Chapter 299

The golden rays were desperately trying to penetrate the thick curtains that were dangling due to the wind from the vent. As if it were a stubborn child who refuses to move from the place he is standing, the curtains were quiet stubborn and refused to give way to the hot sun even it tried to bribe by showing an end of the bow on the gift. She was sleeping on her back, hugging her body pillow that was dressed in luxury. It looked like she had created herself a cozy hideaway with an inviting collection featuring a texture-rich scroll jacquard pattern in serene shades of seaside blue and coffee bean. The tassel fringe trim offered a stunning finishing touch; the faux-silk accents presented a sleek look and feel to the bed. The comforter, pillow shams and the ruffled bed skirt emphasized on the luxurious look; the matching shams featured a tri-color cording; the Faux-silk ruffled bed skirt had a 15" drop that added more drama to the room. The coordinating elegant Euro square pillow sham had a ribbon-loop fringe. The exquisite 18" square accent pillow had a solid button-tufted center with faux-silk pin tucking, surrounded by scroll chenille jacquard pattern with tassels on each corner. Along with it was the matching 20" square pillow in faux-silk gusset. On top of it was the oblong pillow with 6 tufted buttons and ribbon loop fringe on each side which gave a deceiving look as if it were a decorated teddy bear rather than a pillow! The curtain that refused to let the light in was a part of the bedding collection with the same texture-rich scroll jacquard pattern in serene shades of seaside blue and coffee bean. It looked like she was in deep slumber in the abode of luxury and nothing could disturb her. She was partially awake indicating that she had had good nights sleep and her body had rested enough and was ready to take on the day. But her eyes refused to open as her lips bore a smile indicating either she didn't want her dream to be disturbed or she was just felt very happy. Probably it had more to do with what she had read last night about her compatibility even though she was not a believer in all such things. It had some sort of effect on her.

She looked like an adorable pampered child refusing to wake up to the morning. She rolled over contemplating whether to wake up or not with her eyes still closed. Her stomach was making a grumbling noise indicating that she was hungry. Some how a ray from the sun had penetrated through the slit that had opened between the curtains and highlighted her face as she rolled over. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall. It was quiet a unique piece of ornament decorating the room. It was artistically designed and was made of hand-forged metal finished in rustic brown with antique gold highlights and aged black details. It looked like a wild wine coiled into the shape of a shell of a snail. It was so artistically designed and so appropriately placed in the room it looked like an art on its own in addition to serving the purpose as a clock. The small tiny leaves that sprouted from the coil of the clock added to its rustic beauty. The clock was in the middle and the wine had a few small circles on which were the directions marked giving as if each were an individual compass. It was evident that she had an expensive taste and had the fines in blending antiques with contemporary flare in sophistication. She managed to push her comforter revealing what was a pleasant sight to any sore eyes, a satin night gown that was clinging to her body revealing every curve she had only that it was with in the four walls of the room and not for anyone to see. She grabbed her robe and tied it around and walked towards the bathroom to brush her teeth. She wondered if she should have her breakfast right away and maybe get to her treadmill later in the afternoon, or just have a up of coffee and go on with her usual routine. She heard some noise while bushing her teeth and wondered what that was. It came from the kitchen. She remembered that Pryag had a key and he had mentioned that he has a surprise in store for her. He eyes brightened with curiosity and she put all other thoughts aside and washed her face and decided to find out what it was.

