Sorry for not replying to any of your wonderful comments and wishes. Hope you'd find it in your Heart to forgive me. And for the delay in posting as well. Will reply to all ASAP.
Hope you all had a wonderful day here's wishing an even better year filled with all that you dream and hope for🤗
Chapter Forty
Astha was sitting in the newly acquired two bedroom apartment in Pali Hill. Looking out the balcony. She remembered how she loved to sit in the swing chair leaning to him with his arms wrapped around her sipping tea and watch the birds fly over and hours go by. She wrapped her arms around her as if not to feel the emptiness. But she's moved on. She keeps telling herself. Tries to convince herself everyday and and every night. Has she succeeded? She refused to answer. It's too late for that. She had her chance. She didn't speak up. She let him believe what ever he wanted to. He never tried to get in touch with her either. So does that mean she wanted him to?
What happened at the basement parking lot few days back was still fresh in her mind. She still couldn't fathom what was the attraction she felt towards that big ball of white and brown fur. She's never seen a St. Bernard for real. But that wasn't the reason. She felt the dog is connected to her past. But she couldn't quite understand if it was her childhood or her near past. She knew Shlok never talked about pets. She did. He wasn't into pets. But it seems he's connected. It was bizarre and unrealistic. Why is she thinking of him so much, it's not as if she ever stopped thinking of him. Every time she sees a mirror it reminded her of him, checking himself out, memories of him managed to put a smile on her face. He always brought her happiness. She chose to remember only the good things, good times they shared. It's always helped her, to live and to move forward. Also it helped her Not to become a bitter cynic.
She often wondered what he's doing with himself? May be he's left the country? She remembered him telling her once that he wanted to go backpacking across Europe. He certainly had the means to do so. Thinking of him being thousands of miles away from her suddenly made her wish to see him. That very moment. All she had of him were the few pictures that was in her phone. The phone he returned two days after her getting back her freedom. Arjun came back and returned it to her. And it was he that informed her clearing her doubts that Shlok did actually resign from the police the same day of her acquittal.
She was looking at his pictures. Smiling, sleeping, watching TV, exercising and her favourite in his tuxedo before the Fund raiser ball two of them together. The only one. They were both so happy. Everything to look forward to. So full of life, so full of love and hope. She touched the screen ever so gently as if to feel his warmth and the softness of his skin. She wished to see him once more. When she's on the road, driving if she sees a Mustang, Dodge or a Porsche she would try to get a better look at the driver. Seeing any of the cars from his collection always made her heart skip a beat with the anticipation it could be him driving. But she's never had such luck. She often wondered how he's looking. He was a very handsome if not the most good looking guy she's ever seen. She imagined him to still look the same, if not better.
She still had his number. She's thought many a time to call him, if for nothing else at least to hear his tender voice once more. But she knew she wasn't ready yet. She's not ready to tell him what he wants to hear from her. Or is she now. She's held on to him, to his memories. If she's not hopeful of one day being with him, starting off where they left off why is she still living with him.
************************************************
Shlok arrived at the Kannar residence sharp at 7 o'clock. All Kannars: His lady Myra, Action man Rohan and Jane Kannar were all waiting for him . Jane was in a very good mood in-spite of Jay being away in Delhi attending a seminar. Jay was well aware of his wife's intentions from the very beginning. He was the first to find out about her matchmaking tendencies. He knew she cared for his puppy Arjun very much and he had no problems with that. But he did give her a fair warning to be prepared for any eventuality. Arjun could hate her, his mom could come barging with accusations of spoiling her perfect son.
She said she was ready for anything, "Baby it's worth it. I really feel she's the one. I know Shanelle for 7 years already as well as her parents. She gives Myra music lessons. Shanelle, likes him already. I gave her his photos. They just need to meet few times. And I know we will see sparks flying" said Jane sitting in their kissing couch.
"Janie, don't chew more than you can swallow. These boys are very traditional when it comes to finding a life partner. Keep that in mind" said Jay pulling her closer to him.
"I know, I'm married to one. If I hadn't come looking for you, you'd be still be a wanker Mr.Big" she said with a peck to his scared cheek. And that was the end of their conversation. Thanks God Miss Mini Radar was at Shanelles' for her piano lessons.
