Mine, To Hold And Behold

Chapter 7

"Shane Watson?" I shrieked like a school girl (Don't judge me), looking at my new fake passport. "Dude! Couldn't you be any more obviously fake" I asked.

"First of all, I am helping you to find your 'love of your life' and you repay me with this" Salim said pointing his index finger at my frown, faking hurt.

"Yeah right! Great friend you are. I asked you to help me go to Canada and you get me this" I said pointing out to the documents in my hand, "a fake passport and VISA in the name of Shane Watson!", I said, implying the name 'Shane Watson', "Shane Watson? Shane Watson? Seriously Dude! Are you trying to get me arrested? Because this is definitely illegal and is screaming, 'fake' from a distance" I said.

We are at JFK International airport. After concluding the fact that Pari was most probably in Canada, I just couldn't anticipate the wait anymore. I know that my conclusions might not be 100 per cent correct, but I had to do something. I lost her once, twice, I don't have it in me anymore to lose her now. I had to meet her. So being the best friend ever, I turned to Salim, to get me through the immigration and get me aboard on a flight to Canada, Without my dad's notice. And I realized it too late, that it was the biggest mistake of my life.

This i***t got me a fake passport and VISA on the name of Shane Watson. Do I look in any angle like the legend cricketer, Shane Watson? NO.

Why the hell did I ask this i***t for help anyway?

"Bro! Do you trust me?" he asked grabbing both my shoulders in a tight grip.

"Considering these circumstances, I'm not so sure," I said completely, serious.

"No problem" he quickly replied, "You're gonna love me after this. I've taken care of everything. This whole thing is just a mere procedure. My private Jet will directly take you to Ottawa", you don't have to worry about that. All you have to do is, get through the airport security".

"And how do you suppose I do that?" I asked him crossing my arms against my chest. "Dude! I am an Indian, and this name you tagged against my face in there, is clearly not. I have the perfect tan and features of an Indian. How the hell am I gonna pass out as a... Watson?"

"Your dad has... cast a spell on everyone. You can't get out of here with your original name and passport. And them believing your name is explainable" he said.

"And how is that?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Tell them that your mother divorced your dad for a Watson and that's how you got your last name. And for the first name" he looked away thinking, ".... just cook some story dude" he said shrugging his shoulders. I glared at him.

"Look, The airport authorities will call your dad and inform them immediately if you use your true identity, and then the whole plan will go downhill. So just trust me and...." he paused as I waited, what he would say next,

"And..?" I prompted.

"And All the best and....." he paused again and looked unsure not meeting my eyes, "Don't get caught" he said quickly and turned away. I was about to ask him for an explanation when a flight attendant approached us, "Sir, we are ready. Please step on for security check" she smiled broadly. If my nerves weren't on edge, I wouldn't have missed the flight attendant's flirtatious smile, or her battling eyelashes or the extra sway of her hips. But damn! I was so worried.

I turned towards Salim, who gave me a sheepish smile and mouthed 'all the best', I glared at him with all the anger I could muster and walk away towards the security check.

"Good evening Sir", a middle-aged woman greeted me with a genuine smile, "Passport please," She asked. I maintained a neutral expression on my face which I have mastered during years. But inside, I was freaking the hell out. With a steady hand, I produced a fake passport. She took it from me with a smile and opened it. Her smile faded away immediately after looking at the name, I presume. She raised her eyebrows and looked at me, she again plastered a smile on her face which was visibly fake. She stamped on the passport and handed it to me back. "have a pleasant trip, Mr.Watson" she said. I sighed internally and smiled at her.

*******

The plane was getting ready to take off. I sat there on a leather couch and stared out of the window. "Mr.Watson" the flight attendant called out. I looked around, Who is she talking to? Oh right! I am Mr.Watson. "drink for you", she handed me a glass of champaign. I gulped the bubbly liquid down my throat.

I placed it aside, and waited for the takeoff, "Good evening gentleman, this is Mason White, your pilot and Samantha Somers, your co-pilot. We will be taking off shortly. Please fasten your seat belt and enjoy the flight. The flight is expected to be on schedule" the announcement was made and I was just waiting for the take off when the flight attendant called again, "Mr.Watson, call for you" I looked up at her, wondering whom the call was for. For me? or the real Shane Watson?. I took the cordless phone and smiled at her dismissively. She smiled at me and left.

'Hello!" I said

"Bro! Didn't I tell you, you're gonna love me after this" Salim's cheerful voice resounded through the phone.

"Damn!" I muttered under me breathe. "You just left like half an hour ago. When did you get drunk, man!?" I asked.

He let out a throaty laugh, "I stock up my car with booze all the time, brother. Am I not awesome?" he said, laughing. I could hear the New York evening's breeze. He must have removed the roof of his convertible and probably must've been driving over the speed limit.

I sighed into the phone, "Go home. NOW" I demanded. He whistled through the phone,

"Are you worried, brother? The heartless dog is worried about my safety, eh?" he laughed again. 'fuc*ing i***t', I muttered under my breathe. If he wasn't my childhood friend, I would have loved to kick his a*s right now.

