"It has to be here. Gandalf can you shine the torch down here please." She was half seated on the steps as she felt along the edge of the floor by the wall, just like in her dream. "That was the weird grinding noise I heard, the stone moving… and how that man pretty much disappeared after attacking us."
"But how do you know the switch is on the ground?" He shifted the light into a better angle.
"I… had a dream about it." She shuffled down several steps again, on her bottom, balancing her injured leg out. It was the only way to manage without putting weight on that injured thigh and not being lumbered with her crutch, which had been leant against the wall further up. "And its not just that – it makes sense."
Feeling along the floor and the lower part of the wall again, she looked up at Gandalf, who looked like he was ready to call on the men in white coats.
"Don't give me that look – it happened once before. I found a panel in the wall that opened a doorway into… well, into the master suite." She completed the latter part of her sentence quietly, frowning at the wall in the dark. "And because of a dream, I'd like to add. Well, that and being hunted by a werewolf – I mean wolf. How would you explain that one?"
"It is not unexpected. You must have noted a difference in the panel work earlier that day. I, believe that Dreams often help us make sense of our day to day lives. You know like a simulation of sorts." He brushed his beard thoughtfully. "What makes you think it is exactly here?"
"Oh I see – it may not be in the way I dreamt about it?"
"Perhaps, we need to search the whole wall. And maybe even both sides. Afterall, where did he get the book from, and where was he going?"
"What was in the book?" She looked up at the man with his bushy grey beard.
"It was a rough journal of thoughts and notes kept by Thorin's father, Thrain."
"And…? Was there anything in particular?" She continued to shuffle down the steps meticulously feeling along the lower edges. "Where is Thorin… where is Athol? Or Dwalin…? How did that man get in here? I mean… does no one actually care!"
She huffed in frustration as she finally reached the bottom step. In truth she was angry at herself for feeling a little disappointed that Thorin hadn't been to see her since they had last spoken. But then, they hadn't even kissed – he had no obligation to be there or think there was anything more to it.
"They are trying to work out how the intruder got in." Gandalf shook his head, leaning down to lift her up off the ground. "I think you should be resting really, my dear. There is no reason why this cannot wait another day or two –"
"Thanks. But no – I can't. I know there's something here – there was this noise I heard. It was really loud. I heard it more in the pool. And now it makes sense. There was a hidden passageway. It has to be that." She looked up at the dark stairwell again, while holding onto the tall, older man. "Thorin said there were secret passageways that even he didn't know about… Ugh."
She winced in pain again, angry at speaking his name once more. Their 'almost-kiss' probably never meant a thing to him!
"Why the fuck don't they fit proper lighting into this bloody place!" She let his hand go and began to hobble up the stairs again, holding on to the opposite wall. She felt like crying, so she bit her lip to stop herself. "Now I have to do this all over again."
"I haven't read the whole journal yet, so I will need more time to make sense of it all. But several pages are missing…" he looked at her sympathetically.
"What do you mean several pages are missing?" She turned to him, precariously balancing on her good leg. This was going to hurt tomorrow.
"They have been torn out. I have to read it all to make sense of it – but on initial observation, it is clear there are pages missing." He explained flatly.
"You think the attacker took them?"
"It's hard to say."
"Honestly – you would think they would get CCTV fitted. Or at least better lighting." She grumbled hopping again, only to lose her balance slightly. Her hand shot out a little slower than she wanted, possibly due to the medicines she was on for the pain. It made her stumble towards the wall, leaning into it. Her hand grasped at the cold stone, such that where she leant on sunk into the wall, ending with a clunk.
This was followed immediately by the grinding sound she had heard previously, as a stone doorway slid open releasing a cloud of dust into the darkness accompanied by a musty smell.
"I knew it!" She exclaimed. "I would do an 'I told you so' dance if I could."
Gandalf had grabbed her hand again, helping to steady her, since her crutch still rested at the top.
"It appears that you possess a natural sleuthing tendency." He smiled down at her, before they both looked towards the open chamber. It was unlit, and even darker than the stairwell so he pointed his torch at the space. "I think their vision in the dark is far superior to ours. Which would explain the darkness."
He helped her hobble in and then holding her hand shone the torch around the darkened room, before reaching out and turning on a light switch.
A small chandelier in the ceiling illuminated the room with its soft glow. It looked like a very small study, no bigger than a small bedroom, lined with bookshelves. In the centre sat a compact desk with several books still sitting on it. The room had clearly remained unused for sometime and yet it looked almost abandoned while it was still being used; a pen lay on the desk along with more books strewn across the work surface.
Gandalf helped her into the large leather chair and began looking through some of the books, while she began looking through others.
"This belonged to Thrain." He murmured, looking through another book. "So he kept a secret office. Well, this was certainly the right place. Only Thorin would have used the pool, and he was away after he turned eighteen…"
"I wonder what that intruder was looking for." She put down a book, only to spot a silver letter opener that lay on the table. Picking it up, she examined the crest engraved onto it. "Hey Gandalf – look: 'TSOT'. Like the key."
"That is Thrain's own personal crest; his official title would be Lord of Erebor, 'Thrain son of Thror'."
"So the key is his." She looked up at Gandalf, who was now looking through several books on the shelves, who nodded distractedly. If Thorin had lost his father under tragic circumstances, she felt wrong about being there without him. She imagined that he would have wanted see Thrain's study just as he had last left it. "The man disappeared into this room. So I presume there must be another passageway out of here."
"Hmmmm…." Gandalf had moved along to another shelf, and carried on browsing through the volumes.
So she stood up to leave, having found this place, it was certainly not hers to look through it. Rather, that was up to Thorin. Then once again feeling lightheaded, she reached out to hold on to the bookshelf behind her, when she disrupted a row of books, which toppled on their side like a row of dominoes.
"Sorry." She whispered looking over to Gandalf, who seemed completely engrossed in what he was reading and hadn't even heard the commotion. He just nodded, like a father dismissing a bothersome child.
Quickly, she began to set the books upright once more, when she noticed one book stacked upside down in the row below. Scanning the other shelves, all perfectly stacked, this one now looked completely out of place.
Holding on to the shelves for balance, she tilted her head around to read the title.
"Great passageways to the world." She reached out to the book with one finger, and began to pull. It felt as though it had been wedged tightly in, but the row of books didn't appear to be over packed. So using all her fingers and bit more force, she pulled harder this time.
The entire bookshelf, lurched forward without warning, pulling her along as she hobbled on one foot trying her best to keep up without falling flat on her face. Finally it halted with a groan, opening into a dark passageway filled with cobwebs.
