Amor Fati - Our Love, Our Fates [COMPLETE]

Part 8 - Initiation

One Month Later

Nikhil, in their meeting at his office, had agreed to go in for mix n' match. There was a part of the Bungalow that he liked; the part that opened out to the sea. One could easily travel down the path, across the backyard garden, access the whitewashed wooden steps down to the beach, and then walk onto the sea. Also the view from the rooms and balconies facing the sea were gorgeous. This was the back segment of the bungalow.

He had wanted the front segment of the bungalow to be torn down and reconstructed, in lines with the aesthetic values of the remaining part of the house, and its interiors.

"We could give the rooms towards the back a penthouse kind of feel and also combine it with light antiquity" Santhanam had offered.

"I want nothing destroyed, except for the segments that we are agreeing upon. My Grandfather had built this bungalow with love, for my Grandmother and I am keen on maintaining the heritage values as well."

Rohini had nodded imperceptibly. She realised how priceless some of the antiques in the house were. She had also chanced upon a room nestled in the heart of the bungalow, on the first floor, which contained a piano and a few other musical instruments. She was intrigued.

Madhukar Nayak had immediately glanced towards Rohini, praying that she not start laughing at this moment, as the imagery of the child Nikhil with his Grandmother flitted in front of his eyes.

"What about the part rocky segment towards the extreme left?" Rohini had ventured instead, noting down the preferences.

Nikhil had looked out for a moment, lost in his thoughts.

"I would prefer a ledge sort of structure, but I think there will be a clash of styles. I leave it upto you. Maybe you all can show me some designs ..."

Rohini looked up from her notebook to find him looking at her, his eyes intent, shining with a purpose. There was energy radiating from his being, something that she had not seen during the past few meetings or interactions.

"Mr Shastri, I think it's for you to decide" she offered.

Nikhil smirked - "I was under the illusion that M.N. Architects would help me realise my dream regarding this bungalow"

Rohini picked up her coffee mug - "The dream part has to be yours. Execution is ours."

...

Two Months later

"So how is it going?" Rohini asked Santhanam, who flopped down in front of her, his forehead creased in tension.

It was early in the morning; the office area was still in deep slumber. Rohini glanced at her wrist watch, as she offered some tea to her colleague.

"Tea? You?" Santhanam raised his eyebrows.

Rohini smiled impishly - "One of those days when I prefer some Earl Grey"

They sipped their tea in silence as Rohini studied her colleague. Santhanam was a Senior Project Head and had been with their firm for nearly fourteen years. Hardworking, sensitive, disciplined, intelligent - he was an asset to the company.

And now there he was siting in front of Rohini, a bit perturbed.

"Is it that bad?" Rohini's voice was gentle.

Santhanam looked up - "Rohini, can I ask you for a favour please?"

Without waiting for her response, he continued

"Could you please look at the designs once again? We have been through this I know, but ..."

"Why? What's the matter? Are we deviating somehow from what we had presented to Mr Shastri?" Rohini asked.