Astha just pulled up the road leading to the warehouse. And he saw Shlok getting out of his Mustang and Jane getting out from the drivers side. Jane came upto him and gave kiss on his left cheek and a high five. They both laughed looking at each other. Then came the rest of the gang out side to greet the speed demons. Shanelle came and hugged him as well. All laughed saying something to Arjun. He was mocking to punch Shlok. Challenging him for a dual. Shanelle went up to Arjun pulled him towards her and kissed him in front of everyone. As if to reassure Arjun that she's with him, who seemed to be sad with what ever everyone said and for laughing. She's not part of them. He seemed to be totally taken out off guard. But she wasn't in the mood to let go of her man. The two intruders left the lost lovers to their act of affection and walked inside.
Astha was happy to see him happy. Smiling genuinely. He's doing ok. He's got true friends she thought looking at them. Then suddenly Shlok came out with a bucket and said something to Shanelle who then quickly moved away from Arjun and Shlok splashed the soapy water on his dear friend. Jane looked on with her hand on her mouth and giggling. He was being congratulated for reaching first base with his girl. Shanelle was laughing clutching her stomach. Arjun lunged at Shlok who was laughing. He took few steps back and then he stopped and punched his chest as if to challenge him to do what ever. Instead of doing anything to Shlok, Arjun turned and walked up to Shanelle and kissed her once more. Both Shlok and Jane was left shell shocked. It's as if he dared Shlok to do what ever he want he's not done kissing his girl.
She could hear Shlok cheering his friend for his bravery with whistles and claps. She reversed the car down the slope slowly on neutral mode. Is he over me? She couldn't but wonder. But what she didn't know was that since that day he's been coming to her almost every day in the evening. Wait for her to return to her apartment. Watch her as she come to her balcony with her tea in hand sip it looking down at the street below. She was in the 5th floor. So he could see her very clearly. Some days he would stay parked until the lights go off in her apartment.
It was his way of being close to her. Making sure she's come home safely and she's in the comfort of her home. He made it a habit to see her everyday. He remembered what she told him about having no one. No one at all. Just an empty apartment. He wished he could be with her. Keep her company while slept. She's not ready to see him yet. She knows what he feels. So it's up to her, the ball is in her court.
He missed her, and he knew that she missed him too. Their lives seemed to be like dead wood on a frozen lake.
She had waited as long as she could stay without seeing him. That's when she decided to come and see him. But now she was wondering if it was a good idea. She had thought of calling him many a lonely moment. She was unable to stop thinking about him. Every time something good or new happened to her the first person that she wanted to share it was him. She missed him. She had kept the sweatshirt and the pant. They had become her favourite clothes to wear when at home.
Driving away back home she was sad. She should've been happy seeing him happy and enjoying. She was. But she was sad feeling may be he's not missing her as much as she is missing him. Images of his smiling face kept flashing in front of her. She wanted to remember and cherish his image in her heart.
She was sitting in her apartment wondering what she's going to do during the long weekend coming up in few days time. The work seemed to be going on smoothly. Sunny and Akash was handling most of the work very efficiently. She was able to take things easy. Sunny knew she wasn't feeling too good. She didn't ask her anything. But told her she can take things easy if she wants take few days off even. But Astha liked what she did. But she was glad for not being required to attend every hearing. She was not in the mood to be arguing with prison officials or try and convince unwilling wives to leave her abusive husbands.
She was startled when her mobile stated to ring. She looked at her phone wondering who could it be this late. Then she saw the name flashing. It was him. She quickly answered.
"Astha, I'm sorry to be calling you so late. But I need a big favour from you" she was elated and her happiness knew no bounds at that moment to be listing to his voice. She felt like a teenager that waited for her crush to call and finally he calls. That too to ask for a favour. Life couldn't get any better. She realised she was smiling like a idiot.
She tried to compose herself and finally found her voice to talk to him. "What ever happened to common decency? Like hello! How are you? Nothing. I'm well thank you. How about you." She mocked him.
"Astha, forgive me for lack of manners. Are you free tomorrow. Please I need you to keep Pancy for one day. I have to go to Delhi for an auction. And Arjun has been put on the graveyard shift. I called Jane as well. Myra is down with chickenpox. Plus I can't put him in a kennel either cause he's never been kept in s cage. Tell me will you be able to baby sit him until I come back?" Shlok was saying all he planned to say.
