Chapter 11 Forbidden Kisses
Chapter 11 Forbidden Kisses
Everyone looked at Shlok and Aastha; both seemed tired and drenched out.
"Shlok my Son! Where were you? We looked everywhere for you but..." His Father was the first one to raise his voice but broke off after seeing how his Son steadied Aastha. It seemed like she was weak and couldn't stand for long. Why? He thought and looked at Shlok to find his answers, so he hugged Shlok tight and played his role of a concerned Father.
"Sorry Baba but we were in the hospital." Shlok answered; not looking into any one's eyes. He didn't need to share with him the secret he just found out. About Aastha and her first Miscarriage, Some things should be between Husband and Wife, no one should now not even his Father. He would be angry with Aastha and would scold her. Something Shlok couldn't bear.
"Kya? Aastha are you alright? What is wrong Shlok? Are you inured? Or did something happen with Aastha?" Varad asked and approached the two. He hugged Aastha tightly and caressed her hair. She closed her eyes and embraced her Brother in Law who was more like a Brother to her. His embrace was so warm and she felt save. Like her brother would protect her.
He always cares for her wellbeing and her feelings. She knew he would always support her.
"Haan Main Thekko Dada. I am feeling much better now...I didn't feel good earlier and woke up with unbearable pain. Shlok took me to the hospital so we could be sure the Baby was fine." She said and Varad kissed her forehead. He loved Aastha just as much as he loved Jyoti both were his everything apart from Kavya who came running inside the living room to embrace her aunt as well. "Chacchi" She screamed and tears made their way out of her eyes. Aastha and Shlok smiled at her and Shlok picked her up. He kissed her tears away and caressed her face.
"Everything is alright Beta. Your Chacchi is fine, I am with her right? As long As I am alive nothing will happen to her." He kissed Kavya and she hugged him as well.
Anjali smiled and came closer. She touched Aasthas Cheek and looked at her with a concerned expression. She knew being pregnant wasn't always beautiful. There were phases in which you felt ugly and unwanted and then after feeling the baby's first Kick you felt good again and enjoyed each minute of this wonderful moment. Anjali smiled faintly remembering her own pregnancies and how Niranjan used to take care of her. Whatever she craved for he went to go get it. Good old days, she thought and asked Aastha If she was really fine and if she needed anything.
Shlok looked at his Mother in Surprise and raised his Eyebrow. He wasn't sure how to find it that it seemed like his mother actually cared for them, for him, his sibling or his wife. It was so surreal for him that he was afraid it was just a farce but how can the love of a mother be faked?
It was new for him and caused the need to be motherly loved. He missed the warm his mother used to spread while hugging him. He missed those days he could talk to her and tell her anything. He missed those times she would take care of his needs and would be supporting him no matter what. Where has the mother he once knew vanished away in all those years?
Why did she become the Woman she was now? What made her the cold-hearted snake he knew? Shlok knew he had to admit that his Mother affected him lately and that she was his weakness, he was a human being after all. His weakness was his Love for his Mother and his Love for the tiny Woman standing next to his Mother. But he tried to make himself believe that he didn't need his mother's love since he had his Father, the Man who did everything for him, who helped him to believe in himself and to be independent. That was more than enough, wasn't it? He thought helplessly. And he had Aastha and their Baby, so there was someone who loved him unconditionally. Who loved him from the bottom of their heart.
Unnoticed by him his Father clinched his fists in anger. How dared she asking if that stupid girl was fine? How dared she to show some affection towards the girl that could break their family?
"Yes I am completely fine now. The doctor said I needed to go on long walks and take my medicine on time. He also advised me not to work so I won't go to office till my delivery. "She bent down to seek her blessing but couldn't because of her huge abdomen. Anjali stopped her and blessed her.
"No need to seek my blessing. Go to the Mandir and thank god for keeping you and your child safe. I hope no evil eye falls on you." And with that statement Anjali left the living room, shocking everyone. Niranjan followed her silently, boiling with anger. He would have to punish her but only after they were alone.
