Inconvenient Relations (15 page)

“There’s nothing to talk about, Mrs. Jenkins. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do,” Shaan said with an impassive incline of his head before striding away.

“Wait!” she called after him. “Rich and I are planning on parting ways. I thought you’d like to know.”

He looked back with a lopsided grin. “Good for him. At last he realized his error.”

Blood rushed to her face. “Shaan! I thought you’d be happy for me and perhaps we could, you know, get a fresh start.”

He grunted, subjecting the vicinity to a quick once-over and spotted quite a few pairs of eyes watching with keen interest. Moving over to her desk, he scribbled briskly down on a Post-It note and handed it to her.

She scanned the piece of paper. “You have the nerve to say you are done with me? How dare you!”

“I was done with you awhile ago. It’s you who is suffering from short-term memory loss, hence the piece of paper to serve as a simple reminder.” His calm manner was belied by the unequivocal steel in his voice. “I wish you the best for the future. May you find someone who truly cares for you, but that fool isn’t me.”

“Shaan, you can’t just walk away like that! You don’t know what I’m capable of,” she said, appearing frantic.

“I don’t care. You can try whatever you want, but you can’t topple me. I’ve had enough of your threats,” he said in retaliation before finally slipping away.

Crashing in his chair, he thought,
Maybe I should ask for a transfer, but then why should I? When I’ve done nothing wrong!
“Darnit!” Snatching up a sheet of paper, he hurled it on the floor.

“Shaan! This is your statement of purpose—one you need for your interview, and, by the way, what scene were you creating with Des over there?”

“Gosh, Sooj! Where the hell did you emerge from?” Shaan said, swinging around in his chair to see Sujoy standing there.

His friend appeared unconvinced. “Don’t try to play the fool with me now! What kind of reckless buffoonery was that?”

Shaan shrugged. “Well, right now, I’m not in the best of spirits, and I hate that woman!” he admitted candidly, hoping Sujoy wouldn’t probe any further. He didn’t.

His trusted colleague sympathized instead. “Me, too! I don’t like her either, but don’t forget, she’s our boss’s wife. And if rumors are true, she may become one of the project leaders.”

Shaan was aghast. It was news to him. “But she doesn’t even belong in our group.”

As if it wasn’t enough to have periodic run-ins with her, but to work under her! He groaned.

“No, Shaan, not us but one of the groups we’d have to work with. Don’t fret, you have my vote.” Sujoy smiled reassuringly; he was concerned for his friend.

“It’s still as bad!” Shaan muttered, loosening his tie; it had begun to hamper his breathing.

“Howdy, my favorite men! How’s your wife, Sujoy? It’s your second, right?”

“Hi, Des, how are you?” Sujoy responded, poking his friend, who had found something interesting under his table. “Yes, it’s our second child, and Debo is doing as well as expected. She’s not one to complain.”

“How lucky you are. I’d despise it if Rich didn’t attend to my every beck and call!” Des chortled, her green eyes focused on Shaan’s bent back. “But then, that’s me. I hate not being the center of attention! Anyways, I’ll leave you two alone to your chatter, need to go home and fix myself up. We are having the VP over for dinner.” Then flashing a warm smile at Sooj, she said, “Be sure to invite me for the baby shower. Would love to get some culture and meet new faces.”

“Sure, you’re on the list,” he replied, looking baffled as she sashayed away. “Why is she suddenly acting so nice, I wonder.”

It’s because she wants to meet Ruhi! That bitch!
“Forget her, Sooj! By the way, how does one woo one’s wife?”

“What?” Sujoy turned to Shaan in astonishment, then burst into great merriment. “What happened? Did my sis kick you out of the bedroom?”

I don’t think I’d even recognize the territory now!

He glared at Sujoy. “It’s not funny! She just happens to be in a particularly mean mood lately. Just tell me, how do you manage to keep
bhabhi
smiling always? Or does she simply happen to be in love with you?”

“Of course she’s in love with me, but that’s not enough, my boy. You need to keep the fire burning by constantly feeding it,” Sujoy retorted with a sharp wink.

“Care to elaborate, Mr. Love Guru?”
Heck, I don’t believe I’m doing this, but anything to win my Ruhi!

“Man, are you blind? Don’t you realize Ruhi loves you? All you need to do is love her in return.”

Yes, I have been groping in the dark
, Shaan reproached himself.

“What I see is that she’s always at home and you at work. Take her out, surprise her, say it with flowers. Women love things like that. By the way, did you guys have a honeymoon?”

“Honeymoon? At this time?”

