Natasha rises on her toes and creeps to the corridor that houses the NICU. She slowly pushes the door and sneaks inside. Passing through the nurses’ station, she reaches the NICU door. She’s about to push the door when a hand lands at her back.
“Missus Jaysingh, Doctor Chinmaya wants to talk to you.” Natasha tries to read the nurse’s face, but she’s wearing a bland look. Natasha couldn’t gather a single clue as to why the pediatrician is calling her. A sudden wave of panic lances through her the moment she realizes the bleakness of the situation. Her baby was put on the ventilator last night. Reason—he wasn’t responding to external stimuli. His breathing was abnormal. He’s having difficulty breathing.
God! Natasha gasps as she reaches the threshold of doctor Chinmaya’s room. A jumble of panic, dread, anxiety whirls around her as she enters the room and slides in a chair across from the curly-haired doctor.
“It’s good news. Your baby has done well, and we have taken him off the ventilator. He’s on oxygen hood now, and we’ll slowly wean it down to mask. His breathing has improved, and he has very mild wheezing. We’ll continue giving him bronchodilators.”
Natasha feels tears spilling out of her eyes. Her lips quiver to say something but she can’t form any word.
“You okay, Missus Jaysingh?”
Natasha nods trying to speak but she can’t. She lets out a soft grunt.
“You can go now. The nurses will keep you informed about the baby's progress.”
“Thank you, doctor,” she groans as she gathers her feet. Her legs feel wobbly. She somehow manages to reach the lobby. She notices Vikram is up and awake. And though his face is ashen and gloomy, his parched lips are curved into a faint smile. There next to him, sits a lady. In off-white silk saree, she looks elegant. Her salt-and-pepper hair are tied into a neat bun at the back of her head and she’s talking to Vikram. The lady has her back to Natasha so Natasha couldn’t see her face. The lady is holding Vikram’s hands and they are talking as if they know each other for a very long time, maybe for years.
Who’s she?
The moment Natasha reaches Vikram, he stands upright. “Natz, where were you?”
“I…” Before Natasha could say anything, the lady rises on her feet and edges closer to Natasha. “How’s the baby?” Natasha sees the woman’s forehead creasing, eyes growing narrow and brow furrowing. “Missus Jaysingh!” Natasha shrieks with surprise.
“Tell me, how’s the baby.”
“He’s better now.”
“What? Did you meet the doctor?” Vikram blurts.
“Yes, they’ve taken him off the ventilator. His breathing is slowly returning to normal. Blood count is also improving.”
“Phew! Thank god.” The lady exhales a sigh of relief.
Natasha notices relief wash over both Missus Jaysingh and Vikram’s faces.
“Let’s go for a coffee now,” Vikram speaks.
“At least, let me introduce myself to the lady.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot you guys are meeting for the first time, though I’ve shown your pics to Natasha.”
“But you never sent me her pictures. You could’ve at least emailed me her pictures and tell me that you guys are…” The lady clears her throat. “Okay forget it. You tell me Natasha how did you fall for a brat like him.”
“He’s no brat, Missus Jaysingh. He’s the most sensitive, loving, caring, and sweet man I’ve ever met.”
“Did you hear, Mom? I’m not a brat anymore.”
“But you were, weren’t you?” Missus Jaysingh smiles. Vikram smiles too. And Natasha couldn’t control herself from spilling tears and grinning, both at the same time.
“No more tears, baby. Everything is gonna be fine.” Vikram reaches out to her and snakes an arm around her, folding her into a hug. “Guess what?" He kisses the top of her head.
“What?” Natasha lifts her head.
“Mom was the highest bidder. She bought the Jaysingh Enterprises. We’ve got our company back.”
“Really.”
“Yes. All true.” Vikram nods.
Epilogue
Christmas Day
Mesmerized with the fragrance of freshly baked Christmas puddings and cakes wafting from the confectionery shops and bakeries amidst the bustling street of Krishnagiri Christmas Market, Natasha tears her gaze away from the enormous Christmas tree dressed in glittering ornaments and white fairy lights draped around it.
She gazes at Samantha and the twins, Johnny and Romeo. Then her eyes travel to little Kabeer wearing all red and covered in his cozy fur coveralls, snuggled in Samantha’s lap. Her lips on their own curve into a blissful smile as she feels her heart swelling with abundant joy. Riding alongside the old yet gorgeous buildings of Krishnagiri in a Limousine, Natasha watches as people swarm in and out of the crowded coffee shops and bakeries like bees.
As the morning sky fades away, the amber hues are replaced with shades of blue and the sun shines brighter. This is going to be a perfect Christmas day.
