Driving back home she couldn't but help smile. Seeing him again after a year has given her happiness beyond compare. She almost didn't recognise him. He has always been prim and proper. In his designer clothes. Well groomed and well behaved. She's never seen him drunk. He was funny. But it was not the way she wanted to see him again. She wanted him to be doing well. She was happy about Pancy and his new line of work. She remembered what the car dealer told her about him. "He's the best". What ever doubts she had soon vanished when she met the man behind the name.
It pained her to think of him living all alone in that warehouse. But he had Pancy. They had the most amazing friendship. She wondered who does the cooking and cleaning? She couldn't stop thinking about him. She thought he's put on some weight. All that drinking and most probably junk food may not be helping either. She wanted him to be happy. The fact that he was still able to laugh gave her much happiness.
Next day just five minutes past 4 she parked the car in front of the warehouse. And she hears him barking like mad. Even before she got Out of the car he was at the door with his paws on the door tongue hanging out with saliva dripping and tail in danger of falling off. He barked few times even pawed her urging her to get out. Shlok came running after him. Seeing Pancy blocking her door he called out to him ..."Pancy get back. Let the lady get out of the car!" But couldn't care less. For Pancy, Shlok seemed to be invincible with her around . He called out few more times and soon realised Pancy was not going to pay any attention to him or obey his commands. Shlok came up to him and pulled him by the collar and away from the car. He was Barking and and protesting all the way.
She quickly got out of the car and Shlok lost the grip. Pancy came barging to her and jumped on to her. She was pushed back to the car. He was no match to her. Pancy was licking her face with his big fury paws on her chest. She hugged him. She was looking at Shlok looking at them. She did see irritation and a hint of a smile in his face. He was looking his old self. Looked as if he's had a hair cut and beard trimmed to perfection and with it seemed to have lost weight.
He was dressed in a light blue polo T-shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. Pair of dark brown Moccasins. He looked every bit the Shlok Agnihotri she knew and love. He kept looking at her too. Wasn't ready to back down.
She looked good indeed. But he was not going to complement her. She was dressed in a blue and white blouse and pair of white skinny jeans and sandals.
"Come on in" he said walking towards the warehouse. Very professional indeed. As he walked inside Pancy got off her and walked few feet looked back barked at her as if asking her to come inside. She followed the men inside.
She got a good glimpse of the warehouse. She noticed the inside had been changed quite a bit. First thing she noticed was the bigger living space and new big couch the king size bed. She noticed it all.
"You done ogling at my bed room? Can we get on with the matter at hand. I have other work do as well. Not just help lady Almeida" he said irritated and getting her attention.
"I don't need to ogle I have been here before. You do remember right? I do know how important you are. Don't have to spell it out to me. What do you like to know" she replied not backing down with a stern look.
"So...you still remember. I'm surprised. Should I be flattered and give you a hug and kiss. I would've if it weren't for your cheap smelling perfume. What is that? Was it his gift?" He said rubbing his nose.
"It's not cheap for you're information and I can buy my own, I don't want anybody to gift me anything" she said very irritated with his comment.
"Oh! My such emotions. Save it for the tele Lady Almeida. No cameras here. Just me and my boy. Not even hidden. I'm sure you stand up for women's rights. But this is not the place. I only customise cars not women. Tell me what's wrong with your Chariot? It's still road worthy?" He said looking at her
"The headlights ain't working. So I can't drive in the night. And the seats and the steering wheel is all messed up. Plus the dealer asked me to get you if possible to look into the engine. Do some tuning. Wheel alignment as well. He said the tyres are not ideal for Mumbai roads. But he's kept them since it was sold to him with it" she spoke finally why she's here in the first place.
"So...why can't you get your sky boy to take you around in the night. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to chauffeur you to the moon and back all in one night if asked to. You do watch the news from time to time right? What all is happening in broad daylight..." he didn't get to finish his line she cut in unable to bare his ramblings. "Oh will you just get off you're high horse and tell me if you'll do this? If not I'll be on my way without wasting both our time. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I've taken self defence classes" she said feeling proud of herself.
He burst out laughing. This infuriated her even more. But she kept looking at him laughing like a kid. "Oh! My Lady...I feel so much better. You'll do just fine. I was thinking of asking Arjun to keep an eye on you. That won't be necessary now. May be even his Shanelle could learn few moves from Xena here. And by the way Prince Charming always needs to be on his perfect white horse. My Lady Myra demands it. So sorry can't get off"
"Are you done laughing at me. I don't think this is such a good idea. I'm sorry I wasted your time." Saying she got up and started to walk when she her knee brushed few tires that wad staked. Her pristine white jeans was stained with big black stain. She was trying to remove it with her hand and it got worst.
