NEW ASHLOK FICTION : GUILTY Chapter 29page 140 - Page 40

Thank you so much Sri.

Hi .rosh, thank you for taking the time to read and comment.,

That is one reason., yes!

Hey! Sathu! I know the reason. So, please don't say sorry. Just read and enjoy I know how busy you are. It's ok. I really mean it. Your thoughts means mush to me but I know it takes time to sit a post comments.

Thank you for going one by one,. And giving me your precious thoughts.

Same goes for you as well. So no sorry.

Hi! Sathu...thank you once again for your love and support means so much to me. Hope you know that.

Hi! Hiba...that's ok. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Means much to me. Curiosity killed the cat.not the cow,... So she should be ok.

Thank you once again dear. Have u updated, do pm me when you do.

Was it really a dream? He looked around as the waiter looked on.

Sir! Do you want me to call a cab? He asked again.

No, thank you! I'm ok to drive" he said and headed towards the lift still looking around as if he expects to see her emerge from the shadows. Man you've got to get her out of your head or rather out of your dreams. She's there every time you close your eyes. You say you hate her...when did I say that...I just don't trust her. That's it. Nothing personal? Yeah right! Tell that to someone else. Admit it you're drawn towards her without a prayer. You can't stop thinking about her even if you tried! Sooner you accept the better. You've got the hots for cow girl!

She went straight to her room. And she felt a strange sensation. She thought may be she's imagining things. She could still smell his fragrance, Clive Christan 1872 same as James when they got married.,Then she realised it was coming from her cardigan. Then she remembered the embrace. It was not a embrace he forced himsef. But you did let him for a while. You can't deny it missy! That Moran.

He's not so bad...she quickly remembered him with his daughter, the tender, loving adoring father. She wondered why he tried to hold her by force? What made him do that? Was he like that with all his witnesses? She seriously doubted. A tinge of jealousy crept into her. Why? He's married and with a kid. He's probably an amazing husband as well. He was very affectionate towards his wife. But she felt something was a miss. So now you're a expert in analysing marriages, when you couldn't keep you're man to yourself.

She tried to stop the unpleasant memories from haunting her. That's the last thing she wanted right now.

She wanted to forget everything. She wished if she could forget everything that's happened to her up to now. All the unpleasantness, the lonely ness, she felt so alone. She had thought when she got married to James that she finally will belong to someone. She did for sometime, but then she doubted if he was ever hers in the first place. Everything she believed and perceived to be true and meant to be was shattered in an instant. Had it all been a lie? She refused to believe so. She knew and she felt James did actually care about her. Was it love? Did he ever really love her in the true sense? Did she love him? That was the million dollar question? If you didn't love him then how can you be angry at him for not loving you back. Isn't She being a hypocrite? She didn't know the answers to these questions not that it mattered now. He's no more. She's not his wife anymore, but his widow.

She should get used to the new role, new tag. That'll be her identity now on.

After four days his body was laid to rest, well attended, represented by the who's who of every field, politics, business, entertainment, sports as well as socialites.

Shlok was present as well. He was telling himself as well others, he was on duty. To observe her as well as others, how she's with others how she's grieving. So you're here for s freak show now are we? Yeah! You keep telling that to yourself then, just then maybe someone will believe you. Man up and accept it, you're here just to see her. You miss you're lil' cow girl. You can't go few days without seeing her big owl like eyes. Oh! Just shut your pie hole! Nothing's change! I still think she did it. I just don't have any proof yet! So you can stop sending our wedding invitations.

He saw her getting out of the black limousine. He didn't almost recognise her. Dressed in full black. Face covered with a black veil. His heart almost sighed. How come. I have a Wooden heart. Who replaced it with a beating blood pumping one?

