She didn't know how things got so out of hand every time she comes near him. She just wanted to make him jealous. For him to feel the pain of loosing her. But she got more than she bargained for. She was sitting in her room all by herself. Still in her gown and stilettos discarded carelessly on the floor. Her make up all smeared. She been trying to get rid of it all the way from the party. But she just messed it totally.
She wanted to call him up and tell him she's sorry. That she knows he loves her, that she doesn't want to cut him. She does not want to see him bleed. She kept looking at the phone. The picture of him smiling at her. And then she remembered the way he looked. Totally shattered and lost. She did it to him. She made him smile in the picture and it was she who was responsible for cutting him in to pieces even when he asked her not to.
She cursed herself for not having the ability to cry anymore. She wanted to cry her heart out. But he has taken away that from her as well. She's not been able to feel true emotions ever since she lost her baby. Since He stopped trusting her.
She hated herself for the vicious things she said to him. Was it deliberate? Yes and no. She knew she was saying them, she could've stopped if she wanted to. But she chose not to. Because deep down she knew how much she was hurt and let down by him. He abandoned her when she needed him the most. She was left alone to fend for herself when she needed his protection the most.
Finally when she managed to conjure up enough courage to call him his phone was switched off. She knew what he must be doing. She refused to accept it he's drowning himself in alcohol because of her. She drove him to it. She wanted to go to him. Tell him she's sorry. Not to waste his life for her. She's the one that's sick. Sick with hurt. Sick with love.
Almost two weeks after that horrible day she was at her favourite book store waiting in line to pay for new purchase. And the lady standing in front of her dropped a small picture. But she didn't seem to notice it. She saw it was her and a very handsome young man. She's laughing and his face close to her neck kissing her fiery red hair. They seemed so happy. She seemed very familiar and the handsome young man's eyes seemed known to her.
Astha picked it up tapped her her shoulder from behind. She turned and Astha immediately recognised the lady with the red hair. Even though it was covered with the scarf. Not all was concealed. It was Mrs. Kannar. Janie Girl. She gave Astha the warmest smile she's ever seen. "You dropped this" and she took the picture from her hand and kissed it and said "oh! thank you so much. I would've died if I had lost this. I would've hugged you and given you a kiss as well, but I don't want you to think I'm some kind of crazy old woman with red hair" Astha smiled at her seeing her openness.
Then it was Janes' turn to pay. Jane excused herself and walked up to the cashier to pay for her current favourite author Alice Munro's collection of short stories. Next was Astha's turn to pay she paid for the latest Tess Gerritsen murder mystery.
Jane waited for Astha to finish. She waited by the entrance. "Thank you so much. You don't know how precious this picture is to me" she said again. "You're most welcome. You're Mrs. Kannar. Am I right?" Asked Astha.
"Have we met before. You seem very familiar. I would've never forgotten such a beautiful face" said Jane looking at her dressed in a beautifully hand embroidered white blouse and a pair of brown jeans.
"No. But I have met Mr. Kannar. He's an amazing person" said Astha with gratitude laced in her words.
"I know now from I know you. You're the great Astha Almeida the fearless. My Jay has said so much about you. You're so much beautiful in the flesh. I know why he never mentioned how pretty you are. I would've been mighty jealous of all his praise for you" she said looking at Astha in admiration and trying to hide her glee. Her plan seemed to be falling in to plan easier than expected.
It all started when few days earlier Shanelle had come to meet her asking for her advice and help. Jane was more than willing to help. And hearing the sad state of things with Shlok and Astha she was more than determined to bring this lost souls back together. Shanelle was very distraught indeed. Told her all about what Shlok said to Arjun and his drinking binge. "Don't worry dear We will do it". With the help of Arjun they found out about her routines. And that day Jane called Astha's office pretending to be a representative from a NGO wanting to meet Astha. When she insisted that she meet her today itself and asked where she'll be today. Then her colleague informed her that she will be at the book store. That's when Jane got her window of opportunity to lay the trap. She was close to the mall when she called. So was able to make it there in no time. As she entered she saw her browsing through the fictions section. She stayed hidden between the isles. Keeping watch. She thoroughly enjoyed the process. Stalking Astha reminded Jane Kannar of her favourite Agatha Christie's Poirot. Dressed in a light green and yellow floral dress with nude wedges and a Scarf around her neck and sunglasses resting on her head completed the disguise. But she was visible like a red beacon.
