Chapter 9
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Thank you all for your comments. This story will wrap up by Chapter 10, I am hoping. Thank you for all your support. Your comments kept it alive despite being sent to FF limbo (FF forum).
I loved Namrutha's observation. You are very perceptive. Yes, the S on the mangal sutra stood for Smoky Shloky 😆.
A few things, NA has not been revealed yet. He's just mistakenly showing his colors. All those who liked the baby girl comment, wait till you read this 😳.
Dream, I am part of the Jane Austen Society and will proudly say that I was once warned by a security guard for my enthusiasm at this Austen exhibition. 😲 It was embarrassing, I never do that, but I was too thrilled to be in the presence of her manuscript. Thanks for thinking me witty. I hear wit and I think of my role model Jane.
Btw, did anyone notice how similar Shlok's dialogues and the entire Jyoti drama was to Chapter 7? I only made Jyoti younger and make Shlok trust Astha because the reveal happens after they are well into marriage in my FF. I can't tell if the marriage will happen with Astha doubting these days. Maybe they won't marry for TRP reasons, but I still feel happy that the FF is keeping close to the show.
Chapter 8:
Moonlight softly lit the room.
Astha lay in her huge bed, staring at the ceiling. There were so many thoughts buzzing about her head.
What did he mean by that? He wanted a baby girl? God! Why did I have to blush like an idiot? He obviously did not mean with me!!! He never even cared about me! He obviously wanted a girl with Swati. How was she going to cope with this for life? First he tells me on suhaag raat that he only loves Swati and now this.
Shlok lay on the hard floor staring at the ceiling.
His heart was hurting. He felt like there was a huge weight on his chest stopping him from breathing. He couldn't believe he just blurted out his most cherished wish to Astha. Just like that! What would she think of him? She hated him and he was telling her that he wanted a baby? It was humiliating. He made more of an idiot of himself than he had already.
But it was not the humiliation that broke his heart. It was the realization that he could never have that baby girl he wanted so desperately. He could see her clearly, a little one sitting patiently in front of him, not even foot high, letting him brush her baby-soft hair. Big hazel eyes. Tiny feet and chubby arms. A little princess with his forbidding glare. He had had this cherished dream for as long as Kavya came into his life. He wanted a girl to spoil just like his brother did. It would make his mother raving mad, but he did not care. He wanted to raise a hell-raiser.
Like Astha, said a small voice in his head.
Like Astha, he agreed with a smile. Now it would never happen because he ruined any chance of having a happy marriage with her. He broke her.
Astha could not take his shaken, wistful breathing anymore. She wished she could just ignore him, but it was of no use. He was lying there, clearly as wide awake was she was.
Astha popped into his ceiling view, looking irritated.
Astha: What?
Shlok: What what?
Astha: I can hear you.
Shlok: Well, sorry.
Astha rolled her eyes: That's not what I meant. What are you thinking?
Shlok made that zipping up expression of his. It started with a pout and then his chin set in. He was locking himself away, she could tell. He wouldn't tell her.
Astha glared at him: You WILL tell me.
Shlok crossed his arms over his chest: No.
Astha: Stop being such a child!
It struck him. His eyes went wide as if he was found out.
Astha smirked: That's it then, isn't it? You are thinking about Swati.
Shlok in surprise: What!?
Astha scoffed: You shouldn't have gotten so suffocatingly possessive of her if you wanted that baby so badly, should you? Think about it. If only you had been good, you wouldn't have this hateful wife to deal with. Life could be sooo much better. No stupid, silly, middle class Astha, no loveless marriage. Why, you could be on this very bed right now! Poor you! Stuck with ME!!!
Astha abruptly went back to bed.
Shlok looked at the same spot where she leaned over him. What was she talking about? Did he say he regretted being married to her? He was getting his due for breaking her heart, he knew. He never felt any regret about the marriage itself though, it felt right. Astha stood for "wife." She's the only wife he could picture now.
Shlok sat up. She was curled against her Mr. Darcy, facing away from him.
Shlok: Listen.
Astha mumbled: No. Go to hell!
Shlok took a deep breath, he was about to say something more when a knock sounded on the door. They both jumped and stood up. Astha on the bed, standing as tall as him and holding her stuffed friend. He looked and smiled, despite the absurdity of the situation. How tiny she was. It was adorable.
