Chapter 43

"Here we are!"

We have arrived at a heavy iron gate, flanked by a high wall topped with broken glass and barbed wire and manned by a security cabin. Vicky gives a brief honk and an armed security guard hurries out to open the door.

We drive up a winding slope for few hundred meters before the ground levels to reveal a beautiful, three storeyed, white bungalow set behind a manicured lawn and a professionally landscaped garden. Vicky drives around the mansion to the shuttered entrance of what I presume, is the garage. The automatic sensor activates heavy duty black doors which roll up, allowing the car to glide forward.

What I assumed would be a car park with space for four or five cars, turned out to be a garage, which could easily be mistaken for a parking lot of a small mall.

As Vicky navigates the car to its parking spot, I catch a glimpse of the other vehicles parked inside as we move along, and my eyes and mouth grow wider until they are almost touching each other.

In front of me, is a panoply of some of the world's most luxurious cars. Although I am no car expert to know the year and model, I have seen enough movies, magazines and advertisements to recognise the brands.

There is a sleek black Lamborghini, a Ferrari, a couple of other sports cars including a steel grey convertible Mercedes - the one I saw at DeWorld Hotel when I had gone for the girls' day out.

They also have a vintage collection - Maybach, Bentley and a silver Rolls Royce. In addition, there are a fleet of luxury SUVs.

I estimate there are at least thirty to thirty-five cars, if not more. On the far side of the parking, are motorcycles - around seven or eight. I can only recognise a Harley Davidson. The others look extremely high tech and sporty.

Vicky notices me gawking. "Dad likes vintage cars, Akash likes sports cars and bikes, Mom and me, prefer SUVs," he says offhandedly, like it is common to own three dozen or so high-end luxury cars and bikes.

"This way," he gestures towards a door as he walks ahead. The exit leads to a stairwell on one side and an elevator to the other.

Vicky presses the elevator call button and the shiny, engraved golden doors open immediately. A few seconds later the doors ping open and I am ushered into a long hallway. The black and white chequered marble floor leads to an arched entrance with decorative Roman columns on either side.

I hastily follow Vicky, who is already loosening his tie and speaking on the phone.

"Yes! Have the buses come? Good! make sure all staff can reach home safely, specially all women." He listens attentively to the speaker on the other end, while nodding his head.

While he is engrossed in his conversation, I slowly spin around to take a look at the living room. The vast, living area is divided into definite spaces for different purposes.

Straight ahead of me, the most prominent space is the formal sitting area. Situated in the middle of the room, a cream and gold sofa set and matching high backed winged chairs, able to seat at least twelve people comfortably, are set in a circular formation around a large round coffee table, with a gigantic ivory and black Persian carpet underneath. An enormous crystal chandelier hangs from above.

To my left, the front facade houses enormous, intricately carved wooden doors of the entrance. Next to it, a marble staircase, leads up to the floors above.

The area underneath the staircase, is designated for the bar, the large well stocked wood and glass cabinet is surrounded with a high bar table, stools and colourful chairs.

As in their office, the house has floor to ceiling windows with heavy curtains framing them. I notice it has French doors opening to the garden outside, which indicates, this is the ground floor of the mansion.

To my right, a section is created with arches and columns, used as the dining area. A long dining table with twenty high back upholstered chairs take the major space with a long buffet table at the side.

An entertainment nook is set up in a sunken floor ahead of the sitting area, with a huge curved television, being the centre of attraction. Cozy sofas, chaise lounge, ottomans and large pillows make this area more relaxed and homely.

The room is accented with large paintings, antique wooden and brass sculptures and exotic wall hangings, adding a pop of colour to an otherwise muted colour scheme. The house is classy and tastefully decorated, not overtly gaudy - understated opulence, synonymous to the Grewals.

"I want to ensure that every member of the staff, including the cleaners, peons and drivers are able to get to their homes. Instruct every department head to check with each member of the team and confirm that they are safe. Keep me updated." Vicky disconnects his phone. He looks surprised to see me, realising I am still standing.

"Please have a seat and be comfortable," he waves his hand towards the sofas.

Nuh uh, I can't sit on those. Water is still dripping from my clothes, there is no way I will ruin that expensive furniture.

"Kaaki," Vicky calls out, facing towards the corridor to our right.

A short, thin and wiry lady in a saree, appears. She has a head full of white hair, tied in a tight bun, with deep laugh lines around her eyes and face. She looks like she is in her sixties, but she walks with a sprightly step that would put most twenty-five year olds to shame.

"Jeetu Baba! you have arrived. I did not hear you from the kitchen." She smiles affectionately at him before nodding to me, "And we have a guest?"

"Kaaki, this is Tarana, she works in our office." Kaaki folds her hands in a 'namaste' and I do the same. Vicky sends her off to get some towels for me.

Bark-bark, woof-woof-woof.

Two large dogs, a black rottweiler and a golden pit bull come bounding in, shoving each other to jump on Vicky.

"Whoa down boys. I am happy to see you too," Vicky drops to his knees, giving each of them a hug but at the same time, the dogs get easy access to his face, who get busy licking and nipping at him.

Ooh doggos.. I slowly approach the dogs.

On sensing me approach, both of them turn towards me. Their yipping turns into low growls, eyes and ears alert, sharp teeth bared. Their playfulness disappears, bringing their protective and vicious temperament to the fore.

I stop in my steps looking at Vicky, who is firmly gripping their collars, for approval to approach the dogs.

