Wounded Passion - a fic about Rafa Nadal by Mish!

[tinuviel]

This is a fic about Rafael Nadal written by Mish!

[tinuviel]

Wounded Passion

She stared at him ……

Memories came flooding back…. Memories she had long desired to forget. How long had it been

Three years…

Three year ago he had walked out of her life for ever without any good bye and left her nursing a broken heart.

She had hoped against hopes that he would return and renew his love for her.Tell her that she was the only one for him but she never saw him again until now. What did he want ? why was he here? .thousands of questions screamed in her head….

“ How are you doing, Rachel ? “ – he asked , and her name came out his mouth in a long velvety drawl.

Three years ago, she would have loved the exaggerated emphasis on her name. but now it seemed hollow. More like a man mocking her .
It was hard for her to mask hatred for a man who had shattered her belief in love n she had lost zest for life…..

With her mind in emotional turmoil , She could not bring herself to answer him and nodded her head…

“ Rachel have a seat.“ – her boss ,Mr.Dawson said waving at the chair lying vacant. She tore her gaze away from the man , and looked at her boss. Lifelessly she sat on the chair. With much effort she snapped her head to the proceedings and picked the thread of what D was saying.

“ I guess formal introductions are not needed,from what I gather I see you have met Rafael Nadal..”

She filched at the mere mention of the name.
The name had her threading through the labyrinth of memories…….as if it were only yesterday she had met Rafa….





CHAPTER -1.
Four years ago.

“Somebody explain !!!”- Rachel eyed her two best friends ..

“Explain what..?”- Katie asked surveying the centre court and her reflection in her hand mirror....

“Why am I sitting and watching this crappy match when I could have met Jason. I had his credit card with me today , would have been a shopping spree. He just got his contract upgraded. – Rachel cried exasperatedly. Jason Gillespie was her brother , a professional cricketer who played for Australia and was currently in England on a county stint.

“ I always knew you were stupid but this dumb…” – Sammie rolled her eyes heaven wards in mock dismay - “ dork! Aint that obvious. We here to watch Hewitt play n being Aussies it is our prime duty.- she continued as she thumped her chest hard to show loyalty.

“ u bitches…decide u here to watch his tennis or him.? And you do that thumping bit once more and the entire court will notice you have worn padded boobies..and Katie your hair looks just fine.” - Rachel ranted as Katie for the 8th time tried to straighten out her hair.

“well lady you cursing us right now but ill ask you after the match if u smitten or not”- Sammie gave her a lopsided grin.

“ In case you two have your ears jammed and have not been paying attention to me , I’ll repeat once more , I don’t like Hewitt .” – Rachel cried.

“Oh! Babes we heard just fine. you might wanna stop cribbing once you see who his opponent is.” – Katie added dreamily.

“ He is not playing Haas , is he ? He was knocked out yesterday .” – Rachel asked.

“Obviously no dumb ass. Even better. Some one who gives new dimension to the term raw sex appeal. “ – Sammie chipped in.

“ When did Ben Affleck start playing tennis? “ – Rachel asked , her eyebrows raised.

“ you are….” – Sammie retorted
Rachel never knew what she was as Sammie comment was drowned as the players were introduced before walking on to the court.

Curiosity level high Rachel waited for the second player to walk on to the court.

“ ladies and gentlemen , please welcome, his opponent from Spain, Mr.Rafael Nadal!”

The crowd went wild with anticipation.
Damn! How could she not have guessed. Katie’s lappie was adorned with his pictures. She was besotted with him.

He came on to the court with his face half covered with the cap he was wearing. He dwarfed Hewitt during the official pic. He was definitely taller then 6 feet.

“ how tall is he?’ – Rach asked Katie.

“ 6-1 !” - came the laconic reply.

“What the hell is so good about him?”- Rachel asked eyeing him distastefully.

