“What is going on down here?” Amaia asked.
“I was asking Tahj to leave!” Daesha stated angrily.
“He has lipstick on his mouth! It is obvious that you kissed him!” Tahj stated.
“It wasn’t what you think. You are jumping to conclusions.”
“Tahj, the girl loves you. Calm down.” Rahjah stated grabbing a tissue and wiping the lipstick off his mouth.
“You always attempt to compete with me, Rahjah. You won’t win this. Daesha is mine.”
“Stop it! I don’t belong to you like some type of trophy. I cannot tolerate this anymore. Nothing happened. If you cannot believe me then it is over between us. You are just assuming that something more has happened between us. I can’t handle you being so jealous and untrusting.”
“You just want to be free to be with Rahjah.”
“Tahj, leave right now!”
“Fine!” He stormed out of the house.
Daesha ran upstairs crying. Amaia excused herself to go comfort her daughter. Aahsod looked at Rahjah. “We better go and give them some privacy.”
Once Amaia had calmed Daesha down, they were in the living room watching television when the doorbell chimed.
“I’ll get it.” Daesha stated getting up from the couch.
When she opened the door, it was her Aunt Beverlee. She entered without an invitation.
“Beverlee, what do you want?” Amaia asked.
“Mom told me you are getting married on Christmas.”
“And?,” Amaia said standing up.
“I just came to deliver a message from our mother.”
“Which is?”
“She’s sorry but she will not be attending your wedding.”
“I think I would have known that when she didn’t appear at the church. As long as Dad is giving me away, I can be satisfied with that.”
“Well this way, you won’t have to look for her. Also because he is escorting you, mom isn’t speaking to him.”
Amaia let out an exasperated sigh. “Daesha, would you please show your aunt to the door.”
“It would be a pleasure,” Daesha stated as she opened the door for Beverlee to leave. Once Beverlee was gone, Daesha turned to her mother. “At least papa will be there to give you away.”
“I know but it would be great if mom was there too.”
“Are you going to be okay when I go back to school on Friday? You know I won’t be back until the Christmas break.”
“I will be fine. We will talk often on the phone. I should ask if you will be okay with being in Miami with Tahj.”
“I’ll be fine. I promise.” Daesha hugged her mother.
Amaia was a vision of loveliness on her wedding day. Her gown was an ivory strapless jacquard ball gown with diamond beaded embroidery on the bodice and hem of the skirt. It had a cathedral train. Instead of a veil, she chose to wear a gold Tiara with diamonds. Her shoes were ivory silk with a small diamond ornament. Her jewelry consisted of a pearl and diamond vine bracelet, diamond and silver necklace with matching earrings. Aahsod had the lead designer at the company design her dress and he paid for all the accessories to match. She could not have asked for a better life partner. She was in the bridal chamber awaiting her father’s entrance to escort her down the aisle. The soft knock on the door made her smile. She opened the door to her smiling father, Jacob Jennings.
“Are you ready, princess?”
“I am ready.”
As her father escorted her down the aisle to the tune of Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply, her heart swelled with joy and love for her future husband. She smiled at her brother, Cayle and his wife, Raechel who were happy to be in her wedding. Her niece, Raeshawn and nephew, Caye were in attendance as well. Her mother and her sister, Beverlee chose not to attend her wedding. She would not allow this to ruin her day. Her smile became even brighter when she stood before the minister with Aahsod to say their vows. Soon they were pronounced husband and wife. They both turned as the minister introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Aahsod Jalil Patel. During the reception, everyone was congratulating them on their marriage and baby. Daesha was looking sad when she saw Tahj with a beautiful tanned brunette that looked like Norah Jones. Daesha was walking towards her mother and Aahsod when Rahjah blocked her path.
“Hi beautiful.”
“Hello, Rahjah.”
“The wedding was beautiful wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was. If you’ll excuse me, I would like to go congratulate my mom and Aahsod.”
“Not before I put a smile on your face.”
“I’m not in the mood for smiling.”
“Is that the picture you want to paint for Tahj?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Just because he is here with another woman doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Dance with me.”
“We’ll only make him feel that his assumption about us was right.”
“Why do you care what he thinks? You broke up with him and he is here with another woman.”
“I’ll dance with you.”
Rahjah held her close, too close. He began to caress her back. He looked at Tahj over Daesha’s shoulder and saw the look of anger on his face. Rahjah pulled back to look in Daesha’s emerald green eyes.
“How about a kiss for effort?”
“I don’t think….” She didn’t finish her sentence as the gentle pressure of his mouth cut her off. She yielded because she was thinking of Tahj. When she realized what she was doing she broke away and hurried towards the ladies room. She was almost there when someone grabbed her wrist. She turned to look in Tahj’s angry eyes.
“You can’t tell me that was a kiss between friends! It was meant for darkness and closed doors!”
“How dare you talk to me that way when you are here with another woman?” She stated angrily on the verge of tears as she snatched away from him.
Tahj saw the tears forming in her eyes. “That woman happens to be my sister, Joi.”
