As he stood over Devon, he thought of his dream and how he thought it would have come into realization tomorrow. He pulled a small jewelry box out of his coat pocket and tossed it into his sock drawer. Several days later, Balraj had the house all packed up and ready to move. After Kailani’s “meeting” with Ifran, she’d been busy studying. She’d read some of her lines to him to practice. The rest of the time was spent practicing with Ifran, meeting with Ifran, talking with Ifran on the phone, Ifran . . . Ifran . . . Ifran. Balraj knew that he could trust Kailani. He also knew how naive she was. The morning of the move was also the day of Kailani’s audition. Balraj lay in bed with his hands behind his head. He’d been staring at the same spot on the ceiling for what seemed like hours. Kailani rolled over and put her head on his chest. “Thank you for all you’ve done. I know you don’t think I appreciate it, but I do.” “Kay, I know you appreciate it, I just . . .” the phone began to ring and Kailani jumped out of bed to answer it. Balraj knew who it was before she said his name. He listened as Kailani ran around getting ready. Before she flew out of the house she kissed Balraj and stopped by the crib to kiss Devon as well. Soon after she left, he rolled over to watch as his ornery little boy escaped from his crib. “You rotten little bugger you.” Devon waddled over to the edge of the bed, “Dadda.” “Yep,” he laughed, “that makes it okay.” He stood up and began to play with Devon until the movers came. Late that evening, Kailani arrived at the new house. Devon was asleep in his room and the rest of the house was already set up. Balraj met her at the door. “I’m in awe. How on earth did you do this?” “Well, all I really had to pack was clothes and trinkets. I’ve been working on furnishing it for weeks.” Kailani began to cry. Balraj rushed to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d care about the furniture at the other house. We can get it.” “Oh, you stupid man,” she managed through sniffles. “It’s not the furniture. Well, okay, it is, but it’s because it’s perfect. It’s all so perfect.” “You’ve only seen this part.” “I don’t need to see anything else.” “Well, dear, how did the audition go? I didn’t think you’d be gone all day.” Pulling herself together, she grabbed Balraj’s hand and began to walk through the house. “I didn’t think it would either. Though, they made a decision today on the parts, and I’m in. I got it! Spur of the moment several of us went out to dinner to celebrate and get to know each other. This place is fabulous!” Balraj saved his favorite room for last, their bedroom.
So true . . . I'm sorry I'm so winded. I'm like this in real life too. I tend to ramble on and on and on and on . . . Well, you get the point. My husband got a new job and is gone all week. What else have I got to do but let my imagination run wild!!
The pilot was a success and the show took off like a rocket in its first and subsequent seasons. Balraj was so proud of Kailani; though, he saw less and less of her. Long hours on the set and publicity claimed most of her time. When Kailani did make it home, Balraj usually hopped on his Harley and headed out. Not this night though. Kailani had enough. She wanted things to change. She opened the door to the house and saw Balraj in his usual position on the couch. Ah, Kay, youre home. Devons playing in his room. Balraj stood up and headed to the desk for his keys. Dont wait up. Kailani stepped in front of him and placed her hand on his chest. No, not tonight youre not. With a puzzled look, Just what are you going to entertain me with to keep me here. Her hand seemed to burn a whole through his shirt and set his skin on fire. He placed his hand over hers and removed it from his chest. Obviously hurt by the movement and shaking her head, Now I have to entertain you? I thought me coming home early and wanting to be with you would be enough. Kay, it would have been enough two years ago, or even a year ago. Do you realize Devon starts school next year? He sees more of you on television than he does at home. Im sure if you had some hot party or function to attend youd be there instead. Well, if youd bring him to the set more often . . . Then what, Kay? Id chase him around keeping him off the set, keeping him quiet, not letting him touch anything. Look theres Mommy, but shes busy. Leaver her alone. How much fun is that for a toddler or me even? I dont want this, Bal. Then leave. He turned his back to her and headed to the fridge for a beer. She followed him, Thats not what I want ei Balraj turned to face her, Well, Kailani, I want it all or nothing. You understand? Youve never made your dream a secret. I respect that. Though, my dream is a family. Arent we He cut her off, One with a wife and children, notice thats pluralchildren, around all the time. Ive tried these past years to not let it get to me. Im done trying. Its too hard on me, and I dont want to take it out on you or Devon. His eyes were dark with emotion. Though Kailani wasnt sure if it was anger or. What are you saying? I dont quite know. I just know that this has to end. Youve