Chapter 24: Goodwill to all men? so not true

Vyom couldn't help himself coveting what wasn't his. He had been eight years old when his mother had met and married P k Mittal Although his stepfather treated him well enough, Vyom still always felt like the outsider.

He knew from the beginning that Kabir and his younger brother Jay looked down him because he had been part and parcel of his mother, whom they both disliked, and in return he resented them.

Vyom's mother had never told him anything about his real father, only that he was a loser, and they were better of without him.

Vyom was also quite aware the attraction P k Mittal had for his mother was to do with his wealth. She had always been ambitious, wanting a better life for herself than working as a secretary, with wages that barely got them by on rent and food.

His mother had expensive tastes, and P k Mittal had been their meal ticket.

She couldn't believe their luck when she finally managed to ensnare him. But then she was an attractive woman, who had never been short of interest from men.

And what if his mother had married the older man for better security that would set them up for life?

He didn't see why that give the Mittal boys the right to look down on him.

It had never improved as the years went by.

Vyom's idea of getting back at Jay and Kabir, was to make up stories and lies about them to their father, this was backed by his upset Mother, who claimed P k 's two sons treated Vyom unfairly, it usually worked in his favour. P k Mittal never could stand a woman weeping, and so he tended to believe her, rather than his sons.

It had caused a lot of friction in their younger days. Jay and Kabir only grew to mistrust Vyom, not that he cared, he despised both of them, because they thought they were better than him.

But of course 'blood was thicker than water', Vyom soon discovered.

Whilst Kabir and Jay automatically became executives and shareholders in their father's wealthy Hotel business, he, Vyom, got some measly job as a junior manager in one of their offices.

There he was expected to prove he could make it, and work hard to achieve a higher goal.. and live up to the damned Mittal name, which, they somehow expected him to be grateful for.

But his lack of people skills, and apathy towards this job, only led to him becoming more resentful, and blaming it all on the Mittal brothers.

So Vyom continued to covet all they had, wanting everything he felt he deserved, and wanting to be on equal footing with Kabir and Jay.

It had been bad when he had the both brothers ganging up on him. But now with Jay gone, Vyom and his mother seen his chance to step up, and take the position in the Mittal business that they felt was owed to them.

But Kabir was still causing them trouble.

No doubt he had never really got over Vyom stealing his wife from under his nose. It was the only victory he had ever achieved over the damned man, and it had been worth all the trouble. Although, in truth, it had not even been particularly difficult.

Vyom could be quite a charmer when he put his mind to it, and he knew that Kavya was a little resentful with Kabir because he spent most of his time at his office, and had very little time for her.

In the guise of being sympathetic to her plight, and fuelling her resentment with his own, Vyom had managed to turn Kavya against Kabir, then he had encouraged her into having an affair with him. It was something he still got a kick out off, knowing they were doing it in the very bed which she and Kabir had slept in.

But now Kabir had got himself a new little wife, and it was an odd marriage. He, Kavya and his mother had discussed it on several occasions. Then his mother discovered how much Kabir had contributed to Pooja's little 'woman's charity,' which had made them suspicious even further of his motives.

Now the three of them had become aware that if she and Kabir had children, they would get first precedence over P k Mittal's inheritance and the business, and he, Vyom would be left out in the cold again.

A new resentment brewed up inside him. which was why they had decided they would have to discredit Pooja, or drive her away, before any children appeared on the scene. The trouble was she was a tough little thing, and totally loyal to Kabir, much to their irritation. They wouldn't be able to buy her of, so they would make her uncomfortable, and try and drive a wedge between her and Kabir in some way.

The 'Inviting them to spend New year thing', had been his mother's plan where Kavya and Suman intended to subtly make sure that Pooja felt like the outsider, reminding her of her background, to make her realise she didn't belong, and never would.

Of course they were all very civil and nice to her in front of Kabir and his father, it would do no good to get the old mans back up, he seemed to like Pooja

But of course they had to isolate her from Kabir's side first, as well as away from her father-in-law.