"Wow! Take a breath. You'll collapse now. I'll do it. You don't have to give me explanations. I didn't ask you why not others? I love Pancy too you know. But I'm not allowed to keep pets here" she said with a smile on her face.
"I'll come and pick you up Tomorrow morning then. Be ready by 7 o'clock. My flight is at 11.15 I have time. Is that ok with you my lady" he asked feeling very excited.
"Don't bother, I'll drive. I do have means of transportation. In case you've forgotten" she said trying to be irritated. But her heart was jumping with joy.
"I didn't forget. I know very well that you have a fleet of vehicles. I was just trying to be civil. Thank you for agreeing on such short notice" he was very grateful indeed to her for agreeing to come on her own will to be with Pancy. Now he'd be able to go and bid for his most awaited vintage Ferrari that he's been wanting to buy for the longest time.
"You're welcome! I'll be there" saying she knew he was expecting him to end the call first. But he didn't. It was as if he was waiting for her to do the same. She listened to him breathing. He finally disconnected the call. She just jumped out of the bed. Grabbed a small bag to put her clothes and other toiletries. She tried few outfits to decide on clothes she would go to him. Finally she settled for a pair of blue jeans and a yellow top. She wanted to wear a dress or a skit but with Pancy around she knew her modesty was at stake. She was ready even before 6. But she didn't want to seem too eager. Maintain what ever dignity that she still had after turning up drunk at his place. She wanted to buy few food items before going to the warehouse, knowing he hardly cooks. She had made french toast and packed it as well. She still remembered how much he loved it and praised it when she had made it the first time. It has been her favourite as well. She sometimes used to make it for dinner as well.
Few minutes before 7 o'clock she was at the warehouse. As soon as she parked the car Pancy came running and barking up to the car. Her heart warmed seeing the enthusiasm in this big fur ball of unadulterated love and companionship. She slowly managed to get out of the car but wasn't allowed to take a single step. Pancy was all over her. He was standing on his hind legs. With his paws on her hands. Shlok came after him and was watching the reunion. She kept on saying I missed you too so much. "Pancy let her come inside. Don't worry You'll have mommy all to yourself for the whole day. She's staying with you" when Pancy heard Shlok say as if he understood every word looked at him and let go of her and started to sniff her feet. Shlok came up to her and helped her with the bags filled with groceries.
"Whats all this? I stocked up the fridge too. It's not as we eat only nuts And bolts and drink engine oil and gasoline" he said taking the bags one by one to his hands.
"Well good morning to you as well. I'm fine thank you if you care" she was irritated yet again.
"Well forgive me once again for my lack of greeting etiquettes My Lady. But the thing is I forget everything the moment I see you. So whose fault is that? I'm innocent" he said rejoicing in seeing the changing colours of her cheeks.
"Why am I not surprised. It's always my fault. I accept" saying she marched inside. He opened the warehouse gates fully and parked her car inside and backed his truck outside. He told her that he expects no clients so not to open the gate even for anyone. He seemed anxious about leaving her alone in the warehouse. It's huge, away from any help if needed. But he knew it's safe as her apartment. He has installed the parameter with CCTV cameras fully armed alarm system. Plus she'll be with Pancy and his gun as well. Arjun too had promised to check up on them. He showed her how all the security systems are armed and disarmed. Wrote down the codes in a note book along with numbers of Arjun and the nearest police stations. He was taking her through the warehouse showing her were the exits are and what to do incase of a fire. Where the fire extinguishers are kept.
"Stop being a worrymehotri and go and come back. I've lived alone too. And so far I've managed to keep myself alive. That counts for something don't you think so. I'll be ok. And I promise I won't burn down the warehouse. Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die" she said with a cross to her heart. He smiled seeing her childish act. He was seeing his old cow girl. Who loved to laugh all the time. Made jokes even when he wanted to be serious.
"Ok. That's settled then. I can go and get my dream car and come back. Come I'll show you the pantry. Where everything is kept?" He moved towards the living area. Pancy was following them barking every now and then. As if to approve or disapprove what was being said.
