Chapter 53 Te Amo
Con Todo Mi Corzon...
Rollins' Residence, Davenport, Iowa
Kelista was meticulously cooking a three course meal in the Rollins' kitchen. Nani, Priya and Seth's mother, Nina, helped her, the latter was all too happy to assist and spend time with her future daughter-in-law. The Rollins' kitchen consisted of three areas - the serving area (next to the dining hall), the cooking and pantry area and the dishwasher room, giving the Architect some time alone with his fiancée when the others were busy elsewhere.
Yes, Seth was also in the kitchen; he said he was there to 'help', but Kelista would say it was mostly to annoy her by flirting when the others weren't looking; making Nani think that Kelista was getting stressed because of her pink cheeks (the occasional giggling must also be a symptom…).
"Stop it, Seth," Kelista hissed as he embraced her from behind, nuzzling her ear. "My nani will see!"
"Alright, I'm going," Seth shrugged and left the kitchen abruptly.
"No, Seth, wait, that's not what I-" Kelista tried to protest, but he was already gone.
With her hands covered in flour, and still so much to get done, the Helmsley Princess couldn't go after him. Besides, he's acting silly by being offended! Kelista reasoned, but she was still hoping Seth will come back.
And a few minutes later, he did.
"Aunty Priya, I have something to show you." he said to her mother. "It's for Kelista."
He was holding a black jewellery box, covered in red, black and gold designs.
"Oh, Seth, it's beautiful!" Priya gushed, when he opened it.
Kelista leaned towards her mother so she could see what was in the box, but Seth pulled it back towards him and closed it.
"Seth-!" she protested.
Smiling, Priya touched her wedding necklace as she looked out the window, where Michael was talking to Seth's father, Jake.
"I will put it on for you on our wedding day," Seth explained to Kelista.
The Helmsley Princess' eyes shone with happiness. "Is that-is that my mungala sutra? I want to see, please, Seth!" she asked eagerly.
Seth chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry, angel." he said, kissing her cheek.
Nani came up with a sweetmeat in hand, and Kelista automatically turned towards her, but her grandmother fed it Seth instead.
"Nani," she pouted, "Ever since I got engaged, you forgotten about me and pay more attention to Seth."
Nani seemingly ignored her. "Seth, why don't you go outside? I think you've distracted Kelista enough,"
The Helmsley Princess bit her lip. She had noticed!
But Nani merely smiled affectionately at Kelista before feeding her a sweetmeat.
Since he was still chewing, Seth merely smirked at Kelista as Nani went back to check the stove.
"You two can take a walk after dinner," Nani said.
"Hear that, angel?" Seth whispered huskily. "I get to have you all to myself after dinner,"
The Helmsley Princess rolled her eyes playfully. "I still want to see my wedding necklace,"
Seth kissed her cheek. "You will soon, beautiful,"
~oOo~
Dinner went by wonderfully. Kelista basked in the compliments she received from her in-laws, accepting them graciously. Seth smiled at his parents and his fiancée; Kelista could have burnt the food but Jake and Nina would've still loved it. His parents doted upon her every chance they got. The Architect sighed; that meant he hardly got the chance to spend time alone with her.
"Kelista," he began, standing up. "Let's go for our walk, angel."
Seth led Kelista outside for a romantic walk in the gardens. For awhile, they silently strolled through the Rollins' beautiful rose bushes and hedges, hand in hand, simply enjoying one another's company.
Soon Seth stopped and held her from behind, gently swaying as if they were slow dancing. The Helmsley Princess closed her eyes. Forget butterflies (and canaries) in the stomach; now it was like a peacock danced in her heart, like the song says, with the flower-buds of her heart also blossomed.
"Main thumse pyaar hai, jaan," Seth declared softly. "I love you, my one and only, my true love, my best friend,"
Kelista was about to answer, when she her eyes flew open. Those words reminded her of something. A love letter she wrote to him, hidden in her handbag. The Helmsley Princess was waiting for the right moment to give it to him. Or I'm rather too shy to, she mused, biting her lip. What's wrong with me?! It would mean the world to him, wouldn't it?