He came up to her with a clean cloth and handed it to her. She grabbed it from him and tried to wipe it off. He said "just stop. It's not going to go away now. Use you're brains a bit next time and don't come in as if you're doing a advertisement for a washing powder. Don't come in white. Understand".
He walked towards her car and got inside. She stood still. Still fuming or rather trying to be angry with him, she should be... She felt so alive. Looking at him. He started the car and raised it couple of times. Asked her to get the remote that was on his desk. Opened the big door on the side which allows him to drive the cars into the warehouse. First he had to remove one of his own cars out to make room for hers. He never takes up a project with another pending. She didn't know he was breaking his rules to accommodate her. He removed his big truck from there and parked it outside. Then parked her Porsche next to his Mustang.. Got out and Popped the hood and was checking the engine, radiator and the carburettor. Then he checked the tyres.
He stood up leaned on the car and asked "tell me...do you have a budget and time constraint? I don't like to be pestered 24/7 asking is it done yet. How many more days? Is my baby ready? They are just cars. Not babies. I work alone and take full responsibility for my work. Upholstery and painting is done by a friend of mine. But I take full responsibility for that too but not the credit. I work at my own pace. If you need it by a certain time say it now or for ever hold your silence". He kept looking at her. Waiting for her to answer. "Well... My Lady speak whenever you feel like it. I have all day you know nothing better to do than wait with bated breath to hear what you have to say" he said putting his hands to his chin and a flutter of his eye lashes.
She couldn't help but smile. Seeing her smile he smiled too. They had a moment. He kept his gaze on her, she wasn't as brave as him, nor did Pancy would allow them any alone time. He wanted to be the centre of attraction. He was busy eating. As soon he was done came barging in to where they were. Barked seeing them looking at each other. Pancy was sniffing Astha as usual.
"Well I'm sure no one spends a fortune and buys a car so that it'll be lying idle in a garage. It may be you're thing but not mine. So I'd like to have it as soon as possible. Budget I'll leave it to you. I assume you won't rip me off." She said trying to steady herself with Pancy continuously sniffing her.
"Whom you've been associating for the past one year? Not pancies for sure. More like gundas. I'm impressed. But having a sharp mouth doesn't work in your favour all the time. Remember that too"
"Yes. I have and at least they don't say that you trust them and the next moment leave you to rot in hell" she immediately regretted saying those words. She didn't want to hurt him. It was never her intention at all. She saw his facial expressions change rapidly.
"Well thank you My Lady for making that clear. I deserve it. Anything else you want to add to that. May be what a big mistake it was to be with me. Or how about how you wish you never met me" asking her he walked towards her. But he didn't touch her. She could feel the tension between them boiling to a point of no return. She needed to get away from there. From him. But her feet seemd to have betrayed her. They stayed put. Did she really want to go away from him. Answer was no. She wanted to stay with him and keep looking at him. He made her feel good and happy. It's always been like that.
She wanted to hold on to him and never let go. Just being in his presence gave her sense of security that she's not felt since she left him. She was reminded of how she missed him lying in that cold cement floor clutching her stomach hoping for a miracle. To save their baby.
"I think this is a very big mistake. I'll be out of here" saying she was trying to make her way towards the car. But Pancy stopped her.
As if to say not to go. He kept his big heavy head on her feet. Shlok was surprised as well as Astha. She remembered always wanting a pet as a child and the cruel joke her sister did to her. She still had Zulu with her. Then it got her thinking of her parents. Her parents only called her when they needed more money. She did send them a monthly fixed amount. But it's never enough. They never ask her how she's doing. If she's well or she's happy. Only when can we have the money? It saddened her every time. She loved her family even now after everything they have done to her. When she was sent to prison none of them even ones came to see her nor called to find about her. They deserted her in her hour of need. But she couldn't just forget about them. They were her only family. For better or for worse. She didn't expect anything from them back.
She was back to reality when Pancy barked at her. "Should I leave the car or take it with me" she asked one last time,
"Do as you please. I will not go broke if I don't do this job. But you my lady will be stuck in the middle of the road pretty soon. So make up your mind" he said with a shrug of his shoulders.
