BA FF: Gilded Cage II UPD = PG 52 (2/10-09) - Page 41

Part Twenty (L): The Courtship

One long minute. That's what it took for Aditi to understand Bharat's hesitant question. And in that minute she went from horror, to grief, to sadness, to disbelief that Bharat would think she would have kept from him she had a child. And then, finally, compassion. Realizing Bharat had gotten caught up in her nightmare, she gently cupped his cheek. "Nahi Bharat nahi" she said very softly. He couldn't stop his shudder of deep relief. Not that Aditi didn't have a child. But relief she had been spared the horror of her nightmare at the hands of that monster Karan. Closing his eyes, Bharat covered her hand with his, then turned his head to press a kiss to her palm, murmuring he was sorry. Aditi moved her hand from his, then bent her head to whisper a kiss across his lips. "Bharat", he captured the soft whisper of his name from her lips. Taking her mouth softly, he offered love and comfort. And found both in return when Aditi slid her arms around him and sank into his kiss. Letting the taste, the feel, the smell of Bharat wipe away the terror of Karan and the imagined horror of the nightmare. Bharat hands roamed caressingly over Aditi, loving the feel of her, sliding from cool satin to warm satin. Her nightie cool and slippery, her skin warm and smooth. He lifted her onto his lap so she was straddling him, swallowing her moan of surprise. Pulling her closer into his body, he deepened their kiss. His tongue teasing and playing with hers. Tempting her and easily dissolving her faint, and feeble, mew of demurral. Sliding his tongue into her mouth, he fingers slid under the thin straps of her nightie, pushing them from her shoulders. Drawing back from Aditi's mouth, this time her protest for the loss of his mouth. He smoothed his lips over the apple of her shoulder, then bit gently. She was his Eve. Tempting him as no other woman had, or ever would. "Aditi, Aditi, do you know what you do to me jaan?" his words a raspy groan as he captured her mouth once more.

Dragging her mouth from Bharat's, Aditi inhaled a deep wheezing breath. Shuddering as Bharat's fingers slipped under the edge of her nightie to caress her thighs. His hands sliding upwards until they cupped curvy hips, drawing her into the saddle of his body. His lips trailing over her neck, lingering just under her ear. Pulling her earlobe in, he sucked gently, nibbling lightly, releasing it slowly. Bharat polished her collarbone with kisses, stopping to sweetly sip at the hollow of her throat. Shivers raced over her, a moan being pulled from deep in her belly, as his lips softly brushed over the plump roundness of her breasts. Aditi dropped her head to Bharat's shoulder, his name a long, deep moan. Her hands sliding into his hair, her nails rasping gently over his scalp, drawing a husky groan from him. Aditi fingers twisted tightly into Bharat's hair as he nipped and suckled her. Her legs clamping tightly around him as he rocked against her, his fingers clenching and sinking into her hips. Aditi nipped at Bharat's neck, her lips soothing over the sting as he groaned her name. She loved the musky salty taste of his skin, her tongue sneaking out to lick at the hollow of his throat. She trailed her lips over his chest, softly brushing back and forth, then testing the firm bunched muscles with her teeth. Bharat raked his fingers through Aditi's loose hair, sinking deep into the fiery strands. Bringing her head up, he snared her eyes with his. Hers soft and misty, his hot and piercing, both clouded with arousal. Bringing her mouth slowly to his, Bharat opened her lips, slipping his tongue in to caress over hers. Loving her mouth slowly, thoroughly, deeply. Entreating her tongue to return his caresses. And she did, pressing her mouth tighter to his with a wanton moan. Her hands sliding down his neck, her nails rasping over his strong firm back to cling tightly. Aditi was sure the room was tilting and spinning wildly around her. But she wasn't sure she was breathing anymore, and she didn't care. As long as Bharat didn't stop loving her mouth, caressing her body so gently, as long as he didn't let go of her. There was only a singular, clear bright thought in her mind as Bharat laid her slowly against the pillows and gently covered her body with his. She never believed it possible to be so deliriously happy and so deeply in love, until Bharat. His name a soft loving chant of happiness as he nuzzled her neck, spreading her legs wide to slide in between. Their bodies molded so tightly together, she didn't know where she began and Bharat ended.

