Despite everything that has happened in my life I remain forever thankful for that fateful day when I met my warrior.
“I’m late! I’m late for work!” Ahana screamed at nothing in particular “Keys, wallet, scrubs, shoes. Alright, ready to go.”
Ahana rushed out of her apartment to her scooter, her high ponytail swinging behind her.
Roland was a country constantly at war, most people here learned to make the best of what they had and tried not to miss what they did not. Ahana was one the few that truly believed that one day the land dispute between East and West Roland would end. She believed that one day the two rival lands would unite and recreate the once great country of Roland.
Twenty-eight years ago Ahana’s family had fled to West Roland away from the hard life in the East. When a young Ahana had mentioned she wanted to become a nurse her parents had wholeheartedly allowed her to pursue her dreams. They were shocked and disappointed to learn, however, that Ahana wanted to go to East Roland to help the people there that were in dire need of medical care. Her parents knew that a rebel coup was looming in the near future, but they were helpless in stopping their head-strong daughter. So, they let her go and hoped someday they would get her back.
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Basketpolo is a game played like basketball but on horseback. An outdoor sport, basketpolo is believed to originate in the steppes of Mongolia. Long forgotten and believed lost, the sport was revived and refined in 21st century South America. A basketpolo field is comparable in size to that of a standard polo field, with hoops on either end for both teams to score. To score, players must be in possession of the ball for no more than ten seconds during which they must be either shooting the ball into the hoop, passing the ball to another player, or moving the ball down the field. Points are valued based on distance from the hoop, each distance delineated by half circle markers on the field that radiate from the hoop in white lines on the green. Points made within the smallest half circle are awarded one point, points made between the second circle and the first are awarded two points and points scored from beyond the two-point line are worth three points.
Teams are made of six players, three defense and three offense. Teams are given the freedom to position their defense in whatever play or arrangement they deem fit. Offence does not have the same flexibility, two players are midfield and one is forward. To gain possession of the ball players must intercept passes from the other team, otherwise possession is given to whoever touches the ball first after the an initial ball toss at the beginning of the game. As the game takes into account mastery of hand eye coordination and strategy, the art of horsemanship is crucial as well. Players must move in synergy with their horses while balancing steady command of their steed in a way that facilitates the move of the ball into the opposing team’s hoop.
Actions deemed as fouls in the game of basketpolo include unlawful possession of the ball (knocking the ball out of a player’s hands or retaining possession of the ball for more than ten seconds without moving, passing or shooting), mori (pronounced mor-yee) in which a player aggravates another player’s horse (with his/her own horse or crop), and hand to hand contact (players are forbidden to touch other players while on the field). Fouls called against a team give the opposing team the opportunity for a free throw, or a clear shot at the hoop worth one point from the free throw line (delineated between the one-point and two-point line).
The game is marked by fifteen minute quarters and divided into two halves. The team to have the most points and least fouls at the end of the hour is declared victor. Games may go overtime according to fouls and score discrepancies.
----------
After winning the Basketpolo Championship of 2016, Orlando Captain Elnaz Rashid lead her team to win six more Championship cups. Rashid and her best friend retired after their seventh Championship win, Talah Abu Zaid becoming a coach for Chicago and Rashid purchasing her own ranch.
Following her fifth win, Elnaz Rashid saw her best friend married and soon found herself tying the knot with Championship doctor Rehan Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed claimed it was love at first sight for him, but Rashid maintains her feelings took longer to bloom. In the time between their initial meeting and engagement, Dr. Ahmed followed Rashid’s career closely, never missing a game and spending his spare time encouraging Rashid to perfect her form. As a result of Ahmed’s dedication to Rashid, he moved to Orlando, although he never admitted it to her personally instead citing ‘significant career opportunities’ he ‘happened to find’ after meeting her in Orlando while visiting his own relatives there. After years, Dr. Ahmed finally built up the courage to send his rishta to Rashid’s house. His proposal was met favorably as Captain Rashid had made the astonishing discovery of her overwhelming affinity towards Dr. Ahmed’s laugh, later on noted to have described it as “the most glorious sound to [her] ears, something that reached [her] heart and sounded like home.” Dr. Ahmed requested both families keep his knowledge of Rashid’s acceptance a secret until her best friend’s wedding, as he planned to propose to her himself.
Upon her retirement, Rashid purchased a ranch in South Carolina where she took care of retired game horses like Percy. Dr. Ahmed opened his own private practice in the city and the two began the next great chapter of their lives.
“And they’re off! Rashid in possession, making her way to the two-point line with an excellent catch!”
Elnaz leaned forward, urging Percy in a quick trot toward the home team’s hoop, the round white ball tucked beneath her arm. She rushed past the home team’s defense, her orange skirt billowing behind her. She slowed as she reached the far end of the field, and in a matter of seconds she flipped the game on its head.
Two defenders cornered her.
Rookie mistake.
She smirked at them before sending the ball flying between them to her open midfielder who sends it in a soaring arch straight into the hoop.
“Rashid to Abu Zaid! Abu Zaid shoots and she scoooores! A beautiful three-point shot by Talah Abu Zaid and an impeccable assist by Elnaz Rashid. This brings Orlando up fourteen to ten with two seconds to halftime. Portland needs to clean up their defense if they want to turn this game around in the next half.”
“Just so, Rick. You know, we’ve said it before, and it seems like we’ll be saying it again, but Portland can’t afford rookie mistakes like this. They are in the Basketpolo Championship League Finals, and that too facing Orlando. Orlando ran an incredible season this year and has invaluable players like Elnaz Rashid and Talah Abu Zaid. I mean, they are well nigh undefeated this season. Sure, they had a few close games, but they’ve pulled through every time. A lot of that credit goes to Rashid, not only is she a fantastic player she also leads her team with ease.”
“That’s right Tom, Portland had a strong season as well, but they seem to have run out of steam during the second half of the season, barely clinching a position in the finals. And now, when they’re up against Rashid, who we know has the quickest sight for weaknesses in the opposition’s defense, such sloppy defense could cost them the championship this year.”
Elnaz brought Percy to a walk as Talah trotted to her side.
“Nicely set up, Captain darling,” Talah beamed as she gave Elnaz a high-five.
“Nicely played, Midfield wifey,” Elnaz grinned in return.
The team made their way to the sidelines, bringing their horses to the troughs for a much needed halftime break and rub-down. The players dismounted, giving the reigns of their horses over to the stable hands, then flocked to Elnaz.
“They never saw that one coming E, nice decoy!” midfielder Lauren clapped Elnaz on the back, sending her a wink.
“Good work, mates! Here’s to the gold cup in our pockets before you can say Poopland,” defender Diedre pipped up, enveloping Elnaz in a bear hug from behind.
“Oye, don’t get cocky D-Trix, we still have half a game to get through,” Elnaz playfully reprimanded, shoving her elbow into Diedre’s side and disentangling herself from Diedre’s arms before teasingly patting her on the cheek.
“Do you never give up E?” Deidre asked, making a show of nursing her wounded side.
“You know sure as hell I don’t. Worked for us pretty well so far don’t you think?”
Diedre rolled her eyes. “Ok well will you at least give your noble steed a rest? Poor beast didn’t ask to bear you as a well as your precious principles as a burden.”
“No he didn’t, but he does it so wonderfully, and I love him all the more for it,” Elnaz turned to Percy rubbing her nose to his before planting a kiss on the orange patch between his eyes.
“Ugh why don’t you get a room already?” Deidre feigned a gag.
“Better yet, why don’t you get a man already?” Lauren piped in.
“Because men give me a headache and Percy relieves my headache. Find me a man who doesn’t give me a headache and we’ll talk,” Elnaz passed the reigns to the attending stable hand before joining the rest of her team on the bench.
“Watch it E, now that you’ve said that the next boy you encounter is gonna cause you heartache,” Nina, a defender, teased.
“True, boys are like jinxes. You mention them and the next thing you know they’ve nettled their way into your life,” Diedre said solemnly.
As if on cue Talah slid onto the bench next to Elnaz, shoving a Gatorade into her hand. “Oh my, who’s that hottie on Portland’s bench?”
Elnaz followed Talah’s gaze and just as she said, there was a hottie examining a player’s foot on the Portland bench. Although he was bent over a player’s foot, Elnaz could make out the clean cut of his jawline underneath a trimmed beard and thick eyebrows that framed his face. His hair was cropped short in a neat cut and the jersey he sported afforded optimal view of his athletic physique.
“How you can spot a man in a crowd will always amaze me,” Elnaz murmured, rolling her eyes. She returned Talah’s black look with a shrug and took a sip of her Gatorade.
“Hey look, even my drink is a fan of the team,” Elnaz grinned at Talah, waving the orange sports drink in her best friend’s face.
Talah threw Elnaz a sarcastic smile before ignoring her terrible joke. “Portland doesn’t seem to happy, #5 is shooting me a death glare,” Talah grimaced.
“That’s because Beard Boy is looking your way,” Elnaz smirked. She set her drink to the side and unclasped the decorative skirt from her jodhpurs. “Alright, girls! Round up! We need to talk before you all get your physio checks,” Elnaz called, jumping up from the bench leaving a confused Talah on the bench to wonder who ‘Beard Boy’ was.
The five players quickly formed a circle around Elnaz. She looked at each one in turn before she spoke. “Alright ladies, our first half went well. We have a good lead and I expect us to keep it. You know as well as I do how we have all put in years of blood, sweat, and tears to get here. I have seen each of you develop and grow into the skilled players you are over the last two years. And now it’s time to show Portland what we’re made of, it’s time for us to claim our crown. Remember ladies, no distractions. Right now, we need a one track mindset,” she said before glancing at Talah who nodded.
“Are you with me?”
“To then end!” her teammates cheered.
“Are you ready?”
“To the last!”
“This is our time! This is our crown! Orlando on three!”
“One! Two! Three! Orlandooooo!” they erupted, oblivious that their cheer had not only caught the attention of those around them, but those all the way across the field on the opposition’s bench.
“Alright! Go get your checks and stretches done. We have ten minutes until the halftime show shenanigans begin. We will regroup five minutes early to review our play. Kapish?”
“Kapish!”
Elnaz turned to face the field as the girls dispersed, surprised at how close the other side of the field seemed from this angle. As her eyes scanned the field, her attention was arrested by a lean figure facing her, if she had believed her eyes, she would have said looking at her. Damn that Beard Boy, he really did cut a fine figure. He stood with his arms folded over his chest, throwing what looked like his best macho glance across the field.
For the third time that day, Elnaz rolled her eyes. But her initial double take and subsequent exasperated sigh had caught Talah’s attention.
“Did you look at him?”
“How could I not when the man is parading himself about like that? Do you see that stance, I mean come on, you’re not gonna tell me he’s not a wallah bro.”
“So, you think he’s good looking huh?” Talah smirked as she bent down to do her stretches.
“Guess what honey, his looks don’t matter to me. Why? Because I have a match to win and don’t have time for boys with egos bigger than their--whatever. I my mind is more pleasantly occupied darling. I have butt to kick,” Elnaz smiled serenely before settling herself next to Talah.
“Well that makes one of you, because Beard Boy’s mind seems occupied with you,” Talah cocked her head to the side where beard boy was crossing the field towards them.
“Honestly, woman, where do you get these ideas from? Can you imagine how far you could go if you used that brain of yours for productive things and not waste it on creating fictional romances at every turn?”
Talah was saved from responding by Beard Boy’s approach. She hopped up just as their coach arrived to join the group.
“Girls, this is Dr. Ahmed. He’s from the League, and since Michaels is out with a migraine, he’ll be overlooking physio during halftime until Jasani shows up,” Coach Davis said, tucking the clipboard in her hand under her arm. “Elnaz, I need you to talk to the girls about neatening up their form. I’m counting on you to light a fire under my girls’ butts. I’ll have no sloppy passes costing me the Cup,” she continued, throwing Talah a conspiratory wink after backing away from the group and glancing pointedly between Elnaz and the new doctor.
Elnaz nodded, extending her arms to Talah for a help up, but Talah was too quick.