Astha whispered: The blanket!
Shlok: Oh, right.
He threw his make shift bed on hers. She jumped off and went to get the door.
It was Jyoti.
Astha smiled: Hey...everything okay?
Jyoti, voice breaking: I made a mistake!!! I shouldn't have spoken against him! What will I do?
Astha looked around at Shlok: I am going to stay with Jyoti tonight.
Shlok: What is it?
Astha: Nothing, go to sleep.
She closed the door behind him. He followed her into the hall way. There was Jyoti looking alarmed.
Shlok: Are you okay?
Astha reassuringly: We just want to talk alone. It's fine.
Jyoti: Sorry to disturb your sleep.
Shlok: No, that's fine. We weren't sleeping. (He startled). No! Ah...I mean...
Jyoti looked awkwardly between him and Astha.
Shlok realized how it sounded, he went on to explain: We were just talking!
Astha rolled her eyes: Please, you are not helping. Let us girls talk, okay? Bye!
She pulled Jyoti along before he could make the situation more awkward.
In Jyoti's room...
Astha: You made a wonderful decision to be free. Why are you doubting yourself now?
Jyoti: You don't know. Women in our family don't behave like this. My parents will be so mad at me!
Astha: They were there! They heard what happened. Every parent wants the best for their child. Ayi was even crying. Why are you doubting their support?
Jyoti cried: Nehi. You don't know how it is. Baba worries that our reputation will be affected by the case. Now he will talk to Shlok about taking back the case. Ayi thinks I should have not sent him and his mother to jail just like that.
Astha shocked: Did they tell you this?
Jyoti: Ayi came and told me when you guys went to bed. I took up too much courage listening to you. It's not who I can be. Not as a daughter of this house! But I was so tormented. I couldn't take it anymore!! And Shlok bahuji was telling me to tell the truth too...
Astha stroked her hair: Calm down. You just did the right thing. What they did to you is a crime and they will be punished for it. I was very proud of how you kept up with me plan to stay the night.
Jyoti, scared: They will send me back!
Astha smiled reassuringly: No one will send you back. Shlok hai na? Do you think he will let anyone send you back to those monsters after what happened? No, they have to rot in jail.
Jyoti: Shlok bhauji might not, but the case will definitely close. Baba gets what he wants and bhauji never speaks against Baba. Abhay will come and get me like he said. And his mother! Oh, Astha! They will kill me!!!
Astha hugged her tight: No one will touch a hair on your body as long as Shlok and I live. I promise. You are tired, you just need some sleep. I will stay here with you, okay?
Shlok made his floor bed again and lay down. What were they talking about that couldn't be shared? It was about that bast--d Abhay anyway.
He drifted off to sleep thinking about how empty his room felt. It was nice of Astha to keep Jyoti company when his sister was so distressed. He thought he could catch up with Jyoti in the morning when all hell broke lose because of Astha's job.
In the morning, NA and Anjali's bedroom...
Shlok to Ayi: I will ask Jyoti to take the case back only because of Baba, but she's never going back there! It is true that our reputation is already shaky, but she WILL NOT put up with that sham marriage just because you want her to!
Ayi: Shlok! Awaz niche.
Shlok: Whatever. I know Baba will never want his own daughter to go back there, right Baba?
NA nodded grimly: What happened was wrong, no doubt.
Shlok: I have something else to tell you. That's why I came.
When Astha came into the room, he was not here. Where did he go? She looked at the dressing room and the bathroom. No, he wasn't there either. Maybe he was not back from his morning run, she decided.
Ayi: You are out of your mind! No Agnihotri bahu has ever worked outside the home!
Shlok angrily: Well, she will because I want it to be so! As I said, I only came here to tell you. Nothing more.
Baba: Anjali, if Astha beti wants to, let her.
Anjali was too shocked to speak.
Shlok: Thank you Baba. Your approval means everything.
He hugged his father and left the room without sparing her a glance.
Anjali: Saheb, what are you...
Baba smiled deliberately: What did I tell you about questioning me, Anjali? (She took a step back and looked down, panicked). Astha wants to work...let her work. Judging by what happened last night, it is better she does not get involved in family matters. Let her stay busy outside the home for a while. She has created enough trouble as it is.
