Note: Hi all. I'm traveling for work and therefore haven't found time to write or publish. This chapter was written in the plane today during a four hour flight. I have no idea what I'm writing because I can't remember what I wrote before and I don't have time to go back and re-read, but here it is. I was listening to this song on classic hits on the plane audio, so I wrote the chapter around it 😁😁 For what it's worth, enjoy 🤣🤣

That Night @7pm
Ishita and Raman's Villa

Ishita looked around anxiously and then smiled in relief, as she caught sight of her babies giggling away at the television, their baby sitters hovering protectively around them.

She had just arrived with Mihika at their villa from Mr & Mrs Mehta's villa, where the ladies had been getting dressed up for the part that evening.

It had been a busy day, jam packed with activities.

The men and Adi had been taken out deep sea fishing that morning, while Mihika, Ruhi and she had accompanied Mrs Mehta and her girls to the main land to buy outfits for the evening. She had reluctantly left her twins behind with the baby sitters, and had fretted about them most of the morning, even as she oohed and aahed over the beautiful designer dresses that had been paraded before them.

They had all met up for lunch, the men full of stories about the big one that got away, and Adi brown and peeling, grinning sheepishly as his Ishima told him off for forgetting his sunscreen.

She had noticed how tired Raman looked, but she was glad that he was smiling, his eyes straying to her often, meeting hers, speaking volumes. There was still some anxiety in his smile though, and she knew it was because of what lay ahead that evening - the dinner dance, and Gina Shah. To be honest, she was nervous too about meeting Gina. Not because she doubted her husband's fidelity, but because of the woman's past claim on Raman. She could not help, would never be able to completely conquer, the smoldering embers of the irrational jealousy that gripped her whenever she thought of any woman from her husband's past. She looked at his aquiline features as he spoke to Mr Mehta, the way his short hair sprung back from his brow, the way his eyes crinkled as he laughed, and tears filled her eyes as the realization of the overwhelming and overpowering love that she felt for him flooded over her again.

'Okay?" He mouthed at her, and she nodded, blinking back her tears, realizing she had been caught staring. How could she have doubted him? They had come to this paradise, and had wasted two days in unnecessary fighting. Still, there was tonight, and the rest of the week. "Okay" she mouthed back, as he continued to stare anxiously at her. And then one of the babies yelled out and she looked away.

Raman continued to stare at his wife as she attended to their baby boy, wiping Ishaan's mouth as he babbled something happily to her. He knew she would be anxious about tonight, about meeting Gina Shah. They had talked this morning, they had cleared the air, the doubts that both had harbored, but their reconciliation had been incomplete. He wished that he had been able to take her into his arms, to reassure her again of his love. He wondered about the tears he had seen, before she blinked them away. Was it due to the anxieties about tonight, or just happiness that they had sorted out their problems? How could he have ever doubted her, that she still harbored feelings for that bastard... that imbecile... that.... They had come to paradise and had wasted two days fighting, but he would make it up to her. Tonight.

After lunch Raman and Mihir had gone off with Mr Mehta to finalize some publicity material and to look over the preparations for the evening, while Ishita had taken her babies to the beach, frolicking with them in the shallows, her heart much lighter than it had been the day before, her smile much brighter.

Her two tired little babies had dozed off after their swim and she had taken a short nap with them too, cuddling with both on the huge king sized bed in Raman's room. She had woken up to the vibrating alarm on her wristwatch at 5pm to find her husband fast asleep beside them, and had gazed adoringly at all three for a few moments. Raman had looked so tired and stressed this morning, but now, in repose, years appeared to have been wiped off his face, his brow unfurrowed, a slight smile on his lips.

She stared at him for a few moments, her eyes flicking from him to her children. They looked so much like their papa, the same stubborn brows, the same pouting full lips. Her heart ached as she gazed at them - there could never be room for doubt again. This love was too precious to risk for anything. For him, as much as for her. And she knew, she finally knew, that the past mattered not an iota, everything that was true was with them, was within them.

She had been careful not to disturb Raman and the babies as she had picked up her packed duffle bag and crept out of the room, closing the door softly behind her. Tonight was going to be another long night for him, and she wanted him to get his rest.

She saw as she entered the living room that both babysitters had returned after their break, and were waiting with Mihika and Ruhi.