“Well, I’ll go round up the rest of the girls for you, Dr. Ahmed,” Talah grinned, her voice several octaves higher than normal. She sauntered away without a backwards glance, leaving Elnaz gaping in her wake. Before she knew it, two large hands enveloped her own and pulled her to her feet. Her eyes snapped up, her face now inches away from the beautiful bearded brown doctor. When her eyes met his and her nerve broke. Quickly dropping her hands from his, she stepped back, smoothing her hands over her jodhpurs.
“Thank you, Dr. Ahmed. I should let you get to work then,” she said briskly, her eyes traveling everywhere but his still too-close-for-comfort being. She could feel more than see his eyes on her face. Clearing her throat, she pursed her lips into a half-hearted smile and turned back to the benches behind her, busying herself by moving the contents of her duffel bag from one side to the other. He stood behind her for what seemed like an age, inexplicably causing Elnaz to become aware of the heat rising up the back of her neck and in her cheeks.
Wow this hijab is awfully hot. Didn’t I pack a cotton one?
When he turned to leave, she could barely catch the sound of his voice above the blood pounding in her ears.
“Mike, I’m gonna need you to get down here pronto, Orlando looks less like a championship team and more like a traveling circus,” he spoke into his headset.
Elnaz froze. Luckily enough, her blood was just at boiling point, therefore the switch from flustered embarrassment to incendiary indignation was of little inconvenience to her nervous and endocrine systems. She slammed her bag back onto the bench and swirled around to face Beard Boy. Just as she turned to shoot him a fiery glance, he turned away, the hint of a smirk lingering on his lips.
Traveling circus? Of all the asinine, presumptuous--how dare he? Has he even looked at my players? What from a two second lookover from 10 feet away he can tell their condition? Iski toh main-
Elnaz made to move towards him, but found she was intercepted by Talah’s firm grip on her arm.
“Woah woah woah there captain. Let’s not do anything too hasty now? Let the man do his job.”
“Do his job? This fool? He clearly doesn’t know a conditioned team from a rat’s ass and there is no way I am letting him near my girls,” Elnaz struggled against Talah’s grip.
“Oh no you don’t,” Talah stepped in front of Elnaz, blocking her from Dr. Ahmed. “E, babe, listen to me. There is no point picking a fight with the gorgeous doctor ok? Let him do what he needs to and let us focus on the game. Right? The game, you know, that thing we are here for? What’s the point in getting your feathers ruffled over a stupid remark? Come on babe, think of the bigger picture here. We aren’t here to pick fights with the locals, least of all ones affiliated with the League.”
At the mention of the League, Elnaz loosened her stance.
“You’re right.”
“I know I am. Now why don’t you go cool down?”
“Fine,” Elnaz shrugged Talah’s hand off her arm and walked towards the stables.
When she entered a stable hand was leading Percy in from his cool down.
“I got it,” she offered as she reached toward the stable hand motioning for him to give her the brush in his hand. He smirked, giving her a surprised ‘yeah, sure’ before walking off to tend to the other horses.
Elnaz turned to Percy. She systematically brushed him down, the methodical movements soothing her. Percy whinnied in appreciation as she moved to massage his neck and a little patch beneath his cheek. Elnaz smiled, at least she was giving someone comfort.
“You wouldn't be so asinine would you, Percy? You wouldn't be so arrogant that you’d be blind to what's standing right in front of you, would you?” Elnaz pouted, leaning her cheek to rest against Percy’s mane. He whinnied in response.
“That's right, I know you wouldn't. You'd be the perfect gentleman. With easy manners and a ready smile and a big ol’ heart. Hm?” Elnaz stepped back, unconscious that her saddle had been set on the floor behind her. The moment she felt the presence of something stopping her way, she shifted her weight to the side so she could at least save herself from a backwards fall and compromise with falling on her side. Her reflexes kicked in, saving her the trouble of a fall, but twisting her ankle in return.
Damn.
Pain shot up her leg and she squeezed her eyes shut as she shifted her weight into her other leg.
Please just be one of those momentary spasms. Please.
Slowly the cramp left her foot and she gingerly rotated her ankle to assess the damage. Nothing hurt.
Oh thank god.
She sighed as she gently placed her foot back on the ground and adjusted her weight to stand upright again. All that remained was the eerie lightness that accompanies a muscle spasm, and she let out a sigh of relief.
See, this is what happens when you lose focus, Elnaz. Focus, baby girl. What is important?
Percy whinnied behind her. “Of course Percy, I've been silly. Nothing else is important enough to get me this riled up. Certainly not any high and mighty wallah bro replacement doctors from the League, am I right Percy?” she rolled her eyes as Percy whinnied again behind her, huffing his agreement.
“Certainly,” a voice answered.
Elnaz spun around.
---------
A shadow of uncertainty passed over her face before he saw the fire set in her eyes. He watched in awe as the hauteur set on her brow when she squared her shoulders and tightened her jaw.
“It’s a wonder you agree,” her voice light, a tight smile playing on her lips.
“It’s no wonder that I don’t consider myself a, what was it? Oh, high and mighty wallah bro,” he answered.
“Are you sure about that? That statement reeks of high and mighty,” she stepped closer.
“But not wallah bro?”
His eyes never left her face. Well, if she can’t condition a team properly, she sure can steal a man’s heart. Wait, a man’s what--
“Well, that is yet to be determined. And I’m not sure I care to find out,” she said, saving him from continuing his dangerous internal dialogue. She walked up her her horse and began to brush its mane. She was a mere foot away from him before she addressed him again. “I am in the middle of a Championship match, you know,” she added before he could smart over her rejection.
“I do know and as you are in the middle of a Championship match, I think you ought to go through a routine check.”
“I’m fine.”
“Really, then would you care to explain why you are hesitant to put your entire weight on your right foot?”
“I am not hesitant to do anything,” she said, her eyes trained on her horse.
“And I’m not a wallah bro.”
“Agree to disagree,” she turned to him, smiling before shaking her head.
“Oh no. Not so easily. You have yet to gather evidence of my wallah bro status, and I have yet to gather evidence of your ailing right foot.”
Her eyes snapped to his face, one eyebrow arched beautifully as her jaw slackened.
“Fine.”
She tossed the brush to the ground and dusted off her hands before throwing him a expectant look. He motioned to the saddle on the floor behind her. Barely concealing the roll of her eyes, she sat sideways on the awaiting saddle.
She began removing her boot as he came to kneel on one leg before her. His eyes roamed to her face where he saw her determination not to look at him. He couldn’t help but smile. Turning his attention to her now unbooted foot, he gently raised her foot to rest on his thigh, earning him a huff of irritation not unlike her horse’s.
“Where does it hurt?”
“No where.”
“Alright, I asked for that one,” he couldn’t help but smile again. This time earning him a double take from her.
Why do I keep smiling at everything she--wait what?
Schooling his features, he ran his thumb across the arch of her foot. The next thing he knew, the breath was knocked out of him and he was flat on his back looking up at the ceiling.
“See, my foot is fine,” she muttered.
He scrambled off his back and sat up. “What was that for?”
He felt all the indignation of an embarrassed boy who just lost his balance after being kicked by a very pretty girl. She looked everywhere but him before grabbing her boot and shoving her foot back in it.
“Have you gathered all the evidence you need now? My foot is perfectly fine.”
He stared at her.
Why is she so hasty all of a sudden? Was that a blush on her cheeks?
“Wait a minute, you’re not telling me you’re actually...”
“Actually fine? Yes. That is exactly what I’m telling you. How insightful of you.” She struggled with the zipper on her boot, before risking a glance in his direction when he didn’t answer.
He couldn’t help it.
His smile broadened when she met his gaze.
“You’re ticklish.”
She dropped her eyes for a moment, before staring him straight in the eye.
“That I might be, but hurt I am not.”
His heart skipped a beat.
She turned her attention to her foot between them and continued to struggle with the zipper on her boot. Without thinking, he reached out and slid his fingers around hers, capturing her hand as he eased the zipper up. She snatched her hand away and sprung up from the saddle. Throwing him another fiery look, she turned on her heel.
“And what does the evidence you gathered say I am?” he called out after her.
She paused. Turning her head over her shoulder she said, “Beard Boy.”
--------
What. A. Loser.
Elnaz walked briskly from the stables to her bench just as the halftime show began. She plopped down next to Talah, taking a deep breath as though exhaling the encounter in the stables from her system. Little did she know, nearly everyone saw Dr. Ahmed exit the stables just behind her, his eyes trained on her back as he nervously raked his hand through his hair.
“Would you get that cheesy grin off your face? What’s so funny anyways?” Elnaz nudged Talah, whose eyes were as big as saucers and a smile to put a cheshire cat to shame. She made no response except shifting her eyes between Elnaz and Dr. Ahmed who now stood at the head of the field talking to some associates. This earned her a black look and another nudge in the ribs from Elnaz.
“What? I didn’t say anything!”
“Shut up.”
“Oh hell no,” Talah shifted closer. “So, what did you guys talk about?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh come on, E. You’re not going to tell me you didn’t bump into Dr. Hottie McAhmed while you were in the stables. Plus he had to check on you.”
Elnaz was saved the inconvenience of answering by Talah’s wandering and easily attracted eye.
“Please just observe his perfect specimen of man! I mean look at the way he walks and how good he looks in sweats. I mean you can totally tell he’s used to dressing well. And that stubble, yes please!”
Talah turned back to Elnaz’s best deadpan look staring her down.
“Oh come on E, admit it, he’s good looking.”
Elnaz turned to face the field in front, her eyes flicking over the object of Talah’s raptures as she did. In that split second, his eyes met hers and the corners of his mouth lifted in a shy smile.
“He seems to look at you a lot, E.”
Idiot.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Come on E, I know you talked to him.”
You or him?
“What?”
“He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you came out of the stables.”
Both it seems.
Elnaz turned to her best friend. “Look, I have it on very good authority that if a man has any shred of intelligence he is eaten up with arrogance and if he has any shred of decency he’s eaten up with stupidity, irrespective of how good looking they may be.”
“So you admit he’s good looking?”
“I said no such thing.”
The halftime show passed uneventfully and before the girls knew it, they were back in the saddle. Elnaz mounted Percy, focusing on evening her breaths and clearing her thoughts. Inhaling, she closed her eyes and before she knew it she was back in the stables, her foot in the hands of a dark stranger, and she was enraptured by the warm smile spread across his handsome features. Suddenly, Percy lurched forward, breaking Elnaz from her wayward thoughts and bringing her back to the present. It took all her self control not to slap herself for her nonsense. She settled for a snuggle with Percy. She leaned into Percy and took a deep steadying breath, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“It's ok Perce, you will always be the only man in my life. And once we win this game, you'll be more than a man, you'll be a king,” she whispered in his ear. Sufficiently calm, Elnaz tightened the reins and led him over to the field where the rest of team was beginning to assemble.
She nodded to her team knowing nothing needed to be said and took her position as forward. Each of the girls on this team was ready to conquer the field for the rest of the match. They were going to win today, come hell or high water.
Elnaz chanced one more glance at Beard Boy before she could stop herself. Beard Boy was looking right at her, there was no mistaking it. He had a contemplative expression as if trying to decide something.
Now isn’t the time.
Elnaz leaned into Percy and took one more steadying breath at his neck before urging him forward to the center to the field to claim possession of the ball.
“Alright Rick! This is it. Both teams seem to have come back with more determination. If Rashid’s expression is anything to go by, then we are in for some high-octane competition.”
“I agree Tom, have a look at Portland’s captain, Lillian Bryan. She’s itching for a good fight. I get the feeling that this will be a crazy twenty minutes!”
“While I’m all for competition Rick, I’m hoping Portland will not commit as many fouls in this half. We know that Orlando will give it back just as harshly if called upon. So, let’s hope this doesn’t turn into an all out brawl.”
“Well. We need to wait and watch. Looks like the referee is getting ready to blow the whistle.”
“Off they go! Rashid in possession. Oh! This is a new formation, let’s see how this play works for Orlando.”
“Yet again, Tom, it looks like Portland is trying to corner Rashid. Unfortunately this time, Portland’s midfield has blocked Abu Zaid.”
“Portland has left the other midfield, Lauren Kingsley, completely open, but there is no legal pass that Rashid can make. She will have to make a shot.”