Shlok was very excited indeed. For his buddy Arjun. He really wanted him to be happy. If there's one person that deserves to be happy it was Arjun. Like Jane always says he is a pure soul that attracts other pure souls. Her kids and Pancy.
Jane reiterated what they had already discussed at length over the phone. The girl already likes Arjun, has seen few pictures of him as well as those from Police functions with Jay. So the girl wants to meet him. Is very much into him. She knows that Shlok and Arjun are coming to the club. She'll be there with one of her girl friends.
"She's got an elder sister as well Shlok" Jane couldn't resist the temptation to ask Shlok.
"May be next time. Let's kill one bird at a time" Shlok said with a smile.
"Ok. Fair enough. Not everyone is good at multitasking" said Jane with a wink. "Shlok, everything is in your hands. You're my only hope. Don't let me down. Don't let you're friend down" she was being dramatic.
"Ok! So no pressure at all. Now that you've made it sound so simple. I feel so much better" said Shlok stepping out. That Mrs. Kannar sounded exactly as her husband.
She had send s picture of Shanelle to Shlok. And he liked her a lot. Felt Arjun and her will be good together. That's how he was convinced to be the head of the Operation "Finding Mrs.Gokhle".
Shanelle Gehi was a tiny girl. She had long silky hair, petit frame beautiful oval shaped face. Big eyes. True blue Mumbaiker. A perfect blend of tradition and modern. She is a Music Teacher. Myra was taking piano lessons from her. Jane immediately felt a kindred spirt in her. All she could think was what a perfect couple she and her baby Arjun would make. Shanelle lived in the same neighbourhood as Kannars. Few houses down the lane
Shlok and Arjun entered the Club around 8 o'clock. Shkok was scaning the floor for the girls. He spotted them siting in a corner table. Shanelle noticed them too. Arjun was very relaxed and was glad to be out with his best buddy. He was hoping Shlok would meet a girl and stop living like a monk. He's not been interested in girls at all. The moment they entered the club Arjun noticed almost all of the girls eyeing Shlok. Even those with partners. He still had that allure about him. But Shlok was oblivious to all this today as he's been for the past one year or so.
He was on a mission. He promised his fellow Comrade Jane that the mission will be a success and he'll see it through. They settled at the opposite end. Shlok went to get them drinks and that was Shanelles' que to make her move. She and her friend came and asked if he minds if they sit with him because the other end was too crowded. Arjun being the eternal gentleman quickly got up and invited the girls with a smile.
Shlok watched from afar. Her friend also left them. Giving them the much needed alone time. Shanelle knew she'd have to make the first move and she was ok with it. She was a girl who believed in going after what you want. Not sit idle and wait for everything to fall on to your lap. Dressed in bottle green printed long sleeved blouse and black skinny jeans with heels and face looking perfect with just the right amount of make up. She had beautiful smoky eyes.
"Thank you for being such a gentleman. I thought you're kind was extinct. I'm Shanelle! Shanelle Gehi" she said extending her hand.
"I'm Arjun, Arjun Gokhle" he said imitating James Bond. This gesture surprised even him. He was not one to crack jokes with girls. Specially not with ones he's just met. She smiled warmly at him. He noticed how her eyes became small when she smiled. He thought she's got a beautiful smile. And eyes that smile. What was wrong with him? Arjun failed to recognize himself. He's yet to have anything to drink. May be it was the atmosphere. He thought.
"Today is my Lucky day. I get to meet Mr. Bond in the flesh. Are you on a special mission?" she asked smiling looking straight at his eyes.
"Well my cover has been compromised. Need to abort the mission" he was enjoying her company.
"It was your big ears that betrayed you. Tell me do you get both FM and AM?" She asked bursting out laughing.
"Both" Arjun sounded quite firm "And police frequency as well. It helps when I'm driving"
"Does that mean you're a cop?" She was asking things that were already known to her. But he didn't know that.
"Im an officer with the Mumbai Criminal Unit. What do you do?"asked Arjun.
"Music teacher. Oh! My...so you are on a undercover mission? Am I disturbing you officer Gokhle?" she asked playfully.