"Mumma, chalo na" Ruhi had cried out impatiently as she entered the living room. (Mumma let's go)

"Shhh" Ishita brought a finger to her lips. "Papa aur babies so rahe hai beta." (Shhhh. Papa and the babies are sleeping darling)

"I know mumma. I met papa when he got back, but you were sleeping then. Papa said he will take a nap and then go to the party. And Mihir chachu and Adi bhaiya went out for a walk. You can meet everyone at the party. But we have to get ready first. Mujhe bhi party mein jaana hai. Chalo naaaaaa" (I have to go to the party too. Let's gooooo)

"Theek hai baba. Chalte hai" ( Allright, allright, let's go) Ishita had laughed at her daughter's impatience. Ruhi was truly growing up, if this latest fascination with clothes and getting dolled up was any indication. She thought back to the five year old who had stolen her heart and had made her a mother. So much had changed in their lives over the past 5 years, but one thing hadn't - their love.

And so, her heart bursting with love and gratitude, she had given some last minute instructions to the babysitters and then accompanied her daughter and sister to the waiting golf cart to be driven to the Mehta villa.

The next two hours had passed by in a pleasurable blur of spa treatments, hair arrangements and make up. She had been plucked and powdered and preened and patted until she could barely recognize the woman who looked back at her from the mirror.

"Wow akka, you look stunning" a similarly unrecognizable Mihika had whispered to her, as they stared awestruck into the mirror.

"It's not too much is it Mihika?" Ishita asked uncertainly as she stared at herself uncertainly.

Her hair had been teased out into soft curls which cascaded over her bare shoulders, soft and shiny, the sun damage of the past two days expertly masked. Soft highlights had added bounce to her curls, making her hair gleam with radiance. Her face had been exfoliated and then soothed, finished off with a light touch, but with bold red lips and smoky eyes which gave her a sultry seductive look so unlike her usual every day makeup. Her brows were perfect black arches, her eyelashes curling softly over her big black eyes.

"No akka. It's just perfect. You're so beautiful, jeeju toh flat ho jayenge." (Jeeju will get bowled over) Mihika had laughed as she embraced her sister. Mrs Mehta had echoed Mihika's sentiments when she saw Ishita, and had given her the seal of approval as the two women picked up their bags ready to return to their own villa. Ruhi had already gone off with the Mehta girls to the junior ball, and it was time for Ishita and Mihika to get into their evening apparel before being picked up for the function at 7.30.

"You will be the most beautiful woman in the room tonight Ishita, and don't you doubt that" Mrs Mehta had said as she waved them goodbye. Ishita knew exactly what she meant, but to be honest, she wasn't bothered about being outshone by Gina Shah. She wasn't trying to compete with the Bollywood star, she didn't have to. There was only one person whose opinion mattered. One person who she wanted to make proud tonight. And that was her husband.

But the final step in her preparations was still outstanding. She still had to wear the designer gown that she had been cajoled into buying that morning .

She walked over to her children, kissing them swiftly while expertly avoiding their grubby hands, and then stepped away reluctantly. She would miss her babies so much tonight, but she knew they would be in good hands. She had already given extensive instructions to Sera and Luisa, and Mihika and Mihir would be here too. They would be fine.

And so with a final love filled glance, she moved away to her room. To get dressed.

Half an Hour Later - 7.30 pm

"Akka, they are here to pick us up. Come out na"

Mihika's voice was loud and urgent as Ishita stood staring at herself nervously in the full length mirror in her bedroom. She smoothed her dress, giving one final critical look at herself.

She did not realise it, but she looked absolutely stunning. Tonight she had done away with her usual kanjeevaram sari look, had trusted the designer to select a dress for her, and the result was ethereal. She had lost a lot of weight in the past year, courtesy of her very active babies, and age had added confidence and a certain finesse to her features. And tonight, the shimmering red floor length gown just added to her beauty. The dress was of a plain red silk, covered in thousands of sequins which closely molded to her slim body, falling away from her thighs in a flowing cascade. Her hair cascaded over her bare shoulders, hiding the spaghetti straps that held the dress up. Her neck was bare but shimmering diamond earrings adorned her ears. Her arms and hands were bare too, except for a diamond tennis bracelet on one slim wrist. They were both past presents from Raman and she was glad that she had brought them with her - the diamonds added just the right touch of sophistication to her already glamorous outfit. Her feet were encased in strappy red heels, the toenails painted the same color. Her dress echoed her lip colour perfectly - she looked stunning, sophisticated, and classy.