The vehicles trail as the city streets bustle with festivities, people drenched with Christmas fun crowding the streets. Natasha gives a sweeping glance to her wristwatch as a nervous tingle runs through her belly.
No matter how much she’s enjoying the festivities, looking at the happy faces laced with sheer fun of Christmas, she wants to reach the church on time.
“Don’t worry. We’ll reach on time.” Samantha squeezes her hand and Natasha feels a bit relaxed.
It all seems like a dream come true. A day ago, Vikram proposes her with a diamond shining on the palm of his hand and a day later, she's going to marry him. Oh! It’s so incredible. She couldn’t believe she’s going to marry the man of her dreams, her secret crush. She’s going to marry Vikram Jaysingh.
How adamant Missus Jaysingh was about their marriage. She wants to see them tying the knot before she leaves for Italy. And at last, they have to agree for the church wedding on Christmas day.
Natasha gazes out the window and finds the old white building of St. Philomena’s Church materializing on the byroad.
“Look, we’re here and it’s still ten minutes to ten,” Samantha hollers, securing the baby in the crook of her arm while getting down the vehicle.
Natasha too climbs down the limo. The moment she steps out of the car, she’s greeted by Priya and Keshav.
“How are you, momma bride?” Priya grins, her white teeth glinting under the bright morning sun.
“Come on, let’s go.” Keshav offers his arm to Natasha and she loops hers with his. Her gown is not the heavy one but it’s indeed glamorous. It’s a classically simple strapless off-the-shoulder gown of pale white embroidered silk. It hugs her round hips, and a V-slit on the side makes it even sexier. Natasha hopes Vikram won’t get delirious after watching her wearing something so sexy. He has always seen her in full-sleeves blouses and pants, this gown is a little too revealing for her taste. But then, it’s your wedding day, not just any normal day where you wear your old traditional office formals. That’s what Samantha said when Natasha hesitated in buying such a glamorous wedding gown.
Natasha is in her thoughts when they reach the entrance of the church. Natasha enters and the gathering welcomes her with claps and smiles. Natasha notices most of her office colleagues cheering her up on her wedding day. Slowly walking down the aisle with her arm looped in Keshav’s, she reaches the altar.
There on the altar, she sees Vikram in his tuxedo. He’s all grins and smiles. His eyes are not ready to leave her. It feels as if he’s devouring Natasha with his eyes, almost making love to her. A kiss here and a caress there, and she comes undone.
With slow steps, she reaches the altar and stands across from him and then it’s all vows and promises. They exchange marital vows before saying those three magical words to each other—"Yes, I do.”
With that, the wedding is deemed to be complete. Vikram grabs her by her waist and presses a kiss on her lips.
“Merry Christmas, wifey. This dress reminds m
e of something.” he says, pulling back, his arms still locked around her waist.
“This is a wedding gown, silly.”
“But it’s as glamorous as that tiny black dress you wore that night,” Vikram whispers and Natasha feels heat rising to her cheeks. She drifts her eyes to the crowd and waves.
People clap and whistle. Christmas songs are played and amidst the crowd and people cheering and hugging, Natasha sees Missus Jaysingh smiling, sitting in the front row. Natasha smiles too. And just as the crowd starts dispersing, Vikram and Natasha walk down the altar and reach the front row. Missus Jaysingh stands upright and hugs them both.
“I’m so happy for both of you. Now, I can easily board the flight.” Wiping her eyes, she pulls back.
“What? When are you going?” Natasha speaks, her eyes widening, surprise lacing her voice.
“I have an evening flight to Munich. I have to attend a business conference at Vegas. After that, I’ll be off to Florence.
“You never told us about the business meet, Mom.”
“It’s come up suddenly, but I’ll be visiting you guys again during summer. Meanwhile, I’ll arrange for your trip to Europe, and Florence is on the itinerary too. We are meeting soon. Distance should not be the obstacle between us.”
“But Mom…”
“You have to be here, Vikram to look after your dad’s company. Wasn’t it your dream to get the Jaysingh Enterprises back to its old glory?”
“Yes, it was but not on the cost of leaving you alone.”
“I’m not alone. I can call you guys whenever I need you. Again, I say, distance should not be the obstacle if you want to meet your loved ones.”
Vikram purses his lips.
“Now cheer up, son, and take your bride home.”
“Hey, how about the cake cutting and lunch.” Samantha comes bounding out of nowhere, little Kabeer is now sucking his thumb, eyes gleaming like two shiny stars.
“Oh, yeah, I forgot. Let’s get going.”