There was so many. Her parents were there as well. He assumed them to be her parents. But it was her maid the one he spoke the other day that was Holding her. Mr. Almeida s immediate family members weren't there. Still on their Alaskan Cruise. Only his elder brother was alive. Their mother had passed away two years ago. From what he was able to find out from Mr. Almeidas' lawyer Mr.Vikram Shinde about the Almeidas is that, Almeida senior has started with a small tea exporting company. With his hard work, determination and great business insight when he passed away about 7 years ago, Almeida Exporters was one of the biggest tea exporting companies in India. Their brand Ambrosia a very well recognised and sought after. Even thought Stanley was the youngest of the two bothers Almeida Senior left all the properties and company in His name. His older brother just a namesake director. Lawrence was a gambler. He had gambled away all his inheritance. Married with twins, son and a daughter. Studying in America. Lawrence after loosing it all had gotten help and had managed to stay away from the tables.

It had been Stanley that had taken care of his every need. Paid up all the loan sharks, put his kids through college then sent them to UCLA for higher studies. All the expenses borne by him. It was Stanley that that had sent them on this Cruise to celebrate their 25th wedding Anniversary. He's been a good brother. This guy is for real or where's the wings?

He stayed in his car. He was still able to observe her and everyone around her. He did have hawk like eyes. He kept looking at her. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Even though he wasn't able see much of her face. But he could still see her black and white orbes. Darting back and forth. She wasn't crying. She wasn't speaking to anyone much either. She looked the perfect weeping widow. But he felt she didn't belong to be in all this darkness at such a young age. She was wronged. He wanted to drag her out of this god forsaken place. Away from all of these people she didn't seem to know at all. She seemed so distant even with her parents. He assumed they must've gotten her married off to this rich old guy out of her will. Why are you so worried for her man, who are you to her. When she herself said that you are nothing to her. She doesn't need you.

The gloomy weather added to the atmosphere. It was slightly drizzling and wind was picking up. Her black veil seemed to bothering her. He wanted to rip it off her face. The huge black umbrella that she was given by one of the ushers threatened to carry her off her feet. She was struggling to hold it in place. She was swaying with it. He wanted to take it from her hand and hold it over her so she'll be protected from the falling rain drops. Why don't you give up your day job and become her personal butler. I'm sure she'll let you carry her bag and pour tea for her...get. a life Romeo! since when do you care about anybody else but yourself. That's not true! I do care about others. I care about Sandhya! Yeah and that's about it Bono!

The Father finished his sermon and the lawyer read the eulogy on behalf of the Family and few others read there's. He couldn't hear what was being Said. But she did wipe her eyes few times during the eulogy. But she was very dignified in showing her grief. They opened the coffin, it was a closed casket funeral. Requested by her. Before the casket was to be lowered to the grave she stepped forward, handing over the umbrella to Filo and took out a envelope and a box, what looked like a watch box. The ground had become soggy due to the rain. Her heels were getting stuck in the grass. He felt sorry for her sorry state. She almost stumbled near the casket. One of the guys from the undertakers helped her. He held her by the hand. And his grip on the steering wheel tightened. Why? He didn't realise it to know.

She kept it on top of the casket and said a silent prayer and touched the casket one last time.

Just then, Shlok saw an elderly man coming running towards her. He looked distressed and he lunged at her. He was screaming at her. "You killed him" repeatedly. She stood like a statue not realising what was happening around her. The man grabbed her and he was out of the car in a flash...then it occurred to him...he's not invited here, who would you say you are? Her what...friend of the family? Just then he saw few others pulling the man away from her. And she fainted. He almost reached for her from where he was standing. Another man scooped her up and carried her towards the limousine, he wanted to cut his hands, he wished he had his gun with him, shoot them so he'll never commit the mistake of touching her again. He turned around and banged the hood of his 1968 Dodge Charger with his fist and it dented. He didn't seem to care. There was blood, but he couldn't care less. Then why did it bother him the fact that she was being carried off by some other guy. What right does he have over her, for her. His blood boiling with raw anger and disgust. How could he, how could she let him carry her. Hayiii! Breathe Prince Charming, if that man hadn't caught her in time then she would've joined her husband. If you'd prefer that then be my guest and punch all you want. Why didn't you run to your damsel in distress if cared about her so much? Why? Oh! Just just shut up! He was getting even more agitated and irritated with himself. He wanted to know if she's ok. She just fainted not get shot at, she'll survive it.

