Chapter 16: The new beginning

Pooja woke with a sense of disorientation, wondering where she was for a few moments, as she found herself in the strange bed in a strange room. Then slowly as the fog of sleep cleared from her mind, she recalled exactly where she was.

She glanced at her left hand, noticing the gold band that matched the engagement ring on her finger, She realised it had not been some sort of strange dream, she really was a married woman now, and her wedding night had been a disaster.

She suddenly also realised her new husband was not with her in the room. The last thing she remembered was sitting on the sofa listening to Kabir talking about his brother Jay, then she had drifted of to sleep. But how she ended up in the bed she wasn't sure.

Getting up she searched and found her watch so she could look at the time. Pooja realised it was almost going into the afternoon. She had slept the whole morning in. But then again, it was about three in the morning before she had actually fallen asleep.

Warily she decided to look for Kabir. She found him in the next room, he was already dressed in shirt and trousers, sitting on the sofa with his laptop perched on his knee, and his brow creased slightly as he concentrated on the screen whilst he deftly tapped the keyboard.

Aware of her movement, as she stood in the doorway through the corner of his eye, he looked around, and shot her a small smile

"Good, morning, I take it you enjoyed your sleep?"

"Yeah well, its more like 'good afternoon,' so I guess I must have," Pooja replied. She then frowned as a thought occurred to her, remembering the night before with some dismay

"You didn't been sitting up here all night, have you?"

"No, I just got up a few hours ago" he replied truthfully, "There was certain matters I had to attend to that couldn't wait, with the plans now going forward for the new hotel, so there was some things I needed to do," he told her

"Oh, I see," Pooja replied. She suddenly found it all a little odd and embarrassing, as she thought that they had been lying in bed together. She had not even been aware of it. Her lack of sleep over the past few weeks had finally caught up with her, and she had been completely out to the world once she had drifted of.

"I am sorry, about last night, I know it was probably not the way you wanted it to turn out, " she then said, wishing she knew what was really going on in his mind. But his expression was unreadable.

She felt sure, that despite his calm cool exterior and his patience with her the night before, he could not be a happy man. after all he was probably realising he had got her along with all of her hang ups, which he would also have to deal with.

It had not been part of the bargain.

Now that he had all night to ponder on it she couldn't help wondering if he had decided if she had been worth the trouble. despite his attempted to sooth her the evening before, things might be different in the cold light of day.

"So, what happens now?" she then asked warily

"Good question," Kabir replied, "It is the one I am still trying to figure out myself," he then admitted.

Pooja came over to sit next to him, suddenly feeling anxious, "If you don't think I am a suitable wife for you after all, I understand, and I know that I agreed to go through with all this, and you kept your side of the bargain where the Refuge was concerned. My only wish is that you don't take it out on them. This is all my fault, and I know I have messed everything up. I did not mean for things to turn out like this.. I just hope you can understand that, and even if I freaked out last night, I am sure the next time, it will be different." she promised

His only reaction to her impassionate speech was a dry smile, which made her just stare at him anxiously wondering what he was going to say.

"I am just wondering when this, 'next time,' is going to be," he then spoke up his brown eyes resting in her intently, Pooja felt her face heat up and lowered her eyes unable to answer him.

Realising the sudden uneasiness settle around them, Kabir tactfully decided to take the conversation in a slightly different direction, "Well, I guess we have come this far, and I really don't fancy having to go through all this again. I have already invested too much into this whole thing to let one night spoil it all, I mean that would be foolish," he then pointed out, "so you can stop worrying that I am going to toss you aside, and claim back the Refuge because of what happened last night, Its just not a practical solution in the end. I hope that makes you feel better, and puts your mind at ease?"

"A bit," she admitted quietly, "thank you."

"Look, Why don't you go and get dressed, so we can get out of this place, and collect the rest of your belongings. Remember, you have to give up your flat and hand in the keys today. Then we can get you settled into my place, and take things from there," he suggested

Just relieved, and grateful that he was giving her another chance, Pooja only too happily agreed.