"Ugh, spiders!" Her shriek was automatic as she desperately fought off some strange invisible enemy hidden in the silvery white gossamer threads that landed on her. "Ah! They're on me! Get them off! Get them off!"
Letting go of her support she pushed away on one leg, to land in the safety of Thrain's giant leather chair, only to get up and start dusting herself off again. She was certain her skin crawled with arachnids.
"You are fine my dear!" Gandalf set his hands on hers, stilling them, and bringing a strange calmness over her. "Now take a few deep breaths with me and steady yourself."
He gently sat her down again and dusted the cobwebs off her hair.
"I think I've had enough excitement for one day." She began to stand up slowly, finally looking forward to her bed.
"He sat with you for a couple of hours to keep an eye," Gandalf commented without putting too much emphasis on the matter observing her. "He insisted I sat with you the rest of the evening,"
"Thanks Gandalf."
….
"Lass, look at the state of ya." Mel poured her another cup of tea, watching her stuff another biscuit into her mouth. "I don't like it. No- not at all."
"Oh Mel! These biscuits are absolutely divine." She picked up her fourth, and began to eat it, this time trying to force herself to look like she wasn't seeing food for the first time. The truth was, she had continued to avoid meal times with the Durin household, usually snacking in the kitchen quickly with Laverna. The old cook had offered to send her up food to her room, but she had felt guilty to accept that too, in case she might offend the young Durin brothers or Dis. So she spent most of her time starving. Even the food in the hospital tended to be fairly bland or healthy! "Oh God Mel!"
"I'm gonna send ye a tin of biscuits ter keep in ye room." She looked over at Shobha, sliding the plate of biscuits closer to her. "Ye look as though they've not been feedin ya."
"Oh gosh! No - they've been… very kind," she shook her hands urgently in between mouthfuls.
"Well ye've lost weight! All me measurements are off by half an inch!" Mel complained again looking at the dress she had fitted. "What's been going on – ye can tell old Mel."
"Nothing really, just –"
"This is too much for ya. All the work ya do, the injury and now all this bridesmaid malarkey."
She hadn't even revealed the full story regarding the wedding, or how she had sustained her injury.
"Well, I guess it won't hurt my losing a few pounds, since Ria sent me Jessica's bridesmaid outfit. And that girl is a rake with boobs." Shobha laughed.
"I'll say lass – I don't know whether I can take this out." Mel held up the elaborately embroidered blouse and examined it carefully. "This lass ye speak of is not correctly built – how did she come to be this way? Has she been ill fer a long time?"
"Well – it looks surprisingly natural actually. In fact I think I might be the only one who knows about her augmentation." She replied quietly. "Anyway is there nothing you can do for it. I mean – I will split that thing if I try to close it…"
"Perhaps that's what I could do!" Mel looked at it closer. "Aye that's it! I'll put a lace through the back. I'll have to take the bust in though. Ye've lost what little bosom ye had! Now who will he take with ya?"
Shobha paused midway through her last biscuit. She hadn't thought about that problem for the last few hours. It would be bad enough facing all those people – friends and family who had come to look at her as though she were somehow something less or broken for having ended her engagement. That in itself would be humiliating, but to face Mike, who she imagined must have a date for this was going to be a truly horrid experience indeed.
"I don't know. I think I will just go solo." She felt a tinge of regret for agreeing to this now. Finishing her last biscuit, she took a sip of her tea. She wanted to go home and sleep again. It would be nicer if she could just sleep through all of Ria's wedding, actually!
"Well lass, I had better get on if I am going ter do all these adjustments fer ya." Mel patted her hand gently, realising she didn't seem to want to talk much. "Why don't ya stay here, child?"
"Thanks Mel, but I can't impose myself on anyone. I imagine I will be back in the cottage again before I know it." She gave the kind seamstress a gentle hug. "When should I pick them up?"
"Don't you worry about that – I'll drop em off lass."
….
She stood in the grand entrance of Durin Manor waiting for Dario. The last two weeks prior to the wedding had passed much quicker than she had hoped. Dawn had still not broken yet, a depressing sign of the days shortening as summer was ending. The mornings here were now quite chilly.
To make things worse, she hadnt seen Thorin all week, making her wonder whether he was actually avoiding her. So they now had shared 'one and a half' kisses, and had avoided talking about it for almost three weeks! It annoyed her that she even thought about it so much.
She shifted her weight on her sore leg. It was no longer so bad that she needed a crutch, but she was still almost constantly aware of it.
"Who will collect you when you arrive in London, lass?" Gror stood with her luggage looking concerned.
"My parents will be there. But I think I will manage if I go slow." Part of her looked forward to seeing her family again, even if it meant tolerating this stupid wedding. She had avoided going home all this time to give herself some distance from her old life, and the change had been good for a while; it had been cathartic. But now it was time to go back for a visit, and she knew it also meant facing the demons of her past. She fiddled with the belt of her mac nervously and then checked her watch again.
"I am not sure it's such a good idea that you put so much weight on that leg, lass –" Gror began, but was interrupted by a commotion from behind them in the corridor.
They all turned around to spot both Gandalf and Thorin walking along the grand promenade that led to the equally impressive entrance of the Manor. Thorin pulled a small wheeled travel case along, while Gandalf had an old shabby rucksack over one shoulder with his usual cane in the other.
"That won't be necessary." Gandalf smiled as they arrived closer. "We will help."
They all stood looking somewhat surprised at the two unlikely additional travellers.
"Well don't look so surprised. There is a slight change of plans, we have some urgent business to attend to in London. So we will join you." Gandalf was dressed in his usual grey linen suit. It appeared less shabby today, so it made her wonder how many of the exact same suit he possessed. "But it does mean there is a slight change of plans for your travel too, my dear."
She briefly glanced over at Thorin, who had carried on walking past them, and appeared too busy to have noticed her, as Dario had pulled up now.
"We'll take the 'Eagle' instead. It will be quicker." Gandalf smiled at her. There was mischief in his kind old blue eyes, that made her wonder how much he knew about her past. "We thought you might like a bit of company on your travels too my dear."
"But it will take –"
"Just a couple of hours by air." Gandalf completed.
"I know." She looked worried suddenly. This had been a controlled weekend. She had planned it to the hour, and psyched herself up mentally to protect herself from every challenge: Her scrutinising sister, all the wedding activities involved, and the constant desire her mother had to intervene in her love life by attempting to set her up. There would be no idle time to 'hang out', that might lead to trouble. "I haven't factored in arriving so early on Friday!"