She finally had Katies attention. She tore her glance away from Nadal –“ Rach you are my best friend and I love you to bits. But if you say one more thing about Nadal I swear to God ill throw you right outside the stadium.”

“Im shit scared. Shaking in my booty is more like it “ - Rachel added flippantly.

The first set went to Hewitt. He hardly had to break any sweat all thanks to Nadal who sprayed his racquet and shots all around the court. Got into an argument with chair umpire. End of first set Nadal angrily threw his cap onto the chair and screamed to himself – “ get a grip!!!”

Rachels heart missed a beat when she saw him walking to the service line. His hair was in an unruly mass. But she liked it that way .. more macho!!! The angles of his face were taut n breathtaking.Without his cap she noticed he had the most intriguing piercing eyes ever. He sure had raw sex appeal to make you go weak in your knees. With sweat beads shining on his forehead she would have loved to wipe them away.As her eyes went to his lips , she thought what would kissing him be like. An arm around his neck and and one hand surveying his hair. – perfect kiss…..

Nadal had stopped half way through his serve and was looking right at their corner. alarmed !Surely she was not thinking that loud. Suddenly she heard “ stairway to heaven” sound filling the stadium. Some crazy fan had forgotten to switch off their cell.

Wait a second! That was her ringtone. She digged in her bag , and what seemed like eternity , found her cell and switched it off.

Flushed she looked at Nadal , who gave her a murderous stare.
“Talk about first impressions” – she muttered to herself.

Nadal won the second set but eventually lost the match in five sets…

“Where to now “? – Rachel asked as they collected their belongings.

“ We wait for Nadal and then ask him for his autograph “ –Sammie replied as a matter of fact.

“ Hell no!! count me out. –Rachel answered. And she stopped them before they could say anything. “ No amounts of please will do. Im not waiting for him. Did you see the way he stared at me during the match as I was the one standing between him and wimbledon. If eyes could kill , I would have been frozen then and after losing he is not going be in the best of moods. And I’m not ready to face that potential murderer.I’m going back to the hotel. Call me once you free.”

“ babes say anything. But you sure did notice the sexiest , most virile exiting man present.”- Sammie chipped in with as Rachel decided to leave.

“ obviously ! I’m not blind” – she could not help grinning and found her anger melting away.


CHAPTER 2

“ Hey kiddo!” – came Jasons voice across the phone.
“Jason. Im 24 years old. You mind not calling me that. Neways sorry could not meet you. Had to go with Sammie and Katie to watch a match.” – Rachel replied after flopping on the couch.Her feet hurt..

“ I know. From where do you think those two twirps got the front row passes ?

“ Do not tell me ,you were responsible for those 4 hours of misery.”- Rachel said sounding dismayed

“ Well not exactly. Lleyton gave the passes and our coach scheduled a practice session today. Could not go. And kiddo could not have been that bad. You had Sapnish Bad boy playin.? Girls swoon at the sight of him”- Jason chuckled over the phone.

Rachel narrated the entire proceeding to him. Jason burst into a fit of laughter.

“ Now behave. Will ya? Was not funny. People were staring at me as if I was some moron and he sure had to curb his urge to come n strangulate me.” – she scolded

“Give the guy a rest. Tennis aint the easiest sport to play and you requires tones of concentration. Besides , was not anything new.you sure haven’t forgotten you a member of accident prone syndicate or howler community. This was kinda expected.- Jason added laughing.

“Forget him! I have to fly out tonight. Gimme a slot when you free?”

“ Sure kiddo. Meet me at 4. Anything you want me to bring , anything particularly from Spain..could be arranged!!!!”- Jason continued

“Go to hell”- she muttered as she slammed her phone.

Ten minutes later she found herself keying in Rafael Nadal in google search engine.




Jason and Rachel were sittin in the hotel café.

“ So how is Monte Carlo. And how is Bryan doing. did you finally say yes?”- Jason asked as he summoned the waiter and placed a cappuchino and a frappe order.