"Not officially. But for my friend. You're a pleasant distraction. I'm here to keep my friend company" saying Arjun glanced at his friend. He saw him talking to two girls. And then the girls walked away from him looking dejected. Arjun knew why. He was still a chick magnet.
"Are you armed and dangerous with licence to kill?"
"No I'm the man with the Golden eye" Arjun was positively in a good mood.
"Pardon me for my folly I thought you're the man with the Golden gun"
"Don't tell anyone, but I have that and the Golden finger too" he was matching her word to word.
"Are you looking for a View to a Kill?" she wasn't going to be defeated. Not when it's her all time favourite movies.
"No, I believe in Live and let live" countered Arjun.
"I wish you could be the spy who loved me" it was too late to take back the words that she just blurted out of her.
Arjun was stumped. She saw that and immediately added "Just Relax Mr. Bond. I'm just kidding. You don't have take me to meet your mom yet" she said with a wink.
Arjun was feeling the atmosphere and the mood changing to something's that he's not familiar with. But it was pleasant and he liked it.
To his utter relief Shlok retuned with much needed drinks. He asked if she was ok. She needs a drink. She was already sipping a Virgin Bloody Mary.
Arjun become conscious of his drink. Should he be drinking in front of her? What will she think of him? Do you care? He was questioning himself.
"Let's dance. This is my favourite song" she said jumping off her high chair.
Arjun didn't have a say. She dragged him to the dance floor, Shlok couldn't help,but smile looking at his friend. Shlok took a picture of them dancing and whatsapp it to his partner in crime. He got a return message "Well done. I'm proud of you" seeing it he smiled. He was reminded of her husband. They're meant to be together.
Shlok seemed to attract all the pretty ladies attention. A Girl came up to his table asked for a dance. He declined very politely. She asked if she could join him. 'You may. But you're wasting your time" Shlok said not caring for her. She joined him nevertheless. "We shall see before the night is over" said the attractive girl. Shlok continued with his drinking. "My name is Sanjana. What's yours?" Asked she. "SA" was the blank reply. "I like a man with mystery. That adds to the allure" she was going on. "what sort of girl are you looking for?" she asked again.
"I already found her. I'm done looking" was the simple yet truthful answer. But Sanjana was not yet ready to accept defeat. May be she was hearing impaired. Thought Shlok. How blunt and clearer should he be to get this girl to leave him be. After about half an hour of nothingness she got up left him to drink on his own.
Bond and his girl returned out of breath after all the dancing. Shlok kept watch. She danced really well and luckily Arjun was not born with two left feet. He matched her with every step and looked more than happy doing it. Arjun was seen dancing to a slow song with her. Her hand resting on his shoulder, his one hand rested on her tiny waist. They were looking at each other. Arjun was constantly grinning. She was no better. Looking at them gave him imminence happiness. He wanted his good friend to find love and settled down. His one true friend.
The mission was a total success. Beyond their wildest dreams. Arjun seemed totally smitten. Shlok noticed while having dinner. She was totally into him. She reminded him of his Astha. And the fact that she too loves Titanic and Jack and Rose didn't come as a surprise to him either. Shlok was constantly thinking how well Shanelle and Astha would get along. She never had any good girlfriends. She didn't have any when he met her. He wanted her to be surrounded with laughter and happy moments. She loved to laugh. He missed her and that sent him over the edge. He had more than he could handle. Soon he was beyond sober. Arjun didn't want to make him look bad in front of his new friend. So he let him have his way. Arjun knew he was not boisterous or loud when he's drunk. He was the opposite. Closed up completely. He understood his friends pain. He kind of felt GUITLY as well. But Shlok kept urging them to dance some more and to have a good time. Shanelles' friend left little earlier. Arjun assured her that he will drop Shanelle home and she's in safe hands.
Arjun was surprised at first when she told him where she lived. But not for long. He was able to put two and two together and realised that Shlok was in on it from the beginning and Jane probably the mastermind. What he couldn't get was why would a girl as beautiful and sexy as Shanelle be interested in a simple guy like him...
Shlok insisted that he would sit in the back seat. Arjun was to drive and Shanelle took the passenger's seat.