Shlok came back and found her ready to leave.
Shlok: I will drop you.
Astha: They agreed?
Shlok: Yes.
Astha: Well then, I am running late again.
She started to walk out.
Shlok angrily: I said, I will drop you! Let me just get ready.
Astha: I am going to take a rickshaw.
Shlok spat: You will do no such thing! If you don't want to go with me, you will take a driver.
Astha: I don't want to get into habits...
Shlok: What will your parents think if I let you go on a rickshaw when there are cars sitting in the garage?
Astha considered this: Not going with you then.
She waked out. Just like that, he thought bitterly. No goodbye even.
"Astha!"
Astha stopped midway to the main door.
Astha prepared for battle: Yes, Sasubai?
Ayi shoved a big lunch box in her hand: Itni late ho ke breakfast miss kar di. Now take this. If you can't stay at home, you will take lunch to Shlok every day. I know your offices are close.
Astha: If Shlok can't take his lunch himself, you should get a driver...or a dabbawalla.
Ayi: Nonsensical girl! Take this and go. You will not ignore your duties as a wife as long as I am in charge. Driver ko bol diya hai, jao.
Astha was running too late to argue, so she just took the box and left. Anjali looked up at the second floor. NA nodded approvingly.
That Shlok really must eat a lot. His stupid lunch box was heavy! And why should she take it with her and deliver her to his highness when he was taking a giant SUV to work!? Stupid Agnihotri rules. Be the servile wife. Doesn't matter how many million other things you have to do. God forbid hubby is the least bit inconvenienced.
Astha burst into his office and put a big lunch box unceremoniously on his desk.
Astha: Lunch! Your Highnesss... Your mother's orders. I am your private dabbawalla from today. (She murmured to herself) That's the price I pay for asking to work out of the home.
Shlok stared: I never bring lunch from home.
Astha: Well apparently, you do now. Or rather, I do, for your highness.
She turned to storm out as she came in.
Shlok: Wait! This is for you.
Astha looked around: What?
Shlok: There's a note here from Mrs. Agnihotri. It says, it is for you and me. But that she won't make me lunch everyday because I like continental food.
Astha's stomach churned. No breakfast indeed.
Shlok quietly: Please, will you stay?
Astha sniffed: Only because I have not had breakfast. Not that I prefer your company!
Shlok nodded: I know.
Astha sat down: As long as we are clear. Anyways, she did make all this food. Weird way of caring, if you ask me.
Shlok: You don't have to give so many justifications. I know you are not here to enjoy lunch with me.
Life went on like this. Much happened in his life in the meantime. Jyoti took the case back, but he and Astha made sure that a divorce was initiated. She was coping and improving a little at a time. While Astha did not care much for the rules of Ayi, she did take a great deal of interest in Jyoti. That appeased Ayi quite a bit. Astha and Jyoti did just about everything together. Shlok was happy even though it meant seeing less of his wife. Jyoti grew emotionally stronger with Astha.
Of course nothing was like before. As Astha promised. She was raising hell, for him and for every Agnihotri rule. She WOULD SIT at the dining table while the men were having dinner or not eat at all. He learned this the hard way. He ended up doing everything short of begging her to eat his midnight scrounging from the kitchen one night. Next day, he had to make it happen for her. You should have seen Chachaji's glee. Only he was tickled by the whole situation.
Another day, she asked Varad jokingly why he was clicking on his plate like a bird. Ayi almost imploded. Sojal was in silent tears of happiness and his uncle laughed hysterically before high-fiving Astha. Shlok enjoyed that one. Even though Baba did the same to order food, Shlok was just thankful that he was away on a business trip. She totally planned that one not to offend Baba, little minx.
Ayi called him on intercom in alarm another evening. Astha had fallen asleep on the men's only couch while watching TV AND spilled her coke on it. He carried her back to bed that night as she slept. He just loved the expression on Ayi's face. Her precious sofa was ruined.
Kavya was turning into a complete brat thanks to...you guessed it, Astha. They could often be found running around and throwing toys everywhere. You could tell when and where it happened because Sojal and Ayi would shriek at different parts of the house. Thankfully, Jyoti played peacemaker very happily.