“ good and really hectic. You would not believe I have not been to any night club till now. And please Jason knock some sense into your head .he is a friend , just a friend.”- she sighed.

“dad was asking about you? You should meet him before leaving” – he said as his expression sobered.

“Tell him I’m doing good. Have survived really well without him.”- she lashed out at him.

Her father had left her mother as soon as she was born. As a kid she wrote letters to him but he never replied. He was a wanderer at heart that’s what people told her. He liked flashy lifestyle and being grounded was a sin for him. How he and her mother had stayed married for 9 years was a mystery.

She found her eyes had got moist.

“Hey, I’m not going to force to you. If you want to meet him you can ask for his address anytime. He is London for the next three days.”- Jason reasoned , sensing his sister’s distress.

Lleyton Hewitt approached their table-“ Hey Jason. Sup mate?”

Jason introduced Rachel and congratulated him on his win.

As comprehension dawned on him, Lleyton said – “ Hey it was your mobile phone that was ringing in the centre court today.wasnt it?”

Jason burst out laughing and she stuck her tongue out at him.

“Now Lleyton you do not wanna scare her more. I literally had to drag her out of her room. She sensed Rafa wanted to kill her after the match and refused to even put her toe out .” Jason explained trying to keep a straight face.

“ I was annoyed for sure , but murder is definitely far fetched “- came a voice from right behind them.

Rachel turned and found her self trapped in the scrutiny of those mysterious eyes.

She turned crimson red . damn! Why me always..she muttered…

“ Im Rafael”- he extended his hand.

She was tongue tied.Think of something funny..Make up for that howler.

Before she could say anything, Jason had taken Rafa’s hand and introduced himself.

“ Me Jason and my sister , Rachel. Sorry to hear you lost today. I always say mobile phones in the stadiums should be banned and in hands of red heads should be considered illegal.”- Jason added, looking straight at Rachel.

She was tongue tied but her mind was in perfect order. She stamped right on Jason’s right foot.

“ Oouch. That hurt”

“ Did that? How about you pick the correct side next time. Should be a nice reminder.Incase it slips out of your mind , I do not mind reminding you again” –she piqed.

“Before the incident becomes an issue of national interest and I’m tagged a villain, I want to apologize. Was not intentional.” She said in a sugar coated voice.She noticed the gleam of triumph in his eyes. Damn him..“ but I really don’t think it had anything to do with the outcome of the match. You were playing pathetic anyways.”

Alright, she now had his attention. She had not intended to say that but that smirk on his face had called for it. He eyed her , as if daring her to go on. She was not going to invite trouble.

A change of topic was need of the hour.

“ Jason I think I should leave. I haven’t packed”- she addressed her brother.

“ leaving?” – words were out of Rafa’s mouth before he could stop them.

“Yes. I have to leave for Melbourne. Nice meeting you. Hope you have luck with your future matches” – she replied smiling.

For those suspended electric moments the room was full of crackling energy.

As she turned to leave she found her lips curled in a smile.

Entering the hallway she cast a side ways glance at the café , and found Rafa returning her smile.

[Mish!]

CHAPTER-3.

Melbourne was as hectic as ever and she was grateful it was like that. She needed work to keep her mind off Rafa.
A little surfing on the net had revealed that he was playing in Cincinnati. But she had not heard from since then…..it had been two months.
What did you expect, Rafa calling you and declaring his undying love for you – she muttered to herself. She leaned back on the wall and put her clipboard and papers on the table. She wasnot a love addict and was not the kinds to fall in love at first sight. But she was stunned by the power of chemistry they had shared that day.
“Rachel. Where the hell are you? Pecker wants to see you.”- she found one of her colleagues, Stella screaming.
“Hang on. Give me a moment” – She splashed water on her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
“Get a grip on yourself “ – she said to herself.