They had managed this with ease. His mother had invited some of their friends along that New year evening after they had their family meal together. These friends were particularly close to Suman and Kavya of course, so it wasn't hard for Suman to eventually suggested that the girls go off for some female bonding, and leave the men to their business talk and cigars.

Vyom had noticed Kabir was a tad anxious about having his precious little wife go off with his mother and Kavya, but he couldn't really object with other people there.

So Pooja had reluctantly went off to the other drawing room with the women, whilst the men stayed behind.

Seeing Kabir looking worried despite trying to appear otherwise, made Vyom smile to himself with satisfaction, silently thinking that Kabir had every need to be worried.

Pooja knew she had been set up. Kabir had warned her he had a feeling that his stepmother was up to something, and now as she found herself sitting with Suman, Kavya, and their friends, she suddenly realised what their game was.

She had nothing in common with these women, and didn't run in their circles, and now as they sat talking in a not so subtle way of reminding her she was the odd one out.

Not only that, but there was the sly little references about her background.

Kavya smiling innocently, and remarking for everyone to hear, "I suppose if your mother was alive today she would be so proud to see how well you have done for yourself, how you have risen in the world" then paused momentarily looking thoughtfully before adding with false sympathy,

"It must have been tragic losing your mother that way, y'know her having all those 'problems," her lowered tone as she finished talking, only put an emphasis on the 'problems' making it as if it was something distasteful

The rest of the company all fell silent, and stared at Pooja, making her uncomfortable.

Then they would all start talking again, about things, and deliberately excluding her. Not that she wanted to talk to any of them anyway. Pooja found herself realising, trying to keep her temper, the last thing she wanted to do was lose her cool in front of them.

But she wasn't sure if she could stick being in their company much longer.

She had to bite her tongue once more, when Kavya and Suman started going on about Kabir loving his work so much, that everything else came second, and how they felt sorry for her, how they would not like it at all if he had to chose between his business or her.

"Well luckily for him, I won't ask him to choose," She attempted to brush aside their remarks with an airy dismissal

"That's a wise move my dear, because I am afraid you would probably lose." Kavya drawled meaningful, her eyes full of spite

Pooja felt her hands curling into fists, her nails digging into the palms of her hands, as she attempted to keep her temper.

She so wanted to knock that smug smile of Kavya's pretty face but that would only suit their purpose and she wouldn't give them that satisfaction.

She just about managed to stay under control, rising from her seat and excusing herself, saying she had to visit the bathroom. Just needing to get away from them, even if it was for ten minutes, so she could gather herself together again.

Vyom soon found the conversation amongst the men a little tedious, and another reminder that he was not the successful business man as they were. Having drunk more than usual, he was aware of Kabir's disapproving stare, as he downed his last glass of whiskey.

Unable to be in the same room as his self righteous step brother, Vyom wandered out of the room, feeling sure he would not be missed anyway

It was then he spotted Pooja coming out of the bathroom, and she seem to be hanging around in the hallway, seeming reluctant to join the other women.

Vyom smiled, it seemed Kavya and his mother's plan was working, Pooja did not look a particularly happy woman, although she was damned attractive. He give Kabir some credit for having good taste in women, but he decided it was his turn to have some fun with his sister-in-law.

Vyom couldn't resist catching her attention, making a sound so she looked up and caught sight of him, there was a slightly startled look in her hazel eyes.

And as he approached, her expression became more guarded.

"Is everything ok my dear?" he enquired smoothly

" Y-yes, I am fine," Pooja managed to reply, feeling a sense of uneasiness. She didn't like the way Vyom was looking at her, and the way seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She had hoped that Kabir was there also, but now realised he wasn't

"I was just on my way back to join the others," she then said trying to move past him, but he stepped in front of her, blocking her from getting past him,

"What's the big rush? I am sure you are not in any real hurry to rejoin them," Vyom then said, "You know, we have never had a chance to have a 'one on one' chat"

Well perhaps we should do it another time," Pooja replied, forcing herself to remain calm, "I don't think now, is quite appropriate"

"Actually I think it is," Vyom continued to bar her way, "I think now is the perfect time, surely you are not scared of me?" he queried silkily

" Why? Have I reason to be scared of you?" Pooja now looked into his black eyes challengingly hoping her bravado would pay off .

