharma rubbed his temples in frustration.

"She was so deeply in love with you that, it is impossible for that love to fade away completely. She still likes you and like you said.... her love is buried somewhere deeeeeep inside her heart. You have to bring that love back to the surface" my dad said.

I waited for him to continue, when he didn't, "and how do I do that?" I asked.

"Simple, all you have to do is, show her what a stud you are..." Mr. Sharma placed a hand on Salim's shoulder and silenced him in a threatening way. "Don't you dare give him any sick ideas of yours. That aint gonna work with MY daughter" he said in a menacing tone.

"You have to gain her trust and respect" My dad chimed in, "Thats the only way to get her back".

Considering the fact that its the first time I am taking a relationship advice from my dad, he feeling was very heavy and emotional. I don't know what got into me but I wrapped my hands around his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. And just like that ll the weight dissapeared from my heart, I sighed in content. I hugged my father after a long time. And that feels incredible.

We pulled apart, and my dad's eyes were clouded with tears. I know mine weren't any different. Salim placed a hand on my shoulder, and so did Mr. Sharma on my dad. The supporting gesture meant a lot to us both.

"Okay" Salim clapped his hands to gather the attention of the rest, "The matter at the hand, Noels intentions on marrying Pari. What are we gonna do about that?" he asked and all of a sudden, a silent fury raged in my heart. I won't leave the bastard is he has these sick ideas in his sh*thole of a brain.

"I have the perfect plan to find out" My dad announced. The look on his face is something he wears before cracking a deal.

*****

We were all seated around the bonfire on wooden logs modified enough to sit. The dinner was just served and now we were having Pineapple cake for dessert. Pari's favorite. I smiled at the thought. But the smile was soon wiped off when I saw her sitting beside Noel. A blanket wrapped around them. Seriously! Its warm enough, you don't need a blanket too. I clenched my jaw and my palms fisted. That Sh*tface, he doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as my Pari and now he is snuggled into her. She is mine. Everybody knows that, and I will make sure he understands that very clearly. I mean it wouldn't be my fault if a truck runs into him, accidentally right? I smirked at the thought. I looked away from them and what do I see? Salim wrapping a blanket around Anya, his secretary's shoulders. I raised my eyebrow at his gentleman-ness. No flirting, No intimacy, just a genuine caring gesture and to top it all, he has a stupid smile plastered on his face. A smile? As soon as he met my eyes his smile was wiped off and he moved a little away from his secretary. A few centimeters. I smirked, I definitely have a lot of questioning to do. But later.

I turned to see Pari blushing at something that sh*hole said. All the anger rose another peak. I turned to my dad to see him laughing with Mr. Sharma, Mrs.Smith's son, Jamie and the bodyguard. I glared at him, which made him turn to me and frown, I signaled towards Pari and the sh*tface. His expression changed into one of that of recognition. He turned to me and gave a nod of understanding.

He got up and picked up Jamie who was seated previously on his lap and placed him on Richard's lap. Mrs.Smith came rushing to her son and took him from Richard. Both, mother and son walked to my side and sat on the log beside me. I smiled at the boy, which he returned.

"Can I have your attention everyone?" My dad announced. And everyone fell silent.

"As you all know.... actually forget it. Its nothing so serious. I just made a decision and I would like to share it with you all" he said and paused. He looked at me and walked towards me, taking the seat beside me. "My son, Raghunatha Chary", I rolled my eyes at him, he chuckled and placed a hand on my knee, "Okay Kay, Raghu, has become.... 'ready to be' responsible. And since I believe so much in him, I have decided to make him the C.E.O of the company" he said. My head snapped to him. I didn't get a whiplash was a real wonder. My eyes wide and I have no fu*king idea who this man is or what his plan is. C.E.O? I have no fu*king idea, what a C.E.O is? Let alone the work of one. What will I be doing as a C.E.O? A thousand thoughts crossed my mind and I didn't register the clapping and whistles around me. Everyone clapped and Salim whistled. I couldn't look away from my dad. What the hell is he thinking?