He showed her where the extra linen is kept as well. Then finally he asked her to come near the bed. She sat on the edge and he kneeled down and pulled out a plastic case from under the bed. He kept it on the bed and opened it. Inside it was a brand new 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol. He took it out and showed her how to put the magazine remove it and showed her which is the safety lock. He asked her to demonstrate with a empty magazine. She did all as shown and said to him "now I know to get anything done by you. all I have to do is hold you at gun point". She was smiling happily.
"I thought you knew me better. All you have to do is ask. No guns. No threats needed" he said taking the gun away from her hands and putting it back in the case. Her smile vanished. He wasn't laughing.
"Have you had breakfast? I bought some french toast" She asked taking the container out of the bag.
"You carry on. I'll grab something at the airport" he said
"I made for you too. If my memory serves me right you used love french toast" she said looking at him.
"I'm surprised you still remember my likes and dislikes" he said getting two plates and placing them on the coffee table.
"I was just lost. Not dead. Of course I still do remember everything. Every single thing" she was looking at him without any hesitation. The temperature in the cold warehouse seemed to have kicked up a few notches all of a sudden. The slice of bread stumbled from her hand on to the plate. Her hands seemed to tremble. She quickly walked up to the pantry to wash her hands. But her heart seemed to be beating faster with each passing moment.
He looked on silently. He knew she feels for him the same way he feels for her. That she never forgot about him. And she misses him just as much as he does. He wanted to go after her and wrap his arms around her. And calm her nerves. But she's denied him the right to do so.
They both enjoyed the breakfast in total silence. Both thinking if the other one was going through the same torment. Why can't they be together when they love each other this much. People get married and live a life time without ever falling in love. What's stopping them? They both knew the answer to that too.
After breakfast and coffee he took out a dark blue shirt and a pair of blue jeans and kept the shirt on bed and went to the bathroom with the pants. She walked up to the bed to see the shirt. She was busy putting away the food Items into the fridge when her senses was awakened by his perfume. She tried not to turn back and look. But her senses betrayed her will power. She turned back and saw him standing by the bed with his back turned to her just about to put on his shirt. She was seeing the naked torso of man after... Well since she was with him last in his apartment. She's not even once been interested in another man. It has been just him.
He turned around still putting on his shirt buttons and she was lost in her thoughts staring at him. She was too lost even to realise that she's been caught ogling at him. He walked up to her in a slow swagger. She stood rooted next to the fridge. Even as the packet of pasta dropped from her hands she wasn't able to move nor think clearly.
"One of these days I will have to do something about your clumsy hands" saying he picked up the pasta packet and placed it back on her hands. Slightly brushing his hands on hers. And walked back towards the bathroom.
She was still in a daze when finally Pancy came and barked at her and she retuned back to to earth. She wished to stay out of his sight until he left. She wasn't sure of herself anymore.
He was all ready to leave for the airport. He kissed Pancy and said "young man look after your Mommy. She's all we have. Take care of her. Don't trouble her. If you do she'll lock you up and leave. Am I clear" he whined. "Good boy" saying he stood up.
She looked on. "Ain't you taking a jacket. It's still very cold there" asked she. He told her that he'll be joined by few of his vintage cars club members at the airport. Four more guys. All with specific cars in mind.
"No. I'll be ok. Thank you." Saying he walked out. She stood at the door with Pancy sitting next to her looking at him walking up to the truck. He was just about to get in when he suddenly checked his backpack. And started to come towards them. "Don't come back inside its unlucky. What did you forget? I'll get it for you" she said stopping him from entering.
"What rubbish. I'm hearing this for the first time" he said laughing.
"It's not rubbish it's true." Said she.
"Ok. Lady Paranoid, I won't step inside. Will you please get me my cheque book. I think it's on the table" he said with a wide grin on his face. She ran back inside and found it on the table. Brought it back and placed it on his palm. "Thank you" he said looking straight into her eyes. The fact she was few steps higher made their eyes be in the same level. "I'll be back soon. Don't miss me much" he leaned towards her. She just closed her eyes seeing his face getting closer to hers. When she opened when nothing happened, He was almost in the truck but still looking at her. He winked at her and was on his way.
Then few minutes later her phone rang. It was him. "Stop standing there by the door like a love struck teenager and lock the gate and go inside. Lock all the doors" he said with grinning to himself. "I'm already inside and closing the door" she said looking towards the drive way.
"Ok. What ever makes you happy. Keep saying that. Tell me why did you close your eyes? Did you think I was Going to do something? Like kiss?" He was enjoying making her fret.
