Inconvenient Relations (32 page)

“I will, I promise. Give me just an hour.”

“No, I can’t afford to take such risks! What guarantee do I have? I—”

“Because I love you, Shaan!” Ruhi’s hand raised to tenderly tousle his hair while he stared at her openmouthed. “I’ve loved you since the day I first saw you, and the feelings have multiplied a million times since despite all my efforts to resist.” She smiled. “So you see, Ruhi cannot survive without her Shaan. I’ll be back, trust me.”

He let her go.

***

“Thanks for agreeing to meet me at such short notice.”

Ruhi voiced her gratitude when she saw Rich patiently waiting for her in the coffee shop at the corner of Orange Grove and Lake. It was just a five-minute quick dash from the apartment. He’d been kind enough to suggest it, knowing she was still fairly new to the place.

She’d been pleasantly surprised when he had concurred to the rendezvous without pelting her with too many questions; perhaps he’d sensed her urgent need.

Her hand felt tiny in his huge paw, but his grip was warm and reassuring. She felt her anxiety tumble several notches.

“Care for a drink?” Rich asked.

“No, thank you. I don’t want to keep you any longer than necessary, you are a busy man.”

He grinned in good humor, leaning back in the overstuffed couch. “I’ve all the time in the world. It’s not every day a beautiful young girl like you seeks out an old man like me.”

She smiled, taking the chance to observe Shaan’s boss as he took a sip of his espresso.

He was a very handsome man in a quiet way with clean distinguished features, steel-grey hair cut sensibly close to his scalp, and gentle blue-grey eyes, which belied a very sharp intellect.

On a casual encounter, no one would have estimated the man sitting in front of her was the sole owner of a multimillion dollar estate—his demeanor being down-to-earth without the slightest hint of misplaced pride. How could someone like him be so unlucky in marriage? Ruhi hated Des even more—if that was conceivable.

Seeing her hesitate, Rich said, “You can share with me anything you want without reserve. I’ve always considered Shaan like my older son, so you’re like a daughter to me.”

She took a deep breath to garner courage. “Are you the chief engineer…main lead on the Venus project?”

He looked a little surprised. “I guess you could say so, though there are quite a few above me. Spacegenics is not like any other company. The system’s more complex.”

“But you are the one who decides who’s in and who’s out, hires and fires, and all that, aren’t you?”

Appearing to get the drift, he offered an imperceptible nod. Her brow furrowed. “I don’t wish to say this but…”

“Go ahead.”

“When I left for India, I kept it from Shaan.”

He looked puzzled. “But I thought you took off together…didn’t you?”

She shook her head. “No, it was a rash step I took due to a foolish misunderstanding, and the irresponsibility was entirely mine. He isn’t to blame. He followed me, believing I wouldn’t return otherwise, caring in the least for the consequences.”

“I find that hard to believe. I’ve always considered Shaan a very stable and steady man. But then love can make you do strange things,” Rich said with a bitter smile.

Ruhi colored, realizing how much her husband had given up just for her sake. “Is it true that he’s no longer a part of the team?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Rich agreed gravely. “It’s automatic. Anyone who leaves the country during the first six months forfeits his or her position. The clause was put in because most of the crucial R and D decisions are taken during this time period and a project like Venus is highly sensitive with tremendous implications for national security. You can surmise the potential damage caused if any information got into the wrong hands.”

“But Shaan is absolutely innocent. I can vouch he was with me the entire duration.”

Rich nodded. “Your husband’s loyalty is beyond question. I trust him implicitly. He’s one of our best and brightest engineers with a great future. In fact, one of his designs is being tested right now with encouraging results. So you can understand what a great loss this is for all of us.”

Oh god! My poor Shaan!

“I don’t want to transgress on your authority, Rich, but even though my husband is indifferent right now, I know he’ll be completely broken-hearted if he is not there in the thick of things doing what he loves…and I’ll never be able to forgive myself.” Her guilt was weighing her down.

“Yes. I haven’t seen Shaan so enthused before.”

“So for my sake… No, for his sake, can you put in a word? Seeing that, you know him so well and have right from the start? Please? I’m sure your opinion carries a lot of weight,” she implored, feeling helpless in the bargain.