Few minutes into the drive back home Sholk found his voice.
"Man... I think she's a keeper. She's the one" Shlok was mumbling form behind. Arjuns big ears turned red. "Only one piece of advice... don't let anyone hit her in the belly. She'll never forgive you man"
Shlok turned to Shanelle "So...Ms. Beethoven what sort of music do you like? Please don't tell me Celine Dion and My heart will go on is your favourite. Then kill me first. I will die a happy death"
"Sorry to say but I do like the song and Celine as well. How can I not like her when I love Titanic. But please I beg you no one is going to die today" replied Shanelle.
"Tell me you've never heard of Bieber and all will be fogiven" begged Shlok.
"Sorry I'm GUITLY again. There's no respite for you. I love Bieber too but only his first album. Now can't stand him. He's lost it" said she.
"Arjun Stop the the car! Stop it this instant. I'll walk rest of the Way. You too. No way. Did you lose a sister at birth. I think you may have..." Shlok was shocked to say the least. He remembered now his Astha said almost the same words to him.
"Shlok stop being a drama king" said Arjun finally.
"Shanelle, you have my solemn promise he's the best there is" Shlok talked about Arjun "He doesn't drink hard liquor, I've never seen him drunk. He's not a womaniser, though women throw themselves at him, half the time he doesn't even realise it. Girls at the station are all crazy about him. They bake him cakes, muffins and one of the reasons I resigned was I was gaining weight eating all that"
Arjun shook his head "Agni, you are totally crazy. Shanelle, don;t believe him"
Shlok ignored his friend's remark "Don't listen to him. Listen to me Shanelle. He is too shy but I am to tell the ruth - we have repeat offenders mostly girls, they get caught just to see his face. But Shanelle, he doesn't even look at them. So you have nothing to worry about. Because he says he's waiting for love" Shlok was not going to stop until they were married.
"Shlok, will you please just shut up man. You're drunk. You don't know what you're blabbering"
"What? Did I say anything wrong? I say nothing but facts, truths"
"Nobody's interested" said Arjun irritated.
"Anything else you want to share Shlok?" asked Shanelle smiling.
"Please stop urging him Shanelle" requested Arjun
"Shanelle you danced really well. Don't you think so Arjun?"
"Thank you Shlok" she replied.
"He'll never say this but he likes bold yet decent girls. Mommy found several girls... But he rejected them all, now I know why - he was waiting for you. He's never even kissed a girl. He's saved it all for you" Shlok's voice was full of pride for his best friend.
"Shlok either you shut up or I'll stop the car and you take a cab home"
"Arjun, my good boy...you know it as well as me you'll never do that to me"
"Don't be too sure. You're pushing your luck man" Arjun was focused on the road.
"He's just messing with me, he loves me. I know it. He's my only friend you know"
"You keep this up and you'll be left with none" threatened Arjun
"He won't do that to me. Tell me, how do you like my friend Arjun?"
"Don't answer him" said Arjun looking at her.
"Let me tell you little bit more about my dear friend. He's quicker than a Lamborghini, posher than a Bentley and more reliable than a Rolls Royce. He scored almost perfect score in the written test, no ones even come close since then"
"I like fast cars that has class" said Shanelle
"Then he's the one for you. Even Tyson our Chief loves him"
"Mister Kannar?" Shanelle'e eyebrows raised in astonishment.
"Yes, him. SSP Kannar. His wife does too, showers our Arjun with kisses every time she sees him. He brings her Orchid pots. Tell me who does that to a married women? He'll bring you too. Everything you love. He'll get it for you. He wants to have kids, two to be precise. He once told me he likes girls with long hair. I think he described you. He's the best there is. You'll never find a more decent, loving and honest guy. Don't let him get away. I must say his mom watches him like a hawk. But I promise I will put in a good word for you. She listens to me" Shlok was full of himself.
"Shlok get out. Now! this moment" Arjun said losing his cool.
