Astha was quite disturbed and she was hearing the same voice again and again. She did not want to voice it out to Shlok and disturb him. Not when things were finally beginning to look up for them. And she was missing him a lot right now. Shlok had gone for an urgent business meeting to Delhi.
He had called her and informed her urgently on Monday evening that he had to leave in his private jet. She had had two very lonely days without Shlok. Even sleep was eluding her at nights. She tossed and turned, waiting for Shlok to come back. The two days seemed to move really slow without his presence.
Astha was almost scared of her need and craving for Shlok. In a very short span of time she had got extremely attached to the complex, yet sensitive man. They spoke regularly over the phone and as always he fussed about her. Yet that wasn't enough for both of them. She was waiting for him to return to her.
On the third day Astha had gone out with her friends for a meal and they all had a good time. Astha apologized once again to all of them for the other day's fiasco. They understood but cautioned her to keep her head on her shoulders.
The two constant things during these three days were her ever faithful bodyguard and Suresh. Since Shlok was not in town, Astha felt Suresh taking extra care about her needs. She too had let down her hair a little bit with Suresh. At least they were on a first name basis, though Suresh was always extremely formal and courteous.
Thursday dragged in office and she finally finished her work. Her car was as usual waiting for her. Shlok was expected tonight. He had called her that afternoon and had told her he was winding up by evening. He was expected sometime after midnight. Astha's heart already pounded at that news. She started missing him all the more, since there were only a few more hours left to see him, touch him, feel his unique presence.
After work she and Rahul went for a casual dinner. They caught up with each other's lives after a long time. And Rahul had listened to her about Shlok. He didn't look surprised at all. "I knew something was on Astha." Rahul's voice was quiet. "And now am really not surprised he got all your photographs from the exhibition."
Astha gasped. She didn't know Shlok had purchased all those photographs. What on earth had prompted him to do that? She simply kept her mouth shut and thought she'd ask Shlok later, in person. They soon finished the meal and she gave Rahul a light hug before she got in to the car.
Suresh opened the door of the backdoor and settled in front after she sat in. They reached Shlok's mansion in no time. Astha was surprised to see the lights already on. She almost ran in to the mansion, anticipating Shlok. Astha came to a halt to see Shlok Agnihotri, still in his black three piece suit.
What shocked her was the presence of one Mrs Kulkarni. Sonia Kulkarni, as elegant and polished as ever. Not one hair out of place, nor one wrinkle in her prefect work clothes. In contrast, Astha almost felt dowdy. She deliberately pushed all those thoughts and went in.
Shlok's eyes slightly narrowed and he got up from the bar stool he was sitting in. Shlok met her half way and held her hand. He pulled her to himself and went back to where Mrs Kulkarni was sitting on another bar stool. Astha noted the other woman was most comfortable in Shlok's house. That pained her and sickened her. She could never forgive that woman for seducing an underage Shlok.
"Astha, how are you?" Ever the polite tone. Astha gave her a cool look and replied in the same cool tone.
"Fine." Shlok's hand tightened on hers lightly. He intervened before the older woman could speak.
"So Sonia, what was the purpose of your visit. You never come without calling." He turned towards Astha while continuing to speak "Astha, Sonia just entered five minutes before you joined us. How have you been?" His tone softened slightly and he gave a faint smile at her.
Sonia spoke again. She looked a little flustered looking at Astha and Shlok's closeness. "Shlok, I thought you have err guests only over the weekend. And it's Thursday today. That's why I came in to discuss a business proposition with you." She put Astha in a spot deliberately. Guests, my foot.
Astha was fuming and Shlok retorted back immediately "Astha is my fiance and is not a guest. This is her house as well. And from now on wait till I get to office to discuss business propositions. You can always contact Suresh if you need something urgent." Shlok was curt and he deliberately cut his friend off.
Astha had had enough of it. She had wanted to spend some time with Shlok and looked like it wasn't going to happen. Instead of moping around, she suddenly stood up and said she was feeling tired. "Please carry on Shlok, I will go up."