“OH! That was a foul by Portland! Portland defender, Nicole Maloney, has knocked the ball out of Rashid’s hands. No free throws were called, just a restart. What do you think, Tom? Was that a fair call by the referee?”
“Well, Rick considering Rashid was about to shoot, I think it was just a matter of an ill-timed defense. A free throw might have been too much of a penalty.”
“I agree. Orlando, however, is not happy with the call. Even Rashid is having to try very hard to maintain her composure. This match could turn very aggressive soon.”
The defender had purposely knocked the ball from Elnaz’s hands and had made sure she knew it too. This was no accident, it was a calculated foul. Portland, it seemed, had decided not to play fair. Fuming and struggling not to show it, Elnaz called a timeout.
“Alright girls, as you’ve probably guessed, they aren’t playing fair this half. I need each of you to be alert. Lauren and Talah, you guys stay behind me on either side at all times. If one of you gets blocked I need the other in line for a pass. Got it?”
Lauren and Talah nodded in agreement.
“Diedre, Nina, Nisha, you three defend that hoop with all you’ve got, a Teddy Roosevelt should do it. We are going to keep playing fair, but we’ll also need to be aggressive. Alright? Let’s do this.”
Through the rest of the half, Elnaz and her team fought to keep the lead. Portland played dirty, committing fouls every quarter without fail. With a minute left on the clock, both teams were neck and neck, tied at 17 points.
“Last reset, Rick. Orlando is looking frustrated and Portland has played a highly illegal match. Who would have thought the teams would have tied with barely a minute left to match?”
“We’ll just have to see how this play goes. This match could go into overtime.”
“Alright, it looks like Rashid is in possession again. Oh! This time she has passed it to Kingsley. Will she make the final shot?”
“Orlando seems to be playing a mind game with Portland. I don’t think Kingsley will take the shot. See how the defenders are now off of Rashid as all three of them, Rashid, Abu Zaid, and Kingsley rush the field?
“Yes, Rick I agree. But, whatever they want to do they’ll need to complete in the next 30 seconds. That includes a pass. It remains to be seen who she will pass to.”
“Tom, I think Kingsley will pass to Abu Zaid. She’s already in position to receive the pass. Plus, passing to Abu Zaid will keep the defenders from cornering Rashid.”
“There’s the pass to Abu Zaid! Ten seconds to go! Abu Zaid is trying to find an opening to Rashid. Oh and Portland has realized the play!”
“Rashid is in position for a clear three-pointer! Portland’s defence is regrouping around Rashid! Abu Zaid to Rashid!”
“Rashid in possession! There’s the shot! And score! Brilliant! Right on the buzzer!”
“Orlando wins by three points! There you have it folks. The 2016 Basketpolo Championship League winners: Orlandooo!”
Elnaz let out a relieved sigh and bent to kiss Percy on the neck. “Good job baby boy. I’m proud of us. I love you,” she whispered.
Percy whinnied as if to say, “I love you too.”
Elnaz dismounted Percy and handed the reins to a waiting hand before sinking to the floor, straightening she tossed her head back, smiling so hard she felt the tears fall from the corners of her eyes. She laughed, kissing two fingers and holding them to the sky in a silent prayer of thanks. The audience that had moments ago stood in silence as the buzzer sounded, filled her ears with thunderous applause. The sound was deafening. Smiling, Elnaz stood to wave and blew kisses to the audience. All at once, her teammates rushed to her in a celebratory hug, abandoning the horse ride over for a liberating sprint to their captain. Elnaz blinked and within a split second she was hoisted into the air, seated on her teammates shoulders. Riding the waves of elation, Elnaz lifted her fist in the air and the crowd went wild with excitement.
Elnaz caught her breath when her feet hit the ground. She barely remembered the flurry of excitement that ensued next. Lining up with her teammates in tow to shake hands with the other team, a warm hand engulfing her own for a second longer than necessary then flexing after she released it, and standing upon the podium and receiving her medal before being handed a large trophy which she hoisted high above her head as her teammates roared in victory.
After posing for mandatory trophy-kissing photos, Elnaz hopped off the podium, not bothering to use the stairs and leaving her teammates to bask in the glory of their hard-earned trophy. She beelined for the sideline, eager to slip in a quick meeting with her biggest fans before the reporters hounded her. Fireworks were set off, lighting the darkening sky with bright lights of orange and gold. The distraction allowed Elnaz the privacy she needed.
She spotted her fans holding hands, beaming at the spectacle before them. Elnaz removed the medal from around her neck as she approached.
“Where did she go? I can’t see her on the stage.”
“Udhar hi kahin hogi, how can you see anyways?”
Words had fled her when she stood before them.
“Ma, Pa…” she mouthed, before engulfing them in a hug.
Her parents pulled away first, wanting to see their daughter’s face. Elnaz blamed her smile for bringing tears to her eyes, and busied herself with putting her medal around her mother’s neck.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes shining with emotion.
Her father patted her cheek, as her mother ran her fingers across the gold medal around her neck. A flashbulb suddenly went off and Elnaz snapped her head to the source. Annoyed that someone would capture such a private moment, she turned back to her parents.
Such is the life I suppose. Might as well give them what they want.
“Aajayen, let’s take a picture,” she said a little too loudly, motioning to the photographer to come over as she squeezed between her parents.
“Better get used to it, you’re famous now,” Elnaz murmured through her smile.
“Well in that case, we don’t want to be that famous. Tum zara in photographers se door raho. Aur yeh lo,” her mother said, pursing her lips as she moved to take the medal off from around her neck.
“No,” Elnaz stayed her hand. “You take it, I wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for you. I’ll see you soon inshaAllah. I’ll call you tonight, ok?” she said, sensing another photographer framing his next photo.
Giving her parents a quick peck on the cheek, she pulled away from them, eager to get the angsty cameramen away from them. Upset with herself that she couldn’t give her parents more time, she moved away and plastered a smile on her face. She simpered and smirked for the cameras, politely waving at them as she walked by, her discomfort disappearing only when she stopped to pose with a fan.
Man, I gotta ask the other girls how they pose by themselves without wanting the earth to open up and swallow them whole.
That night, Elnaz left many photographers frustrated with blurry stills of her alone and many fans with new profile pics. That night, Elnaz let the tension in her shoulders roll off as she smiled and danced with her friends. That night, Elnaz revelled in the joy of creating something new, something satisfactory, something hers. That night, Elnaz let herself be happy.
When asked later, she barely remembered those who sought to poke holes in that happiness. She had been singing along to the performances, arm in arm with Talah, when she was notified the press could no longer be brushed aside.
“And with us here, we have the woman of the hour, Orlando Captain Elnaz Rashid. Elnaz, tell us how you are feeling. What is going through your mind after after barely scraping that win?” a short young man with too-large teeth yelled into the mic before shoving it in her face.
Elnaz smiled gently, refusing to go for the rookie reporter’s bait. “Well, you know we had a lead in the first half and obviously, Portland came back stronger in the second half. But, we hung in there and scored a big win.”
“And by ‘came back stronger’ do you mean the many fouls Portland committed?”
“Well to be honest, I can’t speak for Portland or the referees, I can only speak for my team. As captain of a basketpolo team all I can say is that we tried our hardest to win and Portland did too,” Elnaz hardened her smile, looking at the camera effectively cutting of the over-eager reporter.
“So, you’re saying that you’re alright with the numerous fouls against your team this match,” he said, his voice raised slightly as he pushed his question.
“Fouls are not my call to make. Portland is a strong team and the fact that they made it to the championship proves that they earned their standing as a great opponent. It was a good game, I am immensely proud of my team for their hard work and dedication, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be where I am today,” Elnaz replied, clasping her hands behind her back, clenching and unclenching them repeatedly.
“Portland’s captain, Lillian Bryan, is saying that your team committed many fouls that weren’t called. How do you respond to that accusation?”
“That is the first I’ve heard of these accusations, but like I said earlier, I am proud of my team for their conduct on the field. In my eyes, my players are beyond reproach.”
“E there you are! The team was looking for you!” Talah bellowed jogging up to where Elnaz stood with the reporter. She tugged on Elnaz’s sleeve, pushing herself into the frame while pulling Elnaz out of it. “Sorry, I need to steal her. The team is looking for their captain.”
Elnaz murmured some rushed words of thanks before relenting to Talah’s grip on her jacket sleeve, leaving the flustered reporter to wrap up his segment.
The girls sauntered off arm in arm. Once a safe distance away, Elnaz released a deep breath. “Thank you for the rescue.”
“No problem. Lauren noticed your frantic signal and she told me. Since I’m second in command, I had the most authority to pull you away from an interview. I don’t think Coach can fault you for wanted to get away from that disaster of an interview.”
“Man, I just don’t see why you gotta bring in such negativity to a happy moment,” Elnaz sighed. “That guy was rookie on the hunt for something juicy and at my expense.”
“Well, what can you do, you’re famous now. Better get used to the photographers and tough questions and the people who want to bring you down.”
“I suppose, but let’s not dwell on such ugliness. I have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to celebrate.”
Less than twelve hours later, Elnaz was on the earliest flight back home. The rest of her team opted to sleep in and catch the afternoon flight. Elnaz sat in her window seat, her heart yearning for that feeling of home, and closed her eyes as the rose tinged clouds floated by.
------------
The clatter of cutlery and dull murmur of chatter filled her ears. In the distance an orchestra played, someone rushed past the sounds of laughter accompanied with the tinkling of chudiyan. When Elnaz opened her eyes, she found herself in a hotel atrium, just outside the doors to a dining hall full of people dressed in their desi finest. She stood leaning against the wall, her head tilted backwards as though she was taking a moment to catch her breath. Elnaz glanced down and saw that she was wearing a dusty pink lehenga, puffed out with tulle from beneath in a bell shape. The lehenga itself had a silk lining over which a chiffon gauze lay. The plain silk kurta reached past her knees, accentuating the volume of the lehenga, and had gold zari work four inches up from the bottom border. On her shoulder was a matching georgette dupatta embroidered with small gold circles. It looked as if she had sitare in her aanchal. Elnaz smirked at her own awe. As she smiled at the ground, she noticed she wore a matching pale pink hijab and a long gold pendant.
What is going on? Where am I?
She ran her hand along the dupatta on her shoulder and grazed her fingers along the pendant around her neck. Her hands were covered in mehendi. Maroon designs covered her fingers and wrists before disappearing beneath her chudiyan. Dropping the pendant, she gazed at her palms in wonder. Woah.
Am I getting married?
Elnaz lifted her lehenga to check for bridal mehendi on her feet. She breathed a sigh of relief to only see her kusse clad feet free of mehendi peep out from below the tulle. She let her weight sag and stood on the outside of her feet, the bottom of her feet facing each other so her kusse folded outward. As she lowered her lehenga her attention was arrested by a mark on the bottom of her right foot.
I’ve never had a mole there.
She slipped her kussa off and bent her head to inspect the mark. A stylized R designed the arch of her foot.
What the--R for Rashid? And why on earth is it on the bottom of my foot? I mean not only is that a weirdass place to put mehendi but how did I even stand that?
“Elnaz!”
Elnaz snapped her head up, shoving her foot back into her kussa and straightening out her lehenga before looking toward the voice that called her.
Talah stood in a doorway to her right, beautiful in a red velvet anarkali so long it looked like a gown. The sheer gold sleeves matched the ghunghat that adorned her head. She carried a bouquet of yellow roses in one hand and lifted her dress in the other. Her younger sister Sana, scuttling after her as Talah charged ahead.
Of course.
Elnaz grinned.
“Hello, earth to E!” Talah waved her bouquet in front of Elnaz’s face.
“I’m sorry darling, I was just reminiscing of our first basketpolo championship when you appeared in front of me in all your desi regalia and I mistook you for a beautiful fairy,” Elnaz said solemnly, giving Talah’s younger sister a quick wink.
“E, will you quit it, we’re going to miss our cue!”
“Uff baba, is my Arab-turned-Desi princess nervous she won’t get to say her vows on time?”
“E, I’m not half as nervous for myself as I am for you--” Talah started before she came to an abrupt stop.
“What, Talah? I promised I’ll keep the waterworks to a minimum. All wailing is to be reserved for bathroom stalls and far away from the in-laws. If possible, wailing is to be done tonight in the privacy of my room, in the darkness of the night, as I ponder my impending spinsterhood while my best friend enjoys her honeymoon without me.”
