Billionaire's 'lost' wife

Chapter 24 Sustainable Passion

Next morning Vit was getting messages from office and he knew he had to rush. Vit had booked into the Presidential Suite and an elaborate breakfast was served in room. He finished and car picked him and took him to office. His afternoon was spent firefighting locally and working with the India team. He was not sure why uncle and Yash were checking in on him.

By mid-afternoon he had closed most if the issues, he saw a ping in WhatsApp and there were a series of photos of Rahul with some local girl at the conference with the caption, 'this is life, this is how you enjoy it.' Another one where they were having lunch said, 'Vit, this beautiful being is called a 'woman'. While Rahul was still pulling Vit's leg, Vit was bothered by something else. In many of the photos he could spot Rukma at the back at times talking to Jakes. He was sure he could spot her smiling at Jakes.

Vit was furious, he immediately checked on Jakes online and learnt that Jakes was connected to an influential family that had presence in business, academia and even media. Vit muttered a curse and decided to confront Rukma. He called in the local manager and completed all the remaining decisions quickly. He informed that he had important work at the conference and left for the conference venue.

It was when Vit walked into the auditorium that he realised the coincidence of again walking in on Rukma presenting her paper. He was reminded of the morning almost two weeks back when he had walked into another auditorium to see her presenting her research. That was a shock and also the turning point when he could prove to himself and his family that he was indeed 'married'. The partial loss of his memories had become a problem.

He could not remember whether he liked her or not? After all she was smart, intelligent, beautiful person. And the way his body responded to her proximity, he often wondered 'what all had happened on their 'honeymoon' ? She had turned his life upside down and he was not sure why he was still not angry with her!

This time again he stood at a corner watching her talk and taking in the audience appreciation. And again she looked like an angel in the beautiful in a grey black saree, nailing the professional yet traditional Indian look. Vit realised that he had stood staring at her for more than ten minutes when the audience applause and Rukma's bow broke his reverie.

He weaved through the audience slowly observing what Rukma was doing. When she took a seat in the front row next to Professor Mulligan after 10 minutes, Vit decided to make his move. He could spot the seat next to her and was targeting it when Jakes took it. Vit was angry and irritated and he decided to stick to the sidelines and watch how the two interacted. Maybe Jakes was the guy she was targeting for marriage? He will confront Rukma with it later, he thought with a frown.

Half an hour later when the day concluded and the audience started moving out, Vit called Rahul to ask where the gang was. He need to get as much gossip update as he could. He joined them at one of the open terraces at the hotel adjacent to the conference area. He learnt that most of the presentations were complete and now was the time for the judge to identify the winners.

Vit had easily added himself onto the panel of judges, he knew Rukma was also on the panel and this would be one of the excuses to confront her. It was an hour later that the gang moved to the dining area and Professor Mulligan was there to welcome them. Jakes was in another corner talking to someone animatedly. Both Jakes and Vit turned when Rukma entered the dining area with some of the younger delegates in tow.

Rukma introduced the delegates from her university to both Jakes and Professor Mulligan and she was promptly invited to the high table for the dinner. As usual Vit ensured that he was placed on one side of Rukma and was stealing her food. Rukma deliberately hit his hand with fork, stepped on his toe to show her anger but Vit was enjoying himself after a long time. Somehow the proximity to Rukma after two days had brought a smile on his face. Food tasted so good after many days and Vit ensured that he enjoyed her discomfort.

Post dinner, coffee was again served at the terrace and discussions veered towards presentations and quality of papers. Rukma's presentation was appreciated by many and Vit was not sure whether to feel proud of his 'wife' or jealous of all the attention she was getting. Rahul and many others asked probing questions on how big businesses and sustainability can exist together. Often Jakes would add to her points or clarify to support her.

Vit's patience was severely tested and decided to go for the direct attack. 'Is your passion for sustainability anything to do with Jakes? Has he inspired you to pick this area?'

This was a direct attack that only Rukma understood, but everyone around the table took it to be normal curiosity. Surprised, Jakes was the first one to react and laughed sharing that it was Rukma who had inspired him. He shared how he had met Rukma at a conference a few years back and she had inspired him to add sustainability to his love for economics.

Rukma continued to glare at Vit from a distance and asked with sarcasm, 'Does that answer your question or do you have anything further to ask.'

'Well my curiosity is satisfied about the past. But what I wanted to know as newly appointed 'judge' on how to ensure that I evaluate these presentations properly.' Vit answered with a smile.

Professor Mulligan intervened. 'Let us meet at your suite after,  say in an hour and I say the three of us can discuss this.'

Vit was happy to have Rukma around, 'Sure sounds like a plan.'