CHAPTER SIXTEEN

A week passed after Gil’s confession. They flirted a lot and stayed up until late hours, sexting, especially when Gil was on the night shift. They were patiently waiting for the weekend. Jane had on many occasions tried to lure Gil to Rakops; he had wittily reasoned that that would draw the attention of the police to him. They understood each other. They agreed to work on something that would be reason enough to convince the cops that he wasn’t responsible for the crime.

They enjoyed the moment, a fantasy that neither of them had ever expected to experience in their wildest dreams. Their love grew in leaps and bounds. Jane was a little distant from Rose, and since the last talk they’d had about Gil, they had not mentioned him in their conversations for over a week. That was much of a relief for Jane; the fact that she called her boyfriend a criminal now made her sick to the stomach.

Jane started to spend the weekends with Gil. They made many more memories—on the bed, the kitchen table, and all over the living room. And each time the lovemaking was magical.

“Gil I’m pregnant,” she repeated the words, despite having told Gil weeks or so back about it. This time around the words had a different meaning. They wanted Gil to respond with more than just “I am happy we’re going to be parents.” He smiled at the words and kissed her on the forehead.

He just stared at her, blankly, and was devoid of words. She was pregnant and she had found out the truth about him, yet she was proving her love to him. How does one respond to such news, in his situation? He saw only one way out of this; Marriage. “You told me so, a week back. Do you remember? And for that, I have got a surprise for you.” That was all he said.

“Jane I know what I did was wrong. I was desperate, alone, and had no one to turn to for help. I know it’s no excuse for what I did, but at the time I felt I had no other alternative. I know sorry won’t fix anything but I regret what I did put you through and if I could change everything I would. I love you Jane and there is nothing in this world that I wouldn’t do for you.”

“I love you too Gil.” She curled deep into his arms, her body heat reached Gil, he longed for her. He rolled his finger down her tummy, it was rigid, the baby was probably too little by then, he thought. A fetus. Pure joy filled his mind.

“I wouldn’t have blamed or hated you if you had reported me to the police. I deserve it. I had been waiting for the right time to tell you the truth and ask for your forgiveness but I cared deeply for you and I didn’t want to lose you.

“I understand, I have known the truth from the day I first met you and it was my love for you which kept me from ratting you out… plus I know you are not an evil person. It was circumstances beyond your control which forced you to do what you did.” Yet again, Jane made it easy for him to love her deeply, and even easier for him to hate himself. Gil was sobbing now, he knelt before Jane and broke down into uncontrollable sobs with his head on Jane’s lap. Jane stroked his head and whispered, “I forgive you, darling.”

After pulling himself together, Gil thanked Jane and they shared a passionate kiss. They talked about their situation for a couple of hours and agreed on a way forward. Jane was astonished when Gil told him he had arranged for the transfer of the car’s ownership to the rightful person. She had rebuked him, citing that he was still the rightful owner and the transfer wasn’t necessary, but he hadn’t relented in his intentions.

They arranged to go to the bank on Monday since Jane was on a two-day leave from work. She tried to declaim the money too, a futile attempt still. “After all it’s your money Jane, I don’t deserve it. I will start afresh and my work is undoubtedly sustaining me.” He had said so with tearful eyes, and with pity and love Jane accepted all her things back.

Thirty minutes before lunch, they drove into the city. They sought a very quiet and decent hotel. They made their orders, all the while staring at each other with affection. They ate in silence, but a dozen love glances were being exchanged all this time. After the meal, Gil asked for the attention of everyone in the hotel diner, they gently complied and a pin drop silence followed. He bent down, asking for Jane’s hand in marriage.

He took out a tiny token from his pocket, Jane remained seated, her mouth wide open with awe… the few people present started to murmur in hushed tones. He popped the question and she said yes, not only because they had a child on the way, but also because she loved Gil.

The tiny crowd clapped their hands, wished them good luck, and a toast was made. “To endless love!” they chimed. They left the hotel hand in hand, Gil bowing to the compliments he was getting.

Gil informed Prof, Jane told Rose and Maider the good news. They congratulated them and they all agreed that it was fate. Their marriage was scheduled to be celebrated after the birth of the child. Jane wore her engagement ring with pride. Though Gil had given her the car back, she opted to leave it with him. He was used to having it around. Besides, they were to team up and buy a new one the following month. In an emotional thought, Gil had a strong bond with the car; a bond that she was convinced made him love her so much.

The seventh month passed, and Jane gave birth to a fine, cute, and healthy baby boy. He was born on the 2nf of June—the same birthday as Gil and two days after Jane. They called him Rob, a name Gil rather disapproved of as he felt it was a reminder of what he’d once done to the baby’s mother. After some coaxing on Jane’s side, they settled on it. On the fifth month after Rob’s birthday, his parents got married.