She took out her phone and dialled a number. It was for a cab. She gave her destination the name of the building she's living in now. She was told she will have to wait half an hour. She didn't have a choice. She walked up to the car grabbed her handbag her sunglasses from the car.
"So...Pali Hill! Shangri-La Luxury Apartments... Well My Lady... I'm impressed. You're living it large in deed. Whose idea was it?"
"First of all stop calling me My lady...I tolerated it long enough. I'm not your lady. I'm either Astha or Mrs. Almeida to you. Is that clear. Never your lady. I was never yours. You never wanted me to be yours. Secondly..."she was interrupted by his ramblings.
"Ooohhooo... I'm shit scared. I think I crapped in my pants. Let me change my pants and come. Better yet find a skirt. Oh! F*** I gave them all to Arjun when I left the Unit. Keep your threats to yourself and to your sky boy. If you hadn't noticed it already I'm not wearing a skirt nor make up"
"What's your waist size? Let me get you one next time when I come. My sky boy wears his pants with pride. Don't worry about him. I'm there to look after his needs. And why should you care where the hell I live? Pali hill or Beverly Hills? You live alone. Did you ask for anyone's opinion? I don't think so. So why can't I? Who are you anyways to question my choices?"
"It's 34'. And get me one of those Rajastani mirror work ones. Pancy will love it. Pali hill to Beverly Hills. You sure have set you're aim high. Have you signed a book deal and a movie deal. And for you're information I don't live in a fancy apartment building and shine out like a beacon for one and all to see. I keep away from the public eye. You're right I'm no one and don't plan to be anyone either." He wasn't going to let her feel the satisfaction of throwing a punch and knocking him over. It pained him to hear he's no one to her. He's lost all rights on her. But he's made of steel. At least that what he keeps projecting to others. Specially to her.
"Why hide? Do you have anything to hide? What are you afraid of?" She came back to the ring. Ready to throw some more punches. She was going all out for knock out.
"Oh... It has nothing to do with being afraid or having secrets. Well it kinda is... My former girls are looking for me. They want me now that I've left the unit. That was my excuse you see. Will you pretend to be my wife? Will go clubbing few times. May be then they'll leave me be. I'll ask Arjun to come as well with his Chanel girl. You'll like her. She's very very sweet and gorgeous. She dances really well too. I'm jealous of Arjun"
"Do you think I don't have better things to do than go clubbing pretending to be your arm-candy? Go to hell" he was pulling all the strings.
"Sorry can't do it. I like it here now. Its you're fault. You dragged me out. Now I stay whether you like it or not. You don't have a say in it. It's so much more fun than in hell. Don't you think so?"
"I don't give a rats ass about what you want to do. But if this so called Chanel is so beautiful..." He cut in again "not just beautiful but gorgeous. Man you should see her beautiful long silky hair. Her long legs. She's a goddess. That's what she is"
She couldn't take it anymore. She got up from the seat and grabbed her stuff and was making her way out of the warehouse. Then she realised what he's trying to do and she almost played right into his trap. She's much more wiser now. "Let me get out of your way and let you dream about her. What would she think if she finds out I've been here. I'm sorry. But you know she'll love you more. After all you're way more experienced than your puppy Arjun." She was smiling at him. "You know women like a guy who knows what a woman wants. Not have to spell everything to them. One who takes the initiative. A man. And you're still all that. Little older, still handsome. May be a bit saggy here and there. But still a catch. Tell her about the number of women you've been with and she'll surely change her mind. And then you'll have her, your Goddess with long silky hair and with endless legs. She'll dance for you or may be even give you a striptease every night before you shag her" she was enjoying every bit of it.
"I think you're right. I should ask her. I'd love to have her give me a private striptease and maybe throw in a lap dance if Ive been a really good boy" he said realising her ploy but irritated at his failed plan.
"Do you think she'll like to have pole in the bedroom as well. She's a trained ballet dancer you know. She's way more flexible than you can even imagine" he was happy to be giving it back to her.
"That's wonderful. She'll be like a circus monkey doing tricks for your Peter. I know you'll need all the stimulation you can get. Age and you're current lifestyle ain't helping your cause either. Good thing you don't smoke. Then you'll be a total gone case. But you have hope. There are so many new medicines available now and new methods ass well. You still can hope to be as good as you were before. But I must say I know better now. I was so naive when I met you. I didn't have much to compare. But now I know what I was missing back then. I can only thank you. I tell them what I've experienced. And they opened the doors to a whole new panorama of pleasure. I was girl then now I'm a woman. In its true sense"
"I'm very happy for you. Pleasure is all mine" said he
"Well not really. It wasn't that good. I've had way better" he was drawing blood.
