by Varsha Dixit
Danika nodded. ”I have to go-“
Craig hugged her impulsively. “Thank you Danika. You have no idea how tortured I have been about you.”
Danika felt smothered by the impromptu hug. She turned her head sideways and her eyes clashed with another pair of dark eyes.
**__**
Seeing Danika in other man’s arms, Noah felt bitterness swell in his mouth like high tide on a beach. Is that her ex? Did they just reconcile? Noah's hand fisted at his sides.
If the man kissed Danika, Noah wasn’t sure what he might do. Even the thought of another man putting his mouth on her lips, skin, inhaling her smell from so close made Noah's stomach turn. For once in his life, irrational and intense hatred surged in him turning his expression dark. That was the moment Danika noticed him.
Danika could only stare at Noah, surprised by revulsion she saw on his face. She was quick to look away as it unsettled her.
Her breathing grew rushed and color crept up her cheeks. She put some distance between her and Craig. “It’s okay.” Danika tucked her hair behind her ear. She was confused not by Craig but by the brief glimpse of Noah.
“Everything okay?” Craig lightly tapped her shoulder.
“What? Yes...yes of course.” Danika turned sideways to catch a sight of Noah. She saw him striding away his steps hurried.
Chapter 38
Later that day
Danika turned the key let herself in Han’s and Simi’s house. Content simmered on her face. Today, Danika felt like smiling and for no reason at all. After her conversation with Craig Danika felt some hope. A freelancing career with regular clients is what I have always dreamed of and now it seems possible. She hummed quietly as she walked into the kitchen.
“Hi Dani!”
Danika jumped on hearing Simi’s voice from behind her. “Oh hi Simi B.” She raised her hand to wave but then dropped it. Simi wasn’t big on gestures.
“You are surprised to find me in my own house?” Simi remarked walking past Danika, her gait quick.
“No of course not. You are usually at work at this time.” Danika replied.
“Hmm!” Simi murmured as she flicked through some mail kept on the side of the dining table. She took a seat at the table and glanced at Danika. “I came back early today. Why don’t you make two cups of tea? Let’s chat. We haven’t done that in a while.”
We have never done that, Danika thought. “Sure!” She busied herself in making tea. Danika looked out of the kitchen window and her smile dimmed. Seeing Noah’s house she remembered for the millionth time the recent expression of angst she had witnessed on Noah’s face. Why did he look mad? I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Danika ran the faucet as she filled the teapot. Why do I care so much about what he thinks. After all he is going on a date with Nurse Claudia’s friend. Danika blushed. What am I thinking? His dating life is of no concern to me.
Danika’s skin became heated as the unbidden memory of the time she had spent in Noah’s office today. How could I say to him all that I did? I revealed such personal details to him? Danika bit her lower lip. Her body tingled in the most delicious manner at the memory of being in Noah’s arms.
“The pot is overflowing.” Simi called out.
You can say that again. Danika hurriedly shut the faucet off. “Sorry!” Danika mumbled.
Few minutes later, Danika slid in a chair opposite to Simi after handing Simi a cup of hot tea with cream and sugar.
“Thank you. So what’s going on with you?” Simi asked inhaling the fragrance of the tea. “This smells so heavenly just what I needed.”
Danika’s smile was ear to ear. “Thank you. Same old, same old. Well actually today I met-”
“You met Dr. Noah.” Simi interrupted her face bland.
“Well yes him too at the hospital when I went to drop off the goody bags for the children.” Danika tried but could do nothing about the color in her cheeks.
Simi sipped the tea and closed her eyes seeming to savor the taste for a second or two. “I don’t say this often but you are big help to us Danika.”
Stumped Danika could only stare. She swallowed a few times. “We are family, you don’t have to thank me.” Her voice was gruff.
Simi put down her cup. “I came back early as I’m helping Noah plan a party.”
Danika sat back. “A party. Noa. . Dr. Collins is planning a party?” She shifted in her chair when Simi gave her a closer look.