“Of course. It doesn’t have to be a month long or even somewhere exotic. Think about it, Shaan, you’re smart enough. Besides, you have a lovely wife to inspire you.” Shaan received a thump on his back. “Am off now, you better run too. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.”

“Thanks, Sooj!” Shaan smiled; he knew exactly what he needed to do.

***

He chose to cut the day short and take Ruhi for an early dinner.
Sooj’s right, I’m not romantic enough. What’s wrong with me? A girl needs to be pampered and treated with TLC!

Must be out running around as usual
, he thought fondly when she didn’t answer the phone at home nor her cell.

“Ruhi, my love, where the hell are you? How can I court you in your absence?” he articulated aloud, making the final left turn onto Orange Grove, searching, hoping to lay eyes on her familiar figure.

“There she is, a creature of habit!” He grinned, spotting her green-and-blue sweats in the corner and cruised to a halt.

But who is that with her?
He frowned when he saw her talking intently to a small child in a
patka
who initially appeared to struggle in her grip but later quieted down.

“Good boy, Surjit! Is it good to run on the streets?”

“No bad!” The boy jerked his head vigorously from side to side, prompting a laugh from Ruhi and a hug.

Shaan had just nudged open his door when he saw a tall thin man amble up to the pair. He saw him bend his head close to Ruhi’s, murmur something in her ear, and thrust out his hand. She shook it after a slight hesitation.

Shaan watched as the little boy clung to those long legs and squealed with joy when he was hoisted up, and the trio walked away.

He wanted to cry out in pain.

***

Have I lost her? Did that bastard steal her from right under my nose? Does he have the gall to do so?
Shaan questioned himself as he waited impatiently for Ruhi to return home.

Of course he does. All these guys need is a tiny cue!

And it was you who gave it to him, Shaan. When you told him quite clearly you were friends with your own wife. And now you’re living to regret it!

His broad shoulders drooped as he slumped back on the settee experiencing an acute sense of defeat and loss as he had never before.

Yet she could have told the truth. Perhaps she didn’t want to. Was she leading him on? Were they carrying on behind my back all along? No, she wouldn’t do that. She’s my wife, and I trust her.

But why not, if that jerk treats her far better than I do, showering her with flowers and praise, which he was very adept at doing.
Shan remembered their inopportune rendezvous at the restaurant.

Then why? Why keep it from me? What does she see in this guy that she doesn’t in me? I thought she genuinely cares…I’ll find out soon enough.
He waited anxiously when he heard the key turn in the lock and saw her walk in alone. It gave him some hope.

It was obvious she was clearly surprised to see him, as well as being a little uptight. “You’re early today, Shaan. Anything the matter? Did your meeting go well?”

“Yes, it all went fine. I left early because I wanted to see you.”
And that’s the truth
. He watched her closely, looking for any sign of deceit or falsehood, and found none.

“Is that right?” She appeared pleased. “If you had let me know earlier, I wouldn’t have gone out.”

“I didn’t know…”

“I’ve found a job.”

“What?” He sat up straight; this was certainly a bolt from out of the blue.

“Yes, it’s just something to do, not really a job, though I’d like to call it one. It’d help me keep busy.”
And not dwell on you all the time!
She broke into a tentative laugh.

“But, Ruhi,” he said, indignant, “I’ve told you before you don’t have to work for any reason. No matter what we are going through, the truth is I married you, and it’s my duty to take care of all your needs. Besides, you don’t have a legal work permit.”

“But, Shaan, I’ve always been independent. Back home I was working right from high school, even if it was something minor. It kept me occupied. This isn’t a real job. I’ll just be helping out in a shop, and the owner, who hales from our country, said she’d welcome the extra help. She has agreed to pay me in cash,” she explained.

She hasn’t mentioned him yet. Is this so-called work just a front to meet him?

“Ruhi,” he said irritably, regretting it right away when he saw her eyes widen with apprehension.

Damnit, Shaan! You love her, or have you forgotten that already?

“Sorry I didn’t mean to scold you,” he said, adopting a much gentler approach. “I understand completely, but you don’t know how these people are. They may exploit you, make you work way too hard, and you won’t be able to protest because you possess no legal rights.”

Why are you being so sweet to me?
She felt abruptly restive when she saw him draw closer.

“I’m not a foolish child, I’ll quit once it happens. Besides, the owner was in genuine need with her husband out of work and her son who is autistic.” Her face brightened. “And you remember that guy, Pratik, we met at the restaurant? He’s her younger brother. He’s weird but quite funny.”

He sighed, captivated.
Sweetheart, I was totally mistaken. You’d never betray me. This is but a ploy you’ve adopted to run away from love.

She saw the discerning glint in his eye.

