Mine, To Hold And Behold

Chapter 14

I squirmed in my seat for the nth time in the last five minutes. I hated being like this. Nervous.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It's 11 06 and the weather outside is cloudy. We are going to take off soon and by the looks of it, we are expecting to have a tough flight. I request you all to remain seated and co operate with the flight attendant. This is your captain, Mason White, and we have Samantha Sowers, your co-pilot. We assure you, a rather bumpy but safe flight" the pilot's voice bought me another wave of nerves.

Great! Now the flight is going to be grumpy to make things much worse.

The project that I was supposed to deal in Egypt, needed to be signed and sealed right now. So we are all heading back to New York in my dad's private jet. Apparently, Salim's jet was having some troubleshoot problems or something like that, so dad called in his own jet. I didn't even know we owned a jet. God! I soon have to have a word with my dad.

Pari isn't talking to me... again. She is giving me the cold shoulder for the reason I can't understand. She is sitting in the seat, right in front of me, but for the last fifteen minutes, she hasn't spoken a word to me. The fashion magazine she was holding must have seemed more interesting to her.

"So" I said, sitting up a little more straighter. Pari removed her eyes from the fashion magazine and looked at me with questioning eyes, "You are single now?" I asked. An elbow jabbed me in my left ribs, "Ow" I yelped at the sudden contact. I looked at Anya, she widened her eyes in a warning. "What?" I asked her, "Can't I ask her a simple question?"

Pari sighed loudly gaining my attention. "I have no idea. He was really pissed when he left", she said shaking her head at the memory. Dad and Mr.Sharma sat together, discussing the Share market, Anya sat beside me, Pari in front of me and Salim beside her, a small coffee table was separating us. Our jet was a more spacious than Salim's.

"Blame the one who started the fight" Anya said eyeing Salim with narrowed eyes. "I wonder why men are always so eager to jump into fights" she added, to which Salim just raised an eyebrow.

"You would never understand, bubkins" I interrupted, "The adrenaline rush that we get in a fight is addictive. It acts like a driving force, forcing us to continue and not give up even when we are fully drained. I miss it", I sighed.

"I don't particularly encourage a fight but.." Pari cut in, "surely I do appreciate Salim's efforts to try and protect me" she gave him a warm smile,

"You don't have to get all sentimental now" Salim brushed it off. "Though we haven't been best of friends before, we were friends at a point of time. So in that case, I need to protect you , its my duty" he shrugged.

"Ow" both the girls cooed at him, at which he scrunched up his nose in disgust. I chuckled at his discomfort, "That's so sweeeet" Anya added and he glared at her playfully, which only made her burst into fits of laughter. Guys and Cute don't go together and the minx knew it.

The rest of the ride was filled with jokes, laughter and some other small talks here and there. But Pari continued to avoid me. She did involve herself in the conversation whenever needed, but her responses were short and to the point. She continued flipping the magazines which the hostess provided and completely avoided looking into my eyes.

I still stared at her. Her white leggings hugged her slim legs like a second skin. A yellow flowy cropped top sat well with her pale skin. A black over coat was draped over her legs. Though she wasn't wearing it, I could imagine how hot she would look in that attire accompanied by those knee high boots Knee high boots. I could imagine her wearing nothing but those sexy knee high boots and.... Stop it Raghu, FOCUS!! My subconscious scolded me.

*********

Though the clouds were thick and it seemed like a storm was ahead, the ride was smooth despite a couple of thunders. Once we landed in New York, it started to drizzle slightly. I pulled my jacket closer to me and eyed others. Everyone did the same, Salim went a step ahead and draped his jacket around Anya's shoulders, who forgot to get a jacket. She smiled at him shyly and Salim grinned. I shook my head and walked up to them. They were staring into each others eyes and were having a clichéd moment. As soon as I placed a hand on his shoulder, Salim broke the eye contact and cleared his throat. Anya too looked away, uncomfortably. I chuckled at their behaviour, "So love birds, I will see you guys...." I trailed off, for Salim to pick up and tell me when to meet.

"Sure bro. This week end?" he asked and I nodded. Salim pulled me for a man hug, "Get your girl in the mean time. I wanna see you two, together, next time", he whispered in my ear and winked. I grinned at him.

"Nahi Bhaijaan", Anya interrupted, "I'm afraid that isn't possible. Salim has taken a long leave without any notice. There are a lot of meetings and paper work which needs his immediate attention. I don't think he can make it, any time this weekend...... or the next" She added the last part hesitantly.