"Akka" Mihika called out again, and Ishita crossed her fingers nervously, before picking up her phone. She had packed a small bag for the night, and had left it on the bed as instructed by Raman. It would be transported to the honeymoon island shortly, along with a similar bag he had packed. But the island would be later. Right now, she had to go out and face the world.

She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Ten minutes later - at the door to the ballroom

"Mihika stop it" Ishita mock scowled at her younger sister as Mihika continued to gaze in awe at her. She had kept it up during the ride to the ballroom, refusing to stop admiring her sister.

"But I'm telling you akka, you look out of this world." Mihika persisted.

"You look amazing yourself" Ishita retorted, similing at her sister, radiant in a long flowing aqua blue gown, her baby bump making itself known.

"I can't wait to take off these shoes and all this make up akka. I've told Mihir, he better take me back to the villa early. Besides, mujhe Chunnu Munnu ke saath khelna hai." ( Besides, I want to play with my babies)

"Miku, please look after them. I feel so bad about..." Ishita started, only to be cut off by her exasperated sister.

"Come on akka, Kitni baar bataoge aap? ( come on akka, how many times will you tell me the same thing?) I am a responsible adult and I've looked after them before. And I have Ruhi, Adi, and two trained babysitters to help. Mihir is useless, but the others are all responsible."

"Excuse me, kya kaha madam ne? So I'm useless, am I? Waise tumhari haalat dekh kar toh nahi lagta ki mein useless hoon, kyun bhabhi?) ( Excuse me, what did madam say? So I'm useless am I? It doesn't seem I'm useless from looking at your condition, does it bhabhi?)

Mihir had come up behind them and they both pirouetted around to face him as he spoke.

"You look........" Mihir's voice trailed off as he looked first at his radiant laughing wife and then his smiling bhabhi. He stared at Ishita in awe.

"My God bhabhi. Aaj toh qayamat hoga, waarish hogi, bijliyaan giregi jab bhai aap ko dekhega. You look amazing. Meri wali se bhi amazing." (My God bhabi. Today will be a day of reckoning, the heavens will open, lightning will strike when bhai sees you. You look amazing. Even more amazing then my wife)

"My buddhu is right, for the first time" Mihika chipped in, looking proudly at her sister. "Jeeju is going to be flat"

"Where is your bhai Mihir?" Ishita could not help some of the anxiety creeping back into her voice.

"The chief guest is already here bhabi, the Minister for Tourism. Raman bhai is with him and the Mehtas. They are about to start the formal part of the program. You're both late, and I've been waiting to escort you both in. Come please"

"Sorry Mihir" Ishita looked anxiously at Mihir and then took his proffered arm, as Mihika took his other arm.

" Let's go" she said.

And the doorman flung the doors open.

***********************************
Raman was standing at the stage at the front of the large glamorously decorated ballroom, looking anxiously towards the door.

The ballroom was dotted with 15 tables of 6 to 10, filling up most of the space except for the stage and a small dance floor just in front of it.

Most of the guests were already seated, the air redolent with perfume and glamour, as the Who's Who of Fijian society sparkled and shimmered in their glad rags. Only his wife was still missing. Trust his madrassan to be late, he thought wryly, as he glanced around.

Mr & Mrs Mehta were seated at the head table with Gina Shah, the Minister and his wife, and there were two empty chairs. One for him and one for his Ishita. He had tried to get out of sitting at the head table, but Mr Mehta had insisted. And of course Gina could not be denied her place there either. She was busy in conversation with the Minister at the moment, but he knew that she was waiting to meet Ishita, her claws sheathed for the moment, but at the ready.

The band behind him stopped playing and he picked up the mic.

"Ladies and Gentlemen " he started. "Welcome"

And then the doors opened, and a vision stood before him. He stood speechless as Mihir dropped Mihika at their table and then proceeded to the front of the room to the head table, pulling back the vacant chair on the Ministers wife's left as Ishita took her seat. The eyes of everyone in the room had been riveted on her as she quickly made her way down the room, but none more so than those of Raman Bhalla. He saw his wife sit down, saw her look up at him, a shy smile on her lips, and his heart did yet another flip.

