“That’s a hell of a lot to ask of me after the way you have beguiled my daughter. You’re lucky that I am an altruistic person and my thoughts are of the welfare of Ambi and the baby. I’ll get the keys for you. I want you to be here when Daesha comes so you can explain this to her. I’d rather you did it alone. No offense to you, Ambi.”
“None, taken. I understand. I’ll feel better if I am not here.”
“Let me take them over to the house and I’ll return when you call me on my cell phone for me to come over and explain things to Daesha. I know she will be devastated but I hope we can remain friends.”
“That’s asking a lot.” Amaia handed him the keys.
He escorted his family out to the Mercedes and departed to Amaia’s house.
Chapter 17Thirty minutes later, Daesha was in a cab headed home. She was so excited about this visit. She hadn’t seen much of Tahj in the past few months. She blamed it on their studies. That was why she was looking forward to seeing him during the summer vacation. When she pulled up at the house, they were standing on the porch waiting for her. She jumped out of the cab with a bright smile. They did not return her smile.
“What’s wrong?”
“Let’s get your bags and go inside.” Aahsod stated getting her luggage out of the cab and paying the driver.
Once inside the house, she turned to her mother. “What’s going on, mom?”
“It is about Tahj.”
“Is he okay?”
“Daesha, he is married and has a six month old daughter named Neela.”
“M-M-Married? D-Daughter? I don’t understand.”
“Ambi had the baby six months ago but they have only been married three months.”
“Did you know he had a wife and child?” Daesha asked Aahsod.
“No, he sprung it on us when he arrived today. He had them with him.” Aahsod replied.
“What does Ambi look like?”
“Indian American.”
“Someone of his culture.” She said it serenely but the magnitude of her melancholy was etched on her face.
“Are you okay?” Amaia asked.
“Yes, where is he?”
“Out back on the patio.”
“Good, I want to get this over with.” She said heading out back to the area that had become their favorite relaxation spot.
“Hi,” he said as she approached him.
She didn’t return his amicable greeting. “When I was told the news, I felt as though my mother had snatched out my heart. I can’t begin to describe the fervor of hurt, anger, and abhorrence I feel right now!”
“I want us to be friends.”
She gave him a baneful look before speaking. “Your beguiling actions and the way that you have jettisoned me have eradicated any hopes of a friendship!”
“Please don’t be like this,” he begged with sad eyes.
“You are being a tad melodramatic. I am the one that deserves to be upset! You string me along pretending to love me when all the time you were cheating with another woman. I’m going to garner the rest of my pride and go inside! I don’t want to see or hear from you ever again! I’m glad you are going to law school here in San Diego! That way I can continue college in Miami without seeing you anymore!” she turned to walk away.
“I will always love you,” was his reply.
“I don’t think you know the meaning of the word love. You use it spuriously. All I can say is that Ambi and Neela’s life will be inauspicious when it comes to having you in their lives.” After saying that, she walked away without looking back. She didn’t start crying until she was upstairs inside her room with the door locked. Amaia knocked and knocked but Daesha wouldn’t open the door. Once her crying spell was over, Daesha called Sierra to come over. When Sierra entered the house, Amaia hugged her.
“When she won’t talk to me, I feel better knowing she will at least talk to you.”
“Thanks Mrs. Patel.” Sierra stated heading up to Daesha’s room.
When Sierra arrived at her room she knocked. “Daesha, it’s Sierra.”
Daesha opened the door and closed it after Sierra was inside. She looked at Sierra with red puffy eyes from crying.
“Oh my God! What the hell is going on?” Sierra asked hugging Daesha.
When they finally pulled apart, they walked over to the bed and sat down.
“Remember when I was calling you from my dorm taking about how Tahj and I rarely saw one another and you said to just be patient and things would be fine?”
“And?”
“He is married with a daughter.”
“No freaking way! Seriously?”
Daesha nodded as the tears flowed. “So dude was cheating on you?” Sierra asked with a shocked expression.
“I guess so.”
Sierra pulled her back into an embrace. “I hate that you are hurting but do realize that there is someone out there for you.”
“Do you think that you and Roman would have married if you hadn’t gotten pregnant?”
“Girl, yes. Roman was so whipped that he is just as happy now as he would have been without RoRo.”
“I really wish I had what you have.”
“It will come in time. Don’t give up. You know that I love you like a sister.”
“I love you too.”
“I need to get home to my little family. Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. Thanks for coming.”
Sierra hugged her again before departing from the room then the house.
When Tahj arrived at the house, Ambi was wake in the bedroom.
“How did it go?”
“Horrible and I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Can we make love?”
He climbed under the covers and pulled her close and captured her mouth in a soft yet passionate kiss. She moaned into his mouth. She hoped for a night of unbridled passion. Tahj gave her exactly what she was hoping for. He had to kiss her to keep her from screaming and waking the baby. There was no way he would tell her that he had to think of Daesha to be able to make love to her.
Aahsod had just finished drying off from his shower when Amaia entered the bathroom.
“What’s wrong my love?”
“Aahsod, I think I am in labor.” She said doing her Lamaze breathing.
