Shimmers & Shrouds (Abstruse) Read online

  "She is gorgeous, isn’t it?" Okay now a voice this posh couldn’t be anybody else's. And the worst part was that it was coming from right next to me. Was he sitting this close? Weird weird weird..

  "Yes she is." I looked at him. No he was a foot away. Thank god.

  "What is her name?" He patted her cheek gently, and to my surprise she smiled at him. She was pleased with it. Well, every girl would be pleased if it is him who is patting. And I was definitely not an exception. Lucky her.

  "I haven’t thought of it yet." I confessed. There was no name I could come across. Actually there was one, but that was for my future baby girl if in case I would have one.

  "Oceana."

  I looked at him when I heard him calling me. My name sounded so different when he said it. He smiled apologetically. "I mean how about the name ‘Oceana’?"

  My mind became neutral. What in the heaven was he talking about?

  "What?" Well that just randomly came out of my mouth.

  "Oceana is a rare name. And she looks like you. ― beautiful."

  I was startled to death. Everything was so unclear. I couldn’t get all of it in the first place. It was so... very... dreamlike.

  World's hottest guy was sitting with me telling me how rare my name was and how beautiful I am. I wanted to wake up but it kept happening. Can this thing be true? A guy who could date almost any girl in the world would admire someone like me?

  “But that is my name. And it’s a bad choice anyway." I let the subject drop. I wanted this dream to end. It was too good to be true. I looked at his face. This adonis was getting me crazy, he was messing with my mind and logic. The expressions on his face were changed, signaling me that I shouldn't have said it.

  "Oh, you seem a bit disappointed with me." He looked away at the kids." That's fine! I am used to this ignorance from good people. They think I am not worth their company." He was working really hard to keep the smile in its place. "I am the bad guy you see? Dating girls, changing girlfriends, etc, etc. That is what the media guys have to say about me right?" He didn’t look at me even once. I felt like hitting myself hard, but I couldn’t move. The baby in my lap was asleep.

  "I know. I read the newspaper every day. 'Orpheus seen with the model hugging.’ 'Orpheus wins the title of the sexiest guy on the earth.’, 'Orpheus this― Orpheus that'." He looked directly into my eyes; his eyes had an edge of frustration. "And I'm pissed off with this. I long to be a normal guy. I come here when I find no way to escape. When I feel like dying, because there is no room for a messed up mind like mine in that big castle like home." He sighed.

  I couldn't even mumble. I could just stare at him. I didn't want to stop him. He got up wearily and started to walk away. He turned back to me slowly.

  "You know, life for us is easy when there are no newspapers to read, no means of communications to talk with anyone, and no television to tell us what we did and how we acted etc. When I'm just me and not the bad guy they show me like." He smiled, but it didn't even touch his eyes, and started walking away. There was so much pain he carried inside his heart, so much frustration and annoyance. I wanted him to stay, because deep inside I knew that if he left today I won't be face myself in the mirror ever.

  "Won't you take Oceana in your arms?" I called for him, but couldn't get up from the seat. My body was waiting for his response, perhaps. He turned to look at me with astonishment. Seemed fair enough. I giggled. "Not me, her!" I got up from the bench to place her in his arms. He just smiled as he took her.

  "But the next baby guy will be named Orpheus. You have no right to object!"

  I snapped.

  "Yes ma'am." he chuckled, and we played with the kids until dusk.

  My heart felt heavy as I left the place. After bidding everyone goodnight, I started walking back to the bus― stop. My mind was occupied with his thoughts. How can a person, so pure at heart, was so exploited. He did not deserve any of it. I remember I had shuddered when he said he felt like dying. He needed more than assurance to live his life.

  I heard a screeching sound behind my back. Why was it that people tend to surprise from my behind? I turned to look at it. A black Rolls Royce was right at the back of me. It was the first time I had seen this car. It was stunningly beautiful.

  The backdoor opened and out came Orpheus, stunning as the car itself.