"What's on your mind, angel?" Seth asked softly, intrigued by her silence.
Kelista thought quickly. "Did you engrave your name on my wedding chain?"
Seth smiled against her hair. "I did engrave my name, and yours, love, in Sanskrit."
"Oh, Seth!" Kelista exclaimed happily. "But…God's Name also has to be on it first,"
"Yes, which one did you have in mind?" Seth teased. "Shiva, Kaali, Durga - isn't she the goddess of love, marriage-"
"Seth!" Kelista laughed. "How about the God that is almighty and isn't limited to just one super-power and loves us so much?"
"Yes, I've already engraved Yahweh's name in Hebrew," Seth chuckled. "Everyday I pray and complain about how stubborn my fiancée is, how she wanted to postpone our wedding date-"
He stopped when he felt her tense.
"Kels, I was joking, sweetheart-"
"He's probably angry with me," her voice sounded tearful. "I mean, your family has been Christians since you were born, God loves you more than me, and -"
Seth shook his head. "No, it doesn't work that way. God knew you before you were born; before you were conceived, He had you in mind, and loved you so much. In fact, I am accountable to Him for your happiness and well-being, especially when we get married. To provide, care and love you more than myself."
Kelista slowly turned around so she could look at Seth; not that she thought he was lying to her, but she could hardly believe that was it was true.
"Really, Seth?"
With his arms still around her waist, Seth smiled gently at her. "Yup,"
Kelista shined with happiness. Wow. She thought before turning her attention back to her fiancé with a teasing smile. "That's good; I can also complain about you too, especially when we get married!"
Seth started laughing. "I love you, Kelista," he picked her up and gently spun her around. "I can't wait to make you my wife. I promised God that I would lead you spiritually, challenge you intellectually, encourage you emotionally, protect you physically; caring for you… "
Kelista's heart fluttered and she gently clutched the front of his shirt. "Oh, Seth, you're so romantic! Please let me see my mungala sutra," she pleaded.
"Not yet. Just be patient, love." Seth smirked as he glanced down at her hands "Unless I can put it on for you now, then I could carry you up to my room and - you know…"
The Helmsley Princess narrowed her eyes at him and blushed; her hands letting go and inadvertently sliding down his chest. "Seth!" she scolded.
Seth's breath caught in his throat. That look seized being just was enticing. She was enticing. He drew her into his arms, nuzzling her face with his. Her skin and scent were so tantalizing…and she didn't push him away…
"Whoo- hoo! Love birds!"
Stunned, Kelista pulled away from Seth at the sound of the Lunatic Fringe's voice. The Architect would've snapped at Dean, but he realized that his former Shield team-mate was only directing his friendly teasing towards Kelista.
"Hello, Dean," the Helmsley Princess greeted, trying to keep her voice normal.
The dinner party soon became an after-party as it was gate-crashed by the Reigns, Alison, Dean and later his grandfather, Charlie (his mother, Rivonia, tagged along on the condition that she had to 'behave').
The Reigns' children, Sarah, Raquel and Koda wanted to play with Kelista, and Seth's longing to spend time alone with her contended with his dejected feelings as he was around Roman and Dean. Now that Seth was outside with Kelista playing with the children, they distanced themselves or went inside the house. His brothers seemed to ignore his very existence.
~oOo~
Alison smiled at her grandparents talking amicably with Dean's. After awhile, the Lunatic Fringe indicated that they should leave their company.
"I think we should go now, before we get grey hair," he whispered.
"Dean!" Alison scolded laughing, but nevertheless followed him outside.
Since Seth was in the gardens, Dean led Alison to the Rollins' pool area. His heart was doing somersaults. Not having seeing Alison since Seth and Kels' engagement, he had really missed her.