Ria's mother, Lalitha, was her aunt – in fact her father's youngest sister. She was also extremely spoilt having been the youngest of four and the only girl of the family. This meant that she almost always got her way with her brothers, and her husband had followed in pandering to her every whim. Therefore, given that Ria was also her only daughter and youngest, this was going to be a lavish wedding indeed. There would be distant family travelling from various parts of the world to attend this do, and Lalitha had planned a mix of both traditional and modern customs to suit. On Friday evening there would be a large dinner party at the brides house, where they would have the initial customary Hindu blessing, followed by singing and dancing. There would be a lot of family, and mutual friends including many who had expected to be invited to Shobha's wedding. Her plan had been to arrive too late to attend this, going straight home to her parents house to sleep instead. But now if arrived early enough, her parents might insist that she joined them in attending this affair too – and she hadn't even packed for it!
"Hurry up." Thorin barked from the car where he had put both his case, and apparently hers, in the boot. "We haven't got all day."
They both walked to the car, Gandalf stooping in to sit in the back next to her, as Dario held her door open. Thorin had already taken his seat in the front, and appeared to be engrossed in a book.
Their journey had been silent, while she had watched the harsh but unspeakably beautiful landscape fly past as Dario drove them. Thorin had almost completely ignored them, while Gandalf too had silently looked out of his window.
After what seemed a very short but speedy journey, past Dale and much further south, they arrived at an old airstrip, which stood in the middle of nowhere, with one large hanger. And there, standing proudly, and very out of place was a rather sleek and flashy looking private jet. It's nose was painted like the head of an eagle, which made it look almost alive!
Thorin and Gandalf had gone ahead, as the pilot and the ground manager had come out to greet them, taking their luggage along, while Dario had held the door open helping her get out of the car.
"It's impressive isn't it?" Dario smiled as he helped her out. "Mr Pilgrim's Eagle is the only hybrid G650 – in the world. Your journey will be the quietest flight known to man."
"Well at least I might be able to get some sleep then." She smiled back at Dis' handsome chauffeur before looking back at the aircraft that sat on the tarmac, looking very much like a giant bird with its wings spread, ready to take off. Thorin had glanced briefly in their direction before ascending the steps and disappearing into the jet, while Gandalf remained outside speaking with the pilot. They would be back in London by late morning, and the thought made her heart sink a little. "Dario, I'm not sure I can do this.."
"There is no need for you to go, Miss." He turned to her, with a gentle smile playing in his lips. His rugged features made him look devastatingly handsome, and his smile added a softness to his features that only accentuated this! "But sometimes, it gives a certain relief to face up to the ghosts of our past; and to lay them to rest."
She looked from Dario to the car, where he had left the door open, and then towards Gandalf, who remained outside talking with the pilot.
"Right. I'd best get a move on then. I've got a whole graveyards worth of them to exorcise – in a whole weekend." She pursed her lips, knowing he was right. It had been exhausting running from it for so long. After this, there would no longer be a need to keep looking back, and she could finally focus on just looking ahead again. She gave the Durin's chauffeur a half hearted wave. "Good looking and smart – must be really tough being you!"
He stifled a chuckle and turning away shut the passenger door as she began to walk towards Gandalf, who seemed to magically turn towards her, releasing the pilot to ascend the small stairs and into the jet.
"Having second thoughts?" The old man winked as he followed her up into the jet.
"Always."
Inside the Eagle, everything had an understated elegance, and was most certainly designed for comfortable work during travel. They had all sat around a table, Shobha sitting next to Gandalf, while Thorin was settled opposite them, still very much engrossed in a book he read. Careful not to stare, after several glances she noticed it was one of Thrain's leather bound journals.
She leant back in her plush leather seat, shutting her eyes, as Gandalf took out his phone and started making several calls. Then just as she began to drift off, her own phone began to vibrate as multiple messages that had been unable to reach her in Erebor finally arrived with the improved signal.
At first she had no desire to check her phone, imagining half of those messages were from the blackmailing bride to be, but her phone began to vibrate continuously. It forced her to reach down into her bag and pull out her phone.
It rang off as she stared at the screen, annoyed, only to spot the missed call was from her mother! She also had about six messages already from both parents and to her complete surprise, her sister!
It was the same message from each: 'Call – soon as you can please'.
She groaned inwardly at the prospect of further drama brewing. There was only herself to blame in this matter.
"Gandalf, I need to make a call." She whispered, turning to him.
"Of course, my dear – use the chairs over there," he pointed towards the back of the cabin which was quieter.
Careful not to trip as she stood up, feeling a twinge of pain in her leg, she moved to the back and took a seat as far away from the others as possible before scrolling through her phone. She began by calling her parents home phone, only to be met by an engaged tone, then she tried calling her mothers cell phone.
"Hi baby!" Her mother was quick to answer, but also sounded quite apologetic. "Are you on your way now, darling?"
"Yeah – mum – "
"Look baby, we have to change a few plans last minute; I know it's not fair, and I blame your father. He just can't say no to your aunt. She is still his baby sister… blah blah blah –" her mother sounded irritated, and lowered her voice. "Lalitha is a completely manipulative cow if you ask me! But they have asked whether a couple of Vikram's cousins coming last minute from Australia can stay over here for a couple of nights. So Friday night and Saturday night. And Arun already agreed without asking me…"
Although desperate to interrupt her mothers tirade, she kept silent waiting for her to reach the main point of it all.
"I'm sorry darling, but you won't be able to spend the weekend at ours." Her mother broke the news finally. "I know you wanted a little break with us, but it won't be the same anyway, with Vikram's cousins hanging around – but your sister has that lovely guest room in her attic; she and Dev would love to have you over for a few days."
Her mother paused waiting for some sort of response from Shobha, but she felt too disappointed to even pretend at that point, her mind racing through the various options of how to manage instead.
"Shobha? Honey…?" Her mother asked again softly.
"Sure mum, no problem. Does Myra know? Or will I be breaking the news to them –"
"Oh darling! Of course they know! In fact they offered." Her mother reassured.
"Okay mum," she wanted to quickly wrap this conversation up, so that she could talk to her sister. There had to be some sort of catch to it; Myra, was her flesh and blood, and they were always there for each other. But that was as far as their relationship went. Her sister was eight years older than her, and with the age gap there was a general difference in opinion and a great degree of judgement that arose from her older sister. They shared nothing in common. And Myra had not only always disapproved of Mike, but also made it clear that she had told her so when things fell apart. So the thought of staying with her family was not something she looked forward to. Saying that, her niece and nephew were the sweetest, and she never turned down the chance to spend time with them! "Look mum, I've got to go. I guess I will see you later – at the wedding then?"
"Oh baby! No! We will pop round to Myra's on Saturday –"
"No mum, I have to be at Ria's rehearsal dinner, and it's a lot earlier than I hoped. Plus, I snagged an appointment for my hair so I will probably be out after breakfast –"
"Oh darling, this is not how it should be." Her mother sounded genuinely apologetic.