often spoke of getting an apartment by the studio to spend late nights at. Maybe you should, only spend all your nights there. Balraj! Ill never hold Devon over you. You can see him anytime. It has to be this way. I cant take it anymore. Kailani put her face in her hands and began to cry. Balraj gulped at his beer and went to her. He pulled her hands away from her face. She searched his eyes hoping that maybe he was joking in some aweful way. Ill quit. No, youll just end up bitter as I am now. This isnt your fault. Its mine. I knew years ago what I wanted, and I knew what you wanted. I hoped that your wants would change with time. That was wrong of me. Now were both hurting. We have a beautiful son to think about. I dont want him seeing us angry with each other. Kailani wiped her tears away and licked her upper lip. Sounds like youve got it all figured out then. He sighed heavily, Not really. Well, Ill send someone for my things tomorrow. Ill be in touch to make plans with Devon. She pulled herself together, called a taxi, turned on her heel, and headed out the door. Hmpf, didnt even go in to see the little tyke. Balraj walked back to the room and got Devon ready for bed. Momma? She had some things to do, buddy. Shell see you soon. Balraj snuggled him, layed him down, and tucked him in. Balraj grabbed a bottle of whiskey tried to drink away the sensation of her hand on his chest, the feel of her wrists in his hands, the sight of her tongue sliding across her lips. It had been quite a while since they were intimate in any way. Where had things gone wrong? How could they have gotten this way? In his drunken haze he tried to place the moment when things changed. His mind drifted. He would stay up on the couch waiting for her to come home only to wake up there in the morning knowing that shed already been home and left or was just leaving for work. When hed call her she only had moments to spare between takes, shows, parties, etc. After about six months or so of that, once he put Devon to bed he began drinking. If she did make it home before he put Devon to bed, he didnt blame her for this, but she spent all her time with Devon. Balraj began to feel neglected so would just leave the house, come home in a drunken stupor, and pass out on the couch.
Kailani didn’t know where to go; so she showed up on her manager’s door step. Well, doorway, he lived in a penthouse downtown. The doorman knew her so he’d let her into the building. She knocked hesitantly. When he pulled the door open he was in a pair of work out pants and his skin was glistening and hair dripping. He must’ve just gotten out of the shower she surmised. “Kailani?” “Can I come in?” He stepped out of the way and motioned her inside. She looked so lost. “Not that I’m not pleased to see you, but what’s wrong?” “Balraj and I had a fight.” She stood for a moment thinking back. “Well, not really a fight, just . . . I think we’re done.” She put her face in her hands and began crying again. A slow grin came across Ifran’s face. Finally. She may be his. He’d kept her so occupied and into her dream that maybe, he’d finally ‘won.’ He put his arms around Kailani and pulled her close for a little comforting. He caressed her hair and let her sob quietly against his chest for a few moments. “Come now, Kailani. It’ll be okay. You can spend the night here. I’ve got a spare bedroom.” He led her to the couch and handed her a box of Kleenex. “Let me get you a drink.” “No, nothing to drink,” she said wiping her eyes. “It’ll calm you down.” Kailani blew her nose and tried to smile. “Okay.” Ifran got her a glass of wine and made sure her glass wasn’t empty the rest of the night. She poured her heart out to him. She tried not to say bad things about Balraj; though he’d made her so angry she wanted to scream. After all, if his dream was a wife, why had he never proposed to her? “Maybe there was someone else all this time, Ifran.” She lost her composure and began to cry more. Ifran pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Kailani, he should never have expected you to change your dreams for his. That was unfair.” “Is this really what I’ve wanted though? Maybe I would have been happier with a family.” “Kay,” he lifted her chin, “I agree with him that you wouldn’t have been happy and would’ve become bitter. Maybe there is someone else and he wants to be free to pursue that.” To himself he thought that hard to believe though. “Poor, Devon. I was there and never even went to see him. Balraj is such a good Dad and is raising him so well. I was so angry and hurt; I couldn’t bear to be there any longer.” “He’s about family; you’re about your career. You’ve never pretended to be anything else. You’re a kind, beautiful woman. If he can’t see that and want you, that’s his deficiency.” He took her wine glass from her and sat it on the coffee table and grabbed her hands. “I’ll show you your room.” When Kailani went to stand up, she weebled and wobbled (and no, she didn’t fall down). She latched onto Ifran to steady herself. “Whoa, guess I had a bit more to drink than I thought.” Ifran chuckled, “That’s quite all right. I’m