Chapter 22: An Awkward Three-way

“Good morning, Rohan.” Vikram got up as Rohan walked into the living room.

Rohan nodded “Good morning, dad. Take a seat, when did you start standing up for me?”

“Buddy, I come with hat in hand today, to apologise again.” Vikram sat down and Rohan sat on the long sofa in the seat just vacated by Madhuri.

“That’s ok. You don’t need to,” Rohan said “not the first time you have done this.”

Vikram looked much more ill at ease now than when he was talking to Madhuri “Look, buddy, it was not intentional. I was just relaxed and happy hanging out with you. That remark just slipped out.”

“No, dad, things don’t slip out from you.”

Madhuri brought a tray of tea and put it on the coffee table. She stood next to Rohan and stroked his head “Would you mind if I butt in a second, honey?”

“Be my guest,” Rohan said “you can’t make it worse.”

“Look, darling, your dad is not lying. If he offended you it was unintentional. He apologised for that last night and he has come to apologise again. Please don’t be mean to him.”

“You don’t know, Madhu,” Rohan put his arm around her “he does that all the time. I have grown up watching their fights. He think he is being smart.”

“That’s unfair, buddy,” Vikram said “I don’t do it all the time. I admit I was bitter when we had just divorced but I have become better since then. Last night was not about her at all. It was just an unfortunately worded remark.”

Before Rohan could respond, Madhuri lowered herself in his lap, and cupped his cheek in her hand “Baby, nobody is perfect, but nobody loves you more than this man. Would you ignore that because he made an unintentional remark?”

“Madhu, you don’t know my family history.” Rohan said.

“You are right, darling. I don’t,” She caressed his cheek “Nor do I want to pry into it now, but he has come ... as he said ... hat in hand, because he loves you, and nobody can love you more than him. Can you deny that?”

“No,” Rohan admitted keeping her close with his left arm wrapped around her waist “I am not trying to deny it.”

“He did not deliberately offend you, still he has come to apologise.” Madhuri continued rubbing his neck gently “He is not a trivial man. He has people looking up to him and pandering to him, but if he has come to you with hat in hand, then he is the bigger man for not letting his ego get in the way of his love for you. I would suggest that you should at least listen to him.”

Rohan nodded “Alright, dad. Your apology is accepted. Is there anything else you wanted to say?”

Vikram looked at Madhuri “Thank you.” She smiled. He turned to Rohan “I came with a peace offering.”

He offered some brochures. Madhuri took them and opened them for Rohan to read.

“The Citation X jet?” Rohan said “I have seen them. It’s not out yet.”

“No, but I have placed an order, for you,” Vikram said “it will be released in two weeks, and yours will be the first pre-order. You will get the very first plane they sell.”

“Wow!” Rohan grinned “Thanks, dad.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Madhuri played the hostess while Vikram had tea. She went into the bedroom to give them space when Vikram was leaving.

“She is something isn’t she?” Rohan said.

Vikram nodded “She is a remarkable woman.”

“Yes, she is.” Rohan said.

“All yours now?” Vikram looked at him.

“My possession, yes.”

“I don’t have a chance?”

“You never did.” Rohan shook his head.

“Fair enough.” Vikram nodded “She is your mother-in-law, you took possession of her. It’s only fair. But for a while I didn’t know what your intentions were, and if you hadn’t claimed her, I would have made a move.”

“I always planned to own her, from day one when I met her.”

“You have good taste.” Vikram said “I know you will keep her happy. She will be useful to you at Jackie’s place.”

“Definitely. She is a smart cookie.” Rohan said.

“Well, you never went for the dumb fucktoy types.”

“I leave them to you.”

Vikram laughed. He walked to the door with him then turned to face him “Are we ok now, buddy?” He extended his hand.

“We are good, dad.” Rohan said and hugged him.

“Thank god.”