"Hey, Dean," Alison said happily, "Looks like things are going well; it's a great reunion,"
The Lunatic Fringe couldn't help it and smiled back at her. "Yeah. Grandpa is very happy that he has finally seen my grandmother; though I think she needs more time…she's still uneasy around him. But on the upside, our grandparents seem to be getting along well,"
"Thank the Lord for that," she shook her head. "I just wished they hadn't taken so long - and had to rely on their grandkids to come to the rescue!"
Dean started laughing.
Alison watched him for awhile, fighting the urge to move the strands of strawberry blonde hair out of his eyes. Even though was so happy to see him, she realized how much it would hurt when he left. But she forced a smile when she realized Dean was looking at her.
"So…where's Austin?" he asked quietly.
The Lunatic Fringe was wondering what she was thinking about. He was initially glad that Austin Mansell wasn't here, but he couldn't be happy for long when he realized Alison wasn't, and Austin's absence may be the reason.
"I'm not sure." Alison shrugged. "Why?"
Dean was confused. "Didn't he know what was happening today…that we were all meeting?"
"No..." Alison replied. "But if you want to speak to him, I can give you his number. I'm sure he'd like to hear from you."
Dean barely heard her but just nodded. She and Austin were probably having a fight. And he didn't want to be in the middle of it.
"No, that's okay. I…have to go now. We're leaving tomorrow."
Alison's heart sank. "But... your flight's in the evening and you're not obligated to go. Besides, you don't even like that place,"
"Could be different now." Dean shrugged.
Alison bit her lip trying to hold back her tears. She thought that they would have tomorrow to spend some time together before he left. "Alright. Well, I hope it's not too bad, but knowing you, you'd make it happen there," she forced a chuckle.
Dean stared at her for a moment, before realizing what he was doing. He quickly looked over to the water, where the lights were dancing on the surface of the pool.
"So Roman tells me you're going to church now?" Alison asked, breaking the awkward silence.
Dean chuckled and nodded. "Yeah. Never thought I would, "
"What changed your mind?"
"At first it was Sarah." Dean said. "Her faith is incredible. It isn't childish or naive or like fairytales. Though fairytales may help abused children cope, Sarah said God is no fairytale. God wasn't made by man's imagination. I kind of hit rock bottom and I went to search for you, but then I knew why you left - Because of God right? So I studied up on Jesus and everything, trying to figure out something that could discredit God, so that you could give Him up and be with me."
Alison shifted uncomfortably. Now that he discovered the truth for himself…did he still want to be with her?
"But then I figured out why you couldn't; why give up a relationship with the most powerful Person that happens to own the entire universe, and can measure it in the palm of His hand? I don't understand everything …" Dean looked at the pool again, as he was in deep reminiscence. "At first I was confused at why God would accept me. I wondered if I should I change? I didn't want to be a boring old stiff...But then, I stopped drinking and smoking...So my health has been up... positive changes. I still fight like hell though when the need arises."
Alison chortled, but her eyes brimmed with tears of joy. "I'm happy for you, Dean,"
"It was interesting too," Dean continued, "Jesus was a carpenter, so he probably was very strong. Plus surviving that scourging. Being as strong as He is, I think Jesus would be pretty cool to wrestle against." he remarked, but then immediately regretted his words; he didn't want to offend her.
But Alison burst out laughing. "You should be careful; I don't think Jesus will take it easy on you. Remember Jacob? He ended up with a broken hip after the encounter,"
"Yeah, but Jacob got a new name and a new destiny," Dean replied quietly. "His life now meant something,"
Alison smiled at him, glad he was finally at peace with himself.
"Anyway, I should get going," Dean gritted his teeth, hating the next words he was going to say. But he had to forget himself for her sake. "I'm sorry Austin couldn't be here, Alison.
Alison was stunned. This was a family get-together; and though she knew Austin fancied her, Alison didn't have feelings for him; how could she when she already loved Dean?
Before she could answer, Dean wrapped her in a one arm friendly hug. "I really hope things work out for you."
But as he slowly started to release her, Alison looked up at him.
"I hope things go well for you too, Dean," she replied softly.
With her beautiful face a mere few inches from his, Dean longed to kiss those desirable lips again. Realizing what was happening, he quickly released her. He had to slowly detach himself from her.