Life was a riot with her around, even if she hated him every minute of it and let him know. He kept his joy to himself.
There was only one day he hated to recall. She had come into his study and thrown his glass of whiskey on the floor, scattering the glass.
Astha's face was red: You want to pine for Swati, you do it sober! It will HURT MORE, I promise you. Devdas is only good on TV.
Shlok said through clenched teeth: I am not an alcoholic.
Astha feigned surprise: Really? Is that why you need a couple before bed? It helps you with your tormented lover image, does it? Well, it's stupid. Be a man and face it.
Shlok stood up and growled at her: HOW DARE YOU? I am not a coward!
Astha: Then, prove it and give this up.
He didn't touch a drink since. All the headaches he suffered in withdrawal was nothing compared to what she had said.
Astha was late coming back from work today. He could not keep quiet anymore. So, he called her driver. Maam had taken the car to the station and ordered him to get back to the Agnihotri mansion.
Shlok's heart chilled. Where was she going this late at night? Was she leaving him? (He panicked).
But surely, her parents house was right in the city.
Shaking off such thoughts, he quickly called her.
Astha sounding bored: Yes?
Shlok, breathing hard: Where are you? It's late.
Astha: Yes, Einstein. I am on a business trip.
Shlok: OVERNIGHT!!! Are you crazy!?
Astha: Just as crazy as you were to take that business trip last week.
Shlok: You are a girl alone out there. Have you no sense of responsibility toward this house!? How THE HELL am I going to explain this!? Where are you now? I will come get you.
Astha, coldly: NO, YOU WON'T. I am with a male client...in a hotel. You know how these things work, Shlok. Why are you so against it now? I have gone with you before (she teased).
Shlok's world whirled and he dropped the phone. He couldn't breathe.
God knows how long he sat on the floor. She was out with a male client, in a hotel. His Astha, his wife.
Tears stung his eyes.
"Hello? Hello?"
He took up the phone with a shaking hand. His skin was burning with rage.
Shlok: How...could...you!?
Astha: Oh, it's not that difficult. I learned from the best. Remember our suhaag raat, darling?
She cut the call. The line went dead, but not before his heart.
How was it then?
Chapter 9: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/94760372Marybarton 2013-10-26 17:45:04
I loved Namrutha's observation. You are very perceptive. Yes, the S on the mangal sutra stood for Smoky Shloky 😆.
A few things, NA has not been revealed yet. He's just mistakenly showing his colors. All those who liked the baby girl comment, wait till you read this 😳.
Dream, I am part of the Jane Austen Society and will proudly say that I was once warned by a security guard for my enthusiasm at this Austen exhibition. 😲 It was embarrassing, I never do that, but I was too thrilled to be in the presence of her manuscript. Thanks for thinking me witty. I hear wit and I think of my role model Jane.
Btw, did anyone notice how similar Shlok's dialogues and the entire Jyoti drama was to Chapter 7? I only made Jyoti younger and make Shlok trust Astha because the reveal happens after they are well into marriage in my FF. I can't tell if the marriage will happen with Astha doubting these days. Maybe they won't marry for TRP reasons, but I still feel happy that the FF is keeping close to the show.
Chapter 8:
Moonlight softly lit the room.
Astha lay in her huge bed, staring at the ceiling. There were so many thoughts buzzing about her head.
What did he mean by that? He wanted a baby girl? God! Why did I have to blush like an idiot? He obviously did not mean with me!!! He never even cared about me! He obviously wanted a girl with Swati. How was she going to cope with this for life? First he tells me on suhaag raat that he only loves Swati and now this.
Shlok lay on the hard floor staring at the ceiling.
His heart was hurting. He felt like there was a huge weight on his chest stopping him from breathing. He couldn't believe he just blurted out his most cherished wish to Astha. Just like that! What would she think of him? She hated him and he was telling her that he wanted a baby? It was humiliating. He made more of an idiot of himself than he had already.
But it was not the humiliation that broke his heart. It was the realization that he could never have that baby girl he wanted so desperately. He could see her clearly, a little one sitting patiently in front of him, not even foot high, letting him brush her baby-soft hair. Big hazel eyes. Tiny feet and chubby arms. A little princess with his forbidding glare. He had had this cherished dream for as long as Kavya came into his life. He wanted a girl to spoil just like his brother did. It would make his mother raving mad, but he did not care. He wanted to raise a hell-raiser.