"Of course not, far from it," Vyom smiled, "despite what my precious stepbrother has told you about me.. That's why I would really like this opportunity now, for you and me to get to know each other. You might find out, I can be as generous as Kabir," he finished meaningfully

"Well I am sure your wife appreciates that," Pooja returned with a forced smile hoping he took the hint.

Vyom just chuckled, suddenly enjoying the challenge of the young woman before him.

He could see why Kabir had been attracted to her, but still if she married him for the reasons he believed, she wasn't 'the little Miss goody too shoes' she made herself out to be, and Vyom wanted to prove it.

"Well, that doesn't mean you don't get the chance to appreciate it too," he then said moving closer to her, backing her up against the wall, "C'mon, you don't have to play innocent with me, it's not like you married Kabir because you were madly in love with him, far from it. You are a little opportunist, just like the rest of us.. So now I am offering you another opportunity, you should take it"

"Thanks, but no thanks," Pooja replied hoping her voice sounded steadier than it felt.

She would give anything for someone else to come out into the hallway right now, even seeing Suman or Kavya's face would be a blessing.

Once again she tried to get past him, but he grabbed her arm preventing her

"Let go of me," she snapped, alarm bells going of like crazy in her head, and she tried to get free from his hold

"Don't be like that, I bet you didn't play hard to get with Kabir, eh? I mean Marrying him almost as soon as you met," Vyom sneered, his grip tightening, "How much did he pay you huh? I will double it if you like, just play nice," he then laughed as he pulled her closer

Pooja realised he was becoming out of control, as he attempted to kiss her. She struggled wildly protesting, but he was much stronger than her.

It was reminding her too much of Dhruv, the smell of alcohol, the fact she couldn't free herself. Fear and panic suddenly overwhelmed her, as she felt Vyom's mouth on hers.

But she wasn't going to let this happen to her. With renewed strength, and a determination that no man was going to physically force her into something she didn't want ever again, she brought her knee up hitting him between the legs were it hurt.

It had the desired effect, cursing loudly, Vyom released her and staggered back.

Pooja took the opportunity to escape. But she found herself running slap bang into another burly figure, then she heard the familiar voice belonging to Kabir sounding angry, as he demanded to know What the hell was going on!

« Chapter 25: Accusations and recriminations

Kabir could feel Pooja trembling in his hold, as she found herself clinging to him.

He had just come out of the room and witnessed her breaking free from Vyom,

He glared at his step brother, who was still busy trying to recover from the pain and shock of Pooja kneeing him between the legs.

Vyom finally managed to straighten up, only to receive the full benefit of the glowering Kabir standing in front of him, which made him pale slightly.

"Now hang on Kabir, there is no need for you to blow a fuse, no harm done.. New year and all that, I just wanted to give my new sister in law a friendly little peck on the cheek. It's not my fault she misread my intentions" he then tried backtracking weakly, making it sound light-hearted

"Somehow I don't think so," Kabir replied icily, he was not fooled for a moment

At that point Kabir's father had also joined them. After hearing the raised voices, he decided to discover what was going on.

"What is going on?" he then enquired as he seen the thunderous look on Kabir's face, and also the way Pooja was clutching him, looking a little shaken. His eyes now turned on Vyom, who seem to sober up suddenly.

"It's nothing, just a misunderstanding," Vyom hurriedly put in

"What kind of misunderstanding?" P k Mittal asked sharply.

"Misunderstanding my eye!" Kabir exclaimed angrily, "He was manhandling Pooja, she had to use force to get away from him, I saw it!"