Once she disappeared into the bedroom, Kabir switched of his lap top, closing it up, and looking a little pensive.

He found the stricken anxiety on her face had an unsettling affect on him. All he had wanted to do was reassure her in some way, a little perturbed that she still thought he was capable of disregarding her so easily after the night before. In truth that option had hardly crossed his mind. But the fact she thought it could, proved to him that she still didn't quite trust him yet. It that bothered him a little, which was why he had found himself answering her in such a cool business like manner

She was totally unaware of the restraint that he had shown when had finally fallen asleep on the bed next to her, Especially when he woke a few hours later as dawn was breaking, to find she had unconsciously snuggled up against him, with only the thin material of their clothes between them.

Being a normal red blooded male, Kabir had found the situation, just a little too intimate, having her so close, he found he suddenly had the urge to start where he had left of earlier before Pooja had flipped out, but under the circumstances didn't think it was a good idea.

He manage to muster up all of his self control. Then he had out of the bed without waking her to go take a nice cold shower instead. Then decided to distract his roving thoughts away her by losing himself in some of his work on the laptop.

He realised he was going to have to rely heavily on that same self control for the foreseeable future,

Then he philosophically mused that he only had himself to blame. It was no more than he deserved for forcing a young woman into marrying him.

He couldn't pin the blame all on her, and make her suffer for it. So he made up his mind he would go on honouring their agreement, even if it hadn't turned out exactly how he had planned.

Telling himself, it was another challenge, and he was never one to turn his back on a challenge.

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

Collecting her belongings, and saying goodbye to her flat was a little more emotional for Pooja than she realised it would be. Yes, she might be swapping her grotty surroundings to go and live in Kabir's rather large stylish two bedroom ground floor apartment across town, which made some of her friends a little envious of her good fortune.

But at the same time the grotty flat had been Pooja's first chance of having her own home. She had been so happy and proud when she had moved in. It represented a new beginning for her, when her life had changed for the better, and she had been able to stand on her own two feet.

After she had handed the keys in, they were driving back to Kabir's apartment she was very quiet, feeling that she had just said goodbye to an important part of her life.

"Are you ok?" Kabir enquired as he glanced at her sensing her subdued mood

"Yes," she forced herself to smile, "it's just been a weird few days. I guess its all catching up on me a little," she said, not feeling he would understand her attachment to her old surroundings, when she was moving into something far grander.

He might consider her being a bit ungrateful.

She had been to Kabir's apartment before, and although it was done up to the highest standards and immaculately furnished, it had felt more like a show house than a home.

The only rooms in the place which seemed remotely lived in, where Kabir's bedroom and his study, which held some personal knick knacks. It seemed these were the only two rooms he used when he was at home, which didn't seem that often.

He also had a cleaning lady, Agnes, who came in and went over the place twice a week, so Pooja wouldn't have to worry about the housework

Pooja was trying hard to try and think of the place as her new home, but it was difficult. For her it didn't feel like a home, with its shiny unused kitchen with everything in its place and almost sterile atmosphere. It was obvious Kabir didn't cook or do anything much. In his house except sleep

They finally arrived at his apartment, he helped her with her bags, taking her stuff into the bedroom they would be sharing. Staring at the bed brought memories of the previous night, and Pooja felt uneasy again.

Kabir left her to unpack, and took himself off to his study to make a phone call

He returned twenty minutes later to find her unpacked and putting her case and bags away at the bottom of one of the many spacious wardrobes

Come with me, I want to show you something," Kabir then said, holding out his hand and smiling.

Curious, Pooja walked over letting him take her hand, and lead her out of the bedroom.

He took her outside to the garage that was attached to the side of the apartment. Opening the door, he brought her inside where a shiny silver Renault Clio was parked.