Like Astha, said a small voice in his head.
Like Astha, he agreed with a smile. Now it would never happen because he ruined any chance of having a happy marriage with her. He broke her.
Astha could not take his shaken, wistful breathing anymore. She wished she could just ignore him, but it was of no use. He was lying there, clearly as wide awake was she was.
Astha popped into his ceiling view, looking irritated.
Astha: What?
Shlok: What what?
Astha: I can hear you.
Shlok: Well, sorry.
Astha rolled her eyes: That's not what I meant. What are you thinking?
Shlok made that zipping up expression of his. It started with a pout and then his chin set in. He was locking himself away, she could tell. He wouldn't tell her.
Astha glared at him: You WILL tell me.
Shlok crossed his arms over his chest: No.
Astha: Stop being such a child!
It struck him. His eyes went wide as if he was found out.
Astha smirked: That's it then, isn't it? You are thinking about Swati.
Shlok in surprise: What!?
Astha scoffed: You shouldn't have gotten so suffocatingly possessive of her if you wanted that baby so badly, should you? Think about it. If only you had been good, you wouldn't have this hateful wife to deal with. Life could be sooo much better. No stupid, silly, middle class Astha, no loveless marriage. Why, you could be on this very bed right now! Poor you! Stuck with ME!!!
Astha abruptly went back to bed.
Shlok looked at the same spot where she leaned over him. What was she talking about? Did he say he regretted being married to her? He was getting his due for breaking her heart, he knew. He never felt any regret about the marriage itself though, it felt right. Astha stood for "wife." She's the only wife he could picture now.
Shlok sat up. She was curled against her Mr. Darcy, facing away from him.
Shlok: Listen.
Astha mumbled: No. Go to hell!
Shlok took a deep breath, he was about to say something more when a knock sounded on the door. They both jumped and stood up. Astha on the bed, standing as tall as him and holding her stuffed friend. He looked and smiled, despite the absurdity of the situation. How tiny she was. It was adorable.
Astha whispered: The blanket!
Shlok: Oh, right.
He threw his make shift bed on hers. She jumped off and went to get the door.
It was Jyoti.
Astha smiled: Hey...everything okay?
Jyoti, voice breaking: I made a mistake!!! I shouldn't have spoken against him! What will I do?
Astha looked around at Shlok: I am going to stay with Jyoti tonight.
Shlok: What is it?
Astha: Nothing, go to sleep.
She closed the door behind him. He followed her into the hall way. There was Jyoti looking alarmed.
Shlok: Are you okay?
Astha reassuringly: We just want to talk alone. It's fine.
Jyoti: Sorry to disturb your sleep.
Shlok: No, that's fine. We weren't sleeping. (He startled). No! Ah...I mean...
Jyoti looked awkwardly between him and Astha.
Shlok realized how it sounded, he went on to explain: We were just talking!
Astha rolled her eyes: Please, you are not helping. Let us girls talk, okay? Bye!
She pulled Jyoti along before he could make the situation more awkward.
In Jyoti's room...
Astha: You made a wonderful decision to be free. Why are you doubting yourself now?
Jyoti: You don't know. Women in our family don't behave like this. My parents will be so mad at me!
Astha: They were there! They heard what happened. Every parent wants the best for their child. Ayi was even crying. Why are you doubting their support?
Jyoti cried: Nehi. You don't know how it is. Baba worries that our reputation will be affected by the case. Now he will talk to Shlok about taking back the case. Ayi thinks I should have not sent him and his mother to jail just like that.
Astha shocked: Did they tell you this?
Jyoti: Ayi came and told me when you guys went to bed. I took up too much courage listening to you. It's not who I can be. Not as a daughter of this house! But I was so tormented. I couldn't take it anymore!! And Shlok bahuji was telling me to tell the truth too...
Astha stroked her hair: Calm down. You just did the right thing. What they did to you is a crime and they will be punished for it. I was very proud of how you kept up with me plan to stay the night.
Jyoti, scared: They will send me back!
Astha smiled reassuringly: No one will send you back. Shlok hai na? Do you think he will let anyone send you back to those monsters after what happened? No, they have to rot in jail.