After looking at her, Rich arrived at a decision. “Can’t promise, but I’ll give it my best shot.”

He then beamed. “Now go, run to your beau. I don’t fancy him holding me up at gunpoint anytime!”

***

Are you having an affair? I’m pretty sure you are!

Ruhi smiled indulgently; it’d been barely a few minutes past the hour when her phone alerted her to his message.

“Yes, I am,” she said before racing back as though her life depended on it.

She found him prostrate on the living room couch, his eyes closed, with the book
The Consolations of Philosophy
opened to the chapter “A Broken Heart” lying near his outstretched arm on the floor.

“You don’t need this stuff anymore,” she chided, replacing the book on the coffee table before cuddling against him.

He smiled, eyes still shut, as she pecked him on the tip of his nose. “So who are you having an affair with, care to clue me in?

“With you of course—a most wonderful never-ending affair.”

“Hmm…then I have no complaints,” he said, folding her securely in his arms.

Venus

“I
’m going to sit right here! You go on!”

“Please yourself. Don’t think I’m going to offer you any assistance, sweetheart. Anyways, it was your brainy idea to hike nine miles down the Grand Canyon in this bloody heat!”

Shaan glanced up the narrow dusty trail. She was sitting like a stubborn oaf on a rock, which projected dangerously over the edge. Her hardheadedness persisted even during the worst of circumstances. She wasn’t willing to give up and ask for help.

Agreed, he was not feeling so hot himself yet was determined to finish the remaining half mile or so because down there was the river, cool air, and rest!

How can I be such a stupid fool to abide by her every single word even when it borders sometimes on the ridiculous? I must’ve truly gone bonkers! Love has to have its limits!

Had it been just yesterday? For he had lost track of time.

***

Yesterday, in the cozy Ahuja digs…

“CNN reports that the Republican primaries are almost wrapped up, but none of the candidates are willing to throw in the gauntlet.”

“No, Shaan can’t call it quits so easily. I won’t let him!” Flipping through the channels, Ruhi paused on the Cartoon Network, considering it a safe bet.

But alas, the animated creatures appeared far more treacherous and vengeful than those in real life.

“Gosh! Plots, subplots, twists, turns… Can nothing in this world be straightforward and simple?”

She glanced nervously at the clock; it was thirty minutes past eleven.

He’s been gone exactly four hours and not a whisper—good or bad.
Is he angry with me?
Ruhi asked herself. He’s likely livid at the way I shoved him out this morning, probably thinks I’m frigid trying to avoid his advances at all costs. But he doesn’t know what I’m going through, and I can’t tell him either. This is so insane!

Then just as she was about to call his number, she heard the key turn in the lock.

She sat up straight, holding her breath.Why is he taking so long? Does he not realize how desperate I am?

Slow measured steps, the painstaking ritual of removing his shoes and stacking them on the rack; that’d mean good news, but it could be bad, too! Oh Lord!

She wanted to holler,
Shaan, just leave them be…just tell me you’re still in.

His demeanor did nothing to allay her fears either when he shuffled in with his shoulders slouched, a morose and somber look on his face, and slumped on the couch.

Unable to bear the suspense any longer, she broke her peace, “What happened? Aren’t you back on board? How could anyone be so mean?”

He turned to her and she was surprised to see a beautific smile. “You love me a lot, don’t you, Ruhi?” he asked softly.

She frowned, baffled.

Grasping her hand in one of his, he gently massaged her knuckles while placing another on the small of her back. “You went to meet with Rich last night to plead on my behalf, and you kept it from me so I wouldn’t feel embarrassed?”

“No, I didn’t. I just wanted to tell him to give you what was rightfully yours…nothing else.”

A thumb traced her jawline. “Poor baby, worrying yourself sick about me when you needn’t have worried at all.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, trying to stay immune to the sensual feel of his fingers on her skin.

“My foolish wife. Though your husband’s love for you has reached insane proportions, he isn’t utterly stupid. But if things continue like this, that day may not be too far off, either.”

She blushed. “Stop beating around the bush and tell me why should I think you are so clever!”

He laughed. “Did Rich talk about one of my designs being considered for the final module?”