“Yeah. Let’s…” A warm hand lands at the small of Natasha’s back and then a fragrant and sweet breath wafts into her nose. “I just can’t wait to have you. Let’s get over the ceremonies and I’m going to eat you up for lunch,” Vikram whispers against her ear, his warm breath strokes Natasha’s face while his heated stare makes her feet feel like jelly.
She also can’t wait to have him. Blush rises to her cheeks. Heat disperses to each fiber of her body. She smiles as they all walk to the exit of the church.
~The End~
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Latest Release (2019)
The Love Flight
Blurb
Twenty-one-year-old Esha Diwan has one of the most glamorous jobs on the planet. That of an air hostess.
But it’s hard work and not everyone’s cup of tea to work with the performance-oriented—Pan India Airlines.
Esha has no time to think anything beyond performing well and giving her best to the job she likes so much.
Is it her career that will keep this pretty Pan India air hostess allured all the time? Or do you think there's a chance that Esha will open her heart to other beautiful things of life.
Such as love…
What happens when a familiar male figure lurks in the cabin and takes Esha’s breath away?
Would Esha give herself into the delicious distraction the handsome traveller is offering right on-board?
Or would she keep her guard on keeping
Arjun Raghuvanshi away from shifting her world once again.
Has Esha ever had a thing for Arjun?
Has she ever crushed on Arjun?
And what about Arjun,
What does he think about the charming air hostess who once happened to be his neighbour.
The one who is years younger than him.
The one who was so tender and sweet back then
he couldn’t help but to feel protective about her (like his own little sister).
An unconventional love story with a devastatingly handsome hero, dark family secrets, an in-flight affair, and a thrilling conclusion awaits you…Read More>>>
About the Author
Mariyam Hasnain lives in the Garden City of Bangalore, India with her husband and son. She writes both sweet and clean contemporary romance as well as dark and steamy passionate romance. Her engaging plots portray strong independent women and rugged alpha men who beat the predictable, display deep emotions and courageously overcome extraordinary circumstances.
Discover the intriguing and unusual side of romance with her bestselling books! (You will always want to read more…)
You can find me at:
www.mariyamhasnain.com
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Other Books by Mariyam
Novels
The Wedding Planner
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Photographer
Renegade -
An Unfamiliar
Love Story
Revelation -
A Strangely Unfamiliar
Love Story
Camouflage -
Lost and Found
Boxed Set
Renegade Boxed Set
(Romantic Suspense Series
Book #1 & #2)
Short Stories
A Christmas Affair
Rage
Still Holding On
The Last Kiss
(Temptations#3)
The Naked Desire
(Temptations#2)
The Forbidden Wish
(Temptations#1)
Love Me Baby-
A Romance Novella
Short Story Collections
Still the Love Blooms:
12 Short Stories
Based on Current Events
Hearts & Kisses:
11 short love stories
Love & Lust:
Tales of Passion,
Desire, and Vehemence
Nonfiction
How to Write a Book -
A 12-Week Book Writing,
Publishing, and Marketing Challenge
The Love Flight - A Travel Romance
by
Mariyam Hasnain
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2019 © Mariyam Hasnain
www.mariyamhasnain.com
This book is a work of fiction. No part of the content relates to any real person or persons, living or dead.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages embodied in critical articles or in a review. The information in this book is distributed on an “as is” basis, without warranty. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imaginations or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Any opinions of the author have been rendered based on specific facts, under certain conditions, and subject to certain assumptions, and may not and should not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, including, but not limited to, for use in or in connection with any legal proceeding.
One
Esha Diwan stretched her legs under the warm blanket and tilted her head back on the pillow. She closed her eyes and tried to snuggle in the warmth of the cosy spring mattress.
Heaven. Esha thought relishing the comfort Hilton International, Mumbai, offered to its guests. Plush five-star layover hotels were one of the several bounties a flight attend
ant received as a part of their service.
Pan India contract with the layover hotels was superb. You would have a special Pan In menu in every layover hotel and were entitled to room service for all the meals in case you didn’t feel like going out to the cafeteria.
Esha felt blessed having been selected as the flight attendant of India’s most prestigious airline. She reminisced the day she had received her offer letter. She was on cloud nine, ready to burst into tears with sheer happiness. How happy she was.
That day. That same day, something unfortunate happened.
Esha felt her head throb. Her mouth went dry as she recalled the chain of events that happened later that day. Events that marred the brightness of that sunny October morning.
Shit. She wanted to forget everything.
Nah. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t forget anything.
How could she forget the man who ruined her sister’s life?
Esha closed her eyes tightly to curb the flow of tears. Just as she tried to blank out her mind of vague images of a man who was responsible for creating all the grim in their lives, her cell phone chimed.
Accidentally Ever After Page 17