  "Want a ride?" He smiled. Whoa. I was breathless.

  "You are certainly not planning to put an end to my career even before it has started, are you?" I looked at him with sincere eyes.

  "I might not do it if you accept the invitation snow white." I think he giggled.

  "I would surely not sit next to you, thank you very much."

  I stomped off till the passenger seat, pushed him aside and jumped in. No wonder this was the most expensive car ever. The interiors of the thing were better than my house.

  "Where do I have to leave you?" He raised his eyebrow and a smile flashed across his face.

  "Headington. My house is nearly ten miles from here. Are you still going to drop me home?" I looked him in the eyes.

  "Any doubt?" He winkled. Of course not. Why on earth will he to care about the high gas rates? He was the richest guy in the entire United Kingdom. I looked away into the dark suburbs.

  "What are your hobbies?" He tried to start a conversation hoping that it wouldn’t really end awkwardly. I don't think that would be successful. I doubted it for sure.

  "Chasing boys!" I tried to sound smug."That's something I can't keep off the list." I was boiling with rage. This man who I’d considered to be my brightest star was so stupid that he couldn’t even shut up his own mouth when it was the very reason why he got into trouble with other celebs and now….me.

  "And?"

  This was the last thing to be happening, he was interested to know more, darnn me! I shouldn’t have just answered.

  "You've been with me for like an entire day. You're elder to me and I hope you're observant, you know, like the other elders are supposed to be. Okay any guesses what my hobbies could be." My voice sounded like an open challenge. It seemed to get personal at some terms. He wore a grave expression, composed yet, as he studied my face.

  "You don't like chasing guys, right?"

  I was surprised. I opened my mouth to speak something that saved my lie but he silenced me anyway.

  "Don't say another word. I know you're a good liar. You will cook up some story as always." His face had an expression of unfathomable satisfaction.

  "Don’t you think you’ve already given me a lot of surprises today? And anyway, tricking information out of kids would certainly prove bad for your health someday.” I couldn’t believe I said that to THE Orpheus Albert. It was wonderful how I managed to stay calm and act sane around him despite of his ridiculous attempts to get cozy with me… er.. the kids and me. But I was really not done yet. He knew it was a white lie and a celebrity with over a million fan following, tricking information about an ordinary college going girl who was much much younger to him, was certainly the ODDEST stuff I could imagine. So that was pretty clear then. I was not going to disclose this to anyone and ask for more trouble. ‘What am I talking? He is waiting for me to finish my sentence, right?’ I reminded myself.

  “I would rather take that as a piece of insult. Thank you."

  "Oh. You don't talk much, do you?" He used his hands to make some weird signs."You're so… quiet."

  "No, I’m actually the opposite. I am hell lot of a talkative person." I faked a smile.

  Neither of us spoke after that. He must have misunderstood my silence to be an excuse of not keeping up the conversation perhaps. That made me sad, really really sad, after all, no matter how stupid he was acting since morning, he was still the only guy I had the biggest crush on. The guy whose thoughts were never far off from my mind (even when I didn’t get a lot of time to think because of the busy schedule that I had.)

  The car stopped near my apartment. I knew I had to get down. The journey had come to an end
. A thousand things were filled up in my mind, and I had a million things to say to him. My mouth wasn’t uttering a word. The weirdest things happen with me, just in time!

  He came with me, it was accompanying me till my home sort of, but I didn't mind it until he was being all nice. I took the key out from under the eaves and unlocked the door.

  Time to bid farewell. I turned to him glumly; He was like… checking the place out. I bet he had never been to any apartment before. Do they even need to visit someone with such a small house? No way. These high profile people made friends with the people who could live up to their expectations. For example, throwing expensive parties, party all night etc etc..

  “It’s a nice place to stay.” He smiled. That SMILE WAS BRIGHTER THAN THE FLUORESCENT LAMP that was fixed right above his head. I was dazzled and took literally more than a minute to compose my face expression to say just one word. “Thank you.”