“Yes, but he said it was still being tested.”

“It has passed the prelims but has to go through a series of more rigorous trials where it’ll be put through all kinds of adverse conditions, which it may encounter in space—extremes of heat, cold, trauma from asteroids, space junk, and perhaps even aliens!” His eyes grew wide.

She laughed. “Don’t mess with me.”

“I’m not.” He jerked her closer.

She pursed her lips to keep them from trembling. “So, what is preventing them from using your work in your absense?”

“Hmm…your mind works in devious ways, and I love that!” His fingers tracked up her spine, into her scalp, and he smiled wickedly when she shuddered yet resolutely held his gaze.

“First of all, to find someone else in my narrow field of expertise and at such short notice is close to impossible.”

“But if they do…then what?”

He nodded. “They very well might, you are right, but I doubt they will go through the trouble.”

“Why would you think so?” She bent forward, all excited.

He chuckled. “It isn’t as simple as it seems. They may confiscate my work, but what if something goes wrong, who will fix it? Yes, they are all equally good, but as the inventor, I’m the only one who knows the circuits inside and out, and they cannot afford to waste time on the contraption when it’s hurtling toward its destination or collecting data on the planet. Time is precious, and precision is vital leaving little room for error. They’ll look like fools if the bloody thing choked up!” He shrugged his shoulders, “So you see, they do need me.”

“But, are you sure? I don’t want you to end up discouraged and disappointed,” she said, looking anxious again.

“Yes, there are no guarantees, but it was a gamble I was willing to take because there’s no way I could let you go, could I?” He pulled her onto his lap. “‘Cause without you my life holds no meaning—those planets are just pieces of rock!”

He was then witness to untold happiness that shone through her luminous eyes.

“So when I went in today, I was stunned to see on my desk a summons for interrogation. These guys work fast, and of course, you helped speed the process along. I was wanted by the Gestapos!”

“Gestapos?”

He guffawed. “Our company’s indigenous CIA, FBI, Mossad, SS all rolled into one! Not a soul can move an inch without their prior approval, and of course, my transatlantic hop earned me a two-hour special.”

“You deserved it!” She laughed, noticing her anxiety dissipate considerably.

“Hmphh! I did? Guess so for chasing after you,who wouldn’t?”

“All right, I apologize,” she said, roughing his hair. “Go on please.”

A smile flickered across his face. “But they couldn’t faze me one bit ‘cause I had nothing to hide. I confessed that though my wife has driven me incurably insane, I just can’t imagine surviving without her. She’s my dream, my fantasy, my unrealized desire.”

“Will you stop that,” she exclaimed though her heart craved more.

“It’s the truth, and Rich corroborated it when I met him, that I’m one hell of a lucky SOB!”

“You seem very confident,” she mumured. Her fingers floated down his throat, defining the strong muscles as well as the prominent bump in the middle, unconscious of the havoc they were creating.

He swallowed, his voice becoming hoarse. “I am, quite. In fact, one of those clowns even shook my hand…besides, Rich said it looked pretty positive.”

“So will you be going to work tomorrow?”

“Probably not. I cannot officially be on the team till they clear me. Furthermore, there’s no other work going on, so I guess till I hear of my fate” —letting out a languid sigh— “I am at your disposal, m’lady, to do as you please.”

“To do as I please?” she echoed, turning scarlet when she discerned herself being systematically stripped under his gaze.

“What did you say?” he asked, distracted, while fiddling with her silver hoops.

“If you have some time off, can I make a request?” she appealed, grabbing his hand as it slipped under her skirt.

His face darkened. “Request away…but please don’t declare you intend to remain a virgin the rest of your life—that’ll just kill me!” His teeth nipped the edge of her earlobe while she struggled in his grasp.

“I want us to go to a place that’s special, both for you and for me.”

***

Somewhere on the South Kaibob trail in Grand Canyon National Park.

Shaan had stopped keeping track of their progress; he was just satisfied being able to place one foot in front of the other.

Yes, that was yesterday, and here we are—hot, tired, sweaty with not an ounce of romance in sight! And she is back to doing what she does best—irritating me! But I’m not going to lose my cool. I’ll remain unaffected.
He thought as he stood glowering at her; he wasn’t going to yield another inch.