"I will if you kiss her right now and tell me if she's the one"
Arjun thought it couldn't be more embarassing. He was wrong "Shlok you're crossing all norms of decency"
"I'm not asking to shag her. I'm asking you just to kiss her" seeing no reaction fron Arjun Shlok turned to the girl "Shanelle, he's not going to do it. You might as well do it. Find out for yourself"
Arjun applied to the brakes and the car stopped abruptly on a empty strip of road "Since you're not getting out I will" Arjun opened the door and got out of the Mustang and walked towards the darkness. Shlok tried to get out to talk to him. But she said she'll talk to him and was out in a flash.
Arjun walked seeing no destination and Shanelle ran fast to catch him up "Why are you so upset? He's not saying anything bad about you. He's been praising you for the past 30 minutes. Who does that? I'd kill to have such a generous friend. I think it's really sweet of him"
"You mocking me. You too" said Arjun trying to calm himself.
"I'm not. Im just telling you what I see. He's cares for your genuinely. You're very lucky to have such a friend. They dont make like that anymore. He loves you. If I didn't know better I'd say he's got the hots for you. But I know you both are straight. So don't worry" she said bursting with laughter.
"You're laughing at me"
"No. I'm not. Even he's not. He means well. No malice. He's drunk"
"It's ...he's so unbearable"
"What are you saying? Being loved is unbearable? Try being hated and lied. You should be glad that he's not saying all crap about you"
"There's nothing bad to say"
"I know. You're not bad at all. I laugh cause I'm happy. It's so easy to be happy next to you. I'm glad I met you. He's right on all accounts. Look at him singing for your happiness" Both turned their faces towards the car where Shlok was heard singing "My heart will go on" it was terrible and totally out of tune. But she felt Shlok's happiness for his friend. She felt he was a wounded soul. Yet happy as kid at the circus. She knew his intentions are sincere and noble. And she wanted Arjun to see it too. She knew deep down he knew it too, but at the moment he's just pissed at him for ranting him out.
"He's an Ass" stated Arjun. "Shlok just zip it. You're scaring the stray dogs away" Arjun shouted at his friend one more time.
"You're jealous of me just like Celine would be, she'd die of envy. I just love myself. Kiss her already and I'll stop"
"He's an ass that loves you and wishes the best for you. And I can see that you love him too. The two of are like needle and tread"
"He's a bloody needle alright. Pricking me all over" Arjun stood his hands in his pockets with his back to the car.
She burst out laughing yet again. "Its not pricking. Don't you see it? He promotes you. Nobody does such unselfish thigh anymore. Only a true friend would. So you should be thankful. He could sell you to anyone let alone to me"
"He sold me to you?" asked Arjun surprised.
"Of course he did. What do you think he's been doing all this time? Selling peanuts?" Asked Shanelle smiling.
"Are you looking to buy?" Arjun was hopeful
"If you're in the mood to sell..." her answer made him smile
"Do you want me to?" was his reprisal
"What do you want me to say?" she didn't have the courage to answer him.
"Get back in the car, I'll be there in a minute" said Arjun not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable.
"Why? I stay with you where you are"
"Let me calm myself down a little. I don't want you out" his reply warmed her heart even more if it was possible.
"May be this will help you" saying this she hugged him. Her hands could hardly wrap around his waist. She reached only up to his Chest. She stayed listening to his heartbeat. There were no street lights no gleaming moon. But they didn't need it. The light seemed to be everywhere. It was shining from within. They both felt it and saw it and revel in it. Arjun didn't know what hit him. But he was knocked over for sure by this tiny girl with the spirit of an ancient Gladiatior. He knew this was beginning of something very special and life altering.
The one person responsible was oblivious to all that's happening and is singing his heart out very very badly. His buddy...in spite of his own suffering his own loss had been trying to bring happiness to him. And he was cursing him.
Suddenly the headlights flashed and car horn was blaring. "Hey! You cheats...I said kiss not hug. What part of kiss don't you understand? You want me to come and show you how it's done?" Shlok was trying to come out of the car but he was too drunk to get out. He shouted "I'm gonna send pictures to Mommy. You're making me look bad here. Keep your hands to yourself you dirty womaniser" Shlok was back to singing this time his "favourite" Justin Biebers' "Baby! Baby"
Arjun was embarrassed the most. He couldn't even look towards the car nor any at her. He kept looking at the nights sky which Seemed to be feeling the same way as Arjun. It was pitch darkness. Not a single star. Not the most romantic scene. But no one seemed to care.