Jyoti: Shlok bhauji might not, but the case will definitely close. Baba gets what he wants and bhauji never speaks against Baba. Abhay will come and get me like he said. And his mother! Oh, Astha! They will kill me!!!
Astha hugged her tight: No one will touch a hair on your body as long as Shlok and I live. I promise. You are tired, you just need some sleep. I will stay here with you, okay?
Shlok made his floor bed again and lay down. What were they talking about that couldn't be shared? It was about that bast--d Abhay anyway.
He drifted off to sleep thinking about how empty his room felt. It was nice of Astha to keep Jyoti company when his sister was so distressed. He thought he could catch up with Jyoti in the morning when all hell broke lose because of Astha's job.
In the morning, NA and Anjali's bedroom...
Shlok to Ayi: I will ask Jyoti to take the case back only because of Baba, but she's never going back there! It is true that our reputation is already shaky, but she WILL NOT put up with that sham marriage just because you want her to!
Ayi: Shlok! Awaz niche.
Shlok: Whatever. I know Baba will never want his own daughter to go back there, right Baba?
NA nodded grimly: What happened was wrong, no doubt.
Shlok: I have something else to tell you. That's why I came.
When Astha came into the room, he was not here. Where did he go? She looked at the dressing room and the bathroom. No, he wasn't there either. Maybe he was not back from his morning run, she decided.
Ayi: You are out of your mind! No Agnihotri bahu has ever worked outside the home!
Shlok angrily: Well, she will because I want it to be so! As I said, I only came here to tell you. Nothing more.
Baba: Anjali, if Astha beti wants to, let her.
Anjali was too shocked to speak.
Shlok: Thank you Baba. Your approval means everything.
He hugged his father and left the room without sparing her a glance.
Anjali: Saheb, what are you...
Baba smiled deliberately: What did I tell you about questioning me, Anjali? (She took a step back and looked down, panicked). Astha wants to work...let her work. Judging by what happened last night, it is better she does not get involved in family matters. Let her stay busy outside the home for a while. She has created enough trouble as it is.
Shlok came back and found her ready to leave.
Shlok: I will drop you.
Astha: They agreed?
Shlok: Yes.
Astha: Well then, I am running late again.
She started to walk out.
Shlok angrily: I said, I will drop you! Let me just get ready.
Astha: I am going to take a rickshaw.
Shlok spat: You will do no such thing! If you don't want to go with me, you will take a driver.
Astha: I don't want to get into habits...
Shlok: What will your parents think if I let you go on a rickshaw when there are cars sitting in the garage?
Astha considered this: Not going with you then.
She waked out. Just like that, he thought bitterly. No goodbye even.
"Astha!"
Astha stopped midway to the main door.
Astha prepared for battle: Yes, Sasubai?
Ayi shoved a big lunch box in her hand: Itni late ho ke breakfast miss kar di. Now take this. If you can't stay at home, you will take lunch to Shlok every day. I know your offices are close.
Astha: If Shlok can't take his lunch himself, you should get a driver...or a dabbawalla.
Ayi: Nonsensical girl! Take this and go. You will not ignore your duties as a wife as long as I am in charge. Driver ko bol diya hai, jao.
Astha was running too late to argue, so she just took the box and left. Anjali looked up at the second floor. NA nodded approvingly.
That Shlok really must eat a lot. His stupid lunch box was heavy! And why should she take it with her and deliver her to his highness when he was taking a giant SUV to work!? Stupid Agnihotri rules. Be the servile wife. Doesn't matter how many million other things you have to do. God forbid hubby is the least bit inconvenienced.
Astha burst into his office and put a big lunch box unceremoniously on his desk.
Astha: Lunch! Your Highnesss... Your mother's orders. I am your private dabbawalla from today. (She murmured to herself) That's the price I pay for asking to work out of the home.
Shlok stared: I never bring lunch from home.
Astha: Well apparently, you do now. Or rather, I do, for your highness.
She turned to storm out as she came in.
Shlok: Wait! This is for you.
Astha looked around: What?
Shlok: There's a note here from Mrs. Agnihotri. It says, it is for you and me. But that she won't make me lunch everyday because I like continental food.