"This is my wedding present to you," Kabir informed her, "You are going to need a car, and I remember you telling me once, that Mandira helped you to learn to drive so you passed your driving test, and sometimes drove her old battered car, although you could never afford one of your own"

Pooja vaguely recalled the conversation, but she was too stunned to reply as she stared at the shiny new car, unable to really take in what Kabir was saying.

Then she shook her head, "Kabir really, you didn't have to do this.. I mean you have already spent so much on me already!" she protested

"But you are going to need a car," Kabir pointed out again, "It's a practical solution, think about it, how else are you going to get from here to the Refuge every day or when you need to go somewhere? I don't think your old bus route will cover it from here" he added dryly

She knew he was correct, but still, she had not expected it, and she was suddenly overwhelmed with his thoughtfulness,

"Do you like it? I thought it would be a nice surprise. It's been sitting in my garage since yesterday. and because you seemed a bit down earlier I thought if I let you see it, you might cheer up" he then told her

"Oh Kabir!" Pooja's hand went up to her mouth. She was suddenly feeling guilty, "You shouldn't have this, I don't deserve it. Especially after what happened last night," tears welled up in her eyes, "I don't deserve any of it"

Kabir immediately put his arms around her, holding her, "Shh, Pooja don't get upset. That was not my intention," he told her as one of his hands slid up to the nape of her neck, his fingers moving lightly back and forth in a soothing massaging caress

"I'm sorry, I just feel so bad that you keep doing all this stuff for me, and I have let you down," she sniffed, her head resting against his chest, finding his nearness surprisingly comforting, despite all that had happened between them the night before.

"Lets not go over all that again," Kabir told her, "like you said, there will be another time," he reminded her. The last thing he wanted was to have her feeling bad

He pulled away from her a little, to look down at her, a hint of a mischievous smile on his lips, So, what do you say? Why don't we take your new car for a test drive?" he then enquired

His ploy worked, Pooja glanced over at the car, then back at him; the temptation suddenly too great, and she forgot to feel quite so bad and guilty at the prospect of owning the car when faced with the chance to drive the shiny new model

"Can I?" she then asked. looking like a little girl who had just discovered something wonderful, and not daring to believe it, much to Kabir's amusement

His smile widened, then reaching into his trouser pocket he dangled the car keys in front of her face "What do you think?" he replied.

He was rewarded with Pooja laughing. Then still with his arm around her, he led her over to the car, handing her the keys and inviting her to get in.

Excitedly she did so, whilst Kabir got into the passenger side next to her. teasing her about her driving skills, and hoping he wasn't taking his life into his hands getting into a car with her.

She assured him she was a very careful driver, and he would be quite safe.

And as she started up the car and they drove off, Kabir was feeling pleased with himself that he had manage to make her smile for the first time since last night.

Buying the car had been worth that alone.

Chapter 17: Pizza, Pictures, and much more

At first Pooja was a little nervous about driving in the new car, but thankfully most of the roads she took were almost empty. So after a while she started to relax as she got used to the feel of it. She even found herself a little flattered that Kabir seemed impressed with her driving skills.

By the time they returned back to the apartment, she had quite enjoyed the experience, It left her in a much more upbeat mood, but also reminded her suddenly, that she hadn't really eaten very much all day, and was feeling hungry now.

Kabir was feeling similar hunger pangs.

When he remarked on them, Pooja glanced in the direction of the kitchen, "I guess I could make us something," although the thought of actually trying to cook anything in the kitchen was a little daunting for her. Finding it was all unfamiliar and not knowing where anything was. She was also a little concerned she might mess the shiny kitchen up.

Sensing her reluctance, and the fact he didn't really want her cooking on her first night in their new home, Kabir suggested they should order something and have it delivered to the door already made.

"Oh pizza would be great!" Pooja exclaimed enthusiastically

In truth Kabir had in mind some more upmarket cuisine than Pizza. But decided not to say anything, deciding to just to along with the Pizza idea, seeing Pooja was so keen on it. Getting on his phone, he found out the nearest pizza place so he could put in their order.