She finally broke the hug when the lights hit them and revealed themselves to the night owls and crickets in the surrounding woods.
"I'm selling. If you're buying" said he affirmatively.
"Ok. Sold then" she was blushing profusely. He couldn't see it. But felt it.
"Tell me, if you don't mind me asking? What's his story? He's single yet not interested in girls. Wants you to find love and settle down. Is he married?" Asked her with genuine concern. She was in England studying music when the whole court case happened. So she had no idea about his painful past.
"I'd say he's more like divorced. But not moved on still. He still loves her" said Arjun not wanting to reveal anything about his friend.
"She left him? Why?"
"Can't you see why? He sings terrible" said Arjun with a grin completely comfortable in her company.
"I get it. I would too" she said joining in.
"I think they loved each other too much too fast. It was just not the right time. Another time it would've been the greatest love of all time. Shah Jahan would've been put to shame. And no Taj Mahal would've been needed."
"Oh My! Are you hearing yourself?"
"They both deserve each other. They belong together. Time will tell" saying he extended his hand to her. She put her tiny hand on his and thus began yet another journey. They were willing passengers. Looking forward to the journey.
Back in the car Shlok was still going at it with his private concert.
"Was it my crazy ass friend or Mrs. Kannar that put you up to this?" Asked Arjun looking at the road ignoring Shlok's chants.
"She planned it and he executed it. Must say to a tee" she said grinning. Arjun looked at her smiling and their eyes met.
"Eyes on the road Romeo. We all don't want to die. You haven't even kissed her yet" came the warning from the back seat.
""She was no better than Shlok. She praised you to the sky. First asked me if I like men in uniform. And then told me you're a pure soul, the best there is. I would never find another as loyal and loving as you. After such an introduction how can I not agree to meet you? I would've been a fool not to. I trusted her judgment completely. Plus she knew me well enough to know what kind of guy I would like to meet. I knew she meant well for me. She asked my mom to let me go out with her friends. And assured that I'll be safer than sitting in my bedroom. So...here I am. Are you disappointed?" She asked.
"No. I'm glad you listened to her. I'm glad I met you too" said Arjun,
"Just get it over with will you two. Kiss her already man. I kissed her for the first time in this very car. On a night like this. It was on Wednesday 2nd October to be precise" with that the car was filled with a sudden awkward silence. Both Arjun and Shanelle got Shlok was talking about his woman. "So you gonna kiss her or shall I?" asked Shlok again.
"Shlok if you don't mind I'd like him to be my first too" said Shanelle looking at Arjun. Arjuns big ears were like two red flags. Warning of things to come.
"I can live with that" said Shlok happily.
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Back at the warehouse he found it difficult to stop thinking of her. Seeing Shanelle made him miss his Astha more and more, the fact that he watched Titanic didn't help him either. He wished her to be next to him. Crying as Jack slips into the Atlantics. He wanted her to come back to him. To hold him the way she used to with her tiny hands. To say she loves him beyond reason.
He was not sober but knew what he was doing.
He took out his phone and dialled her number. And he was pinning his hopes on her to pick the phone. "Come back to me please. I need you to be next to me" he wanted to say, but her phone was switched off. Not even voice mail.
Time was not helping. It was not getting any easier to stay away from her, to live without her. But he promised her he will not trouble her. Let her live her life. He did the next possible thing. Drink till he passed out. That he did. Like he said to Jay he was getting very good at It. He would keep enough dog food for Pancy. Water as well. Switched off the phone and get on with his binge.
Few days later Astha was making her way out of the city. Driving her newly acquired 1974 Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera.
She pulled up a well maintained private road. The sign board was there. Indicating she was at the right place. She had tried to call the number many times but it was switched off. What kind of business he's running. You give your contact number to others but when you call it's switched off. But she was given the instructions to the place by the dealer himself. He said he's the best. She was willing to take a chance and decided to go and meet him in Person. Talk to him and see of he'll be willing to take up the project.