“Oh E, be serious, that’s not what I meant.”
“Well unluckily for you, I have no desire to be serious. But luckily for you, I believe that was the signal for your entrance, so we best be on our way, yeah?” Elnaz took her place at her friend’s side as the change in music signaled Talah’s entrance into the hall.
“Uff E, you’re impossible. Just promise me you’ll stay by my side. I have something I need to show you.”
“What, your overwhelming happiness with your shehzada? Girl, I don’t need to be next to you to see that. I’m sure even the concierge downstairs can see that plain as day,” Elnaz teased as she planted a kiss on Talah’s pleading face. “Goodness, fine. I promise I won’t leave the stage.”
The girls walked to the center doors leading into the hall, pausing a moment before entering. Talah graced the stage, exchanged her vows, and inevitably Elnaz had left the stage to fulfill her role as wedding planner. Elnaz had stood by Talah’s side for as long as possible, holding Talah’s hand, giving her some semblance of serenity until Elnaz had to make room on the stage for Talah’s parents. Soon after the bride and groom had signed the nikah papers, Elnaz found herself outside the hall in a heated argument with the caterers.
“What do you mean there is an extra charge for ice? We included ice in our contract. Where’s Rahul? Let me speak to Rahul,” Elnaz told a rather frightened waiter.
“Right here madam,” said a voice right behind her.
Elnaz spun around.
“Rahul, yeh kya keh raha hai? How can there be an extra charge for ice for the kulfi? What did you think mere dil ki thandak se yeh kulfi thanda rahega?”
“Nahi, nahi, Elnaz ji, aisi koi baat nahi hai. I think thodi si miscommunication ho gayi, aisi koi baat nahi hai,” the man named Rahul responded, bobbing his head in emphasis of his claims.
“Better be. Achcha chalo teekh hai. Aur koi miscommunication nahi honi chahiye,” Elnaz said, holding her index finger inches from Rahul’s chest before turning away.
“Elnaz!”
“Now what?”
Elnaz turned to see Sana running towards her.
“Girl, you need to come now. Talah is so upset,” Sana panted.
“What? What do you mean? What happened?”
“She’s refusing to exchange rings--”
Elnaz brought her hand to her forehead, before marching towards the hall again. “Yeh ladki bhi na.”
“What?”
“Never you mind.”
Talah caught sight of Elnaz as soon as Elnaz neared the stage. The smile left her face for the briefest of moments, giving Elnaz a clear idea of her feelings. Elnaz hurried up the stairs to the stage giving Talah’s mother a quick knowing look, and dropped to crouch by Talah’s feet.
“Sorry, baba.”
“I’m going to kill you.”
“I had to leave the stage for the nikah, you know that. I couldn’t possibly sit up here while your father, his father, the imam and all the important people were up here doing important things.”
“Yes well the next important thing to be done, which you need to be here for, you almost weren’t.”
“Ok, ok,” Elnaz said not wanting to bore Talah with the logistics frenzy she had to deal with. “I’m here now, shall we?”
Elnaz turned to the man sitting in the chair a few seats down from the divan Talah sat on. Neither had moved after the nikah was completed, Talah had seen to that. She wasn’t getting any ring without her bestie by her side.
“Hamza Ali dearest, I believe you have a gift to give my bestie,” Elnaz teased, grabbing Talah’s left hand and displaying her empty ring finger.
Hamza Ali Yusufzai sat with a shy grin adorning his soft features. A large Peshwari pagdi covered his golden red hair, his silvery white sherwani doing little to distract from his blue grey eyes. An unmistakable Pashtun.
“You believe correctly, wifey’s bestie,” he smiled. He got up, took the ring from the box offered by his brother, and moved to sit next to Talah.
Elnaz threw Talah a questioning glance when she felt Talah’s grip tighten on her hand. She grinned when she saw a shy smile grace Talah’s face when Hamza took her hand. The hall erupted into applause as Hamza eased the ring onto Talah’s finger. After the two had exchanged rings, Elnaz moved to make way for photos to be taken of the happy couple.
“Oh no you don’t,” Talah warned, catching Elnaz’s hand before she could turn away.
“T, I gotta get off the stage, people will want to take pictures with you two,” Elnaz struggled to peel Talah’s hand from her own.
“Pictures can wait, you are staying right here.”
“But I--”
It was the work of a few seconds. Before she knew it, Hamza Ali had risen and moved to the edge of the stage, Talah had switched her grip on her hand, and Elnaz found herself unceremoniously pushed and pulled down to occupy the space Hamza Ali had just vacated.
“Talah what on earth--”
“Hush. Now just sit here and wait quietly.”
“I--but--”
At that moment Talah’s in-laws took to the stage, showering her with gifts and hugs and blessings. Elnaz felt all the awkwardness of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Every attempt she made to move Talah’s hand reached for hers and pulled her back onto the divan. After several more minutes of struggling a lull in guests on the stage ensued. Elnaz turned to Talah, extremely put out.
“Talah, what are you doing? Why am I up here? This is your husband’s spot. Do you know how awkward that was--”
“Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Talah asked, narrowing her eyes. “Is there somewhere else more important you need to be than at your bestie’s side?”
“What, no. But I don’t need to be sitting on the stage next to you where your husband should be sitting. Where is that infuriating Hamza Ali anyways? All these years his bride has been looking here and there for a catch and the one she chooses decides to leave the stage right after the nikah.” Elnaz retorted from behind clenched teeth as she turned to look at the crowd in front of the stage.
“I’m sorry, I had no idea being with me was so distasteful to you. Maybe I should let you go so that you can enjoy someone else’s company rather than mine,” Talah sniffed as she picked at invisible dust on her gown.
“Talah, really, what has gotten into you?”
“Nothing has happened to me. You, bestie dearest, have been awfully blind,” Talah smiled.
“What? I’m not the blind one here. This is your wedding, your big day, and you’re sitting next to me. Not your groom. Me. Are you not seeing the ridiculousness of this situation?”
“What I see is my bestie, who hid all of her feelings from me this past month and is going to get pay back so bad tonight…” Talah trailed off, hiding the smile on her face by turning her attention to the doors of the hall.
“Talah, I hardly think this is the time or place to be getting back at me. Wait, what do you mean hid my feelings?” Elnaz felt panic start to rise.
What does Talah know? How does she know? Hell, I don’t even know.
“Don’t worry, E. He’ll come.”
“He? Who? I’m not worried about anyone coming.”
“Please, you aren’t telling me Miss. Planner Rashid hasn’t noticed the groom’s best friend isn’t in attendance? Who are you kidding?” Talah teased, nudging Elnaz with her shoulder.
Before Elnaz could protest, she was distracted by someone joining her on the divan. She turned to her left to see her mother had come onstage and settled beside her.
“Ma?” Elnaz sputtered, trying to make sense of what was going on. “You wanna take a picture?”
“Haan, haan, udhar dekho,” her mother pointed straight ahead.
Elnaz’s questions were drowned out by the sound of a voice on the speaker system.
That's odd, Hamza’s brother Hassan was MCing for the night, but he's standing at the foot of the stage surrounded with Hamza Ali and a group of their friends...micless.
“Arz kiya hai,” the voice sounded in the hall, causing a hush to spread over the guests.
“Irshaad!”
“Farmaaiye, Farmaaiye!”
The groom and his friends hollered across the hall. A figure appeared near the doors of directly across the stage.
“Chaudhvin ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho,” the figure stayed leaning against the door frame, his face covered in the shadows. The crowd wah-wah-ed and clapped, now intrigued by this new MC, the groom’s posse being his loudest appreciators.
“Chaudhvin ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho. Joh bhi ho tum, khuda ki qasam, lajawab ho.”
The hall erupted in applause as the stranger brought his right hand to his forehead in an aadaab, sending his shukriyas around the room.
“Assalaamu Alaikum all, I know I’m not the MC you are used to for the night, but seeing my best friend tie the knot really inspired me to tie my own neck into the sacred noose of matrimony. So naturally, Hassan lost his job in my attempt to resign my bachelorhood. I will leave speeches and best wishes for the happy couple for another time, but first, I’ve got to make my own couple so the best wishes can be doubled.”
Elnaz felt the goosebumps spread over her arms as she let sound of his voice wash over her in waves. The voice gained a face when he came forward. He wore a navy blue sherwani with a white churidar, a pale pink pocket square tucked into his breast pocket and dull gold chadave joothe on his feet. These days he sported a slicked back pompadour and thick stubble, a smarter look than the one he sported in those early days on the field. Tonight, however, Elnaz was caught by his smile.
“Rehan,” she breathed as he stepped into the light. She couldn’t help but be dazzled by the brilliance of his smile. In all the years she had known him, he had never smiled like that. But then again, she had never given him reason to.
Oh boy, what is this loser doing?
Realization hit Elnaz as her eyes locked with his. Rehan had reached his friends at the foot of the stage, who dutifully pushed him forward to stand directly in front of the stage, looking up Elnaz.
“Elnaz,” she heard him say. And it was as though the world stopped.
The world around her melted into oblivion, all she could see was this beautiful brown boy looking at her, all she could hear was his voice caressing her name.
“I met you five years ago and from our first meeting I knew you were the girl I was going to spend the rest of my life trying to deserve. Since then you’ve become my chand, my aaftab, and everything in between. Tonight, will you allow me to spend the rest of my life telling you all about how much you mean to me?”
Elnaz hadn’t noticed when Talah’s hand left her own or when her mother’s had replaced it. It was as though her motor neurons had revolted and refused to fire. She turned to her left, surprised to see her father sitting in the chair Hamza Ali had occupied only a few moments ago. He smiled at her, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, as he cocked his eyebrow at her. Her gaze shifted to her mother at her side, who leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already asked Ma and Pa,” Rehan laughed, drawing Elnaz’s attention back to the scene unfolding before her. At Rehan’s comment, her father had stood up and beckoned Rehan to him, employing his best mock-angry look.
“Ji, sir. Uh-aaya, sir,” Rehan answered before skipping the use of the stairs and hopping onto the stage.
“Idhar aao,” her father commanded, pulling Rehan into a hug.
As the two broke apart, her mother pulled her to her feet. Elnaz raised her right and to her forehead in an adaab to both her parents, and the hall rang out in another bout of applause and cheer. Her father took her hand and placed it in Rehan’s and the boys at the foot of the stage hollered and hooted. Someone whistled and Rafi crooned the beginning notes of Elnaz’s favorite song.
-------------------
“Where is it?” Rehan grabbed her hands and began to peer over them.
Elnaz had been sitting in the 7th floor lounge of the hotel after dropping Talah off at her honeymoon suite. She had sent the other girls off, eager to catch a moment to herself before returning to the suite she shared with her parents. She sat smiling into her lap when Rehan had materialized and kneeled before her.
“Where is what?”
“The ‘R.’ I know you got it done, so where is it?” he asked again as he turned her hands over and back again.
“You didn’t think I’d put it where everyone could see it, did you?” she smirked. She immediately regretted her words when his eyes widened. “It’s on the bottom of my foot,” she hastily answered.
“Oh, good, that way I can see it,” he answered without skipping a beat.
“And how do you plan on doing that?” she asked, disarmed by his smile. “Jhoothe khane ka iraada hai kya?”
“Au contraire, mademoiselle. Considering I’m the one sweeping you off your feet…”
“You wouldn’t dare,” Elnaz said, her eyes not leaving his face.
“Oh, but I am.”
She pulled her hands from his grasp in an attempt to move away, but Rehan was too quick for her. Elnaz felt his hands move to her ankles, but instead of finding herself in his arms, her right foot was propped up on his thigh. He slipped her kussa off, and keeping one hand on her ankle, ran a finger down the arch of her foot.
“Rehan!” she warned, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I know you don’t like the idea of an engagement ring, but I know there’s one thing to can’t say no to.” He pulled the pink pocket square from his breast pocket and unfolded it to reveal a single gold payal.
She couldn’t help the tears that formed as he fastened the payal around her ankle. He looked up at her and winked. She laughed.
“Where’s the other one?”
“You can get the other one when I get my engagement gift.”