Aayi...Shlok thought and someone a faint smile appeared on his face. He didn't want to feel good but he did. Somehow it made him happy to see that his mother at least still knew how to care for someone. Varad left with Kavya and asked Aastha to relax a bit.
She nodded and Shlok led her to their Bedroom. "You need to rest" he only said and she kissed his cheek. "I will. Don't worry. Everything can only get better now. "
Aastha smiled and sat down on the bed. She was tired and weak but didn't tell Shlok. He was worried enough.
"I hope so..." Shlok looked thoughtful and turned around. He didn't want Aastha to see his inner turmoil since she always could read his face.
"It was feeling good that she cared, right? You felt happy."
"How did you know- I mean no. I was surprised that she still knew how to care for someone." He said and walked into the Bathroom to shower. His wife wanted answers, answers he couldn't give her now but one thing was for sure: His Mother did care and that indeed made him very happy.
*************************************************************************
Anjali entered her bedroom and started to make the Bed and to wipe the dust from the shelves when she felt her Husband's presence. He was angry she knew it and she would have to pay for her moment of weakness. But how could she hide her happiness that her grandchild was safe?
How could she hide that she had seen Shloks need to be motherly loved? She wanted her son back in her life. Needed the Love of her children, no matter how often he would beat her.
"Do you think you are smart? Or Brave? Are you really sure you want to meet my wrath? I told you not to do anything to make them believe you care. Your children won't ever love you Anjali. You are nothing, women don't have the right to think or do as how they please. Remember my warning Anjali or else..." He drew her closer to his male Body. His Hand turned her arm in a painful manner and he whispered in her ear: "Or else you will pay an unbearable price. I can go to any extant to get rid of Aastha and her child."
He pushed her away and left to work in his study room. Anjali started crying and felt the pain in her arm. How could she survive any longer? His punishments were getting harder to bear and she didn't have the power to fight back, she didn't have the power to bear this pain anymore.
"God, please give me strength. I need to fight back and I need your blessing to do so. A Husband is normally a Wife's everything. He needs to respect her and to take care of her like she is a flower in a garden that can only blossom with Love, water and Sun. Please God send me a sign." Anjali prayed and sat down on the Bed- she was too weak to stand any longer. And then she saw Shlok and Aasthas Wedding Pic on the drawer of her night table. That was the sign she needed- If someone could help her it was Aastha.
"Thank you Bappa! I knew you would send me a sign."
*********************************************************************************
Shlok entered the Bathroom and Aastha smiled. She knew she was right but he wasn't ready yet to share this thought with her. She wasn't hurt because she knew he would tell her everything as soon as he was ready to. Aastha got up and changed into a pink and white salwar suit. The doctor had been right, she felt a lot more comfortable wearing the salwar suit than a sari. She started to remove her earring and bangles when she heard her phone ringing.
Who could it be? Aastha thought and received the call. It was Karan.
"Hey speedy, How are you? Listen I don't have time for dinner tonight but what about lunch? Is that okay with you?"
"Of course it is okay for me. I just need to get ready. Where and when do you want to meet?" She asked back and started to look around for her purse and her money.
"What about 12'? Let's meet in our favorite caf near the main road, you remember?"
She smiled and remembered how they used to step by that caf and how they always ate Pani Puri together with some ice cream. "I do. Will meet you there okay? Okay bye"
Aastha hung up and turned around only to see Shlok curiously looking at her.
He didn't need to ask who had called; the smile on his wife's face told him who the caller was.
"Did Karan call you?" he asked and she nodded. She sat down to put on some light make up. She looked a little pale and wanted to look and feel fresh. Her Long hair was brought to one side and she started to braid her hair. Aastha looked so sweet and innocent it was getting harder for him to ask her questions than taking her now and then.
"Yes he did and he asked me to meet him for lunch since he doesn't have time in the evening. I told him we would be coming but now I remembered that you have an important meeting so I will meet him alone and then will step by at office."