“You are tight with him?”
“I just work for him.” Danika took a sip wondering why Noah hadn’t mentioned anything to her. He probably will later. He will need food for the party.
Simi seemed to have an inside line to Danika’s thoughts. “Noah is getting food catered.”
“Oh!” Danika nodded.
Simi put her cup down and leaned forward. “Danika please don’t get upset. I think he is having this party for neighbors only. He did not invite you but he did ask if Anya is coming down this weekend.”
Danika clamped her lips and strove to mask her hurt on being left out. ”No problems, I’m not his neighbor and I definitely don’t live in this area.” So this is what complete humiliation feels like?
“And like you said, you just work for him so obviously its not like you guys are friends or meet socially.”
“We don’t meet socially nor are we friends.” Danika repeated her voice flat. She again remembered what it felt like to be in Noah’s arm. The feel of his hard body and how protected she had felt in his arms. The gentleness with which he had eased her pain, his genuine concern for her. Wrapped in her misery, Danika did not notice the smug look that flashed in Simi’s gaze.
“Please don’t mention that I told you about the party. Noah is having it this Saturday, that’s usually your day off isn’t it?” Simi asked.
“Yes, yes it is.” Danika replied her voice low as she rose to her feet. The peace she been had feeling earlier dissipated rather drastically. So he chose, my day off. I would too if I wasn’t inviting that person.
Rinsing her cup in the kitchen sink, Danika glanced up and saw Noah’s house through the window and found herself reflected in the glass. Danika you forgot your place.
Chapter 39
Saturday afternoon
Indian Store
Danika adjusted the stool behind the check stand. As she was putting her bag down, Param walked past her. His face seemed longer than a rolled out pizza dough. “What happened to you?” she asked.
“Girls!” He scowled. “That's what happened to me.”
“Girls, as in plural?” Danika teased, eyeing the cartons of new inventory she had to arrange in the appropriate shelves.
"Okay, one girl. My girlfriend, Sandy, to be precise.”
“What did she do now?” Danika asked. Sandy and Param had a volatile relationship where they would break up nearly every week only to make up passionately the very next. Young love!
“She cancelled on me for tomorrow night. Because I don't have the money to take her to this new fancy club that opened in Downtown. She’s threatening to go with some other guy. Does Sandy not know my miser father? He's a jerk who keeps his only son on a tight leash!”
“Param! Don't speak about your dad like that please.” Danika grimaced. “All this business is for you. You should think of college-“ She became quiet at Param's irked glance. “I'm sure Sandy will call you soon and then everything will be fine.” She soothed.
Parma just shrugged and walked out of the store, his expression as dark as the beanie on his head.
For the next few hours, Danika got busy ringing up customers, answering questions and putting things away.
Couple of hours later, Danika finally had some free time as the lunch crowd dwindled. She dusted some flour off her dark jeans as she took her cell out of her bag to put it on the charger. She had two missed calls. “Bro called?” She dialed Hans number leaning against the counter.
“Hi Dani! Where are you?” Her brother greeted.
“I’m at the I
ndian store. Why are you sounding breathless?”
“I just got off the treadmill. Simi is killing me with this new exercise for an hour dictate.”
"She is doing the right thing for you!” Danika smiled. Cats did not hate water as much as her brother did exercising.
“You have to pick a side. Simi's or mine! You can't be on both.” Dr. Hans grumbled.
“Why not?”
Danika heard a female voice in the background. “That’s Anya?” She sobered as her spirits plummeted to the same level they had been a few minutes ago – below the sea.
Hans lowered his voice. “Yup, came down this weekend just for the party. Don't know why she can't stay in a hotel? Her parents can easily afford one.”
Danika stayed quiet.
“You there. Dani?”
“Yes, yes! I’m here.” Danika cupped her chin in her palm.
“So what time are you coming?”
“Coming where?” Danika racked her brains. Was I to babysit the twins tonight?