Dean had finally understood why Seth was going to let Kelista go that time everyone thought she and Aryan was going to marry. Seth loved Kelista unconditionally; what she wanted and needed and her happiness meant more to him than his. His love was patient, kind, generous and forgiving. So then how could Dean say he cared about Alison if he wanted to break her happy relationship with Austin?
Dean swallowed hard as he turned towards the door. "So...goodbye then," he choked, leaving his heart behind, not knowing that he was taking Alison's with him.
~oOo~
Later that evening
Kelista was on the verge of tears.
It was getting late, and her family decided it was time call it a night. Alison's grandparents and the Reigns had already taken their leave an hour earlier. But Kelista could not bear to leave Seth; they weren't going to see each other for another week.
Seth smiled gently at his fiancée before lowering his eyes slightly bowing his head. "Farewell to my lovely princess,"
Kelista let out a short laugh, but soon her tears started flowing and she threw herself into his arms. Seth's heart broke. He did not want Kelista to leave. He held her in his arms for the longest time yet.
This did not go unnoticed by his fiancée's best friend. As consolation, she slipped a small envelope into his hand just before she got into the limo after Kelista.
"I got this idea from Dean," Alison chortled.
The Architect was bemused, but was more concerned with Kelista's limo and watched it until it disappeared into the horizon. Finally he turned his attention to the small envelope in his hand. It had his name written in fancy, curly script; Kelista's handwriting. Seth immediately but carefully opened her note. Reading it, he smiled; feeling a number of emotions: love, joy, longing (for her missed her so much more) and nostalgia (of their childhood days). The beautifully handwritten letter on cream-coloured paper concluded with the words:
I love you forever, Seth; I can hardly wait to marry you.
Kelista Deepika Helmsley
~oOo~
Helmsley Mansion, Outskirts of Davenport Iowa
The Helmsley Princess sighed contently to herself as she walked down the hallway towards her bedchamber. She was glad that everything went well; it was a lovely evening with the Rollins' and Helmsleys getting along like a house on fire. The only issues was Seth's relationship (or the lack of) with his brothers (but her papa told her he had a plan to reconcile them) and she was too shy to give Seth her letter.
Oh, well, she smiled; maybe I could use that as an excuse to see him tomorrow.
The Helmsley Princess' smile fell away when she heard quiet sobs coming from a room on her right. Kelista froze by the doorway. The only time she ever saw Alison in tears was over her mother.
"Alison?" Kelista called gently, sitting down on the bed.
Surprised, Alison quickly got up to a sitting position as she wiped her tears. "Oh, hi, Kels,"
"What's wrong?" Kelista asked softly, moving back the damp hair sticking to her friend's face.
Alison shook her head; it was too painful to talk about. She forced a smile. "I thought you'd be on the phone with Seth; you two miss each other so much."
The Helmsley Princess was about to answer when it finally dawned on her. "This is about Dean, isn't it? That he left early? But I thought that he loved you, Ali."
Fresh tears tickled down Alison's face. "I... could see it in his eyes today; when he held me, but I already told him that... um, he believes I'm happy with Austin."
Alison wanted to explain more, but Kelista wouldn't quite understand. Alison had already made her decision a long time ago. Being with Dean meant comprising her relationship with Christ, which had a high price. Not only for her but for Dean too, because then Dean would never see the need for Jesus, if she was willing to comprise her relationship with Yahweh for anything. That Sunday three months ago, Dean only attended church because of her; and she never wanted it to be like that. But then Roman admitted that he also distanced himself from Dean, because it was too much of a reminder of Seth, of the Shield, of their brotherhood. That pushed Dean to find out where the best place for comfort is; the One that loves him the most.
Unfortunately she found that out too late, and Dean was gone.
"What?" The only reason Kelista's temper didn't flare was the tears on her friend's face. "Happy with Austin my foot! You weren't even courting no, wait, what's that thing you guys call it- oh dating. You don't even fancy him. I never knew you could lie like that, Ali, - and to Dean!"
