Aahsod started to speak and she held up her hand and stopped him.
“Nothing you can say at this point will make any difference. I really do not even want to hear your voice unless it is related to business. All of you leave and give me my space to work.” She said as she walked past all of them to open her office door for them to leave.
Daesha and Kenneth hugged her as they departed. Aahsod looked at her swollen red eyes and felt a lot of guilt so he decided not to leave.
“Aahsod, please leave.” She said in a soft voice.
He just walked over and closed the door. Without any words spoken between them, he leaned in and kissed her mouth softly and her heart melt. Soon the kiss became bewildering and his hands were in her hair. Their tongues mingled in a race of passion. They moaned at the same time. Amaia broke the kiss and held her head against his chest.
“Amaia, that kiss proves how much you love me just as much as I love you. Why are you allowing your mother to come between us?”
Amaia sighed as she moved away from him putting her back to him.
“Of course I love you Aahsod, so much that it hurts. You still don’t get it. I just need this time to try to get my mother’s blessing. If you can’t understand that then maybe we do not need to be together.” She sighed.
When he did not respond, she turned around and saw that he had departed and left her office door open. She shook her head and decided to get back to work.
Chapter 9Tahj and Daesha had a long discussion about their parents and how to get them back together. Tahj was waiting for his father to get home from work. He waited for Aahsod to take his shower and come back downstairs to eat some of the Chinese takeout he had bought right before his father came home. As they were eating, Tahj spoke up.
“How are things between you and Amaia?”
“Don’t play games. I’m sure Daesha told you.”
“I’m not playing games dad. I was being sincere. I only know what happened right after lunch. There were four more hours that you had with her or six if she stayed as late as you did.”
Aahsod sighed. “Things remain the same. The wedding is still off and I still have the ring.”
“I think you are stupid.”
Aahsod stopped when he was about to take a bite of food. He looked at his son.
“You have no judgment in this situation.” Aahsod stated.
“No judgment but an opinion. Like I said, I think you are stupid.”
Aahsod sat back. “Go on.”
“Dad, I can honestly say that although I don’t know Amaia very well, I can see how much she loves you. Daesha told me in detail how she hated you for the entire year she knew about the secret relationship. She said that she felt her mother deserved better than you. She was eleven when her father was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer. Her father suffered with it for two years before he died. She stated how dedicated her mother was to her father while he was ill. She stated that Amaia could have put him in a Hospice house so that she wouldn’t have to see him like that everyday but she felt she should be totally dedicated to her husband. She allowed him to be seen by Hospice nurses but she setup a room in the house like a hospital room so that she could see him everyday before and after work. She continued to cook all three of his meals for him. She would come home from work for lunch. She only took a leave from her job during the last six months of his battle with the cancer. She and Daesha were in the bed with him when he passed away. Daesha stated that not once did Amaia’s mother visit him when he was sick but she did attend the funeral. Daesha stated that her mother only wants to be happy and she is having flash back to her time with Daesha’s father. She doesn’t want to feel as destroyed now with her mother’s attitude as she did with Mr. Collins. Can you understand this dad?”
Aahsod was at a loss for words. He wanted to kick himself for his stupidity. He never asked Amaia about her late husband’s battle with cancer to keep from stirring up painful memories.
“Dad?”
Aahsod sighed. “Get Daesha on the phone.” Was all he said. Tahj nodded and did as he requested.
Amaia was in a deep sleep when she felt soft kissed to her neck. She came awake quickly to find Aahsod in bed with her.
“Aahsod…” Before she could finish that sentence his tongue darted into her mouth making her open for his tasting. Passion ignited within her and she moaned. His hand slowly found its way under her silk pajama tank top to caress a pert nipple. Amaia was becoming dizzy with passion. Aahsod finally stopped caressing her and broke the kiss to look at her. Forehead to forehead he looked deep into her dark brown eyes.
“Amaia, I am so sorry for my behavior. I love you and will wait an eternity for you.” He stated before placing the ring back on her finger.
“I love you too, Aahsod. I am sorry too. I want you to realize that I am looking forward to a new beginning with you.”
“Same here.” He said before he kissed her softly on the mouth before getting up to leave. “Wait, how did you get in the house?” Amaia asked.
“I had Tahj call Daesha on her cell phone and tell her I was on my way over. We did a three way conversation so that she would know when I was outside so she could let me in.”
“I’m glad.” She said with a smile.
“I had a long conversation with my parents and they have invited all of us to dinner tomorrow night. Reservations were made at the Brooch for tomorrow night at eight o’clock. Is that fine?”
“That’s fine.”
“Good. Tahj and I will pick the two of you up at seven thirty tomorrow night. Good night.”
“Good night.”
When Aahsod was gone, she snuggled back under the covers with a smile. Suddenly her cell phone beside her in the bed began to ring. She smiled when the caller id showed that it was Aahsod.