Chapter 298

She felt very relaxed and as tomorrow was a Saturday, she decided to catch up on her emails and check online for some latest designer outfits and handbags ad she loved shopping. One of the mails she had received was a junk mail which was delivered to her inbox and it opened up as she deleted a mail. It ha a flash message on top and was some astrology predictions. She was not interested in it but she saw something at the end of the message that boasted, "Are you a Leo? Check you compatibility now. You will be amazed". She was curious and she clicked on it which opened up a page listing Leo compatibility with all other signs of the zodiac. She thought about Pryag's sign and looked for the compatibility match. Leo and Sagittarius. It read, "Natives of both Leo and Sagittarius are blessed with the same warm, generous and loving characteristics. However, it will be necessary for Leo to learn that Sagittarius "gives" to everyone with no single individual capturing his or her exclusive attention for very long. In short, the Leo partner could very easily end up with a broken heart as a result of this union. Yet, should everything fall through or losses prevail, although the Sagittarius partner will be grateful for the love and support offered by Leo......" She skipped through a few lines and continued, "...the Leo/Sagittarius union does have the potential to be a rewarding relationship provided the love and desire is there. Both Signs are extremely dynamic and enjoy life to the fullest extent. This is energetic pair who is fun to be around, with each individual encouraging the other to aim high. The combination is essentially a good one. Each understands the other by virtue of the inherent similarities. Perhaps the best aspect of a Leo/Sagittarius match is the willingness to work as a team and the mutual admiration each exhibits when dedicated to seeing things through. This pair complements one another with a combined attention to personal and world affairs. Each knows his or her place in the relationship and their comparable high energy, coupled with fiery passion, makes for a very versatile union." The line "willing to work, mutual admiration very much reminded her of Pryag. It was his nature. She continued to read as she was happy and quiet curious... "In essence, this combination is close to perfect...most of the time."

She remembered the times Pryag had worked with her all night to get things done. He had been like that ever since she knew him. They had always had chemistry between them. She knew she could count on him no matter what and he had always been dependable. When she was down, sore or ill-tempered he had been there to help her through it. Her un dividing attention and his compliments, it had grown into an habit for her to expect them from him every time and he never failed to deliver it. She smiled to herself and said aloud, "Of course. This is perfect". She continued to scroll down and see what else was there. She brushed through a couple of other signs and noticed something "Leo and Gemini - Match made in heaven". Now she was very curious and continued to read. "Being the strong willed character that he/she is, Leo has every intention of getting his/or her own way, but in some other, more warm hearted moods she/he does not seem quite so unreasonable to Gemini. Gemini has the strength and adaptability to let this happen some of the time. Gemini’s probing manner will find that Leo is not only sincere, his/her over-demanding ways is designed to be sure that what is best for the two of them gets done. Leo is smart enough to give way so that Gemini can step into the limelight on occasion. Both of these two signs have the ability to adapt themselves to the others moods and ways and this can make for a very good union, either because of the challenges it offers, or in spite of them. Sexually, Leo loves whole-heartily and Geminis variable desires are a complete mystery to him/her. Leo is quite capable of warm-heartly breaking down any resentment that Gemini may harbor from the daytime thereby easing the tension in the bedroom. A recommended union. This is a match made in Heaven." She had not expected to read anything better that her compatibility with Pryag. She wondered if she knew anyone who was a Gemini. She thought about the past few months and she was starting to put one and one together. She wondered "Is he? Is it possible?" She wanted to learn more about Gemini men.

Chapter 297

Things went on as usual the following and without any incident. Her work load was light and as she had promised she made it a point to spend some time with Pryag. He seemed content and appreciated her efforts. They went for a movie and a dinner. The movie was not very interesting for her but he seemed to enjoy it. She felt like it was more of a documentary and lacked some of the things that Indian movies normally have. He picked the movie and he thoroughly seemed to enjoy it. She realized that she was unaware of a lot of things about her ancestral roots and culture back there whereas he was seemed to almost know everything and was in tune with what was going on. She would have preferred to watch Brad Pitt planning how to rob a bank or Tom Cruise romancing a leading lady or Hugh Jackman fighting fiercely as Wolverine or Brandon Ruth soaring in the high sky in his cape or Toby Maguire with his baby face trying to figure out what to do or Matt Daemon searching for his identity in the streets of Europe. But on the contrary this movie focused on three sisters providing home and shelter to a stranger who ends up staying there as a paying guest and two of the older sisters falling in love with the same guy not knowing that he has a family that is left behind and was there to make end meets. The movie was even boring as it was concentrated on the deserted and doughtier part of Rajasthan and spends most of the time expressing the pain the people encountered to get some water to meet their day to day needs and how much they suffered at the hands of the city council. She had extreme difficulty sitting through the complete movie and she enjoyed the intermission very much. She spent the second half in the expectation that the movie will be over soon. Pryag commented that it is very rare to see a movie that focuses on real problems and issues and appreciated it very much. He even knew the names of couple actors and commented on their performance.