“Now Rachel I don’t understand why are you so reluctant to co-ordinate any sports events. Your brother is an athlete” – Pecker , her boss was always astounded as to why would she not co-ordinate a sports event. She just did not fathom why people thought she was a sports enthusiast – Her brother was a professional athlete and not her.

“ Not again! We have gone through with this a million times. I will not do it.” – Rachel crossed her arm. “ Fashion is my forte and that is what I will do”

“ Are you always this stubborn or you just dawn this avatar when you walk in the office” – Pecker said

“No. It is especially reserved for the times I walk into your cabin.” – Rachel muttered furiously.

‘ Okie. Please bail us out of this situation. There is this Nike new clothing launch. It is a fusion of sports and fashion. I know you dislike tennis and all sports but Nadal is the show stopper ……..‘– Stella intervened not wanting the situation to blow up into a brawl.

All Rachel heard was Nadal. She would have accepted the challenge any which way – she never left her team in the lurch. She was so excited to meet him again that rest of Stella’s words were drowned. As soon as she heard Nadal she knew what her decision was going to be…

‘Pecker you owe me big time. I will do it. Mail me the details.’- She just could not help but float outside the office.

She even treated herself to – Chocolate Mud Mousse , the guilty pleasure. By End of day she had all her set designs , her vendors, costing and her client servicing team in place. Even she could have sworn that by her standards , she had never had the desire to complete the task this early – but then again the incentive was Nadal.

Event Day:

Rachel was furious. The task had turned out to be far more complex than she had imagined. Pecker had changed the layout last moment and it had been nothing but chaos.

She was having a heated discussion with one of the producers of the show.
‘ Camera set up is on other side of the console. Did you even glance at the final layout? - She was at the end of her patience and her phone started ringing. She saw the screen and realized that it was one of the vendors. She was just about to answer the phone when she heard someone say….

‘I thought after Wimbledon fiasco you would have changed that ringtone. It reminds me of my loss’ – Nadal was standing leaning across the door frame.

‘ Oh! I’m glad that you remember me . I had my introduction on a piece of paper, just incase I needed to ‘ – She didn’t understand why was she being so rude

‘ Oh I would not forget you. I don’t forget my losses and never any distraction associated with them’ – He answered straight face and walked towards her , his faces only inches away from her.

She could smell his cologne. She lost her train of thought – He was tall. He almost dwarfed her.

‘You were saying something?’ – Rafa added.

‘ Ah…Ah..Have you met the ramp instructor. She would tell you when your entry is”

‘That I know and I have met her. I’m asking if you were saying anything else?’ – He persisted with the question.

‘ No. That’s all I have to stay’- She muttered inaudibly. She was trapped in the scrutiny of those eyes.

They were interrupted by Pecker screaming out Rachel’s name – ‘Rach… Rach.. There you are…What are you doing..We need you at the console Atleast wear the clearcomm’

‘Your boy friend seems to be missing you. You can tell me later what you were thinking’ - He added and left for the changing room. He was mildly miffed.

The show went flawless. Rachel realized that despite all the success Rafa was uncomfortable facing the camera and despite all the requests from world media he just wanted to get off the ramp. His shy lop sided smile had all the women in the invitee list swooning.

Post the event :

‘ No. I’m sorry that was not part of the agreement. We can not ask him and it is unethical’ – Rachel was in no mood to budge.

‘C’mon Rachel. We can always tweak it. The entire media is waiting for sound bites from him’ – Pecker pleaded.

‘No. Nike had not specified it. The agreement read – No interviews/media bytes or product endorsement. Does n’t make sense’

‘What is the entire commotion all about’- Nadal asked as he entered the green room

Rachel stared at Pecker daring him to ask Rafa.

‘ Rafa. We are in a slight problem. Nike promised the media that you would give them exclusive sound bytes – Pecker said and then added hurriedly as he saw the frown build on Rafa’s face – ‘ We know it was not part of the contract. But please could you look at it as a personal favour?’

