SS: Interpol (Part 31NEWWWW Pg. 53 Taj Mahal) - Page 38

Originally posted by: Marybarton

Next part soon

Thanks - hope to read the next update soon.

I hope your hand is better now - please take care.

Hi Mary missing you... waiting excitedly for the next chapter.....

Mary missing your FF … eagerly waiting for update …

Read all parts today, this is so so good, such a creative writer you are, wish makers had few writers like you , waiting for next part

Part 28:

Imlie haughtily put the balm down on the table in front of Aditya.

Imlie: Emmy and I are going to visit the neighbors. Put this on and get some rest.

Aditya: How long will you be?

Imlie snapped: Why? Are we being timed? Is there a curfew now?

Amma: Imlie!

Sattyakam: Don't snap at her, Mithi.

Amma: At least apply the balm on him, Aditya Babu can't even move properly.

Imlie, airily: Oh, he will manage.

She left with the baby without sparing him another look.

Aditya was breathing fire. Amma looked at Naniji.

Naniji: I can apply for you, Jamai Babu, if you want.

Aditya got up to leave: I am fine. I don't need any balm, thank you.

He was fuming as he returned to their room. How could she accuse him of giving her a curfew when he was always under house arrest because of her orders? Who was being unfair here? Was their life always going to be like this? Could she never think of him without thinking of Malini?

Sattyakam knocked on the open door.

Aditya: Please, come in.

Sattyakam: Whatever it is, I think you should apologize first and make things right.

Aditya wanted to stand straight out the indignation, but his neck protested: Why should I?

Sattyakam: Because you should count your blessings that she picked you again.

Aditya: Haan, I know what you all think. She could have done much better.

Sattyakam: No one will be good enough for my daughter, especially not you. So you have to earn her back, because I know it cannot have been any fault of hers.

He walked away. Aditya sighed, resignedly. Of course, Sattyakam was right. It was Aditya's fault.

Imlie was gone for most of the day, leaving Aditya to fend for himself alone in the farm while stewing in his own guilt. He was sitting in the kitchen garden when she came back. Emmy's giggles alerted of their arrival.

Imlie walked out into the kitchen garden. ignoring him. She picked some herbs and was about to leave when he caught her hand.

Imlie: What now?

Aditya: I need to talk to you.

Imlie: What about?

Aditya got up from the bench and motioned toward it: Sit down for a minute, please.

Imlie sighed and sat down: Be quick about it. I left Emmy with Amma, she will be hungry soon.

Aditya looked into her eyes as he sat down in front of her: You were my wife when I had that sham wedding so you have every right to ask me about what happened with Malini. I should not have snapped at you. (He took a deep breath and looked at the ground) I will answer any question you may have, no matter how humiliating. Even if it means things will never be the same again between us. (Pause) Ask.

Imlie inclined her head the way he was inclined in pain: Why won't things be the same between us?

Aditya bit his bottom lip unconsciously: Because you will be disgusted by me, more than likely. Knowing something happened is very different from knowing all the details about it.

At his strangled breath and unshed tears, Imlie realized he was scared. Scared of losing her.

Imlie: I already knew you were with her.

Aditya: This was a good dream while it lasted. But the truth is that I will always remind you of that time and...her. I am forever ruined for you. And it is all my fault. But you can ask me anything you want because it is your right. I was answerable to you and I am still. So ask me.

Imlie, frustrated: I can't help it if it bothers me.

Aditya was still looking at the ground: No, you can't. I am responsible for messing up our lives. Perhaps we were too hasty in getting back together thinking that we could get past it all.

Imlie snapped: What are you saying? You regret marrying me again? You said I could make you mine!

Aditya took her hands with shaking hands: I am yours, but I am ruined for you. I am the man who was having a child with another woman. Your sister. I don't think you can ever get past that. I know I couldn't. It comes up between us again and again, it won't go away.

Imlie: So why did you tell me to go sleep with someone else? You couldn't love me the same if that happened.

Aditya shook his head: I could love you the same, but I could not see you the same way. I have had all day to think about this and I know what you meant. I forced your hand with marriage again, I am sorry.

Imlie: You didn't force me! We were already married.

Aditya: It's the same thing. If you feel you rushed into this after listening to any of my answers, you are free to leave me.

Imlie grabbed him by the back of the neck and made him look up at her. Aditya winced.

Imlie: You don't get to leave. We...neither of us can walk away again. Just because I want to know more doesn't mean I will leave you. I just want to understand how it was between you. Why you felt after marrying her that it wasn't love. I have only been with you and I can't see how someone can be with someone and not be in love.

Aditya thought for a moment: If you had never met me...and married Alex, wait! Don't smack me. Hear me out. If you had never met me, never knew any passion like that, saw friendly compatibility with Alex and married him...then met me, what would that feel like? Add to that the fact that we were married before I went through with the engagement to Malini.