"Is this true?" P k Mittal then asked grimly, his eyes rested on Vyom again, who was suddenly looking uncomfortable, He did not like the way it was all turning on him now he was caught out, and he became defensive

"She totally over reacted, she is a crazy woman, I was just trying to be friendly!" he insisted

It was at this moment, Kavya and Suman also arrived on the scene

"What is happening?" Kavya asked seeing the way all the attention was on her Vyom

"You just tell your damned husband to keep his bloody hands of my wife, or he will be a sorry man!" Kabir snarled warningly, "He might have got of with it the first time around, with you. But he better not push his luck, or my patience any further"

"What are you suggesting?" Kavya demanded indignantly, incensed by Kabir's attack, "Why would Vyom be interested in your little wife? If anything did happened, I wouldn't be surprised if encouraged him in the first place," she threw back accusingly

Pooja felt Kabir tense, and found herself clutching him tighter in an attempt to hold him back. Suddenly she was afraid he would physically go for Kavya or Vyom.

Thinking how all this was doing P k Mittal no favours, and not wanting any more trouble, she pulled at his arm

"Kabir, I think we should just go; please" she pleaded

"Yes! You can run of now you have caused all this trouble, we all know your sort," Kavya drawled scathingly

"Shut up Kavya!" It was P k Mittal who barked the order, startling his daughter-in- law into silence. He had never raised his voice to her before. but the look he gave her, made her seem shrivel slightly in front of him.

His expression softened slightly as he turned to Kabir, "I think it would be best if you do take Pooja home now, I am just sorry tonight has ended like this," he said regretfully,

Then turning to Vyom, he frowned, "And as for you, I think you need to go off and sober up, but first I think you owe Pooja here an apology for your behaviour tonight"

Vyom baulked at the very idea of having to apologise to Pooja.

But realised he had little choice. On top of that, he could feel his mother silently shooting daggers in his direction, probably furious because this whole situation was putting him in a bad light, and making Pooja the victim.

He was only starting to realise now, that this was not the way of getting into his stepfather's good books, and his mother and Kavya were probably going to give him hell as well, for messing it all up.

But then that was all he was good for messing things up, he told himself bitterly.

But in his mind it was still Kabir's fault, after all he was always able to provoke him, into try and get back at him in someway.

Inside he was silently cursing Pooja, but he somehow managed to force an apology out of his lips.

As for his stepfathers advice about sobering up, he didn't think so.

He needed another drink badly, just to get him through the rest of the night and he was going to have one to hell with everything else.

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There was a strained silence as Kabir drove Pooja home. Both of them too caught up in their own thoughts on the night's events, to really want to speak with one another

It was only as they got through the front door of their apartment Pooja had wrapped her arms around herself to ward earlier memories, and let out a shaky sigh

"Well it seemed you were right, they didn't disappoint our expectations.. I guess we should have opted for New year in New York after all," her voice broke, as tears threatened to overwhelm her, and she could no longer keep up her bravado.

Kabir immediately folded her in his arms, holding her tight, "I am sorry, this is all my fault," he murmured into her hair. "I dragged you unwillingly into this whole thing when I made you marry me, I don't blame you if you hate me, I deserve it"

She pulled away from him a little so she could look him in the eye, and realised much to her dismay, that he had been condemning himself for the night's events

She shook her head, "Don't," she told him, her hand coming up to stroke his jaw, "I could never hate you, surely you realise that now.. You have done so much, given me so much, and you have shown me what it feels like to be loved.. I could never repay you for that"

"But after tonight, Vyom... what he done-" Kabir started in angry frustration, but Pooja silenced him, putting her finger against his lips. "I don't blame you for what happened, I was just worried that you might have thought I had encouraged him in someway.. But I didn't, really I didn't"

"I know that Pooja," Kabir reassured her as he squeezed her closer to him, "I trust you a hundred per cent, haven't I always told you that? But I just wanted to kill Vyom for what he tried to do, especially when I know what you went through before. If my father had not been there, I probably would have flattened the Bastard" he admitted