Rafa studied Pecker for a moment and then turned to face Rachel. The humour that she had witnessed earlier in his eyes was all gone. In all seriousness he asked her:
‘ Do you want me to talk to media?’ – He asked her.

She was not expecting him to ask the question , so she just shrugged her shoulders.

‘ That will not do Rachel. Give me a Yes or No’ – He asked

‘ Look. I don’t know. It is your wish. I don’t have a say in the matter’ – She answered

‘ Well you have a say. Do you want me to do it or not?’- He stressed

She nodded her head.

‘It is settled. I will talk to them. But it will be 5 minutes session and I will see them in the pre function area in ten minutes.’ – He told Pecker.

Pecker left the room, happy beyond limits to inform Nike Management and press of the latest development.

‘What if I had said No’ – She asked Nadal as Pecker left the room


‘ I would have gone back to the hotel and had my dinner’ – He added matter of fact.

She was waiting for him to add that he was lying…When he didn’t reply for a while she understood the gravity of his decision..

‘ You are serious aren’t you? But why’

‘ Yes. I would have gone back to the hotel. Why? Let’s see. Because I want a teeny tiny favour from you’

Rachel raised her eyebrows.

‘ Do you promise to not to say No and not to laugh’- He pleaded.

She nodded her head – She could barely keep a straight face , he looked so confused and embarrassed.

‘It is my sister’s 18th birthday day after and I have to make it special for her. I want you to help me plan a party and make it special.’

She realized he was very serious about the request.

‘ Rafa I’m sure you do not need my help to plan something for your sister. What did you do for her last year?’

‘ I wished her exactly at midnight and then asked her to forward her account number so that she could buy whatever she wanted’ – He added sincerely.

Rachel laughed so hard that her sides hurt.
‘ Please tell me , you did something else’

‘ No. Look I’m telling you I’m hopeless at these things. If you want I will give a press meet for 10 minutes but please help me’ – He was pleading

‘Alright Mr.Nadal it is your lucky day. I will help you. Now go and enjoy your ten more minutes of glory. I will see you at the hotel.’ – Smiling she strode out of the venue.

[Mish!]

Chapter 4:

She stood at the door and surveyed the room. This is was not the first athlete’s room she was visiting – she had been to the changing rooms of Australian cricket team and Melbourne storm and she swore she could puke.

Nadal’s room was so orderly – His racquets were all placed on one side of the table. His shorts and t-shirt were neatly folded and kept on the bed. The bed looked pristine and untouched.She could not see any smelly used socks or shoes adorning the room. It was almost like extension of on court Rafa – Disciplined and meticulous.

She did not know how to announce her arrival so she coughed and cleared her throat. She waited for a few seconds and then she heard a low humming from the adjacent room. Not knowing if to go and peak she just said uncertainly – ‘Rafael?’

The humming stopped and Rafa stepped out of the room. His hair was damp from the shower and he was obviously embarrassed that she had heard him sing – Not many people knew that he could sing.

‘Is that another of your hidden talents? ‘

He stared at her – ‘ I like listening to music. It calms my nerves and also improves my English. I’m tired of asking translators to accompany me.’ – he added as a matter of fact.

‘And by the way I have not ordered anything. Please call room service.’

‘Rafa, look can’t we go to some restaurant and have some good food. I do not want to order room service. It is so insipid’

He sat down on the chair – ‘Are you uncomfortable with the room service or being alone with me in the room? Look, I can take you to a restaurant and there is this nice restaurant Purple Pickles down the road. You know the press and there are photographers downstairs. If you don’t mind being photographed and splashed all over the tabloids , lets go. I love the pasta there!’

‘Let’s order room service. I don’t like blinding flashing lights. I have developed an aversion for it’

‘You have to put up with that a lot?’ – He asked

‘I’m starving Rafael and I’m your guest. Get me some food – Spainiards are very hospitable people’ – She ordered


He knew she had deliberately avoided the question. But this was neither the place nor the moment to delve into something that needed dissecting of minutest details. He stared at her as she placed the order on the phone – He would take her out on a date, a real date. Now was too soon and he did not want to scare her.

