THE ROYAL AFFAIR

DAY TWO AND THREE

The next day Vikram arrived just on starting time for the exhibition. Shnaya was surprised but she didn't say anything .

Vikram however stayed with Ajay and Mr Kunwarbir and not near Shnaya . During lunchtime he bought packed lunch for all four which they ate separately .

He was waiting for Eric to arrive anytime but today their was no sign of Eric .When he asked Ajay told him that Eric was busy today but would arrive for dinner .

Today they had dinner in their hotel with Eric joining them late . Eric declined dinner but shared coffee with them in their suite . Another day was lost and Vikram had still not been able to meet and talk with Shnaya alone .

The third day was open for all so Shnaya was very very busy . There were many enquires and even though she had two staff members to help her she was not able to cope with the rush . Vikram went to her counter and dealt with some clients . Ladies especially moved to speak with him and he seemed to be enjoying himself when he looked at Shnaya .

Shnaya was fuming with jealousy . She knew that most of the ladies were not potential clients but were hanging around because of Vikram . He had dressed casually today in a calvin klein black jeans and a blue t shirt but was still one of the most handsome man there - thus a target for the woman .

During evening when the rush was less he took Shnaya's hand and together they went to the Cafe where he ordered tea and a piece of marble cake for himself while coffee and a chocolate muffin for her .

"Vikram I am not hungry "

"Darling just shut up and eat . You have been working non stop since morning and you need rest . Just sit for fifteen minutes and then we will resume the work "

"Don't you darling me Vikram and don't pretend to care for me "

"Shnaya I know you are upset but we need to talk . Can we meet for dinner today . Actually I am leaving tomorrow"

"I am sorry Vikram . I can not meet you tonight . I am going out "

"With whom if I may ask ?"

"With Eric "

"So Eric is more important than us "

"Vikram there is no us "Shnaya said .

"Oh there is definitely us I assure you darling . I can meet you after dinner "Vikram said .

" Vikram please don't insist . I don't know what else he might have planned "

"Shnaya in case you have forgotten you are my wife and you have come to London to study not to romance anyone . I will come to meet you there . You better wait for me "saying this he left the venue .

After wrapping up Shnaya went home while her brother and father went to their hotel . Tonight they all were not meeting for dinner as Ajay and her father had a meeting with a UK based investor .

Eric arrived on time to pick her for dinner. He took her to a small and cozy Italian Restaurant. He told her thst it belonged to a friend and was a very popular outlet but the food was to die for .

He was right . Everything from their garlic bread to pizza to her chicken lasagna and his spaghetti bolognese was mouth watering delicious . Though it was a small restaurant but she could see that the place was quite exclusive and it had long waiting time

Eric was always a pleasant companion He asked her about her day and about the new clients she may have picked up .

Shnaya now considered him to be a good friend so she discussed almost everything with him .

When he casually asked about Vikram she told him that he was keen on dinner but she had refused and he was leaving tomorrow .

It was around 11PM when Eric dropped her home . She asked him for coffee and he agreed . He settled himself on the couch and turned on the tv . Shnaya handed him the coffee and the doorbell rang .

Vikram was watching the entire scene from the car . He waited for fifteen minutes then rang the bell .

Shnaya opened the door to a drunk Vikram who pushed the door further and went inside her appartment . He found Eric sitting comfortably on the couch .

"Isn't it too late to be having coffee with someone else's wife Eric ?"

"Vikram , Shnaya is my friend and we have had coffee together plenty of times "Eric replied.

"Vikram are you drunk ?"

"No darling . I did drink but within my limit . I came to talk to you . "

"Vikram please leave . We will talk when you are normal "Shnaya told him

"You can cozy up and entertain your so called friend but you have no time for your husband .

Shnaya hinted to Eric that he leave as she could then talk with Vikram.

"Take care Shnaya and call me if you need me ," saying this he kissed her hand and wished her goodnight and then left .

"Shnaya you are my wife and you allow him to kiss your hand . Are you in love with him ? Tell me ?"

"Vikram you came here to talk so talk " Shnaya didn't answer his question .

"I came to tell you that now only four months are left . After that you will comeback as you promised . And You will be back in my bed . I will not allow you to meet any of your lovers like Eric . And if you are planning to divorce me I told you no divorces in our family "saying this he fell asleep on the couch .

Shnaya placed a blanket over him and slept in her bedroom .Next morning even when-she was ready Vikram was asleep so she made him some light breakfast and placed lemon water on the table for his hangover . She left a note saying that breakfast was on the table and she was leaving for the exhibition ,

Vikram woke up in strange surroundings then realised it was Shnaya's appartment . He checked the time . It was 11AM . His flight was at 2 PM . He rushed to the hotel and quickly changed . He left Shnaya's keys with a note for Ajay at the front desk of the hotel and left for the airport .