ABOUT LOVE

Chapter 31

"Neelu I don't think its possible to eat all that in a week," Shiv whispered to Neelu who was bargaining for a lower price.

Neelu dismissed her, "how about these mangoes?"

Shiv huffed. They had been buying fruits and vegetables for an hour, lucky for her Abeer refused to let her hold any bag, but with both of his hands full, Shiv couldn't let him carry more.

Abeer eyed her, it caused her to stop her fidgeting. She glanced at him, it was unbearable how much she wanted to be away from him and yet be with him. They had shared knowing looks wherever Neelu got swayed by the sellers, or when the seller was left speechless with Neelu's relentless bargaining.

Shiv's lips quivered when Neelu stopped in front of a zucchini stall, she'd rather die of hunger than eat that thing. She looked over at Abeer who had been watching her, she inched closer to him and whispered, "Stop her, please."

Abeer leaned towards her, and spoke in her hair, "and why would I do that?"

Shiv gasped in horror and whispered, the back of her head resting on his shoulder, "Don't tell me you love that thing?" when he didn't answer, she tilted her head up to look at him, "Do you?" he had an uneasy expression, his eyes fixed on the zucchini seller, Shiv nudged him with her elbow.

Abeer looked down at her narrowed eyes, his eyes flickering down to her lips. He was sure of losing whatever sanity he had, how come a mere touch made him think of things he'd rather not around his mother. "maybe I do," he said a bit harsher.

"Good for you," Shiv hissed at him, moving a few steps away from him.

Abeer finally let go of the breath he was holding, he glanced at Shiv's annoyed face, adorable. He cleared his throat, "You make her drop these," he raised the arm holding the bag of broccolis, a ghost of a smile covered his lips.

Shiv sighed, she had spent the entire ride to the farmer's market defending broccolis, "You really are a picky eater, aren't you?" she glanced at Neelu before speaking, "I still stand by what I said, our kids will eat broccoli." Her eyes widened, "Kids in general should eat, that is what I meant."

Abeer stared at Shiv, "I'll make sure those kids in general say their favourite vegetable is zucchini."

Shiv narrowed her eyes at him, but refrained from adding further. He gave her a cheeky smile, and she momentarily forgot the world around her. 

"Mom, I think that's enough, we don't need zucchini. Let's go,"

"But I've alre–"

"We'll be late for the sunset."

Shiv looked confused as Neelu abandoned the stall and decided to follow Abeer out. Abeer looked at Shiv over his shoulder with a smug look. 

Turns out the sunset from the hillock was a favorite among the customers of the farmer's market. Couples and families and children, sat on blankets spread on the grass. The air was clear and sweet, the sunlight was warm, hours away from the golden hour.

Shiv stood staring at the view, while Neelu laid the blanket. Abeer was yet to join them. He probably was  looking for a parking spot.

"Shiv? Is that you? Yes. Miss Mathur!" 

Surprised by the familiar voice, Shiv turned towards the source and her heart leapt out of her chest. It was Chief, with Arjun Shergill. The glitter from Shiv's eyes vanished instantly, but she tried to smile at her boss, "Chief, what brings you here?"

Chief came to stand in front of her, Arjun in tow, "The farmer's market." he smiled, "The sunset from here is like a blessing to the soul, you'll see for yourself."

"I'm looking forward to it, Neelu convinced me to come." Shiv glanced at Neelu and realized she was standing next to her, "Neelu, you remember Chief right?"

"What had we discussed Shiv?" he said, extending his hand for Neelu, "Its a pleasure meeting you again Neelu!"

Shiv noted two things: Neelu was blushing because Dharam wouldn't let go of her hand which surprised her and Abeer was coming towards them, seemingly pissed. Shiv gulped, her eyes momentarily fell on Arjun who was watching her, she instantly looked away, making it obvious she didn't want to talk to him.

"Mom?"

Neelu jumped and her hand slipped away from Dharam's. They all turned to look at Abeer, who stopped between Neelu and Shiv.

"Abeer, uh-this is my son Abeer, Abeer this is–"

"Dharam Shergill," Abeer extended his hand. "I've worked with him, mom." he said giving a small nod towards Arjun.

"I must admit Neelu, your son is a man of business."

Abeer looked between the two and sighed, "Mom we're getting late," he said, his voice carrying the tinge of frustration he was trying to hide in front of their present company.

Dharam chuckled, "Isn't this where you wanted to be? watching the sunset." then he turned to Neelu, "will you join me to watch the sunset my lady?"

One question and everyone else was in chaos, Shiv's mouth hung open, Arjun slapped a hand over his eyes, Abeer blinked at his mother's obvious blushing.

"Dad, I think we should le–"

"What do you say Shiv?"

Shiv jumped a little, "I–uh" she glanced at Abeer, then at Arjun and then her eyes settled on Neelu, "why would we mind Chief, we'd love to have company, right Neelu?"

"Yes, it would be nice." she smiled.

Abeer was drilling holes on Shiv's head with his eyes, she gripped the hem of his shirt, as she moved closer to him, "Don't create a scene. He's my boss."

He took her hand that was gripping his shirt and forced her to walk to where the blanket was laid. 

"Very well, we'll go get our stuff. Come on Arjun."

"Dad why don't you wait here, Miss Mathur and I can get your stuff."

Shiv was throwing daggers at Arjun. 

Chief looked at her, "I hope its no trouble Shiv."

"No, not at all, Chief." she said cheerily. She looked at Abeer's hand holding hers, "Abeer, let go of my hand." she said quietly. 

"Hurry up, Miss Mathur"

Abeer finally let go of her hand.