“To my boss’s party. The one I don't want to go to but am being forced to go to.”
Danika felt a fresh stab in her heart. “Why would I come? That party is for neighbors, I don’t live there.”
“Noah did not invite you?” Hans sounded surprised.
“Why would I be invited? I just work for him Bro.” Danika twisted her mouth feeling a sting behind her lids. What is wrong with me? Am I in high school that I'm emotional about not getting invited to the popular boy's party? She rubbed her eyes. She took in a deep breath trying to banish Noah’s face from her mind.
“Now I don't feel like going at all.” Hans sounded churlish. “I was hoping you'd be there. At least someone would sneak me desserts and greasy food.”
Danika smiled in spite of her mood. “I'm sure you will find someone.”
Hans paused and then said. “Are you sure Dani that Noah did not invite you?”
“Who cares?” Danika slid off her stool. “You all have fun though. Who’s babysitting the girls?'
“We are taking them along. It’s a family affair.”
“Great! I guess I'll see you all tomorrow then. I'll swing by for sometime.” Danika ended the call. Depression clung to her like it were her outerwear. She remembered the funny notes Noah and she had exchanged, the way Noah had held her when she had cried, the concern in his voice, the warmth of his arms. The way Noah smiled, the way he smirked, the way his head titled to the side when he was listening, how his hair had a tendency to curl at the ends, his dimples that peeped when he smiled. She remembered everything.
Danika briefly caught her head in her hands. Dammit get a grip on yourself Dani. You couldn’t have fallen for Noah? Her heart seemed to skip a beat at his name. No! No! Danika hugged herself, her gaze vacant. I promised myself I would never fall for anyone. And especially not him. Girls like me don’t get guys like him. She wiped her forehead. “I have to stay busy!” Determined, she walked to the back of the store where all unopened boxes were kept.
Chapter 40
Noah watched the caterers move efficiently in the kitchen arranging food and drinks. A few floral arrangements had been placed all around to add a festive look to his otherwise undecorated house. The event planner had moved all of Noah's unopened boxes in the basement.
“Hey there!”
Noah swiveled his head.
Diane Keystone stood at the door the caterers had left ajar. Her red body hugging dress with a deep neck, showed a lot of the top of her breasts.
“Hey! Come in.” Noah walked up and welcomed Diane inside. “You are the first to arrive.”
“I can come back.” Diane sidled up to him in way that suggested that going away was the last thing on her mind.
“Well no need for that. I’m sure others should be coming soon.”
“I got something for you.” Diane gave Noah a coy glance and walked to the door. She bent down providing him with a perfect opportunity to glance at her shapely rear.
Noah looked away.
Diane got up and walked back to him, a wine and cheese hamper in her hand. “For you!”
“Thank you.” Noah took the basket.
Diane was close enough for Noah to get more than a whiff of her perfume – strong and musky.
Not lavender with a hint of citrus. Noah stepped away using the wine basket as an excuse. “I shall put this inside.”
Diane shadowed him. “Who else have you invited?”
“Just some folks from work and our neighbors.”
The doorbell rang.
“On cue!” Noah hurried to the front door and opened the door to two other doctors from his department and their families.
The other guests started arriving soon. Tonight, in a house that was mostly quiet enough to hear every single creak of the floor was filled with chatter, music and the clink of silverware.
Even as he was talking to his guest, Noah’s eyes kept straying to the front door. Where is she? Its not like they have to drive to get here.
Noah excused himself and went in the kitchen. Even though there were caterers there and some guests passing through, Noah could clearly imagine Danika in there opening and shutting drawers, bending over the pot to inhale the aroma of the food, closing the fridge with the side for her hips while holding something, tucking back the cheeky hair which always escaped from the left side of her thick ponytail, chewing her lower lip as she planned what to make next.
Someone bumped into him.
“Excuse me!” Noah walked to the kitchen sink and bend down to glance through the window. He noticed the lights go off room by room in the Dheer household. She is coming!