"Don't worry mummy. I will see you later." She ended the call and quickly dialled her sisters phone.
"Shobha?" Her sister sounded relieved that she had called. "Sorry, I know this is not how they should be seeing you for the first time in six months…"
Her sister bore a gentler tone than she expected.
"Yeah. Thanks for the offer –"
"Before you say anything, Ria wanted me to be there for her ceremony on Friday… you know, to welcome the groom and guests." Myra sounded apologetic. It was a tone she had never heard her sister use! But she understood. It was a tradition that the groom and his family that arrived at the blessing was made to feel welcome by the brides mother and sister. But when the bride only had Male siblings, as Ria did, a cousin-sister would often act as her own sister would have. "It should be you doing this."
Shobha remained silent. Each of these conversations reminded her why she had left the mess of her old life behind.
"I'm not taking the kids to this on Friday. So, could you watch them please?" Myra asked. "There is nothing to watch to be honest. They will be in bed by eight."
"Of course. It's no problem." Shobha tried to sound upbeat.
"Mum and Dad will pick me up early. But Dev will be home with the kids until you get there." Myra sounded relieved that she had agreed to help. "Do you want someone to pick you up?"
"No thanks, Myra. I'll take a taxi." Now that she knew, she wanted to get some sleep, and then she would need to find a hotel to stay in from Saturday. She had no desire to spend all weekend at her sisters place! "Okay so I'll see you later."
Again Shobha was quick to end the call – this weekend was always bound to have a certain amount of drama. But there was no need for her to involve herself in it. Standing up slowly, she made her was back to the small group, only to find Thorin and Gandalf now deep in conversation with someone on the phone. It sat on the table between them on speakerphone.
"That is most interesting." Gandalf brushed his beard with his hand thoughtfully, while Thorin shook his head.
"I simply don't understand why he would stipulate such a thing." Thorin sounded irritated.
"Well, Sir, if not for this, the imposter who had attempted to gain access before would have certainly done so. It prompted the clerk to check the photo ID. He copied your signature perfectly and had a false passport and driver's license."
"So Thrain must have believed there was a threat for some time before he contacted me. This safe deposit box was put in place long before he spoke with me." Gandalf frowned at his phone before looking up to spot Shobha's approach.
"I have spoken with the jeweller, on your behalf as Mr Pilgrim suggested, Lord Thorin, and he informed me that he knew Lord Thrain well. For that very reason, he will not relax his stipulation."
"For Mahal's sake!" Thorin shut the journal he was reading in anger. "What am I supposed to do now?"
"Not to fear – all problems have a solution.." Gandalf smiled, looking up at her, nodding for her to return and take her seat. "Would you be able to call and let him know that we will see them on Saturday?"
"Of course, Mr Pilgrim."
"Thank you."
And with that Gandalf reached over and switched off the call on the touchscreen.
"Why would he place such stipulations on accessing his safe box? After all, I am his heir." Thorin balled his hand into fist angrily. "It makes no sense. And how am I supposed to find a wife by tomorrow?"
"There is nothing to indicate there a need for a wife specifically. You need someone that could pass as one – a betrothed would quite suffice." Gandalf spoke calmly, as if it was as mundane as asking whether he took milk with his tea!
"I still see no solution Gandalf!" He growled.
"Then you must look harder, Thorin Oakenshield!" Gandalf spoke sternly for the first time, as far as she had ever heard. She could swear that his voice sounded deeper, and while he didn't seem to actually raise his voice, Gandalf seemed to render everyone silent, and command all attention.
Thorin silently looked at Gandalf, finally registering what the old man appeared to be hinting at, following his gaze, directed towards her! She was too lost in her own thoughts at first, as she stared at her phone, entirely oblivious to the matter at hand. It made him feel painfully guilty. She had become embroiled in the troubles that had plagued Erebor now.
Two weeks may have passed by, but he recalled setting his eyes on the large ragged gash that horribly scarred almost the full length of her slender thigh. It would forever ruin the beautiful brown skin of her thigh, and she had sustained that because of him. They had almost kissed – and she had wanted him; he could have sworn that she even desired him! In that very moment he would have done anything to have her – given anything – to have her spread her legs for him. But ever since that evening, he had decided that it would be in her best interests that he had as little to do with her as possible. Apparently there were hidden passages and ways to access HIS manor that even HE was unaware of, making him unable to guarantee her safety. Involving her as Gandalf suggested would only risk her further.
"Sorry…? What was that? I… didn't…" she looked up at the old man, a little confused, briefly glancing towards him.
"No. Gandalf – no." Thorin shook his head.
"I think it could be mutually beneficial…" Gandalf smiled at her again.
"No." Thorin was firmer this time, his face stony and determined.
"I don't get it. What could be mutually beneficial?" She ignored Thorin, focussing on the old man instead.
"We found a certain safety deposit box key, held by a jeweller in Hatton Gardens, that belonged to Thrain. We are not sure what exactly is contained within it, but it was among Thrain's estate – all of which goes to Thorin," Gandalf began explaining, his blue eyes observing her carefully, as though attempting to explain something to her for he first time, but they were also clearly filled with mischief! "It turns out the box was quite important, because someone, who might be passable as Thorin, attempted to access its contents. Fortunately for us Thrain had requested that unless Thorin had selected a bride, and came for his inheritance with her, he should not be permitted access."
"Okay. That's a bit weird." Shobha frowned.
"Actually, it prevented our imposter from gaining access – as this prompted the manager to check the photos of Thorin which they held on record."
"So didn't they catch the guy?"
"Sadly, no." Gandalf shook his head regretfully. "But we can access it – with a little help from you…"
"No Gandalf! I will not allow it!" Thorin interjected again.
"And how am I supposed to help?" Shobha asked Gandalf, continuing to ignore Thorin, who she could feel now bored into her with his stare.
"Thorin needs a bride." Gandalf hinged once more, a cheeky smile dancing on his lips.
"Okay…. I still don't get it – Oh! I see!" She could feel her cheeks heating up at the thought that she had missed the hint so badly. "You want ME to play his wife? But won't he have to prove marriage?"
"No!" Thorin attempted to interrupt again, only to be completely ignored again.
"The wording on the agreement for access is exact; 'that Thorin may have full access upon his demise, once he has selected a bride'." Gandalf smiled, ignoring Thorin also. "You need not be married, just betrothed."
"Why does everyone choose to ignore me on this?! I will not allow it!" Thorin complained again.
"It is the only way Thorin." Gandalf shrugged calmly.
"Then we can take time to consider what action must be taken next." He countered.