"This was meant to happen. I always say to my friend there are no coincidences in life. Meeting you here today proved me again I'm not wrong" Jane said to Astha beaming with happiness.
"Can you please spare me few minutes of your time? I know you're a very busy lady" she was slowly but surely laying the trap.
"Of course Mrs. Kannar" said Astha without the slightest inclination to what awaits her.
"It's Jane. call me Jane please. See I still have all my teeth and no grey hairs either. My mother in law passed away long back, God rest her soul" she said to Astha with her signature warm smile with her Blue eyes twinkling.
"How are you my dear? You look great. I'm so happy to finally meet you. I think you're an amazingly brave girl. You carried yourself with such grace and dignity. I'm honoured to meet you" Jane continued.
"The pleasure is all mine Mrs.K.. Jane. Ever since I heard about you I've wanted to meet you" aid Astha.
"Who told you about me? I know it's not my Jay" asked Jane pleasantly surprised.
"Shlok told me. He even showed me a picture of you" said Astha trying not to think of that night. Jane saw the pain in her when she mentioned his name. She's hurting, aching for him. Thought Jane.
"Shlok as in Agnihotri?" Asked Jane.
"Yes" was the simple answer.
"Anyways God willed us to meet and finally we met. I'm so glad. Tell me what are you doing next Saturday evening?" Asked Jane looking at her with hope.
"I've not planned anything. I don't go out much at all" she said unable understand what Jane had in mind.
"Oh! That's just great news. You have to come to our place. It's Jay's birthday. Please say you'll come. He'll be so happy to see you again doing so well for yourself. My dear Astha, I hope you don't mind me calling you Astha? Your presence will be the best gift. Please say you'll be there" pleaded Jane.
"You're very kind to include me Jane. But I'd be so out of place. I don't know anyone. I'm not used to all of this. Please don't misunderstand me" said Astha feeling bad about having to decline her sincere invitation.
"There won't be a big crowd. It's just us and Jays good friend the Kaurs their kids. Then theres Arjun. You know detective Gokhle. He'll come with his girlfriend Shanelle. That'll be all" she said.
It's a very private party. But we'll have lots of fun. Music and dance. Good food. I promise I make good indian food now. Please say you'll come and give us the honour of having you at our humble home" she pleaded again.
"I don't know Jane. I might have to go out of town for work" said Astha afraid to say no and hurt her. She looked very sincere and everything about her amazed her. She was just as she imagined her to be. So full of life and little bit pushy, over enthusiastic but she was not at all rude or arrogant. She was very warm and friendly. Astha was amazed at the difference between the two. The way SSP Kannar spoke to her very dignified very stern and reserved. She on the other hand so open and full of life.
"If not for me do it for him. Just imagine how happy he'd be to see you on his birthday of all days. At least for few minutes say you'll come" said the mistress of manipulation.
"Okay! I will if nothing urgent doesn't come up" said Astha finally succumbing to her pleades.
"Oh! Thank you... Thank you... You're very kind and generous. This will be the best birthday ever. So I'll see you at our place on 17th at 7 o'clock. Give me your number I'll whatsapp you the address" she said almost spilling her coffee in her excitement wen jane held her hand I here's.
"I'm usually very well behaved. Not all cuckoo like now. It's just that I'm so happy and excited. Thank you my dear. Please don't be afraid of my silly ways. I'm not always like this" she said taking her hand away from hers.
"You don't have to apologise for anything. I'm very glad that I met you too. And I think you're a
Very wonderful lady. It'll be my honour to be at you're place. Thank you for thinking that I'm worthy to be part of his special day" she said feeling emotional.
