She merely growls at him. "Shut up!"
"Ooh, what's that you got in your hand there, huh?" He glances distractedly at the cannoli in her grip. Licking his lips, he frowns. "So you girls took all the cannoli's for yourselves?"
"Would you like a taste?" Katie flutters her eyelashes at him, expectantly.
"Sure thing!" Serge happily obliges.
She reaches up and surprises us by plastering the cannoli all over his face. "There you go! Now you may enter, you manly man." She smirks approvingly.
The rest of us commence into laughter at Serge's dumbfounded and messy facial appearance.
Rachael chides her younger sister. "Katherine! Don't be silly!" She directs her attention to Serge. "Does uncle need something?"
"Yes.." Serge manages to say as he wipes the sugary pastry from his face by his handkerchief. "Father wants to congratulate Sanam."
When we enter into the lounge, complete bashfulness takes ahold of my being. I cast my gaze down as I walk in to vocally greet the rest of the men.
My face was flaming crimson while I sense Vladimir's eyes on me. I didn't glance in his direction at all. My stomach commits to flipflopping.
"Come sit here, dear." Mister Molotov smiles and gestures at an armchair close to him. As soon as I've sat down, he reaches out and gently pats my head in a paternal manner. "God bless you, Vladimir and your child. May God grant you abundant happiness and healthy long lives, amen."
I smile respectfully at him. "Thank you, Mister Molotov."
"Uncle Dimitri...call me uncle Dimitri." He insists benevolently. He reaches into his pocket and produces out a content filled envelope. "Here, a little gift from me, open it later."
He places it carefully on my lap. Then he arises to his feet along with the other men. "Alright, family, we should be off now. Allow both husband and wife their much needed privacy."
"Thank you, uncle." Vladimir voices his gratitude. I sense his gaze lifting from me in order to escort everyone towards the exit door.
I arise to my feet and embrace each of the women in temporary farewell.
"He's spending the day with Huxley and me." Serge informs while ruffling Bilal's hair.
"Please, take care not to expose him to certain things." I remind Serge cautiously.
"Don't worry, just kid stuff! Rachael's children will be there also." Serge assures wholeheartedly.
"See you later sis!" Bilal hugs me before leaving with Serge.
After everyone has departed, I remain standing near the ceiling to floor length window. It has stopped raining and the sun's rays expose the cloudless sky.
I gaze down at the street towards the expensive luxury cars belonging to the Molotov and Nielsen family. My hear hammering against my chest. My throat feeling suddenly dry.
I'm all alone right now with Vladimir...
Yet I was unable to peal apart the instant levels of shyness that cloaks over me. Why was I suddenly so timid ? Was it because of all of my intimate confessions to him in the span of two days?
I already felt his overbearing presence in the room before he cleared his throat to garner my attention. "Finally..I have you all to myself now.."
With my gaze downcast, I divert myself around to face him. A deep soft chuckle emits from his mouth. "You look real cute when you're shy."
Instantly I whip my head up while folding my arms against my chest. Defensively I snip at him. "I'm not shy!"
"Oh really?" His piercing eyes connect with mine. I feel my throat constrict as I drown myself in his stare like a deer caught in headlights.
"Then why have you avoided looking at me until now?" His mood transitions seriously. He draws nearer in slow steps with a predatory stance.
"I.." My mind at loss for a response. All attention now focused on his gradual advancement closer.
The beat of my heart thunders within my ears as he cages me against the window. I remain frozen, my breath caught in my throat. I'm unable to break gazes with him, ensnared within a magnetic hold.
He lowers his face closer, eyes now focused upon my lips. Instantly I close my eyes, ready for his kiss.
"Come with me..." He whispers against my cheek, cool breath fanning my skin alive with yearning. Instantly he moves away, leaving my knees trembling. I glance up at him in confusion and inwardly disappointed over no kiss.
"I have to show you something." He explicates with sudden amusement dancing in his eyes. A pearly grin appears on his lips and he clasps a strong hand around one of my wrists.
"Wh-Where we going?" I question while we exit the apartment.
My eyes roaming over his broad back clad in a leather jacket. His blonde hair tousled yet neat. He briefly glances back down at me and winks. "Not tellin.."
He's so hawt !
I felt like smacking some sense into my brain. I'm salivating over him so suddenly, so openly. He was setting my nerves on edge.
He whistles a melodic tune as he swings a pair of keys out of his pocket. With a click, he accesses the passenger side door of his Lamborghini and bows graciously as he gestures with his hand. "After you, dollface."
