Shlok was more than happy to see how affected she is with his mere presence. He wasn't going to make things easier for her. No favours. No cutting corners per say. She seemed to be walking on egg shells. Because she couldn't help her traitorous mind and her eyes. They seemed to be acting on their own free will. Looking at him sitting on his bed with his iPad in hand, the glow from the screen made his deep dark eyes shine even more. She was left wondering how can he look so desirable and so sexy without even trying to be. She wondered if he's got female clients as well. He loves to talk about cars. Sadly she's not well versed nor familiar with all the technical terms. Looking at him she made a mental note to read up on the matter. After all Google and wiki knows about everything.
He saw her looking at him. "Babes, what's the matter?" He asked knowing she won't tell the truth.
She was late to close her eyes and pretend to be asleep. She was caught red handed yet again for the umpteenth time that evening. She wished she could tell him the truth. That she's burning inside for him. To be loved and held by him. That she has lost the ability to think clearly when he's around her. That all she can think of is his tenderness and his passion. How she wished to feel his warmth. How she wanted to put an end to her thirst. Her hunger for for him. She was again left wondering how she managed to stay away from him without even seeing him for an year?
All she managed to do was nod her head and close her eyes tightly. But his images refused to leave her. His voice ringed in her ears. She loved being called "babes" by him again. She wished she had the courage and the ability to put the past behind her and give into her desires. She was contemplating many a scenario. But none seemed right. She was left feeling desperate for a man she still loves but the fear of the past kept her from showing it to him and she knew he loves her too. But at the moment seemed to have lost all interest in her. But cares about her very much. What is she going to do? Should she act on her hearts whims or give in to her mind and deny her the love she richly deserves? What ever it is that she was going to do, it needed to be soon. Because she knew she couldn't function like a love struck teenager. And it was consuming all her energy not to do so. She was fighting a loosing battle. Love and desires seemed to be having a very good battle plan and they seemed to be ready to over run her mind completely anytime. Like Emperor Napoleon her Waterloo was eminent and unavoidable. Defeat seemed to be the only certainty.
The whole night she was restless. She couldn't sleep. She was tossing and turning in the couch. He offered her the bed. But she refused it knowing fully well that he will be very uncomfortable in the counch. He's had a long day. She wanted him to have a goodnights sleep. She knew she wasn't anyways gonna get any sleep that night. So might as well let the other person get some much needed sleep.
He was playing his part and she seemed to be totally oblivious to his intensions. This may seem like a game to someone looking from outside. But to him it was necessary. He did nothing and waited for her one year. He didn't want to push her. But now he sees the love, need and desire in her for him. And he knew clear as night and day that she wasn't going to do anything about it. It was upon him to make her realise they need each other to survive. She was all he ever wanted. All he wished for. His life, his present and his future. He wanted not just her but everything that came with her. A wife, kids a family. He wanted it all. It's about time he got what he desrved. What they both desrved. He was not going to leave no stone unturned. It's now or never. Elvis sing for me... He was thinking with hope and happiness raring to knock him over. Hold it man... Only one that's going to be knocked up is her by me. And soon most preferably.
He could see her in distress. He felt sorry for her too. Lost between two worlds. Her love and her pain. He knew it all now. But that didn't mean he was gonna let her off the hook either. She was fixing the pillow, covering her self, pulling the blanket on to her again and again. Finally she got up went to the kitchenette . Opened the fridge and poured herself a glass of cold water. As She turned he was standing by the counter. She almost dropped the glass. He was again without his shirtt. Being bare bodied seemed to be his favourite thing to do since returning from Delhi. If only she knew his true intentions. His cruel intentions...
She spilled some water on to her nighty and her chin as well. He slowly took the glass away from her hands and wiped her face with a napkin. She was lost again. Zombie Astha was back. She was staring at him. He was very slow and tender. Making sure not to touch her skin . She kept her hand on his to stop whatever that he was doing. He stopped but didn't move his hand nor the napkin away from her face. "Shl..." She tried to protest. But again her voice betrayed her.