"Go on" she mouthed at him, and that was when he realized that he was standing at the stage, at the final opening ceremony of a multi million dollar resort, staring in awe at his beautiful wife, his mouth open, while a roomful of guests waited for him to speak.

She had taken his speech away. Hell, she had taken his breath away. He had forgotten his prepared remarks. Had forgotten where he was. Had forgotten everything except the beauty in front of him. And suddenly nothing seemed to matter any more. Not this evening. Not the resort. All he wanted was to take her away. To be alone with her. To finish making up in the way they hadn't been able to that morning. He needed her, needed her with the desperation that their fights always lent to their reconciliations, needed her with the edgy hunger that their separations always aw0ke in him. But to get her away, he needed to finish this first.

"Ladies and gentlemen" he started again, a wry smile on his lips, his eyes still fixed on his wife. "Forgive me, I've forgotten everything I am supposed to be saying. You see, my wife just walked into the room and I'm afraid that I become incapable of speech in her presence. This resort, this luxury resort that the Mehta Group is proud to have invested in, has had several opening functions over the past week. But for me, and for Mr Mehta, tonight is the most special of all the functions, because tonight, our beautiful better halves are with us. This resort, this beautiful resort, is Mr Mehta's gift to this wonderful country, and it is only befitting that this occasion be shared with our families. So tonight, I would like to invite not just Mr Mehta, but also Mrs Mehta to come up with the honorable Minister for Tourism, and his beautiful wife, to dedicate the opening of this resort."

The audience clapped as Mr & Mrs Mehta walked up to the stage with the Minister and his wife, and Raman handed the mic to Mr Mehta. And then as he turned to look at his wife again, his smile froze on his face as he saw Gina Shah move from her chair to sit next to Ishita. The two women were alone at the table. What had he done?

***********************************
Ishita clapped with the others as the men and their wives excused themselves and walked to the front of the room. She was looking with pride at her husband, when she saw the smile freeze on his face, as the empty chair next to her was suddenly occupied. And she knew, even before she turned to face her, that Gina Shah had sat next to her.

She had noticed Gina at the table, of course. The Bollywood star was hard to miss, her beauty luminous, her charms obvious in her skin tight black sheath, a deep v neck revealing a perfect cleavage and masses of raven locks cascading down her back. Ishita had known that Gina would want to engage with her, would want to size her up, but she had been hoping that Raman would be with her when that happened. But Raman was on the stage, and she would have to face this in her own.

She turned and looked at the woman squarely in the face.

"Ms Shah" she said pleasantly, hoping that her voice wasn't betraying her sudden nervousness. "We haven't met. I'm Ishita Bhalla."

"Oh I know who you are" Gina smiled back as she looked Ishita up and down. "And we have met, in a way. Except that you fainted when you saw me."

"Not when I saw you" Ishita retorted, stung by the woman's insolent air, her dismissive glance. "When I heard you. And that was because I misunderstood what you said. But this is not the time to discuss personal matters Ms Shah. We should listen to Mr Mehta." She gestured towards the stage, where Mr Mehta was speaking.

"I've heard it all before" Gina drawled. "You forget I was here for a week before you came. I've attended several functions already. With Raman."

Ishita's smile did not waver as she continued to look at the stage , where Mr Mehta was still speaking. But her ears were burning. Gina's insinuation was unmistakable.

"I know." She replied quietly. "I saw the photos. And Raman told me how you stepped in at the last moment as the brand ambassador. Thank you for doing that. This project means a lot to my husband."

"Don't thank me Ishita Bhalla." Gina said dryly. "I know you heard me the other night. And believe me you didn't misunderstand anything. I meant what I said and my intention hasn't changed. I mean to marry Raman. And have no doubt about it, I will take him from you. Maybe not here, on this island, this week. I have to go back to India tomorrow. I have shooting schedules. And you've made it impossible for me to get close to Raman since you got here. But one day very soon, Raman will be mine again. You are different to what I imagined, you're not just some simple sari wearing housewife, I can see that. But you don't compare to me. No one compares to me. And no man can resist me. No man can resist Gina Shah."