When he felt Aditi lift her legs to clamp them around his hips Bharat knew he had to move. Now! If he didn't, his senses would overwhelm him - and drown his control. He would lose himself in Aditi, totally and completely. He wanted to so badly, he was shaking hard with his need. With a loud, painful groan of a dying man, he rolled off her. "Bharat?" his name a moaned whisper of hurt and confusion and embarrassment. Reaching over he dragged her to his side, then turned both so that they spooned together, perfectly. He buried his face in her vibrant hair and held on tightly. All the while trying to convince himself he had done the right thing. Part of his brain was screaming at him, "don't stop, for god's sake don't stop!!" But the more rational part was telling him that if they had continued, in the morning, Aditi would have felt mortified and remorseful. They both had agreed to get to know each other better, slowly. And he was fairly certain, even in this most intimate of moments, neither of them meant in the carnal sense. Much as he wanted to convince himself otherwise. And that fading screaming voice was still trying to convince him it didn't matter. But deep in his gut, Bharat knew he had done what he should, for Aditi, and himself. He was not going to abuse her trust, even if she was a willing, and eager, participant in what was happening between them. Aditi wiggled her bottom against him, trying to turn in his arms. "Aditi, please jaan, you have to be still - please." His groan a hoarse rasp of sensual pain in her hair, his arms tightening convulsively. Aditi stilled immediately hearing the pain, and the plea, in Bharat's voice. Having her warm, supple body pressed so close, moving so innocently, yet seductively, against him was a sublime torture. One he wasn't sure he - or his control - would survive if she moved again. "I'm hanging on to my self-control by a thread jaan. If you move, I won't, I can't be responsible baby" his voice husky and strained. The sensuous heat swirling and flaming through her magnified at his words. For that one glorious moment, she didn't want Bharat to stop, she wanted him to lose control. Shivers of sensual awareness slithered over her, stroking and tempting her just as the serpent had tempted Eve. Urging her to turn, inciting her, trying to drown her in her own carnal need. It would be so easy to tempt Bharat into letting go, to take her, them, to a place she had never been. But it wouldn't be fair to shift that burden on Bharat. As much as she wanted, needed him, she just couldn't convince herself to be that selfish. Releasing a shuddering moan, she buried her face in the pillow, tears of yearning seeping silently from the corners of her tightly closed eyes.

Hearing Aditi's moan, Bharat pulled her closer, snuffling her hair in sympathy. He knew exactly what, and how, she was feeling. He had been right earlier, in his bed, when he had told himself this was going to be one of the most uncomfortable nights of his adult male life. Now he could add - longest too, gritting back a groan of pleasure and pain when Aditi snuggled her curvy bottom up against him. He needed something to distract her, and himself! And surprisingly, Aditi provided it. Smoothing her forefinger back and forth over his hands where they were clasped around her waist she asked softly "Bharat, remember when we went to dinner at Sameer's after work that night?" Bunching his brows together Bharat wondered where she was headed with the question "mmm hmmm." "Well, on the drive over you said you would tell me about "shoe girl" sometime. Sooo, who is she?" Curiosity, and a tinge of jealousy, getting the better of her. For some reason, the look in Bharat's eyes when he mentioned "shoe girl" the first time, never left her. And she couldn't stop herself from asking. She immediately wanted to kick herself, and him, when he drawled "shoe girl huh." Asking a bit egotistically "are you jealous baby?" Then chuckling in that irritatingly male way at her "humpf". "Are you really sure you want to know about her Aditi?" he drawled again, satisfaction coating his voice. Aditi frowned, her eyes narrowing as she pinched his skin, hard, in response. "OW!" "Adi-ti!" "Oh don't be such a baby! I didn't pinch you that hard" imitating Bharat's drawl with some satisfaction of her own. "Well, first I guess I should tell you, "shoe girl", she is very, very special to me Aditi", he sounded serious, almost solemn in fact, "and I cherish my memory of her". Aditi felt her heart clench at his words. If this "shoe girl" was that important to Bharat, did that mean he had been in love this woman? Then it started to drum heavily in her temples as an unwanted thought flashed. Maybe Bharat was still in love with her. Biting down on her lip, she wondered now if she really did want to hear about this woman. She went rigid in Bharat's arms, as if expecting a blow as she waited for him to continue.