As she was moving towards the stairs, she felt thirsty and went to the kitchen to get some water. She could hear both of them talk from the kitchen.
"Shlok, please don't mind me asking. But won't you get bored of her? I mean you are used to your lifestyle and..." Sonia's voice was far too sweet to be trusted. Astha felt rage boil within her at that woman's insinuation. That bitch inadvertently voiced out Astha's inner most fears about Shlok. What if he got bored of her? What then?
"Shut up. This does not concern you Sonia. I already warned you once. Just stay away from Astha." Shlok snapped at her.
Sonia immediately sobered. "I didn't mean to offend. She seems to love you." Now her voice was genuinely caring, which puzzled Astha. Maybe that woman did care about Shlok in her own twisted way.
"Yes. Though I don't know how. I mean I am me, and she is such a sweet and innocent girl." Astha felt tears clog at her throat. Her fifty thought he was undeserving of her love. She could have sat and howled at his perception.
"Will you stop being negative about yourself Shlok? You're young, good looking, a millionaire, virile, you're a good catch. Don't talk as if she is sacrificing." Now her voice was almost scornful.
Shlok sighed and got up. "Nothing like that. I am the lucky one. And anyways none of this concerns you now. I have the file. I will look into it and mail you my decision." He almost forced her to leave by getting up and moving away.
Sonia went to the door and hesitated. She turned towards Shlok "I just want you to be happy Shlok. I don't want to lose you. Be happy."
Shlok snapped at her immediately in irritation "I am not yours to lose and I am very much happy. I can take care of myself." He closed the door after her and slowly came up. Astha had gone up while they both were near the door.
She was sitting on the bed, waiting for Shlok. He came up with a guarded look. "Sorry I didn't think she'd come today."
"She cares. A lot." Astha raised pained eyes towards him, and whispered those words.
"Yes she does. She is my friend Astha and I am going to keep her away from the house, from you. But I cannot cut her off completely. She's still my business partner." His voice was firm, almost harsh. Astha flinched at his manner, but she wisely didn't say anything. Her head was already spinning with his f**ked up past.
Shlok however did come near and pulled her up to his body. He suddenly seemed to be terribly angry. "And what were you doing with that photographer tonight. I thought I told you, you can't go with other men. You're mine." He shook her in his fury. Astha gasped at his actions.
"What bloody double standards you have Shlok! I cannot see a friend but your bloody ex lover will come and see you in our house? Are you even talking sense?" She raised her voice back at him in equal anger. Shlok was uncaring towards her words. He seemed to be in some inner hell.
"What the hell! I had to wind up my work faster and fly down without even having a decent meal when I knew you were going off for dinner with that..." Suddenly he just seemed to lose interest in speaking and he pulled her for a hard kiss.
Astha kissed him back with all the hunger of the past three days. Shlok groaned aloud and pulled her harder to himself. He pushed her towards the wall and came on to her immediately. His tongue pushed into her mouth while his hands bit at her waist. Shlok continued kissing her while his hands tore at her black shirt.
The buttons went flying around as he ripped her shirt open. Astha was too shocked to respond. Her hands simply tightened on his shoulder and she closed her eyes in part fright. He kissed her neck and beyond. His hands caressed her already aroused peaks roughly. She just melted against his tongue that was playing havoc with her senses.
He was already hard and Shlok pushed her more against the wall with his weight. He spoke at her ear "I hope you're not overtly fond of this dress." Even as Astha contemplated his words, Shlok raised her skirt and removed her undergarment in a smooth move. He lowered his zipper and took her right there, against the wall with minimum fuss.
Astha was embarrassed, shocked, and aroused at his animalistic passion. She had never thought in a million years she could do this. Her thoughts flew out of her head when he bit her neck and increased his pace. She met him half way and within no time Astha bit his shoulder in ecstasy.
Astha clutched at Shlok as they came apart in each other's arms. His hands tightened around hers and he gave her one hard kiss before he moved, taking her in his arms immediately. He carried her to the huge bath and gently placed her beneath the shower, before undressing completely and joining her.
Cricket
Anupamaa
