Chapter 5
Next time Astha saw the stairs a rope had been fastened to work as a temporary handrail. Shlok came in her room with a pair of leather slippers. He placed it near her feet and said "I got these for you the floor is pretty rough it might chafe your feet"
He gently placed the slippers in her feet.
She said "They are lovely thanks" and smiled.
Astha descended the stairs with one hand on the rails Shlok walking behind her. She arrived breathless in a large paneled room. It was converted into a
study. There was ornate furniture and oriental rugs. Tall windows let in the warm light. Two walls held books on broad selection of subjects.
She looked around and remarked "You are fond of reading too"
Shlok smiled "Yes I like reading"
Astha was impressed "A well read bandit !!" she thought.
When she looked into the adjacent room Shlok said "That is my bedroom"
Astha blushed and hastily retreated. He said "The double doors lead to the garden but I fear you must wait a little longer before getting out"
She smiled "This will do fine for a while."
Shlok said "Excellent..be at home I have other business to attend to."
Apart from the fact that Shlok's ability to make her desire him frightened her out of her wits, the days passed in pleasant leisure. She could go around
anywhere. There were other men too they used to be busy in fighting and trainning but they didn't even look at her forget about talking to her.Probably it was Shlok's orders not to disturb her.
She thought "Probably he's the chief of the bandits"
She did meet Suresh whom she found quite entertaining. Although he never revealed much about Shlok.
Most of the times Shlok joined her for lunch, sometimes he used to be out on his business.She dare not think what business.
She had started to enjoy his company now and looked forward to their chats. She found him to be very knowledgeable and a perfect gentleman.He always joined her for dinner and stayed on his side of the table. She was amazed at his manners and knowledge.He was more cultured and educated than Varadh also.He was fit to be a prince.
His flirtations had totally stopped. It was much more comfortable arrangement although somewhat lacking in excitement.
She penned several letters to her parents always being vague about her whereabouts. She had no idea how or when it reached her parents.
Once while walking in the Garden she was rattling about her friends.
Shlok asked "I suppose you are to be married soon?"
Astha gasped he knew it ? And realization hit her she had forgotten all about Varadh. In fact in last few days she had not even thought of him.
She nodded.
Shlok said "Well good to know that.So you must be looking forward to it?"
She said "Yes..Varadh is my very good friend"
Shlok said "Only friend?"
She replied "We are engaged since childhood and I have grown up believing that he will be my future husband.Since Its our parents wish so of course I agree with them."
Shlok asked "But do you love him?"
Astha just looked down "Did she love Varadh??" well she never felt the way she felt with Shlok.She hardly understood love.
She just said "Its my parents wish.Thats how things happen right ? Our parents choose our spouse and we learn to live with them.Is there any other way ?"
"It depends.You never fell in love ?"
She looked horrified "I am not allowed to talk to other men.Aayi says good girls dont do that.It brings dishonour"
He laughed " But you are talking to me now? "
"Do I have a choice ? You brought me here God knows why.And there's no one else to talk.So what else can I do ?"
Shlok didn't ask anything further.
Dinner that evening was conflicting emotions and Shlok was lost in his own thought. Both went to bed with just cursory good nights.
Meanwhile Back in Astha's village her parents were reassured to receive Astha's letters but they were still worried for her.
Aditi had been snooping around.She even talked to Padma on some pretext but she did have a hunch of something fishy but she couldn't get the reason. She used to lurk around Astha's home for some clues. She saw a horseman approach their home in wee hours of morning. He dropped a letter and left.His face used to be covered so she couldn't make out who it was.
She was determined to get that letter.
Next morning while going around Astha asked Suresh for Shlok's whereabouts. He replied he was practicing sword fighting.
Astha asked for directions and went to a large room. She peeked in and saw Shlok brandishing a sword fencing with one of his men.
She looked on transfixed.
He was shirtless and with his rippling muscles and fluid movements she could not take her eyes off him.
He noticed her and stopped. He wiped his face and asked "Good morning what are you doing here?"
She picked up a lying sword and said "Lets have a duel"
Shlok was surprised. He said "Astha its not a toy you will hurt yourself"
Astha said "I know its not a toy that is why I said lets duel"
He gestured the other man to go away and said "Astha are you sure?? You know what you are doing?"