"I was so excited yes. I fell asleep. Don't get too far ahead of yourself Mr. Cooper" she was struggling to keep her dignity intact.
"I need to refresh your memory in that too I think. Wait till I come back. Remember you brought this all on yourself. Not me" he was challenging her openly.
"Isn't it against the law to talk on the phone while driving? I have to go" saying she ended the call. She was laughing. She was happy to be finally where she wanted to be. She wished to be here with him. She wished he didn't have to go away. Thinking about him she closed the gate and the doors as well. She felt very safe indeed. As if inside a fortress. Pancy was following her everywhere. He even tried to come in to the bathroom. She pushed him out but he kept barking until she opened the door.
She kept her toiletry pouch on the counter top and noticed the toothbrush he had given her the that day was still there still in the cover just the way she had kept it. Is this man for real. She wondered. May be he just kept it back today knowing she's coming. She was touched nevertheless for keeping her used toothbrush.
Is she grasping at straws, but she didn't have to. He had already told her how he feels about her. It's she that needs to make a decision. He has already chosen her again.
She couldn't resist the urge to look into his wardrobe. It was neatly kept. Everything in its proper place. Of course. Mr. Meticulous. She just loved the scent of his clothes. She inhaled the scent. It warmed her within.
Arjun called and told her he'll drop in the evening with Shanelle. And also told her to call him if anything. She thanked him and assured him she will and that Shlok also told her the same .
The two of them was sitting on the couch and he called again for the fourth time already. He has reached Delhi and was checking them selves in at Hyatt Regency. And then they head out to the auction. He asked if Arjun called? If they had lunch? Is Pancy behaving himself? She answered to put his mind at ease. She assured him that everything is under control and for him to stop worrying and enjoy.
They were watching the news when Pancy suddenly started to bark and then whined when the advertisement which featured a fluffy dog. She rewinded and put it back on. "Oh!my boy's got a crush. You like her?" She asked him. He as if it to say yes barked once. "You're lonely too like your master. He has no idea does he" he barked again. "He thinks all you need is him. What does he know? I will find you a nice girl" saying he hugged him. Her mind was working overdrive already. She pictured him with his own family living with them in the warehouse. But first she must find him a suitor.
She got cracking, then she realised it was not her decision to make, he belongs to Shlok and he must make that decision. Then she thought of call him asking for his permission. It's only just. It's his pet.
She called him hoping he wouldn't answer. But to her dismay he answered "is everything ok" was the first thing he said. No hello nothing. "Are you sitting down. If not sit down then. What's with you? Relax nothing's gonna go wrong. I'm not a crazy teenager to throw a party and crash the place. Though it does sound very interesting don't you think so? How about a rave party." She was teasing him. And he seemed to loosing his patience. "Astha...stop goofing around and tell me what's going on" hearing the word goofing around she burst out laughing.
"Mr. Worrymehotri! I think your boy needs a girl" she said
"You're damn right he does. But not any girl. I have one in my mind. Abstinence is not an easy thing to do. Are you willing to do anything about it my lady" he got her trapped.
"I was talking about Pancy. I don't know what you're talking about" she said trying to hide her embarrassment.
"I was talking about him too. Who did you think I was talking about? What do you suggest we do about it." He asked with a mockingly.
"We find a girl for him. Can I find one for him?" She asked him with hope.
"You've just been with him few hours and you want to get rid of him. This is not fair. I can't think clearly. Do what ever you want but remember you're the one responsible for everything. If he's heart broken or he's a bad boyfriend. You deal with it all. If you agree then he's all yours" he said feeling happy about the fact she's taking interest in things that he cares about.
"Yes! Yes! I will. I'll do everything. I promise. Ok got to go" saying she cut the line. He was left smiling looking at the phone. He could almost see her jumping in happiness.
She got busy checking online adds for finding a mating partner for Pancy. She showed him the pictures of potential prospects. He kept on barking looking at her phone. Then finally after searching the net for hours she finally found the perfect match. She dialled the number, it was a Mumbai number. So all the more convenient. Plus Queen Sasha Von Drake was a St. Bernard. And they were looking for a St. Bernard to mate with her. She felt queen is the one for their Pancy. She called up and fixed up a date for the two lovers to meet. They wanted to know about his pedigree. She didn't know anything. Shlok was unavailable, so she promised to come with all the details when she comes to meet them in two days time.