Salim groaned, "Ugh! And the strict secretary is back" he sighed dramatically, "I liked the fun secretary more" he said dreamily.

"Well, I am sorry to break it to you, but the vacation is over" Anya said sternly.

"Gee, I feel like a kid again" Pari decided to join our conversation, "Remember, the first day of school after holidays was always the depressing one. Chutti Khatam, school shuru" She rubbed her hands and sighed.

At that notion we all fell silent. No one had the courage to admit that they are gonna miss each other. But the hard truth was, it did feel like the first day of school after a long vacation.

"Sir" Richard addressed Salim, "We are ready" he said.

"Cool man, That's my cue guys" he said turning towards me and Pari. "Bye", he said shaking my hand and giving Pari a bear hug. Though I didn't like the idea of Pari hugging another male, I let it slide for now, after all if it wasn't for Salim, I would have never caught a whiff of Pari's whereabouts. I owed him a lot. Though 'a lot' didn't include Pari.

I draped my hand around Anya's shoulder and gave her a half hug. I know she is not that comfortable with hugs and I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, "If you think that i***t needs any beating, call me" I said.

They both got in the car and drove off.

I sighed, and looked at Pari. Our eyes met and I found such emptiness in them that it hurt to look at her like this. What's wrong? My mind questioned. She was fine last night. Even after the kiss, she was fine the entire time we played camp. Though she was snappish and mad, she at least didn't look so, ....devastated.

Something happened after that. What? Did I do something wrong? Was it me or something else?

Dad mentioned that she agreed to come back home. No, he said that he convinced her to come home. But how did he do it? I forgot to question him about that. Did he say something that upset her? Did he.... UGH!!! What did you do, dad? I need to have a talk with him, SOON.

*******

We checked in to the hotel in which we stayed earlier. I dropped my small briefcase which I packed for the Canada trip, onto my bed and walked into the bathroom. I took care of my business in there and changed into a t shirt and khaki pants, what is the point in dressing up, if you have to be indoors anyway. I walked to the huge windows. and pulled the curtains open and looked through. Though it was half past three in the afternoon the dark clouds kept the weather haunting. A thunder struck a few block away and the whole scene looked beautiful. An artist could turn this beauty into a masterpiece, but unfortunately, I was no artist. A knock interrupted me and I walked to the door.

I didn't order any room service, I frowned, Who would disturb me, at this hour?

"Hey" there stood the three musketeers, My dad, Pari and of course, Mr.Sharma. "Wanna join us for lunch?" my dad asked and I raised my eyebrow at them. Dad and Mr.Sharma were dressed in expensive Armani suits. My eyes soon drifted to the Indian beauty, Pari, she was dressed in a skin coloured Sari and a light pink sleeveless blouse, which complimented her pale skin extraordinarily. Her eyes were lined with Kohl which made them look even bigger and her full pink lips were glowing with pink lip gloss. She looked stunning was an understatement. She just took my breath away. A throat cleared and my eyes landed on Mr.Sharma who narrowed his eyes at me. I looked away and opened the door further.

"Sure, come in", they all came in one by one. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll just change and be right back",

"Oh, that's okay. Take your time", my dad dismissed and seated himself on the couch. Mr.Sharma sat beside him. Pari walked further and sat on the love seat near the window. I smiled at that. I knew she would like the view from here.

I slipped into the closet attached to the bathroom. Pari was looking absolutely gorgeous and if I had to stand beside her, I have to look at least have as good as her. I pulled my t shirt over my head and threw it across the closet. I'm sure the house cleaning staff would pick it up. I scanned through my clothes that were hanging in the closet. I took out a white dress shirt and put it on. Black dress pants replaced the khaki's and a Midnight black coloured suit finished my attire. I was impressed with my look when I caught the glimpse of the ties lying in a row in a drawer. I hesitated for a bit, Raghu and tie, don't go together. It's for Pari, my subconscious reminded me and I gave in. I picked up the black tie and put it on. I added cuff links to my dress shirt and I was ready.

I walked out to see that my dad and Mr. Sharma were having tea where Pari was looking out of the window. A thunder struck again a few buildings away, lightning up the whole area. It was beautiful and I could clearly picture the 'awe' on Pari's face.

"Huh! Its about time you show up, son", my dad stood up, buttoning up his Blue coloured suit. Pari turned around her eyes caught mine. Though her gaze immediately lowered and she stared checking me out. Her eyes raked my body from top to bottom, and I am sure, I never looked more groomed, ever before. I smirked at her as her lips parted in amazement.

