Part Seven

The following morning Salim and Natalie left the house early as they not wanted to see or hear from either Jamal or Latika,

"So where you fancy going my angel?" Salim asks as he drives one of Jamal's vehicles,

"How about you surprise me baby. Show me your India" Salim laughs lightly smiling as he takes her hand and lightly kisses it making Natalie smile affectionately,

"I love you my Angel. You've really have saved me you know that!"

"Ditto Salim. We save each other and I love you baby!" Natalie says kissing his cheek lightly,

"Surprise it is. Let's get away from it all my angel" Natalie nods sympathetic as she stroked his hair,

"Yeah quality time you and me baby. So you ready to speak to me yet?"

"Nothing to say Angel. If he wants our restaurant then he has a fight on his hands!" Salim and Natalie sat the rest of the journey in a comfortable silence as Natalie took in her surroundings,

"Do you miss living here?"

"No not really. Not my home anymore" Natalie nods her head slowly as her mind thought of how close to death Salim had gotten, making her eyes water as she looks out the window swallowing the lump in her throat,

"Hey? Angel? You alright?" Salim asks gently taking her hand into his making Natalie nod her head trying to fight back the emotion she was feeling,

"I'm fine. Really I am"

"Angel it's me. What's wrong?"

"Just thinking sad things... I'm being daft!" Salim parks the car and pulls Natalie closer towards him knowing where her mind was taking her,

"Natalie Malik I'm here and I'm not going anywhere my beautiful wife!" Natalie huddles closer into him closing her eyes as he strokes her hair,

"I know. Told you I was being silly... I just can't bare the thought of losing you Salim!" Salim kisses her forehead before wiping tears from her cheeks,

"I'm not going anywhere angel!" Salim says firmly,

"I love you"

"I love you more"

"Not Possible!"

Natalie and Salim arrive at Jamal's hotel later that evening taking him by surprise,

"Salim?"

"Brother thought I'd check out the place!"

"Oh right uh follow me into the office" Jamal beckons making Natalie squeeze Salim's hand reassuringly,

"I'll wait here. You go sort things out baby!" Natalie kisses his lips before Salim strokes her cheek as he follows his brother into the office while Natalie sat herself into a chair taking in everything,

"Natalie?"

"Oh hello Latika"

"Hello. Is Salim with you?"

"Yes they are talking to each other"

"Good. I'm glad to hear it "

"Yes. So how long you knew?"

"I'm sorry I really am! But Jamal does have a right!" Natalie shakes her head standing to face Latika,

"How dare you! Salim bought that restaurant and it has been a lifeline for him! He needs that place to survive!" Latika was about to respond when Salim came storming out,

"Angel we're going!" Natalie took his hand as they head towards the car both getting inside as Natalie frowns with concern,

"What happened baby?" Salim sighs heavily looking hurt over at Natalie,

"He insinuated something hurtful! He hardly knows you and I am beyond offended!" Natalie places her hand onto his and squeezes gently,

"Baby whatever he had said to you it's not worth getting angry over!"

"It is angel. You are harmless in all of this and I won't stand for anyone speaking badly of you!" She kisses his cheek as they head back towards the house both starting to pack,

"I'll sort out getting a flight you continue packing"

"Ok baby. Salim wait come here" Natalie wraps her arms around his waist and lightly kisses him,

"What was that for?"

"Because I love you silly! And I really am sorry for how your brother has treated you"

"Oh angel thank you for being my rock! I'm truly blessed to have you in my life!" They kiss passionately before Salim pulls out his phone and dials the number for the airline whilst Natalie continued to pack their bags actually feeling a great swell of guilt for convincing Salim to come.