"If I didn't know better I'd think you're mocking me. Are you missy?" She asked with a toss of her fiery red hair. Seeing her discomfort she quickly said "You're very innocent. I was just joking. I'm sorry I have to rush. But we will be seeing you at our place on Saturday" saying she stood up and Astha instinctively stood up as well. Jane leaned forward and gave her warm hug. "It was so nice to meet you finally. Call me if anything" saying she was on her way.
That day Jane couldn't wait till Jay to come home. She had so much to talk about.
"Did you win the lottery" asked Jay seeing the glow in her face.
"I did" answered Jane sitting on his lap with a kiss to his scared cheeck.
"Oh really what" asked Jay with a kiss to her chin.
"Tall mocking sarcastic indian" she said resting her head in her favourite place. Close to his heart.
"Prize of questionable value I must say" said he wrapping his hands around her.
"I know. I was cheated. Pierce Brosnan was already taken so I took what's left"
"What are you up to Janie" he asked her looking at her.
She sprung to action "Oh! Baby guess whom I met today at the book store"
"Let me guess looking at your happiness I'd say it's the reincarnated Oscar Wild"
"Is that even possible. Oh baby... I would've eloped with him without a second thought"
"Janie cut the crap. Tell me what are you upto"
"you're the one crapping not me. I'm still here with you bearing all your insults" she said with a pinch to his cheeck.
"Janie out with it. I know you're scheming something. Who is it this time? Gokhle and that Gehi girl almost married off. Who's next. Don't tell me it's our lady Myra"
"Will you please let me talk without you're sarcastic remarks? I met Astha. Baby you should've seen her. she so alone. She's what 22-23 but she's living like a granny. Baby she's not with anyone. She sleeps, eats wakes up all alone. There's no one in her life. Books keeps her company not real people. Believe me if she's seeing anyone she'd be shining like a disco ball. There's no one baby"
"Janie I'm telling you again don't meddle in their lives. It's not for you to decide. Their lives are already complicated and don't need us to be meddling in them and make it more complicated" he said making her look at him.
"But if we don't who will. Baby I know what she's feeling. I was in her position once. I had no one to help me. It's a horrible place to be in. And I wasn't even betrayed. Can you imagine her pain? You men can't. He think she's happy and warming someone else's bed. He sees nothing. He can't see the hurt in her eyes. The loneliness in her heart the emptiness in her eyes. He just sees the fake smile and hears the brave words. Please help me" she said rubbing her nose in his.
"We need to get them together. She won't survive without him. I know he's not doing any better either. He may have all the fancy cars and a thriving business but that's it. His life is as empty as hers. The only plus in his life is that fur ball. And us of course" she said teasing him with her soft kisses.
"Ok. I'll help you. Let's adopt them. I promise to brush her teeth and give her bath every night with Myra" he said
"I'm being serious Jay"
"So am I. I think we should let her sleep between us to feel the warmth. She will kiss me goodnight. I will too"
"Mr. Kannar will you just shut up and help me save the girl. You're the most sane person I know so do what you have to do. No washing her in the shower needed. She's capable of doing her things. And you didn't tell me she's beautiful"
"Now you know why I didn't. You're jealously is worse than fire. Destroys everything" he said
"I'm not jealous of you. You're not that handsome. I've seen better. Bedsides I'll deal with Rudra" she said teasingly.
"So tell me what you want me to do?"
"Talk to them, that's what you do best. Brain fixing"
"That's it. No spanking"
"No spanking of the ladies and No handcuffing"
"Then you want me to tie them up together" asked Jay
"No. but adopting does sound very alluring. Don't you think so baby?"
"Why you want to have more? Rudra will be more than happy to oblige. Just Say the word" said Jay standing up with her holding on to him still. Jane knew that was the end of discussing anything for the night.
Finally it was Saturday. Astha got out of the cab with bit of apprehension. She had a bouquet of white lilies and a dark blue paper bag with a book about Mohamed Ali. She knew he used to box. And Jane when she called said he likes to read autobiographies.
She opened the White gate and stepped inside. The path from the gate to the main entrance was lined with white painted bricks. She knew without a doubt that she was in the right place. How she couldn't explain but she felt it was the place. The cold breeze failed to erase the warmth she felt stepping along the white bricked path.