Astha's stomach churned. No breakfast indeed.
Shlok quietly: Please, will you stay?
Astha sniffed: Only because I have not had breakfast. Not that I prefer your company!
Shlok nodded: I know.
Astha sat down: As long as we are clear. Anyways, she did make all this food. Weird way of caring, if you ask me.
Shlok: You don't have to give so many justifications. I know you are not here to enjoy lunch with me.
Life went on like this. Much happened in his life in the meantime. Jyoti took the case back, but he and Astha made sure that a divorce was initiated. She was coping and improving a little at a time. While Astha did not care much for the rules of Ayi, she did take a great deal of interest in Jyoti. That appeased Ayi quite a bit. Astha and Jyoti did just about everything together. Shlok was happy even though it meant seeing less of his wife. Jyoti grew emotionally stronger with Astha.
Of course nothing was like before. As Astha promised. She was raising hell, for him and for every Agnihotri rule. She WOULD SIT at the dining table while the men were having dinner or not eat at all. He learned this the hard way. He ended up doing everything short of begging her to eat his midnight scrounging from the kitchen one night. Next day, he had to make it happen for her. You should have seen Chachaji's glee. Only he was tickled by the whole situation.
Another day, she asked Varad jokingly why he was clicking on his plate like a bird. Ayi almost imploded. Sojal was in silent tears of happiness and his uncle laughed hysterically before high-fiving Astha. Shlok enjoyed that one. Even though Baba did the same to order food, Shlok was just thankful that he was away on a business trip. She totally planned that one not to offend Baba, little minx.
Ayi called him on intercom in alarm another evening. Astha had fallen asleep on the men's only couch while watching TV AND spilled her coke on it. He carried her back to bed that night as she slept. He just loved the expression on Ayi's face. Her precious sofa was ruined.
Kavya was turning into a complete brat thanks to...you guessed it, Astha. They could often be found running around and throwing toys everywhere. You could tell when and where it happened because Sojal and Ayi would shriek at different parts of the house. Thankfully, Jyoti played peacemaker very happily.
Life was a riot with her around, even if she hated him every minute of it and let him know. He kept his joy to himself.
There was only one day he hated to recall. She had come into his study and thrown his glass of whiskey on the floor, scattering the glass.
Astha's face was red: You want to pine for Swati, you do it sober! It will HURT MORE, I promise you. Devdas is only good on TV.
Shlok said through clenched teeth: I am not an alcoholic.
Astha feigned surprise: Really? Is that why you need a couple before bed? It helps you with your tormented lover image, does it? Well, it's stupid. Be a man and face it.
Shlok stood up and growled at her: HOW DARE YOU? I am not a coward!
Astha: Then, prove it and give this up.
He didn't touch a drink since. All the headaches he suffered in withdrawal was nothing compared to what she had said.
Astha was late coming back from work today. He could not keep quiet anymore. So, he called her driver. Maam had taken the car to the station and ordered him to get back to the Agnihotri mansion.
Shlok's heart chilled. Where was she going this late at night? Was she leaving him? (He panicked).
But surely, her parents house was right in the city.
Shaking off such thoughts, he quickly called her.
Astha sounding bored: Yes?
Shlok, breathing hard: Where are you? It's late.
Astha: Yes, Einstein. I am on a business trip.
Shlok: OVERNIGHT!!! Are you crazy!?
Astha: Just as crazy as you were to take that business trip last week.
Shlok: You are a girl alone out there. Have you no sense of responsibility toward this house!? How THE HELL am I going to explain this!? Where are you now? I will come get you.
Astha, coldly: NO, YOU WON'T. I am with a male client...in a hotel. You know how these things work, Shlok. Why are you so against it now? I have gone with you before (she teased).
Shlok's world whirled and he dropped the phone. He couldn't breathe.
God knows how long he sat on the floor. She was out with a male client, in a hotel. His Astha, his wife.
Tears stung his eyes.
"Hello? Hello?"
He took up the phone with a shaking hand. His skin was burning with rage.
Shlok: How...could...you!?
Astha: Oh, it's not that difficult. I learned from the best. Remember our suhaag raat, darling?
She cut the call. The line went dead, but not before his heart.
How was it then?
Chapter 9: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/94760372
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