"I agree with you totally. Now only I've experienced true pleasure. But don't be disheartened my Peter the great, I'm sure there's a girl for you with zero expectations. Without any experience. She'll appreciate you and hail you and treat you like a sex god. But make sure she never finds out what true pleasure is" she said seeing his anger boiling.
"So I should aim for a virgin then? I've had many in the past. But now it's too late to call them up. And I don't think you have any friends that fits the criteria? But I'd be forever indebted if you'd keep an eye for one such a Kanya Kumari to be my sex slave. I'll put an add in the classifieds. May be you can help me write it. I'm so glad that you came back to mylife. You're a true friend. You will help me right?" That's one more for team Agni.
"I'd be more than happy to help you. In the mean time I'll send you some books on this matter that I have at the mansion. And we have two doctors and three psychiatrist who specialise in this. You know it's one of the reasons that husbands beat their wives. They blame the woman for his inability. I'm sure you're not as shallow as them and know there is more than one way to please your partner"
"Oh you motor mouth just zip it. Shanelle has chosen Arjun and that's final. And what's saggy in me?" He was clearly irritated.
"Ok what ever helps you go to sleep. Until she signs on the dreaded dotted line you have hope. You have so many pluses. So don't loose hope. Just like Mr. Kannar says as long as you're alive you have hope. Show her what you've got. And she'll be yours forever. Don't forget to send me an invitation to the wedding. I'd even give the customary toast if you don't mind. By the way the score is 1:0 to team Astha. Bet luck next time Peter the Great."
He almost had her. She snapped but she realised it before she reacted, he was cursing himself. He wanted to get a reaction from her. He saw her getting effected when be was praising Shanelle. That gave him hope. She's still single. Maybe. She pretends to be with sky boy. She's doing the same thing he's trying to do to her. He got it.
"Let's go. I will drop you home. What would you're sky boy think of me if he finds out that his precious cargo was made to travel in a unsafe Taxi? Plus what if My Chanel girl finds out. I'd loose points. Don't argue. Just get in the truck. I'll close up and come. It's getting late"
She wasn't keen on travelling in a cab back home anyways. But she wasn't going to go with him just like that. "Oh., don't worry he's got no expectations from you. Plus he knows I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. He trusts me completely"
"You may be Bruce Lee's long lost sister. I don't give a damn, you're here so it makes me my responsibility. If anyone ones going to rape you he's not going to ask you does you're boyfriend trust you. Which planet are you from? Just get in the damn truck and we'll be on our way" he closed the warehouse doors with the remote. Locked the steel gate attached to the wall. And sat in the truck. He opened the passenger door from inside. Pancy got in quickly. She was still standing outside the truck. He honked once. She was startled. He laughed seeing her reaction. "Get in. I'm not asking you to spend the rest of my life with you. Just offering you a lift back home" she looked at him with her big eyes. How he missed his chucky. She slowly approached the truck not breaking eye contact. Pancy was not one to let them have any alone time. He barked licked Astha as she got in.
"One condition. Not another word from you" she said looking at him.
"Fine by me" saying he put the radio.
Pancy wanted to put his head out so she let him sit in the corner. She was next to Shlok. He looked at Pancy once and they were on there way. They felt the atmosphere inside the truck getting too close to comfort. But he knew and was sure of himself. He wasn't going to act on his impulses. That's the last thing he wants to do, and offend her. Not going to happen. He told himself. He was trying to think of other things, anything other than his Astha, sitting mere inches away from him. I knew just a touch and he could loose all the control. He couldn't afford any psychical contact at all.
She sat next to him, inhaling masculine scent. He still smelled the same as he used to. He still used the same perfume, Clive Christian. She had bought the same. Sometimes used to spray it On to her. So that she can feel his scent. She hoped and prayed he never finds out about it. Thinking about it brought and smile to her face. He noticed it all too.
Just like the first time he gave her a lift. The first time they kissed. They both still remembered everything. Every minute detail. Nothing's forgotten. Not the love, the moments and also the pain. They lived with it. She tried to but she feels alive when she's thinking of him.