"By which time, those wishing to gain access wrongfully will have done so. Can you not see, this has been a saving grace. Had it not been for this, you would not have had this chance, of this I am certain!" Gandalf leant forwards speaking quietly. "Whoever looks to cause trouble for you, Thorin – who wishes to see Erebor fall, appears to be several steps ahead; they knew of the secret tunnels, of Thrain's secret office, how to open the hidden door, and now this. If you do not take this opportunity, perhaps you will never know what your father felt needed guarding away from the vaults of your own kingdom, guard by the most fearsome wolves you have."
"Gandalf's right." She finally addressed Thorin. "You have to know what is in there."
Thorin cast a stern look towards her. He would hold firm.
"Look at it this way," she tore her eyes away from his cold sapphire gaze, to run her hand over her thigh. "It would kind of make this all worth it…"
She looked back up at him, only to find his stern façade melting into a pained look, his brow furrowed with lines, as he accepted defeat. He sighed in frustration again, and looked at Gandalf, wondering how this seemingly harmless old man, convinced so many, with such great ease.
…..
Her day spent with Thorin had been quite exhausting to say the least...
"I want to speak with your manager. Right away." Thorin grunted angrily at the man who struggled desperately at the check in desk.
"Lord Durin, I am so sorry for the mistake made. I promise to look into the matter, in the meantime I can arrange for a room at the Savoy, on our account, covering any room service. And we will move the guest in your booked room by tomorrow." He scrambled desperately. The poor man, as he had explained before, was the front of house manager. And to his credit, he was indeed offering a fair solution. "I shall also personally look into how this error came about."
"I simply cannot understand how all the rooms here can be occupied?" Thorin complained in return. "We have been patrons here, for as long as I can recall."
"Yes, of course, Sir. And once again, I sincerely apologise for this, but this is the August bank holiday weekend. It is one of our busiest each year."
"Really Thorin, it won't be a huge issue." Shobha whispered from behind him.
"But I had booked three rooms, and since Gandalf had to return to be elsewhere, there should be two spare rooms." Thorin snapped at her.
"Ah! Yes. That I can explain; you see, Mr Pilgrims personal assistant called ahead to cancel the spare rooms booked." The concierge attempted to sound less afraid, but his voice was still sounded nervous.
"That was just this morning!"
"Yes, Sir, but we have many clients who are on a waiting list for weekends like this, and as soon as we know of vacancies we inform them," the man winced unashamedly. "The newly booked in guests, never hesitate. It is done very efficiently."
Thorin just growled at the man.
"Please don't make a scene here." Shobha pleaded, gently reaching her hand out to tap his arm. "They have promised you a room, and the Savoy is just as nice. Or else come and stay with me."
"And you are certain your sister and her husband will not mind this?" Thorin slowly turned to look at her, raising one eyebrow.
"Just think of it as helping me…"
So being back in the familiar space of her sisters house proved a bit restful, particularly as her sister was for the most part absent.
Shobha buzzed around her sisters large kitchen as she put together eggs on toast for her niece and nephew, who sat at the breakfast bar watching cartoons on the iPad laughing. Last night had planned out better than she had expected. Dev, her brother in law, had welcomed them both. He had not questioned Shobha's decision to invite Thorin to stay with them. The children had also been excited to see her again, but equally excited to have an additional guest and their excitement had led to an early night from sheer fatigue! What's more, her sister and husband had not returned until after they had gone to bed, which meant no judgemental comments.
While they had to share their room, Thorin had insisted that he sleep on the small sofa that sat opposite the bed in Myra's guest room, until she had pointed out their previous experience of spending the night together already.
All in all, despite her company in bed, Shobha had managed quite a restful night, and woken up feeling surprisingly energised. It was almost hard to imagine that she was back in London, or that Thorin had spent the evening there...
He had watched her tuck the children into bed from the doorway. It was so easy to imagine her as the mother of his children – it had presented itself as a strange desire that he had never been aware of before! And yet here it was, niggling at his heart. He wondered whether she was even aware of what she was doing to him.
Later that evening, they had both sat at her sisters dining table after dinner. He had read his fathers journals, although his mind was secretly in part on her, while she had sat quietly, opening a bundle of mail which had accumulated over the six months. And then, mid way through, she had suddenly put down the letter she was reading and looked up at him.
"Do you need to know anything specific about me for this thing tomorrow?"
He looked up at her, raising his brows surprised at her line of question.
"I mean did Gandalf say how or what they would ask? You know – to convince them I am your fiancé?" She explained, blushing slightly.
"There is little they can ask in truth. I think your mere presence will suffice." He replied, taking care to remove the emotion from his tone.
"But surely we need to know some basic things about one another – like who your family are, your date of birth, and stuff like that…" she felt her cheeks heating up more as she waffled.
"I think I have all the aforementioned suitably in hand," he spoke quite neutrally again, watching her over his book, as she continued to blush.
"You know my date of birth?!" She asked incredulously. "And about my family?"
"Aye. And I have spoken with your mother and father when they have called my study asking for you, since you moved to reside in my halls."
"Oh." She seemed surprised that he knew more about her than she imagined he would.
"You know all my family. You are even well acquainted with those I consider my closest friends, and have met my cousin Dain." He paused, glancing at her sidelong momentarily before speaking. "My date of birth is the twenty fourth of April, sixty five."
"Sixty five?! You're… fifty five?!" It slipped out before she could stop herself.
"Aye." He looked back up at her, suddenly very interested in her reaction, not caring to look disinterested any longer. "Does this trouble you?"
"No! I turned thirty this year – " she didn't want to highlight the age difference. "I mean – you don't look fifty – "
She could feel her cheeks heating up once more under his intense stare.
"Do you mean to suggest that I am too long in the tooth to have bride as young as you are?" He smirked at her.
"Well I suppose that could work both ways… might you not feel that I was too… immature… for you?" She took a deep breath, recalling the frequent complaints by Mike regarding this. He was almost ten years older than her, and would often moan about her desires to see and do certain things, sometimes even dismissing them as silly youngster things!
"Aye, but that has nothing to do with age." He wore a wry smile as he looked up at her with his stern blue eyes.
"Very droll." She grinned at his dry humour. "Well, I think I will head up to bed…"
He opened his fathers journal once more and attempted to continue reading, but couldn't concentrate for wondering about her; had she been considering him, seriously? He shut the journal, sighed and then opened it again, willing himself to read on, only to huff and close it with a frustrated bang.
Angry at himself for overthinking matters, he stood up and slowly made his way up to the guest room, but on the way he noticed a set of mahogany shelves packed with books and a picture frames of various family photos. What drew his attention was that some photos looked as though they had been hidden away in a hurry, tucked into gaps above the books and squeezed into corners. It was clearly a neglected part of the house, since the shelves had been dusted in a hurry – an attempt to remove any evidence of their existence.