He knows me through and through, and I can’t hide anymore! Why does he give me misery and then make me adore him? I need answers!
“Tell me, what have I done to deserve this? To marry you, be ready to spend the rest of my life with you, then suffer rejection not once but twice. Do you know how humiliating it is? How many nights have I spent wondering what sins I was being punished for?”

“No, Ruhi, you’ve done nothing wrong.” The words came out in a rush as he folded her tenderly in his arms.

She broke down into angry sobs. “Did I swipe that horrible guy in college with the hockey stick too hard? Though I did repent by paying him a visit in the hospital.” She addressed his shirt, “Yes, there was one time in school when I devoured all of my friend’s lunch. But I did apologize and made up by getting her
Chole
plus a Coke, and she did forgive me or so she said. Then why is God doing this to me? I just don’t understand!” She rubbed her red nose on his chest.

Shaan broke out laughing. “My, my. Thanks for revealing your deep, dark secrets, darling. It’s a pleasure to know my wife has a colorful past!”

Blood rushed to Ruhi’s cheeks when she saw her husband’s affection shine clear through his eyes. She battled to disengage herself.

“No, not so fast, now that you have begun to share yourself with me.” He propped her chin up, compelling her to meet his gaze. “This is a precious moment in our lives, and I want to treasure it, mark it as a new start. I’m honored you considered me worthy enough of trusting me with your feelings.”

Sighing, she relaxed and let him hug her. It felt good.

“And I want to assure you none of your ‘sins,’ though they are quite shocking, deserve capital punishment. It’s my fault I ignored the lovely gift God has given me,” Shaan said.

“What? You think I’m a bully?” Ruhi inquired with incredulous disbelief.

“Yes, you said it, my dear,” he confirmed, not relinquishing his hold instead gripping her tighter. “That’s exactly what defines all your actions so far.”

“I don’t believe it! And you still want me to stay?” She gaped at him, but her flush deepened when she discerned him to be distinctly amused.

“Yes, because I find this bullying insanely endearing. Just make sure I’m your only victim.”

“You are taking a major risk. You won’t survive the onslaught,” she dared to warn while her pulse raced frantically.

“Who said I want to? Just avoid that hockey stick,” he said. “Now if we are done with this verbal sparring, can I take you out for dinner?”

Ahead

“I
f the pizzeria was going to be your only idea for a dinner date, we might as well have stayed home,” Ruhi grumbled upon hearing Shaan propose they walk to the restaurant, which happened to be around the corner just two blocks away.

She had come out from her room after a quick shower wearing a knee-length dress in pale apricot with a modest-collared neckline and a wide leather belt, which defined her tiny waist. Her hair was caught up in an elegant chignon at the nape of her neck.

“It’s not just a pizzeria but an authentic Italian restaurant run by a true-blooded Italian, one which I used to frequent quite often. What am I to do if it happens to be in the neighborhood?” he retorted, unable to unglue his gaze off his wife. She painted a beautiful and elegant picture in the simple dress.

She is a revelation to me. Every day I see a side to her that elevates her further in my mind. Is it some kind of spell, or have the blinkers finally fallen off?

Her dainty head cocked sideways; she observed him from where she stood at the bottom of the stairs as he locked the door, sporting the slightest of enigmatic smiles, which he realized was more or less the way she regarded him, like a cryptic game of chess. “If we had stayed, I could have at least watched
Two and a
—” She stopped abruptly realizing what had happened the last time they had watched the show. “Uhmm…a documentary.”

Her brain compensates fast.

“There was something interesting coming up on The History channel on Ancient Rome about how a particular empress had a hand in the demise of most of her relatives especially the macho male types. I’m surprised that women in those times could wield so much power and control over the so-called ‘stronger’ sex. Quite unbelievable!” she stated, her smile growing wider.

They were to some extent like you, my dear. The only difference being you seem to be quite unaware of your powers…or are you really?

“Hmmm…” Shaan paused as though giving it careful consideration. “That must be Livia, wife of Augustus the first Emperor of Rome.” He took hold of Ruhi’s reluctant elbow and veered her onto the path aiming toward Tony’s. “You know, Rome is not only known for Julius Caesar and his mighty military escapades but also for its scheming and powerful women who were the force behind their husbands’ victories, and at the same time, they were notorious for not stopping at anything to protect their personal turfs. They resorted to guile, deceit, promiscuity, anything, even murder. There was not an ounce of loyalty in those vixens.” His grim statement was tempered with a charming smile.

“You mean they were like me?” she asked, quick on the uptake.

Oh no, not again!
He could see she was chomping at the bit, ready to pounce on him and run him down.