“Hi baby.”
“Hi sexy, I forgot to tell you that when the wedding is back on, my parents would like for us to also have a traditional Hindu ceremony which is where the bride and the groom are symbolically brought together through the Marriage knot. The groom's scarf is tied to the bride's dress. Then they take seven steps, which represent nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, long life, harmony and understanding.”
“Sounds perfect. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” He replied with a smile.
The next morning, Amaia followed her daughter into the kitchen and thanked her for getting her and Aahsod back on track.
“Mom, what are we going to do for dinner since Nana is in the hospital? You know we usually eat with her on weekends.”
“Aahsod’s parents have invited us to dinner tonight. I think you should go and get to know the family since you are in a relationship with Tahj.”
“Where will we be going?”
“Reservations were made at the Brooch for tonight at eight o’clock.”
“I look forward to it. I hope things are going well with Tahj and his mother.”
“We will find out tonight when he and Aahsod pick us up at seven thirty.”
“How much do you know about his family?”
“His father’s name is Kasar who is a retired Nephrologist. His mother’s name is Behula who is a retired public defender. His sister’s name is Vema Balin who is a Pediatrician married to Sanjay Balin who is a Plastic Surgeon. They have two children Rahjah who is twenty four and Sitara who is twenty two.”
“I can’t wait to meet everyone for real this time.”
“Neither can I.” They both sat down to eat a egg sandwich for breakfast before they went upstairs to shower and change.
When Amaia was finished getting dressed, she turned to Daesha who was sitting at her vanity table. “I wonder what made Aahsod come around.”
“Probably what I told Tahj.”
Amaia flipped her long hair out of her collar. “What did you tell him?”
“Everything about what you went through with dad and how you were so dedicated to taking care of him when he will ill.”
&n
bsp; Sadness sparked into her eyes and Daesha stood up and walked over to her. “Don’t you dare start crying. You have a wonderful man that loves you. I am so proud of the fact that you are going to be happy. Dad is looking down at you smiling at that. You were a wonderful wife to him and you will be the same with Aahsod.”
Amaia hugged her daughter. “I love you. You are the best.”
“So are you.” Daesha stated moving out of her mother’s arms to touch her mother’s abdomen.
“I’m getting excited about the fact that I am going to have a little brother or sister. Why didn’t you and dad ever have more?”
“He wasn’t able to sire anymore without the help of science after we had you. We were going to do in vitro fertilization when we found out he had the cancer. He did not want us to have another child that he would not see again because of the illness taking him from all of us.”
“I love you.” Daesha stated looking at her mother.
“I love you too. Let’s go shopping for something to wear tonight.”
Daesha nodded as followed her mother out of the house to her Lexus.
Later that evening, Daesha and Amaia were getting ready for the dinner with Aahsod’s family.
“Daesha, promise me you will be careful in your relationship with Tahj.” Amaia stated putting the finishing touches to her makeup.
“Meaning?”
“Protection.”
“Mom!”
“Don’t mom me. I’m serious. I know you are sexually active with him. Although is bothers me, I would rather you be safe than sorry.”
“You don’t have to worry. I don’t want to be in the same situation as Sierra. That was a major eye opener for me.”
Amaia sighed with relief. “I’m glad to hear that. I was so worried that you would look at that as wanting to be like your best friend.”
“I won’t disappoint you. I promise.”
“You also need to remember that with love comes disappoint and heartache. You have to be able to handle all of it. I will always be here for you in your time of need.” Amaia informed her daughter.
“Thanks.” Daesha said hugging her mother.
“We better hurry up and finish getting ready.” She said after hugging her daughter as she looked at her watch.
During the ride, Tahj informed Amaia and Daesha of his conversation with his mother.
“I hope it is okay that I invited them to the wedding, Amaia.”
“It is okay, Tahj. I hope you don’t struggle too hard with your decision.”
“I am going to give it full consideration.”
When they arrive at the restaurant, they are seated immediately. Soon after they arrived, Aahsod’s family arrived. Daesha couldn’t help but stare at Rahjah; he was even more handsome than Tahj. Daesha could not help but think that he resembled Arjun Gupta, from Nurse Jackie. As soon as the introductions were over, the waiter was called over to take their orders. Tahj excused himself to go to the bathroom and Rahjah took the opportunity to talk with Daesha.
“You are very beautiful, Daesha.”
“Thank you, Rahjah. You look handsome yourself.”
“Are you in college?”
“I go to the Florida International University. I am studying psychology. I want to be a marriage counselor. What about you?”
“Medical school. I want to be a plastic surgeon like my father. Why are you going to school in Florida?”
“To be near me,” Tahj answered for Daesha as he sat down.
“The two of you are dating?” Rahjah asked Daesha.
“Yes, we are.” Tahj answered for her.
“Tahj, I am capable of answering my own questions.”
“Then, by all means answer him.” He said smiling.