‘What?’- she enquired

“What what’ – He answered

‘Why are you staring at me?’

He wanted to pull her leg, so he decided to have a little fun with her.

‘Your face is very familiar. I was trying to figure out who you resemble from my memories’

‘So, what is the conclusion?’

‘No match so far. I need another 2 minutes to stare at you. So sit still and let me look’ – he said with a poker face.

It took her a few seconds to realize that he was not serious and was just having a little fun at her cost.

‘That was sick, slapstick humour. I do not see that surfacing in the press conference or the magazine interviews’- she retorted

‘They just do not ask me interesting questions. There is not much variation to a question like so how was your serve today and how do you feel after the match and then media says I’m boring.’ – He grinned

‘You Mr.Nadal deserve to be on some reality show.People should see the real you’

‘Interesting. In just two meetings you know the real me. So what do you think – What kind of person am I’ – He got up from his chair and stood right in front of her.

‘I thought we were joking. Humor remember’ – She said trying to put distance between them.

‘I’m a little slow when it comes to English but I do comprehend it. I’m asking you what you think about me : Your opinion’ – He stated it as a matter of fact.

‘Is my opinion important? I don’t think so. We can redefine your character after dinner and after we plan your sister’s birthday’- She said occupying the chair and signaling him to sit on the other one.

‘You know I recently read this term in a book and did not understand the meaning until today. Term is Emotional escape artist’ – He sat on the chair.

Food arrived and unlike the food the conversation was insipid and bland. Rafa tried his best to keep the atmosphere light and jovial. Rachel was more than glad to just play along and pretend like there was nothing. She wanted to think of him like a client – Nothing but a client but it was hard to. His hair was in disarray and he had his nose crinkled for he was trying to recall his best effort in putting together a show for his sister.

‘No , I don’t think so I have ever put together a party for her. She always has her friends to do that. But I always attend. This year they ditched me. They are all off to University and I have to do something. ‘- His infamously famous frown was back.

‘Firstly wipe that expression off your face. I’m not Roger across the net and you are not defending break point.’ – She pointed out ‘Okie. The solution is simple. Get all her friends to get together in one place’

‘And do what?’

‘Rafa how can you be so thick. Get all her friends together. They will all surprise her. For her it will be like all her previous birthdays’

He pondered over it for a little while- ‘ May be you are right. I’ll get their itineraries fixed right away’

‘That’s settled then. Thanks for bailing me out of the press fiasco earlier today.’- She held out her hand as she stood at the door to leave

‘Ditto I’d say’

‘I better get moving. Thanks for the dinner. When are you leaving for Hamburg?’ – She regretted as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

‘So you do log on to the web and check my schedule. I fly out tomorrow morning’ – He said- ‘ Don’t look so disappointed. We will meet sooner than you think’

She decided to not to pursue the matter and was more than glad to bid adieu and move out before she had another faux pas next to her name








Later that Night:

Rafa was not in a habit to watch TV at night before sleeping. He loved his i-pod and ps3. But today he needed a distraction – an aberration to take his mind off Rachel. She intrigued him. She had looked most outrageously alluring sitting across the table – Her red flaming hair loosely around her shoulder , a pair of jeans that fit her curves perfectly.

He was so distracted that he had left the thread of the conversation on the table. He already knew a lot about her – her profession , her friends , her likes and dislikes. What baffled him was her dislike for glitz and glamour. How she always decided to let the world be the cynosure and take the backstage. He had got the Nike to give the event to her agency and had made sure she was the one co-ordinating the event. He knew what he had to do next. With a huge grin he pulled the blanket over himself and muttered :
‘Rachel, you have no idea what roller coaster ride you are on’