Whilst they waited on the pizza to arrive, Pooja noticed a few personal photo's Kabir had around the house. One in particular of his younger brother Jay and his family who had died.

Jay was quite different looking in many ways to Kabir, he had short sandy hair, and blue eyes and seemed less serious looking than his older brother, Although Pooja could see a little resemblance in the shape of the mouth and nose like Kabir.

Kabir pointed out to her that Jay resembled their mother more. To prove it, he went of into his study in search of his photo album to show Pooja more photos of his family.

When the pizza arrived, they ended up sitting together on the sofa, tucking in to their food with relish, and going over Kabir's photo album.

Kabir had shown Pooja a picture of his mother, and she decided Kabir was correct that his younger brother did look a lot more like the woman in the photo, whilst Kabir looked more like his father.

But she found herself paying attention the some of the other photographs, especially ones that Kabir had of himself with his family on holiday in Australia, when he was about eleven or twelve.

Before today, she had a hard time thinking of him even being a child. So she was delighted to come across the photo's of him looking a little scrawny and awkward, with a mop of unruly dark hair, but smiling and looking relaxed as he posed with his mother and younger brother.. Much to her amusement, he even seemed momentarily sheepish, when she teasingly told him she thought he was a cute kid.

Whilst finishing of her pizza, she reckoned, with some surprise, that this had the first time the two of them actually felt completely relaxed around each other. Kabir had even loosened up a little, as he let her into a more personal side of his life, by letting her see the photo's and talking about them.

But as she looked through the photos, especially of Jay and his pretty dark haired wife , and their two sons, the youngest, which had been taken just a few weeks before the terrible accident that had ended all their lives. It suddenly made them seem all the more real to Pooja.

It brought it home to her in a bigger way, how devastating and tragic their deaths had been. Her mood became more sombre again

Thinking about the young boys having all their life ahead of them, then it being so horribly cut of, brought tears to her eyes. She imagined the loss Kabir had to be feeling, having the distinct impression he had been close to his brother, especially from their mother died.

"I think I would have really liked to meet your brother and his family," she admitted with a shaky smile, "Y'know the fact it was their terrible tragedy that probably ended up bringing us together, well it doesn't feel right.. I mean if they hadn't died, you wouldn't need to get married me." she admitted swallowing down the growing lump that was gathering in her throat, "I think I would have preferred if they were still here, I would gladly give all this up"

"I think understand what you mean," Kabir replied quietly, "Sometimes I ask myself, why did it have to them? Why not me? it would have been so much easier." he fingered the photo of Jay and his family he had in his hand, "Unfortunately we have no control over these things, if we could..." he stopped there unable to finish and shook his head, "Wishful thinking I guess, and there is no point in that" his tone was a little brittle

Watching him, Pooja could tell Kabir was far from over the death of his brother. He was still struggling to come to terms with it, whilst having to go on being strong, because that's what he had always had to do. It was expected of him.

On impulse she suddenly threw her arms around him hugging him, "I am so sorry, I know all this could not be easy for you, even if you feel have to act as if it is. But y'know, you have as much right to grieve as anyone," she told him

Kabir was taken aback by her embrace at first. He not expecting it, or her thoughtful words. He had always been the one to initiate any kind of physical contact with them.

But after getting over the surprise, he finally allowed his arms go around her accepting her comforting hug in the spirit it was intended.

Pooja now found herself up close and personal with Kabir's neck as she hugged him.

She was suddenly overcome with the urge to kiss that little bit of exposed swarthy skin between his hairline and the collar of his shirt. She found her mind turning to the events of the evening before, remembering how her hands had roamed over his bare chest and back, the way she felt when they had had kissed, and how close he had come to making love to her. Now her mind idly wondering what might have happened if he had been allowed to continue.