Feeling Aditi freeze, Bharat realized his teasing had a different affect than the one he expected. He expected, sighing, he corrected silently, no hoped, she would be jealous. He always felt like he was the one with the green-eyed monster constantly riding his shoulder. And he wanted her feel a little of it too. But, instead he could feel her uncertainty, and her vulnerability. Gently turning her to face him, he pressed his lips to her forehead and whispered "Aditi, nahi." He felt, rather than saw, her frown. "She is all that is special to me, she is everything for me", he paused and tightened his hold as he felt her stiffen. "Because my beautiful Aditi "shoe girl" is you jaan" he finished softly. It took a moment for Bharat's words to sink in. And even then, Aditi wasn't sure she heard him correctly. But then she felt the weight of her worry, and she could admit now, fear, separate from her body. It was an actual a physical sensation. And just as quickly, was replaced by vexation. "Bha-rat!" she huffed "that isn't", only to be silenced by a swift kiss. "Payback is hell baby!" he chuckled as she pouted. Remembering how she had teased him in a similar fashion she laughed merrily, "okay, you got me Romeo!" hugging him tightly and releasing the last of her tension as she felt his grin against her temple. Relaxing into his arms, Bharat explained to her, in detail, the impact she had on him, and his senses that day. Aditi blushed thinking how she had unknowingly "flashed" Bharat. But, couldn't stop her secret smile against Bharat's chest at the idea of him standing there with his mouth hanging open. Or the quick thrill of feminine power that skated over her knowing she had addled, however briefly, the very self-possessed,

Enjoying their closeness, Aditi pressed a drowsy kiss to Bharat's firmly muscled chest. Unable to resist, she continued with tiny butterfly kisses, nuzzling against him. Quickly becoming lost in the feel of him, loving the taste of him, she traced her fingers down his ribs, enjoying the strong sleek feel of his flesh heating under her hands. As Aditi's hands glided softly over him, Bharat could feel a thin film of perspiration coat his forehead. But when her foot began to rub gently over his and her toes wiggle under the hem of his pajama cuff to caress over his shin, he knew he had to stop her. And get out of there. Now! Or he wouldn't be able to leave her. Rising quickly, he brought himself and Aditi upright. Her mouth opened slightly in protest as Bharat's swooped down. His intention was to give her a swift kiss and leave, but the softness of her mouth had him hesitating. Aditi opened her mouth to his willingly, her tongue bashfully saying hello. Teasing and retreating, shyly luring him to linger. And he did, sipping and savoring the honeyed sweetness. Enchanted by her shy play of her tongue and seduced by the lushness of her mouth. Her lithe body pressing against him so invitingly, her warmth seeping into his skin, Bharat felt himself being dragged under, drugged by Aditi's closeness. He knew they had to stop, but knowing and doing were impossible polar opposites. His brain and body once again taking up the struggle to see which was going to gain control - and win this time. Aditi wasn't helping either, her supple body so pliant and enticing in his arms. Her mouth seductive, moving over his, deepening their kiss. Bharat inhaled sharply, shuddering as her nails rasped lightly over his back. When her fingers dug into his shoulders, pulling him with her as she lay back against the pillows, a firestorm of desire exploded in his gut. Her soft moan of longing barely heard over his gruff, low growl. He shuddered with frustrated desire as she whispered how much she loved him. Bharat knew it was dangerous to follow Aditi, to cover her body with his, to willingly be seduced. But he wanted her so much, wanted to make love to her damn bad. The need an ache so deep inside him that went beyond just the physical pain of denial.