Noah rushed out and made it a point to go over and talk to the group closest to the door. It was the group of few older gents who Noah had often seen playing chess or reading newspapers outside the area’s coffee shop.
“So do you give friendly no-cost check-ups to senior citizens?” asked a man in his seventies with bushy eyebrows, sagging cheeks and a thin frame as he bowed over the walking stick in his hand. His voice sounded like he had smoked his whole life.
Noah took out his wallet and handed him a business card. “Call my secretary and he will fix something for you. For reference tell him that you are my neighbor.”
There was a knock on the door. It swung open. Noah, eagerly moved forward. “Hi Hans. Here let me help!” Noah went down the stairs to help Hans with the wide twin’s stroller he was trying to push up the few stairs.
Noah held the strollers up from the front wheels even as he smiled at the adorable little girls looking up at him with much curiosity.
“So where are your remaining girls?” Noah asked, scanning behind Hans.
“They are coming.” Hans pushed the stroller inside the house.
Noah was used to Han’s clipped tones. Hans, unlike the other team members, had not warmed up to Noah. From the grapevine Noah had later discovered that Dr. Hans was one of the contenders for Noah's position.
Sounds of feminine laughter and clicking heels on cobbled stone caused Noah to glance in that direction. His body tightened in anticipation of seeing Danika. He was disappointed; it was only Anya and Simi. Where is she?
“What’s up Doc?” Anya playfully poked Noah's arm.
“Hello and welcome back. Hey Simi!” Noah accepted the wine bottle Simi handed to him. “Thanks! Anyone else coming?”
Anya looked over her shoulder. “Nope, no one was coming behind us. I’m dying for a drink. I’ll see you guys inside.” She walked around Noah and went inside. Simi started after her.
Noah stopped her. “Isn't Danika coming?”
Simi flicked her shiny hair. “I thought she was. Isn't she here already helping you?”
“No!” Noah was quick to reply. “I told you that day she is a guest.” He tried not to sound as irritated as he felt.
“Oh right. I forgot. Yeah,I did tell her about the party.” Simi smiled.
Noah put his hands in his jeans pocket and looked out at the drive
way. Where is Danika? Is she stuck at work? Is she with that guy who was hugging her outside the hospital?
Simi touched his shoulder. “Dani will come, she’s probably running late. Let’s go inside. Anya was so excited about the party, she loves your company.”
Noah grunted but did accompany Simi inside the house. Once inside he went looking for Hans. He found Hans studying the laid out buffet with much concentration. “Hey Hans. Do you know where Danika is?”
“Why are you asking??
Noah ignored Han’s terse response. He had more important things on his mind. “Is she not coming for the party?'
Hans went back to studying the buffet, his eyes were centered on a golden-brown apple pie. “Did you invite her?”
“I told Simi that Danika was invited. I threw this party for Danika to cheer her up.” Noah blurted.
Hans finally glanced at Noah. “You threw a party for her?”
Noah rubbed the back of his neck awkward at his admission. “She was very sad about Sienna’s passing so I thought a party would distract her and I would get a chance to have the neighbors over. Kind of a housewarming! Two for one kind of a thing.” Noah shifted from one foot to another.
Hans must have seen something in his face. He relented. “Danika is working at the Indian store.”
Noah turned around sharply and then paused. “I'm going to get her.”
“Don't force Danika to come if she doesn’t want to. She deals with enough crap already.” Hans warned.
Then take better care of her! Noah bit off the retort realizing that Hans had his hands full with two kids, a demanding job and whatever else plagued him. He simply nodded and headed out of his house.
Chapter 41
“Sis where are you?” Param called out.
“I'm here at the back!” Danika called, leaning over the bags of rice that she had piled one on top of another.
Param appeared in the aisle and chuckled. “You are covered in dust!”
Danika made a face at him. “Not dust. It’s flour. One of the bags ripped open.” She dusted her arms and thighs. “Any customers?”