Unable to help himself, he moved closer, cautious to listen out for the sound of anyone approaching and examined the shelves closer. He frowned, inwardly berating himself for his curiosity and reaching, slowly plucked a frame out with the greatest care.
Turning it over, he spotted the frame itself had been glued together, clearly made by a child with various mismatched decorations, clearly a labour of love for a favoured relative. However, where it should have made him smile, he could not bring himself to do so, for within the frame sat a picture of her with HIM. The man held her close, an air of possessiveness about his behaviour towards her as he looked at her, while she beamed, he hands wrapped around his neck as she looked towards the camera. He was handsome, with short dirty blonde hair cropped short, and clearly tall.
He cursed himself for looking. It made him feel jealous. He had never felt jealous. Of anything.
He had somehow thought this fool to be so unworthy of her affections, and yet he was unable to offer her any better.
Taking care to return the frame to where her sister had clearly stuffed the photograph he made his way to the room, gently knocking on the door before letting himself in, so he did not walk in on her changing, or half undressed.
Entering, he found her tucked in bed, on one side, her long dark hair cascading across the pillow like a river of polished onyx. She looked over at him, half sleepily.
"Just take the other half of the bed. I mean, it's not as though we haven't shared a bed before," she glanced at the sofa that he had originally suggested he slept on. "I doubt you will get much sleep on that."
"Aye, thank you." He grunted, unable to keep out the bitterness from his tone. Somehow he I,gained his youngest nephews fears to be true – this foul man she was once betrothed to, might ask for her back when he saw her after so long.
"Okay – relax. I promise to keep to my side of the bed." She remarked sarcastically. To her, his reluctance came across as repulsion towards the prospect of sharing a bed with her. Reaching up to the small lamp on her nightstand she turned it off, pulling the covers over her face, leaving only the soft light from the lamp on the other nightstand.
He quickly undressed, leaving his shirt and boxers on only and got into himself with the blanket left on the sofa for him instead of tucking himself under the duvet next to her. Initially laying there brooding silently for a moment of two.
"It's easy to have lived life, without truly experiencing things. So to share those experiences again, with the right person, will only make them feel as though one is truly living life… for the first time… even if it is not… the first time." He looked at her, where she lay facing away from him covered completely before switching off the light.
From time to time, she found herself lost in thought. Mostly, thinking of Thorin. she had always thought if him as quite rough and wild; inadaptable and uncaring of it. This made him suited to the life he led, but it was hard to imagine him outside of it. But last night, there had been moments, where she had thought he seemed perfectly at home here.
Carefully plating the eggs on toast and setting it before her niece and nephew who sat waiting at the breakfast bar, before turning to top up her own coffee. She had helped herself to quite of bit of chocolate from the large slab that had been left on the fridge last night, but thought better of having more at breakfast, even though she was desperate for it, since they seemed to have none in Erebor!
As she turned towards the little ones hungrily tucking in, to top up their glasses of juice, Thorin quietly walked into the kitchen and smiling softly at the boy and girl, slipped into the bar stool besides them.
"Morning all." He quietly greeted the children, as her niece giggled, looking over at her. Their innocent reactions made her blush.
"Morning." She replied turning away to pour him a mug of tea before setting it in front of him. "Eggs…?"
Thorin looked from the giggling children up at her, and smiled softly.
…..
Thorin looked at her again. She had been to her hairdresser who had cut her hair differently, making her hair look sleeker, shinier and softer, with wisps that fell on her forehead. It made her look different, still beautiful, but dramatically different. It had also given him an intense desire to touch her hair.
At first she had laughed about the strange look he had given her, and then seemed to have not noticed his interest. A minor matter he had been grateful for.
"Lord Durin? Lord Durin…?"
"Aye." He quickly looked away as she looked up from her phone.
"This way please Sir." The young pretty blonde, who had been at the reception desk of the building gestured towards another hallway, before batting her lashes at him.
At first Shobha looked up at Thorin, but remained seated. She didn't think it was right for her to be there when he first opened his father safety deposit box. Imagining that the contents were of a private nature, she remained seated, while Thorin stood up.
"Mr Newbury himself, will attend to you," she gave her best smile again, only to look somewhat dismayed as Thorin turned to look at Shobha, who looked up again from her phone, where she had been texting furiously.
"Oh…" she looked from Thorin to the woman, a little distracted. "Should I come too?"
"Well if you must." The woman muttered, a little less enthusiastically.
"I will have it no other way, my love." Thorin moved closer and held his hand out for her.
And not wanting to give away any hints at their pretence, she too stood up and took his hand.
"Come, my love, let us not keep Mr Newbury waiting." Thorin took her hand and led her down the corridor which the receptionist had gestured towards, completely ignoring the woman. At first she followed a few paces, only to stop and turn back when a short, well-rounded man in a three piece suit appeared at the far end. He waved quite cheerfully at them.
She expected him to have hurried her along, but instead he took his time, paying more attention to match her pace.
"Are you alright?" He asked quietly, glancing down at her. "You are still happy to do this with me?"
She looked up at him. His face was not the usual severe look he always bore, instead there was a gentleness to it. As if he truly cared for her.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She whispered back. "Let's do this."
He smiled softly at her. It was not the sort of smile she had seen him give even his friends. It was much gentler. She had only ever seen him smile like that at breakfast this morning.
Then he lifted her hand, that lay in his, up to his lips, and gently planted a kiss across her knuckles before continuing on towards the owner of the vaults.
Mr Newbury had stood there waiting patiently, grinning, as they approached.
"Ah! Lord Thorin! Welcome!" He extended his hand to Thorin, shaking it. "I knew your father and mother well!"
"Then it is my honour to meet you, Mr Newbury." He tilted his head in acknowledgement.
"I am sorry to hear of their passing. They were good folk." The rotund man smiled sadly. It made his already ruddy face a little more pink. "I would meet them both for dinner every time they stayed in London. I imagine they never spoke of me. But the laws around outsiders in Erebor and so on meant they kept those they had dealings with from the outside world very quiet."
Thorin watched the man carefully, nodding.
"And this must be your beautiful wife?" The man smiled, turning to Shobha and holding out his hand.
"Fiancé, actually." She smiled taking his pudgy hand and shaking it. "Shobha. Nice to meet you."
"Your parents said, they imagined you would one day fall for a girl from the outside world. Quite like your grandfather." He took her hand in both of his, patting her hand gently. "I only wished that they could have brought you here in person."