She was elated. She couldn't wait any longer to share the news so she sent him a text message. With the picture of Queen.
"So even a Pancy gets to shag a queen? One more reason to envy Pancy. Life sure is a b***h. No pun intended" read the whatsapp message. She smiled reading it.
"Who ever said its a dogs life had no idea what they meant" she worte back to him.
"Did you get the car?" She sent another message.
"They will start the bidding in a bit. Wish me luck"
"Good luck" was her reply.
"I'll need it. All these f*****s seemed to have come just for that."
"Hope you'll get your car"
"Thank you. Even if don't if won't be the end of the world. It's just a car. I've lost far more precious things. And I have no one but me to blame" reading his last message it became all the more clear to her that he too still blames himself for what ever happened to her. She felt guilty as well. She accused him in no uncertain words the same. Of course he blames himself. Just like she blames herself for not being able to save their baby.
She to this day believes she should've done something. Could've done something to protect their baby. She was the one responsible in her mind. She was responsible for the death of their baby as much as the women who beat her that night.
She wanted to stop thinking about unpleasant things. She had lots to look forward to. Most of all she waited for him to come home the next day.
Arjun called and said he'll drop by in the evening with Shanelle. Asked if they need anything. She thanked him and told him that Shlok has taken care of everything.
Around 5.30 they arrived with a box cup cakes. From the the same place that Shlok used to bring them for her. She offered to make tea and Arjun said that this was the first time he's been offered anything other than a beer or drink. Shanelle was sitting next to him and getting busy with him. Pulling his ear. Kissing his cheek.
Astha could hear their giggles and whispers. It reminded her of them. Sitting in his living room watching TV and fooling around. Irritating him when he was busy going through a case file or watching the news.
They couldn't stay for long. He needed to report for work by 6.30 so after having tea both of them left making her promise to call them if anything. She assured them she will most definitely will call. Shanelle just couldn't keep her hands off him. He was blushing all the time. They really make an amazing couple. Arjun all coy and tender. Shanelle exuberant and carefree. Seeing them together made her miss her lovemehotri even more.
There was a rising fear in her if she's going to be able to keep her feelings to herself. Her desires for him seemed to multiply with every passing moment. She couldn't stop thinking about him. She felt his fragrance lingering everywhere in the warehouse.
Her phone started to ring. She rushed to the couch. "Hello! This is Peter M Cooper. How are you?" He was very formal. "What's wrong with you Shlok? Tell me did you get the car?" she asked impatiently.
"I was being polite and courteous. Women! I can never understand them. You ask something then we do it we're crazy. Just be clear. My Iq level is not that high. Please tell me"
"Stop being a smarty pants tell me please" she was really anxious to know.
"What will you do if I didn't? What will you do to mend my broken heart? Will you rub my bruised ego? One of those f******s had more money than me" she didn't know what to say to his sharp edged humour.
"Would you like me to?" She didn't realise what she just said to him.
"Oh I would most definitely" he was more than ready play that game.
"Shlok, either you tell me or I'll end the call" she said feeling uneasy with his suggestive words.
"I'm just asking because you seemed to be very concerned. Is it wrong? Well for your information, I did and I did have to dig deep. I may have to charge you after all. And don't except any payment for babysitting services" he was blabbering.
"I'm happy for you. Do you need money?" She asked genuinely concerned.
"I'll manage for now Bank of Mumbai. But I know whom to ask if I do need in the future. Astha, please can you stay tomorrow as well. They have few more interesting cars on offer" he was very calm.
"So much for not having money. Ok I don't mind. But don't forget day after tomorrow we have to take Pancy to meet his Queen" she reminded him.
"Thank you my BOM. Don't worry I'll be there. Besides its all on you. I have nothing to do with it. Remember the deal?" he was teasing her.
"BOM? What's that? I know the deal. But I don't know anything about his pedigree. They wanted to know all. You have to come with me"
"Okay. Okay. I'll be there for the big date. Tell me what are are you doing?"
"Thank you. Now I'm talking to you"
"Did you cook? Is my pantry still in one piece?"
"Don't worry it's still in working order. Besides I'm so rich I can replace the whole thing if you're not happy with the condition it is now in"
"I know no need to flaunt your riches in my face. How long did Arjun stay?"