As she got closer to the door she heard the sound of female laughter. She had forgotten to laugh like that. She wished she could again. She was having second thoughts about coming here. Can she enjoy being happy? Does she know how to be happy?
Then came the unmistakable sounds of kids. Giggles and whispers all coming from the other side of the door. Then in an instant the door opened and girl of about 7-8 with the same blue eyes, long legs...too tall for the tender face and beautiful black hair braided like in the olden days dressed in a lavender coloured dress stood in front of her and said "Mommy, come fast there is beautiful princess in our garden. Glad to make your acquaintance your highness. My name is Lady Myra Elisabeth Kannar. You may call me Lady Myra. I hope you're not here to take my Prince Charming away from me. He's only mine you know. If you're interested I will ask my daddy the king and the birthday boy to find you a suitor, but don't take mine away. I feel you're here to take him away from me" the little girl with pout and held out her hand to her.
"I'm not here to take away you're Prince Charming. I promise. My name is Astha. I'm so honoured to make your acquaintance as well Lady Myra" she said taking her tiny hand.
"I'm not worried. He loves me the most. He promised me he'll wait for me to grow up. has eyes only for me. Almost all the guests have arrived. Please come in" she said pulling her by the hand towards the house. She remembered Shlok's words in his drunken outburst when she met him first time at the warehouse. So this his Lady Myra. Her heart filled regret yet again thinking of him. Of the pain she caused him.
Just then the lady of the house walked towards her. Dressed in a blue polka dot dress With her signature warm smile and fiery red hair came up to her hurriedly and gave her the warmest most sincere embrace she's had in a very long time. She didn't remember the last time anyone hugging her so warmly. She felt her energy. She felt recharged. Her positive energy seemed to flow right through to her.
Astha! You came. I'm so happy. Please come in. We all await you. Specially Jay"
"I promised so here I am" said Astha feeling glad about the decision to come.
"Jay come add see whose come" Jane shouted entering the house.
They entered the house and the sounds got louder. She noticed the walls adorned with rows of pictures. Memories captured for a life time. The house was a home. She felt the warmth of the residents walking through the living room to the backyard. Mr. Kannar having heard his wife's calling made his way towards the two ladies. With a friendly smile he greeted her "Thank you for coming. I'm very glad to see you Mrs. Almeida" he said. Seeing him once again reminded her of the first time she met him. Lying in that hospital bed having lost all. This man came to her like her guardian angel and gave her hope. He was the father she always wished but never had. The last time she met him was outside the court house blessing her for the future. Her heart filled with deep gratitude and eyes with a tear. Mr. Kannar noticed it.
"Have I changed so much. I just turned 42. Not 100. I still have few more years to live. I hope"
"Happy birthday sir. I'm glad I came. Thank you for inviting me" she said shaking his hand.
"Astha dear won't you at least give him a kiss. He's been waiting all day for your kiss. Don't disappoint my Jay on his special day" said Jane looking at her.
"Janei stop making her feel uncomfortable" said Jay.
"I'm just trying to make your wishes come true. Come Astha lets go out the garden. I'll introduce you to the others.
As she stepped out to the back garden she was transformed into a magical dream world. The trees decorated with lights. It reminded her of fireflies. Scented candles lit all along the flower beds. Lanterns hanging from two mango trees. Soft piano music by Yurima created the perfect mood. She was in an enchanted garden full of magic. It was still winter but the atmosphere felt like the first glimpse of Spring. The lights and the scent from the candles the first blooms. The soft soothing music the breeze and flow of melting ice.
In the middle of the garden there was a long table covered with cotton linen with embroidered white flowers. Finest China and shimmering fine silver. Pristine white napkins with silver ornate napkin rings. Fresh flower arrangements in the middle of the table added to the elegance of the table setting. It really looked like the table set for royal feast.
"Hi, I'm Rohan. I'm an Autobot" said the little boy with the confidence of a well groomed young man. "I'm looking to recruit soldiers for the final battle. Would you like to join" asked the little commander.