Imlie sat back.

Naniji tried to distract Emmy who was looking for her mom. Amma and Sattyakam looked out the window.

Amma: They have been out there for hours.

Sattyakam: Let them talk. They have a lot to work through.

Alex dropped Rupi off at home.

Alex: Thank you for your time today. And your advice on the gifts.

Rupi smiled: No problem. I will let Imlie know we are heading to Rajasthan soon. Perhaps they would like to come.

Alex: Won't they want to spend more time with her parents?

Rupi: Doesn't hurt to ask.

Alex nodded and asked the driver to get back to Leela Palace.

Imlie got off the phone and looked at Aditya messaging his neck.

Imlie: I think we should go to Rajasthan with Rupi Didi and Alex.

Aditya turned abruptly: Ow! Why?

Imlie: It will be a nice break for us. I would feel safe leaving Emmy here for a few days. I have never seen Rajasthan or the Taj Mahal. I want to see them with you now that we are back here.

Aditya: Rupi Didi is going to Rajasthan with Alex?

Imlie: That's the thing, I think she feels a little awkward about going there without us. Which makes sense. She doesn't know Alex well enough to go all the way there with him.

Aditya: In that case, we should go.

Imlie warned: And no antics from you on this trip. I know why you are saying yes.

Aditya: You said she felt awkward about it!

Imlie: But I know you, you just want to come in between them.

Aditya: There is no in-between them.

Imlie, smugly: There it is. The possessiveness.

Aditya: It would not be appropriate for her to go without us.

Imlie: She decides that, not you.

Aditya: Well, she asked. So we are going.

Imlie: I am so flattered that you want to go with me to these lovely palaces and the Taj Mahal only to watch out for your sister.

He smiled: Am I still banned from the bed tonight?

Imlie: You went there on your own!

I have been a bit demotivated lately. It is hard to think about how to finish the story fast. I have been rethinking scenarios in my head. Writing this stuff is not as easy as just typing it out. So here's the much belated piece.

Hey Mary,

Please don't be demotivated. This is one of the best ff that I've come across after those dreadful episodes. Even after reading wu, I would come here to read your posts, sometimes twice. So thank you for writing these for us. Also when Imlie left the Ts, your posts were the first thing that came to my mind, as you made her leave too. This is your ff and you should write it however you want to and end it whenever you feel like is the right time. I personally have enjoyed reading each and every part of this ff. As I got what I wanted for Imlie and Aditya. Imlie moving forward, Aditya suffering and then starting a fresh when the time was right. Without any guilt or added responsibility.

Nice one … waiting for their Rajasthan and tsj mahal adventures …🤗

Mary

Dont get demotivated by what they are doing in the series..... this FF is your baby and it shows your version of Adilie which we love Infact this has really shown the way Adilie would have moved forward if this would be real life. I loved the fact that there are still a lot of unanswered questions doubts and unsaid ....in between them as it happens in real life so dont worry you will get inspired to find an opening.....

All the very best.......👏🥳❤️

Originally posted by: Colormenow

Hey Mary,

Please don't be demotivated. This is one of the best ff that I've come across after those dreadful episodes. Even after reading wu, I would come here to read your posts, sometimes twice. So thank you for writing these for us. Also when Imlie left the Ts, your posts were the first thing that came to my mind, as you made her leave too. This is your ff and you should write it however you want to and end it whenever you feel like is the right time. I personally have enjoyed reading each and every part of this ff. As I got what I wanted for Imlie and Aditya. Imlie moving forward, Aditya suffering and then starting a fresh when the time was right. Without any guilt or added responsibility.

Thank you, this is very sweet.

Part 29:

Next morning...

Alex: Of course you should bring her.

Imlie: But...

Alex: I will take care of her.

Imlie: It's not about that. I am worried about her being in the sun so long. She can enjoy her time with her grandparents here.

Alex: But this will be an experience too. And besides, you and Aditya will be taking all the nice pictures in front of the Taj. Whom will I take mine with?

Imlie laughed: Ok, fine. But no chocolates. You spoil the child.

Imlie hung up: Alex also thinks we should bring her.

Aditya: Good, at least someone is sensible. I think it will be an adventure for her.

Imlie: Pack up then, we have to set off right away if we want to get there on time. I will get Emmy's things.

At Mehrangarh fort...

Aditya: Don't go so near the edge!

Imlie turned around, shocked: I didn't come all the way here not to see the view.

Aditya: Step back and see the view.

Imlie: There is literally a wall up to my neck!

Alex was wearing Emmy on his chest and even he decided to go have a look, which made Aditya's heart skip a beat.