"Babes are you ok? You look very pale. Can I get you anything?" He knew very well what was wrong with her. But she didn't know he knew it. He was playing the concerned friends role to perfection. And she bought it too.
"I...I'm ok. Ple...ase just stay away from me" she managed to say. Taking a step back towards the fridge. "Tell me what is it. I'm you're friend. Something is definitely wrong. I know you better than that to believe your lie. Why can't you sleep? How long have you had this? Have you seen a doctor about it? Forget Pancy 's date tomorrow we're going to see a doctor about it. Look at you're eyes. I'm beginning to see dark circles even. Babes, can I say something? I like your face without any make up. You have the most beautiful eyes. I never got the chance to tell you this before. So I'm telling you now. Astha... say something" he took one more step closer and she was backed to the fridge. She was trapped.
But he wasn't arrogant nor demanding. He was as sweet and tender as possible. This puzzled her. What does it mean to us? How does he see me now? Like one of his buddies? The tone he was using puzzled her the most.
Unable to comprehend it all she closed her eyes. Hoping it will shut out the hurricane that was threatening to topple her mind and consume her soul. She was melting like putty in his presence. His gaze and his words. "Astha, you want me to carry you to the couch" she opened her eyes in a flash.
"No... Shlok I'm ok. I'm just not sleepy. Maybe it's cause I had a nap in the afternoon" she was kind of telling the truth.
"Okay... I'll keep you company. Let's watch a movie. You're choice. I remember how you loved to watch movies curled up next to me. You can still do it Astha. I won't do anything you don't want me to do. I promise." he felt sorry for her. For his devious seduction. She's having sleepless nights and he's only making things worst for her in the guise of trying to help her. He was the devil himself in pants. He smirked walking after her to the couch.
"What do you want to watch?" He asked sitting on her makeshift bed.
"I don't know you decide" wish there was someone to tell her "wrong move Astha. You might as well just get it over with. Stop all this pretentious drama". Shlok said it in his mind.
"Are you sure you want to give me the responsibility to make such an important decision? I could totally screw it up you know" he said. And it was a very honest mistake when he accidentally brushed his hand on her breast when he reached to her side to check under the cushion for the remote.
She froze and took a deep breath. Wrapped her blanket around her completely. He saw the look on her face. "Are you feeling cold? Let me get you one of my shirts" saying he went up to his wardrobe and took out long sleeved shirt. "I'm ok Shlok. Thank you" she said tightening the blanket around her more firmly.
"I'll keep it here just incase you feel cold in the night" saying he kept it on her side of couch.
"I'm so sorry" he said pretending to be sorry. "Astha why do you look so frightened and as if you just got electrocuted? It's all happened before. I've seen, touched and ta..." He didn't get to finish "Shlok...I feel sleepy after all. You should go and sleep too. Sorry for the trouble and thank you for trying to help me" she said in one breath. As if she stopped she'd forget or something bad would happen.
"Astha, don't be ridiculous. It's no trouble to me. In fact I'm glad I can be of some help to you. After all that you did for me. I feel responsible. Okay then will forget the movie. Come keep your head on my lap I'll soothe your hair until you fall asleep" saying he put the throw that was on the side of the couch on to his lap. And pulled her blanket urging her to lay down her tired confused head on his lap.
Like a lost Deer walking right to the lions den she slowly leaned towards him. She was at peace. She closed her eyes. Without saying a single word or a single touch he managed to calm her down with just his warmth, his presence.
She woke up feeling fresh and calm. But the next moment it was all taken away when she realised where she is. She was sleeping in his lap. His hand on her shoulder. Her other hand holding on to his. She slowly pulled her hand f rom his and slid away from his clutch without waking him up. Pancy was sleeping by couch on the floor.
She searched for the shirt he had given her last night. It wasn't on the couch. Then she noticed it had fallen down. She picked it up and clutched it close to her Heart and sighed. Then she inhaled the scents before putting it on. She wrapped her hands around her as she made her way to the bathroom.