"Mr. Clementson, a billionaire is throwing a cocktail party and we are all invited".

"You are invited, not me" Mr. Sharma mumbled from behind. I looked at him and frowned, what's gotten into him?

"Still..." my dad gritted his teeth, ignoring his long time friend's comment, "We all need to attend. Raghu, I want you to meet a few important people tonight", My dad eyes shone with pride. But from the corner of my eyes I caught a glimpse of Mr. Sharma rolling his eyes.

"Let's go, already" he mumbled and walked out of the suite. Pari followed him, her eyes trailed along the length of my body. As her eyes reached mine, she looked away, a faint blush crept her cheeks, , I smirked at her. She lowered her gaze and hurried her way out.

"What's up with Mr. Sharma?" I whispered into my dad's ears.

"Nothing. He is just getting old", my dad mumbled in reply and got out. I followed him into the elevator and then out of the hotel. We both stood outside looking around for our ride, but neither Pari, nor Mr. Sharma were anywhere visible. There were thick clouds in the sky and it looked like it was going to Storm tonight. I looked at my dad who shrugged in response. What's going on? A Black limo pulled in front of us and a chauffeur dressed in all black, a moustache and a turban, making his appearance much Indian, opened the door for us, we both looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Mr. Krish, I am Karim, your ride for today's event", he said.

"But, we didn't-" I placed a hand on my dad's shoulder stopping him from questioning further.

"Dad, we are getting late, lets go" I said and climbed into the limo and my dad followed. Something was wrong and it was obvious that Mr. Sharma and Pari left without us.

"What the hell? That as*hole" My dad gritted his teeth, "Wait till I get my hand's on him" he said. My dad was fuming beside me. Though Mr. Sharma and my dad were long time friends, I never heard them calling names, to each other. I need to know what is going on. I looked around the Limo. This wasn't my first time in one, so I knew that there must be champaign or wine somewhere in here. I spotted a bottle of champaign resting in a tub filled with ice. I picked it up and popped the lid open, it poured out a little but soon the bubble vanished. I took two glasses that were resting beside the tub and filled in. I handed a glass to my dad and helped myself with the other one. Something tells me, this is going to be a very long night.

*******

My dad was still fuming as we reached the place. I placed a hand on his shoulder and he gave me a 'fake' reassuring smile, that he would keep his anger at bay. There was a valet waiting at the entrance to greet all the guests. He opened the door for me, as I got down. My dad came around and stood beside me, as we both made our way into the hall.

There were people who smelled 'rich'. Men were dressed in expensive suits and women were all dressed in designer ball gowns. Dresses, jewellery, were not only complimenting their beauties but were also showing off their wealth.

As soon as we made it into the middle of the room, a tall, slim, man around his fifties smiled our way, and walked to us. A beautiful blond, who was around half her age was accompanying him, hand in hand. "Glad you could make it, Krish", he said shaking my dad's hand. He had a British accent making his origin obvious.

"Ah, and you must be the young man, Krish often mentions", he turned to me and laughed, loudly. A fake laugh, seriously?! I caught the sarcasm that this Britisher was hiding behind his words,

I smirked, "Oh Why? Whatever you heard about me couldn't have made up for half of what I am" I smiled the devilish smile, My eyes trailed to the blonde who was eyeing me with amusement filled eyes. I let my eyes linger on her body more than necessary. I wasn't interested in her, not that she wasn't hot, but I already had eyes set for a certain Indian goddess. A throat cleared and brought my attention back from my thoughts, "And who this lovely lady might be?" I asked taking her hand into mine, I bowed my head and kissed her knuckles, never breaking the eye contact. She giggled like a school girl and I could see the Britishers ears turning red. I smirked,

"Oh, Isn't my son a gentleman, Mr. Barford?" My dad piqued, holding in his laughter.

"This is my wife, Mrs. Stella Barford. And Stella, honey, this is Krish, a friend of mine and this young man here, is his son, RaghunathaChary", he introduced, and for the first time, a foreigner spelled my name correctly. I was impressed.

"Please to meet you, Mr. Chary", but the blonde couldn't say it with such grace. She tried to say it in her sing song voice but failed miserably, I mentally rolled my eyes but still maintained a straight face.

"What happened young man, wondering how I spelled out a typical Indian name so accurately" he smirked. Now, I am not impressed.

