You have read chapters 1 to 4 of the Romance, Mystery, and Thriller novel "Fidelity or Infidelity". Read further now chapter 5, “First Dates and Restless Hearts” and chapter 6, “Whispers of Love, Echoes of Doubt”

 

You have read chapters 1 to 4 of the novel "Fidelity or Infidelity". Read further now.

5

“First Dates and Restless Hearts”

The next evening, Anjali, with the anticipation and anxiety that girls go through before their first date, waited, with her pink dress and light makeup. She hoped she hadn’t over done it, and constantly kept checking herself in the mirror; adjusting an earring there, fidgeting with her neck piece here.

It was almost eight, and her heart beat a little faster now.  She looked out the window, a sense of excitement seeping through her. Just then, she saw him, and rushed to open the door. What was wrong with her? Here’s the guy she hated until a week ago, and now she was going on a date with him. He held the car door for her, while she got in. He wanted to say how pretty she looked, but kept quiet.

The drive to the restaurant was equally silent, while horns blared in the traffic outside, the two kept silent inside. Eventually, as they neared the restaurant, they began talking about the food, and the conversation began in earnest. They had to wait for a few minutes and Sameer had to make a visit to the washroom. Anjali stood in the foyer, a smile playing on her lips, a little conscious of how the evening would turn out to be. Just then, she caught the eyes of a stranger on her. A group of guys were also waiting for their table, and one of them was continuously staring at her. She ignored him, and soon enough they were all walking inside. Sameer was still not there and she began to grow anxious. Had he left?

Meanwhile, in the restaurant, the gentleman who was staring at our beloved lady was busy ordering a rum cocktail, thinking about the pretty girl in the foyer. He wanted to speak to her, but what if she was here on a date? He would have to wait. Maybe today, Raj would meet his match.

Sameer and Anjali entered and became one among the many couples enjoying their dinner. Smiles, laughter, bubbles flew around freely as love tried to make its presence felt. They ordered a traditional chicken meal with rotis and chatted their time away. Somewhere in the middle, she caught him staring away into space.

“Your mind is not here Sameer.”

“No no, there’s nothing like that.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

He didn’t reply, only smiled. He couldn’t tell her that all he could think about right now was to kiss her. It was just their first date.

The waiter saved Sameer the trouble of having to respond. He didn’t know how she would take at his thoughts of kissing her right there. She didn’t seem like the kind to welcome it.

“So, how crazy is it that our fathers are friends. Have you stayed in Mumbai all your life?”
“No, I was born here. But we travelled a lot because my father was in the army. I told you the other night, I am back in the city after long.”

“Aah, you must have so many stories from all these places you stayed at. I have been here all my life, got my degree and now fight my father’s wish to join his business. I will eventually, but just right now I want to enjoy a little more.”

They ordered some ice cream for dessert and the sight of Anjali licking ice cream off her lips sent Sameer into a tizzy. How sexy she was, and he couldn’t wait to have her in his arms. And this wasn’t like his previous relationships – he genuinely liked Anjali. He could not wait for the next time they went out. Maybe then he could make a move. Today, he simply dropped her home and went his way.

 

                                        ***********

It was long before Sameer found sleep that night, but the alarm rang at the usual time, and Sameer jumped out of bed. He couldn’t miss the walk; Anjali would be there today. His father and the girl of his dreams arrived together. He heard them talking about her father’s leg. Soon, JD went on with his walk, and Anjali went to her friends, the pigeons.

“ Aaa…Aaaa…Aaaa…I missed you yesterday. A fever held me back. I hope you’re well, my winged friends. Sameer walked to her.

“Good morning.”

“What are you doing here?” Anjali was surprised to see Sameer so early in the morning.

“I come for a walk every day.” He had to live. There is a truth to dating boys lies, and girls know it. Both play along, following this unwritten charter.

“Really? How come we’ve never met before?”

“Well, we meet now.”

“Okay then. Here, meet my friends.”

“Well, a beautiful girl like you, and pigeons are your friends. Must say, I’m a little relieved.”

“Why?”

“Nothing.”

“I think you are mad.”

“Oh, good name. You may call me that. I have no objections, ” Sameer smiled.
“Sometimes, I don’t quite get you. You speak in riddles.”

“Well, now that we will meet every day, you will. Don’t worry.”

“You are definitely mad,” she smiled.

“Mad …. Mad …...Mad …. I am a Mad.” Both laughed.