“Oh, Tahj, I’m sorry.” She stated as the tears fell.
He pulled her to him. “It’s alright. Did you really think that I could look at another woman?”
“But I broke things off between us.”
“Love doesn’t die that easily for me. What about you?”
“I still love you too.”
“Go fix your face and when you return, I will introduce you to my sister and brother.”
Daesha nodded and entered the ladies room. When she emerged, he escorted her over for the introductions. Joi and Juan were both thrilled to meet Daesha. Joi was 5’3” with light caramel skin and brown hair that she apparently got from her father and her mother’s sapphire eyes. Juan was 6’2” like his father and had jet black hair like his mother. His skin was light caramel as well but he had his father’s hazel eyes.
“Don’t you think it is great what Tahj is going to do for mom?” Joi asked.
“What is he going to do?” Daesha asked.
“I thought you told her.”
“I hadn’t gotten around to it. We were sort of haven’t had time to talk about it.” Tahj stated.
“Did you decide to give her the bone marrow?” Daesha asked.
“Yes, I am a perfect match.”
“I am so proud of you.” She stated hugging him.
“Thank you.” Tahj stated.
His sister, Joi, was tapped on the shoulder by Esteban Jennings.
“Hello Joi, do you mind if I have this dance?” he asked.
Two weeks later, Amaia and Aahsod had a traditional Hindu ceremony just as his parents had requested 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. Aahsod’s mother had help Amaia pick out a traditional Hindu attire for the wedding. Jovita’s transp
lant was a success. Daesha and Tahj were back at college.
Chapter 11Amaia was in the doctor’s office for her sonogram. Her best friend Joesi went with her since Aahsod was not able to go.
“DaVeda, why am I getting large so fast?” She inquired as the doctor was moving the ultrasound wand over her abdomen.
“Well, well, well,” Dr. Sharpe said smiling.
“What is it?” Amaia asked with concern.
“Looks like you are going to be the mother of twins.”
“Twins!” Amaia and Joesi said in unison.
“Yes, twins. There is no need to get alarmed. Women have been having twins for centuries. I will print it out for you to show Aahsod.”
“Twins,” Amaia repeated in a stunned voice.
“All this means is that you need to take things easy for the remainder of your pregnancy.”
“I will. Does everything look okay?”
“Everything is fine,” Dr. Sharpe stated as she handed Amaia the sonogram.
Once Amaia was finished dressing she paid the receptionist. She and Joesi said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways. Aahsod was hard at work on contracts when she entered his office.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t go with you to the doctor. At least Joesi was there. How’d things go?”
“Things went wonderful. I got a chance to see the babies when Dr. Sharpe did the sonogram. It was breathtaking to watch.”
“I wish I had been…. Wait a minute did you say babies?” He had a shocked expression on his face.
Amaia smiled as she sat in his lap and showed him the sonogram.
“Yes we are having twins.”
Aahsod looked at the sonogram with pride. “Did she give you some special instructions?”
“I just have to take things easy. I won’t be taking anymore work home with me.”
“Speaking of work, I hate for you to leave but I’m behind due to us taking that week of to go on that Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon.” He handed the sonogram back to her.
She got off his lap. “I understand. I have some paperwork to finish up as well. I will see you at quitting time.”
“Okay, sweetheart.” He said with a smile as he kissed her softly on the mouth.
Amaia departed from his office. As she was walking down the hall towards her office, a deeply tanned blonde headed woman got off the elevator.
“Can you tell me where I can find Aahsod Patel?” the woman asked.
“Straight down the hall first door on the left.” She replied as she noticed the woman was wearing a very tight red body sculpting dress that showed a lot of cleavage. Amaia thought she looked a lot like Ice T’s wife Coco Austin. She shrugged her shoulders thinking it maybe she was a model that needed to go over her contract.
Aahsod was deep in thought when there was a soft rap on the door.
“Come on in, sweetheart.” He stated thinking it was Amaia.
“I don’t recall you ever calling me that except in bed.”
Aahsod’s head snapped up at the sound of an all too familiar voice. “What the hell are you doing here?” He asked angrily.
“Forgotten my name so soon?” she asked closing the door behind her.
“I could never forget the hell you put me through, Monica. You have exactly one minute to tell me why you are here before I call security to have you escorted out of the building.”
“Is that any way to greet a former lover?”
“Fifty seconds,” he said looking at his watch.
“I’m here because I need money.”
Aahsod let out a wicked laugh. “You bring your ass in here after eleven years of breaking up and expect me to give you money? You must be nuts. You can go straight to hell for all I care.”
“I’m not nuts. Believe me; I have been to hell and back. I’ve been having some hard times and I need some help.”
“What in the hell makes you think I would help you?”
“I’m not just here for me. I’m here for our son too.”
“What damn son? We don’t have a son together.”
“Yes, we do. I need some money for Aahmod.”