"I'm Astha. I'd love to. Where do i sign up" she said with a salute. He ran back inside the house. "That's our son" said Jane with pride.
"They both are so adorable" Astha said looking at Myra who was on the swing with another girl little bit older to her.
Jane introduced her to Mrs. Anju Kaur and her husband Mr. Jeet Kaur, who also happens to be Jays' good friend and boxing coach. Their two kids Madu 13 and Sanjeev 20. Astha liked them all very much. Next was Arjun. She remembered him very well. The kind and caring police officer who also happened to be his best friend. He looked extremely happy to be there and greeted her with his genuine smile. Then it was Shanelle Gehi. Her competitor. But she looked very much in love with Arjun. Her eyes tinkled with happiness and content looking at him. She knew she's got nothing to fear. It was just his way of making her feel jealous. She cursed her treacherous mouth for the filth she said about her to Shlok. Shanelle was just as warm and welcoming like Jane when Astha extended her hand instead gave her a hug. And told her she's very happy to meet her. That she's heard a lot about from Jane. Astha was made to feel right at home. She felt so relaxed and calm.
She was forgetting her pains. She sat on one of these soft garden chairs with the other ladies with a glass of champagne in hand. She wished she could take this moment with her. Live in it and never return to her empty life back at the apartment.
Hearing the giggles and chatter of the kids. Watching them play hide and seek under the table and behind the trees. Rohan even came and sought refuge behind her. Seeing the disappointment of being caught or the happy dance of Myra for being so clever at hiding and eluding all the efforts of Madu to find her. Then there was Shanelle and Arjun stealing glances at every given opportunity. Him blushing when she secretly blow kisses at him. And the love and admiration in his eyes for his girl. Mrs. Kaur reminding her husband that they'd need to go home in one piece so to be mind of the number of drinks he takes. And him retiring saying I have my driver now. Referring to their son whose just got his drivers license. Mr. Kannar asking Anju to have drink too since it's his birthday. And the best of all seeing her dream couple together in action. Jane flirting and instigating him for a dance or just sitting next him on the arm rest of the chair and placing a soft kiss on his cheek and he asking her to behave. She for the first time saw how real families live. She realised that's what she's missing staying away from him. That's all that she wanted for the two of them. She missed him. She was the only one without the other half. She wrapped her arms around as if to keep her emotions from escaping her. Not to feel the emptiness.
She was looking at Jane and Mr. Kannar dancing to the soft melody Yurima was playing for them. She remembered the few times she managed drag him to dance with her. And the crazy and funny dance he did while singing Bieber's song.
She missed him. She wished to see him. She felt like taking a cab and going to the warehouse that very moment to say she's sorry and that she loves him beyond measure. That she needs him more than words could ever express. She emptied the rest of her champagne hoping it will give her some solace. But it failed to. She felt the cold breeze. She wrapped her arms around her once more this time even more tightly. She wished she had put on a scarf just in case it gets chilly. It was a warm day. It has been for the past few days.
Arjun and Shanelle too joined the dance floor. She was holding him close to her. All the women seemed reach only up to their chest. The Kaurs too joined after Madu urged them to dance.
She was looking at the three couples dancing. All in love but at different stages of their relationship. But that didn't seem to make a difference to them. All that mattered was that they love and respected each other. Cared for the other ones needs and happiness. Was willing to do things that you're not comfortable doing just because it made the other one so happy and special. The faith and trust that no matter what won't think bad of you. She wanted all that for her and Shlok. They had it once. But he took it all away from her. Everything was destroyed. But she wished to see him. She wanted to know he was well. Not half drunk like he was the the previous time. She was startled when she heard the familiar sound of a bark. And all the kids ran towards the house except Myra. She stayed where she stood.
She knew who has come and her heart was ready explode with excitement. Then there he was. Looking handsome as ever. He never needed any fancy clothes to look good. He just did. At least to her she did. May be to others he looked like totally unappealing. But for her he was all that. Dressed in white shirt and dark blue blazer and blue Levi's jeans he walked out into the garden. She couldn't take her eyes of her. Jane came up to him and he greeted her with a kiss to the cheek and gave her bouquet of pink roses. Then walked up to his mentor wished for his birthday. She looked on. Then his attention turned towards the little princes that was sitting on the garden swing with hands wrapped around her and head bent down. He went down on one knee in front of her. She looked the other side.