here and I’ll take care of you.” He led her to the spare bedroom and bathroom. She went into the bathroom to clean her face off and get ready for bed. He knocked on the bathroom door, “Kay, I’ve got a t-shirt here for you to wear to sleep in. It’ll be much more comfortable.” She opened the door, “Thank you,” and closed the door again. He waited on the edge of the bed for her. When she emerged, in his t-shirt, she was more beautiful than any dream he’d ever had of her. He’d been through many women trying to get someone that would take his mind off of Kailani. Ifran had always had any woman he wanted, except for Kailani. She’d never given him a second thought. Maybe that’s why he wanted her so much. She was a challenge, one that he may win soon. Hopefully tonight. He sighed inwardly, “Kay, you’re a vision.” “You’re much too kind. I just looked at myself in the mirror and my eyes are bloodshot, I have dark circles—,” she latched onto the door frame as she was feeling rather woozy. Ifran jumped up and came to her side. “How that man could ever send you away, I have no idea.” Kailani sort of giggled as he led her to the bed. “Now, make yourself comfortable and I’ll turn the light out when you’re ready.” “Ifran,” sounding alone, “please don’t take this the wrong way, but can you stay in here with me tonight. I’m so . . . I don’t know. I just don’t want to be alone.” Those words were music to his ears. He would win and it would be tonight. “Kay, I’ll be right next door.” “No, please.” He innocent eyes pleaded with him. He crossed the room in milliseconds and was lying in bed beside her. “Just hold me, please.” He tried to be nonchalant; however, he couldn’t help how his body responded. He pulled her back close to his chest. His head was propped up on his elbow and his other arm draped around her waist. “Thank you for being here for me tonight.” He leaned and whispered in her ear. “Hush, now.” Being that close her scent filled his senses. Any man would lose control at that point, and he was definitely a man. He began to nibble on her ear. She sighed heavily, “Ifran . . . no . . .” He began kissing her neck and his hand had slipped inside ‘his’ t-shirt. It seemed like it had been forever since someone had touched her so intimately. Ashamedly, she enjoyed it. Her head began to spin, maybe it was the wine. Regardless, she didn’t stop his further advances.
In the morning Kailani was in a fog. She looked around the room and the events of the night came back to her. This, Kay, is why you should not drink! She was so angry with herself and at him. How could he have taken advantage of her; though, she didnt remember resisting. She threw on the t-shirt, flung open the bedroom door, and she followed the sound of his voice. Anger boiled inside of her. She saw him standing in the open penthouse doorway. How could you have let that happen? Kailani screeched. Ifran stood to the side to reveal that Balraj was standing just outside the doorway. Her hand went to her mouth in horror. How she must look standing there in Ifrans t-shirt, her hair tussled. Ifran grinned like the cat that just stole the canary. Balraj just stood there and stared for a moment. He knew just by the site of Kailani and the look on Ifrans face what had happened between them. He backed up shaking his head and walked away. Kailani chased Balraj to the elevator. Balraj! Please . . . He turned to her, Please? Please what? I knew Id find you here. I knew it. I hoped Id be wrong. He shook his head and his eyes were full of tears. Kailani just stood there dumbfounded. I had no where else to go . . . Nowhere but right to his bed? Kailani grabbed his hands and kissed each one as tears dripped off her cheeks. Hes been such a good friend Pulling his hands away, Ill bet. Balraj Give me a minute to compose myself, Kay. He balled his hands and into fists and thrust them into his pockets and tilted his head toward the ceiling taking deep breaths and blowing them out slowly. He felt her move closer and place her forehead on his chest, just slightly leaning on him. He brought his hands up and grasped her shoulders and pushed her back. Please, Kay. I cant stand it, Balraj. I was dying inside last night. Im dying inside right now I wasnt?!? Im not?!? His eyes narrowed, Ive been dying inside for months. After you left last night, I put Devon to bed and drank half a fifth of Whiskey. I called Christian. He and Sierra drove out and picked up Devon and took him home with them. Christian talked me out of coming over here earlier and kicking Ifrans butt just because. He gritted his teeth and his jaw went rigid. Yet, here I am. He crossed his arms over his chest. I came to beg you to forgive me. Balrajs eyes were stinging as he tried to blink back tears he knew would fall. Youve changed that. You made a conscious decision to run to him. Just being here I could deal with, but Balraj, please, she reached for him, but he pulled away. Im so sorry. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. He grabbed Kailanis hand, placed it in her palm, and closed her fingers around it. Im sorry too. Balraj turned and stepped into the elevator.