On the contrary the dinner they went to the following day was quiet commendable. The food was a fine dine. They went to a Thai restaurant and it was a remarkable evening. They started of with Fresh Spring Rolls that were rolled in rice paper, served with peanut sauce, stuffed with tofu, carrot, mint leaf, roman lettuce, bean sprouts and red cabbage. It was a delight to ones taste buds. Then kicked off with Drunken Noodles. It was made of spicy flat noodles that were pan-fried with some chili, garlic, bamboo shoots, bell pepper and sweet basil and Gang-Kua-Sabparod Goong which was the house special that was made from pineapple curry cooked with peas, carrots, tomatoes. The added touch was from the coconut milk and basil. Even though it was not the usual rice that but it tasted very nice with the sticky rice that was served. By the time they were done with the food and enjoyed the Bangkok Galore that they ordered they were she was full. But Pryag took a risk and ordered Fried Bananas and Honey for dessert. She intended only to taste it just a bit but ended up eating her share completely. The bananas that were coated with rice flour and tapioca and were deep fried. They were served with a scoop of ice cream on top. When the ice cream melted a bit due to the heat from the bananas, it sort of blended with the flavor of the bananas and a small taste was so divine she couldn't help herself and had continued to savor every bite. They had spent some time talking about various cuisines that they have dined together and their favorites. It had been a very pleasant conversation and they both have realized that their tastes were quiet similar when it came to most of the desserts and very varied in the entree. She always preferred to eat light and on the other hand he liked a heavy satisfying meal. They had also talked about gender differences and he had agreed to many thing she said relating to his sister, mother and aunt. She had done the same discussing her brother, his father and a few friends. It was an amazing evening and he had dropped her off at her home and giving her a hint that he has a surprise in store for her hiking her curiosity.

Chapter 296

Pryag, listen to me pleaded Diya. Pryag had no ears for her. He was ranting. "I don't get my dad. He doesn't seem to trust me. More than me he doesn't seem to trust you that you won't let anything happen. I want to be with you. I want to be with you - it doesn't mean physically, its more physiologically. How come no one understands that? I want to live my life. I almost died. No one here understands that and how it could change a person. Yes I am changed, but for the good, I am a much better person than I was. I love you and I don't want to waste a minute of it anymore. Life has given me a second chance and I want to make the best out of it. I don't mind getting married right now, it doesn't change anything. To me it is just a legal binding. In my heart we are one and nothing is going to change that. I feel it more and more every day. I want to start living right now. I want you in it now. Not tomorrow. Not a month later. I respect my parents but I don't give a shit about these rituals and what not they want to stick to." His face had turned red and he was all worked up. She felt bad for him as she really understood what he was saying. She felt weakened by his love. His love for her was transparent through his words and his expressions and it made it even harder for her to tell him that she agrees with Chari. She ran her hand through his hair making him feel at ease. She was not sure what she was going to do as she felt tongue tied by his love. She loved him and she almost felt like saying I don't care about what your father thinks but she couldn't. She respected him too much to even say anything like that. She took his hand in hers and gently rubbed it with hers and looked straight in his eyes. He looked like a frustrated kid with so much emotion. He also looked vulnerable and extremely adorable. It was extremely difficult to disagree with him. He bent closer and gave a peck on his cheek and smiled at him. He looked at her and gave a smile that gave her assurance that he was feeling fine.