“Did I say that in so many words? I was just talking history.” He tried to sound casual. “I didn’t know you’ve indulged in homicide. I better watch my back!” The temptation was too hard to resist.

She sprung away from him. “How can you? How can you even think of comparing me with those evil women? Do I appear cold, calculating, or intentionally deceitful? But then, why should I defend myself in front of you? Who are you to pass judgment on me anyway? Someone who doesn’t even know how to treat a woman!” She broke away in a huff, standing still and rebellious on the narrow sidewalk, which was slick with the overshooting spray from the many timed sprinklers making their lazy nighttime revolutions.

Pulling her out of the way of one such errant water head, he spun her around, maintaining a tight grip on her arm. “Now what do you expect of me? Tell me, I’d like to know. I’m tired of this guessing game!”

She smiled coyly. “It’s not that tough. I’m not too hard to please, unlike many others. For instance, we could’ve had dinner at that Mediterranean place you took me to the other day. Uhmm…the Olive, yes! With all the ambience and coziness.” She winked.

But it escaped his notice. He was busy getting riled up at her suggestion.

“Oh, that place? I hated the service! I don’t understand how they could let it deteriorate to such an extent…and the food. It left much to be desired. I was so disappointed. Such a waste!” His complexion had turned ruddy, his hands into fists.
I should have knocked that smart-ass Pratik on the jaw. It’d have given him something to think about!

Poor darling, he’s jealous. Nothing else, I hope,
Ruhi surmised and melted.

“Aww, come on. I was just making conversation,” she said, hooking her arm through his. “I agree. Our visit was not entirely pleasing to the palate, was it? Might as well give your Tony’s a try.”

“Conversation? That’s all?”
He gawked at her in sheer surprise, certain now that the entire exercise was being conducted for her sole pleasure. “You are unbelievable!”

“What do you mean?”

“I think we should stop talking for a little while and enjoy some quiet time for a change. Ahh… Here we are.” He stopped in front of an unimpressive facade of red brick and faded paintwork. “It doesn’t appear like much from the outside but is an entirely different state of affairs when you go in! C’mon, I’m hungry!”

He steered her ahead into a poorly lit, narrow corridor, at the end of which stood a heavily curtained glass door bearing letters in gold. It said Tony’s Italian Kitchen with hours of operation below.

“Are you sure?” she asked doubtfully, to which he replied by pulling open the door…and they were immediately assaulted by a loud booming voice.

“Welcome to Tony’s!”

Ruhi blinked, her eyes gradually adjusting to the dim light. She saw a man as large and robust as his voice step forward from behind a podium and start pumping Shaan’s hand with a huge grin on his plump face.

“Hi, Tony! Something special tonight? Don’t usually see you greeting your guests this way.”

“Oh, is that you, Shaan my boy? Welcome, welcome! Please, pardon these old eyes. They have seen better days. Yes, it is a special night for Tony’s! It’s our anniversary, and that means all the customers get to deal with me first!” He roared with laughter, not letting go of Shaan’s hand, which had started to ache.

Ruhi stepped back into the shadows trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, but her dress was a dead giveaway.

“Now, now! Who do we have here?”

Despite his lamentations about his failing vision, Tony’s eyes never missed seeking out beautiful women apparently. Spotting Ruhi, he took her hand gently in his and gazed solemnly at her for several seconds, making her shoot nervous glances in Shaan’s direction, who shrugged his shoulders in a helpless gesture.

“Bellissimo!”
Tony said, lifting her hand gallantly to his lips. “Where have you been so far,
mia cara?
Or where has this boy been hiding you?” He cast a stern glance at Shaan. “Now I know the reason why he orders take-out all the time!”

“Tony, I don’t!”

“Ah! Forget him, signorina. Come with me! You are our guest of honor tonight.” Tony tucked her slender arm under his and pushed open another door leading into the main restaurant. Ruhi was at once assailed by the sounds and aromas typical of any busy eatery.

Sweeping his large paw-like hand around, Tony asked her to choose a table; and she, wanting to get out of his clutches quickly, pointed to the nearest one in the center.

“Of course, our best table for the beautiful signorina and her guest! Please take your seats, and I will send Giordano, our best server, to attend to you while I go welcome my other guests. They must be feeling left out.” Tony sniggered. “And remember, tonight drinks are on the house!”

Ruhi heaved a sigh of relief when Tony finally let go of her hand after settling her down. She spent some time looking around the place, which was much larger and well appointed than its exteriors had implied. There was a huge wood-fired oven in the large open kitchen where chefs, all in white with the fire lending a shine to their faces, busily took and prepared the orders while customers sitting around at the bar watched them and sipped from their glasses. The walls were decorated with framed oil paintings depicting various scenes of Italy especially the countryside, and the entire decor was given a surreal feel with strategically placed hidden lighting.