Shlok opened his eyes as she closed the door. All what he was doing seemed to be working. He knew he needed to be relentless in his pursuit and he had no problems with that. He was ready. Let the battle begin. He was in camouflage. No war paint in his face. It was guerrilla war tactics. The enemy does not know when they will be ambushed and attacked. She won't even have time to send a SOS.
She came out of the bathroom to the aroma of freshly brewing coffee. He was in his latest fashion statement yet again. And she was unable to stop her wandering eyes from settling on his bare chest. Shlok came up to her with the coffee and said "Good morning sunshine. Hope you managed to get some sleep? I' would've kissed you good morning... But I know you're not yet ready to be touched by me let alone kissed". All she could say was "good morning to you too. Yes I did thank you" and took the coffee mug from his hand still keeping her gaze on him and took a sip. He looked on. It was his coffee. He had made tea for her and it was in his other hand. She didn't like coffee at all. And yet here she was drinking it without even being asked to.
"Babes you do realise that it's coffee not tea that you're drinking" he said smiling. She looked at her mug. Without looking at him said "I like coffee now" and mumbled "not that anything makes a difference"
He decided to ignore her and not embarrass her even more. He just drank the tea he made for her. It was close to 7.30 when Sunny called her and asked if she could drop by the office. She didn't have a choice but oblige. Her presence was needed. Actually her signature was needed. She said she'll be there in an hours time.
Shlok overhead the conversation and looked at her with puppy dog eyes and said "You have to leave us? What about Pancy's date?"
"It's only for few hours. I'll be back before we have to leave. I really need to be there in person" she was being apologetic.
"You don't have to explain. I know. You're not driving. I'll drop you and come to pick you once you're done. I don't want any arguments on this" he said firmly. She didn't have the energy to argue with him. She wasn't looking forward to driving alone all the way to the city and back. She just said "okay. Thank you"
"No need to say thank you. I love doing things for you. Taking care of you. Besides fast cars and a driver that's sleep deprived among other depravations in not a good combo. So for the safety of you as well as others I will drive you"
"I'm a very good and careful driver" she said with a smile. He loved seeing her face light up when she smiled. He wasn't sure about what others saw in her or thought about her but to him she was "it". The most beautiful, the most kind and generous, caring, elegant and the most attractive.
She asked him what he wants for breakfast. He asked her to make what ever is easy. So it was french toast again. He stood next to her while she made the toast. And he took one and wanted to eat it then add there. He held out a piece of toast to her mouth. She had a spatula in one hand and right hand was smeared with the egg batter.
She looked at him "don't look at me like that. I'm not a total jerk .I still have few decent qualities left in me. I can't eat alone"
" I never called you a jerk" saying she took a bite off the toast. "Aww! You made my day" he mocked her and gave her gentle shove with his hand. She smiled and shoved him back. The second time she shoved he moved before and she almost fell. He held her and she almost lost the battle in the process. Toast stated to burn and that's what saved her from completely getting burned by her own desires.
"Sholk you wait in the couch while I finish this" she said composing herself.
"Why should I go? Too hot to handle?" Saying he winked at her.
"Yes it's getting very hot and crowded. So please let me finish this quickly and get ready"
"Is it? I didn't feel it at all. Babes is you're getting late, you go and get ready I'll finish this" saying he tried to take the spatula from her hand. She was sweating too. He took a paper napkin and wiped her forehead. "You were telling the truth. Do you really want me to go?" he asked with another gentle nudge.
He kept on feeding her. She silently ate what was fed. By the time she finished nothing much wad left. They finished the rest standing there in the kitchenette.
She was getting her clothes from her bag when she heard him calling for her from the bathroom. He had forgotten to take his towel. She went up to the door and knocked. "It's open" he shouted. She was feeling very conscious of him being naked. She seemed to have forgotten that they have made love and they have seen each other sans the clothes. She was like the Virgin that's never seen a man. She was blushing like a virgin on her first night.
"Shlok I can't come inside. I'll leave it by the door" she said standing by the door.