She now has few good friends. Sunny after serving her time managed to get a working visa with the help of Akash. Akash and his newly wedded wife Kalpana too were part of the group. He was more like a big brother to her than her legal adviser. She listened to him. Few girls that works with her in the office. They were a close knit unit. Filo and Sunny were the matriarchs of the clan. She loved Filo as much she loves her own mother. She stood by her. Even when she was in the prison she visited her. Gave her courage and love. Sunny lived in the mansion with Filo and the rest. Astha turned it into safe house for abused women. She works closely with other such foundations. The ones she feels is doing actual legitimate work.
Astha kept in touch with Mary. She visits her with Samuel once a month. She's got few more month to compete her prison term. They all awaited her return.
She anonymously donates to many Charities as well. Lawrences' son Christen whose now 25 has taken over the business. She trusts him. Even Lawrence had cleaned up his act. Looks after some aspects of the day to day functions. His daughter Christina handles the legal aspects of the company, so it's still a family's business. Sylvia and her lover still doing time for their part in the murder of James. Astha still has the last say in all things. Everyone was doing their bit. All walked away happy and contenet.
Radio kept the silence at bay. She was hoping they won't play any of their songs. No Nickelback. No U2. She kept her hand on Pancy. After awhile he too got tired of looking out. He was sleepy. Settled his big heavy head on her lap. She kept soothing his head.
The next moment the truck came to stop. It was dark everywhere she looked. But she didn't feel scared. She knew she's safe. Nothing bad will ever happen to her when he's with her. She looked at him he was looking at her with love and desire oozing from within. She saw the tinkle in his eyes. Pancy seemed to be outside. He came forward towards her. Cupped her face with his rough hands. They used to be very soft. All that hard work seemed to have made his hands rough. She put her hand on his. Her face seemed to be on fire. She missed his touch. The feel of his skin on her awakened a many different emotions she thought and promised herself never to feel again. But she was helpless. There wasn't anything she could do about it. She gave into her desire. He seemed to be feeling the same way. She felt it. In his touch. The way he breathed. The way he looked at her. He wanted her and missed her as much she wanted him.
No one could imagine how much she missed him. Every single waking minute. Even when she's sleeping she'd dream about him. His scent seemed to liger around her all the time. That's when she decided to buy the perfume. At least then she knew she's not going crazy. She's not imaging things.
He kept looking at her face. Not saying anything. She wanted him to kiss her. Kiss her for all the goodnight kisses and good morning kisses she missed from him. Kiss her for all the see you soon kisses she missed. Or the just cause I love you kisses. But he was just looking at her. She was getting irritated and impatient. That's when she decided to take matters to her own hand. She reached towards him. and then she was feeling something warm and fluffy on her face. Then it licked her. He was looking at her alright. But not with desire and wanting but with a smirk and irritation.
She realised she had been dreaming. She opened her eyes fully. They were parked outside her apartment building. The time was 10.27 she realised it's happened again. She's fallen asleep and he had just let her sleep. What's wrong with him? Why couldn't he just wake me up? How long was I snoozing in his car? She remembered the time last she checked was around 7.10 and they had made half way through.
"Why the hell didn't you wake me up? What's wrong with you? Do like to look at others sleep? Is this some sort of sick habit you have? She was fuming. Actually she was pretending to be angry. She fell in love with him again and again with the little things that he does. She didn't want her mask to be taken off so soon. She wasn't sure how long she can keep this going. But she intended to carry on as long as she could.
He didn't say anything. Just kept looking at her. Then she finally realised he was waiting for her to get out of the truck. "Thank you for the lift. It was very generous of you. I'd be forever indebted to you for this kind gesture. You can add this to the final bill. I'll pay it all together. Or do you want the money now? I can give it to you" saying she was reaching for her wallet.
"Shove you're money in an appropriate place. I don't give a shit. Now just get the hell out so that we can be on our way back home. We too like to sleep you know. I'm not a vampire." Saying he stepped on the accelerator.
"Not yet, but I swear I see a those k-9s are coming. Look in the mirror when you brush your teeth. Oh I forgot you vampires can't see their reflection. I will check it for you next time" she said reaching for the door handle.
Hugged Pancy one last time kissed his head. "Don't let your master drink your blood" whispered in his ears. And she got out of the truck. He got out with her. The road was a busy with vehicles zipping past in front of her. She tried few times. But the vehicles didn't seem to notice her. He stepped in front of her. Put his hand up for the incoming car. It stopped. He moved across the road she followed him. She entered her security pin and the small door opened. She stepped Inside. She looked back to see if he was gone before closing the Metal door. He was still waiting for her. He can't help being himself. Help caring about her. She saluted and closed the door.
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