"Just, go home, okay," I said through gritted teeth. A sudden sound of screeching tyres got me worried,

"Admit it, you love me and you are worried about me," he said laughing out loud,

"Where the hell is you dude, Just cut the speed and go home" I yelled into the phone. The flight attendant came to me, "Sir! Are you okay?", I was too worried about Salim to worry about the girl.

"Say it", he yelled, "And I will go home," he said in a sobered tone, "I promise" I swear I could imagine his pout. Unbelievable but yes! Salim pouts when he is drunk. And trust me, it looks adorable on his manly face.

I sighed, "Sweety, My darling! I love you Salim and I care for you, I am even ready to bear your kids for you, right now. Just go home" I cried into the phone with a pained expression.

"I know you do babe! I love you too. See you soon. Now give me my kisshhes", he said slurring. I shut my eyes tightly, damn!!, "Muuah! muuah! muuah!" I kissed the cordless phone, "Happy? Now just go home" I yelled.

"I will Jaanu! I will. Love you. Come back to daddy soon" He yelled into the phone so loudly, I had to move the phone away from my ear.

I sighed and disconnected the call. This i***t, he seriously needs to find a girl, for himself. I looked up for the flight attendant and found her staring at me with wide eyes and a hanging jaw. She must have heard the last part of our conversation. 'You are gay?' this question was painted on her face. Her gaze travelled to my trousers and settled on my zipper. I crossed my legs and looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "Unbelievable" she muttered. It wasn't meant for me to hear but I heard it.

I cleared my throat and handed her the cordless phone. She took it with shaking hands and scurried away.

Fu*cking idiotic bas*ard.

******

I hr and thirty minutes later, I stepped into Canadian soil. The pilot, co-pilot and the flight attendant greeted me after landing. The flight attendant still looked flushed with the previous incident and I did everything to avoid her gaze.

I went through the security check once again. Since I was a VIP here, there was no big line at the security. The same thing happened again, but the only difference was this time a slutty looking young airport official looked at my passport. She was stunned at first, seeing the mismatch between my name and skin tone. After recovering from the shock and realizing that I am an important person, she replaced the frown with a flirting smile. I rolled my eyes at her and walked away.

A car waited for me at the private area of the airport, the Chauffeur opened the car and I hopped into the back seat.

"Good evening Sir. I'm Richard O'Connell. I will be your chauffeur, in Canada" he greeted me as soon as he took the driver seat. He handed me a file. "Mr.Salim asked me to give you this file, as soon as you land", he said.

I smirked, Salim told me, he would get me the information, but I didn't know he would get it so soon. I opened the file. Pari's photograph was on the first page. She wore a black shirt with white stripes. She was smiling, her hair short and plaited into a side braid. A couple of bangs were caressing her cheeks, her face was glowing, as usual, her eyes were lined with kajal, Just the way I like. Did she look... happy?

I was shocked was an understatement. She looked happy in the photograph. Was she really happy without me? I will move on. Her last words were ringing in my ears. She did say that she would move on. But did he? Could she? I don't know.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. Not a minute I have seen her face and my brain is back in turmoil. I don't know, what will happen once I meet her again.

I flipped the page, a phone number, residence address, office address, email address, etc., details were there. The office address caught my attention. It was a school's address, What was she doing in a school? Did she enrol in here? She couldn't complete her Graduation, I remember that. Because of you, an annoying voice yelled me accusingly. I pushed the thought to the back of my head before guilt consumed me. I can't let those thoughts into my mind. Not when I have so much to fight for. I shut the file and closed my eyes.

After driving for like thirty minutes or something, we reached a house. You could call it a farmhouse. It was surrounded by trees and as far as I remember, the drive was too silent, like the roads were deserted, without traffic. This was definitely in the city outskirts.

*******

"Does Salim come here often?" I asked taking in the house decor. It looked much bigger from inside. There was a fireplace in the living room, above which, an L.C.D screen was hanging. Brown coloured leather sofa settee was lying in front of the fireplace, which would be warm and comfortable during nights.

"No Sir, he hardly visits. whenever he is in town, he stays in one of the hotels in the city. Apparently, this is too far from town. I got it cleaned just this morning, for your arrival", he said.

"Oh!" was all I could say. After remaining silent for another couple of minutes.

"Sir, Its really late. You should get some sleep. And before that, dinner is hot and served on the table. A maid will be coming in the morning to do the cleaning and laundry", he said, pausing for my reply.

"When does Blisters High begin their classes?"

"I beg your pardon?" he asked. I turned to face him and looked him right in the eye.

"I don't repeat my questions, Richard. Next time, pay attention when I speak" He nodded. "I asked When do Blisters High begin their classes?" I said.

"They probably begin at 8 30 Sir," He said, nevertheless confidently.

"And how far is it from here?"