“What me saying ‘yes’ wasn’t enough of a gift for you?” she countered.
“Every word from you is a gift,” he reached up to place a finger under her chin.
“Oh teri,” she grinned. “Better watch it or I’ll be giving you gaalis and then we’ll see how you feel my words are a gift.”
“Well if you do that, I’ll just have to keep the other payal.”
“Kyun?” she pouted, giving Rehan a good shove with her foot.
He moved back to sit on his heels, exaggerating his movements by feigning loss of his balance. His eyes traced her beloved face.
“Tum pehenoge?” she grinned.
And just like that she slipped past him and ran down the corridor, every other step pronounced with the soft chan-chan of her payal.
He scrambled off his back and sat up. “What was that for?”
He felt all the indignation of an embarrassed boy who just lost his balance after being kicked by a very pretty girl. She looked everywhere but him before grabbing her boot and shoving her foot back in it.
“Have you gathered all the evidence you need now? My foot is perfectly fine.”
He stared at her.
Why is she so hasty all of a sudden? Was that a blush on her cheeks?
“Wait a minute, you’re not telling me you’re actually...”
“Actually fine? Yes. That is exactly what I’m telling you. How insightful of you.” She struggled with the zipper on her boot, before risking a glance in his direction when he didn’t answer.
He couldn’t help it.
His smile broadened when she met his gaze.
“You’re ticklish.”
She dropped her eyes for a moment, before staring him straight in the eye.
“That I might be, but hurt I am not.”
———–
Here’s an excerpt from our next story, Aastha. Coming out New Years 2017!
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“Nik! Are you ready?” Avinash rushed into their room to check on Nikita
“Yes. Is Raider ready? Did you put the luggage in the trunk? Did you take the trash out? Did you turn off the stove?”
“Yes to everything and the stove wasn’t on today.”
“It never hurts to check.”
“Everything is set and the flight is on time.”
“Ok good. I have our tickets and passports.”
“I have the keys. Raider is waiting by the door. Let’s go!”
“Alright, let’s go.” Nikita gave Avinash a quick peck on the mouth before she walked out of the apartment.
Once in the car, Nikita settled down. “I can’t believe it’s been a year and this year our tree is going to be in Cancun.”
“Time has really flown by and I’ve enjoyed every second of it with you. Love you babe.”
“I love you too.” she sighed contentedly “Oh, did I tell you? I was talking to one of my co-workers and I told him I was taking my dog with me to Cancun and he was like what why would you ever do something like that? So, I said, because he’s family, why wouldn’t I take him?”
“Your dog huh?” he grinned
“Our dog.” she corrected herself. Then she asked, “So, who’s getting there first?”
“I think Akhil and Raina will be there in a few hours.”
“They’ve been married for six months already. I can’t believe it.” she sighed wistfully
He looked at her with an unreadable expression but didn’t say anything. She didn’t push it because she knew he would propose when he felt ready. When their allotted six months had run out, both she and Avi had agreed that they wanted to remain together. When they had announced that, their parents had been thrilled. Even though those six months hadn’t exactly been perfect, they both had been extremely supportive of each other. Still, there had been quite a few arguments about setting priorities straight. Both of them had learned to sort through any issues and by the end of the six months had reached a good balance. Akhil and Raina had also started dating around the same time as them and five months in had announced they wanted to get married within the month. Their parents couldn’t have been more excited about the fact that things had worked out so well with their children. So, because of all the wedding activity and then both their businesses suddenly picking up, Avi had never actually proposed. Nik didn’t mind really because she knew they were both equally committed to the relationship. Avi had done everything he had promised. He treated her as an equal, sought her advice and gave his own when she asked, he took equal responsibilities in their home, and he was always there to support her. Still, she hoped he would propose sooner than later.
Avinash looked over at the love of his life. Her face had flicked through many emotions in the few minutes that she hadn’t spoken. Whenever he had glanced in her direction he noticed a different expression. She had gone from a happy grin to a sad smile to a calm look of understanding to a hopeful faraway look. He’d give anything to know what was going through her mind, but he suddenly realized she must be thinking about how he was yet to propose. He had wanted to back in June when Akhil and Raina had abruptly announced their wedding. After that, there never seemed to be a good opportunity. They had been lucky this past year with achievements. Once Nik had gotten her investors to commit, her pediatric wing had taken off. Her practice was booming, so much so that she had hired a general manager so that she could still see patients. He couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been for her to relinquish control of her baby to someone else, but fortunately, it had been Raina that had taken over the responsibility. With her business administration background, Raina ran a tight ship just like Nik had wanted. His business had been taken to new heights with the deal he and Akhil had signed with Cook County and they had also changed suppliers so their production was back on track. He had also been promoted from surgical resident to surgical attending in Chicago General. They were all blessed to be this successful, but all of that progress had taken countless hours of hard work. So, he hadn’t found a good moment to ask her to be his wife yet. When he did ask her he wanted it to be perfect. That was why he had planned this Christmas to New Year’s trip to Cancun. He would ask her when they got there on Christmas Eve and when she said yes, they’d get married on New Year’s Day on the beach.
Just 10 people and Raider on a beach. Just like they both wanted.
He’d been planning this for 3 months and had enlisted the entire family’s help in talking to Nik about what she wanted in her perfect wedding. From the kind of dress she wanted to wear to the guest list, his family had brought him all the information. Now, it was finally time to make her dream come true.
------------
“Hold on, Raider! I know you want to go outside and smell the air, but we have to wait for daddy to get the luggage.” Nikita tugged on Raider’s already taut leash
“I’m here. I have both the bags. Are you ready?”
“So ready!” she grunted as she yanked Raider back again
“Good, let’s go find Akhil. He’s here to pick us up.”
They went outside to find Akhil and Raina leaning against the car. As usual, their heads were inclined towards each other as they talked about something or the other. When Raina threw her head back and laughed, Nikita grinned, happy that her best friend had found the man of her dreams.
As they got closer Akhil looked up and waved to them. “How was your flight?”
Raina tightly hugged both of them as Akhil loaded the luggage. “The beach house is absolutely fabulous Avinash! You have great taste! I can’t wait for you both to actually see it. It’s way better than the pictures on the internet.”
Nikita couldn’t be sure, but she thought she saw Akhil give Avi a slight wink before sliding into the driver’s seat. “All of our parents are already there. You two are the last to arrive.”
“Sounds good,” Avinash said as he sat in the back with her and Raider.
Raider whimpered to Avinash because he didn’t like sitting in the middle. Rolling his eyes, Avinash let Raider have the seat by the window and moved over to the middle seat.
“Dude, I can’t see the rearview mirror,” Akhil complained.
So, Avinash leaned over in the seat and laid his head comfortably on Nikita’s shoulder. “The things I do for my dog,” he grumbled good-naturedly
Nikita swatted his arm and corrected, “Our dog”
Avinash simply looked up and grinned before settling in for the short ride.
---------
“Let’s go for a walk.” Raina abruptly suggested shaking Akhil awake.
They had been lazing around on the couches talking and napping ever since lunch. They had wanted to go on a walk after lunch but had unanimously decided it was entirely too hot to go. Even, Raider had seemed reluctant. Now, however, the sun was setting and it was getting cooler.
“Sounds like a plan,” Nikita said as she tried to push Avinash’s head off of her lap. Raider noticing the sudden activity also jumped up from his spot under the fan wagging his tail wildly. Nirmala, Akhila, and Priyanka all looked up from whatever they’d been working on for the past hour and nodded. Nikita thought she saw a flash of gold and shot her mother a questioning look but Nirmala simply smiled at her daughter and turned to help the other two carefully put whatever it was they had been concentrating so hard on. After they had put everything away safely, all three women went to wake their husbands up from their various levels of napping. Still curious as to what the mothers were doing Nikita started to make her way to the table to see for herself, but was distracted by Akhil frantically trying to find his camera and Raina trying to calm him down. Amused, Nikita observed the situation oblivious to Avinash sneaking into their room to retrieve a small velvet box.
“Raina! Where is my camera??” Akhil called distracting Nikita
“How the hell do I know Akhil? Did you not say you’d be taking full responsibility of the mammoth when we got to Cancun?” Raina asked exasperated.
“Akhil, why do you need your camera so desperately? Can’t you just use your phone?” Nikita asked amused.
“Because the sunset is beautiful and I intend to take a lot of great pictures on this trip. Plus, my phone’s lens is not nearly as good as my Canon’s lens” Akhil answered still insanely searching for his camera.
Nodding her understanding, Nikita began to help him. “Do you remember where you put it last?”
Akhil stood up and looked over her shoulder. A silent communication seemed to pass between the person behind Nikita and him. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers and headed off in another direction. Curious, Nikita turned to see Avinash and raised an eyebrow.
Avinash nonchalantly shrugged. “The kid’s crazy. You ready to go?”
“Yep. Let me get Raider’s leash.” she nodded
Once everyone was slathered in sunscreen and mosquito repellent, the group finally headed out to the beach.
They had been walking for about fifteen minutes when Avinash suddenly stopped. Thinking he had something in his sandals Nikita continued walking enjoying the beautiful sunset. She could see the bright purples and oranges change shades as each minute passed. Taking a deep breath of the salty ocean air, she turned around to see what was taking Avi so long. She gasped when she saw him down on one knee with a small velvet box in his hand. He looked at her with a sheepish smile.
“Nikita Khurana. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, both inside and out. You're strong, independent, smart, goofy, loving… and….I could go on, but what I really want to say is that you’re perfect. Perfect for me. You are the only one who challenges me and questions me to my wit’s end, but you’re also one of my biggest supporters. I can only hope I do the same for you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I know we can be happy together. I love you, Nik, and will love you with everything I have and I hope you’ll give a chance to show you that love for the rest of our lives. So, what I want to ask you is, if you’ll marry me right on this very spot on New Year’s Day?”
Nikita sank to her knees in front of him and cupped his face in her hands as tears of joy streamed from her eyes. As she allowed him to slip the ring onto her finger, she looked into his eyes and saw the love brimming in them. He reached for her and gently wiped the tears away. She turned her head and kissed his palm before speaking.
“Oh, Avinash. You wonderful man. Never in my life did I think I’d find a man like you. If you really think I’m perfect for you, then you should know I think you’re perfect for me too. We complete each other in every way. We will be happy together. I believe that. I love you so much more than I can even begin to comprehend, Avi. So, yes I will marry you. Right on this very spot. On New Year’s Day.”
Applause erupted around them as Avi pulled Nik into a fierce hug. Nirmala and Akhila hugged as joyful tears filled their eyes. Raghav and Dilip heartily shook hands and when that didn’t seem like enough they too, hugged each other. Akhil winked at his brother and future sister-in-law from behind the camera and Raina blew her best friends a kiss trying to hold onto Raider’s leash as he strained to go to his mom and dad. Priyanka and Ram joined in on the celebration and heartily offered their congratulations.
In their own bubble, Avi stood up and scooped his fiancée into another tight embrace and dropped a kiss on her hair before setting her on her feet. In the midst of the celebration, Raider had managed to slip away from Raina and he now poked his nose between Nik and Avi.
Looking down, Nik sank to her knees again and kissed Raider’s head. “You want some love too, huh, baby boy?”
Avi crouched down next to her and their puppy. Grinning from ear to ear he asked, “Are you excited to get a mommy. Raider?”
Raider wagged his tail and bounced around the two of them in excitement knocking Nikita off balance and right into Avinash. Laughing the two of them fell into the sand. Avinash wrapped his arms around Nikita and she leaned down to give him another kiss.
The whole family started laughing and erupted into applause again.
“Merry Christmas! Come on in you guys!” Nikita ushered in Raina and her family
Raina waited by the doorway to speak to her friend as her parents ambled into the Avinash’s apartment to greet the people already there. Raina looked to Nikita in surprise and raised her eyebrows. “You don’t think you’re moving a little fast? I can’t believe you’re planning on moving in with Avinash so soon.”
Nikita just smiled at her as she led Raina into the kitchen to get the Christmas cookies she and Avinash had baked together. Something sweet to start off our lives together he had said simply when she’d asked. “I know it seems a little hurried, but since we only have a few months to decide, we thought it might be best to actually see if we can live with each other.”