"Sshhh, it doesn't matter, lets not dwell on it," Pooja hurriedly put in, not wanting Kabir to get all heated up again, "No matter what your step mother or brother try to do, it won't make any difference now. I just want you to know that I would happily go through it all again, if I knew you were there at the end of it for me," she then confessed

Kabir's brown eyes scoured her face, noticing the way she smiled up at him with such sincerity and love, it was the undoing of him, especially after all that had happened

"I really don't deserve you Pooja," he confessed humbly, his tone no more than a whisper. "I used you terribly in the beginning, and as much as I should feel guilty about it, a part of me refuses to do so. Because if I hadn't, I wouldn't have you here with me now, and I don't think I could bear not having you in my life"

"Good," Pooja replied, "Because I plan to be in your life for a long time," she then assured him.

He smiled and kissed her, and she only too happily responded. Letting the heat of their growing desire for each other, erase the earlier events of the evening, so they were almost forgotten by the time they reached their bedroom.

Their only thoughts were on fulfilling the need they had for each other. Finding a new tenderness in their lovemaking, that took it to a whole new level, and left them happily sated, wrapped in each others arms contented.

And decided if they took Vyom out of the equation, the night had turned out quite well after all..

Chapter 26: Expect the unexpected

In an attempt to make up for the disastrous New year, Kabir kept his word. and after the new year, he took Pooja on the promised trip to New York.

They were in a fairly buoyant mood.

Vyom's behaviour had backfired on him, Kabir's father was not very happy with him, or Kavya, and there was nothing Suman could say or do that would excuse their behaviour in P k Mittal's eyes, making him treat them a little more coolly And so now they knew they had to be careful the way they behaved around Kabir and Pooja..

Pooja did not like to take pleasure in anyone else's misery, but she couldn't help feeling they deserved it a little.

Now as she and Kabir sat in the plane, waiting for it to take off, Kabir took her hand in his, remembering her nervousness on her first flight to Rome.

He was a little concerned, reminding her this was a much longer journey, and he hoped she would be ok

She was touched by his concern, but assured him she would fine, and she wouldn't be breaking his fingers on this trip. He chuckled in relief, but decided to still kept hold of her hand anyway

Because the journey was longer, they were showing a film on the plane, just to pass the time in

"All we need is some popcorn, and we could pretend we are at the cinema" Pooja remarked in amusement

"Would peanuts do?" Kabir wondered good humouredly "I think they serve those as snacks"

"To be honest, I don't feel like eating anything. I think my stomach is a bit queasy with all the excitement and nerves" Pooja admitted

"Well you should just relax and take it easy then, we have got plenty of time " Kabir told her

"Yes, I guess we have," Pooja smiled and slouched a little in her seat, happily holding on to Kabir's hand as she turned to the screen in front of her.

It was some romantic thriller from what she could gather so far, she then turned to glance at Kabir

"You know, I have never had that kind of date before, you know where the guy takes the girl to the cinema sort of date"

"That makes two of us," Kabir replied

"Really?" Pooja's eyes widened in surprise, "So you never took any of your girlfriend to see a movie in a cinema theatre?"

"No, I took them out to dinner and clubs, though I have to say, my girlfriends were few and far between. Then I started dating Kavya, but I don't we ever went on a movie date either.. I guess I wasn't really into sitting watching movies, I preferred museums and art galleries," he then realised with a wry smile, "God, I was really stuffy, even when I was young!"

Pooja grinned, "Poor Kabir, y'know, I think I really have to learn you to loosen up a little" she teased

"Now, that would be something," Kabir mused as he turned his brown eyes on her.

"Well," Pooja eyed him back with a mischievous twinkle, "You always said I liked a good challenge,"

"So I did," he recalled with a small chuckle, then squeezed her hand "But I don't know if that is a good thing, or a bad thing"

"Oh it's a good thing," Pooja said him smiling, "I am sure of that...."

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Pooja soon realised, New York was very different from Rome,. Even though it was getting dark outside as they left the airport, she already got the sense that it was busier. bigger, more crowded and noisier, as well as far more overwhelming.