"It's around the corner, Sir. Two blocks away. It takes ten minutes if you walk"

"You can leave," I said.

"Sir. This is my number, and this is yours" he said, giving me a piece of paper. "A new cell phone and international sim card are already in your bedroom. Good night, Sir" with that he left.

I closed the door and walked inside. True to his words, a new blackberry was lying on my bed. I opened the contacts list and every number that I might be in need of was saved in it. I smirked, Salim proved to be my best friend after all.

I opened Salim's contact and dialled his number. I knew he must have passed out after boozing up so badly. But still, I wanted to know whether he made it to his house or not. He was a safe driver, even after getting drunk, he maintained decent driving. I just hope he doesn't get into an accident. Because I know, I will be the responsible one, if he does. After all, he did all this for me. And I couldn't even make sure to get him home safely. He wasn't picking up his call and it went straight to voice mail. I dialled his resident number, it was long shot but there is a possibility that his housekeeper was still there and would answer the phone. When the housekeeper picked up the call, I breathed a sigh of relief. After knowing that Salim made it to his house safely, I disconnected the call.

I sighed. I am such a shi*tty friend. I opened my old mobile phone and switched it on. There were twenty-two missed calls. Seven from my dad. Three from Mr Sharma. Two from Bianca and the rest of my gang.

Gang. I forgot about them totally. It has been four days since I talked to them. I dialled Sam's number from my new mobile. He answered on the second ring, "Hello" he said in a groggy tone. That fool must be sleeping.

"Smell some coffee, you i***t," I said.

"Bro?" he said in a completely sobered tone with no trace of sleep. I smirked.

********

I wore a black vest and Blue faded jeans with a brown leather jacket. I took my sunglasses and watch and walked into the living room. I followed the noises coming from the kitchen and saw, a middle-aged African-American woman was making breakfast. "Good Morning Mr Watson," she said in a cheerful tone.

"Good Morning," I said in an equally cheerful mood. After all, I am meeting my angel today after a long time. Being cheerful is reasonable, isn't it?

"I am Mrs.Smith, housekeeper," she said. I noticed her accent slightly different from that of Canadians. She must be from somewhere far. "I hope English breakfast is fine with you," She asked, holding a plate full of toast and a glass of orange juice.

"Yes, toast is fine. But can I get something else to drink?" I said taking a seat on the bar stool at the kitchen island.

"Sure, there's Coffee. Would ya like some?" she asked placing a plate full of toast and omelette in front of me.

"Yea, Coffee would be great," I said and smiled at her. She turned back to the stove to prepare some coffee.

I quickly swallowed the pieces of toast and omelette. I was too hungry to savour the taste. And the fact that I skipped yesterday's supper added to my growling stomach.

"Mrs.Smith, I will leave now. I might not be coming for lunch, but please keep some food in the freezer, just in case. You can take leave for the next couple of days, I won't be needing you" I said, getting up. Her face fell at the last words. I recalled the way I spoke, I didn't mean to offend her in any way. It's just that, I am not used to having anyone around so much. Let alone a woman.

"Good day, Mrs Smith," I said smiling at her.

"Good day, Mr Watson," She said returning the smile.

"And by the way, the breakfast was delicious," I said and left. I heard a faint, 'thank you' behind me.

I opened my blackberry and entered the address into GPS and made my way. After walking for life ten minute or so, I saw 'Blisters High', sign. I smirked, knowing that I am on the right way. After a couple of minutes, I saw the school building coming into view, I increased my pace and entered the building with quick strides.

I saw a reception area, right after entering the building. An old lady dressed in a Cream suite sat against the desk and was typing something into the computer. I approached her with the most charming smile I could muster.

"Good Morning Ma'am," I said.

"Yes. Good Morning. How may I help you?" She asked, taking her glasses off.

"I'm here to meet Ms Paridhi Sharma. Can you tell me where can I find her?" I asked her.

"Ms Sharma isn't here. You can find her in the other building, across the street" She said.

"Kay thanks," I said and she resumed back to typing. "ugh. Do you mind telling me, where this other building is?" I asked flashing her a smile.

She sighed. "Go into the opposite lane and take the first right. Its the only building so you won't get lost"

"Thank you, ma'am. Have a lovely day" I said and practically ran out of the building. I ran across the street looking to my right and left. I didn't find the curve. I ran a little more and I saw the curb to the right. I smiled triumphantly and ran faster. Just as I turned the curb, something yellow in colour pushed me away with huge force. I stumbled for a couple of steps and fell on the ground, with a thud. My elbow hit the ground, and it rained like hell. My head felt heavy and my eyes were drooping closed. Way to make an entry, Raghu! A voice in my subconscious said.

My head spun and my vision blurred. I could see branches of a tree and clear sky from where I was lying, but everything was spinning and my vision slowly faded, as darkness engulfed me. The last thing I heard was someone calling my name. My real name. "Raghu" but it heard like nothing more than a whisper in the end.

Pari. She was my last thought before I fell unconscious.