He let her hand go, and she quickly linked her arm in Thorin's again, moving closer to him. She didn't feel scared, or nervous, but there was a guilt that niggled at her for this charade, even if it was necessary. Perhaps the guilt stemmed from the fact that her own heart would too easily believe the lie; something she would pay the price for later.
"Come, let me show you to their safety box." The man walked on ahead, beckoning for them to follow. He took a few paces to a door guarded by a large security guard who stood up and looked at Newbury. Almost as if he had instructed him subliminally, then man pulled out a strange key and slotted it into a lock hidden in the wall to one side of the large door, as Newbury did the same. "Three, two, one, go."
They both turned their keys at the same time, which made a loud clunk. This was followed by mechanical whirring, and the sound of several bolts being released in sequence, before the door itself swung open with a groan.
"Come on through, you two lovebirds.." The door was wide but squat, so that Newbury had to duck slightly to climb through. He stood in what looked like a corridor beyond and gestured to them both.
So Thorin, being much taller, stooped down to go through, and then attentively held out his hand to guide her through.
The dim overhead lights and the small round floor lights, lit up the wide corridor like the cabin of a plane. This part of the building no longer resembled a jewellery boutique, but rather more like some sort of top secret military bunker. Either side of the corridor were a series of identical doors with very small locks.
"These vaults are fireproof, bomb proof, temperature and oxygen controlled." Newbury boasted waving his arms around. "Frankly, you could happily survive a nuclear blast down here. But we don't admit to that, or we would find our waiting list grown even longer. We have such limited space. Already some families who are willing to share, have had to do so. It creates havoc, because we have to carry out minor renovations."
He paused at one of the farthest doors.
"Anyway… here we are." He turned to watch Thorin walking over. He still held on to Shobhas hand despite his growing curiosity. "Of course, your father has a vault completely to himself. I expect he wanted something bigger, but he trusted me over anyone else to keep his vault safe, which is why I insist that I do this myself."
Thorin nodded acknowledging this, as he stopped in front of the vault door. Shobha took a step back to stand behind him, as he pulled out the tiny silver key with its tag. But to her surprise Thorin used the tag and not the key, holding it over the lock, which triggered several whirring and clicking noises to unlock the door.
"Well, I will give you some privacy. When you are ready I will take you back through," Mr Newbury bowed his head before turning back and leaving them alone, standing there.
Thorin stepped in through the vault door, which instantly triggered the lights to turn on inside, while Shobha remained outside.
"Shobha?" Thorin held his hand out to her, so she took it and stepped in herself.
Inside the vault there were several chests worth of gemstones, gold and other glittering jewels. The lighting illuminated these, which in turn transformed the vault to look like something quite magical! It truly did look like a treasure cave!
And in the centre of the small room stood a little table on which sat several piles of papers, books and scrolls all bound in groups.
She followed him to the small table.
"All the rest is of little value, my love." She felt his arm, gently set itself around her waist, and pull her towards him, as she peered back out into the corridor. "These, however, are indeed the most valuable…"
"The missing pages." Shobha contemplated as he moved to stand protectively behind her and trapped her between himself and the table. Thorin reached around her with his arms to pick up and glance through some of the papers and journals. "Why would your father go to all this trouble to do this..?"
"Because he believed there was a threat to remove our line from the govern of Erebor. The journals have vital missing information… and here they are." Thorin pressed himself against her and lowered his lips to her ear, whispering the words so intimately, that it made her insides flutter. "We should collect these things and go… or you will be late for your rehearsal dinner, my darling…"
"But I don't get why he didn't trust these things with Gandalf…" she swallowed, and set her hands on the table to steady herself, letting her body melt against his strong frame that engulfed her.
"I don't know. And I an uncertain as to whether I trust this man entirely." He whispered again, his breath danced along the skin of her neck sensually as he spoke into her hair this time. It gave him the perfect excuse to touch her soft, glossy hair, which smelled incredible with a mixture of lavender and pear scents.
His closeness and demeanour were so believable, as though he truly was her fiancé. In that moment, even she believed it. His breath on her neck made her skin tingle, and she was unable to help herself as a tiny moan escaped her lips before she bit them to stifle this. Hearing her slowly come apart, was quite enough to make him uncomfortably erect, tightening within his trousers, where he was pressed against her body.
"I'm sorry…" he didn't pull away though, instead reaching a hand up to tenderly move her hair out of the way and over to one side. He watched as her slender fingers tightened their grip on the table edge, her breath falling a little ragged although she too was trying so hard to hide this. It only made things worse, as he imagined releasing himself, and lifting up that soft summer dress she wore to enter her fully in one go, pushing her down onto the table. He shut his eyes now, trying hard to visualise anything repulsive enough to calm him down again. "Are you alright, my love?"
Completely tongue tied, she initially nodded, before shutting her own eyes trying to focus her mind into thinking clearly. This was far too dangerous.
"Mmmm… I might need a cold shower…" she finally spoke, swallowing hard.
"Oh, I don't know. I think I rather like you hot and bothered." An amused half smile pulled at his lips, when he noticed two small boxes on the table. But as he reached out with one hand, she tried to move away. So he trapped her back in front of him, snaking his other arm around her waist. "Sorry, my darling, but you can't move just yet… look at this."
Initially surprised by his firm arm around her, pressing her against his rock hard erection, she couldn't help her own hands flying down to clutch at his. And then she slowly reached out to pick up the smaller box first, which she opened. There inside the box were two exquisite rings, one with a large blue sapphire stone elaborately decorated with diamonds, and the second a pink sapphire ring, flanked either side with what imagined were also diamonds. Taking the small note from inside the box, she opened it, holding it up, so that he could see:
My son, these are for your wife.
He ran his hand down her arm to reach past the note and pick up the box silently observing its contents before closing it. Then he picked up the second box and opened it to find the most brilliant necklace made of shimmering white stones all linked together like a necklace made of glittering flowers and spiders webs. They twinkled like little stars, casting little lights everywhere around the room like a disco ball!
Eyes wide, as she slowly began to realise what he had already gathered, she stifled another gasp with her hands.
"These are Thranduil's aren't they?"
…..
She fiddled with her hair again in the mirror, before touching up her red lipstick. Mel had done a fine job with her black dress for Ria's rehearsal dinner. It had a plunging neckline that was turned modest with lace panelling over the top, and shaped perfectly to her body, stopping just below the knee, but the back was completely cut open stopping just at her hips. The slit in the skirt of the dress had even been gathered together with a few hidden stitches to cover her newly scarred thigh. She really couldn't have asked for better.
But she now felt nervous about returning to meet so many of her own friends and family again. Many of the people there tonight would have been the same guests invited to her own wedding.
The alarm she had snoozed on her phone buzzed again to remind her that she was already a little late.