Unlike their first trip together, when she had just been so nervous, she found this time she happily stuck close to Kabir, and held onto his hand.

He pointed out some famous landmarks to her, but she was glad when they were finally settled in their hotel suite, which was even more luxurious than the one in Rome. She wasn't sure if she could ever get used to it when she thought back to her very humble beginnings.

But the long journey had drained her, and she found she just wanted to collapse on the huge bed in front of her, and close her eyes.

But she did not want to disappoint Kabir. After all he had been looking forward to this trip to New York with her, so she forced herself to appear in a much livelier mood, than she really felt.

Though she found herself coming around a little an hour or so later after freshening up and Kabir had ordered room service.

They were able to eat out on the balcony whilst surrounded by the bright lights of the tall New York city buildings, which Pooja found the scenery quite breathtaking.

And although the food was delicious, she found she wasn't really hungry.

She guessed her stomach was still a bit queasy from all the excitement. She picked at her food whilst listening to Kabir talking about his plans over the next few days, and where he intended to take her, trying to appear enthusiastic.

But she was not doing a very good job, as she noticed Kabir's brow furrow a little as he sat across the small table from her

"Are you alright, you are looking very pale?"

"I am fine, 'I just think I am suffering from jetlag," Pooja hurriedly reassured him, "I will be fine once I get some rest"

"Yes," Kabir replied, "well perhaps it would be best of we have an early night tonight" he smiled at her meaningfully

"I think I would like that," Pooja smiled back

But if Kabir had plans of spending his first night with some romantic lovemaking, his hopes were dashed when he came out of the bathroom and discovered Pooja already fast asleep in the bed

"Wow you really were tired," he murmured in realisation as he came beside the bed and leant over her sleeping figure.

So he had to content himself with getting into bed next to her, and pulling her into his arms.

She stirred just enough just to snuggle into him, and wrap her limbs around him with a small sigh. He made no attempt to wake her further, deciding the sleep would probably do her good, and they still had a whole week ahead of them to enjoy New York.

Pooja awoke the following morning to find Kabir sitting at the bottom of the bed half dressed in his trousers am. She could tell he was talking about business, by the tone of his voice, something she had become familiar with she realised in amusement.

She expected he would be spending a lot of time on the phone or on his laptop in-between his time showing her the sights of New York, after all he had warned her before hand it was a business trip, and he had invited her along for the ride.

The fact he had invited her along had been flattering enough. Just knowing he didn't want her too far from him, pleased her

Now recalling how she had fallen asleep waiting for him coming out of the bathroom the evening before, she felt annoyed with herself. Their first night in New York, and all she could do was fall asleep.

But at least now she felt more refreshed and ready for the day ahead and looking forward to it. and staring at Kabir's bare torso, she knew exactly what she wanted to do first. She threw back the sheets and crawled down to the bottom of the bed where Kabir was sitting, and she proceeded to nibble on his neck teasingly whilst he was still on the phone

It was enough to distract him, and he turned to grin at her, mouthing silently, "Bad, bad girl"

But she just smiled at him provocatively, letting her hands lightly caress his back and chest. Kabir found he had to give up trying to concentrate on the phone call, and told whoever he was speaking to, that he had to go, and would be in touch soon. Then he hung up and found himself clasping Pooja's exploring hand, as it attempted to venture below his stomach.

"Someone has woken up feeling very frisky this morning" he remarked. with a grin

"Must be the New York air, doing strange things to me already," Pooja replied huskily as she pressed herself up against him, a hot flame of desire welling up in her, needing to be satisfied, that made her kiss him wantonly

"Hmm, I must bring you here more often then," Kabir murmured against the onslaught of her lips on his, wondering when Pooja had become such a temptress.

But he wasn't going to complain, and as they fell back on the bed, it seemed she was determined to make up to him for falling asleep the night before and he only too happily obliged....

They finally manage to leave their bed and get dressed much later that morning. Kabir was going to take her sight seeing as well treat her to traditional doughnuts and coffee

Pooja discovered New York was big, bold, noisy, over crowded, and awe inspiring

With its many tall buildings, she didn't think a week would cover all she wanted to see.