"It's OK boys, she is a friend." He pats their heads and commands them to sit. He walks towards me and extends his hand. I look at him, in confusion.

"Shake my hand. It's a sign to the dogs that you are a friend."

"Oh!" I take his hand and shake it. The dogs stopped growling, but still eye me warily.

I drop down to my knees, keeping my palms open and downward, avoiding direct eye contact with them. I slowly put one palm forward.

A few seconds later, the pit bull approaches, hesitatingly sniffing my hand. He comes closer and goes around me, sniffing till he reaches my hand again. Coming closer he drops his head, an indication that he wants to be petted.

I gladly do so, rubbing his head and back, which he seems to enjoy as he comes closer, allowing me to rub the underside of his jaw and behind his ears.

"Oh, you are such a baby, aren't you? You like being tickled." I talk to him in a baby voice, while fluffing his head. The rottweiler has concluded I am not dangerous, or maybe he is plain jealous of the attention the pit bull is getting, so he too approaches me, first sniffing and making sure I am no threat, before allowing me to rub his head. Soon both dogs are bouncing around me, vying for my attention.

"You both are so adorable," I coo, while they are licking my hand.

"Merry! Shadow! that's enough," Vicky commands. "Leave our guest alone, now go and play inside." He gently pulls them away by their collar. The dogs protest with whimpers, before backing away. Vicky points towards one of the corridors and the animals caper off to play.

I cover my mouth as I feel a sneeze coming. Ah choo. "Sorry excuse me," I mutter between sniffles.

"Arre beta, you better get out of these clothes before you catch a cold," Kaaki tut tuts handing me a large towel.

"Oh! It's okay. They will dry off in no time, there's no need to change," I reply.

"No, kaaki is right. The weather is getting worse and we don't know how long you will have to stay here. Kaaki get her some of Alishka's clothes and take her to the guest room to clean up." Vicky insists.

"But Jeetu baba, we have not yet finished cleaning up after painting the rooms on Saturday. It's a complete mess in there," Kaaki points to a closed door near the lift corridor.

"Fine, please serve lunch. I will take her to Alishka's room." He turns to me, "Come with me." He marches ahead and I follow his lead.

We go up the marble staircase to the first floor and he opens the first door. The room is done up in grey with soft pink tones. Alishka must be an avid reader as there is a large bookshelf full of books, but what catches my eye is the large semi-circular rattan hanging chair near the window - an ideal place for relaxing and reading. Glass doors open to a large balcony.

"This is my younger sister, Alishka's room. She is a resident doctor at a hospital in USA."

"What is she specialising in?"

"Pediatric surgery."

"That's impressive. But it must also be very demanding."

"Yes, it is. Most days she works double shifts and hardly gets any time off. But she loves her profession," he replies beaming.

"I am sure you all are very proud of her."

"Yes, we are." We smile at each other awkwardly.

Ah choo.

"Oh sorry, here," he throws open the doors to a walk-in closet. "You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Come down to the dining area once you have changed. Lunch is being served."

After he leaves, I walk back to the closet, which looks pretty full for someone who doesn't live here. There are racks of gowns, shoes, bags all around the room, with a large mirror in the middle of a wall.

I pull out a pair of printed cotton harem pants and a black tee that looks about my size and quickly change into it.

Vicky is already seated at the dining table when I arrive, having himself changed into joggers and a fitted brown t-shirt, his hair mussed up.

How can a casual pair of clothes make someone so irresistible? I am mentally fanning myself.

Kaaki is serving lunch and smiles at me while I take a seat.

"I didn't know we were having guests, so I made baba's favorite items," she says while filling up small bowls of dal, mixed sprouts salad, saag paneer, yogurt and chapati.

"Oh, this is my favourite too," I say eyeing the food. Kaaki's smile grows wider and she serves me extra helpings despite my protests.

"Baba, can I leave after you have finished lunch and take the day off tomorrow? I have already prepared your meals for tomorrow."

"Is everything alright?" Jeet asks in genuine concern.

"Yes, yes. My daughter and son-in-law are having a pooja in their house tomorrow. They have called me over to help them out."

"But it is raining heavily. How will you go?"

"Their house is not very far, and my daughter said the area around here is not flooded. I will find a bus or auto."

"No, it's not safe to go by auto in this rain. I will tell the driver to drop you."

"Thank you, Baba," Kaaki beams as she clears the dishes.

"Thank you for the lunch and help. I shall take your leave." I inform Vicky when we have finished our meal.

"It hasn't stopped raining. You should wait for some more time. In fact, I suggest you stay over tonight," he replies.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why?"

"Umm, its ..you know.. we are alone."

"So? Oh, I get it. Do you think there will be a repeat of what happened at your house the last time? Don't worry. I assure you I will not take advantage of you. You are perfectly safe here," he drawls slowly, coming forward, his face dropping to reach mine.

I am unable to speak, with his lips so close to mine. I have dreamed of kissing Jeet again. To hold him, to feel his warmth, his soft lips over mine.

I lick my lips in anticipation and the gaze of his darkened caramel eyes drop down to my lips.

My breathing starts getting faster as he takes a step closer, throwing all my senses in turmoil.

Oh boy!

Here we are!

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A/N:  Hello everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful Diwali! Wishing you and your loved ones peace, happiness, prosperity and good health.

Apologies for the slow updates, as I am trying to finish the book so that I can upload the chapters all at once. Please let me know if you would prefer to receive weekly updates or wait for the entire book which will take a couple of months.