Turning it off, she threw it along with her lipstick into her clutch and stood up.
It turned out that Thorin's grand suite at the Dorchester had been made perfectly ready for him as of that morning, so he had returned the favour of keeping her there, where he had left her in the bedroom to get dressed and disappeared into the attached lounge. The curlers she had borrowed from her sister were woefully inadequate for her hair, and had only led to soft waves, which she had managed to pin together in a pretty bun, but that was the best she could manage.
A gentle knock came at the door to the bedroom.
"Shobha, your car is ready for you…" Thorin reminded her softly through the door.
So she stood up and slipped her feet into her heels and, grabbing the pretty silk shawl, headed out somewhat reluctantly, like she was getting ready to head for a painful medical procedure of some variety, rather than a social function!
As she arrived in the lounge, she found Thorin dressed in a sharp, tailored black dinner suit. His hair and beard had clearly been trimmed, and attended to by a barber within the last hour as well, making him look like some sort of ageing rock star. To say he looked handsome was an understatement.
But what truly made her insides flutter was the look he gave her, with those intense, stormy sapphire eyes. He watched her quite possessively, as she walked over, his eyes having drifted down from her face, taking in the ample eyeliner that accentuated her big doe eyes, all the way down her body and back up again.
As she reached the door, he held his arm out, so she took it, quite surprised.
"A lady should never be left to make her own way to such an event, even if she is to attend on her own," he tilted his head as he walked her out.
"But I thought you would want to read all the papers –"
"That can wait. Besides I have been to London so many times on business, but never truly seen the city." He gave her a half smile. "Perhaps I might pick you up early, and you can take me on a tour…? Show me the sights?"
"Really? Lord Durin, appreciate anything outside of the wonderful Erebor?" She couldn't help herself from smiling at him.
"I have never had a reason before…" he remarked quietly, an earnest confession. "But I think it is interesting to see the town where our new Doctor was born and raised - through her eyes."
He seemed to have a private car with a chauffeur, rather than a taxi. So they had taken a longer drive down to the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner was held. It would mean that she would miss drinks, but that was not a big problem.
As they finally arrived, he had accompanied her to the atrium of the restaurant.
"Thank you for doing this." She sighed as the restaurant host was about to usher her through.
"It was my pleasure." He couldn't help but sound relieved at the reluctance in her tone at returning back to see her friends, for secretly he had feared his youngest nephew was right in imagining that this visit might begin her process to return back. After all, the contract she had taken up with Oin was only for one year, and nearly seven of those months had now passed. Perhaps he wasn't ready yet to offer her all that she should have, but he certainly felt that he couldn't let her go either. "When should I pick you up, my lady?"
"Early please. I don't think I can tolerate the whole evening." She admitted, looking up into his eyes. "Maybe I could message you...?"
"Aye. I shall be at your service." He planted a chaste kiss on her cheek before turning to leave.
"You must be Miss Seth?" The host smiled. "I'm Alex, host for the evening. The Ria and Vikram's dinner is this way. They are all seated I'm afraid."
"Thank you Alex. I'm sorry I'm late." She followed him, dragging her feet. "Is there a way I can be snuck in? And out for that matter?"
"Not to worry at all, Miss. The bride seated you at the end of the table," he paused, assessing her carefully and then shaking his head slowly, his genuine eccentricity finally revealing itself as he gestured flamboyantly. "But I doubt you will go unnoticed with a dress like that – if I am allowed to comment."
"Oh."
"And will your handsome companion not be joining you?"
She looked at him surprised.
"The bride had left enough seating for everyone to bring a partner…"
Realising that either Ria had completely forgotten or failed on purpose, to mention this, she shook her head feeling quite stupid. It made her wonder momentarily who Mike might have brought along. Maybe Kili was right to have suggested she took one of them after all.
"Don't worry Miss, I doubt anyone will notice anyway." He reiterated sympathetically.
They finally reached the large alfresco private veranda, which had bowers of roses, wisteria and honeysuckle creepers perfectly grown along its outer aspect. They were spread on trellises such that they acted to provide shelter against any invading cold breeze, but didn't encroach into the dining area itself. And true to her cousins style, the table was decorated with ample tea roses and many candelabra. It couldn't have been more romantic.
To her relief, at first it appeared that everyone was preoccupied with ample loud conversation and laughter to notice her arrival, until Ria screamed out at her.
"Shobha! Darling!" Her cousin stood up, arms outstretched. Shobha imagined Ria expected her to come running, when she had no desire to even be there! "Oh Shobha! I'm getting married!"
"Yes! Isn't it just wonderful!" Shobha forced a smile, making her way over to hug her cousin. "Congratulations cousin!"
"This girl is suuuuch a lifesaver!" Ria exaggerated, raising her voice in what she felt was a little put on, to be honest. "She came all the way from… the backend of nowhere – I mean it must have taken you forever to even get here – and think of all that terrible weather and so on…"
"Oh no it's fine. I'm fine." Shobha muttered smiling politely. "Really, no trouble at all – I flew here. Only a few hours. But please don't let me interrupt –"
"Oh no! Are you here alone tonight?"
Shobha cringed at how loud her cousin sounded and looked around at the table, hoping to find everyone far too engaged to notice. Unfortunately for her, at that very moment, the whole group fell so silent that she was certain the whole group could hear the pounding of her heart.
She looked around the table, trying her best not to, but seeing all faces turned towards her in that very moment. And then to her utmost borrow she spotted a face, among the many familiar ones that she had known so intimately and hoped to have forgotten. Mike sat, mid table or so, a smug satisfaction plastered across his face as he looked towards them, only to change his expression to a milder one on making direct eye contact with her. Out of curiosity, she looked either side of him to spot, in his accompanying seat, his sister, Cate, who waved at her enthusiastically. Unsure of what to do in reply, she returned a half hearted wave.
"Oh… um… sort of…" Shobha finally replied, looking at the two empty place settings reserved for herself, depressingly. She was beginning to wonder whether her cousin had failed to mention this on purpose.
"Sorry honey, I'm sure the perfect person for you will be around the corner…" Ria patted her arm again with an air of superiority, as she directed Shobha towards her seat.
She took a few steps towards, what was meant to be her 'seat of shame', a few guests turning to greet her as she made her way slowly.
"I'm sorry for my tardiness, but you forgot your shawl." His velvety baritone voice, made her slowly turn.
To her complete and utter surpriser, Thorin stood there her black silk shawl in his hands, watching her as though she was the only one in that restaurant besides himslf, a faint smile threatening to break out across his lips.
…..
Dear all, hope you and your loved ones are all keeping safe and well.
Please do let me know your thoughts/comments/reviews xx