"My lady I'm but a fool not to greet thou first. Please Forgive thee. For there was no other option. The king and queen needed to be greeted first otherwise your prince will have to look yonder for a fair maiden. I did it for your happiness. Will you please accept this rose as a token of my undying love and devotion and put me out of thy misery" said the Prince Charming taking a red rose out of his blazer pocket. All waited with bated breath to see if the princes has been pardoned her prince.
She lifted her head and took the Rose from his hand smelled it. Then held out her right hand and he placed a kiss on it. "Thou shall be forgiven. But next time I will not be so merciful" she said. He grabbed her hand placed many kisses on her hand. "You may rise" she commanded. And he did as told. As soon as he stood up she hugged him. He picked her up and kissed her checks as she kept her chin on his shoulder and said "I'm afraid bad times are ahead for us. I think we will be destined to go our separate ways. There's someone else for you. Not me. She's already here. And she's been watching you like a hawk"said the little princes.
"I beg you don't say such unpleasant words and break my heart. I've lost once not you too. Who is it this other woman that you speak of. Fear not my love, I will banish her from your kingdom" asked the princess. Then she whispers something to his ear and he slowly turns around to see the other woman.
And time stops for him. She's here. How? Why? How did she know?
"Agnihotri put my first born down. You marry her over my dead body" says the king Jay.
"My prince don't listen to him. Daddy please I beg of you he's the only one for me" pleads the heartbroken princess.
"Myra Elisabeth Kannar your farther speaks to you"
"I choose him daddy. He's the most handsome. I love him. Don't take me away from him. I'll die daddy" she pleads.
Two people were lost in that moment of time. They heard nothing saw nothing but each other. He In his own private hell. She relieved to see him. He's ok. He's here. She forgot all the fights all the pain. All that mattered to her was that he's ok and the he's standing right in front of her. She wanted to run up to him and hug him and tell him she's sorry. That She's with no one. That all she wanted was him. That she needs him. She wanted to tell him to hold her in his arms and never let her go.
Pancy is the ice breaker. Or the trance breaker. He came barging in looking for Astha. Barked few times seeing her. Then was all over her. With his paws on her lap and tail wagging at an alarming rate. She hugged him. She he kept looking at him. She couldn't hug him so she was hugging the next best thing that's closest to him. He hugs him. His scent was in Pancy as well. She kissed his head still keeping her eyes on him. Hoping he'd get the message. She wasn't that courages to go up to him and hug him or kiss him. But seeing his tenderness towards his lady Myra made her touch her stomach. She wished she didn't loose her baby. She was able to save her some how. He would've made the most amazing father. Would've dotted on their baby. But it's too late to be thinking what would've and could've been.
He just put Lady Myra down and joined the men. Her heart sank seeing him walk away without even a nod or a smile. It's as if he didn't see her.
Arjun and Shanelle too hugged him. Shlok even kissed Shani on the cheek. Astha watched them all with envy. Everyone gets to hug and kiss him except me. She was sulking.
He on the other hand was looking for sky boy. But he was no where to be seen. She's alone. But that doesn't change anything. She's with him. She's not his. For the first time he wasn't sure if he was happy to see her not. Seeing Arjun and Shanelle flirt and giggle with love in their eyes. Jane and Jay still behaving like a newly married couple. He wondered why it's never been the same with him. Why cant he live like all the normal people. get married, have kids and live happily? He had it all but you destroyed it all. I'm a sinner. Unworthy of love and happiness. Arjun, Jay are all good people. That's it. It's him.