"Marr-ied?" 'Swati stuttered softly, staring at Anil as if those horns he thought he had earlier really had appeared. Her eyes rounded as she shook her head. Not to decline, but in confused surprise. She shouldn't be surprised that Anil wanted to get married, but she was, and she didn't understand why. Feeling a bit foolish, she mulled the word married over, as if it was some foreign concept. A soft smile curving her lips as she thought of being Anil's patni. It wouldn't always be easy, they were both very independent, strong-willed people, but it would never be dull! She quickly snapped out of her musings as she felt Anil stiffen and start to move away from her. 'Swati wrapped her hand around his forearm, enjoying the muscled firmness. A woman would feel safe in his strong arms, protected and loved. That was how she felt when he had curved her body into his as they had fallen asleep. "Anil" his name a soft murmur to get his attention. 'Swati knew she had hurt him with her hesitation, his expression serious and closed off, his eyes wary. "Would you mind waiting until Aditi is well enough to attend darling? I really want her to be there with us, she and Bharat." Her smile loving, but there was a bit of an edge to it too. After all, she didn't want Anil to start out thinking he could take her for granted, or that she would always be compliant. 'Swati felt the tension gripping Anil so tightly slowly release under her hand at her question. Then a glint appeared in his eyes, a dangerous glint. He lowered himself so that he was pinning her to the bed. "You did that on purpose, didn't you angel" he grumbled; it wasn't a question. 'Swati stopped the satisfied smile trying to emerge. But she couldn't suppress that quick quirk of the corner of her mouth before she smoothed it out. "Did what?" she tried to ask innocently, but not quite pulling it off. "'Swa-ti!" he growled, partly playfully, partly put out male. That smile finally broke through to curve her lips fully, a twinkle lighting her eyes as she laughed softly, defending herself. "Anil, you took me by surprise! Especially when you asked if I wanted to get married tonight, I really wasn't expecting that!" "Uh huh' he replied with obvious disbelief. "Just for that, I'm choosing the name of our first child. If you aren't pregnant by our six month wedding anniversary, you can. But don't count on it love" he finished huskily. A deep rumbling laugh rolling out of him as 'Swati jerked in astonishment, her mouth falling open with a loud gasp.

Jumping up off the bed with such force, Bharat had Aditi bouncing against the pillows. Seeing the wounded look on her face as she looked up at him, Bharat grimaced. Then exhaled in relief as she closed her eyes and nodded slowly. She understood that if he stayed in that bed with her one more second, he wouldn't be leaving it. And neither of them would be sleeping for the rest of the night. He wanted to gather her up in his arms when he saw the shudder that waved over her, her hands clenching into the sheet. But there was no way he could touch her, comfort her and not crawl back in that bed with her - to stay! Aditi looked up at Bharat, and seeing his struggle, she sucked in a deep breath, trying to control the feelings running like a raging river through her. In her head, and her heart, she knew Bharat was right. But her body was fighting her all the way. She had never felt such a rush of overwhelming physical emotions. But she was determined to dig up enough control so that Bharat in no way felt guilty about leaving her alone. She was not going to burden him with what she was feeling. Though, she wasn't that naive she didn't understand he was probably feeling very much the same way. But he didn't need to have to deal with that on top of everything else either. Aditi rolled to her side, reaching out to take Bharat's hand, stopping when she saw his body flinch, then stiffen as his fingers curled into his palms tightly, whitening the knuckles. She finally comprehended, completely, just how hard Bharat was hanging onto his control. She folded her hands under her cheek, her smile gentle with understanding as she murmured softly "good night Bharat." Bharat nodded, his shoulders loosening a bit as he exhaled slowly, walking to the door. "Good night jaan", his smile as gentle as Aditi's as he left the room closing the door behind him quietly. Bharat felt like a man walking the plank as he trudged down the hall to his bedroom. Falling into bed with a growl, his eyes burning, his body stiff with unfulfilled desire and tension, he stuffed the pillow behind his head. Staring out into the darkness, he knew with absolute certainty he not be sleeping tonight. Unable to lie there with his body in such turmoil, Bharat whipped back the sheet and headed for the shower to take what he knew would be the longest, coldest shower of his life.