“Very nice! Thank you, Shaan.” Ruhi turned to her companion smiling and let out a sharp gasp when she saw him glowering furiously at her.

“Now what did I do that you have to look at me that way!”

“Tell me what you didn’t do. Why were you leading Tony on?”

“No I wasn’t!”

“Yes…you…were!”

“
Buona Sera
, folks! A little wine and iced tea to cool the tempers?” Giordano, whose real name he revealed was Jorje pronounced
Horhe
, arrived with a bottle of their best Italian vino and a pitcher full of delicious peach ice tea.

“You may order anything you like, sir, madam. Your meal is on the house!” he announced as Shaan and Ruhi looked over the menu.

“I shall go ahead and bring you our menu sampler,” Giordano said before disappearing among the tables as quickly as he had appeared.

“No, that’s not what I want,” Shaan shouted after him, but his voice was drowned in the general din. “Let’s leave before Tony decides to take you home with him!”

“Oh, Grey. Oops! I’m sorry…Shaan. Stop taking things seriously and enjoy the moment! What is there to lose? I bet he’s harmless,” Ruhi said, smiling apologetically at her daring slip.

“My dear, don’t think this place scares me,” he said quietly, his eyes intent on her flushed cheeks.

But as it usually occurs, food does act to calm the restless soul and soon both were digging in to the generous sampler, which spoke volumes of the quality being served at the restaurant.

“This is for you, my doe-eyed angel,” Tony declared, suddenly materializing beside their table before breaking out into a lovely Italian song, which Ruhi couldn’t understand a word of, but guessed as much it was about love. There was no doubt the big man could sing as he held everyone spellbound, even Shaan, with the mellifluous purity of his voice.

“Bravo!” Ruhi applauded and was joined in by the other patrons.
“Grazie, bella donna!
Will you accompany me home tonight?” Tony asked, making an elaborate show of going down on one knee next to Ruhi and staring plaintively into her eyes.

Several OMGs, sighs, and gasps could be heard as everyone’s attention focused on Ruhi who had managed to go crimson in the meantime.

“Damnit, Tony. Spare her for once. She’s my wife for God’s sake!”

“Oh no, that cannot be true! But it is…I see the ring. God in heaven have mercy! I thought I had found my soul mate!” Tony appeared to have taken the news to heart, by the way his bright face suddenly transformed into a picture of utter dejection.

“But it is all right. Shaan’s a good man, and I believe a girl like you needs a man like him to protect and cherish her,” he declared with a broad smile as though nothing had transpired and patted her spouse heartily on the back before squishing him in a bear hug.

“Take care, son, and be true for you get married only once in your life like I did to my
bella!”
he said while submitting to a hearty kiss by a pleasantly plump red-cheeked woman who had appeared out of nowhere on his side.

“She is his wife, and they happen to be inseparable,” Shaan explained later as they walked back home. “But I can’t for the world understand how she tolerates him and his all-out flirting. Beats me!”

“Are all Italians this romantic?” Ruhi sighed with a faraway, dreamy look in her eyes.

“All Italians are crazy!” he erupted fiercely. “They are passionate, impulsive, unpredictable, and dangerous! They act before they think, or they don’t think at all! They will overwhelm you with gifts and very the next moment plot to murder you. Haven’t you heard of the Mafia? For the longest time I’ve wondered if Tony isn’t running an underground crime cartel!”

She stopped walking, suddenly wanting to be mean, the mysterious Des constantly hovering in the back of her mind. “I was talking about romance, not Godfather! I’ve heard men who have affairs are usually of a very romantic disposition.”

“Are you referring to me?” he asked. She had caught him in a tender spot.

“Of course yes. Didn’t you too have an affair?” She turned to him, her eyes bright, accusing. “So you should be awfully romantic, yet I haven’t seen that side much. Have you changed, or is it just me?” She had finally come clean with her feelings.
What was it about Des that had prevented their union and still managed to stand in between them like a shadow? Or was it something to do with her, with Ruhi?

“Oh that? That wasn’t an affair.” The topic being one which he dearly wished to avoid. “It was a mistake I’m still paying the price for. I don’t want to discuss it. It’s done with, a thing of the past, something I’d like to forget! Anyways, I’ve never considered myself romantic, unlike Tony or even Sujoy for that matter. But I’m willing to try if that’s what you want,” he spoke in earnest, wishing to leave no stone unturned.