“Hey, bud!” One of their group’s professional guides came pounding up the trail. “What’s up with you folks? You’re holding up the rest of the group,” he said in a breezy tone. He was Andy, the son in the father-son group who conducted these tours on a daily basis. He flashed a blinding smile, his pearly whites contrasting brilliantly against his nut-brown skin—a Greek god in shorts and, to make matters worse, yet to break a sweat.

His eyes lighted on Ruhi, and he clambered up to her. “Do you need some help, miss?”

She smiled. “No, thank you. I think I’m okay now.”

Yet as soon as she stood up, she winced and stumbled, falling against him.

“Seems like you may have blisters. I can give you a hitch to the bottom where we can check your feet,” he proposed, throwing an arm around her back.

“No you don’t. I can take care of her,” Shaan snapped, coming up and tersely shouldering Andy away. “She’s my wife.”

“Suit yourself. Was just trying to speed things up, need to set up camp before nightfall.” Andy shrugged and soon disappeared around a sharp outcrop of rock.

“I don’t need your help!” Ruhi emphatically refused Shaan’s hand.

“But you were willing to lean on that, that—”

“He understood my pain, you don’t!”

“Like hell I don’t! You are playing with me and that’s that!”

“So then I am. Now just leave me alone,” she said, resolutely marching away from him, and though her feet began to complain right away, she continued on with her teeth clenched.

“Whatever you are doing, I don’t want to be labeled as a heartless brute who can’t take care of his wife!”

She gasped when he swung her up. “Don’t struggle or I won’t hesitate to throw you off right now,” he threatened menacingly, standing precariously close to the edge. The roar of the rushing waters of the Colorado River could be heard not far below.

Dainty nostrils flared and dark eyes flashed with injured pride, but she stayed put.

“That’s much better,” he approved before resuming his stride. Finding her amazingly light in his arms, Shaan was overcome by a sudden incredible tenderness, a need to cherish and protect her innocence. Yet at the same time, he didn’t fail to notice the hint of cleavage revealed by the burgundy camisole that clung seductively to her full breasts under her thin cotton shirt nor the silky smoothness of her toned thighs, which her khaki shorts failed to adequately cover.

“Why did you stop?”

“Huh?” He blinked. “Just getting a breather.” Barely was he able to speak, for he felt his heart pounding like a freight train against his rib cage.

Admit it, boy, the harder you try to resist, the worse the madness gets. Love is indeed limitless.

As is usually the case, the most awe-inspiring experiences in life chance upon you suddenly and take your breath away.

The River

Meandering eternal

Perennial over miles and miles

Of barren desert, golden fields and

Rugged canyon

From a faint trickle to

A booming roar

It contorts, it twists, it rushes

It flows.

Moods ever changing

From a pensive calm

To a nurturing warmth,

And a restless fury

In constant motion

A persistent quest

For its ocean

Where it’s spirit can lay to rest.

Shaan looked down at his ocean and saw her gazing in wonder at the sight that had made him stop in his tracks. So would it anyone else.

The massive canyon, several million years in the making, is at any time an awe-inspiring sight; but twilight brings with it a distinct magic, a surreal other world of solitude, peace, and oneness with nature.

A sudden rush of cool air hit his face, bringing with it the smell of earth, sweaty grime, and a faint yet distinct hint of her fragrance. It knocked him out of his trance.

Setting her down on the pebble-strewn sandy edge of the river, he unloaded the huge backpack whose straps had made deep inroads into his shoulders. She had stuffed it with all kinds of paraphernalia; things they might need and couldn’t potentially do without on this ridiculous trip.

He had given in as usual, not realizing he’d be the one doing most of the hauling.

“Thanks and sorry for causing so much trouble but I thought—”

“Stop thinking from now on. It’ll do us both a lot of good!” he shot back, squatting on his haunches while trying to stretch his aching spine.

Almost immediately, he saw her face crumple. She was on the brink of tears.

“That’s enough, Ruhi! I was foolish to humor you this far! I should have predicted your body would never handle a hike like this, but that’d be going against my nature, wouldn’t it?”