  We stood there like statues for another few seconds, but when he didn’t say anything, I decided to toss a very important question and made sure to start it with a really formal note.

  “Mr. Albert.” I started, but stopped on my tracks soon. I realized that his eyes had widened… at my address?

  “Whoa, when did you start calling me THAT?” He asked, horrified.

  What? Was he expecting me to talk to him like a neighbor next door who had been living here since a long time and had great relations with me ever since? No… I’m not doing that.

  “Sir, I don’t think you should be treating me like I’m your friend.” Because this is making me sick. I just can’t bear the fact of you getting comfortable with me when I know what social status you have. “I just wanted to thank you for today and the happiness you dawned on those kids. Also, I won’t be running around the world screaming that I met you.”

  “Why?” he asked me, shocked again. “I would want you to tell people that I met you. I mean…” He scratched his head in utter confusion. Thank god. I wasn’t the only one with a messed up mind here. All this while, I didn’t miss to notice how adorably cute he looked while scratching his head, and younger too, like he was just twenty one instead of twenty nine. “That would be a plus point for my image since it needs a push.”

  I would have started to think of him as someone who only cared about his status and pride if I hadn’t seen him playing with the kids today, or the hurt expression on his face when he told me that he wants me tell about him. He was certainly lying, for some good reason, and I found myself extremely curious to know what the big secret really was.

  “Are you sure?” I asked one more time to confirm if he knew what he said and really meant it.

  He took a long breath and closed his eyes. “Do you think it’s a good idea?”

  “No. Actually I would have helped if I were British.”

  “I know that. Your accent is very different.” He still hadn’t opened his eyes.

  “So I cannot really risk all of this just to give your image a little push.” I smiled apologetically. He was able to understand everything right? Because I felt like I was talking to a rock and not the richest man and the sexiest guy ever.

  “I do.” He sighed and opened his eyes. Only this time, a genuine smile accompanied the warm gaze. I hoped I didn’t look breathless.”So, you have your answer then. Don’t say anything. I trust you on this.”

  “Thank you.” I felt my heartbeat rising. Oh Christ! Why was I not having a good feeling about this rapid lub dub?

  “Anything else, Miss Viera?”

  Ah yes… I knew that the entire idea that had been in my mind all this time was as stupid as I was but I opted to say it out.

  "Wanna come in?" I chose to look at his shoes rather than the face. I was really scared.

  "No... I mean― I would just― you know." He tried an unsuccessful attempt to explain. Okay. So we were same on some terms.

  "You're sure? The day isn't over yet... it is still August 2..My birthday is going to last a couple of hours more and ―you can stay if you want to."

  That sounded convincing because I could see the possibilities of him nodding in a yes.

  "But it is just a one bedroom apartment. You wouldn't mind the size right?" I added.

  “I've lived in bunkers that were much smaller than this apartment during deployments. It surely is a big place for me. I assure you." He ―was charismatic. I hoped I wouldn’t sound like an idiot next time.

  He indicated his driver to go home or take rounds. I didn't know what it was and I didn’t dare ask him.

  Sometimes I couldn't help but notice how accurate my timing was. Until yesterday my entire house looked like it had been shaken badly by an earthquake and then a couple of King Kong apes might have had entered after that to redecorate my home. The dresses were on floor, the kitchen was the messiest place. Shoes were on the bed and my beddings were on couch and the couch was near the door blocking its path to open itself in a full swing, of course. But thanks to Summer; she was a god sent angel.

  Yes I admit that she was terribly moved to see my house like that and I knew I had nothing to offer her so I left her alone and went to get some edibles. When I came back, I was stunned to see the entire house. The beddings, couch, shoes, socks, and dresses, all were in the places where they should be and this was why my apartment looked like a movie set today. I was sure he was impressed. I will have to give Summer a better share of treat for this tomorrow.