A twinge of unexpected desire jolted through her at the mental picture in her head. She took a sharp intake of breath, finding herself shocked by the strength of it, shocked that she wasn't exactly repulsed at the idea of getting intimate again with Kabir, despite what had happened the evening before.

Kabir pulled her away a little, sensing her stiffen a little in his arms. His brown eyes filled with concern, "Are you alright?"

Pooja manage to nod her head, at the same time felt a hot flush flow betraying through her body, at the way her thoughts had turned, and seem to overtake everything else, she decided it was now or never.

"Actually, I think I am getting a bit tired, perhaps we should go to bed," she said in what she hoped was a casual tone, suddenly feeling desperate to feel Kabir's bare skin next to hers, but trying hard not to make it obvious.

Kabir's brown eyes were studying her face, trying to read what she was thinking or wanting. He was unsure how to answer, just in case he said the wrong thing and she ended up getting upset.

Seeing him struggling with his response, Pooja decided to help him, and leaned over letting her lips rest lightly against his.

Kabir remained still, letting her make all the moves so he knew it was what she wanted and he was not putting any kind of pressure on her.

Her lips pressed a little harder against his, then started moving as she yearned to taste his lips and mouth and deepen the kiss, he found himself finally responding until it built into a hungry frenzy, that made him pull away a little, afraid he might lose control and she would beat him of again.

"I think that 'next time' we were discussing about is earlier today, is happening now," Pooja told him a little breathlessly.

Once more Kabir's brown eyes raked her face uncertainly, "Pooja are you sure..? I don't want you feeling you have to do this to make me happy tonight, or out of guilt because of last night.. I am willing to give you time" he insisted

"I know," Pooja nodded. She rested her forehead against his as she attempted to explain, "But, really, I don't need any more time. Last night I was stupid to freak out. I know now, you would never hurt me," she shot him a small smile, letting him see she trusted him completely

Kabir continued to look into her hazel eyes for a moment,

She stared directly back at him, making him realise she meant what she said. He reached out to stroke her cheek, " I am glad you have come to realise that. I would never hurt you, I promise," he assured her softly. Then they were kissing again, this time neither of them holding back on the ardour that was building up between them

Suddenly Pooja found herself being gathered up in Kabirs arms, as he picked her up and carried her away from the sofa, "What are you doing?" she asked, giggling as her arms hung around his neck.

"Doing what I should have done earlier," Kabir grinned, "I am going carry my new bride over the threshold, and seeing I don't fancy coming through the front door again, I think the bedroom will have to suffice"

"Sounds good to me," Pooja only too happily agreed, as she buried her face in his neck

Kabir kept his promise. Taking his time and letting her take the lead. Going at a pace she was comfortable with. His kisses and caresses gentle, yet evoking the responses he had hoped for. So all she could think about was the need growing inside her that longed to be satisfied, a little awed and overwhelmed that he could make her feel that way.

So much so, by the time they finished, the both of them getting the release that had been building up in them, she lay a little breathless in his arms, found tears were forming in her eyes.

Leaning over her and noticing then, Kabir frowned worriedly, "Are you alright? " he then asked anxiously

Pooja nodded, "I-I am fine, really," she tried to reassure him with trembling smile, "It's just, tonight... After being with Dhruv and how he treated me, I never thought I could never have a normal relationship with a man, that I would enjoy," she tried to explain, "But I was wrong. I guess.. I never realised it could be so good," she then confessed a little coyly finding it hard to look into his eyes

Kabir just smiled, relieved that he had actually managed to achieved his aim. Kissing her lightly on the forehead, he gathered her into his arms holding her close, so that her head rested against his bare chest. as she was folded against him.

The warmth of his body became a comforting cocoon, and feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest next to her, Pooja found she could finally drifted of into a contented sleep.