“You’re three weeks early.” He said rushing to get dressed.
“DaVeda said it was to be expected.” She sat down at the vanity table and her water broke.
Aahsod rushed to get dressed as he decided to allow his hair to hang loose to dry. He hurried down the hall to inform Daesha. He banged on her bedroom door.
“Go away!”
“Daesha, I know you are upset and but your mother is in labor. Her water just broke.”
Daesha snatched the door open. “Where is she?”
“In our bedroom sitting at her vanity table. Go sit with her while I call the doctor and put her belongs in the car.”
Daesha nodded before rushing to get dressed then she went to go sit with her mother. When she arrived in the room, Amaia was still doing the Lamaze breathing.
“How far apart are the contractions?”
“About ten minutes.”
“Aahsod should be back momentarily.”
Amaia nodded at she continued the breathing. Finally Aahsod came rushing back in the room.
“I phoned Dr. Sharpe from the car. She will meet us at the hospital. She said she would call and make you a direct admit to the hospital. She wants me to take you to the admitting desk so that someone will collect you in a wheelchair and take you up to the Women’s Health Unit.”
When they arrived at the hospital, Amaia’s contractions were five minutes apart. By the time she was placed in a room, Dr. Sharpe was ready to examine her. Aahsod and Daesha were at her side.
“Amaia you are at seven centimeters. I am going to call the anesthesiologist to do the epidural.”
“Thanks, DaVeda.”
“If the labo
r goes well, you can deliver vaginally but any problems you are off to the operating room for a caesarean birth.”
Amaia just nodded between breathing and contractions. Aahsod was massaging her back. Two hours had passed and the epidural was giving her a peaceful labor. The next time Dr. Sharpe assessed her, she was concerned about the stagnation of the cervical dilation and the deceleration of the baby’s heart beat.
“Amaia, the twins are in distress and I need to get them out. We are going to prep you for a caesarean delivery.”
“I’m ready. Can Aahsod and Daesha come?”
“Just one of them so make up your mind before they roll you out of here.” Dr. Sharpe stated with a soft smile before departing.
“Mom, you know I would love to be there but it is only right for Aahsod to be there.”
“Thanks for understanding, Daesha.”
Daesha smiled and kissed her mother on the cheek. Soon Amaia was being taken to the operating room. Aahsod dressed for the occasion and joined his wife. They both were in tears as they witnessed the birth of their twins. As the doctor was closing, Amaia, Aahsod went to the waiting area to see Daesha.
“You have a brother and sister. Aahleigha Robbyn and Rahshod Jahcobi.”
“How is mom?”
“She is doing fine. We will get to see her when she comes out of the recovery room.”
“Congratulations.” She said hugging him.
“Thanks,” he gave her a bright smile. “I am going to go call Tahj. He’ll probably want to come down here. If you don’t think you can handle it, I will tell him to wait until you are gone.”
“It will be alright. I’m more concerned about my mother and new siblings than I am about him. He is the last thing on my mind.”
Aahsod nodded and headed to the pay phone. Tahj was fast asleep when the phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Son, I am just calling to let you know Amaia just gave birth by caesarean section to your brother and sister. Rahshod Jacobi and Aahleigha Robbyn. Are you up to coming to visit?”
“Is Daesha there?”
“Of course she is. She said it wouldn’t bother her if you want to come. Are you coming?”
“No, I think Ambi and I will wait and come in the morning. That way, we won’t have to wake Neela up right now to bring her with us.”
“I understand. I will see you in the morning.”
“Good night dad.” He hung up with a sigh.
After Aahsod hung up, he called Joesi. She was so excited. She promised to come visit in the morning.
Ambi touched him on the arm but he gently pushed her hand away and put his back to her.
“Tahj, you have to remember you chose to marry me. I hope your attitude is different in the morning.”
“Ambi, I am tired. I know I chose to marry you. You don’t have to remind me about that. If I did not want to be with you I wouldn’t be here. Just go to sleep and we will see what tomorrow brings for both of us.”
Chapter 18The next morning when Tahj arrived at the hospital, he went up to Amaia’s room immediately hoping to get a chance to see Daesha again. She was in the room with Aahsod and Amaia. Daesha was feeding Aahleigha while Aahsod feed Rahshod. Daesha would not look at him. He sighed to himself.
“Hello, dad, Amaia and Daesha.”
Aahsod and Amaia returned his greeting but Daesha snorted and handed the baby to Amaia.
“Well, congratulations to both of you.” Tahj stated.
“Thanks,” they said in unison.
“Where is Ambi and Neela?” Amaia asked.
“They are back at the house. She said she wasn’t ready to face everyone at this time. She told me to just come alone.”
“She doesn’t need to fear me. I am not a vindictive scorned woman.”
“She doesn’t’ fear you, Daesha. She just did not want to be uncomfortable.”
“Look how protective you are of her. Gosh you must really do love her.”
“Don’t do this, Daesha.”
“Do what? Express myself?”
Tahj was about to respond when Amaia cut in. “The two of you will not ruin our moment with our twins. You had your opportunity for this yesterday so stop it.”