The place seemed familiar to her, it reminded her of Shlok's warehouse. But she's never seen it in daylight. They went and left the place under the guise of the darkness. But for some unknown reason her heartbeat started to increase. Is it him. He loves old cars. SA Custome cars... the name seemed to make sense too. But it seemed far fetched. She had already reached the workshop. There was no sign of any activity. Once she saw the high wall she breathed a sigh of relief. She remembered well there was no high wall around his warehouse.
She stepped out of her red Porsche walked towards the gate. Dressed in a khaki skirt and a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She looked very matured indeed. It was latched from inside with a open padlock. She opened it stepped inside. On the side there were two huge glass windows. She peeked through it. She was frightened to death when a huge face covered with brown fur jumped at her from the other side of the window. SHe stepped back or rather was thrown back with fear.
Then the dog started to bark seeing her, it was clawing at the glass trying to come out. She thought the dog wanted to come out and attack her. But soon she realised it was the same dog from the basement. She wasn't scared anymore, but he kept on barking.
Then she heard the voice coming from inside, she couldn't see the person. But it was very groggy voice. Sleepy may be. She was thinking, the next moment all her thoughts and senses was thrown off rails. The image in front of her... She didn't know if she should be jumping with joy or crying with despair.
It was him. Finally after almost a year to the day they last saw each other outside of the courthouse. He was standing right in front of her. Separated by the glass panel. He looked just as surprised and flabbergasted as she was. He came shouting at the dog "Pancy... Shut u..." That's all he could manage. They froze staring at each other.
Shes's here. In my window. He's been drinking for the past three days non stop. May be she's an illusion. He missed her so much, wished her to be near him so much he sees what his heart and mind wants. But then. Pancy cannot be seeing the same right! He was trying to make sense even in his drunken stupor.
She almost didn't recognise him. Overgrown beard. Red and bulging eyes. Hair all messed up. Dressed in only a pair of sweatpants. Bare chested and she could see the gun shot wounds, the ones she used to caress ever so gently and place feather light kisses.
He moved away and suddenly she heard the sound of metal creaking. Pancy was the first to come and greet her. He jumped on to her. Sniffing her licking her all over. He nearly knocked her over in his enthusiastic furore. Shlok grabbed at him. But he was no match when Pancy was in this kind of mood. He called out to him few times. And then it registered to her. "Pancy" he calls the dog "Pancy" her heart warmed thinking about it.
"To what do I owe this rare honour My Lady? You have landed at this peasants door step unannounced" he said bowing and almost falling over.
"Please come in my humble abode. It's no mansion but it shelters me and my boy from the elements" he said showing her the inside of his warehouse.
"Where are my manners? Pancy introduce yourself. This is Pancy. This is Shlok." he said taking the dogs big paw and urging him to give it to her. "Please come in it will give me such pleasure to have such class in my minimal dwelling. Pancy clean the couch and throw away all the empty bottles. Dont tell anyone I make him do chores. I promise he loves doing it" he said with a finger to his mouth. And a grin.
"Shlok, you live in the garage?"
"No, I live in the glass castle on the hill...I beg of you don't throw stones..." sarcastic answers he gave her puzzled her. He didn't look irritated or sad. He was mischievous.
"Did you come here to ask me to give you away? To apply mehendi on you? Tyson said I should do it at least. I would offer you high tea but he broke all the fine china" he said looking at Pancy. "Would like to have a beer? What do you say for old time sake"
"No I'm good Mr Agnihotri" Astha kept looking at him fixedly.
"Oh...what's with the formalities. If only you had called me up earlier I would cleaned the place up. We had a party last night. Me Pancy and few strays. All guys. No bitches. At least I don't think there were. They needed a place to stay the night" Shlok was blabbering like there was no tomorrow. Anyway, what can I do for you?"
Shlok watched Pancy's huge fluffy head disappeared under Astha's skirt "Pancy behave! You don't sniff under married women's skirts. You have to ask first" he said trying to shoo him away but Pancywas more than happy sitting under her skirt.
"Now, tell me, Mrs. Almeida what is it that you need? My opinion on your new hair cut? Praise you on your public speaking skills?"
