Part 4 - Apologies accepted
Shlok was unable to sleep. He was tossing and turning; when he closed his eyes all that he could see was Astha's kiss and her beautiful self in front of the mirror. He got up with frustration and went down to see if his Ayi had retired to bed. She just cleaned the house and the kitchen after the get together, and was about to go up to her room.
"Ayi, I want Astha's mobile number."
"What happened Shlok? You want to speak to her now? It is quite late."
"No Ayi. We had a fight and I don't want to end this day on a bad note."
Anjali gave him the number and went up with a secret smile. So Shlok and Astha are fighting? Sahib was right. There is something going on between the two of them.
Astha too was unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes she could see the chocolate brown eyes looking at her, assessing her. For the first time in her life she was a woman in front of her man. She got up with a bang and had some water. She was about to get back to sleep when her mobile rang.
"Who is calling me at this time of night?" Her heart started beating fast when she saw the Agnihotri land line number.
"Hello."
"Astha, I am sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"Shlok? Do you even know what time it is?"
"I don't care Astha. I wanted to speak to you and I called. So, will you accept my apology? Friends again?"
"Shlok, I too over reacted. Sorry."
"So what have you been doing all these years?"
"I am almost done with my graduation. My interests are in journalism. I am going to pursue it seriously. What about you Shlok? How was life away from here?"
"I really missed Ayi and Baba. Of course Varad will visit me now and then but still..."
"So you are glad to be back?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?"
"What about your vast choice of girlfriends? Don't you miss them?"
Shlok smiled thinking..."Ah! the tigress is back!"
"Yes. I do. But what to do? Ayi and Baba are more important. I can always find new girl friends here right?"
"What? Girl friends? Plural? Just get lost!'
Shlok was now openly laughing. "Astha I was just pulling your legs. Don't worry I never had a vast choice nor will I have it here."
"Why should I worry? I don't care about you and your choices."
"Anyways...I only had one serious relationship while I was in the US. It didn't work out and both of us parted as friends."
Astha was inwardly jealous of the unknown ex. She was about to retort back when Shlok spoke "And what about you? No one special?"
"We are all not in the US Shlok. I am a middle class girl in India who has been to an all girls school and college. What do you expect?"
"OK OK don't barb me with your tongue."
"Shlok it is getting late and I am feeling sleepy. Lets call it a day."
"OK. Just one thing Astha...why did you kiss me?"
Astha who was pleasantly starting to feel sleepy just shot up at this question. What? How am I supposed to answer this? "Woh...I...hmm..." Astha flushed to the roots of her hair.
Shlok smirked at the other end.
"It is because we are friends na?"
"Yes. Absolutely." She immediately grabbed his lead.
"OK then I too need to seal my friendship tomorrow. Be ready."
"Shlok? What? What the!!" Astha's eyes widened and her mouth parted in shock. Her heart was racing nineteen to the dozen.
"Goodnight and sweet dreams" Shlok smirked.
As Astha was spluttering at the other end Shlok put the phone done with a grin. He was waiting to meet Astha tomorrow. Finally he went to bed with some peace and lots of anticipation.
Sorry. Felt this didn't come out the way I wanted. WIll make up for it in the next chapter.
I am unable to post further since I am a Newbie and apparently cannot post more than 10 posts or something in 24 hours. Mods help me out; else we have to wait 😒
Part 5 - Scintillating Shlok
Astha got up with a smile thinking about yesterday's happenings. Kalindi entered her room with a smile and told Astha about Anjali's excited phone call.
"Astha you will be very happy to know. Sojal and her family are coming over to the Agnihotris to seal their engagement. Though they are planning for a grand engagement Niranjan Sahib wanted a small ceremony with family and close friends alone."
"Wah! Sachi mein this is a very good news. Sojal is really lucky to get a life partner like Varad."
"Woh tho hai. OK now get ready and have your breakfast. Don't go off with your friends today. We need to go to their place by 6. Samjee?"
"OK Ayi no tension!"
Meanwhile in the Agnihotri household Shlok was teasing Varad. "Bhai all your independence is gone as of today. Enjoy the last few hours of freedom."
Varad brushed him off with a laugh. Anjali was looking fondly at her two sons when Shlok suddenly asked her " Ayi did you invite the Kirloskars?"
"Yes mere bache you don't have to remind me. They are always a part of our family. You come yesterday and remind me as if I don't know? And before you ask, Astha is also invited."
Shlok gave a sheepish smile to his Ayi and thought to himself "Few more hours to go before I see her."
Astha got ready in a beautiful pink and beige lehenga. She adorned herself with minimum jewellery and makeup. All three of them then left to the Agnihotri household.
The Agnihotri house was bustling with activity. A handsome Varad and a very beautiful Sojal were eyeing each other across the hall. Both the families were discussing the engagement and the marriage. There was only one restless, chocolate brown eyes which were searching for an angel.
As Astha and her parents entered the house, she felt a little unsure and shy of what was to come. Avdhoot and Kalindi were greeted by the Agnihotris. Astha's parents were whisked away to get introduced to Sojal's parents.
Astha, however, was stopped from entering the hall by a strong male wrist. He pulled her to the alley before she could follow her parents.
"Shlok! Leave me. I need to go inside. My Ayi and Baba will search for me." Trapped between the wall and Shlok, Astha was hyperventilating.
"First tell me we are friends."
"Why are you asking me such a silly question? As if you didn't know. Of course we are. Now leave me."
"So may I?"
"What?"
"Seal our friendship bond?" His face was near hers. She could feel his breath on her and his musky scent hit her nose. She screwed her eyes tight and stiffened.
Just as Shlok's lips neared hers Kalindi came in search of her. "Astha...Astha!!! Where did this girl go?"
Astha had a shock wave pass through her. Before Shlok could react, she pushed him and ran inside, red faced and trembling.
Thanks Lechu for letting me know that I can write the next chapter right here. Readers, thank you for your wonderful feedback. As you know I may not reply to your posts. But pls keep following the updates and give me feedback as you have been doing.
Edited by ipkkndfollower - 11 years ago
Indian Idol 15
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