She ran her fingers between his and held it tight. "Pryag, you know how I feel about you. I may not understand everything you have gone through but being there with you I think I can definitely say that I understand how you feel. But there are a few things we need to consider. The last thing I want to do is disrespect your father. You know how I feel about him and I don't think hurting him in any way is a good way to start a life together. At the same time I understand your frustration and I think we can find a solution to this. All that really matters is where your heart is - I know yours is in the right place. You are a wonderful person and so is your father. You possess many qualities that he has, one of which is the power of reasoning and looking at things objectively. So I believe you will look at this quiet objectively too. A wedding needs a lot of planning and is something that can't be decided in a moments notice. So at this point in time I don't agree in deciding on a date right now. At the same time I respect your father's wishes, his culture and his belief even though I don't follow them. I believe you also used to believe in most of the things he believes in. I know things have changed now, but deep down you know exactly what I am talking about. We can spend a lot of time together. I am sorry that I have been busy lately and haven't had time for you, but I promise you that I will make it up to you." Pryag was silent for a few minutes and then when he spoke, his voice was clear. "I would still stand by my decision. But.... But I hear what you are saying and I very much appreciate the amount of respect that you have for my family. And for that.... Just for that reason, I agree to what you and my father is saying. But there is one condition that we agree to spend more time and things are back the way they were" and smiled. Chari who sitting in the family room reading a magazine along with his wife who was stitching something, looked at each other and smiled. Chari knew how much Diya looks up at him. He knew that she will never do anything to hurt him. He looked at his wife and said, "Call the pandit and ask him for an appointment." She nodded with a smile.

Chapter 295

Chari looked at his wife and as if understanding exactly what was in his mind, she got up and came back with a book. It had very few pages and had a light yellow page on the front and back. On it was written something in Sanskrit or Hindi which Diya couldn't make out as it was difficult to read upside down as she was sitting opposite to them. She also had a pen and a paper and the calendar next to her. She looked at something, turned pages and started writing something. Pryag interrupted, "Mom. What are you doing? It doesn't matter. You can take your time in doing things your way. But I am not going to change my mind." Diya understood what was going on. Pryag's mom was checking out an auspicious date for the wedding, exactly as she had feared. She paid no attention to her son and continued to do what she wanted and lifted her head up and handed over the calendar and a piece of paper to Chari. He went through it and said, "Pryag, to do things right and to make everyone happy, we can set a date for the wedding. I will confirm this with the pandit but it looks like we have some good dates available in the next three or four months. In order to make all the preparations I believe we would need at least three months time, so...". Before he could finish Pryag interrupted, "Father. I understand where you are coming from. I am fine with setting up a wedding date but I am not sure if Diya's brother will be able to come in such a short notice and also that the work involved in all this and there are many more things to consider. We can all sit together and leisurely discuss this issue. But for now I want you to trust me with my decision in staying with her. One thing I do not understand is that, before we got engaged, and even before you all knew I was ill, I have stayed over in her house many times. It didn't bother you at all, of course it always bothered mom."

Chari smiled and said, "Yes. That is true. You know something, when you are in love and considering your age and the turmoil you have gone through, I know your outlook has changed a lot. If things were different I am not even sure that you would have asked Diya to marry you. You are not the same person anymore, you are different and I myself am getting to know you son. Considering all that, I am not sure how much I really know you so I don't think it is a good idea. Let me be blunt in what I am trying to say. If Diya gets pregnant before you guys are married, you know considering our culture I think it won't be nice. I am still an old fashioned man and there are certain values and morals I believe in. So such a thing would embarrass and shame me even though we are living in the west. I have never stood against any of your wishes and I have always been a support to you and you know that very well. So, now all I am asking the two of you is that to respect my wishes. If you still continue to ignore it, I will not stop you, but I believe you know me too well to understand the state of my mind." Once he finished talking, there was silence through out the room and even though Diya didn't totally agree to what Chari was saying as she didn't believe in a lot of things he did, the one thing that she agreed on was to respect Chari. She held him at very high esteem in her life. She was like a father to her and the last thing she wanted to do was disrespect him in any way. It also presented an excellent opportunity to handle the situation by turning down Pryag's suggestion and at the same time make her look good with both of them. She leaned towards Pryag and in a low voice said, "Can I have a word with you in private?” He immediately looked up and said, "No. I know what you are thinking. You are agreeing with my parents aren't you?" Looking at his wife, then looking towards the both of them, Chari said "We will give you some privacy" and walked out of the room leaving Diya and Pryag alone.