"I'm not just reiterating what you already know. They couldn't wait for long. Bought me. Cupcakes"
"Hope you didn't reward him like you used reward me?"
"I didn't have' to Shanelle did for me" saying she giggled.
"I bet she was all over him. Did you give her any pointers?"
"I would've but she seemed to be doing ok. But you should definitely give some pointers to Arjun. Shanelle will be very grateful"
"So you think I'm a better kisser than Arjun?"
"I'll let you know when I do get a chance to Kiss him. I hope it happens sooner than later"
"I didn't ask you to kiss him. Just if I'm a better kisser? You're the one that told me he needs my help. Don't you dare go on kissing my friends. If you want kiss me. I'm more than willing to kiss you" he was getting very comfortable with her.
"But if I don't kiss him how will I know who's better"
"Don't do anything till I come then. My BOM I'll talk you later. They want me to pay up"
"Ok. Let me know if you need any short change" saying she ended the call. And kept holding on to the phone. She blushed to many shades of Crimson with a things he said. Half the time she wasn't sure what he's implying. But she liked what ever it that he was implying.
It was around 9 pm and they were both all set to sleep in his bed. Her phone buzzed again. She knew even before looking at the the phone it's him.
"What are you doing?"
"About to sleep"
"What are you wearing? One of those see through nighties. Feel free to cut my pants a wear if you need"
"I wasn't sure so I'm in my own pjs. Now that I know next time I won't bring any clothes for me"
"Pancy is one lucky guy. Soon he gets to shag a Queen and now gets to share the bed with you twice in one month. I envy him"
"Don't be jealous of s dog. Tell me what are you doing? Have you had dinner?"
"Getting a free drink from a admirer. May be food too later if I'm really irresistible"
"Is she pretty?"
"Nothing compared to you. But she's got legs long as Burj Khalifa. It's not as if I'm gonna get lucky with you any time soon right? Plus you have doubts on my abilities now. I need to see if I can still get it up without the help of a crane"
"Of course by all means test the abilities. I'm sure she'll be more than happy and adequate" she tried to hide her anger.
"You don't mind do you? I'm doing this for us"
"Why would I mind? You do what ever you want to do. I just hope you have enough condoms?"
"Ok then got to go. She's coming towards me. I'll tell you how it was"
"No. Don't bother. I'm going to sleep now" saying she cut the line in anger. He just laughed seeing her reaction. He thought may be he should just tell her the truth that he's alone in his room. Declined the offer by the friend's to go to the in nightclub. With hopes of getting laid. He knows its a cruel joke. But she did the same to him with sky boy. He intended to call her little later and put her out of her misery. But she should know that he'll never be with another. I haven't done it until now. Why would I start doing it now with her waiting for me at my warehouse.
Astha was tossing and turning unable to sleep. Did he mean all that? Or was he just trying to make me jealous? When he's not been with anyone since me why would he start now? All these thoughts was going through her head. And she came to the conclusion he's just trying to make her jealous. He wouldn't sleep with another. Not now.
She got a whatsapp message. "Are you sleeping?"
"Not anymore"
"Did I wake you up?"
"Yes!"
"Sorry. If you were really sleeping"
"How was it! Did you managed to get your Mini Cooper started?"
"It did. But I didn't need her after all. She wasn't into me after all"
"What do you mean she wasn't needed?" She asked puzzled
"I know who can make my Mini Cooper started"
"And that is?"
"You my BOM. My Atom BOM" he said smiling. She felt it. He calls me "my BOM" my lady she was thinking.
"Astha go to sleep. Or you want to talk?" he wished to talk to her all night long if she wishes to do so.
"I'm not sleepy" she said tucking his quilt around her.
"Why are you missing me? I can't sleep too"
"Missing me?" Asked she
"Yes. Are you?" that was his honest answer. No more games, no more pretending.
"Why would I miss me?" She didn't want to answer the obvious
"Good night Shlok" suddenly she wasn't so brave.
"I thought you weren't sleepy? It's ok. Got to sleep. Don't miss me much" saying he ended the call. He couldn't wait to see her again. And he imagined her sleeping in the corner with Pancy taking the lion share of the bed. She's were she should be. And he wanted her to stay with him.
She on the other hand was wide awake. Ew every time she spoke to him he doesn't miss a chance to let her know he wants her. That he loves her. He says in so many words and sometimes in just a word is all he says. But it all conveyed the same thing. He loves her and wants her.