“We aren’t really what you would call going steady. We never officially agreed to not to see other people. And I go to school in Florida because I received a full scholarship from them.”
Her words angered Tahj. Before he could retort, Aahsod intervened.
“Now is not the time for this. Am I understood, Tahj?”
“Yes, dad.”
Dinner was pleasant but tension remained in the air because Daesha and Rahjah would whisper in one another’s ears to talk to each other. Finally dinner was over and everyone said good night.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say welcome to the family. I can’t wait to have you as my Aunt.” Sitara Balin stated hugging Amaia.
“Same here.” Rahjah kissed Amaia on the cheek. He looked over at Daesha before getting into his Porsche. “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“See you.” She said with a smile. Tahj stood there fuming.
Aahsod’s parents hugged Amaia before getting into their Lexus. Once they were all alone in the car, Tahj broke the silence.
“Daesha, you are not going to see Rahjah tomorrow.”
“Yes, I am.”
“What in the hell for?”
“Watch your language,” Aahsod stated.
“Sorry, dad.” He gave Daesha a questioning look.
“So he can help me brush up on my math.”
“I am not a fool. What is the real reason you are seeing him?”
“I will be taking statistics next semester and I wanted his help.”
“I could help you.”
“No you can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because you and I would not get anything done. I need to study with someone that is going to be serious.”
“Whether you know it or not, I saw the way you were looking at Rahjah. You had a hard time taking your eyes off of him.”
“I’ll admit to the fact that your cousin is extremely handsome but I don’t have feeling for him other than friendly.”
“That had better be the only feelings you have for him. If I find out that he has fucked…..” The remainder of the sentence was cut off by Daesha slapping him and Amaia gasping.
Daesha got out of the car and rushed up to the house as soon as Aahsod parked the Mercedes. Amaia got out also and stopped Tahj as he started to follow Daesha.
“I think you have humiliated my daughter enough for one evening. Just get back in the car and leave her alone.”
“I’m sorry, Amaia.”
“Save your apologies for Daesha. Aahsod will you walk me to the door please?”
“Sure.”
When they arrive at her front door Aahsod has an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what has come over him. He acted so crass tonight.”
“I just know that he is going to have a hard time getting Daesha to forgive him for that snide remark.”
“I’ll have a talk with him.”
“Let’s just stay out of this.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too, Aahsod.” She allowed him to kiss her passionately before breaking away and caressing his cheek. “Good night.” She entered the house.
She found her daughter upstairs in her room crying. She sat on the bed and pulled her into an embrace.
“This is exactly what I was talking about when it comes to being in love. You are going to have to get use to being in a true relationship if this is not puppy love. Was he your first?”
“Yes. I just don’t know how to handle this side of him.”
“He’s really unstable emotionally right now. He is having a hard time coping with accepting a mother he has not known for twenty four years.”
“That doesn’t excuse his irrational behavior tonight.”
“No but it gives you a little understanding. But you added fuel to the fire with Rahjah. Why?”
“I don’t know. I felt a little in control and wanted to prove something I guess. I really don’t want anything more than to be tutored to get a head start. You know how I struggle with math.”
“Just make sure that’s all you do dear.”
“I promise mom.”
“Well good night. I will see you in the morning.” She kissed her daughter before depa
rting from her room.
The next day, Rahjah was on time for their session. They were in Amaia’s home office for him to tutor you.
“Did I cause trouble between you and Tahj last night?”
“Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t tutor you.”
“Don’t be silly. Let’s get started.” She handed him the statistics book.
Two hours later, they were through and she had learned a lot.
“Thanks for tutoring me.” She said with a smile.
“You are an excellent pupil.”
They stood there staring at one another. He pulled her to him for a soft kiss. Curiosity caused her not to pull away so he added more passion to the kiss which caused her to break away.
“I’m sorry, Daesha.”
“I should be the one apologizing. I should not have allowed the kiss.”
“Why did you?”
“Curiosity. I just needed to prove to myself that I truly do love Tahj.”
“Friends?”
“Friends.” She gave him a bright smile and walked him to the living room to watch television.
Chapter 10Amaia and Aahsod were upstairs in her room discussing baby names.
“What have you come up with Aahsod?”
“How about for a girl Mehadi Yasmine and a boy Kintan Mohan?
“You are joking right?”
“Indian names my love.”
“We need tame names. For a boy Rahshod Jahcobi and a girl Aahleigha Robbyn. Jahcobi for my father and Robbyn for my mother. Jacob is my father’s middle name and Robin is my mother’s first name.”
“Well the names are unique.” Aahsod pushed her back on the bed.
“What about the children?”
“Can’t hear a thing.” He said as his mouth lowered to hers. The moment was spoiled when they heard yelling downstairs. They quickly get up to find out what was going on. They find Tahj, Rahjah and Daesha downstairs in the living room arguing.
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