"Raghu, let me make a proper introduction," My dad said, "This is Mr. Barford, his mining industries are the most prestigious and might I say, the most economical in the whole world. His great grandfather's were among those who actually started the East India Company" My dad said tapping my shoulder. I knew the gesture. This is an enemy, we are talking to. An enemy we should be ware of.

"Ugh" Mr. Barford, waved it of, "Enough of the serious talk, Krish. We are here to enjoy this beautiful evening, not to discuss the glories of my great grandfathers" he dismissed in the most un-modest way.

My dad and I shared a look and turned to him with straight faces. "So, Raghu" he pressed my name to have my undivided attention, "No date tonight to accompany you?" he asked draping a hand over his wife's shoulder as if mocking me, that he is having company but I don't. I know he was baiting me but I didn't reel in,

"The truth is Mr. Barford, though attend a party empty handed, we never leave the same way. Women offer themselves to accompany us more willingly. And being the gentleman we are, we just can' turn then down" I smiled at Mrs. Barford, who just blushed and looked away.

"Fascinating" he murmured and excused himself. Though his wife seemed a little reluctant to leave, he pulled her along with him.

"I don't understand, why men marry the women half their age?" my dad exclaimed as we both watched the couple retreating into the crowd,

"Its for maintaining their social status, right. To attend such parties with a legit date. Or else they will either have to attend alone or hire an escort, which is not only embarrassing but also not legit, in the eyes of high society" I supplied, taking a glass of champaign from a passing waiter.

"I know that she is nothing but a trophy wife, but what's the use, if he can't keep his wife by his side in these social gatherings, for which he married her, in first place" My dad shook his head gulping down the bubbly liquid.

"I know right" I said smirking, as I saw the couple talking to a group of men,

"Yeah, she would have thrown herself at you, if her husband was not by her side. I'm sure she wouldn't reject the offer, if you asked her to accompany you, back to the hotel" my dad said with a mocking tone.

"Come on Dad, you know I was just messing with him. I didn't like his tone" I said, finishing the glass and handling it to a passing waiter.

"I know" he gave his empty glass and took another one, "But don't make this a habit. The Britisher is a leech. He doesn't take a joke lightly" he said. "Nevertheless, you did good, kid" My dad tapped my shoulders.

*****

An hour later, we were seated on the table, which held our names on small cards. I have met Mr. Clementon, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Brown and many others. My dad was quite well known in the society than I thought. Of course, he'd be , after all, he earned this by disappearing from my life. It should be worth the absence, right? A voice reasoned in my subconscious but I pushed it back. I was finally bonding with my dad and I don't want to ruin it.

I shook my head. To my right, Pari's name was labelled. But she wasn't there. I looked at the dance floor and longed for her. Only if she was here. The starters were about to be served and there was no sign of Pari or Mr. Sharma. This was a huge hall and there is a chance that they might be socializing with someone and we couldn't spot them. But still, I felt like she isn't here at all.

When I was about to give up searching for her and resign myself from the party, I caught a glimpse of a Sari in the far corner. A huge belly of a middle aged foreigner was blocking me from having a clear view. I tried to look clearly without making myself obvious, but the fat bellied man wouldn't budge.

"Its her" a familiar voice said. I looked to my left and beside my dad sat Mr. Sharma. I didn't see him coming,

"Hey, When did you join us?" I asked, unable to resist the curiosity,

"When you were ogling my daughter", he replied in a dead flat tone, My dad tried to cover his laughter by a cough, but it sounded more like a snort.

"I wish, This man just wouldn't budge" I turned my head towards that bald pot bellied guy and said irritably.

"Just go and fetch her, will you? I need to chat with your dad for a bit", he dismissed me in a shooing motion and leaned closer to my dad. If I didn't know him better I would have thought he was trying to set me up with his daughter.

Nevertheless, I got up and walked past the pot bellied man who nodded at me in recognition and reached Pari. The smile she was wearing wore off as soon as she saw me.

"My My, and who might this handsome man be?" A woman in her early thirties dressed in a black cocktail dress exclaimed. Her eyes scanned my body from top to toe as she sipped her champaign, " I am Leela Fernandez, and you are",

"RaghuNathaChary at your service, my lady" I said. I took her hand and kissed her knuckles, not taking my eyes off her's. She blushed while the other white woman in the group giggled and Pari just plastered a fake smile.