Chapter 18: Return of the stepmother

As the weeks progressed, Pooja started to slowly adapt and settle into her new lifestyle and status as Kabir's wife. Not that it was particularly hard, as he made very little demands on her time, and they had managed to settle into some sort of agreeable routine which they more or less got on with their lives as they had done previously,

Pooja spending her time at the Woman's Refuge, being able to give more of her time to the place now she had given up her job at the supermarket.

At the same time, and with Kabir's encouragement, she was looking through several College's to find the course where she could study for her degree in sociology.

Kabir as usual was busy with his business, which meant he was usually first out in the morning, and last in by the late evening, When they did catch time together over a late night coffee, or in his case a whiskey, they exchanged amiable and pleasant conversation about their day and how it had been.

Pooja was usually in bed before Kabir, who always had some business matter to sort out in his study, or working on his laptop until late into the night. But when he eventually did come to bed, most times he and Pooja would end up making love, even if it was the early hours of the morning.

All her earlier fears and concerns on that aspect of their relationship had disappeared, and Pooja was a little surprised how easily she found herself giving herself to him and enjoying it.

She didn't think that it showed, and as far as she was concerned, she was still the same person, and nothing had really changed.

But as she sat with Mandira in her office one afternoon having a coffee break, Pooja happened to casually mentioned to Mandira that Kabir would be going away for a few days on a business trip.

"I guess you will be missing him then?" Mandira remarked with a small smile, but there was a keen look in her eye as she studied Pooja's response.

Pooja shrugged as she stared into her coffee cup, "Well I don't think I am going to pine away thinking about him, if that's what your implying" she chuckled

"No, maybe not, pine away, but I imagine you will miss him still," Mandira agreed, "I have to say, I had my concerns about you agreeing to marrying Kabir Mittal, but it seems they were unfounded. I actually think you are all the better for it in some ways, and I don't mean financial wise either," she added with a sly smile

Pooja looked up at her friend, "What way do you mean?" she asked with honest curiosity, unsure of what she was getting at.

Mandira's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she thought on Pooja's question, "Well at first I was worried you and Kabir would have problems; due to what happened in your past, and the fact you find it hard to trust anyone, especially men. And to be honest his reputation made think he could be a bit unfeeling towards his fellow human beings. So I was unsure how you would deal with each other once you got married," she started to explain,

"But well, since you have been married, I have noticed that dark shadow that always seemed to be always hanging over you in the background has slowly vanished. Some mornings when you come in here, I have never seen you look happier, it's like your are positively glowing, and you have a little spring in your step. Whatever he is doing, it must be good." she grinned, "I guess being in love really agrees with you"

Pooja just stared at Mandira, little stunned at her assumption, she couldn't understand what made Mandira even think that she was in love with Kabir?. She had it so wrong, it wasn't like that at all; was it?.

Pooja decided it was best to laugh it of, shaking her head, "Honestly Mandira, I think your imagination is running away with you, I am not in love with Kabir, and neither is he with me," she replied,

"Yeah, I admit we get on a lot better than I even thought we would. And I guess my opinion of him has changed as we have got to know each other a bit better. But I wouldn't describe it as being in love."

She found herself now frowning a little as she took a sip of her coffee, finding it unsettling that Mandira was even thinking along those lines. Had being with Kabir really made such a change in her?

But even so it had nothing to do with loving him. That was just ridiculous.

"And what makes you think it's love that is putting a spring in my step? It could because I am just happy and excited that I can devote more time to the Refuge than I could before, and I can finally start making real progress with our new premises and what we can do," she then hurriedly pointed out defensively, as if she was not only trying to convince Mandira, but also herself of a completely different, but rational explanation

"I guess that could be true," Mandira relented, realising she had touched a bit of a raw nerve, and there were some things Pooja just did not feel she could consider. So wisely, she decided to change the subject, much to Pooja's relief

After her conversation with Mandira, Pooja was feeling almost relieved when Kabir did go away on his business trip for a few days.

All that talk about being in love suddenly made her feel a little uneasy, Suddenly she found herself analysing and scrutinizing their every action, trying to figure out how Mandira had come to the conclusion that she was in love with him.