Kailani ran back into Ifrans home and gathered her things. She looked up to see Ifran in the bedroom doorway. Stay away from me. I never want to see or speak to you again. He chuckled, In my memory of last night, you didnt push me away. I know. For that I am ashamed. She stepped into the bathroom and got dressed. Tossing his shirt, I quit. Im done with you, Im done with the business. Youre crazy. You cant live without it. You want to bet on that? Its Balraj and Devon I cant live without. You and the business I can. Kailani stormed passed him and out of his life forever. *** Balraj pulled into the driveway and looked in the rearview mirror at Devon, Well, little man, looks like its going to be just you and I for quite a while. He got out and carried Devon to the house. Opening the door he smelled something in the oven and there were candles burning all over. What the? Momma! squealed Devon. Hello, baby, cooed Kailani as she grabbed Devon out of Balrajs arms. She snuggled Devon to her. Balraj looked at her confusedly. Shaking his head, What are you doing here? Shhh, let us spend some time with Devon. Once hes in bed, well talk all you want, she tickled Devon and looked back at Balraj, or dont want. Kailani had spent the last several days at the house while Balraj was back at Christian and Sierras. They knew she was there, though he did not. She had this evening planned to a T. From talking with Christian and Sierra when Balraj was playing with Devon, she knew she still had his heart, as he has hers after all. She wore the engagement ring on a necklace and she was determined he would put it on her finger, maybe not tonight, but some night. This night was just a start. Balraj watched as Kailani put Devon in his highchair and began serving dinner. Hed missed her presence terribly around the house. He spoke to Christian about begging her to come back. He couldnt bear her not being there. He knew hed driven her away. He knew they were both to blame for any problems and he couldnt hold it against just her. Although, they needed to discuss that man as her manager and her working arrangements. He wanted a wife and would no longer give up on that dream. He also wanted more children and knew that it would take a lot of compromise on both sides. They sat in silence while they ate. Both being very attentive to Devons needs. Laughing when he played the little character that he was. When they were through with dinner, Kailani served a wonderful dessert. Kay, this is wonderful. Didnt know I had it in me, did you? she smiled. Balraj chuckled, No, honestly, I didnt. Well, I can follow directions. She stood up and took Devon out of the highchair. Im going to get this little man ready for bed. Balraj watched her walk down the hall. He let out a heavy sigh. Hed noticed the ring around her neck. It belonged on her. No matter how much hed hurt the other day seeing her with Ifran, hed hurt more thinking of her not being in his life as his own. He was still in thought when Kailani stepped back into the dining room. Hello-o . . . earth to Balraj . . . Balraj shook his head to snap out of it to see her waving her hand in front of his face. Sorry, he reached up and clasped the ring. She placed her hand over his, Ill take it off if you want. He looked into her eyes, which were filling with tears, No, not now, not ever. He stood up so abruptly the chair fell to the floor. Within seconds the length of his body was thoroughly touching hers and he wrapped his arms around her. He looked down into her eyes and took her lips hungrily. She moaned deeply and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. Moments later his hands cupped her face and she grasped his back. I love you Balraj, she lowered her eyes, Im so ashamed for what Ive done. Kay, it doesnt even matter as long as I can have you like this everyday. She looked at him and smiled the biggest smile in the world. Remember you said that because I quit my job. Im done. No more work. Balraj stepped back and looked at her in shock. But, you always wanted . . . You, Balraj. I always wanted you, she pulled him in and kissed his lips softly, and Devon and several others that I havent come up with names for yet. Balraj reached up and literally wripped the necklace from around her neck. Ill buy you another necklace. He held the wring in his finger and got on his knee. Kailani began to cry. Will you, Kailani Guzman, have me forever and ever? She squealed yes and hugged him so forcibly that they both fell to the floor in laughter. **Okay, thats it. Its the best I could come up with. Im so caught up in everyone elses story that I cant stay interested in my own! Hope you enjoyed and I may come up with something better another time. Happy New Year everyone!!
Oh it was so good! I got just as involved with your story as everyone else's, if not a little more. I love your character development. Bravo! Good story! Hope to hear more from you!
I enjoyed this story very much, as well. I love the touches of realism you use, and I'm glad Kailani chose Balraj, even if he is a bit of a pouter.
Thanks, ladies. I do agree that Balraj came out rather pouty, which I didn't intend, but happened anyhow. Then I had to go with it. I wiped out my sims2 folder and put my downloads back into it and have now started a whole other legacy from scratch. I had the rest of my Guzman family so twisted I got tired of them. So, maybe if I feel a story, you may be hearing from Heddy Bungaree and John Chambers. Only time will tell.
Oh, me too, I just like 'em to take some positive action for themselves once in a while. I'm not saying he wasn't realistic, or likeable, BTW. Just a bit too good at feeling sorry for himself. Doesn't make it any less of a good read.
Woot! *Applauds.* I wish it could have gone on longer, but I'm just greedy. It was really good. I really did get into it.
Great JOB!! Loved the story and hate to see it end. I hate to see any of the stories I enjoy reading end. Ruth
