From the ashes the pheonix rises.A tortured soul.FF UPDATED!CH 9 Pg18 - Page 5

Chapter 5

Kunal grabbed Astha hand and enveloped her into a hug over his shoulder their eyes held Astha could see his fury but what she couldn't see was his hurt hiding behind them. Those eyes pierced her soul, she wasn't unaffected it took all of her strength to stay calm and not bolt. She saw Shlok angrily walking towards them and she felt his hand on her arm pulling them apart. "Hello Shlok" Astha said calmly that belied her inner turmoil. He stood there glaring "Get your hands off my wife!!" He bellowed. "Excuse me! Who's this Astha? I think you're mistaken I'm Kunal Astha's...Kunal started to say. Angrily Shlok tore his gaze from Asthas "I don't care who you are! I'm her husband!!!" he growled.

As their eyes met and held he wanted to run to her and pick her up and hold her and never let her go, but just then the other guy was touching her!! Touching his Astha! Shlok couldn't hold back and he strode toward Astha and her companion he wanted to rip his hands off of her it took every inch of self-control not to pound him he burst out "Get your hands of my wife!!" he must of said something but all Shlok could think of was Astha.

Shocked Kunal turned to Astha who said give me a few minutes Kunal let me sort this out. You sure? I'll stay if you want me to? He asked with concern. "No it's alright I got this" She replied.

Astha grabbed Shloks arm it burned him when she touched him, she felt a jolt, a warmth rose in her, Shlok took a deep breath and tried to calm himself Oh God her little touch had made his heart pound and sent him into a frenzy what would happen if she kissed him he thought . Astha led him to a room.

"How are you Shlok? Astha asked, how am I? HOW AM I!!!!! He shouted. Look I don't want a scene! Shlok not today" Astha said calmly. "Scene!!!!! You don't want a scene!!!! You left me 6 years ago without a word and an explanation and you're asking me how I am!!!! Shlok retorted. How dare you!!! He shouted.

"Shlok What!!!? How Dare I?!!!! Look this is not the place nor the time to have this conversation if you wish to speak with me it will be on my own terms and my rules, I'm not having this conversation here." Astha said stiffly.

NO!! He shouted. We're going to have this conversation here and now!

"No! Shlok you don't get to decide when and what I do anymore, you lost that right many years ago". Astha said icily. Shlok clenched his hands his vein was throbbing at his temple he wanted to shake her make her see how much he missed her, but he knew if he pushed her she would leave once again and this time he didn't think he could keep it together. "Fine you let me know when and where I'll be there" He snarled. He took a step towards her he saw her take a step back her face softened for the tiniest second before she blinked it back he leaned in close and whispered "mera pyaar". He handed her a card here's my number call me when you're ready to talk.

Astha collapsed on the chair as soon as he left she prayed Bappa help me give me strength, I'm going to need it more than ever. Gauri ran in after he left" you ok?" She asked. "I've been better" Astha replied. I need to get home Ayyi and Baba will be worried.

Sam was waiting for her with the car Gauri sent her off with a promise to call if she needed anything, I mean it anything at all call me. I will Astha promised. Ayyi Baba & Ajju were waiting anxiously for her Kya huwa beta? Astha hugged Ayyi tightly "Ayyi he wants to meet with me" "What do you want to do?" Baba asked. Did he see the children? "No he didn't mention anything I need to tell the kids first before I tell him." said Astha. They were all quiet lost in their thoughts finally Ajju spoke up Ja ke aaram kar subah mein baat karenge. (go rest we'll talk about this in the morning)

Astha made her way to the children's room she dropped a kiss on their heads sleeping peacefully so sweet and innocent such unconditional love and joy they gave her, how will they react when I tell them about their father she thought sadly.

Astha tried to sleep but it eluded her tossing and turning finally she couldn't take it no more , she went to the armoire and on the top shelf deep inside there was a box, a box filled with unfulfilled broken dreams, dreams that she dared to dream and believed in. She took it down as she opened the box her green wedding bangles and mangalsutra clinked inside mockingly, she gingerly took out her album filled with pictures of a young nave Astha, one that loved unconditionally and believed in true love. Little did she know her love was only one sided and that Shlok was just taking revenge, her eyes burned with unshed tears as she thought back to that year and that fateful night...