The feel of his hands against her skin, the way he smiled at her, or the way his brown eyes sometimes showed that open desire he had for her, just because she enjoyed it, didn't mean she was in love with him did it?

She found it had the effect of her putting more distance between them again, becoming careful what she said and did and hoping Kabir didn't think she was falling in love with him either.

After all, wasn't that the last thing he said he wanted and needed? He had made it clear before they got married.

And as much as she had come to enjoy his company, in and out of bed, as well getting to know him better, she realised she had to be careful that was all there was to it. She didn't want to let her emotions run away with her, the last thing she needed, was to make a fool of herself over him.

So it was easier for her when he was away, 'Out of sight out of mind' as the saying went, and she could breath more easily. But at the same time she had become used to having him beside her in the bed, and discovered lying on her own again made her feel restless, as well as finding difficulty in sleeping.

But refusing to admit it had anything to do Kabir, she occupied herself with the books on sociology she had recently acquired. She was preparing herself for when she started to do some serious studying.

Through the day she kept herself busy at the Women's Refuge, usually not getting back until late, then she was too happily exhausted to care about anything else except falling into bed and closing her eyes.

Then she got an unexpected phone call from Kabir one evening, she had just come in after getting back from the Refuge,

"Hello Pooja, I thought I would call you and let you know I should be home by tomorrow evening," he informed her, "I know this trip ended up lasting a few days longer than I expected, I hope you haven't been missing me too much?" his tone was teasing, but it had a certain warmth in it.

Despite her resolution she was not missing him, hearing his voice again and the way he had fallen into the habit of referring to her as Pooja, she found herself ridiculously pleased to know he would be home soon, with her heart practically skipping a beat at the news.

But she wasn't going to let him know that.

Keeping her tone as neutral as possible she manage to reply, "Oh I have been pretty busy, actually I hardly noticed you were gone," she was glad his brown eyes could not scrutinise her through the phone, or he might have been able to dispute this claim.

"I see," he finally replied, "Anyway I thought I would just let you know, I should be home for eight thirty by the time my flight gets in. So I will see you then" his own tone had become little curt, which made her all the more happier that she had sounded uncaring about his absence.

He had probably never given any serious consideration that she would really miss him any more than he had missed her. It was foolish to think otherwise

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

The following day Pooja found her mind was decidedly distracted with the thought of Kabir returning home. She wasn't sure whether she should make some special attempt to welcome him back, worried he might read too much into it. But then there was no harm in preparing him a nice home cooked meal, just to let him know how much she appreciated all he had done for her up until now.

She was no longer intimidated by the kitchen, and Kabir was pleased that she was finding a more practical use for it than he ever did, as he rarely cooked

So Pooja left the woman's Refuge early to go and do some grocery shopping and get the food in she needed.

As her car pulled into the driveway of their apartment she noticed there was another car parked there as well, but it didn't belong to Kabir. Pooja brought her car to a halt just behind it, and the door at the driver side opened. Pooja recognised the familiar figure of Kabir's step mother Suman, getting out of the car.

Pooja swore under breath. She had not been expecting a visit from Suman.

So far she had been lucky enough not to have encountered the woman since the night they had first met. But what was she doing here now?

She knew there was only one way to find out. She got out of her own car, hoping she looked more composed than she felt as she approached the older woman, who was eyeing her up and down with that same cool air, unsmilingly sizing her up.

"I was about to drive away again when I realised there was no one was at home. Lucky you arrived when you did, or I might have missed you" she then remarked

'Or maybe not so lucky.' Pooja murmured dryly under her breath. But then forced herself to smile, "Well this is a nice surprise, I wasn't expecting you to call, maybe the next time you should give me some warning"

"Actually this isn't exactly a planned visit," Suman replied, "But seeing I was in the area Kabir's father asked me to drop in the plans for the dedication to Jay and his family at the Gilpin's charity event in a few weeks time" she waved the blue folder she had in her hand

"Oh?" Pooja replied, "Well Kabir isn't here, he is still away. He won't be back until later tonight, but I will make sure he gets it"

"Make sure you do" Suman replied, "After all you must know how important this event is to the family, I am sure Kabir has told you about it. I suppose you will be looking forward to attending?"