  "Grab a seat and be cozy." I tried to sound nice, and it felt like I was convincing a homeless guy and not someone who had the money to buy twenty thousand houses like mine!

  "You watch movies? I have some dvd’s down there, the second shelf. You can check out. I'll go change."

  "Thanks." He smiled and started hunting..

  I smiled and headed for the kitchen. Once I was sure he wouldn’t come to notice my actions, I started exhausting myself out by jogging and exercising. This was supposed to calm down the adrenaline rush. When this didn’t help, I covered my mouth and gave out a meek shriek at the realization of him being here. He was REALLY here. Could it be that my luck was THIS good?

  if there was something left, just in case if he was hungry. There were bell peppers, tomatoes, oregano, tofu and noodles. Enough stuff. I giggled. I quickly changed into white camisole and light brown Short pants and combed my hair. He was still struggling with the movie cds when I returned, and perhaps sensed somehow that I was in the same room.

  "All are horrors movies!" His expressions were disappointing. "You don't watch romantic movies? Or comedy?"

  “Umm..I love horror movies."

  He looked at me in disbelief.

  "I've met girls who only like romantic stuff."

  "All the girls in this world are not the same. You don't know all of them."

  "You are different." He left the cds where they were.

  "That's because, you've never been out of your friend circle." I knelt and started arranging the cd's back in the shelf. Guilt must have hit him, I was not sure because I did not look at him but he joined in soon after.

  "I ― don't understand." he paused. I checked for the movies that had very little horrific stuff and separated them from the rest.

  "Can't you see. All the girls you've dated till now are either from the glamour world or from the ultra rich families who can pay for the astronomical bills in the night clubs. In one single night." I emphasized on the last three words. After arranging the cd's back in their place I kept aside a few just in case if he wanted to watch a little ‘out of the league’ stuff.

  "I spend four hundred fifty pounds in a mouth, or even less. That's where the difference lies." I sighed and jumped on my bed to put my head back recalling every word I spoke till now and closed my eyes slowly.

  "No one's gonna believe that you were with me over here." I muttered. It was just a whisper but I was saddened by the truth in my own words.

  "You're right." I heard his voice; he too had his head back on the couch where he was sitting now.

&n
bsp; "I haven't met girls who would look so beautiful without the makeup."

  My eyes flew open. Did my heart stop for a second or was I imagining things?

  My stomach squirmed. I just hoped my face wouldn't show him signs that I was an idiot.

  "I'll go get something for you to eat."

  I acted like I hadn’t listened to his comment. I started to move out but he signaled me to stop. I couldn't move an inch further.

  "I'm not hungry." He smiled. "Why don't you wear the birthday dress? I really hope it looks good on you." He added. Orpheus Albert was asking me something. How could I deny it? Wait.. oh my god, how was I going to do it?

  I brushed my hair after changing into the blue dress that he’d brought for me as a birthday gift. My long hair did not look good with the beautiful fancy clothing . However, I gave up on the idea of braiding it; that would look even more stupid.

  With all the courage I could gather, I stepped into the room where he was sitting in his usual place, with head titled back, eyes closed, and fingers interlocked.

  I chose to attract his attention by clearing my throat. (Adressing him by his name was something I couldn’t do unless I was forced to.) My heart was pounding the entire time.

  He opened his eyes and jumped from the couch in the same. His actions startled me but I tried to manage not to scream in horror. He looked at me from head to toe and back again with his mouth open, as if he were stunned.

  "This is better than I thought." He seemed to appreciate himself. Blood boiled under my skin. Not a single compliment?

  I wanted to run back and change; in fact I would have if I were not struck by his mesmerising charm.

  "I was thinking if we can forget for sometime who we actually are and enjoy each other's company." The suggestion was good. Noble even.

  "Sounds fair enough." I walked towards him, and sat right next to him on the couch.

  He glared at me. Either he didn't like me sitting this close or he was making me aware of my boundaries.