"Austin and I were sort of-"
"Group dating?" Kelista cut in. "Yes, I understand. A double date could be fun with you, Dean, Seth and I. But those group outings with Austin can't count, because you never liked Austin. You just had fun with your church buddies as friends. Anyway, when Deanhad fallen ill that one time, you were so worried, you started calling him for a change. You care about Dean, Alison,"
"Alright, fine, you win." Alison sighed, already tired of this conversation (seeing that Kels was right anyway). "Oh, by the way, I delivered your love letter to Seth,"
Kelista stared at her in shock.
~oOo~
Michael's home office
"Ryan," Michael addressed one of his captains. "Have you secured the mansion?"
"Yes, sir," Ryan replied. "Miss Kelista is safe. I've also briefed her security detail, should she decide to leave the premises."
Michael tried to remain calm. His security was comprised; his family was vulnerable. He had Rizer and a few others he trusted positioned inside the mansion, near his family. As long as they don't leave the mansion, it'll be fine. And there's no reason for Priya and Kelista to, anyway.
Left with nothing else that was in his power to do, Michael could only rely on God's protection for his family, for the soldiers he positioned at the village…and for the complicated plan that was already set in motion.
~oOo~
"Oh, by the way, I delivered your love letter to Seth," Alison admitted.
Kelista stared at her. "What! Why –why did you-"
"Because you would have been too bashful to, and you know it!" Alison chuckled.
Kelista was about to profusely deny it when her cell phone rang. She blushed hard when she looked at the caller ID making her friend laugh.
"Go on and take your call from Seth," Alison smiled. "I'm sure you two love birds have a lot to talk about."
Kelista walked out of Alison's room, but the call had already cut and she received a text message.
Kels,
I'm already missing you, sweetheart. Meet me outside by the greenhouse. I want to see you one last time before I leave tomorrow, angel.
Love you,
Seth
Kelista sighed. She could get into huge trouble with her grandparents for this. She bit her lip, thinking hard. But Seth's leaving tomorrow morning and we wouldn't see each other for another week. I'll only be a few minutes…
Kelista walked towards the greenhouse, wondering why Seth couldn't just come inside the mansion; her grandfather might not have been too happy, but Michael would have excused the short visit…and Seth would have met her inside the mansion first…
But it was a little too late; she had realized that there were no guards at the greenhouse, and Seth would never take her out of their care, let alone ask her to leave the mansion so late at night!
Kelista hardly turned to run back to the mansion when she felt a cloth over her mouth. Struggling soon became useless as her limbs went numb and everything went black.
~oOo~
Seth tried calling Kelista again after the call got cut but it went into voice-mail. After reading her letter, he had wanted to, but eventually decided against going back to see her so she could sleep; Kelista was already tired after preparing dinner, let alone the after party. But there was a nagging thought at the back of the Architect head; there was tapping sound on his phone before the ringing stopped.
I'm just being paranoid, he mused. Kelista's fine; she's well protected.
His phone started ringing. Seth sighed in relief when he saw the caller ID and immediately answered.
"Hi, angel,"
"Seth Rollins," replied familiar cocky voice.
"Who the hell is this?" Seth demanded. "Where's Kelista?"
"She's here."
By the stranger's tone, Seth could tell he was smirking.
"With me,"
"Do you have any idea who her father is?" Seth snarled. "Do you know who I am? I will tear you apart if you hurt her!"
"I know exactly who Michael Helmsley is," Hanovi smirked. "I'll deal with him soon. But if you want to save your fiancée, meet me in the forest. "
The Architect gritted his teeth. He was about to hurl out threats when he heard her tearful voice.
"Seth, don't-" Kelista sobbed.
"Kels, are you okay?" Seth asked urgently.
"The old Oak Tree. One hour. Come alone." Hanovi instructed before hanging up.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Translations:
Chapter Title: Te Amo Con Todo mi Corzon (Spanish: I love you with all my heart)
Jaan (Hindi): One true love; beloved one
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed and favorited! You guys are awesome! :D :D :D