I'm flustered as I mumble my gratitude. I clamber unceremoniously onto my seat. As soon as he takes his, he comments. "By the way, you look lovely in that dress and headscarf."
"Thanks.." I smile shyly down at my clasped palms.
He levels me appreciative stare before starting the vehicle. As soon as we are out on the highway, he switches on the music. It's a classical Russian symphony.
"How are you feeling?" He asks after a momentary silence, gaze flitting between me and the road.
"I'm happy.." I assure in comfort. "You?...uh..you've recovered fast."
He glances at me with a smoldering affectionate look. "You were there, you helped me, Sanam...now I feel so alive.."
I feel butterflies teasing my stomach as a warm sensation overcomes me. He slides one hand away from the wheel and slips into my grip. I end up squeezing his rough one, lovingly.
The rest of the drive elapses in a peaceful silence. With windows rolled down, my gaze feasts upon the start of a beautiful green scenery. Stables of horses and farmland whizz past. The fragrance of tropical flowers heavy in the wind.
Soon enough, Vladimir pulls into a gravel parking space next to a small convenience shop and gas station. He helps me out of the car and guides me by the hand over to a cobble stone pathway leading towards an elaborate garden. It stretches along a small lake.
"It's not fully complete..I'm planning on building a theme park and safari here." He admits instantly. His gaze sweeping across the land and over the horizon. "But I had to show you something, before I started working on this project fully."
Quietly, I allow him to lead the way into the garden. My eyes falter on the sight of the majestic swans coasting over the placid water of the lake, the flower beds planted close to the edge. It was such an exquisite view.
"It's beautiful.." I finally breath out. "All of this land is yours?"
"Ours." He corrects as he places a swift kiss atop my hand in his grasp. "It yours and mine, will belong to our children."
My heart flutters around crazily as I gaze up at him in awe. His smile broadens and he continues leading me. "I have to show you something."
We pause next to a marble sculpture of a garbed man and woman. Immediately I recognize their features as Vladimir's parents. They appear so lifelike.
"Wow.." I glance between him and the statues. "Looks so real.."
He nods, eyes fixed on the stony figures in complete adoration. "Mum and dad..mum is holding a harp in her arms while dad has a fiddle.."
I study the chiseled musical instruments within their sculpted grips. Vladimir proceeds fondly. "Both mum and dad loved medieval instruments, they were historians on European folk music..completely loved their heritage..I was taught along with my older sisters to play many old Celtic, Scandinavian and Slavic tunes."
"That was very considerate of them.." I reply as I lean forward to read the plaque under
the sculptor.
"Indeed.." Vladimir agreed from behind me. "Unlike many parents today, who merely place their kids infront of video games, television, internet..when children should be also taught about their heritage, the world..there is simply so much out there to learn."
"You had very good parents." I smile up at him wistfully. My mind refusing to remember baba's mistreatment of me and my siblings.
"Close your eyes." He whispers to me intently.
"Why?" I raise a brow.
"I have to show you something." He answers lightly while stepping behind me. "Trust me."
"Alright." I breath out, lulled by the gentleness of his voice. He places the palm of his hands over my eyes softly and leads me to walk onwards.
Soon enough I begin overhearing the melodic trickling of water. It increases the closer Vladimir guides me to the source of the noise. It's beginning to sound like a gushing of a stream over rocks.
"You can open yours eyes now." Vladimir drops his hold over my gaze.
As soon as my eyes blink open, I let out a heavy hearted exhale. The sight before me was of a medium sized artificial water fall, descending over boulders with mosaic work and into a pool of blue Afghan mosaic tiled floor. Around the edges of the pool was also the similar geometric mosaic work.
There was a plaque nailed into one of the boulders near the water fall. I walk over to it and begin reading.
In loving memory of Benafsha Kashani, devoted mother to Sanam, Bilal and Leila.
My eyes brim with tears as I glance back at Vladimir. "H-How did you..how did you know?"
He aligns me a compassionate stare."Mrs.Agnelli revealed to me that you once told her your mother was very fond of Afghan fountains and longed for one of her own."
I begin weeping freely. Immediately, Vladimir embraces me and leads me to a bench nearby. After a couple of minutes, my tears have subsided. I pull away gently from him while leaving my hand in his. Gazing out at the beautiful fountain, I voice my gratitude. "Thank you for this...thank you for so much.."
"No.." He disagrees lightly, giving a squeeze to my hand. "Thank you for accepting me as your husband."