She was waking up in a strange bed. With something heavy on her legs. It took her sometime to get her bearings. And then she released where she was. Surprisingly she slept better than at her apartment. In her own bed. Pancy's head was on her legs. She couldn't move and inch. Finally she moved his heads with her hands. He slept like a log. Just like his master. She said petting his flurry head. The time was almost 9 o'clock. She's never slept till that long. She checked the phone. There were 3 messages already from him. "Good morning beautiful" , "hope you had a goodnights sleep", "did you dream about me?" A wide smile and a warmth that even the cold blizzard couldn't take away wrapped her body. Just a few words from him was capable of giving her such a feeling of content and happiness. She was happiest she's been in the last one year.
She wished to see him. But she was scared of the progress they were making as well. They were able to talk and flirt openly. No hidden agendas. She knew he wanted her. He knew she wanted him. If either of them is gonna do anything about it was a totally different entity all together. They were both adults and they could do what ever they wished to do. Nothing or no one can stop them except themselves.
It was all on her. She had to make the decision. If she wants to act on what her body is urging her to do? If she wants to let him act on his will? She had to make that decision. But she knew very well she's not ready for it. Not right now at least. When? She didn't know the answer either. But she wished to know. She wanted all that he wants too.
She was typing her reply when it started to ring. She didn't even have to think who it was.
"Good morning! You're waking up only now? You have become very lazy"
"Certain someone kept me up with calls and messages. And good morning to you too" she said smiling to herself
"What have you planned for the day?"
"I thought I'd invite few for my former inmates over and have a blast. Joy ride in your cars"
"That sounds like a plan. If you had told me I would've kept the left over booze without throwing them. But Do what ever but stay in one piece when I come home" for the first time he called his warehouse "home". It's home cause she's there. He couldn't wait to go to his home. His life awaited him once again. He was determined to make her realise they need to deal with the past and get past it in order to move foward.
He called her every time he got a chance.
"What are you doing?"
"Talking to you" was her usual answer.
"My lady... It's getting kinda old. Come up with something original please"
"Stop asking the same old question then" was her verbal reprisal.
"Someone's in a bad mood? Didn't you get enough sleep"
"I did. It's you that's irritating me"
"Forgive me for my sins. What did you have for breakfast?" he asked.
"Forgiven"
"Just like that? How generous of you" he cut in before she could finish.
"Will you let me finish please?" She was getting irritated.
"Ok my Maharani please do tell me"
"No I'm not in the mood"
"Ok. I got to go. Wish me luck. I need your Lady Luck. May be it was the gorgeous girl that winked at me when entering the room that got the ball rolling for me"
"Fine, hope she'll wink may be even kiss you today to get the ball rolling" saying she ended the call.
He called again after few hours "I think you'd be happy to know that I didn't get the car"
"I'm sorry" she was genuinely sad. Shlok felt it too.
"Don't be. Cause I'm not. I didn't bid for it" he said putting her at ease
"Why? Was it because of money!" She asked concerned.
"No. It wasn't a good buy" she was feeling sad for him and he fast it. He didn't want to tell her the real reason. If he had bought the car he would've had to stay another day in Delhi to get the clearance from the insurance company to transport it across States. It was getting all too complicated. He didn't want to disappoint her and not be with her or make her cancel the date. So he decided not to buy the car. Instead he was gonna leave his friends back and take the next available fright back to Mumbai. He didn't want to waste anymore time being away from her.
She was missing him with every breath she took. She was counting the seconds. When did I become so desperate for him. Keep checking the phone every five minutes for his messages and hoping for it to ring to hear his voice.
She was feeling bored. Pancy was missing his master as well. He was sulking too. Minutes and hours seemed to crawl since he called. She tried to call him but the calls kept on getting connected to the voice mail. She didn't leave any message.
She hoped he wasn't mad at her for loosing the bid on the other car? She didn't wish him luck. After lunch she was reading about St. Bernard's. Mating, pregnancy and general information on them. The more she read the more she loved the breed.
She wanted to have one for her too. If all goes well according to practice she could get a puppy from the litter.
She woke up to the sound of Pancy barking. Then she heard her phone ringing. If was him.
