Amor Fati - Our Love, Our Fates [COMPLETE]

Part 37 - Chess Pieces

Sadashiv Shastri's Residence, That Saturday

"Relax" Nikhil whispered as he brought the car to a halt in front of the impressive gateway of the Shastri residence. Rohini nodded absentmindedly, as she alighted from the car and stared at the imposing mansion in front of her.

Her fingers ghost arranged her saree pleats as Nikhil appeared by her side, his touch warm and gentle on his elbow.

"Don't worry, he is a dear old man. It's just that he looks like a grumpy fellow sometimes. Come ..." Nikhil led them up the stairs. Rohini turned towards him and smiled, grateful for his presence, though initially she had negated his advances to pick her up rom her residence. She was now glad that he was there with him.

...

"So you designed for the remodelling and renovation of that bungalow?" Sadashiv Shastri asked, as he leaned slightly in his arm chair to take a better look of Rohini.

"There was a team" Rohini responded, as she settled in comfortably. Sadashiv Shastri had met her in the hall and had himself ushered her to the Study upstairs. An imposing man, even taller than Nikhil, his personality lit up the atmosphere inside and Rohini felt warm and cozy.

Sadashiv Shastri continued

"I knew Madhukar when he was in the same neighbourhood. Alas! now I even can't fathom how he must look. Please do tell him to drop by if he is around"

Rohini nodded, her eyes twinkling. Nikhil came and sat down beside her on the couch, he had been away on a call.

"So how is it that you two met? Nikhil sings paeans about your work. And I don't disagree. I tell you, his Ajji would have loved what you guys did with the bungalow" Mr Shastri asked.

Rohini laughed

"Oh Nikhil? He was involved with our team from the very beginning. And he was very unhappy to find an unprofessional woman looking over the work ..."

Nikhil glared at Rohini - "I wasn't ..."

"Oh Roshan told me everything. About how he was pouting and fretting. How uncomfortable he was working with a woman and ... " Rohini continued laughing, this time joined by Ajja.

Nikhil pouted in petulance for a while more, and then joined them in laughter.

Sadashiv Shastri wiped tears off with the edge of his stole

"Did he say all those things? Oh my dear! Did we bring him up properly? I think not.

But, I like this girl! Fabulous, she is. Madhavi, my wife would have been so happy to meet you ..."

Rohini smiled, as she tried to push away Nikhil's hand, now creeping up to her elbow surreptiously.

The happy atmosphere was dented when a musical, sweet voice floated in

"Oh hello. Is that Nikhil? What is this hullaballoo all about? Who is this girl? I don't remember meeting her"

All three looked at the door as a lady walked in. To Rohini, she seemed like one of those women who emerged straight out of a shoot for any fashion magazine cover - her skin gleaming, her sequinned sari glittering, and an aura of domination, arrogance and glamour permeating through her being.

"Nisha Bhabhi ..." Nikhil got up from the couch and greeted her. The lady in question hugged Nikhil and kissed him on his cheek.

"Nikhil. So great to see you. Does Abheek know you are here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have stayed home. Ajja didn't mention either" her words flowed out like a bubbling stream, as she portrayed annoyance.