My face flushes pink as I refuse meeting his gaze. "I'm happy to be your wife."
"And a mother to my child?" He asks affectionately, lowering his face closer to mine. "I hope my child acquires your looks."
I end up laughing, shaking my head. "No, I hope yours."
"Nonsense!" I catch him nearly scoffing with a smile.
"Um.." My brows dip in an effort to conceal my uncertainty over a matter of importance.
"What's wrong?" Vladimir questions immediately, appearing concerned.
I lick my lips, nervously fiddling with the sleeve cuffs at one of my wrist. "What..what religion will we raise our child to follow?"
Vladimir exhales in relief as his shoulders relax. "Oh that's simple...Christianity Ofcourse."
I stare blankly at him. He laughs at my reaction. "I'm joking."
"No." I insist the matter. "Seriously, I mean I want my kids to follow my faith and I'm sure you want them to follow yours?"
"Ideally..." He purses his lips in a thoughtful manner before adding. "That's what we both want..but I don't want to change you..I never thought of pressuring you to convert from your faith."
"Neither have I thought that of you." I admit to him easily. "There is no compulsion on religion..there shouldn't be."
"Exactly." He nods once and looks me in the eyes with sincerity. "We won't compel our kids to choose a faith, that matter shouldn't be inherited..it should be researched and accepted by heart. And they will do that."
"Yes..do not inherit your faith.." My smile matches his. "Learn it and accept it by heart."
"Smart wife." He comments admiringly and pecks my lips with his. I giggle at his statement.
"But.." I interject suddenly. "I don't want them drinking alcohol, eating pork, or having premarital relations."
"Never!" He complies easily. "Alcohol is overrated, I've quit. I hate pork, and I wished I had saved myself for you after marriage. If I can do it, then so can they."
I gape at him in shock. He chuckles and ensues carefully. "You're worrying too much. Besides once they grow older, they will be free to do whatever they want..you can control them only for so long till they reach a certain age and you have to leave it God. Can't really force them or watch over them all the time..they could do things behind our backs like kids these days."
"True.." I nod. "But a good disciplined upbringing helps."
"Most definitely." Vladimir agrees. He shifts closer to me and grabs ahold of both of my hands. "This is one of the many things I fell in love about you, your discipline at adhering to your faith. Did I mention I love your modesty?"
"What else did you fell in love with?" I find myself grinning as I connect my eyes with his devoted ones.
"You'll learn that bit by bit on this journey called marriage." He answers tenderly. "Are you ready to spend the rest of your life as Mrs.Sanam Nielsen?"
"Yes." I reply in vehemence.
"Good!" He approves, a fierce expression descends over his features. "You're mine and I'm yours..you're the mother of my unborn child..you're binded to me for eternity..I will always love you, Sanam."
Before I have the chance to confess my love to him over again, his lips collide against mine. That's when everything and anything around us ceases to exist. As if time and space has halted for this moment right here. Yet I never felt so alive as I surrender my mouth to his, entwining my fingers into his hair, pulling him closer.
I knew our troubles wouldn't end here. There were various enemies out there including Doucette. But I was ready to embark upon this course with Vladimir. I have committed myself to him, promised to remain a loyal wife. Just as he's promised to defend and protect me at every obstacle. I knew this. He was meant for me and I was meant for him. This was no longer a deviant fixation.
Epilogue
Six Years Later
Sanam's P.O.V.
In a vast Santorini sky, the sun rays beam down upon a joyful occasion. The balmy breeze, laden with the scent of wildflowers. A gentle melody of an orchestra intermingles with sophisticated murmurs of the stylishly garbed guests, seated at tables adorned by sumptuous feasts.
It is the wedding day of Serge and Katie.
On a raised platform, the well dressed groom, eagerly awaits his bride to walk down the aisle. Next to him stood Bilal and the ever reserved appearing Grigori and Huxley.
As bridesmaids, Rachael, Rebecca, Bev, Arielle and I, stood on the right of the altar's platform. The five of us, assembled in similarly lavish magenta hued bridesmaid gowns. For the exception of the hijab on my head.
"I had always thought Aunt Katie and uncle Serge would make a great couple.." Arielle remark's fondly to the rest of us. "Finally today they are getting married!"
"It took them long enough!" Bev snorts next to me, shaking her head. "Katie really shįt tested Serge every step of the way."
"Well, God bless his patience then.." Rebecca annotates with a chuckle.
Deviant Fixation Page 75