There was an unmistakeable confidence, an unshakeable belief in her voice and Ishita's heart sunk. She did not doubt her husband. He was as free of his past as she was of hers. But just how would they deal with this menace? This woman could be a formidable foe. And she was determined to break up their marriage.

Ishita's uncertainty must have shown on her face, and Gina gave a short laugh as the people around them started to applaud. "I mean what I say, Ishita Bhalla" she said softly. Ishita looked up, but was saved from answering as Mr & Mrs Mehta returned to the table with the Ministers wife, leaving the Minister at the stage with Raman to deliver his prepared speech.

"Everything okay Ishita?" Mrs Mehta squeezed Ishita's hand as she glared at Gina Shah, who gave another short laugh and moved back to her original chair. Mrs Mehta took the chair next to Ishita and bent her head towards the younger woman. "She didn't upset you, did she?" She whispered conspiratorially, gesturing towards Gina, who was now whispering to Mr Mehta.

"No" Ishita shook her head, looking up again to where her husband was staring anxiously at her. She smiled at Mrs Mehta and then smiled at her husband. She would not let that woman upset her. Not tonight.

***********************************

The speech was over, the plaque had been unveiled and the band had struck up a tune again as Raman returned to the table with the Minister. The Minister made a beeline for the vacant seat next to Ishita and Raman saw with a sinking heart that the only other vacant seat was between the Ministers wife and Gina Shah. He went and sat down, smiling graciously at the dignified Fijian lady, and then looked up the table at his wife.

She was making small talk with the Minister, not looking at her husband, but Raman could tell she was aware of him with every pore of her being. He gazed at her, his own body and mind attuned in every way to her, willing her to look at him. She looked even more beautiful now that he was closer to her. He had seen her in every way, shape and form - from the voluptuous neighbour who had stolen his heart while marooned in the snow in New Zealand; to the nervous fiancée who had struggled with her guilt to marry him in secret; then his shy bride quivering in red and gold that unforgettable night in Rajasthan; the hesitant lover who allowed him to lead her into unexplored sensual territories; the wild vixen who matched him in his ardor; the pregnant wife who believed herself unattractive; the mother of his children. But tonight - there was something about her. He had known her, loved her, in every way possible, and yet tonight she was someone different.

"Mr Bhalla" he realised with a start that the Ministers wife was talking to him and he tore his eyes away from Ishita, turning towards the older woman.

"I'm so sorry ma'am" he said apologetically. "I'm afraid I was..."

"You were looking at your wife" Mrs Koroi said with a laugh. "She is very beautiful, I must say. And it's pretty obvious that you are crazy about her."

"Yes" Raman said without hesitation as he looked at his wife again, his eyes smoldering as he drank in her beauty. He was oblivious to the glares of the movie star next to him, oblivious to her clutching fingers on his arm. All he could see was his wife, his Ishita. "Yes" he repeated, his lips curving into a slow smile as she finally looked across the table at him, meeting his eyes. "I am."

He continued to gaze at his wife as champagne was served, touching the flute first to Mrs Koroi's glass and then to Gina's, toasting the success of the Resort. And of tonight.

"To tonight" he mouthed as he continued to devour his wife with his eyes. She blushed and he smiled, his smile changing to a frown as Gina continued to claw at him with her talon like nails.

"Raman" she pouted. "I was saying something. You're ignoring me"

"I'm sorry Gina. Excuse me Mrs Koroi" he stood up and bowed to both women, before striding off towards the stage. He was back in a few minutes, just in time for the salads that were being served.

"Where did you go to Raman?" Gina demanded.

"You'll find out soon enough" he had smiled. "Everyone will."

***********************************
There had been no dramas during dinner. Ishita's attention had been monopolized by the Minister, who was clearly enthralled by her beauty. Raman had devoted himself to the Ministers wife, leaving Gina to the bemused Mr Mehta, and the not so amused Mrs Mehta.

Finally plates had been cleared, and the band had announced that the dance floor was now open.

"We will party the night away" the lead singer, a talented young Fijian artist had announced dramatically. "But first, we have a very special request for a waltz from Mr Raman Bhalla for his beautiful wife, Mrs Ishita Bhalla. Mr & Mrs Bhalla, the dance floor is yours."