"Oh my, You are such a fine lad. And your name, my god! How arousing, isn't it ladies" she turned to the other women in the group, everyone nodded with smiles. Pari chose the moment, to slip her hand through mine and hooked our elbows,

"Ladies, let me introduce you all to my fiancée, Mr. RaghuNathaChary. The C.E.O of Progressive Constructions and only son of Krish" she said, adding a dreamy effect to my dad's name.

"Oh" another female of the gang exclaimed, "You are Krish's son. Now I know where you get those traits from" she giggled like a school girl.

"We were just talking about you, boy. We thought that the boy who stole Pari's heart is lucky but I must say, she is the luckiest one to grab such a fine specimen" the lady whose hand I pecked said and winked at me. I wanted to gag but I maintained a straight face.

"I'm sorry ladies, as much as I would love to stay and chat with you gorgeous women, I have to steal Pari away. It's time for us to leave" I said, not at all feeling apologetic,

"What?" "So Soon?", "Why", followed among the group, "It's not even dinner time yet", "And you haven't danced" another woman suggested.

"Listen boy, You have to ask this beautiful girl to dance. This is no way to leave a party. At least give her a dance to remember, you owe it to her, as a fiancée" Mrs. Leena fernandez said.

I turned to Pari, she was eyeing me carefully, "Sweetheart" I whispered, her eyelashes fluttered and I know I had her there, "will you dance with me?" I asked. She gave her other hand which was not hooked with my elbow and I took it. I gently lowered my lips and pecked her knuckles. Her soft porcelain skin shivered under my lips and I smirked. I pulled her to the dance floor before any of the woman could stop me.

To my luck, a slow song started to play and the lights were dimmed. I placed her hands on my shoulder and circled her waist with mine. I know my hands must have been cold, because as soon as I touched her warm skin, she shivered. I pulled her closer, so that there was no space left between us for the air to pass. She pressed her face into the crook of my neck and inhaled. I suppressed the shiver that crossed my spine. I buried my nose in her black curls. She smelled of Vanilla. I let my hands caress her waist, She gripped my shoulders and buried her nose further into my chest. I turned her around, so that er back was pressed against my chest, I slipped my hand through her pallu, and rested it against her belly button. Her warm skin felt amazing against my cool on.

I moved her hair over her shoulder, exposing her neck. I lowered my head and let my lips graze her skin, a low whimper escaped from the back of her throat. She turned in my arms and threw her hands around my neck. I circled my hands around her waist and held her close.

Soon the song came to an end, much earlier than I liked. She untangled herself from my arms and turned her back on me. I caught her wrist before she could escape. "tsk tsk, you shouldn't turn your back on your fiancée, babe" I whispered in her ear, She shivered and I smirked. I kissed her exposed shoulder and she leaned against me. I loved the way her body is responding to my touch. This was completely new and arousing. Her resistance was doubling the pleasure, all together.

"Raghu" Her voice a bare whisper, "I said that because they were asking about my engagement and I just couldn't tell them that I have no idea where my fiancée is. So..." I trailed kissed along her shoulder and neck till I reached her earlobe,

"Whatever, babe!" I bit her earlobe, "If that was to please them, then why are you so responsive to my touch? Hmm" I moaned in her ear and she whimpered again. Her eyes closed and her lips slightly parted. I kissed her cheek. "I love you", somehow I couldn't stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth.

"Come, our folks are waiting for us" I said sobering up and her eyes snapped open. As if she just woke up from a dream. "And by looking at the daggers that your father is shooting at me, I think I am busted" I said. Pari stepped away from me removing the hand that I placed on her waist.

True, this is going to be a long night.

TRANSLATIONS:

"Nahi Bhaijaan" - "No brother"

"Chuttin Khatam, School shuru" - "Holidays are over and the School begun"

A/N;

SO GUYS, HERE IT GOES, ANOTHER CHAPTER.

I MENTIONED PARI WEARING A SARI BECAUSE I THINK SARI IS THE DRESS WHICH MAKES A WOMAN, ESPECIALLY INDIAN WOMEN, LOOK HOT AND SEXY.

A PICTURE OF PARI AND RAGHU IS ADDED.

I MADE IT A LITTLE STEAMY, HOPE NO ONE MINDS IT.

I MEAN NO OFFENCE TO ANYONE.

AND LASTLY, PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT.

LOVE YOU ALL,

- DHRU.

AND YEA, I ALMOST FORGOT, CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK, 'The BFF Tag'. I POSTED THE FIRST CHAPTER.