She didn't answer, just gave a blow with her sword.He was startled but defended her attack. She attacked again and he defended, they started dueling and Shlok was aghast.She could fight !! And fight well !!
Of course she was a tiny little thing but she knew her stuff.
They dueled for sometime both getting sweaty.Astha was smiling seductively at him but she was no match to him he overpowered her and her sword flew out of her hand. He quickly caught her wrist, turned her back and his sword was on her neck.She just stared at him with her large eyes and that half smile.
They stood in that eye-lock, he dropped the sword but didn't leave her hands.
He gave a jerk and she fell in his arms.Astha's mind was spinning her breathing had become ragged and she just looked at him.
He held her waist ..She kept her hands on his bare chest. Her fingers burned wherever she touched him.
Shlok trailed his finger on her face.His other hand trailed on her back.
She blushed when his finger outlined her lips.
He said "I will miss these lovely blushes.
He bent his head and lightly brushed his lips on her cheeks.Astha's lips automatically parted he touched his lips to hers but nothing further he
released her.
Her mind still woolly it took sometime for her to come back to reality.
He just said "You are good I didn't expect that you could do fencing"
"I am a princess I can do lot of stuff"
"I dont know of many princesses who can even brandish a sword let alone use it"
"Well I am different.Baba allows me learn whatever I wish but aayi dosent like it.She wants me to be subdued like other girls"
"You Sure are different.Why do you need to be subdued I like you this way.Fiery !! " He said
She felt please and wondered why was she so happy about his approval.
He turned to go.
Astha asked "Please answer one question...Wasnt it you who used to come on the hilltop?"
He looked at her surprised.
Then nodded "Yes"
"Why ?"
"There are 2 reasons.First one I cant reveal and second one I dont know"
He turned and left
Astha stood there puzzled over her behavior as well as his behaviour. Atleast she had her answer.
She went back to her room her heartbeats still out of control.There was no denying that she desired Shlok but she had to control herself.She couldn't afford this stupid mistake.Although her logic and
emotions were in constant conflict.
That day Shlok didn't turn up for lunch. Suresh informed her that he was out for some business.
She hated the fact that she missed him...the day stretched out long and empty ahead of her.She felt stupid for missing a man who was an outlaw but he was so cultured and well read...She wondered who was he ??
Was he some nobleman who fell on hard times and was forced to resort to thievery ?Perhaps he suffered injustice.Disillusioned by the system he crossed over to the other side of the law.
She passed many hours spinning fantastic tales about mysterious Shlok.
As the day dragged into the night Astha tried to sleep in the big carved bed.
Last two days she had spent waiting for Shlok.Now she had started to get worried for his safety.She tossed and turned in her bed trying to lull herself into sleep until she heard a thump.
She sat up in bed and listened. There it was again.She decided to go out and investigate. She took the candle and went towards his study. It was too dark and in the candle light she tripped over something laying on the floor.
She went sprawling and chocked back a shriek. She sat up and felt cautiously behind her.
A hand grasped her wrist. Her shriek exploded echoing off the wall.
"God don't" A voice said.
The hand pulled her down and she found herself wrapped in strong arms. Her scream stopped by warm demanding mouth.
She tried to pull away but the hand captured the back of her head and held her fast. She felt the same masculine scent. One she had smelled almost everyday here.
Shlok !!
He was kissing her soundly !
New feelings flooded her senses.
She hesitated then gave in her whole self to the kiss savoring every sensation.
Suddenly the hand dropped limply away.
Astha sat up "Shlok?? is that you ?"
A muffled voice answered "Whom were u expecting ?"
His voice was weak and painful.She touched his hands and it felt wet and sticky.
She said "Shlok ! Are you injured ??"
He just groaned.
She needed help she cried out for Suresh.
Suresh and some other servant came running. They carried him into the study and in the burning flame of the torchlight she saw his figure covered in blood.
She gasped "Shlok where are you hurt ?"
He said "Just my leg"
She saw a rough bandage tied around his thighs and a dark patch of blood which was getting larger.She panicked she couldn't bear to see him like this.
She shouted at Suresh "Get some hot water,towels, bandages,get the doctor Quick."
She was so busy being concerned for Shlok.She didn't realize she just got her first kiss from an outlaw !!
Edited by Blukitten - 11 years ago
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