“You are one conniving bitch! You come in here out of the blue and expect me to believe all this bullshit you are throwing in my face. Well, I have news for you. You and Aahmod can go to hell. If you do have a kid, it isn’t likely to be mine. Remember I found out you were screwing half of the guys you were modeling with. You were a whore then and so once a whore always a whore. If you need money so bad, then I suggest you use your talents and get paid for them.”
She slapped him hard. “You have no right to judge me. You knew damn well that I was pregnant from you!”
When Aahsod grabbed her wrists, his hands were like a steel vise making her cry out in pain. He pulled her to him. Charcoal black eyes stared into baby blue eyes with extreme anger.
“I want you to leave my office and never set foot in this building again. I don’t know what you are up to, but it won’t work. You can go tell whoever hired you to play this little part that it didn’t work.” He released her roughly causing her to stumble back.
“I guess you do love that little black wife of yours.” She stated rubbing her wrists.
He ignored her comment. “Who hired you? Are you wired?”
“You’ll never know.” Monica Kellerman started to walk away but he pulled her back. That’s when he noticed the microphone nestled deep down between her breasts. He didn’t even think as he reached between her breasts to remove the microphone. At this point, Amaia re-entered Aahsod’s office shocked at the scene before her. She stood with her mouth agape before she finally found her voice.
“What’s going on here?” she asked.
“Aahsod and I are reminiscing about how good it felt to have his hands on my breasts.” Monica stated rubbing herself against him.
“Amaia, she is lying!” He pulled away from her.
“Aahsod, who is this woman?”
“Hi, Amaia, I’m Monica Kellerman. Aahsod and I were lovers about eleven years ago. He invited me here to discuss our son Aahmod’s financial welfare.”
“What son is she talking about, Aahsod?”
“She is lying. She is wired. If you look, you will notice that there is a microphone between her breasts.”
Amaia headed towards the door. She could not believe the stupid story he came up with. Aahsod rushed to stop her.
“Amaia, if you would just look you would see I am telling the truth.”
“I don’t want to look between that slut’s breasts. I can’t believe you did. I came to tell you that I decided to go home early.”
Aahsod touched her and she flinched away from him. “I’ll see you at home,” she said in a cold emotionless voice.
“Amaia don’t leave like this.”
“We will talk at home.” She left without looking back.
Chapter 12When she was gone, Aahsod turned cold black eyes back on Monica. “You aren’t leaving here until you tell me who put you up to this!”
“Would you like to reach for the microphone again?”
“Don’t make me wring your neck. There isn’t a child. You got pleasure out of telling me you had aborted our child.”
Monica let out a dramatic sigh. “There really is a child. He is yours. I didn’t have the abortion. I know you don’t believe me. I named him Aahmod Balil Kellerman. I never planned to tell you about him. Someone went through the trouble off digging into your past to find me. I don’t know who it was that contacted me. Whoever it was, he or she offered me five thousand dollars to come here and tell you about Aahmod. I have a picture of him if you want to see it.”
“As nice as that little story sounds, I won’t accept another man’s bastard without some hard evidence.”
“We could have a blood test done.”
“A DNA test would be more accurate.”
“Are you going to pay for it?”
“Yes, I’ll gladly pay for it. I’ll do anything to get you out of my ha
ir. I’d like for you to leave now. I’m going to go home to talk to my wife.”
Monica dug into her purse and took out a picture of Aahmod then laid it on the desk.
“I’ll call you about the DNA testing.” She stated before departing.
He picked up the picture and studied the child staring back at him. He had light copper skin, midnight black hair with baby blue eyes like Monica. Aahsod could tell by his features that he was half Indian but he was not about to let that sway his judgment. He knew he wasn’t the only Indian she had slept with. He finally put the picture in the breast pocket of his shirt. He thought long and hard to try to figure out who would want to come between him and Amaia so desperately. He finally gave up and decided to go on home.
Amaia was in the living room on the phone with Daesha.
“How did things go at your appointment?”
“I am having twins.”
“Twins!”
“That was my exact reaction.”
“I’m sure Aahsod was excited.”
“Yes, he was.”
“How are things between the two of you?”
Amaia was silent. She was trying to control her emotions. She did not want to drag her daughter into her problems.
“Mom, are you still there?”
“Yes, honey.”
“Something is wrong. What is it?”
“Everything is fine. I just had to catch my breath. It isn’t easy carrying twins. How are things between you and Tahj?”
“Okay I guess. We hardly get to see one another. We are so engrossed with our studies that we barely have time to date. Things should get better when spring semester gets here. We’ll at least have a week for Spring break.”
“That’s good. I’d better go so you can study. I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I can’t wait for summer break to get here.”
“It will be here before you know it. I’ll talk with you soon.” She hung up the phone with a sigh.
She was so bemused; she didn’t hear the housekeeper come into the living room. She jumped when Camille Ramsey said her name.
“Mrs. Patel, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Dinner is ready so I’ll be going on home.”
“That’s fine, Camille. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Camille nodded and smiled as she headed for the door. Aahsod was entering as Camille was departing.
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