Shlok was confused why was his pregnant Wife so eagerly to meet her former Lover, the man that still loved her. He had seen the Love for Aastha in Karan's eyes but his innocent wife hadn't.
"Do you need anything Shlok?" Aastha smiled at him and tried to tie the dori of her salwar suit. The pink and white color suited her very much and she looked healthier. The pregnancy did her good and he felt pride to know he was the cause of it. That she was having his Baby.
"Yes I do need something" He came closer and tied the dori" I need you". His finger slowly drove over her arms to her hands and he turned her around. Aastha blushed and kissed him gently.
For a Moment she forgets everything and both closed their eyes.
"Are you happy now?" She withdraws herself from him and wore some bangles and her Bindi. She was ready to leave since it was 11:30 already but was stopped by her insatiable husband.
"No I am very unhappy. You adorned yourself for a Man that is not your jealous and possessive Husband." He made her sit down on the bed and started to look for something. She looked at him in confusion when he found the Sindoor and opened the box.
"Shlok I never wear Sindoor. My Mangalsutra and my wedding ring are proof enough for our marriage." She smiled but he shushed her to be quiet. He took some of the Sindoor and put in on her forehead and filled her Maang with it. Her eyes closed automatically as he kissed her forehead and said: "Now you look even more like a married woman."
Aastha laughed and pointed towards her big belly." Shlok I am pregnant. I am having your Baby isn't that a prove enough to be married?"
Shlok too laughed and added: "That is a rarely addition." Both smiled and he kissed her again.
"I will drop you". Aastha nodded and took her purse, so both of them could leave.
Soon they reached the caf and saw Karan already waiting. He was looked ravishing good in his jeans and white shirt. He took off his sunglasses as he saw Aastha getting down from the car and walked up to her and Shlok. He hugged Aastha and shook Hands with Shlok.
He disliked him after hearing about him from Kalindi. How could he treat his wife so badly and then asking for apology? Karan knew how much Aastha loved him and he became sad to think that she was too nave to easily forgive him after everything he had done.
But he managed to smile at Shlok and took Aasthas Hand. She smiled and told Shlok that she would see him after Lunch and to have with in his meetings.
Shlok barely managed to smile and pulled Aastha closer to himself. Aastha blushed and smiled at him. "You will miss me hain na?"She said teasingly and caressed his face. Shlok laughed silently and nodded with his Head.
"A lot but you will make it up to me tonight." His lips found hers and they kissed each other for a moment. Aastha completely forgot time and place. Her Arms snaked around his neck and she went on her tip toes. Karan clinched his fists, not able to see the woman he loved kissing her husband. Life is cruel, Karan thought and cleared his throat.
Aastha immediately realized that they were in public kissing each other passionately. She withdraws herself from him and blushed to a crimson red color. Shlok smiled and pecked her cheek a final time. "See you later and have Fun!"
Shlok shook Karan's Hand for a last time and left for Office. Aastha turned around to Karan and both entered the caf. They ordered some light food and cold drinks. While talking to Karan Aastha felt like reliving her childhood once again. All the good Times and Bad Times, the times she fell from the swing and how Karan carried her back to her parents' house or the Time they both went to Goa during a class trip and how he had held her Hands while walking down the pier. Karan was truly a loyal and good friend, whenever she needed him he was there on her doorstep with her favorite Ice cream. Then she remembered the day he asked for her Hand in marriage. She was wearing a light pink sari with minimal jewelry. Her hair was half tied up and the only make up she wore was Khol and a light pink lip gloss. She looked like a ripe berry and Karan didn't fail to notice. He smiled at her and she blushed. Back then she had been anxious and felt shy. She had thought she was in Love with him but only because at that Time she hadn't met Shlok yet. Their Families were more than Happy with the proposal and only gave their word. Soon after that Aastha joined the Agnihotri Group and met her Fate in form of Shlok. When she had told Karan's Mother that she would get married to someone else Mrs. Sharma had been very angry and hurt. She felt like being played with and forbade Karan to meet Aastha henceforth. Both had been equally sad but soon after that Karan left for the United State. And Aastha hadn't thought about her best Friend again. Life had been too fast to think about the People who left and those who stayed, Aastha thought sadly.