Ishita looked up startled as she heard her name. She had been aching to be with her husband since arriving at the ballroom, but she had had to settle for long glances across the table. And she had had to contain her jealousy as Gina Shah edged her chair nearer and nearer to his, her hands on his arm, even as she flirted with Mr Mehta. But Raman had been oblivious to Gina. And he was oblivious to her now as she looked on, fuming, as he uncoiled himself, draping his tuxedo jacket on the back of his chair as he walked across the table to his wife.

"Jaan, may I?" His voice was a seductive whisper.

"But Raman, what dance, I...." she protested even as she surrendered her hand into his, her eyes shining as he pulled back her chair, pulling her out of it with long practiced ease.

"This dance" he smiled, as he led her to the dance floor. "For you. From me."

There was a sudden pin drop silence as they stood in the middle of the dance floor, hand in hand, facing each other. And then the band struck up the first notes, as the singers voice wafted melodiously.

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright

Ishita blushed as her husband mouthed the lyrics to her, taking her into his arms as he started to sway with her to the soft slow beats of the song.

I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance, given half a chance
And I have never seen that dress you're wearing
Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes
I have been blind

She closed her eyes, her arms tight around him, holding him as he dipped and twirled her, before pulling her back into the safe cocoon of his arms. His heart was beating furiously against hers as he crushed her to his chest, his fingers caressing her back over the soft silk she wore. He dipped his head to hers, pressing his cheek against hers as she was transported into some place where no one else existed. There were a hundred other people in the room, but it felt as if they were alone.

The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek
There's nobody here, it's just you and me
It's where I want to be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight

He twirled her again and she rested her head in his shoulder, her arms snaking around his neck, nestling in his hair, as they swayed together. She lifted her head, smiling at him sweetly with loved filled eyes and he caught his breath.

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing
I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side
And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away

Tears filled his eyes at the love in her eyes and he blinked furiously as she stared at him, shocked by his tears.

"Raman?" She whispered, reaching up to wipe his eyes. "Shall we go back. I..."

"No" he whispered back, continuing to sway with her, gathering her even closer to him. "Just dance with me"

And I have never had such a feeling
Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight

"Jaan" she whispered, her hands softly caressing the back of his neck , his emotions taking her into its thrall. "I love you"

The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek
There's nobody here, it's just you and me
It's where I want to be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight
I never will forget the way you look tonight

"I love you too baby" he said softly as the song ended and he released her, clutching her hand he led her off the dance floor. "I love you"

The lady in red, the lady in red
The lady in red, my lady in red
I love you

She felt as if she was floating on air as they walked back to the table, hand in hand, to applause from the others . The band had started another faster number and several couples were moving towards the dance floor, the Minister and his wife included.

"Mr Mehta" Raman grasped the older man's hand as they reached the table, one arm still protectively aground his wife's waist. "If you'll excuse us sir..."

"Of course Raman" Mr Mehta said, as his wife smiled encouragingly at Ishita. "Enjoy yourselves. We will leave early in the morning Mrs Bhalla, so we will see you back in India."

Ishita disengaged her husband's arm from her waist and walked over to Mrs Mehta to say her goodbyes.

"Thank you so much for everything" she said softly, as Mrs Mehta pulled her in for a warm hug.

"Don't mention it my dear. And enjoy the honeymoon island"

Ishita blushed as her husband thankfully reclaimed her and they moved away from the table. Ishita could see that Gina's face was a stony mask but the woman had obviously decided to let things be for the time being, and she did not try to interfere as they walked away.

It was difficult to get out of the room however. People were moving around, couples were walking to the dance floor and Raman got stopped several times by people eager to have a word or to be introduced to his wife. Ishita looked on bemusedly, clutching her husband's hand tightly as they moved closer to the door. They had almost made it when she heard her own name being called urgently.

"Ishita. Ishita, Wait."

That voice. She knew it.

"Raman, wait" she put a hand on her husband's shoulder as he pushed at the door, and the owner of the voice reached them.

"What's the matter jaan?" Raman asked as he turned around, to be confronted by a tall Indian man staring at his wife.

"Hi, I'm Raman Bhalla" he said quizzically, as he drew his wife closer, a hand going protectively around her waist. "We haven't met. You are?"

"Raman" Ishita said with a sigh. "This is Subbu."