Playing With Fire

Chapter 11 - One small lie

Kajol rested her head against the seat in Shahrukh's truck. They'd eaten their meal, chatting more about her possible job. He'd listened, asked questions when he should, and supported her with an unwavering belief that not only would she get the job, but she'd do it well. It shook her to the core. How could this man she hardly knew have so much faith in her when her family couldn't do the same? But then, she didn't know if they really couldn't or wouldn't. They didn't support her dreams, so why would they pretend to believe she could make them come true? They wouldn't.

But Shahru did. This man who didn't really know her, who she didn't really know besides two days of conversations. It felt like more than that, which she knew was totally stupid, but she couldn't help it. In this crazy, scary, new and exciting point in her life he felt like her rock. Which, again, couldn't be a smart way to think, but she couldn't help it.

His friendship came at the time in her life when she needed it most. Who else did she have who wouldn't think her crazy for everything she'd done in the past few days?

Besides Pri, no one.

"You sleeping over there, Angel?"

A rough hand reached out to stroke her cheek, sending tingles of pleasure throughout her whole body. Angel. It almost felt as if he gave her a whole new person, as if Angel was someone completely different from Kajol . Someone who lived her life for herself. "No, just resting. It's been a busy day." She opened her eyes to see they were parked in front of the apartment complex.

"You can't be tired already. You haven't even started the hard work yet. Aren't you planning on painting here pretty soon? And don't forget you promised me dinner tomorrow night."

He unlatched his seatbelt, then reached over to push the button on hers as well.
"Actually, I planned to paint tomorrow, but I'm not sure I'll get the chance now." She pulled a color sample from her purse. "I already picked my color. What do you think?" She held up the paper with the light sea green tint.

"It fits. It's soft like you."

Her heart thrummed like a wild conga drum. "Thanks." Before she did something really stupid, Kajol opened the door and got out. He did the same, and they turned to walk into the building. Both were quiet until they reached her apartment door. Without a thought, Kajol raised up on her toes and wrapped her arms around Shahru. His hard body generated delicious heat as she hugged him. "Thank you so much for everything. Not just for helping me but for ... giving me someone to talk to." Her wildly erratic heart beat against her chest. She hoped not hard enough for Shahru to feel against his.

"You trying to get rid of me? I still need to fix your door, remember?"

Oh yeah. She'd forgotten.

"Kajol ."

She yanked away from Shahru at the shrill voice that sounded from her left. "Hi, Ma. I didn't expect you to come by here." On instinct she took another step back from Shahru.

"Obviously. I came by to see your ... place." She looked around, the dislike clear on her face.

As if sensing the tension in the air, Shahru cleared his throat. "Keep your door locked, Angel. I'll get it fixed tomorrow."

He walked away, nodding his head at her mother as he went. Relief flooded her at the same time as guilt. She shouldn't feel relief that the friend she'd just been thankful for left when in reality it was the last thing she wanted him to do. This way would be so much easier, though. Explaining him to her mother would be difficult to say the least.

"Did he just call you Angel? What's going on here, Kajol ?"

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Nothing, Ma. Why don't you come in and look at my place. It's not finished yet, but I'd love for you to see it."

She waved her hand. "Go on. That's why I'm here, but I still expect answers."

Kajol unlocked the door and let her mother inside. "It's messy and I don't have living room furniture, but It's already starting to feel like home."

She looked around with disdain. "It's small."

"It's cozy. Come on. I'll show you my bedroom. I do have that pretty much set up." Kajol walked toward the hall, but her mum didn't follow. "Aren't you coming?"

Her lips pursed she said. "I want you to come home, Kajol . This is ridiculous. You made your point. We won't push Amir on you, even though I do think you should at least talk to him. He's miserable, you know?"

Was that all she cared about? Amir? "Mother, I'm happy here."

She huffed. "How can you possibly be happy here? Look at this place. You weren't raised to live in a place like this. And that man. I want to know who he is, young lady. You two seemed awfully friendly. Calling you Angel as if you—are you dating that man?"

Kajol gripped the edge of the counter. Her hands shook, her heart raced. They'd only been in the same room two minutes, and she'd already started in on her. Started in on Shahru and she knew nothing about him! Why couldn't she just be happy for her? Support her?

"I asked you a question. Can you imagine what people will think? You just broke your engagement with Amir two weeks ago, and you're not only with another man but the local ... what is he ... the handyman? I heard him talk about fixing your door."

Her accusatory words pushed Kajol over the edge. There wasn't anything wrong with Shahru or what he did for a living, but there was something wrong with the way she let her mother treat her. This wasn't what she wanted. She'd made this move to stand on her own, not let her parents run her life. "Shahru is none of your business. Leave him out of this." She crossed her arms.

"You're with that man! So soon after Amir? What have you done, Kajol ?"

"Maybe I am dating him. He's a good guy. He isn't the one who slept with another woman while engaged to me. He treats me with respect." The words tumbled out of her mouth before she had the chance to think about them. She'd just let her mum believe Shahru was her boyfriend. Her mum would tell her dad. Her parents would freak. The thought pleased the newly discovered rebellious side of her. As long as Shahru didn't find out, what would it hurt? Maybe she could teach her parents a lesson in the process.

"You've known him only a few days. You have no idea what kind of man he is. You should have seen the look on his face when I caught you in the hall. He smells your money, Kajol . Be smart."