"Aastha? Where are you lost speedy?" Karan smiled at her and gently touched her Hand.
She shook her Head and told him she was lost down the Memory Lane. Karan understood that she must have thought about their childhood and their broken betrothal.
"Why?" He just asked; not able to meet her gaze. Aastha was confused.
"What do you mean?" Aastha looked at him in confusion.
"Why did you not marry me instead of him? The last Time I heard of you your Mother said you were getting divorced and that I should try my luck since your Husband seemed to be an asshole who didn't know how to treat a flower like you." He said with bitterness visible in his voice. She knew he was hurt by her rejecting but what else could she have done? It was written in her Fate to meet Shlok, to fall in Love with him and to marry Shlok instead of him.
"Please don't talk about my Husbands like that. He isn't as bad as people think he is. He has a good Heart but only Fate decided to play a cruel game with us. He was cheated on and didn't believe in Love until He met me and I changed him into the man he once was. He loves me truly he always did and he always will. I admit in the beginning he treated me badly but he repented for his mistake and I love him." Aastha closed her eyes to prevent her tears from falling down.
"I love him since the Day I met him, I will always Love him. He is my person and the father of by unborn child. We are bound to each for 7 lives."
Karan nodded thoughtfully. She was truly in Love the Way he was with her. How could he create a rift between them? Why did Niranjan wanted him to create misunderstandings between them? When Karan got the letter and the divorce Papers he was shocked initially but the thought about it: Shlok had indirectly stolen his Bride to be so why shouldn't Karan do the same?
With that will he came back to India and contacted her as soon as possible but seeing her pregnant and happy made him regret the thought of separating her from her husband.
While looking at Aastha Karan had to admit she wasn't the same girl anymore, she was mature, less talk active but she was still the person with the biggest heart, the most generous thoughts. How could he break her by taking her away from the reason for her life but how could Shlok had hurt her so much without thinking twice? Why did she keep forgiving him?
That Kind of Love that was consuming, like when you meet that one person that changes you and every of your beliefs, that person that loves you despite your flaws and your failures despite everything that you have done. Shlok found that person in Aastha but did Aastha found that person in Shlok too? Did he forgive her, her flaws, her faults?
"Anyway...Tell me about you? Have you gotten married? Or are you still single?" Aastha asked; trying to break the silence he had created while being lost in his thoughts.
"No, I never married till date. Still didn't meet the right one. Looks like she is already taken" he joked but she knew he meant her. That his heart was broken since the day he left.
I love you Aastha till the Day I die, Karan thought sadly.
"Oh If so then you have to let me look for suitable Bride for you! Please I am the right person for that job." Aastha said enthusiastically and already made some plans.
Karan laughed loudly and caressed her cheek. Aastha smiled; not understanding his romantic intentions. Gosh he would do everything for a Kiss he thought.
"Aastha..."He whispered her Name and came closer. Aastha looked at him in shock and before she could react his lips already touched hers. It was feelings wrong and she pushed him away immediately. She was angry and hurt. How could he do that? How could he kiss her knowing she was happily married and pregnant? Without realizing it, tears started to find their way down her cheeks and she wiped them away angrily. She could kill him for crossing his limits.
"I am sorry I didn't mean to.." A tight slap stopped him from speaking further. He held his cheek in shock but knew she had all the rights to be angry. He had stolen a forbidden Kiss knowing that she would never forgive him.
"Don't! Don't say a word. I never ever want to see you again, am I clear? "She hardly managed to bark out and left the caf after he promised her not to bother her again.
She tried calling Shlok but he didn't take her call.
Edited by GoWithTheRhythm - 11 years ago
Indian Mythology