"Papa! Papa!" he heard a familiar voice. It was his Sandya. She came crashing towards him. Shlok walked towards her. She was in his arms the next momemnt. She hugged her just like always with all her might. Showered him with kisses. Just then Lady Myra walked up to them and said "he's mine. You have no right to kiss him. He's only mine"
"No he's mine. He's my daddy. Papa, tell her you're mine" the two girls were ready get into a dual over him. "My lovely ladies listen to me. I belong to both of you. My baby Sandy yes I'm yours. only yours. I'll always be you're papa" then he took Myra to the other side of his lap and said "my beautiful sweet Lady Myra I'll always be yours and only yours until you find your real Prince Charming. Nothing or no one's gonna change that. You hear me" saying he hugged both of them. And they hugged him back. "I don't want no other Prince Charming. You're the only one for me. I will get daddy's permission. I promise" she said tightening the hold in him. "Ok my lady... Will cross that bridge when we get to that" he said.
Astha was looking at them with wanting to speak to him. But the little ladies kept him all to themselves. He was avoiding her glances. The more he ignored the more she wanted to speak him.
When they cut the cake and all were singing happy birthday he saw her singing carrying Rohan in her hands and for a moment he saw his girls. She looked happy. She would've made the most amazing mother. She kissed his cheek. After wiping away the icing from his cheek. She looked at him. And he looked away.
She really liked Shanelle. She was very friendly and easy to talk to. They had similar likes and dislikes. Jane was busy as a bee. Playing the perfect host. But keeping an eye on her babies. She was happy seeing the glances and discomfort and the twinkle in the eyes. Her plan is working. They are seeing each other. But they were not getting any opportunity to talk. The kids and the men kept Shlok busy and unavailable. She wanted to change that.
Shanelle came up to Shlok and asked for a dance. He wasn't keen on dancing. But didn't want to make her feel bad. Shani had planned this with Arjun. He was to ask Astha for a dance. But she declined. She watched as Shanelle danced with him. She was a very good dancer indeed. He wasn't lying. She thought. She felt pinch of jealousy seeing her close to him. She's not been able to come within two feet of him all night and here he was dancing inches away from another girl. Holding her looking at her smiling at with her.
It was time to have dinner. And Jane made sure or more like trapped them to be seated next to each other. Sholk sat very reluctantly next to her. Astha was more than happy to be seated next to him Finlay. She could smell his fragrance. Almost rubbed shoulders with him. Her fingers seemed to burn with fire when they both reached for the same dish.
"Daddy please tell me you'll let me marry my prince. If you let me marry him I promise I won't leave you and Mommy. I'll always stay with you" Myra was at it again.
"Okay that's such a relief. Janie arrange the guest room then. Here I was worrying thinking that one day you'd leave us my lady Myra"
"Why the guest room. He stays in my room. He needs to be with me to save me from monsters. You can give aunty Astha the guest room since you want Mommy to adopt her"
"Myra Kannar this conversation ends now. If you're done with your food you may be excused" said Jane. Her cover in threatened. She needed to act fast. Astha and Shlok didn't seem notice the conversation wad about. They seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.
Everyone seemed to be engrossed in praising the scrumptious feast Jane had prepared and the normal chitter chatter. Astha finally mustered up enough courage to talk to him.
Astha said "Hi" looking at him. But he just went about his meal. But she can't see he's dying sitting next to her. All he wants to do is put his arms around her feel her warmth ones more. Tell her he missed him. Every single say. But it's not for him to decide now. She's made her choice. And he's got no choice but to accept it.
"When will the car be ready?" She asked "soon" was the cold answer he gave her.
"How are you!" She was hoping to see some sort of emotion from him.
"Alive" it pained her to hear him talk with such empty words.
"Shlok... I'm sorry for what happened the other day. I'm sorry for the things I said. You know I'm not like that. I was like a poisonous snake. I was viscous. Please forgive me. Shlok... Please say some thing. I don't know what happens to me when I'm around you. Shlok... Say something. Please" she was pleading.
"Stop it" he said irritated
"What" it was happening again.
"Drama. Not interested" he said
"I'm telling you how I feel and that I'm sorry and you want me to stop the drama because you're not interested" she asked trying to keep her voice down.
"Yes. I don't f*****g care whom you f***" he whispered angrily. Gritting his teeth.