Astha opened her mouth to answer but he didn't let her speak "Well first of let me thank you on behalf of all men kind for not shaving it bald as some protest. Egg head is certainly not for you. You were good, you have such command over The language. I'm very proud indeed. Or do you have any dragons to be slayed? Sleeping beauties to be saved? I have the sword all bloodied from my last batte. My future queen Lady Myra need to be rescued. She wants me to wait till she grows up. She want to marry me you see. I only have to wait another 20 years" Shlok was unstoppable like an avalanche. "Give me five minutes to find it. Pancy find daddy's sword. He always does" with that command Pancy went running inside. And the next moment retuned with a plastic sword. Astha almost laughed seeing the toy.
"Shlok, my God, you are drunk?" She asked looking at him.
"Why asking? Should I be sober? Have you come to recruit me to the new NASA Project?"
"Shlok, you are drunk and the sword is a plastic toy" suddenly Astha smiled. She answered to the main question she had in her head since she saw him half-naked behind the glass doors... She was more than happy to see him. She felt true euphoria...
"Plastic? Really?" he casted a glance at the toy "Oh Myra Myra... Small cheater" he sighed. "Do you think it's bad? You know what? I don't care. Pancy!" he called the dog that barked back at him "Daddy has been called to save the world. Sky is the limit right. Buzz light year at your service...to Infinity and beyond" he said raising his plastic sword up to the sky. My boy, take care of things here until I come back. If I don't come back you know what you have to do. Uncle Arjun knows everything. But let me give you some advice"
Shlok squatted and the dog came up to him laying his head on Shlok's lap. Shlok rubbed behind the huge fluffy ear " Man, I was waiting till you're 18 to say all this. But looks like as if it's now or never. Let Daddy give you some advice - treat your girl with respect. Don't ever ever two time on her. Never ever doubt her. You doubt her and you've f****d up big time. She'll never ever forgive you. You'll be dead to her" Shlok wasn't looking at Astha but she felt as if he was adressing to her.
"Never ever lick your willy in front of her" Shlok was kneeling nest Pancy and talking to him. Astha was watching all this from few feet away and couldn't help smiling. Seeing the love and togetherness these two shared was making her see him in whole new light. She realised he survived because of his Pancy. He depends on his Pancy for love and companionship. And he gives it back to his master in many folds. Shlok was oblivious to her adoring eyes looking at him giving his final words of wisdom before he levee for his moon mission.
"Don't sniff her unless asked to. Never ever look at her bowl when she's eating. Girls tend to be very particular when it comes to their food. Never ever complement on her fat ass. She'll say ...I look fat right...its a trick question. If you say no you're not. she'll say you're not bothered about how she looks. If you say yes you're fat she'll hate you for the rest of your sorry exsistance. Best way play dumb. Act as if you've lost you're hearing. My boy there's much more to be said but this will keep you in good stead until I come back" he said hugging and kissing his Pancy.
"I'm ready to go. Let's go" he said getting up. He strode towards the red Porsche parked beside the entrance. Astha followed him. He came round the car twice, opened the bonnet.
"How much did you pay for this?" Asked he
"8 million" she said.
"Have you heard of day light robbery"
"Yes" was her innocent answer
"Well now you've been part of one. You can tell your grandchildren about it one day, how granny was taken for a ride in a 1974 Red Porsche" he said bursting out laughing. Even though he was laughing at her she liked seeing him laughing. He's still able to laugh. She thought.
"Will you fix it?" He again almost fell over laughing
"You paid a fortune and it's not working properly. Tell me is there any logic you females' heads?"he asked still grinning.
"Don't start it here Mr. Sweatpants. Drinking for weeks is not logic either" Astha couldn;t come to be irritated by his words. Her happiness seeing him smiling was more than any poisonous words he could utter. "You're drunk! I'll come back when you're sober. Be so kind as to inform me on your plans"
"Mrs. Almeida...or whatever your name is now. Has it changed already by the way? What makes you think I would take up the project anyways" He was mocking her.
"Listen to me. I will be here tomorrow. At 4 p.m. Clean the place. Buy tea and china and throw all bottles away. Am I clear?"
"You! How dare.." He was walking towards her.
"Till tomorrow. Was glad to meet you too" she got in the car and started the engine.
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