ASHLOK FF - AT FIRST SIGHT Last Chapter - Page 69

Shlok was waiting for her when she came out. She crossed the road and came running towards him. Hugged him with all her might. He had a bouquet of white lilies. He didn't get a chance to give it to her. She kept on hugging him. She sighed holding on to him. He felt the exact same way. He kept holding her. "I missed you too so so much" he said. Finally she let him go. They were on their way to her home. She kept holding his hand.

She sensed that Shlok was not his usual self. He seemed distant. Lost in thought. She didn't want to be a nag, but she couldn't help it. So she asked him what was it that's bothering him. "You really do know me so well don't you? I'm sorry for being aloof. I have something to tell you. I don't want to. I wish it isn't so. But I knew this was inevitable" she was getting anxious by the second. "Shlok, please say what it is. You're scaring me." She said making him look at her. "I need to go back tomorrow. I need to be present physically for a business singing. I totally forgot about it. Varad called me up today to remind me. If I'm not there the deal will be cancelled and my father will incur heavy losses. If it was mine I wouldn't care at all. But others are involved in this. If I don't go back it will look bad on you as well. I'd hate it if anybody thinks Ill of you. I'm really sorry Astha. If I don't take the next flight available I won't make it back In time" he said looking at her with regret written all over his face.

"Don't be sad. Sooner or later you had to go back. It's just sooner. That means you'll come back for us soon as well. We'll be waiting. Do what you have to do and come back to us" she said hiding her tears in his chest.

"Let's make the best of what ever time we have left together"She said again putting up a brave face.

They reached home. Girls were surprised and ecstatic to see Shlok back. Shlok was bombarded with questions ranging from why he left last night without saying goodbye to his favourite color to what sort of family he has back home.

He answered each and every question as truthful as possible. Astha had a quick change and Shlok wanted to take them all out for dinner. But Astha wanted to stay home and spend quality time with Shlok and for the kids as well. Shlok didn't want Astha to be stuck in the kitchen, so he sqsuggested they order something the girls like. She agreed to that reluctantly. Because she wanted to prepare something herself. But she too knew ordering in was a far better option than going out. It was up to the kids to decide what they were going to have for dinner. It was pizza that they wanted. So pizza it was.

While they waited for the food, Shlok told the girls as well that he's going back to India the next day, but he'll be back for them and their mama soon as possible. They were very sad. And wanted to know how far it is from LA to Mumbai. Shlok said it's very far but they'll never be far from his mind. Because, they'll be in his heart always. And he put a chain around their necks with a peculiar looking pendant. Shlok gave Astha a similar chain with a pendant and even he had a matching chain and pendant. He showed them exactly what the pendant meant. It was a pendant that looked like a compass which has been cut into quarters. When all the parts joined together it made a perfect circle. He said they will point him to his rightful destination. They were his north and South and East and west. He said even though he's gonna be away from them he'll always be with them close to their hearts. And once they all are reunited they'll put the pendant back together.

Kids loved the chain and pendant. They kissed it saying they'll always wear it and when ever they miss him they'll kiss it. And he'll get the kiss. And Astha came to his rescue, saying that they can Skype everyday and they'll be able to talk to him and see him everyday. Their faces lit up with happiness. But they made him promise that he'll be back for them soon. Shlok hugged them seeing tiny drops of tears forming in their eyes.

Daddy, we love you so much and we'll miss you so much too! Said Rashmi...

Shlok's heart skipped a beat when she said that. She called him daddy! It was like music to his ears. He was hoping they'd call him that. But he didn't want to push them. But the fact that they themselves called him Daddy gave him immense happiness. He was feeling so proud and happy at the same time. Going away was made even harder by his little girls innocent antics.

"Daddy loves both of you so much too and I will miss my precious little angels so so much more. Promise me that you'll speak to me daily and you'll tell me if Mama is being sad" he told the girls looking at their teary eyed faces. They both nodded a yes.

Food arrived and the they had their pizzas. Kids enjoyed it very much. Both of them were back to their chirpy selves. Shlok loved the way they talked. They even fed Shlok what ever veggies they didn't like from their pizza.

Shanthi was no where to be seen. Astha told him that she had probably faked the headache she claimed to be having just so that they can have bit of privacy. Shlok was glad that it's just the four of them. He wasn't been mean, but he was very grateful to Shanthi for being there for Astha and the kids.

They we're done with dinner. Kids got the chance to watch cartoon. Shlok wanted to stay back with Astha, but the little ones insisted they come and stay with them since he'll be going back the next day. Shlok agreed, Astha too wanted him to spend time with them. Plus she assured him that she won't be long.

Soon enough all four of them were watching cartoons. They'd wanted to have ice cream as well. Astha was out numbered three to one. She had to give in. Kids love ice cream. But Astha does not allow them to have it all the time.

After they were done with dessert. Shlok volunteered to clean up. Rashmi and Roshni too offered to help. Shlok was in the kitchen washing the ice cream bowls. The great Shlok Agnihotri, shrewd, no nonsense business tycoon, washing ice cream bowls being happy as can be. Astha came to see what he was doing, he had to really bend down to reach the faucet. Astha being a mere five feet and Shlok with his six feet tall frame. Looked really funny.