He waited till the limo she was in drove away. Her parents went in a separate limo. He thought that was strange. One would expect at least her mother to be close to her daughter in her darkest hour. But she didn't seem to be bothered nor concerned. He knew exactly what it was to feel like that. He's felt like that all his life. Uncared, and unloved. That's him.

She was still in the bed when her phone rang. It was Det. Lovemehotri. What does he want now? She thought. She's been having a terrible headache since yesterday. And her head was still buzzing with pain. But she took the call.

"Mrs. Almeida, forgive me if I'm calling at a bad time. But we really need you to come down to the station. The Other day you left without giving the DNA sample. It's very urgent. We need to send it for Analysis ASAP. I hope you do understand how important it is? I'm sorry for the inconvenience." He continued on.

"Can I come in at anytime?" She asked

"Yes! Anytime that's convenient to you" he Said very sweetly.

"I'll be there" she said and ended the call.

That went very well. What's with her today. Well for one she just buried her murdered husband and some crazy oldie accused her of killing him. What do you except her to be, doing cartwheels and jumping jacks just because you called her.

Finally around 4 pm she walked into his floor. And his heart skipped a beat, say what? What do you think I have a band playing in my heart, to skip beats.

She was again dressed in a black and white long silk pleated skirt with a black short sleeved blouse. No cows. She was without any jewellery or make up. But she never looked more elegant and more desirable! What whoa... Did you say desirable? You don't, you can't, you just do it. You have never desired for a woman. Ever. And now you desire this cow girl.

He walked up to her. He extended his hand. And she choose to ignore, pretended as of she didn't see his bucket of a hand. Well she needs to get her eyes checked along with her head. Ok! That was awkward not to mention humiliating.

He pretended to be unaffected by her royal brush off. So she's still mad at him for what happened last time she was here. Should I say something. What will you say to her genius? That you're sorry you hugged her against her wish? That you wanted to hold her, to ease her pain. That he can't stand to see her in tears and sad. What's wrong with you? What are you going on and on about. Why don't you just take her home, propose to her. Be her Cow boy. Get matching cow pjs. Find your marbles before you make a total fool out of your sorry lost self.

He gestured her toward his cabin. She walked in. He was on the phone talking to someone. He ended the call and came to his seat. Looked at her. She was looking down.

"Mrs. Almeida, I'm afraid you'd have to wait for awhile. The lab is closed for reasons I can't reveal to you. I'm not able to get the DNA sample collection kit." Don't cry, please don't cry. I'll keep you entertained. How? You gonna braid her hair like Sandhyas', do crossword puzzles.

She did look at him for a brief second.

"You could come back tomorrow" he said.

"I don't want to. I'll wait it out. I'm here. I want to get this over with" she said showing her irritation.

Oh! Boy! This is going to be the longest wait ever. He kept looking at her. Studying her features with a microscope. He always gets lost in her eyes. He wished to see them happy and shining. Not with tears. But out of sheer happiness. He wondered when was the last time she laughed whole heartily. Until her tummy ached. He wanted to see her smiling. Not this tear ridden red eyed doleful face.

He was starring at her. When she suddenly looked up. And he was caught. But he didn't seem to care. He kept his eyes on her. He wasn't going to back down. Not now. Not ever. She was lost in his deep dark eyes. That seemed to be hiding a lot of pain. A lonely pompous ass. His intercom buzzed. And both were brought back to reality. He just spoke few words and put the receiver down.

"Mrs. Almeida, can I get you something to drink, Tea, coffee, juice?" He asked.

"I don't want anything. I just want to get this over with and get out of here, if that's ok with you?" She shot back at him.

"Mrs. Almeida, there's something else I need to discuss with you. Your brother in law Mr. Lawrence Almeida has filed a FRI against you. After the incident at the funeral, we tried to contact him, but he was too drunk to talk when we did find him. But today about an hour ago he came to the station and made the formal compliant. So now you have been implicated in his death. By a person of interest. This does not mean we stop looking for the murdreres, or the investigation ends. It's still very much open. But you're under investigation as well" while saying all this he was observing her facial expressions. And he saw none. She was impassive. How could she be. He was telling her that she's been accused of first degrees murder and if convicted she could end up spending the rest of her life in prison. What has happened to her? He wanted to shake her by the shoulders and tell her to snap out of it. What ever twilight zone she's lost in.

