Part 7- The Lovers

Karan was driving the car and Samiksha and Mrs. Valenti busy in talking their hearts out.
“Samiksha, you won’t believe Karan keeps me in Banglore so that he can just focus on his work.”
“Hmm. I know aunty. Why don’t you shift here in Mumbai with us. I mean with Karan.”
Mrs. Valenti had a hearty laugh. I understand what you are trying to say. But lets see. Actually my sister stays alone there. So we two get company when I am there.”

“Samiksha, this is a beautiful ring. Probably someone very close has gifted this treasure?”, asked Karan’s mom to her. She was bit fumbled. When she looked at Karan, he gave her an assuring, cool look, through the mirror.

“Mom, you know your son’s choice of diamonds, right?” And Mrs. Valenti got her answer, which she was almost sure of.

“Ladies, please continue your talks later. Also we have reached our destination”, Karan informed them.
They came to one reserved table already booked by Karan.
In the midst of talks and laughs, they finished their dinner.
On the way back to home, Karan asked Sami, “Why don’t you stay with us tonight. Mom, please tell her. Coz she is alone back at her home. Aunty is staying with a friend. So. . .”
“Yes yes of course Sami. And don’t worry about your mom’s consent. I will certainly talk to her”.

Samiksha agreed

as both were not willing to leave her alone.
“Okay, I will stay.”
Karan almost jumped with joy from his driver seat.
“See this man. Samiksha I have never seen this playful side of Karan. Glad you are in his life. I am thankful to Mervin for informing me about your relationship. So I could meet you both.”
Karan got his answer which he was searching for the whole evening. And he wasn’t surprised. Mervin was his cousin, certainly not in the list of Karan’s well wishers.

“Oh I see. So Mervin did this.”
“Why? I mean, you look upset Karan.”
“Mom, Mervin’s intentions are hidden. He never shows his true face. And he hasn’t forgotten the fact that I refused to take him as a partner in my business.

But I am wondering why you didn’t question him. How come he called you out of nowhere just to inform you about my personal matter. Weren’t you surprised?”
Samiksha was not aware why Karan was so upset about this matter. And she gave Karan hidden glances to find out the reason.
As soon as he noticed her restlessness, he gestured that all is fine with his expressions.

They collected a night wear from her home. After coming home Mrs. Valenti was tired after the long flight and also this dinner outing. They had a small chat before going towards bedroom.
Karan had all eyes for Samiksha who was in her night dress of a sleeveless T shirt and knee length loose pants. She could feel his hot gaze even in the presence of his mom, and she was embarrased. Then they all went to sleep. Samiksha slept in one bedroom along with his mom and Karan in his room.

At around 2 am,

Samiksha was thirsty and she went to the kitchen for fetching water. As she drank water and was about to close the door, Karan encircled his arms around her, startling Samiksha. He turned her around and closed the fridge door.
“You didn’t sleep yet?”
“Hmm. I told you there is a void on my bed and I cannot sleep with that.” He answered with his favourite smirk.
“Come here.”

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“Karan. Mom is here. Please”.
“I know dearie. Just came to ensure you are relaxed. Mom has this habit of barging in all of a sudden.”
“You shouldn’t say that about aunty alright.”
“You mean your future mother-in-law madam?”
Samiksha blushed and ran away to her room.

Next morning

Karan’s mom made breakfast for all and Saru was already there as a helping hand.
“Saru, Karan tells me how you take care of his healthy diet habits, but give him a feast of his favourite vanilla cake also.”
Mrs.Valenti was a broad minded jovial woman, independent and of warm nature.
Karan got his hunger pangs, and was ready on table for breakfast. Samiksha sat next to him, but he caught her left hand tightly in his.
“Aunty, please allow me also to help”, Samiksha said trying to free her hand.
“No ways. You can do it some other time. What say Saru?”
“Exactly Mam.”
She replied with a smile.
They had breakfast with lots of chatting.

While leaving for work, Samiksha embraced Mrs. Valenti and said, “Mom will be pleased to meet you aunty. Will you meet her tonight?”
“I would have loved to but Sami, have to rush back for some urgent work at home. Next time I promise the first thing would be meeting your mom ok”, saying this she planted a kiss on Samiksha’s forehead. Karan hugged his mom tightly with a glowing face, and they both left for the office.

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Karan was heading

to the office with Samiksha seated next to him.
“Karan, now please tell me who is this Mervin? Yesterday the way you reacted. I was bit worried”.

“Nothing to worry as such. He is my uncle’s son. From childhood he has this envy thing towards me. I excelled in all that he could not. It developed sort of hatred and malice in his heart for me. He wanted to join me as a partner when I started my business. But knowing his character, I have always kept him at an arm’s distance. I guess he called mom just to see how she reacts. But to his dismayal, she gelled so nicely with you.”
“But now what? Is he harmful?”
Karan stopped the car at roadside and made her look at him by putting up her chin with his fingers.
“Do you trust me?”
“More than myself.”
“Come then. Let us move towards office. Don’t worry. He only speaks. Never acts.”

And Karan drove his Duster towards their office.
But fear had already made its way to Samiksha, as she was worried for the love of her life, Karan.