Raina still looked unconvinced, but she shook her head and gave her friend a small smile. “I suppose it makes sense. I never knew you to do anything normally.”
“That’s true.” Nikita laughed giving Raina the decorating supplies to carry out. “Oh, Akhil is here by the way”
“Leave it you to invite me to a tacky Christmas sweater party and then also invite the crush of my dreams.”
“I invited family. He’s family and so is you! This is a family Christmas party!”
Raina grumbled as she followed Nikita out to the living room.
Nikita set the cookies down on the table and went to sit next to Avinash. Avinash promptly pulled her down onto his lap and Nikita blushed as she gave him a quick hug, but she made no attempt to move away. Watching this Raina cast a surreptitious glance at Akhil, who was seated on the floor again leaning against a chair which she now occupied, only to find him looking at her with a silly smile on his face.
Noticing this exchange, Nikita shot Avinash a conspiratorial smile before clearing her throat.
“Alright! Time to decorate your cookies. Make them pretty please Avinash and I want to hang them on the tree.”
Then she glared at Avinash, “Not too low, though because Raider will get to them. Lord knows Raider has had enough cookie dough to last him all year.”
Pouting, Avinash gave Nikita his best imitation of Raider’s puppy eyes. Laughing, Nikita swatted him on the arm. Akhila and Nirmala glanced at each other as if to say: mission accomplished.
Finally, Avinash set her aside and reached for his cookie and started to decorate. Following his lead, everyone took a cookie and made beautiful designs on them. Nikita took a break from her own cookie to look around at her family all together. She felt a sense of fulfillment and realized her Christmas dream had come true.
Hey! Just saw your Ek Duje Ke Vaaste fanfic's prologue. Where can I find the actual fanfic?
Hi there! So our EDKV fanfic is still in the works. We wanted to get out these little ideas first, then delve into our fanfic. It’s a big venture and we hope you’ll like it!
For a timeline, A Christmas Dream is complete, you will have the entire story Christmas day. Then, New Years day we will release another completed story after which we will work on our EDKV fanfic. So far we’ve got an outline, we just have to do the writing!
I’m so happy you guys are interested in our writing, we hope our end product meets all your expectations!
“You, have a beautiful place darling.” Akhila complimented
“Thank you, aunty. It was a struggle to find this place.” Nikita said as she handed Akhil her chai
“Is the bedroom down that hallway then?” Akhila asked pointing straight ahead
“Yes, but it’s a 2 bedroom and 2.5 baths.” Nikita clarified
“Well, it’s a very nice place darling. Very well decorated too” Akhila said looking around
“Thank you.” Nikita smiled
“I love these carrot pakoras!” Dilip said delightedly munching on one “Where did you come up with this idea?”
“I love to experiment with my food. This was one of the better results.” Nikita answered
“Beta, did you help make them?” Dilip asked his son
“I tried dad” Avinash replied
“Oh, he was really helpful,” Nikita said at the same time
“I see,” Raghav muttered looking at the both of them with a smirk
“Alright,” Akhila put her cup down, “let’s get to it then.”
Glancing from her son to Nikita she said, “You both know why we are here. What have you two decided?”
“We never really talked about it.” Nikita spoke first “We were simply getting to know each other.”
Akhila nodded and turned to her son expectantly.
“I have a suggestion if Nikita is willing.”
“What is it?” Nikita asked quietly
Turning his back to his parents, Avinash faced Nikita. He took her hands in his and took a deep breath before he spoke.
“Are you willing to give us a chance?”
“Yes. Of course, I am.”
“Ok good. Then I want to do a six month dating period. Just you and me in a relationship just like any other couple. There will be no pressure of marriage. This will just be a time for us to get to know each other.”
“Ok, I---”
“Hold on. There’s one catch. We are going to be fully committed and exclusive. During this period, neither of us is allowed walk out, except if there are unresolvable issues, which I don’t anticipate. What do you think?”
“I like the idea.” she replied after a few moments “But, I have some modifications.”
“I’d be surprised if you didn’t. What are they?”
Thinking for a few seconds she started, “First, although there will be no pressure for marriage, I don’t want us to avoid the subject. Getting to know each other means being able to talk about everything from careers to marriage to children. Second, while I don’t anticipate any major problems either, I do realize both of us have very strong personalities. So, when and if we get into any major arguments we will talk it out to the best of our ability before labeling it as not resolvable. Lastly, let’s enjoy this time we have. I think sometimes committing to something like this causes one or both of the people involved to become extremely serious about having to make it work. I don’t want that. I want it to be a natural thing between us. Do you agree with these changes?”
Giving Nikita a wide grin Avinash nodded, “Yes. I agree with them.” Turning back to face the elders he asked, “How does this sound to you all?”
Nirmala spoke first, “I think it’s a good idea and if the two of you are going to be genuinely committed then I say go ahead.”
Akhila agreed and added, “Just make sure you keep these terms at the back of your mind at all times.”
“Beta, I know this isn’t exactly how you imagined getting married, but really put your heart into it and try your best,” Raghav added
“Bless you both for trying something so daring. Good luck.” Dilip said finally
With that, Avinash looked to Nikita and asked, “So do we shake on it?”
Standing up she said, “Oh no, I think this deal deserves a hug.”
Laughing Avinash got up to stand in front of Nikita and brought her into his embrace. The elders started to clap and talk to each other all at once. She returned his hug just as fiercely and whispered, “There are some other things we need to discuss, but we should do that in private.”
He gently rested his head on her shoulder and she felt him nod almost imperceptibly.
“Just enjoy the moment, for now, my little Ms. Planner.”
She started laughing and he looked up and grinned at her.
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When she opened the door Nikita saw both their parents had arrived together.
“Hi! Come on in!” Nikita said happily waving all four of them in.
“Hi beta, how are you?” Akhila asked as she reached over to give Nikita a quick hug “You look beautiful darling. I really liked the fact that you wanted to wear traditional clothing for this.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Nikita smiled as she closed the door to the apartment.
“Hi mom, dad, aunty, uncle. How is everyone doing?” Avinash asked as he released Raider and reached over to hug his parents and Nikita’s parents
“Why don’t you all have a seat?” Nikita suggested, “I’ll go get the chai and the pakoras.”
“I’ll help you.” Avinash offered following Nikita into the kitchen
Nirmala and Akhila glanced at each other with knowing smiles.
“This seems to have worked out better than I thought it would,” Akhila said nodding towards the kitchen
“When you suggested the idea, I wasn’t sure. Seeing this now, however, I have to agree it was a wonderful idea.” Nirmala replied
“This was all a plan?” Dilip asked, incredulous
“I had the same reaction when Nirmala told me, but the kids have gotten on well don’t you think?” Raghav laughed
“Well, yes I suppose. Akhila why did you not say anything? To me, your husband.” Dilip huffed
“Because you would have told our son and I wanted those two to make their own decision on how to approach this situation,” Akhila explained
“I wouldn’t have said a word” Dilip muttered
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, darling.” Akhila winked to Nirmala and Raghav
The three of them burst into laughter and after a second or two Dilip joined in as well
In the kitchen, Nikita was arranging the snacks on a platter while Avinash stood by the sink pouring the chai into the cups she had given him.
Raider had followed them to the kitchen attracted by the smell of food. Nikita looked down at him and smiled indulgently as she gave him one of the pakoras. She giggled when the puppy licked her fingers clean.
As she walked over to the sink to rinse her hands, she heard a burst of laughter coming from the living room.
“Well, it sounds like the parents are having fun,” she smiled at Avinash
“It does, doesn’t it?” he said looking up from the last cup he was pouring.
As she turned to go get the tray, Nikita felt a hand on her wrist hold her back. She turned and raised a questioning eyebrow at Avinash.
“What did you mean when you said next time,” he asked
Looking down, Nikita giggled, “You forgot to take your socks off.”
“That’s not an answer to my question,” Avinash rumbled keeping his voice as low as he could
“You’re a smart cookie. Why don’t you tell me what you think I meant,” Nikita challenged
Avinash dropped her hand and stepped closer. He towered over her and his eyes held a fiery challenge. “So, does that mean you’ll let me kiss you next time?”
Nikita smirked up at him and said, “See? I knew you were a smart one.”
With that she turned, picked up the tray, and walked out of the kitchen.
“Don’t forget the chai!” she called over her shoulder
Shaking his head and smiling Avinash picked up the chai tray and followed Nikita into the living room.
“Do I look ok?” Nikita asked as she walked in fidgeting with the pleats of her sari.
If she had looked up in time she might have sensed the look of utter awe pass across Avinash’s face. For a few moments, he simply stared at the beauty in front of him, admiring the way her red sari was draped around her curves. The sari was simple but elegant and Nikita had dressed it up with a pair of large earrings, a matching necklace, red and gold bangles, and a delicate gold kamarband.
“Stop fidgeting,” he said quietly
She stopped immediately and looked up at him in surprise. She had kept her hair down just like she had on the day of the party. She just wore a thin layer of kajal and a simple red bindi on her face. She had kept it minimal. No frills, nothing extra. Just like her personality.
“You look beautiful.” he whispered.
“Thank you.” she said as she took a step closer “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Avinash had on a dark blue kurta that made his already black hair look even darker. The material clung to his biceps and chest before falling loosely to his knees. The white pants he wore with it were a stark contrast. His hair was still a little wet at the ends from his shower. He looked divine.
When she looked down and saw that he was still wearing his fluffy socks she broke into laughter.
“What?” he asked sounded unsure
She just pointed to his socks and continued to laugh
“I was going to take them off when they got here you know. I’m not trying to look like an uncle. I just didn’t want my feet to be cold.” he blabbed in his defense
“Mm-hmm,” she giggled unable to contain the mirth in her eyes.
He crossed his arms and pouted at her trying hard to stop his own grin. She just pinched a cheek and walked past him to the stove where he had the chai boiling.
After checking on the chai she turned to look at him and seeing his offended expression she said, “You’re so cute.”
He looked into her eyes for a few moments. He had just started to lean in to kiss her when the doorbell rang. She stepped back and flushed as she glanced at the front door.
“Perfect timing,” he muttered reaching to reduce the heat on the chai and grab Raider’s collar before they went to open the door.
Right before Nikita opened the door she turned around and gave Avinash a kiss on the cheek and said, “Next time. Avi.”
“You brought Raider!” Nikita squealed as she opened the door to her apartment
“Yes, I did. Like I said, he’s a part of the family so he had to be here. Plus, I know you liked him that day at the party so, I figured you’d like to see him” Avinash explained as he took in the sight of Nikita dressed in a simple sweater, leggings, and a pair of fluffy boots with her hair as left free and as wild as ever. She looked even more beautiful than she had the other night if that was even possible.
“Yes, I would. Wouldn’t I baby? Aww, good boy! Let me get you a cookie.” she gushed to the puppy who staring curiously at her, his tail furiously wagging. She then looked up to see Avinash smiling widely at the sight in front of him. “Come on in. I’m just going to go get a cookie for Raider. Do you want anything?”
“No, I’m good. Is Raider allowed in the kitchen?” he said following her inside
“Raider is allowed wherever he wants to go, except my sock drawer.” she grinned “You can take the leash off if you’d like.”
“Awesome,” he said bending down to take Raider’s leash off as the puppy showered him with kisses. As soon as Avinash had set him free, he ran to Nikita and jumped to give her kisses too.
“Sit,” she commanded cookie in hand. As soon as Raider sat she give him the cookie and patted his fluffy head earning herself a few more kisses. She then turned to noticed Avinash staring at her. “What?” she asked
“Nothing, I just haven’t seen many people interact with Raider’s craziness as easily as you.”
“Ah well, I love dogs and I used to volunteer at a shelter for years before I got too busy at the practice. Now, all I can seem to do is donate money to help them along. Sometimes, I feel like it’s not enough.”
“I think it’s noble to continue to want to help. Maybe one day, when the practice settles down into a constant rhythm you can go back. If that’s what you want.”