"Don't worry son. I know you are scared and confused. But I am here to train you. When I started the business I was alone and scared too. But you aren't alone. We all are here. Sharma will be assisting you and guide you in every step. You need not worry and I am anyway there to help you out. So you don't have to worry" he said in a reassuring tone. It was so foreign hearing him in such a voice that I almost didn't recognize him.

"Sir, Are you retiring?" that annoying voice questioned.

"No Noel. What do you think? I am not that old to retire. I will be the chairman of the company, like always. Its just that I want my son to start taking up his responsibilities" he said looking at me with......pride?

"Sir, no offense, but.... Don't you think, you are making this decision in a haste", he replied, anger and resentment clear in his voice,

"Noel, what are you talking about? Its high time now. Anyway Raghu will be taking after the business in a few time. Now is the perfect time for him to start learning everything"

"Pari please, don't interfere in the matters you don't know anything about" Noel said in a hushed whisper but everyone heard him, "I mean, he still needs to complete his education, right?" he asked aloud.

"He is an MBA graduate from Hyderabad University. What else qualifications do he need?" Salim piqued in, his anger at bay. Anya placed an arm on his thigh from under the blanket to control his temper. She tried to keep the gesture discreet but it didn't go unnoticed by me.

" I mean... What's the rush? Important decisions of such should be taken in the office right?"

"I am the boss, I will take decisions, wherever and whenever I please, anyone who has a problem with that can leave" My dad's voice boomed

everyone remained silent, even Noel. "Anyone?" He asked, everyone shook their heads in denial, "Noel?" he replied with a feeble 'No sir',

The tension was thick in air and everyone were silent. Pari cleared her throat and all eyes were on her.

She got up announcing, "Bed time". Salim and I groaned out loud.

*******

Mrs.Smith and little Jamie left for the evening. We were all seated in the hall on settee and love seats, Richard as usual took his place behind Salim. Anya and Pari walked in with a tray in each one's hands. They passed glasses of milk as everyone started munching biscuits.

"So", Pari clapped her hands to gain everyone's attention, "For sleeping arrangements, Dad and Krish, you both can take the bedroom upstairs. Me and Anya will share the bedroom to the left, down the corridor. Richard you can take the one on right. Salim and Noel you are sharing with Raghu-" we cut in before she could continue,

"WHAT?" all three voices echoed, one being mine and the two others, Salim's and Noel's.

"No complaints. Grow up now, and learn to share" she said.

"The bed is too small, we won't fit" I came up with an excuse,

"The bed is king sized and its a four poster for God's sake" she said with a eye roll.

"Excuse me, I am going to bed", Noel muttered a good night and left. Pari frowned at his retreating figure and I mentally thanked god for him not demanding any good night kisses or hugs from his fiancé. I will be damned if he did.

"We too" Anya said and pulled a still frowning Pari, "Raghu, you go to bed too. We are going to the doctor's tomorrow so rest" she said sternly before being pulled by Anya. They yelled Good Nights and left.

"Richard, you can call it a night too Good night", Salim said with a yawn.

"Good night Sir", he replied and nodded to the rest of us.

"We are having a couple of drinks. Care to join?" my dad asked hesitantly.

"Nah! Pari clearly asked me to go to bed, I don't want to get on her bad side", my dad's face fell at my denial, but he quickly cleared it. If I didn't look closely, I wouldn't notice the change. I felt a little guilty for not taking up on his offer, but I just couldn't risk getting on Pari's bad side, especially now when everything is going so great.

"Since you are sharing a room with him now, get him on edge" My dad said in a monotone voice. Salim and I shared a look. We know what to do and we have the perfect plan.

I TYPED IT FOR THE THIRD TIME. UFF!!

SO YEP! ANOTHER UPDATE AND THANKS FOR READING.

PARI'S PICTURE IS UPDATED.

THE AME OLD DRILL - IT ISNT EDITED, SO PLS EXCUSE MISTAKES AND LET ME KNOW ANY SUGGESTIONS AND REMARKS

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT.

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