"My lady will you please open the gate and let me in. I've been banging on the gate for the last half an hour" he said pretending to be great distress.
She was out of the and already making her way towards the door fumbling with the keys. In her excitement she dropped the Keyes twice and struggled to find the key hole. Pancy wasn't helping either. He was barking and scrapping the door with his paws.
She stood inches away from him with the metal grilled gate separating them. Her urge to hold him and to be held by him was strong she felt she could penetrate the reinforced wrought iron gate without any hassle. She couldn't talk. She had lost her vocabulary somewhere between the call ending and the door opening. She wanted to ask how come he's here so early? Why he didn't call her inform her? That she was worried sick about him. But nothing seemed to be audible to either of them.
She was lost in the moment. She wasn't sure when he took the keys from her hand and opened the gate. Shlok saw how she was effected she was. She was standing in front him like zombie with her big wide eyes. His chucky back in front him. He smiled at her and put the Keyes back in her hands and walked past her.
"My lady you plan on standing there all day or coming inside" she looked indifferent to his voice.
"When did Madame Tussaud did you're figurine. I'm impressed. But my lady you're melting" saying he walked back towards her and stood less than six inches away from her. "Astha... Babes" he called out to her. She looked at him and without blinking an eye. She took one step closer to him and wrapped her hands around him. She tightened as much as her hands could possibly could.
He wrapped his arms around her tiny body like a warm cozy blanket. She stood absolutely still. "I missed you" she whispered. "I missed you too" he reassured her still smiling. She's come to him. She's his to win her back.
Suddenly she pulled herself away from him. She was back in her senses. At lest she thought she was. She realised what she was just doing. She didn't understand it. But she knew she was holding him but for how long she didn't know. May be an eternity? May be she was dreamt it all. She's still sleeping? "Astha, are you ok?"he asked her. She didn't have the courage to look at him. She just nodded and walked inside.
Once inside he said stretching his arms "it's feel so good to be back home. I missed everything" looking at her. She was trying to avoid his gaze.
"Astha are you not happy that I'm home early?" He asked putting his plan into action.
"Did I say anything like that. Why didn't you call me to say you're coming early? I was very worried when I kept getting the voicemail" she said accusingly. To her she looked like a little child complaining after being caught in the act.
"I'm sorry. I wanted to surprise you. See the look in your face. And you didn't disappoint me. I got more than I bargained for. Thank you babes" saying he air kissed and walked towards the wardrobe.
He removed his shirt and dumped it in the laundry basket. He knew she was following him with those big eyes like a hawk. He removed the belt and hanged it. His pants slipped little below his waist. He was putting up a show for him with intent and he knew it's working.
She was making him coffee in the pantry when he saw him walking out of the bathroom with just his towel wrapped around his waist. Water dripping from his hair, droplets of water still in his back and chest. She didn't realise she was staring at him yet again. She's become his groupie. Unable to function and freezing at the slightest glimpse of him. With or without clothes.
"Babes! You okay? Are you making sugar syrup or coffee? You trying to put me into a coma and seduce me?" He was enjoying every bit of the discomfort.
"Give it a rest Shlok. Okay then make your own coffee" Saying she was about to come out of the pantry. He stood in front of her and put his hands as if to say stop.
"I'm not sorry. But please I'd love to taste a coffee made by you once again. If not you at least a coffee. So I let you be. See I'm going" but she was inhaling his fresh Aqua marine shower gel.
"Astha you can touch me if you want to. I'm not fragile. I'll survive it. I have no problem with it. It looks as if you need it more than me" he said leaning bit more towards her. Her nose almost touching his chest.
"Shl... I..." She was struggling to put two words in a line,
Why are you behaving like I'm some kind of stranger? We've gone the whole nine yards. Why are you being coy? It's still me, same as I was" he said with wide grin.
"I... I ... was just thinking" she finally seemed to remember how to speak.
"Yes! I noticed that you were thinking" he said taking one step back.
Are you done? Can I put on a shirt?" She was blushing and angry at the same Time. But she didn't know how to stop. She wasn't sure she wanted either.
She went through the motions. She wanted to be next him, feel his warmth. But she was scared be anywhere near him. She's melting under his love and desire. Every look and every word seemed to suggest to her that he wants her as much she wants him. May be more than her. Difference being she's trying to hide it and deny it. He's not. He's openly saying he wants her. He loves her.
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