“Actually, that’s exactly what I want to do. The practice is getting there so hopefully one day I’ll find the time to go back.” she sighed
“Why don’t you have a dog? Does this apartment not allow pets?” he asked
“Oh no, it does. I wanted to get a rescue a few years ago, but I just didn’t think I’d be able to give her all the time she would have needed to recover from the trauma she had faced with her previous owner. I had fallen in love with her. It broke my heart, but I found her the best home I could. I still get monthly pictures from her family. She’s blossomed into a beautiful girl. While I know I did the right thing, it still hurts you know?” She asked as she looked up with tears in her eyes
Without thinking, Avinash stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tight hug. She buried her face in his chest and released a shaky sigh. They stayed like that for a few moments before either of them spoke.
“I wish I knew what to say.” he said his voice full of emotion.
She lifted her head and gave him a slight smile before she said, “You were there for me when I needed you and that’s enough for me.”
“I will always try my best to be there for you when you need me.” he promised, hugging her tighter.
“And I’ll do the same” she returned speaking into his chest.
After a few more moments in his embrace, she stepped back and cleared her throat before asking, “So, is Akhil coming today as well?”
“Um...no he’s not. He might have, but an emergency meeting with one of the suppliers came up. He had to go help out with that.” he said taking a deep steadying breath. He had loved having her in his arms. For the first time, in a long time, he had felt needed, wanted even. As a surgeon, he helped make many people’s lives better, but recently he had been coming back to an empty home feeling lonelier than ever. With just one hug, he had felt revived and she had done that for him.
“Oh. is everything alright?” she asked worriedly
“Yes, everything is fine. One of our products is on back order because of this supplier not providing us enough material. We wouldn’t want to lose out on significant business. So, Akhil is letting them know we will go to another supplier if they can’t fulfill demand.”
“I would never be able to imagine Akhil doing anything so cut-throat. He seemed so mild when I met him the other day.”
“He is. At home” Avinash chuckled
“Ah. Well, I suppose it’s just as well he’s not coming. He would have been bored out his mind if you ask me. What with Raina not being here and all.”
“Wait. Really? So, I wasn’t imagining things that night?”
“Nope. God, Raina has not shut up about your brother since that night. If I have heard about how ‘hot and sweet, but crazy but sweet’ Akhil is one more time. I swear to you, I will pull my hair out.”
“Oh don’t do that. I love your hair,” he said
“Aww thanks” she giggled. Then suddenly serious she said, “I hope it’s not a one-sided thing. I would not be able to see her go through that kind of pain.”
“Yeah, no. Trust me it’s not one sided. My brother, the man who has never said anything about his previous relationships, has mentioned Raina five times. In the past day.” he clarified and then added, “Best part is the man thinks he’s being subtle.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Not that I’m going to willingly mention anything about Akhil to Raina. I’d rather have them find out from each other anyway.” she said as she turned to retrieve a few bowls and ingredients for the snacks they were going to make today.
“Can I help?” he asked stepping to the sink to rinse his hands
“Yes. Absolutely,” she said handing him the towel to dry his hands and then a cutting board and knife.
“Thank you.” he said taking them and placing them on the counter before turning back to her.
“You can cut the onions. They are in the basket over there,” she said as she pointed to the corner of the kitchen.
“Gotcha. How many?”
“Um...we have six people and a few for Raider if he eats people food.”
“Oh, he’s a people food connoisseur. Aren’t you bud?” he said glancing at the pup who was settled in right in the middle of the kitchen. The pup replied with one enthusiastic thump of his tail.
“Well ok then.” she chuckled “Four onions should be good. If we have any leftover you can take them home.”
“Already trying to fatten me up?” he joked
“Well, you know the cliché. ‘A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ So that’s what I’m doing.” she grinned
“Four onions it is.” he said reaching to grab them and then asked, “How do you want them chopped?’
“Peel, slice circles about 2 centimeters thick, cut the circles in half, and separate all the layers.”
“Yes, chef,” he said as he got to work.
Nikita watched him for a few moments thinking about how nice it felt to have Avinash and Raider here on a Saturday, just being together talking and laughing. He hadn’t tried to dress up too much. In fact, he wore a simple pair of sweats with a sweater and thick socks. He had slipped off his shoes earlier by the door without being asked, something that had impressed her. He had also known he would be here for a while and so he had planned for it. She usually kept her apartment warm enough, but she had always needed to wear her fluffy boots. Seeing that he had thought about that possibility as he had gotten dressed made her smile. He was now standing at her kitchen counter cutting onions and he looked like he belonged there, at home, with her. Who knew something so mundane would cause her heart to flutter? She hoped one day this would be a permanent image in her life.
“Hey Avi, have you were had carrot pakoras?” she asked suddenly
“I like when you call me Avi. There are quite a few people in my life that use that nickname, but when you use it...well, it feels more personal. More intimate.” he said grinning sheepishly
He noticed a hint of a blush start to creep into her cheeks as she gave him a shy smile. “Well, I’m glad you feel that way,” she said her voice a little huskier.
She held his eyes a little longer just to make sure he understood just how happy she was to hear him say that. She felt the warm sense of elation spread through her as she realized her Christmas dream might be coming true.
After a few moments, Avinash said, “Um...and no I’ve never tried carrot pakoras.”
“Oh ok. Why don’t we make some? I think you may like them.” she said snapping back to the moment a smile still on her face.
“Sure, I’m willing to try them,” he said
“So, just go ahead and cut two onions. Grab 2 carrots from the second drawer in the refrigerator. You’ll need to cut the carrots into thin strips 2 to 3 inches long. Just do one and a half carrots, though. You can either eat the rest as a snack or give it to Raider.”
“Is that what you do when you cook? Eat all the leftover vegetables that didn’t make it into the dish?” he chuckled
“Actually, yes. I’m usually hungry while I’m cooking so I try to snack healthy and I love vegetables so it works out really well.”
He nodded and walked back over to the basket to return the unused onions. “Oh, and grab a potato while you’re over there. That one you need to just do slices as thick as the onions,” she said as she mixed the batter in another bowl.
“You are so in tune with your kitchen. I’m really impressed,” he said as he ambled over to the refrigerator, potato in hand, to search for the carrots.
“Well, I should be. I love to eat and I like making food and trying new things. It’s so important to keep experimenting. I’d hate to get bored with my food.”
“Huh. That’s true,” he said walking back to the counter to start cutting the vegetables
They worked in comfortable silence for a while. As Nikita settled into a rhythm she started to hum. She continued to move around the kitchen setting up all the ingredients by the stove and cleaning up the counters as she waited for Avinash to finish with the vegetables.
“You have a beautiful voice,” Avinash said
“What?” she asked surprised as she looked up from loading the dishwasher.
“You were humming and it sounded beautiful.”
“Oh. Oh my God I didn’t even realize it, but I’m just a shower singer.” she laughed
“So am I, but don’t think I sound nearly as pretty as you,” he joked getting up and placing the cut vegetables in the bowls she had assigned earlier.
She just smiled as she continued to put the dishes away.
“Here let me take those,” she said reaching for the cutting board and knife. When she took them from him their fingers brushed and she flashed him a smile before turning around.
“Well, it’s only 3:30 and our parents are coming at 5.” Avinash said looking at his watch “Do you want to go sit down for 30 minutes before finishing this up?”
“Actually you know what? I think I’ll need a shower after frying the pakoras. Wouldn’t want to smell like oil.” she grinned and then gasped, “Oh I never thought about that! Do you want to sit out on the couch while I do this? Unless you want to take a shower too? I have a guest bathroom and towels and everything. It’s up to you. I can’t believe I didn’t even think about it and here you are all prepared with an extra outfit and everything.”
Grinning he said, “It’s ok. Calm down. I’ll help you and if you don’t mind I’ll take a shower before changing.”
Taking a deep breath she grinned, “Ok, sounds good. Do you know how to fry?”
“Yes, I know how to fry,” he said mildly offended
“Well, I had to ask!” she said defensively “Ok, I’ll put the vegetables and batter into the oil and you can fry them and drain them.”
“I can do that,” he said nodding
“Then, you can put them on that tray.” she said pointing “Ready?”
“Let’s do it.”
-----------
“Ok so, this is the bathroom. The towels are in the closet over there,” she pointed “There are some generic soaps and shampoos by the shower. Do you need anything else?”
“Nope. I’m good.” he replied shaking his head “Take your time and don’t worry I’ll start on the chai when I’m done.”
She laughed as she walked out of the room, “What a time to be alive. The potential groom is making the chai.”
He smiled as he heard her giggling all the way to her room.
“Hello, Dr. Khurana this is Dr. Bhatia,” Avinash replied grinning
“Avinash? Hi, how are you?”
“I’m good Nikita. You?”
“I’m well thank you. Just on my way to work.”
“Do you always answer your phone like that?” Avinash asked
“Oh no. Just when the call is from an unknown number.” Nikita replied chuckling
“Ah, I see,” Avinash said not sure how to broach the real reason he had called.
“What can I do for you Avinash?” Nikita asked after an odd moment of silence
“Well, I don’t know how to say this. I’m trying very hard to not make it awkward…” Avinash began
“Ah. Too late then, might as well spit it out.” Nikita said laughing
“Yes. Go ahead laugh at my expense.” Avinash said grinning suddenly
“I’m only trying to make it a little less awkward.”
“Yes ok. Sorry. Well, here goes. My mother has asked me to call you to set up a date so we can discuss a rishta between the two of us. Would that be something you’d be ok with? Something you might even consider?” Avinash spoke quickly.
“Oh wow, I didn’t think it would happen this soon.”
“You mean you knew about this??” he demanded
“Well, my mother had asked me if it was ok to talk to yours about it, but I figured it might happen after a few weeks, a month even,” she explained.
“So, you said yes? Are you saying yes?” he babbled on
“Yes, Avi, I’m saying yes, let’s set up a date. We’ll go to dinner and talk it over. Or you know something like that.” she said sounding unsure.
“You called me Avi.”
“Um...yeah I did. Is that ok? Do you not like it?”
“No, I love it. I was just taken aback for a second.”
“Um...ok?”
“Anyway, that is beside the point. Mom wants to keep things a little more traditional than just having you and me going on a date.”
“You mean like the whole girl serves chai when the boy comes to her parents’ house situation?” she asked incredulously
“Well yes, but she did say I could put my own twist on it. So we can do it a little differently. That is if you want to.”
“Ok, what were you thinking?”
“I was thinking we could meet at one of our apartments and make the chai and snacks together. Then, we can invite the parents over and serve together too.”
He heard her start giggling before she broke out into a full blown laugh. He couldn’t help the wide grin that settled on his face at the sound of her laughter.
“What? I thought it was a good idea. Don’t you?” he said trying to sound offended but failing to hide the smile in his voice.
“Oh no. I love the idea. I just never thought any of this would happen in my life. I’m laughing because it’s so much better than I could have imagined.” she replied bursts of laughter interjected between every few words.
“Well that’s good I guess,” he said as she continued to laugh
“Ok. Breathe Nik breathe.” she told herself finally starting to calm down “Alright. I’m calm. And yes, I would love to do it like that. Whose place were you thinking?”
“Well, you’ve already seen mine.”
“What? When?”
“The Christmas party was at my place. It wasn’t my parents’ apartment.”
“Oh, I should have known.”
“How could you have known?” he asked
“Well, even with the decor it still felt like a bachelor pad. Not very many feminine touches, but just enough to make me realize now that your mother must have helped you decorate. There’s also the fact that the apartment is close enough to the hospital that you can get there quickly, but far enough that you’re not always there. Nice choice with the window view by the way. It is absolutely gorgeous.”
“I’m impressed.” he genuinely said “And thank you. That window was the one thing I was not willing to compromise on. Being on the 20th floor gives me one hell of a view.”
“Plus, you can see the hospital. So you’ll know almost immediately if, God forbid, there’s a major emergency and they could use your help. Am I right?” she asked
“It’s honestly scary how right you are,” he replied
“Interesting. It gives me a new insight to your personality.”
“Do you like what you see...um...here?”
“Yes, I do.” she giggled “Anyway, my place is good. It’s not far from yours. I’ll text you the address when I get to work.”
“Sounds good. Why don’t you give me a day that’s good for you and I’ll check if that works with my schedule?”
“Sure how about Christmas Eve. It’s a Saturday. Unless you have something going on that day.”
“No, it’s good. I would have spent that time with my family anyway so that works really well for me.”