"Mrs. Almeida, you do understand what I'm saying here right? These are very serious accusations" he said again.

"What do you want me to say? What do you want me to do? You're the expert in dealing with criminals. Why don't you tell me. I'm all ears" now her demeanour totally changed. He could clearly see her pain and the disappointment. He wished he he cloud kiss away her pains into smithereens.

He was about to...just then there was a knock on the glass door. There stood a young lady in a lab coat standing there. She handed over a sealed packet to him when ne walked upto the door. He thanked her and took it from her.

Astha saw the way she was looking at her. When he thanked her and told her she didn't have to come all the way. He would've sent one of the peons. She just looked down and smiled at him shamelessly flirting with him. Astha was disgusted to say the least. I bet you must've written your address somewhere in that. Can't you see he's just being kind to you. Don't you know that he's married with a kid. Why do you care? He's nobody to you right. So let anybody flirt or do what ever with him.

"I can swab her if you want me to?", I bet you would. He said it's ok he's got it covered. She left but not without giving him her sweetest smile and a look back on her way back.

He walked up to her. Sat on the chair next to her. He turned towards her. She looked nervous. He opened the plastic packet, put on the latex gloves and opened yet another small sealed packet took out what looked like syringe. He said seeing her anxious face, "don't worry it will take just a sec. I'll just swab your mouth with this. Please open your mouth" he leaned forward little bit. She looked on and new what he was going to do. All those movies and episodes of CSI have prepared her. But she was feeling uneasy. It was not because she was scared but something else, was it due to his close proximity. The temperature seemed have gone up more than few notches. She was sweating under her arms, back of the neck, palms. She could feel the heat in her ears. And she was hoping against hope he can't see nor notice her bodily changes.

But he did. Every heighten beat, every little pimple of sweat that was forming on her forehead, the length of her breathes he noticed it all. She's feeling it too. Or was it just she's scared. But why, she was married to him. If it's anybody's DNA that should be on her dead husband then it's hers. Unless she's sacred this will prove it's not hers. Enough with your theories Sherlock! Just do your job.

He extended his hand towards her mouth. Looking at her direct in the eye. She surprised him, by keeping eye contact with him. She opened her mouth, but not wide enough. He signed her to open wider. And she obliged. He was looking at her lips. He wondered how it would be to kiss them pink lips. They were perfectly formed. If one was to make a prototype for the perfect lips, then they should model it on hers. He'll everything about her was perfect. If you're done ogling on her lips and fantasising about getting busy with her can you please get on with the job at hand.

He slowly rubbed her palate. He put the swab back into its casing. Put it in another plastic bag sealed and wrote something. It was her name and most probably the case number and the date.

She just got up without saying anything." Thank you" was all he managed to say. She was out of his cabin. He was standing. But she was too fast for her. He watched as she walked away taking quick steps.

He took the DNA sample and walked out of the cabin, he realised how late it was. Almost 6.30 and the second floor was almost deserted. He realised yet another first he wasn't bothered about the time. He wasn't marking the time, how many segments.

He handed then sealed packet to the evidence clerk and made his way to the basement. As he came out of the basement he saw her in standing next to a VW Beetle. And trying calling somebody. He slowed down and asked her what's the matter. She didn't want to say it. But she was worried. Samuel was in the hospital due to dengue. There wasn't anybody else she could call. She said my car won't start. He parked the car next hers and got out. With a barrage of questions. Did you check the fuel? Is the battery working, if it's anything he knows about that was about cars. He asked her to pop the pop the hood. She did and he checked. He asked her if she's got a torch and she put the flasher in her phone. But it wasn't enough form him to check ithoroughly. After fifteen minutes he gave up. He was in to vintage muscle cars. Not Nancy Cars.

"Come I'll drop you off at your place" he offerd.

love it

i wished if there was a kiss happened

now he will drop her so may be it happen😆