Three months later…
India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
The attention of the audience in the packed auditorium was focused on the girl of the moment – Reshma – as she spoke hesitantly about the need to educate girls and empower them to lead independent lives.
‘My dream is to help girls like me from poor homes in villages to achieve theirs. I appeal to all of you to leave a small donation so that we at Girls Rock! can carry forward our mission. Thank you for coming today and lending your support.’
Thunderous applause greeted her and she smiled endearingly at the crowd. Television reporters began shooting questions at her which she answered in a calm, poised manner.
Qiara’s eyes pricked with unshed tears of pride. She walked out of the auditorium to savour the feeling of accomplishment at the successful conclusion of Girls Rock!’s tenth anniversary event.
The rescue of Reshma and the other girls had been a turning point for Girls Rock! and for her. While she still wanted to work for the empowerment of girl children, she couldn’t dream of a life without Kabir. She had made up her mind to return to India for good and dreaded the thought of telling Sam. What came as a complete surprise to her was her mentor’s idea of starting a full-fledged division in South Asia with New Delhi as its headquarters. Sam had anointed her Joint Managing Director of Girls Rock! with the additional responsibility of running the South Asian Centre.
The tenth anniversary celebrations had doubled up as the inauguration ceremony for the South Asian Centre and it had been a hectic three months as she had turned into administrator, fundraiser, event manager and general dogsbody all rolled into one.
She wondered if she would have been as excited about her new life without Kabir. No way! The very thought of him brought a smile to her lips and a spring to her step. He’d been preparing for a special treat tonight, but frankly speaking, every moment with him was a celebration.
Her phone pinged. It was Kabir.
Honey, put me out of my misery. How much longer?
Her heart did a little tap dance. He’d wanted to be at the function, to celebrate with her, but she knew he’d have been bored with the long speeches and the rounds of media interviews. In fact, she had stopped herself from cutting loose and zipping away to their new pad in Gurgaon. He had been doing the place up and had forbidden her to set foot there before it was ready.
On my way. Be there in 20.
She revelled in warm fuzzy thoughts till the cab finally drove into the driveway of the twenty-storey complex where their new apartment was located. She loved how he was making the effort to be more open with her. Letting her into his mindspace, even though she knew it wasn’t easy for him, having had to always depend on himself and work out issues on his own. He surprised her every now and then with sweet, warm text messages that made her feel loved and cherished.
She was as excited as a girl on her first date. Pressing the bell impatiently, she took in her breath swiftly when Kabir threw open the door. His warm smile, the scent of his citrusy aftershave and his muscled body that filled up the doorframe made her heart soar.
‘Welcome home,’ he breathed and took her in his arms and gave her a slow, long kiss that had her knees giving way.
‘Mmmm…you smell heavenly,’ she murmured, closing her eyes.
‘Keep your eyes closed.’
At that, her eyes promptly opened up, big and wide. ‘No way! I’m dying to see what you have been up to here.’
He laughed. ‘You need to take it in slowly. Savour the effect.’
‘You are a big tease, you know that, don’t you?’ But she did as he said.
He gave her a quick peck on her cheek and said, ‘No peeking unless I say so.’
‘Yeah, yeah, OK.’
He wrapped one arm around her shoulder and led her a few short steps before giving her the go-ahead. ‘OK. Now.’
She was delighted at the sight that greeted her – the living room had been done up in warm tones of yellow and orange. The mix and match of modern furniture and a few antique pieces added a quirky, unique look. Throws, rugs and bright lamp shades gave it a warm, cosy appeal. The large window had a seat where you could curl up with a book or gaze at the lights of the city spread out in a spectacular view. A round dining table was positioned between a compact little open kitchen and the living room.
‘It’s perfect, Kabir!’ She clapped her hands in glee. That window seat is to die for. This is where I see myself spending warm, sunshiny, sparkling times with you.’
‘Yeah, sweetheart. Just like you. The colours of my Qiara.’
Her heart felt like it would burst with love. She lifted her face for his kiss. He planted a quick kiss before ushering her on to the next room.
The décor in the room was more muted but the cool lime green walls and serene blue-and-yellow furnishings were soothing. A love seat occupied pride of place. One wall was lined with bookshelves; a TV was tucked away amidst the books and bric-a-brac. On the facing wall, hung a huge black and white photograph of a woman, her face looking away from the camera. Short hair shaded the features of her face, adding mystery and a touch-me-not quality.
‘When did you take this picture of me?’ she asked.
‘At the Polo Club,’ he smiled.
‘Hmm…so what does this room represent?’
‘It’s for those times when you have me tearing my hair out and I need to remind myself why I love you.’
She leaned into him and said, ‘And why’s that?’
‘For being you!’ He bent down and lifted her in his arms. ‘My voluptuous, volatile, utterly irrestible woman.’
She snuggled in and complied with a bit a protest. ‘Volatile? Me? Totally not!’
The rumble of his deep chuckle reverberated through her.
He carried her to another room and set her down on her feet.
Soft light suffused the room. A large bed with overnight stands and lamps on each side were the key features. Her eyes were drawn to the burning candles in their beautiful earthenware holders that made a zig-zag trail across the polished marble towards a low table. On it sat a circle of votives. She picked up the first card.
You are the light of my life.
She grabbed the second.
You are the one who makes everything worthwhile.
And then, the third card.
You set me free. To be me. To love you and cherish you.
Her eyes were filling with tears of happiness as she took up the fourth card.
But most of all…you are my safe haven.
She lifted the final card and her heart flipped. Tucked under it was a small jewellery box.
He flipped the box open and took out an exquisite infinity ring.
I love you, Qiara. Marry me.
She raised her face, her eyes sparkling with the love she saw reflected in his. Choked with emotion, she whispered, ‘Yes! I love you, Kabir.’
He slipped the ring on to her finger and sealed his vows with a kiss – she knew she was finally home, where she belonged.