When Astha walked up to him and hugged him from behind he was almost done. "We'll miss you so much!" She tightened the grip. He turned towards her and she had tears in her eyes. She wiped them off before he could saying "I'm like a tap with a leak, I'm sorry for crying for everything. That's me. I can't help it. Don't get annoyed."

He didn't say anything just flooded her face with soft kisses finally halting at her lips. For both of them words were obsolete. Just a look and they knew what the other one was feeling.

They just stayed holding on to each other in absolute silence until the girls came and hugged their legs. Shlok picked them up in his arms and all four of them shared a group hug.

Rashmi was the first to speak up saying she wanted to pee. Astha carried her to the washroom. She came back and told Roshni that she too should brush her teeth and get ready to sleep. But she was very adamant in her decision wanting to stay up till late as possible since Shlok is leaving the next day and until he returns they will not get to spend time with their Dad. Astha made a deal with them, saying they can change in to their pyjamas and stay with them until they fall asleep.

Both were holding on to Shlok from either side and watching their favourite movie Tangled. Soon enough both have fallen asleep on his lap. Astha, carried Roshni to the kids room while Shlok carried Rashmi. They stayed with them for few minutes and was back in her living room.

Both could feel the sexual tension between them. She asked him if he'd like to have coffee or tea? Shlok declined. She excused wanting to check up on Shanthi. She was gone for more than few minutes when he received a text message on his mobile. It was from Astha. His pulse raced increased rapidly when it dawned on him what she had meant. It read "I'm waiting."

Shlok does not remember how he got to her room so quickly. If he walked or ran up the stairs. Nothing mattered to him. He was lost in his own desires. The realisation that it's finally going to happen. They're gonna be one in every possible way. His body was reacting faster than his mind could fathom what's about to happen.

He slowly opened Asthas' bedroom door. And what he saw was too perfect to be true. To be a reality. Shlok felt he was in heaven and he was looking at an Angel. It was his Angel. It was his Astha.

The room was lit with more than dozen scented candles. The aromas and the ambiance added to allure of the moment. Astha was standing next to the window. It was a sight to be hold. She was dressed in a beautiful red chiffon saree with green bead work. Shlok had to use up every spec of mental powers to keep him self from attacking her like a mad caged beast that's just freed itself.

He walked upto her very slowly. How he did it he does not know. She was glued to her spot. Her courage abandoned her the moment she saw the desire filled eyes of Shlok. She looked down. She was feeling the anxiety, the gravity of the moment, of what's going to happen next.

Shlok was standing just inches from her. He lifted her face up to him. Kissed her forehead and said "Astha, you look so beautiful. I've got something for you. Will you give me the right to put it on you?" Saying he took out a small pouch from the pocket. He took out the contents. Astha gasped in astonishment and tears of happiness and pure love streamed down her cheeks.

It was a Mangal Sutra and vermilion in small decorated copper container. She nodded a yes while smiling through her tears. First he wiped her tears. Then he tied the Mangal Sutra around her neck. She looked at it and kissed it. Then he took some vermilion and put it on the her forehead. "Now even in the eyes of god we're married" saying he took the fall of her saree and covered her head.

She tried to pay her respects by touching his feet. He didn't allow her to do so. He just hugged her real tightly.

"Nobody or nothing can separate us. You're mine and I'm yours" saying Shlok carried her in his arms to the bed. Put her down gently and sat next to her. Astha, are you sure you're ready for this. Nothing is more important than you're happiness"

Shlok I want this. I'm sure as sun and the moon. I want you. I want you to make me yours. I love you with all my heart. I now know why I suffered the way I did, because god had you in his mind all along. I'm ready Shlok, I don't want wait any longer" saying she kissed him with passion and desire.

As the mercury kept rising, she said... I wish I had saved myself for you. I wish I was a vir..." Shlok didn't let her finish. "Baby, I too wish I had saved myself for you. But you know this is the first time I'll be making love. I have never made love to another woman" he was saying this between the kisses. "This will be our first time"

There was nothing holding them back any longer. He was a very patient and a generous lover. Astha too with all her inhibitions still managed to give pleasure to Shlok beyond his wildest dreams. Shlok was being very careful with her. She herself urged Shlok not to treat her like a china doll that She's ready and willing to be his lover. They made sweet passionate love all night long. Both poured out their emotional pains, and in turn managed to heal their mental scares. Even the gods seem to approve of their union when it started to rain out of the blue.

As the Two lost souls that had finally reached its destination slept in each other's embrace unaware of the storm clouds gathering out side. What the future, or rather what awaits him upon his revelation to his family? Is he gonna have to choose between his family and his Astha. Astha and the girls are his family now. So there's no question of which family he's going to choose if he had to.

Note: I know some of you may cringe with disgust with the fact that she decided to do it in her own home. With her kids sleeping in a room just few feet away from hers. But I felt that was the perfect place rather than in some random hotel room. Her room and her bed was sacred as their love. It may seem unethical. But hope you'd understand my reasons behind her decision. Brickbats and bouquets are welcome. But be gentle. Enjoy!

Chapter 26

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