“Sorry, mom and Aahsod.” Daesha stated.
“I’m sorry too.” Said Tahj.
“Now that you are both here, there is more news that we have to share with you that is rather shocking.”
“What could be more shocking than the two of you having twins?” Tahj asked.
“You have an eleven year old brother by the name of Aahmod.”
“You are kidding right?” Tahj asked.
“No just found out about it not long ago.”
“Dad, the only woman you had a relationship with eleven years ago was Monica Kellerman. Please don’t tell me it was that blonde whore.”
Amaia coughed to stifle a laugh. Aahsod gave her the evil eye as he cleared his throat. “Well, yes it is her. DNA testing proved that he is my son. You will all get to meet him soon.”
“Wow Aahsod, you are just the most fertile man I have ever met. Mom, you might want to think about him getting a vasectomy.” Daesha giggled.
“That’s not funny, Daesha.” Amaia giggled a little herself.
“I hope he isn’t anything like Monica.” Tahj stated.
“That’s not fair Tahj. That’s like someone saying he or she hoped Neela wasn’t anything like you.” Daesha stated.
“Not a woman scorned? You really need to keep out of this. You have no idea what that woman put my father through. Your snide remarks will not be tolerated.”
“Take it outside and get it out of your system.” Aahsod stated as he placed Rahshod in the bassinet. Amaia handed Aahleigha to him so he could do the same with her.
“Dad is right. We really need to talk this out. You really did not let me talk before Daesha.”
“Fine, you can take me back to the house.”
“Works for me.”
As they were departing, Joesi Leland was entering. She hugged them before they departed. She then went over to the bed to admire the twins.
When they arrived at the house, Daesha unlocked the door. They sat on opposite ends of the couch in the living room. There was dead silence.
“You wanted to talk so talk.” Daesha stated.
“I have never seen you so mean spirited like this. I don’t think I like it.”
“You have no say about me anymore.”
“I didn’t do this to hurt you.”
“You are such a liar. I don’t believe you. I was just another pawn in your game of lust. Remember you said it yourself that you used your pimp name Jalil just to score with girls.”
“Those were not my words exactly. You really know how to twist things for your advantage.”
“It does not matter what you say, Tahj. It has the same meaning in the end.”
Tahj was about to respond when the doorbell chimed. Daesha was happy for a distraction. She opened it to a smiling Rahjah.
“Hi, beautiful. I heard about the babies. Thought maybe you would like to go with me to the hospital.”
“I just came from there. But I don’t mind going back with you.” She moved back for him to enter the room.
When he entered his eyes immediately connected with Tahj. “Well, well, cousin Tahj, don’t you think you should be with your wife and daughter. I heard about your little marriage.”
“You need to mind your own business. You can go to the hospital alone. Daesha and I were having a discussion.”
“A discussion that is over. You can leave now, Tahj.”
“I think the woman has spoken.” Rahjah stated.
“You have always wanted my leftovers. Daesha is too classy for the likes of you.”
“Leftovers? Is that what you think of me, Tahj?” Daesha inquired in shock.
“No let me explain.”
“Just leave.” She opened the door for him to depart.
Once he was gone, Daesha broke int
o tears. Rahjah pulled her close to comfort her.
“I really do not see what you saw in him. He is my cousin but he has always been a dog.”
“So you are saying you aren’t?” she pulled back to smile softly at him through her tears.
“No but at least I am honest up front about what I want from a woman. I will admit that you are sexy as hell and I want you but I won’t take you. I want you to come to me willingly if you chose to. You will have to be the one to make the first move Daesha. I won’t make that mistake again. I know you are hurt and vulnerable right now so just let me know if you are interested.”
“I just need a friend right now, Rahjah.”
“Then a friend I am. Now let’s go see those babies.”
She nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. Once they were in his Land Rover, she pushed all thoughts of Tahj from her mind.
When Tahj arrived home, Ambi had Neela dressed and they were both ready to travel.
“I take it this means you want to go see the babies?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Daesha will be there.”
“I have to get use to her at some point.”
“Remember you said that. Let’s go.”
When they arrived at the hospital, everyone was visiting. His father’s and Amaia’s family were present. He decided now was a good time to introduce Ambi to everyone.
“Hello everyone, I would like to introduce all of you to my wife Ambi Dalal-Patel and my daughter, Neela Fanai Patel. This is Amaia’s mother and father Naomi and Jacob Jennings, her brother Cayle Jennings and his wife Raechel, and her sister, Beverlee, my grandfather Kasar and my grandmother, Behula, my aunt Vema Patel-Balin, my uncle Sanjay Balin, my cousin Sitara, my cousin Rahjah, and Amaia’s daughter Daesha. The new twins are Aahleigha and Rahshod Patel.”
After everyone had a chance to say hello, Amaia came up with an idea.
“As soon as I get my strength back up, I would like to have a dinner party at the house. Is everyone okay with that?” Everyone was in agreement.
“Well, I will come if Daesha will be my date.” Rahjah asked her with a smile.
“I would love to.” Daesha replied with a smile.
“It is just a dinner party.” Tahj stated.
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