By the late afternoon she was glad to return to their hotel and rest up. As enjoyable as it all was she was finding it exhausting. Besides she needed to recover for later that evening when Kabir informed her they were having dinner in the hotel restaurant with one of his American investors, Joseph Harper and his wife Lonnie.

So Pooja was contented to sprawl on the bed with the television remote, checking out all the American channels, whilst Kabir was in the other room on his laptop catching up in some business, until it was time for them to get changed and dressed for dinner.

Pooja was a little nervous about meeting Joseph Harper and his wife, Kabir told her that the couple were in their late forties.

She realised they would probably be talking about business and investments and things like that, a topic she was not overly familiar with. She just hoped Lonnie was unimpressed with business talk as she was, and they could find something in common.

But she found her fears were unfounded, as the Harpers turned out to be a very nice friendly couple, who greeted her warmly. They were interested in finding out how long she and Kabir had been married, and also how Pooja was enjoying her first trip to America, and were happy to suggest places of interest she might like to visit, even inviting Kabir and Pooja to visit their home of they had time before they left.

The waiter came over to take their order, Pooja had been pondering over the menu for several minutes, trying to figure out what she wanted. But none of the food really seem to appeal to her, so she decided on something light, like a salad thinking the doughnuts and coffee they had earlier, had ruined her appetite somewhat.

Pooja was politely listening to Lonnie telling her about her visit to England and Scotland the year before, and how she had cousins there, when the waiter returned with their orders.

Pooja's eyes widened at the huge portion on her plate, and recalled Kabir mentioning that the Americans were always very generous with their food with big servings, and now she understood what he meant. She didn't think she would get through it all. But that didn't mean she wasn't going to try.

But on her second mouthful just getting the taste of the tomato she suddenly felt her stomach heave as if she was going to be sick, making her put down her fork and reach out for the glass of water in front of her and take a small sip

"Are you alright dear?" Lonnie asked in concern, "You don't look so good"

"I-I am fine," Pooja lied forcing herself to smile, while holding back the growing wave of nausea, that threatened as she looked down at her plate, "excuse me, I think I just need to go to the ladies, I will be back in a bit" she hurriedly got up and asked one of the waiters for the directions.

Once she reached the ladies room, she locked herself in the cubicle, where the contents of her stomach came up and went down the bowl.

"Damn," she thought in dismay, "what a time to take sick, it was so embarrassing, she hoped she had not caught some sort of stomach bug, and would end up lying in bed for the rest of the week. It would just be her luck.

Giving herself a minute, she realised she felt a lot better now she had been sick. She had been feeling queasy from yesterday when she had got on the plane, perhaps it was just all the nerves and excitement.

But it was only as her eyes fell on the bin next to the toilet for sanitary towels, that it suddenly hit her.

She had not taken her period this month, in fact she reckoned she was almost three weeks late already, with all the excitement of getting ready for her trip to New York it had gone completely out of her head until now.

Her sickness and nausea took on a whole new meaning, could it because she had finally fallen pregnant?

The thought thrilled and scared her at the same time

But she didn't want to jump the gun, and she certainly didn't want to say anything to Kabir yet until she was a hundred per cent sure. But the more she thought about the way she had been feeling lately, and the fact she was had not taken her period, it was the only logical explanation she could think of.

Making sure she was looking respectable as she checked herself in the mirror in the ladies, she found she was still trembling a little, But was not sure of it was the sickness or the shock of discovering she might be pregnant. So she took another few moments to take a few good deep breaths and calm down before rejoining the others

Kabir was watching her with a worried look, and asked her if she was alright, because she had been away a while.

Pooja did not want to spoil the evening by saying she felt sick, so assured him she was fine, pretending to nibble at the food on her plate, whilst not really eating anything. Then just made the excuse she was still to excited with being in New York to really want to eat much.

Thankfully her stomach behaved itself for the rest of the evening much to her relief. But she was glad when the night ended and the Harpers said goodnight making Kabir and Pooja promise to come visit them at their home.