“Great, let’s do after 2. I have some things I need to take care of at the office that day.”
“Are you a workaholic too?”
“Always have been. Probably always will be.” she sighed
“Well I am too so I can understand that.” he said smiling “How about 2:30? Then we can invite the parents to come by around 4 or 5?”
“It won’t take that long to make chai and pakoras,” she said laughing again “But, sure 2:30 works well. That will force me to leave work at 2:00. Then, we can prep everything and talk for a bit before the parents get there. Right before they get there we can actually make everything so it can be hot for them when they get to my place.”
“Workaholic and a planner. Deadly combination.”
“I like to know what’s going to happen. At least have a plan. That way if anything does go wrong I can fix it quickly. That’s the only way I know to do things. Worked well for my business so far, though.”
“No other way to run a business if you ask me.” he said smiling “Hey can I ask you something?”
“Shoot. I’ve got 3 minutes until I’m at work and then I need to go.”
“Ok hopefully, this is a quick answer for you. If not we can always talk about it later.” he paused for a second before asking, “What is your definition of an ideal marriage?”
After thinking for a few second she replied, “That’s not a hard question really. For me, marriage is about equality, respect, loyalty, and love. For example, I liked the way you suggested we do the get-together. It shows a lot about your character. So, if that is an example of how you want to make our marriage work in the future, by doing things together as equals and respecting each other every step of the way then, I’d have no qualms about marrying you.”
“Our marriage. I like the sound of that” he said with a slight smile. “And yes, I do intend for this to be an example of how I would like our marriage to be. We may not always be in agreement about everything, but at least we can know that the other person is willing to have a conversation like an adult.”
“Yes, that is true. What about you? What is your definition of an ideal marriage?”
“Well other than being able to interact as adults even in disagreements, to me marriage is about an equal give and take. It also needs to be about supporting the other person, not only in their dreams and aspirations but also in their daily lives. The reason I wanted to the chai and pakoras together was because I wanted to show you that I was serious about supporting you in something a mundane as making chai. Hopefully, when the time comes I can prove that I will support you just the same in the bigger decisions of your life...our life.”
“I think in a way you’re already supporting me in a big life decision. You are being as honest as you can and that’s helping me with my decision for our future. I don’t know if that gives you a little more confidence in yourself, but it sure gives me more confidence in you.
“Thank you for telling me that. I’m really starting to like you Nik, I can’t wait to find out more about you.”
“Awww thanks!” she said giggling “Hey, one more thing before I absolutely have to go.”
“What’s that?”
“Since we’re keeping it kind of traditional, I want to wear a sari. Would you be willing to wear a kurta? And maybe tell your parents to dress traditionally as well?”
“Yes, I’d love that. Culture and tradition are very important to me too. It’s something my parents never compromised on. Although, I’ll probably need to bring a change of clothes. Wouldn’t want my Indian clothes smelling like Indian food!” he said laughing
“I like you Avi.” she said chortling “Anyway, I need to go now or I’ll be late for my appointments, but I can’t wait to see you soon! Bye!”
“Bye, Nik! Have a great day. I’ll talk to you soon.” he replied smiling wide again thinking about how much he loved to make her laugh.
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“I’m good ma. Just got out of a surgery and leaving the hospital. What’s up?” Avinash asked
“I heard the deal with the hospital went through?”
“Yeah, it’s a really big account. Akhil did a great job on it.”
“I’m so proud of my sons.” Akhila gushed
“Thanks, ma. How are you doing?” Avinash asked as he slid into his car
“I’m good beta and so is your father. We actually were hoping to talk to you about something important.”
“Oh ok, yeah go ahead.”
“Have you thought about marriage?”
“Yeah, I have thought about it and it’s definitely something I want in the future. Why are you asking?”
“We want you to think seriously about it. I think the time has come for you to start building your own family.”
“Where is this coming from?” Avinash asked taken aback
“We have been thinking about it for a while and you’re almost 30.” Akhila continued
“Is there anyone in your life right now?” Dilip, his father interjected
“No dad, I haven’t had the time for anything like that,” Avinash replied just as an image of Nikita popped into his mind. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her all last night.
“Good, then, we have someone in mind we would like you to meet for a rishta,” Akhila said breaking Avinash from his thoughts
“Who is she?” Avinash asked trying to understand the sudden rush of disappointment he felt. Why was he feeling like this? It’s not like he’d known Nikita for very long and one night of talking to her didn’t mean he knew anything much about her. Oh, but she had been so sweet and smart. Always ready to talk about whatever subject came up. Ready to laugh at his bad jokes and argue with him vehemently until she proved she was right. She had challenged him more in one night than anyone had been able to do in years. Plus, she had looked absolutely breathtaking in that dress. She didn’t seem to have known it, though. He had seen her fidget with that dress over and over throughout the night making sure everything always looked in place. That was until they had sat down on the couch, after that she didn’t seem to care if the dress looked right or if her hair was in place. She had looked even more beautiful than before when she had thrown her head back and laughed at something he had said, completely messing up her hair. She hadn’t seemed to care one bit about fixing it and had easily tossed it back away from her face and continued the conversation. She had simply enjoyed herself after that and had consciously or unconsciously relaxed against him.
Avinash smiled at the memory and tried to focus on what his mother was saying.
“......that’s a good thing.”
“What’s a good thing,” he asked having missed everything but the tail end.
“I said I may have found the perfect girl for you. There’s no one your life just like there’s no one in her’s and that’s a good thing.” Akhila repeated
“Oh, well who is she?” Avinash asked
“Nikita Khurana.”
“Really?” Avinash exclaimed trying to contain the excitement from his voice
“Yes, you two should talk so that you can set up a date for the meet,” Akhila said the smile evident in her voice.
“Uh, yeah, sure. What’s her number?” Avinash asked trying to tamp down his excitement. He couldn’t seem to do that, though, he felt as happy as a five-year-old on Christmas morning opening his presents.
“What? Don’t tell me you didn’t ask her for her number last night after all that talking. Are you even my son?” Dilip joked
“Dad. Please. It never occurred to me ok?”
“Uh-huh because you were too busy staring at her to ask for it.” Dilip chuckled
“Mom. Please control your husband.” Avinash said
“Beta, you know I have no control over your father’s sense of humor. If I did, both my sons wouldn’t have grown up with such bad jokes.” Akhila said sounding exasperated. She added in a whisper just loud enough for him to hear, “They wouldn’t have grown up to have a bad sense of humor either. Like father, like sons.”
“Hey!” both Dilip and Avinash exclaimed
“Yeah, yeah you two no need to get riled up. I’ve learned to deal with it. That poor Nikita will have to learn too.” Akhila sighed.
“Ma, I am not that bad ok?” Avinash snorted
“Yeah, whatever you say, son,” Akhila said with laughter in her voice. Avinash could almost imagine Akhila looking into Dilip’s eyes with love and reaching over to give him a quick hug. He hoped one day he could have that too. Abruptly, an image of him and Nikita popped into his head and he shook his head smiling.
“I have texted you her number. Please call her and set up a day soon.” Akhila said
“I will mom. I’ll call her and ask her out as soon as I can ok?”
“Oh no no. No asking out and all that.”
“What else am I supposed to do?”
“We will have a proper rishta meeting like they do with arranged marriages.”
“Wait. Are you serious? No way mom. That’s weird.”
“Yes way, beta. This is how your father and I want to go about this. You will respect our wishes won’t you?” Akhila asked.
“Yes, mom. Doesn’t mean I don’t think this whole situation is going to become more awkward than it is already.”
“Have fun with it beta. Do it in your own style, but we still want to keep parts of our culture which, is why I am asking you to set up a date for both families to meet.”
“I understand mom. Of course, I want to respect our culture. I’ll take care of it.”
“Good beta. Thank you.” Akhila said happily
“Anyway, mom, dad, I’ve got to go now. I need to do some errands and take Raider out for a run. So I’ll talk to you two later.”
“Let us know as soon as you can about the date and time of the get together ok?
“I will ma.”
“Take care of yourself beta.”
“I will dad. Bye guys. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Akhila and Dilip said together before they hung up
She eventually found Akhila sitting in a chair observing the four youngsters with a barely hidden grin.
“Hello Akhila, do you mind if I sit here?” Nirmala asked
“Oh no, of course not,” replied Akhila turning to face Nirmala
“They look good together, don’t they? The four of them. Young, smart, good-looking, and successful. I couldn’t feel more pride for our future generation if I tried.”
“I completely agree.” Akhila nodded
After a few moments of silence, Nirmala said, “I was hoping to broach a subject with you.”
“Oh yes, of course, what is it?” Akhila asked as she pulled her eyes away from the children
“Well, we’ve been thinking about getting Nikita married soon and I was wondering how you would feel about Nikita and Avinash.”
“I am so glad you brought the subject up. Believe it or not, I was sitting here thinking about how to ask you.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Gushed Nirmala “So, how old is Avinash?”
“He’s almost 30 now. And Nikita?”
“She turned 27 in June.”
“Well, that sounds like a good age match. I already mentioned it to Dilip and he was all for the idea. Let me talk to Avi and then we can set up a date to talk about the rishta. Does that sound alright?”
“Absolutely. Take your time.”
“I truly would be extremely happy if this works out Nirmala,” Akhila said reaching over to squeeze Nirmala’s hand
“Me too, Akhila,” Nirmala said as she squeezed back.
-----------
Nikita was having a great time talking to Avinash and Akhil. They both were funny, intelligent, opinionated, and highly competitive. Nikita and Raina had been able to match that no matter what they spoke about. The conversation had never seized.
They had moved away from the windows and were now sitting on the couches. Nikita had taken a seat on the closest loveseat, removed her shoes, and had her feet tucked under her. Avinash had taken the opportunity to be closer to her and had taken the other side of the loveseat. As soon as he had set his tall, muscular body onto the seat, the couch had sunk a little causing Nikita to slightly lean into him. Avinash decided he liked this feeling. In fact, he liked it a lot. Thank you very much. So, he put an arm along back and left it there as the tips of his fingers just barely grazed Nikita’s shoulder.
Nikita felt his fingers the second he leaned back and put his arm around the back of the seat. She wasn’t sure what to do at first and stiffened, but eventually she gave into the soothing feeling of having Avinash’s warmth this close to her and relaxed.
Akhil shot his brother a questioning look with a smirk on his face. Avinash simply shrugged and continued listening to the conversation.
Raina was sitting on a different couch, on the end closest to Nikita. Akhil had just set himself down on the floor next to Raina’s feet, where he sat stroking Raider’s fur.
After a while, Nikita felt her phone buzz. When she checked it she saw it was a message from her mother that they were getting ready to leave.
Straightening, Nikita said, “Alrighty guys, I need to leave or else my ride will leave without me.”
“I could drop you off”Avinash blurt out earning himself a round of questioning glances.
Finally, Nikita spoke sounding slightly amused, “No, Avinash that’s fine. I’ve got an early day tomorrow anyway.”
“Oh, alright. Yeah, that makes sense. Let me walk you out.” He said shooting his smirking brother a glare.
“I’d like that. Thank you.” Nikita said as she slipped her heels on.
“Oh, you know what, my mum just texted me too,” Raina said looking at her phone as she got up off the couch.
“That is so typical of our parents,” Nikita said smiling at Raina “Always leaving together for a ‘nightcap.’”
“So true.” Raina laughed “I’ll just walk out with you guys.”
“So will I,” Akhil said as he jumped up from the ground. Turning to his brother he explained, “I need to get to work early too. Big deal negotiation with Cook County General Hospital tomorrow. Are you gonna be there big brother?”
“No. I have a surgery scheduled.” Avinash replied
“What ever would you do without me, brother?”
“Find another Director of Sales. Brother.” Avinash joked grinning
All four of them broke out into laughter. Nikita laid a hand on Avinash’s bicep for support as she laughed, which he covered with his and squeezed. She looked up at him still giggling and he smiled down at her.
Just then Nirmala, Akhila, and Pri walked into the room looking for the girls. Nirmala and Akhila looked at each other with smiles on their faces both thinking about what a beautiful couple their two children made.
Akhila leaned over to Nirmala and whispered, “I’ll talk to him as soon as I can.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Nirmala whispered back