Aditya: Don't you do that too! That wall is definitely not tall enough for you.

Alex called out: I am holding the baby very hard. We are not even leaning.

Imlie muttered to Alex: Killjoy.

Alex: I think he's afraid of heights.

Imlie looked up at Alex and then at Aditya and burst out laughing: You are right!

She ran back to Aditya and tried to drag Aditya to the edge of the large veranda area of the fort.

Aditya's hands were sweating: Stop it! I don't want to!

Rupi tried to appease Imlie: You go see na? I will be with Adi Bhai here.

Imlie looked at Aditya: Are you afraid of heights!?

Aditya glared at her.

Imlie: OMG, you are! I never knew this about you!

Rupi: Imlie, you go enjoy the sights.

Alex came back: Emmy certainly liked it. (He tickled Emmy's cheek as she giggled). See? I told you she would enjoy the trip.

Imlie got distracted: And so you did, munchkin. You hungry?

Alex adjusted Emmy's little hat: It's a bit hot. Shall we go down and get a bite to eat?

Aditya sighed in relief and led the way.

Sitting at the hippie cafe they found at the town bazar, they chatted as they ate... Imlie elbowed Aditya when she noticed him looking at Alex and Rupi with intense eyes.

Aditya: What!?

Imlie smiled: Nothing.

Alex was busy feeding Emmy on his lap and didn't seem bothered thankfully.

Emmy grabbed a handful of Alex's salad and smeared some of the contents next to his mouth.

Rupi laughed: She's trying to feed you, hahaha!

Alex: Yes, the aim is a bit off though.

Imlie extended a napkin to Alex: Fun, isn't it? Try that multiple times a day.

Alex wiped his cheek: I don't mind it.

Aditya: When does she start eating on her own?

Alex looked up, surprised: Not for years yet, mate! You haven't been around many children, have you?

Rupi: He has, but feeding babies and things are never in their radar. It falls on us women.

Imlie: Exactly, Rupi Di. He never had those responsibilities.

Aditya, annoyed, knew they were ganging up on him now: Well, they were my niece and nephew so it wasn't exactly my responsibility either. I feed Emmy.

Imlie: When?

Aditya: Don't be unfair! I fed her the cereal this morning while you were packing!

Imlie waved him off: Cereal is easy stuff. You have a long way to go.

Aditya: But I am trying!

Alex: I will give you some books I bought last year, then you can feel more comfortable trying around the baby. I even have a healthy baby cookbook.

Imlie: What Rupi Didi and I are saying it that men in Indian households are usually not expected to...

Aditya interrupted: But I am trying!

Imlie: I agree, you are trying. But that's what Rupi Didi was saying.

Rupi Didi nodded: Even Pranav was never expected to do anything to care for Twinkle. His mother told me off once for asking him to change her nappies.

Alex: Who is Pranav?

Aditya, at the same time: Yes, Didi, gang up on me before I have even had a chance to try!

Imlie: Adi!

Rupi Didi looked apologetic: I am not comparing him to you, of course. I am sure, you will do better. Pranav is my ex, Alex.

Alex nodded, sensing this was a sore point.

They went back to their hotel with Aditya still grumpy.

Imlie: Don't snap at Rupi Didi like that. What did she say that was so offensive? She is being so nice by going out of her way to help us out. She even put up Emmy for tonight. I want her to have a good time in this trip.

Aditya: I didn't snap at her. You were all ganging up on be for being a male, chauvinist pig just because I never had experience feeding babies. I didn't know until last month that I even was going to care for a baby in the future! How was I supposed to prepare? Alex obviously learned cause he was adopting.

Imlie hugged Aditya from behind: We were just making a general comment, honey. It was not against you.

Aditya: But you think I am a product of this culture so I must have these views.

Imlie: I am also a product of this culture, some of it is unavoidable. That's why I didn't put a lot of her care responsibilities on you until now. But if you want to learn, I will teach you.

Aditya: I do want to learn.

Imlie kissed his back and snuggled up: Then, you will learn. And you will do even better than Alex.

Aditya: Speaking of which, there is nothing between them.

Imlie: I saw you looking at them at dinner.

Aditya: Oh, is that why you elbowed me!?

Imlie: Don't be so suspicious. I agree though, doesn't seem to be anything there.

Alex knocked on Rupi's hotel room door. After a few tries, she finally opened.

Emmy was crying at the top of her lungs and the sound pierced the hall as Rupi opened the door, looking frantic.

Rupi: Sorry, didn't hear you.

Alex: I figured you might need some help. May I come in?

Rupi stepped aside: Yes, please. I did say I will take care of the baby, but I seem to have lost my touch! Mine is 18 years old now. I don't know how to put her to sleep.

More to come, I had an idea...