"Um, yes," Pooja replied a little uncertainly. In truth Kabir had not mentioned the Event to her, she felt like she had been caught on the hop by his stepmother

Suman's smile held no warmth as she handed the blue folder to Pooja, "It will probably be a little strange for you, attending the charity event. It's quite an extravagant affair, I just hope you won't feel too intimidated being around all those powerful rich guests and the famous faces that usually attend"

"I am sure I will cope," Pooja replied forcing herself to smile

"Good," Suman now moved a little closer with a conspiratorial note in her voice as she added, "and don't worry, the secret of your.. well what shall we say.. undesirable background is quite safe with me,"

"I'm sorry, I-I don't know what you are talking about," Pooja returned stiffly, not sure what exactly Suman was trying to imply. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good. But she knew she would not let the woman see the alarm she was suddenly feeling inside.

"Oh come, there is no need to pretend you don't know what I mean," Suman told her, "I do understand, I mean my background wasn't exactly the greatest, I know what it's like. And I don't blame you in the least wanting to better yourself and taking advantage of a golden opportunity. Snagging a rich man like Kabir as a husband was the answer to all your problems. It was certainly the answer to all mine when I married his father, I understand that. But you certainly worked fast, I have to admire you for that...It seems we have more in common than I realised"

"I really don't think so," Pooja replied her tone remaining stiff finding Suman's remarks offensive, that somehow she had married Kabir for his money.

"I don't see why you are acting so uppity and self righteous," Suman remarked, her eyes narrowing, "it's hardly suitable from someone whose mother was an alcoholic and drug addict, and who spent most of her young life going from care and foster homes until she run away. Oh yes," she added mockingly, "and your greatest achievements was to work in a supermarket if I am right? Just before you manage to find yourself a rich husband. I wonder if Kabir knows the truth about your background? What exactly have you told him?" she then asked her eyes widened questioningly

Pooja smiled, suddenly realising she had the upper hand. Even though she was dismayed to discover Suman knew about her past. But there was other things she didn't know or realise.

"I told you before, Kabir knows everything about me. We don't hide anything from each other, so none of this will come as a surprise to him. I am more interested in how you found out? I am sure he will be too.. you must have went to a lot of trouble," she then realised thoughtfully

"Well you can't blame me for wanting to make a few enquiries about my stepson's new wife, especially when he marries so hastily. Of course I am concerned," Suman replied,

"Especially when I discover how generous he has been to you and your.. Er charity, that Woman's Refuge; so unlike him unless he is getting something more in return. Or else you have something on him, tell me are blackmailing him?" she demanded intrigued

"You have been busy," Pooja retorted, "But I don't like your insinuations, and I don't need to resort to blackmail to get what I want. more am I a gold digger trying to get my hands on his fortune, like you have been doing over the years," It was her turn to move closer to Suman.

" If you want to know the truth? Kabir asked me to help him.. and that's exactly what I am doing. Protecting his interests, and those of his dead brother and his family against you and your precious step son. So perhaps you are the one who should be worried and be careful, not me," she added warningly

Suman was thrown by her last remark, much to Pooja's satisfaction. Although she wasn't sure it had been right to let Suman know some of the truth in her reason for marrying Kabir. But she couldn't help herself, the woman had wound her up, she couldn't help striking back, and to hell with the consequences.

So now, not giving the older woman any time to recover. she held up the folder, "Don't worry I will make sure Kabir gets this, so if you will excuse me I have things to do," With that, she swept past Suman to let herself into the apartment, leaving Kabir's stepmother frowning after her, not looking at all happy..