"You're moving too fast Anil" 'Swati whispered, genuinely shocked at his words. "Getting married is one thing. Children, and so quickly, an entirely different proposition." It's wasn't that 'Swati didn't like children, she had just never thought of them in connection with herself. Unlike most women of her age, she had never fantasied about, or even longed for children. And now Anil was not only saying they would get married immediately, but he wanted children just as quickly. Anil sighed quietly. He realized, once again, he was rushing everything with Saraswati. He slide down beside her, turned on his side to face her and put an arm around her waist, squeezing it gently. He turned her head towards his with a finger under her chin and kissed her softly. His voice just as soft as he said "Saraswati, I feel like I've been waiting all my life for you. Not just any woman, but you Saraswati". "I know I'm rushing you angel, but I don't want to wait to any longer to start my life with you, our life together, our family." His happiness clear in his chestnut eyes as he traced a finger along the curve of her eyebrow, over the crest of her cheekbone, and down to her soft lips. As if he needed the physical confirmation of touching her to keep reassuring him that this was finally real. That 'Swati was finally with him, that she had expressed her love for him and that she wanted to marry him. His finger lifted with her lips as they curved upward. Her eyes reflecting his happiness, and hers. But there was a touch of uncertainty as well. 'Swati wasn't as sure as Anil about starting a family, especially so soon. She leaned over, softly rubbing a kiss across his mouth. Pulling back she whispered "maybe we could take baby steps

making a decision about having a family right away. Please?" Both laughed at her unintended pun, breaking up the tension that neither had realized they were beginning to feel. "All right love, but I'm taking gigantic steps to making you my patni as soon as possibe. And if I can't do that tonight or tomorrow, you have until Aditi is well enough to attend, but no longer. "I can't wait, I won't wait any longer than that. I need you to be mine Saraswati, forever." Cutting off anything she might have said when he took her mouth with his, his kiss deeply passionate as he pulled her into his arms.

The drive to Aditi's place was a quiet one. Both lost in their thoughts. Bharat pulled up in front of the hostel to let Aditi out of the car. "I'll bring your bag. You go on upstairs Aditi, there's no point in your standing out here waiting for me while I find a parking place. Seeing the logic in what Bharat was saying, Aditi entered the hostel and started up the

stairs. As she turned the corner towards her room she saw something leaning against her door, but she couldn't quite make out what it was exactly. As she got closer and saw what it was. she stopped abruptly, shaking her head in denial, and pure terror. Aditi froze and began to shake, from the inside out. "He found me! He knows where I live!" The thoughts screaming in her head as she whimpered "Oh God! Oh God! Karan's found me!" softly. Hearing footsteps behind her,

It took all her will power not to slid down the wall and just sit on the floor, her relief was so deep and sharp. Plus, she was having a difficult time shaking off the residual fear that Karan had finally found her in Delhi. Aditi heard the door to the hostel open and knew it was probably Bharat with her suitcase. As Bharat came up the stairs he saw Dieter first and then Aditi's face. No one needed to tell him she was frightened, though he suspected Dieter had no idea from the smile he flashed at him. "Herr Singh, how are you?" Dieter asked in his heavy German accent. Bharat looked back and forth between Aditi and Dieter, wondering what the hell was going on, and why she was as pale as a ghost. Aditi shook her head briefly at Bharat to make sure he understood Dieter was not the cause. Bharat nodded in understanding. Looking back to Dieter, he didn't exactly smile, but he didn't growl at the man the way he wanted to either. His greeting though was clipped and short "Haufmann", and Dieter got the hint, immediately. He smiled and waved at Aditi, tossing an "Auf Wiedersehen" (goodbye) at them both as he headed for the stairs. Bharat stepped to the side to let Dieter pass and took the remaining stairs two at a time. Dropping the suitcase, he pulled Aditi into his arms, asking "what happened sweetheart?" his voice gruff with concern. Aditi leaned against Bharat for a moment, wishing it was possible to absorb some of his strength. Then pulled back out of his arms "main theek hoon Bharat. Please, let's go inside and I'll explain." Nodding Bharat picked up the suitcase and followed her down the hall.

