Do Anjaane [EDITING]

Chapter 6

Although Vaidehi had a pretty good idea of the family business, she asked Raghuveer to explain as they drove to lunch, and the passion and drive for his work was obvious. Akanksha had made a reservation on the top floor of a gorgeous hotel, built as a whimsical, open greenhouse. And even more, she had booked the entire floor for privacy. Perks of being rich. Slowly, throughout lunch, Raghuveer cajoled Vaidehi to open up to him, because for all intents and purposes, they were on their first date. Raghuveer realized that he couldn't have asked for a better wife even if she was made to his every specification, and Vaidehi was glad to see that her intuition was once again proven right. Her husband was a decent guy.

Certainly, he had a few flaws, like anyone else, including her, but it was nothing they couldn't work on. Raghuveer whipped out his phone, clicking a quick picture as Vaidehi was looking out at the view. She startled, hearing the click. "Aap mere picture le rahe the."

(You were taking my picture.)

"Hmm, acchi lag rahi thi, toh le liya."

(Hmm, you were looking good, so I did.)

He raised a brow, adding "Akanksha aur Priya bhi poochenge."

(Akanksha and Priya will ask, too.)

Vaidehi flushed slightly, but nodded. The awkward moment was broken by the waiter. "Sir, ma'am, aap donon ka picture main loon?"

(Sir, ma'am, should I take a picture of you both?)

"Ji, thank you." Vaidehi wanted to protest, but Raghuveer looked insistent, waiting with his hand extended. "Aap wahan arch ke paas pose kijiye, bohot accha lagega."

(You can stand over there by the arch, it'll look very good.)

Automatically, Raghuveer's hand went around her waist, making Vaidehi stiffen and look at him with surprise. It was one thing when she stumbled and she didn't notice his supporting touch, but an intentional touch was entirely different. Veer loosened his hand, setting a piece of her hair as he spoke. "Tumhe pictures lena acche nahi lagte na?"

(You don't like taking pictures, right?)

"Hmm." (Yes...)

"Hogaya." (Done.)

He stepped away, the slight slide of his hand deliberate. He was diverting her attention onto him so she wouldn't feel awkward in front of the camera. Vaidehi wasn't sure what to do or say, suspended in time for a moment. She was going to flounder. No, Vaidehi. This is nothing significant. Nothing you can't handle. Composure, Vaidehi. Maintain composure.

____

Vaidehi stepped out of the closet, giving the pleats of her saree a final flick before looking up. She was welcomed by the sight of her husband, dressed to the nines in a perfectly tailored pinstripe suit, leisurely looking her up and down. "You looked beautiful this morning; you look absolutely stunning now." "Thank you. You're looking quite spiffy yourself." The office colleague metaphor she'd been using was working. It made it easier to take many of the things he said in stride. He was simply someone she maintained a polite and professional relationship with, but had no special relation to outside of work.

Vaidehi was dressed in a sheer organza saree with jewel embroidery work all along the hems. The blouse matched exactly, the same embroidery work along the sleeves. The only problem was the back. It was tied by a long, zig-zagging dori (string) from top to bottom, almost a backless blouse. It was slightly daring for Vaidehi, but Maa and Chachi had insisted on it, so she caved in and wore it. The saree was too pretty to refuse for long. As she stepped in front of Veer and headed towards the door, she heard him cough suddenly.