"Just stay away from me. With your lame excuse. I'm done being manipulated by you" he continued on.
"When did I manipulate?" She asked defensively.
"Astha I said just stop it. There's nothing to talk. I fix you bloody car and we never see each other again. Understood?"
"Very much. Fine by me" she said dreading the Thought of never seeing him again.
"Thank you" said he
"Have you already found another" the venomous snake was back to bite.
"Yes I have"
"Wow! You're fast"
"Not as fast as you are. I have my needs too you know"
"I still remember your needs. Pole installed?"
"Astha just shut it" saying he got up moved towards the mini bar. Jane looked at Jay. She knew things were getting out of hand, and she pleaded with her eyes to Jay to intervene.
"No let's talk. This seems to be the only way we're able to talk" she followed him. Filled her glass with more red wine.
"What makes you think I want to talk to you?"
"How's Mini Cooper? Any mileage added? Or are you still struggling to find the ignition?"
"Why are you so bothered about me. Who the f***am I to you? Why won't you worry about your sky boy. Since when do you drink so much" he just couldn't bring himself to not care about her.
"Since I was tossed away like a piece of shit and lost my baby. Don't you think that's a valid reason to drink"
"By all means. Why should I care. You certainly knows how to have good time. So is it who ever happens to be available for you"
"That's right. All I need is a warm body"
"Agnihotri come with me" Jay came to the rescue. Just like before he followed him without a word. They made their way towards the house.
"What the hell is wrong with you" asked Jay
"Nothing. She started it" said he like a child.
"How old are are you? I think all this Prince Charming shit has gone into your head" Jay was angry.
"Is that the way to talk to someone you claim to love"
"Love! Who said anything about love"
"Yes. You keep telling that yourself maybe someday you'll convince yourself. Agnihotri remember you don't own her you just love her. Never forget that"
"You can only love if you're loved in return" said Shlok
"Then be her support not her embarrassment. Agnihotri how many times you're gonna do it"
"I don't know sir. Do you keep count sir?"
"Not f***. You f***ed up yet again. There's very big difference"
"I f***ed up cause I f***"
"Agnihotri mind your language. I'm still your senior. You never fight with her in public. All circus should be moved to the bed room. Not the other way round. If you love her support her, respect her not drag her through the mud. You did that once. And see what it got you. You're a bling ass. No matter what she says you listen. You're the man. Bare it. Act like it. If you can't loose the pants and get some skirts"
"Sir do you think Mini skirts will look good on me."
"Not with those legs. Agnihotri stop wasting my time. It's ok to love Pancy. But that doesn't mean you have to become one too. We forgive him when he craps in our lawn but not you"
"I'll get doggy diapers for him next time, and adult ones for me. Will that solve the problem Sir"
"Crap in your pants will be the least of your problems if you don't stop being a Nancy. You may not cry like a girl but Seetha mere behen...you whine like one"
"Didi...mei Kiya karoon? Please help me. I'm so lost" Shlok said getting very bold with his Ex-chief.
"Don't cry I didn't iron a second shirt"
"Nobody's gonna notice sir"
Just then Astha came towards Jay and said "sir it's getting late I should probably get going. Thank you for inviting me. Your family is amazing. Thank you once again sir" saying she just moved forward and hugged him and was about to head out when Jay asked her to stop.
"Gokhle, drop Mrs. Almeida and come" and Arjun obliged. Shanelle joined them too. She tried to refuses but no one argues with Jay Kannar.
Shlok just looked on. She didn't even look at him. He did it again. What Jay said to him was ringing in his mind. He was thinking.
He wanted to speak to her. But he didn't have the courage to call him up. He was busy working on her car. He wanted everything to be perfect for her. He did things that was not requested as well.
After few days since the party he was sitting with Pancy and watching a movie. It was raining heavily and he heard a car honking continuously. He looked out the window and saw a cab. He quickly came out without an umbrella even. It was a lady cab driver and she said the passenger said to take her home and gave this address.
He looked inside it was her. She was sleeping. Shlok paid the cab fair thanked her for bringing his wife home safely and carried her inside.
Hindi TV Shows
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