Mine, To Hold And Behold

Chapter 20

I tapped the armrest of my chair impatiently. Where is she? Today we are leaving for Paris. For the big party. But Pari isn't here yet. The plane is ready to leave and every one are waiting for her. I have reserved the window seat beside me, especially for her, but she is no where to occupy it.

The crisis has been solved. Apparently the new lawyer that I have appointed turned out to be useful. He settled the case like it was nothing and I couldnt be any more glad.

I have planned a lot for this trip. Paris is one of the many places where Pari wanted to go to. And it is also a romantic place for me to pop the question. Pari would love it, hopefully.

Recently I have been using the word, 'hopefully' a lot. May be being in love does that to you. Being hopelessly in hope. I gently tapped my suit pocket where the diamond ring that I have ordered for, is safely kept. I gave measured instructions to Salim, in designing this ring. Afterall there are chances that if Pari didn't like the ring she might reply negatively. So I didn't want to take any chances. And Salim being my best friend took extra care in designing this ring.

The central diamond was imported from Brazils diamond merchant. One of the finest. The princess cut white tear shaped diamond was surrounded by small light pink stones that were bought from Arab Emirates. This was clad in a white gold band and completed the rich look of the ring. I wanted a platinum ring because Pari kept on boasting about Alice's wedding ring which was platinum. But Salim being a the best jewellery designer and business man he is, he insisted on using white gold instead of platinum. He explained something about it which flew completely over my head. I was glad that the outcome was the best.

But, I don't understand why I wanted to ask in the first place. Yeah right! To make her feel special. Special my foot. If she refuses also, I'm still marrying her. Even if it means that I have to inject her with chloroform and marry her by force. She is mine and will be, by hook or Crook.

I tapped my foot in frustration. My hair is completely messed up by the times I have ran my fingers through it. The plane is going to take off and she still isn't here. Mr.Sharma came alone and said that Pari was on her way. I was about to go and fetch her myself when she called me to inform that she was along with the rest of my friends. I don't understand what's taking her so long and why she was with my gang. Ofcoure my friends are hers too. But you know what I mean! . A flight attendant came beside me and sighed, gently making her presence known. If she flirts, I'm firing her.

"Sir, the pilot wants to speak to you" she said handling me the cordless.

" Yes" I said impatiently into the cordless.

"We are ready to take off, Mr. Raghu " he said.

" No, wait for my instructions. Someone important needs to come, yet" I said and gave the cordless to the waiting attendant.

"Is there anything I can offer you, Sir?" She said battling her eye lashes. I ignored her and dialled a number from my cell phone.

"Jai!" My friend answered on the second ring, "Where's Pari?" I asked. " She hasn't come yet. Have you any idea where she is?"

"Yes bro, she left half an hour ago. She must be on her way" he said hurriedly.

"What took you all so long? And what do you mean by she left? Why haven't you dropped her yourself?" I fired those questions. " I swear-"

"Hey" a sweet melodic voice broke my outburst, calming me immediately. I don't think I will ever have a problem of blood pressure as long as Pari is with me.

A stupid grin formed on my face as I saw her making her way to my side dressed in a green halter top and white jeans. Her hair was plaited into a fish braid with a few locks of hair caressing her chreks. She sat beside me with that adorable puppy dog look which gets her anything she asks, "I'm sorry I was late" she said with a pout.

" Its okay sweetheart" I said with that stupid grin still on my face.

" Its not okay" my dad's voice boomed. We both turned to face the two old men, sitting next to each other, who looked disappointed. "You are an hour late, Pari. The flight doesn't travel unscheduled. There is a reason why we decide a particular time for- and stop giving me that look" he said with an outburst.

I laughed at those two as Mr. Sharma rolled his eyes. My dad looked uncomfortable because he was no longer angry. "I'm sorry" Pari said with those wide eyes which can melt any stone heart.

The plane took off and we all sat in our seats till the seatbelt sign got turned off.

"What took you so long" I asked munching on the sandwich which was served to us just a few minutes ago.

"I have planned a surprise for you" she said taking a huge bite of her greasy burger.

" really? " I raised my brows. "Even I have a surprise for you"

Her eyes widened at my words and cheesed dripped from the corner of her lips. " You have to wait till we reach Paris" I said wiping the cheese with my thumb, slowly. She leaned into my touch, "but if you continue eating so sensuously, I might reveal it to you, right now" my voice became hoarse as I completed the last part As I wiped her lips with my thumb. Her hand reached out and caught mine and she brought my thumb to her lips and enclosed them around it. Her tongue rolled around my thumb and she gently sucked on it. My pulse quickened, she released my thumb with a 'pop' sound." I love cheese" she whispered into my ear. s**t!

I didn't realize I was holding my breathe until my lungs burned and my brain yelled at me to release that breath. Her face just inches away from mine. I leaned my head to conquer those few torcherous inches when a throat cleared. Pari scurried away from me and looked out of the window, flushed. I looked up to see who inturrepted us and found a smiling Mr. Sharma. One look at his smile and I could tell it was fake.