When she opened the door, Aditi wrinkled her nose at the musty smell and the thin layer of dust coating everything. Stepping aside so that Bharat could come in, Aditi closed and locked the door after him. Bharat deposited the suitcase next to the wardrobe and then watched Aditi surveying the room. A crooked smile lifted the corner of his mouth, he knew exactly what she was thinking. Aditi sighed as she looked around, but knew better than to say anything though. She knew if she mentioned "tidying up" Bharat would stop her and try to use it as an excuse to get her back to his house. And as much as she enjoyed being with him, she had missed her own little place. Bharat wrapped his arms around Aditi's waist from behind, his chin resting against her temple. "Worry about cleaning up later, tell me what happened." Her mouth curving into a smile at his understanding, she dipped her head back to Bharat's shoulder. "When I looked down the hall I could see something resting against my door. Once I was close enough I recognized it was a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses tied with a lacey pale pink ribbon. They are the one flower I truly despise" she said with a shudder. Taking a deep steadying breath, she continued. "White roses were Karan's choice of "apology flowers". He only brought them after he had beaten me and it wasn't possible for me to leave the house. Partly for fear that someone we knew would see me and question all the bruises and mostly because I just wasn't able to leave, he had hurt me so badly. He always came home from work with just that kind of bouquet after that happened. She pushed back a particularly horrible memory as she whispered "the sight and smell of them makes me feel physically ill Bharat." Bharat hugged Aditi closer, holding her tightly, his jaw clenched almost as tight. He gnashed his teeth together, he hated what that beast had done to his Aditi. His eyes narrowed, a grimace flattening out his mouth as he relished the thought of beating the living hell out of Karan Choudry.

Once he had made sure she was settled in bed with some magazines; her cell phone; a glass and a pitcher of water on the bedside table; and Asha Bhonsle's latest CD playing softly, Bharat left for the office. Leaving Aditi alone after what she told him about Karan was difficult for him. But she assured him that she would be fine. While the memories of Karan were horrible, the thought that he had found her was so much more terrifying. But knowing that he hadn't, relieved much of her fear and tension. She had informed him quite determinedly she was not going to use Karan, and especially not fear, as a crutch to hide at his place. Then told him, rather prissily, that she had lots to keep her busy, and he was needed at Singh Industries. In turn Bharat reminded her that Dev had only agreed she could come home if she rested! He explained he was not above calling Dev and telling him that Aditi was not following Doctor's orders, unless she did so immediately. As he pushed open the doors to the building, Bharat thought of how annoyed Aditi had been that he had threatened her with Dev. And how she had hemmed and hawed before reluctantly agreeing to rest. He knew she only agreed because he made it very clear he would do precisely what he threatened if she didn't stop hedging. He trusted her, but not her compulsive need to have everything "just so". A grin crooked his mouth as he recalled how she had tried to bargain with him. Finally giving up when she realized he was not going to budge, and more importantly, he wasn't leaving if she didn't agree. Aditi practically stamped her foot in indignation when he made her promise to rest. To cheer her up he told her he would ask 'Swati and Shweta if they would bring her lunch so they could visit with her for a bit. She brightened at that, as he hoped she would. He knew she hadn't been looking forward to spending the day alone, with nothing to do. He assured her he would be there as soon as he could after work, and he would take care of dinner. He had thought the offer to send someone over to clean up for her would have made her happy as well. But Aditi had objected vehemently. She didn't want a stranger in her home, no matter what their good intentions. She would clean her own home, on that point she wouldn't budge. So Bharat grudgingly agreed not to send anyone. As he reached to open the outer door to his offices, he reminded himself to call Aditi. Pushing open the door he smiled, greeting 'Swati. "Good morning Madam D'Souza, anything new to report, happen, while I was away from the office?"

{{ please excuse my mistakes 😊 }}