Chap 4 Shlok
Why am I being so stupid, I should give her some time. I mean, we met just a week ago, how can I have such strong emotions towards her. He remembered how he had set his eyes on her for the first time. Being the practical type of person, he always thought love at first sight was bull s-. However, this woman's entry in his life had turned his world upside down. Why, he thought, why was she always trying to run away from him. He didn't look like Frankenstein nor am I a moster. I know she's avoiding my answers for a reason, I've seen it in her eyes. What was it? pain, loneliness, or was he just imagining things. Whatever it was he was sure of one thing. Aastha kirlosker, I love you with all my heart and I will not let you walk out of my life so easily. I will relieve your pain I will end your loneliness and I will cherish you forever, that is the promise of Shlok Agnihotri to you.
She was watching him from the balcony as he paced the soft green grounds. It was a beautiful evening, with the sky graying slowly with rain clouds. Remembering how she loved to play in the rain for hours brought a weak smile on her face. I shouldn't have reacted like that in front of Shlok, what was he thinking about, pacing left and right. I have to apologize.
She came running into the yard but before she could reach him it started to drizzle and by the time she had reached him it had started to rain steadily. Squinting through the rain she hesitated but slowly touched his shoulder. He turned around and was surprised to see her. "Shlok come in", she said "its raining." He looked up and said "oh, I didn't notice." Aastha felt a pang of guilt, he was so absorbed in his thoughts he didn't even realize the situation around him. "Shlok im sorry for what I said yest"...
she stopped in her tracks as suddenly Shlok pulled her very close to him. She tried to blink a few times and looked into his eyes. "Shlok I need to talk to you.. there is something very important for you to know "..."sshh" he said "this is more important." She stopped breathing as he bent his head and touched his lips to hers. She saw a spark of lighting but didn't know if it belonged to the storm or the emotions that stired inside of her. He kissed her lips ever so gently and his hands made way down her back.
She trembled as she pressed one hand on his chest and the other crawled up behind his neck making way towards his hair. They stood there not caring if the world had turned to ashes around them. He pulled away gently when he felt her breathing unevenly and she gasped for her breath. "shlok I"... "Aastha i love you" , he whispered before she could say anything. "I know maybe your not ready to say anything yet and I won't pestor you to do so. I will give you all the time you need because if I had to die and come back for you I", she covered his mouth at hearing his words. He smiled at her her and gently removing her fingers finished his sentence, " I would do just that." She stood frozen in front of the man who had just confessed his love not knowing anything about her , not caring a damn about anything but her at the moment. He bent down again and touched her lips softly before whispering "and nothing and i mean nothing in this world will change that."
The next couple of days passed away in a blur. They made a more detailed presentation which was approved by Mr. Avery. As expected they got the contract and both were very proud of themselves. The night before they had to head back home Shlok knocked on Aasthas door. "Come in" she said. He walked in to see her packing up her belongings. Carefully walking upto her he gently held her hand."Aastha "he started to say slowly, "have you thought of your answer yet?" with that he brought her hand up to his lips and gently placed a kiss on it. "Shlok" she whispered and pulled her hand away.
"Shlok the decision is not mine to be made , it will always be yours. I know you love me Shlok but I have responsibilties that I can't turn my face from." "Your responsibilties will be all mine Aastha, I promise, "he said. "There are things in my life you don't know , you haven't seen and before I say or do anything else I want to be truthful to you." Then tell me Aastha, im all ears." She closed her eyes and said," I will let you know as soon as we land in Delhi , I promise you." "Ok then Aastha Kirlosker lets see what it is that's so important for me to know. "No matter what I assure you nothing will change my love for you Aastha nothing". She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity reflecting back at her. He bent and gently kissed her on her forehead and said " that's my seal of the promise." With that he truned around and left the room, Aastha looked at him go and then sighed and zippped up her suitcase.
They were personally seen to the airport by Mr. Avery . It was nice doing business with the both of you he told them. I hope you decide to get together soon and they both cast awkward glances at one another. Their journey was pretty peaceful. shlok: finally I will get to know Aasthas response as we land. aastha: I don't know if I'm doing the right thing or right God but give me strength to fight all odds, I've suffered enough.
Upon landing in Delhi they got their baggage and made it to the exit hall where they stood waiting for their respective families. " I can't wait to introduce you to ma and baba Aastha"said Shlok. Aasthas eyes were searching for someone else amongst the crowd. Finally she spotted her mother, and said"shlok, there is my mom come on". Running up to her she hugged her tightly and asked how she was. khalindhi spotted Shlok and asked about him. Ayi this is Shlok Agnihotri and Shlok this is my sweet ayi. "Namaste auntie" he said . "Namaste beta kaise ho tum I hope Aastha ne tumhe trip par ziyada tang nahi kiya?" she said sweetly."Bilkul nahin auntie" he said politely and thought, bus pehli nazar main mera dil gayal kar diya while smiling to himself. "Ayi, bhaiya nahi aye" inquired Aastha." "Nahin Aastha, your father has not returned from Mumbai yet," she said. However, someone else made it back home. Aasthas eyes lit up "he's back" she whispered. Yes kalindhi answered. Shlok was now curious to see who had this much effect on Aastha other than shlok he chuckled to himself. "Dhruv ajjao beta" . Shlok turned to the direction in which kalindhi had called.
A little boy of around the age of 5 years came running into the arms of Aastha. She who was now kneeling held out her arms for him and scooped him up. Hi my shona baby she said how was your trip and did you miss mama? Shlok thought his ears or eyes weren't functioning properly but stood there listening intently. The boy hugged her neck tightly and whispered "I missed you mama, sooo much." Shlok watching all of this suddenly was about to take a step back when he felt something on his cheeck. He touched and realized what it was. Wiping it off quickly he looked at Aastha and Dhruv again. The latter was now staring at him intently." papa"? Shloks heart skipped a beat at the childs word. Aastha whirled around and met shloks eyes before turning to Dhruv. "Dhruv mera beta yeh papa nahi hai yeh... uncle Shlok hai jao ja ke hello bolo".
He walked slowely as Shlok knelt on the floor to his height. When he approached Shlok, Shlok saw Aasthas eyes looking back at him but they were not honey just black. He saw Aasthas cute nose but the hair color was wrong , it was not brown like Aasthas it was jet black. Slowley Shlok extended his hand and said" whats up lil champ? I'm cool the little one replied how about you uncle, Shlok flinched at his last word. Not able to say anything Shlok hugged him suddenly. He met a pair of honey colored eyes and she looked at him tear eyed as if silently apologizing to him.
Anupamaa