"Get up" he said in the most fake respective tone. I obeyed him. Not because I was scared, but because I didn't want to risk a feud with him. " Your dad wants to discuss business, why don't you sit with him. I will give company to Pari" he said, but I didn't miss the underlying finality in his voice. I looked at Pari who was looking at me worriedly from the corner of her eyes, her face still flushed. I sighed. My snack long forgotten, I reluctantly took a step when I was yanked back by a powerful arm gripping my shoulder, "listen boy!" Mr.Sharma said in a threatening tone, "unless and until you tie the knot, you are not getting near my daughter. Understood?" He shoved me without waiting for a reply and I stumbled a step forward and into my new seat beside my dad.

I huffed in frustration. unbelievable! .

Mr. Sharma sat beside Pari and watched me like a hawk. When Pari got up to use the washroom, which I considered an opportunity and got up. But Mr. Sharma put his leg in front of me and gave me a deathly look which made me bury my ideas away. My dad found humour in my situation because he kept on hiding his laughter behind fake coughs and sometimes gave away by chuckling.

I felt like an eight year old again. Back then, my dad and Mr.Sharma used to keep me away from Pari in the same way. He used to gaurd her daughter and watch out for me. Though I discovered that it was because of what they thought as unhealthy for us, I still grieve over all those years I lost with her. Some because of our father's jealousy and protectiveness and some because of my stupid decisions. I miss her. Though it sounds a little stupid to miss her because now she is with me, but I can't help it.

I sighed. I looked at her and found her reading another romantic novel. I find her interest towards those novels fascinating. She smiled in my direction when she caught me looking and a throat cleared. Mr.Sharma gave me one of his fake smile which can be called as evil. I rolled my eyes at him and looked away.

"Since you aren't getting any action, why don't you get some work done" my dad said shoving a tab into my lap. I glared at him but nonetheless opened my tab and started working on it.

I read the project reports of our overseas projects and noted the mistakes and errors in it. Randy sent me a report on the first assignment of the department which they were heading. My idea of the new department made an excellent outcome with thier first assignment. They managed to vacate the slums which were illegally occupying my property in east Mumbai with ease. Yes! There were problems and issues in that city because we werent locals, but the department managed everything expertly and the board of directors were over the moon. Even those who thought the idea as ridiculous also patted my back as an appreciation. I smirked at the report that my friend has prepared over it. I checked my mails and my lawyer messaged that those who have filed a case against Pari have withdrawn the case. I sighed in relief. The problem is finally over. I closed my eyes and relaxed for a bit.

When I opened my eyes again, I realized that I have fallen asleep. Tired. That's what I was, I was tired. In the last four days I have worked as much as I haven't worked in the last one year. Managing a whole office is not a walk in park. It's really tough. I didn't have time for Pari too, but she and her father spent the entire week in our house and we ate dinners and breakfast together like a family.

I don't remember much of my mother but I know that she was the glue which kept our family together. And with her gone our family has also fallen apart like a pack of cards. Now, after all this time, I feel like my family is back together again. Soon, with my marriage to Pari, I will be starting a new life too. I can't lie saying that I am not excited.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned loudly. "how long was I out?" I asked looking to my dad only to find him replaced with Mr. Sharma. I shook my head thinking I was dreaming, but Mr. Sharma was still there sitting beside me. He looked at his watch and continued to read the newspaper, "long enough that you missed the entire plane ride. We are reaching, so why don't you freshen up? " he said not taking his eyes off the paper. I looked over to Pari who was talking to my dad animatedly. I frowned, Pari and my dad, I don't think that's a good combination.

I freshened up and got back to my seat. After filling out the immigration forms, and completing other formalities, we stwpped into Paris. The city of romance.

As soon as we got out of the airport, two white R8 SUV's waiting for us. I whistled at the sight of the red and the white cars ignoring the presence of the people who came to receive us. They were all prim and proper and spoke English with an accent. The cars looked new and flashy making me like them instantly.

A man dressed in a black suit came up with a box in his hand, Mr.Sharma and I walked to the front. He opened the mettalic box and introduced two identical set of keys. I picked one and Mr.Sharma picked the other. oh! By the way, i got my international driving licence too, when I was in Egypt. So I can drive my own car anywhere in the world. I pressed the button on the remote operated key and the lights of the white beast blinked with a click, unlocking the doors. I took off in the direction of the white car while Mr. Sharma unlocked the other car in red.

"Come on Pari. What are you waiting for?" I motioned her to get in the car unable to control my excitement, but Mr. Sharma beat me to it.

"She is riding with me" he said opening a door for her.

" no she isn't" I said. Now! He is getting on my nerves. I mean, come one, its just a ride.

"Guys!" Pari gave a frustrated sigh, "I'm tired with you both. You both need to sort out things before we leave this city or else I'm not talking to you two" she said and got into his car. Mr.Sharma smirked at me. I'm sure my jaw dropped to the ground, he actually smirked at me. I groaned out loud.

God! Why do you hate me so much?! Do I have to now compete with her father as well? I yelled mentally at the almighty and got in my car. My dad followed suite chuckling at my expense.

I KNOW I KNOW... ITS SHORT! BUT HEY! I THINK I SMELL THE END OF THIS BOOK. YES... ITS HARDLY THREE CHAPTERS AND ONE EPILOGUE AWAY. THE ENDING.

AND THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS FOR READING IT SO FAR. I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE IT. IT'S MY FIRST BOOK IN w*****d SO CUT ME SOME SLCK!!

CHECK OUT MY OTHER BOOK, 'The BFF Tag '.

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GOOD DAY. LOVE YOU ALL.