It was when they were in the elevator going back up to their room Kabir turned to her.

"Are you sure you are alright, you seemed a bit distracted tonight, didn't you like the Harpers company?" he enquired

"Oh no it wasn't that, in fact I thought they were great very friendly, and I really enjoyed their company" Pooja replied, "It has nothing to do with them. I guess I am still adjusting to New York and everything,"

Her excuse sounded feeble, and was almost tempted to tell him the real reason for her strange behaviour, but then changed her mind. She would wait until she was absolutely positive, then there would be no getting Kabir's hopes up, just to end up in disappointment.

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Kabir had to leave her early the next morning, because he had a business meeting. He was a little rueful and worried about leaving her alone, especially when it seemed she wasn't feeling too well.

But she assured him she didn't mind, and would be fine for a few hours on her own. In truth she was glad when he finally went, so when she got dressed and ready, the first thing she decided to do was to find a pharmacy and buy a pregnancy testing kit.

Once she had purchased it she couldn't wait to get back to her hotel room so she could open it with trembling hands.

Carefully following the instructions, she only had to wait a few anxious minutes for the result. It was positive, and she realised her suspicions of the night before had been confirmed, much to her delight.

Now she knew the cause of her nausea, she welcomed it., Kabir was still concerned about Pooja, so he phoned her an hour later to check if she was alright, to let her know he would be back soon.

She told him she was really looking forward to seeing him, and she was feeling much better. She decided she was going to save her good news for when he returned, because she wanted to see the expression on his face.

He arrived back just over an hour later, looking a little apologetic, but found Pooja was in a very good mood.

He didn't know what was going on with her these last few days, she had been behaving strangely.

At first he thought she wasn't feeling well, perhaps she was coming down with something. But now she seemed overly bright and cheerful, which wasn't like her either, it baffled him a little.

"So now you have me all to yourself again, what do you want to do, some more sightseeing?" he asked wanting her to enjoy her time in New York and not spend it cooped up in their hotel room.

"Maybe later, but I think we need to talk first." Pooja replied grabbing his hand and pulling him down on the sofa beside him

"Oh " Kabir replied warily, making Pooja laugh

"What's so funny?" he asked in bewilderment, still trying to figure out her strange behaviour

"Well I was thinking it is kindda funny" Pooja mused.

"What is?" Kabir asked staring at her with the same baffled look in his brown eyes.

"I mean how we planned this trip to New York, just thinking it was the two of us, and all along it turns out that there was actually three of us"

Kabir frowned trying to comprehend what she was saying to him. What did she mean there was three of them?

Now he noticed the way her hand was resting on her stomach whilst she beamed at him. Realisation who the third party could be suddenly dawned on him.

"Are you trying to tell me, what I think you are telling me?" he asked cautiously

Pooja nodded, taking his hand and putting it on her stomach "Yes, I am pregnant," she giggled excitedly

He looked a little stunned as he digested the news, "Are you sure?" he then asked.

"Yes, that's why I have been feeling a bit off lately. I thought it was just the travelling had upset my stomach, but then I realised I hadn't taken my period. So I done a pregnancy test this morning after you left.. And it was positive!" Pooja told him

"It has really happened at last, aren't you pleased? It's what you wanted, isn't it?" she then said a little anxiously

"Yes of course it is," Kabir huriedlyreplied, "But I guess I am still surprised. It has been the last thing on my mind lately, I was just wanting to show you a good time in New York" he then explained

"I know what you mean, I wasn't even really thinking about it either; funny that is when it finally happened" she laughed

"Yes," Kabir laughed along with her now as it had finally sunk in.

"Oh this is great, I mean it's just made this week perfect, better than I had ever thought!" he was also relieved to understand her strange behaviour these past few days, and now it all made sense.

He pulled her into his arms now and kissed her soundly "Thank you for giving me the best news I could ever want," he then told her

"My pleasure," she smiled back returning the kiss with tenderness.

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