 

 6

 “Whispers of Love, Echoes of Doubt” 

While this young love story was enjoying the rosy bloom of its nascent period, Raj was busy figuring out how to pursue Anjali. He had felt a strong connection with her, and he wanted to at least find out what that was, and if she had felt it too.

Raj happened to be the son of the company that stood in direct competition with JD’s company. His own character was a dynamic one, nearly ruthless, and once he set his mind on something, he had to have it. As he drove to the office this morning, he saw Anjali walking with a friend on the sidewalk.  Her friend turned out to be an employee from his office. Raj was happy to see Anjali. Like a blind man who only needed eyes, he found Anjali and fell, sure-footedly, in love with her.

“Hey Sonia. Can I drop you two somewhere? The sun is bright today,” Raj said to Sonia. He wanted to have Anjali sit in his car. It was not like him to socialize with an employee, but he had to make an exception.

“No, sir, thank you. It’s just a short walk,” Sonia humbly refused his offer.

“Still, I think it’s all right.”

“Come on. Why don’t you introduce your friend? Maybe then she won’t be so shy?”

“It’s not about being shy.” Anjali had no option but to motion for Sonia to get in. Raj was a difficult man to say no to. The car ride was casual, but Raj was continuously distracted by Anjali, and he ended up bumping into another car. This scared the two girls.

“Sir, we will get down here itself. We have to go to the next street. Thank you, sir.”

“Bye, Sonia. It was nice meeting you, Anjali.”

“You too. Thank you.”

“You know Sonia,” Anjali said after they were alone once again, “I think your boss isn’t a good person. He stared at me throughout.”

“Anjali, you’re a pretty girl. It’s not entirely unusual. You should be so offended all the time.”

“But I am not one of those girls.”

“Stop judging yourself. It’s almost like you were stad you’re pretty.”

The two walked away. Raj, sitting in his office, was elated. With the help of Sonia, he could meet Anjali whenever he wanted.

 

                               ***********

The Colonel joined the walking group soon. JD was increasingly worried about his son’s life.

Every father wants his child to be more successful than him.He spoke to Sameer and advised him to join the business, but Sameer showed no seriousness. This careless attitude concerned JD. He needed someone to handle his cement factory, and if not Sameer, then who?

J.D. shared these feelings with the Colonel. “Be patient. This generation wants to figure things out themselves.”

“He’s my only son, and such carelessness from him. It affects me daily. I really want him to take over, it’s the right time.”

“Well talk to him, see if he wants to join the business. And well, you aren’t old my man.”

“You retired, I also want my days of relaxing.”

“Hey there. The government retired me. I am young still.”

They shared a laugh, but JD looked as worried as before.

                               ***************

After breakfast, JD called Sameer to his room. He was relaxed and wanted to have a mature talk about this. “Come in, Sameer, sit down.”

“What happened, Dad? Is something wrong? You have never called for me like this.” Sameer was concerned because J. D. never called him like this. It was only when he needed money or something. A lot of questions came to Sameer’s mind.

“Well. Sit, and be relaxed,” J.D. said. The father sensed the concern and discomfort that had taken over Sameer. He added, “I’m not going to eat you up. I just have a proposal for you. From tomorrow till three months, you have to give me eight hours of your time. And at the end of it, you can ask for anything you want.”JD was eager to hand over the reins of the business to his son and teach him all there was to know.

“What is this? What do I have to do?” Sameer's forehead was scrunched in worry.

“Come sit at your office.” J. D. sounded chilled out.

“Are you bribing me to start working?”

“How can a father bribe his own son? No, this is not bribe, this is gift for you.”

“I know your gift.”

“What else should I do? It’s been a year since you graduated, and while your friends wait for good jobs, you get a career on a platter. You still refuse. Why?”

“Dad, I want to join the business. It’s just after that, there will never be time for chilling. I see my friends with jobs, they hardly call, and we hardly meet. I just don’t want life to become a rut,” Sameer spoke his mind.

“Well, you tell me about this. This is just eight hours. You could start slow and then take it all up.”

“I will think about it Dad. I need some time. Thank you.”

Sameer left. JD.’s room.

 

“Oh God, please help him. I can’t teach him.”

That was a VERY regressive statement. I have overlooked most such statements because maybe it’s not my business. But this, I am sorry, I refuse to include. If you still wish, it’s your call. Not mine.