"Babes don't be ridiculous. There's nothing you haven't already seen. I've not grown a third nipple nor a twin to Mini Cooper. It's all the same. Underused and neglected. But all the same. So be a sweetheart and bring it to me. If I come out of the shower the floor will be all messed up. Pancy slips easily" he said his reasons.
She slowly opened the door and stepped inside. The bathroom was filled with steam and scent of his body wash. She walked toward the shower curtain and she could see the shadow of his body behind the shower curtain. She remembered every scar every cut in his body. She felt as if her body was on fire. She closed her eyes. That' seemed to be her only salvation from the onslaught of want and need brewing in her body.
"You can open you're eyes. Is it that bad babes?" He said taking the towel from her hand. Not forgetting to accidentally brush his hand on hers too. She opened her eyes the moment their skin came into contact. "Thanks babes. I'm sorry for this"
"Care to join me. I won't tell anyone. I'll give you nice back rub and neck massage. You seem very tense. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. I'll even put on a short for you if it'll make you feel comfortable "
"I'll stick to solitary cleansing. Not used to communal baths yet" she said. He called out her name just as she tuned to walk out and splashed some water on to her. "You need to cool down" he said. She just walked out with a shy smile. She was glad he couldn't see her face.
Pancy and Shlok waited patiently sitting by the couch and watching the news for her to get ready. When she came dressed in a light blue dress without any make up it was his turn to turn into a Zombie. She looked fresh as the spring. Simple and elegant. Just as always.
She came up to him and put the back of her palm on his forehead and asked "you okay? You don't seem too good." She grinned when he came out if his zombie state.
"I'm not. I'm just suffering from a certain depravation just like you. By the way you look absolutely stunning. Beautiful. I love your hair like that. Don't ever change the way you dress. I love everything about you" he said getting up. She backed instantly.
They were on their way. She was yet again in the middle. Pancy with his tongue hanging out. After awhile he settled in his now customary place, which is her lap. They were stuck in the traffic.
When she opened her eyes she had done it yet again. This time her head was resting on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just can't seem to keep my eyes open in your cars" she said with a shy smile.
"Don't be sorry. I'm happy my body can be of some service to you. Something is better than nothing. Don't you think? Is it a compliment or an insult?" he asked turning towards her with a grin.
"I'm glad too" she said feeling confident and surprised at her own statement. "I meant it as a compliment. I think. I'm already late. Thank you" she said moving Pancys head off her lap.
"Ain't you gonna offer me something equivalent in value for my services. I' don't take cash. But I still believe in barter system. What have you got to offer me?" he said keeping a very straight face.
She looked at him with her surprise. "I guess then we're even. You don't owe me anything for looking after Pancy. Now if you don't mind will you please get down so that I can go to the office"
"Okey fair enough. But the trip back home will cost you. You better be ready to pay up my lady" saying he got out of the truck and she followed after him.
"I'll think of a way. Don't worry" saying she entered the Almeida mansion.
Her supposedly few minutes at the office seemed to be stretching into more than an hour. She was looking at the time constantly. As if she had to rush back. All her colleagues saw her impatience as well. They asked if she's late for something? If they are keeping her from important matter she needs to attend. Things had to be repeated more than ones. Sunny even asked her if everything is okay? She said things were more than better. She knew something was up with her. Sunny saw the glow in her face the glisten in her eyes. She knew she was in love again. She was happy for her. She deserved all the happiness. It's about time she thought.
She was checking her phone constantly. But no messages from him. Not a single one.
"Sholk... emm.. Where are you?" She called him the moment she got a bit of privacy.
" Missing me? Getting my undercarriage serviced. After all I need to make sure it's all in tip top condition. Can't afford any malfunctions now can I?" He was in a very good mood.
"What happened? Cat got your tongue? " he was challenging her.
"Why you have any doubts on its performance abilities? You had any malfunctions?" She was brave knowing he can't see her nor come near her.
"I don't expect any malfunctions. It's in good running condition. This is just a regular check up"
"Shlok are you at the doctors?" She asked getting serious. She heard him bursting into laughter.
"I'm at the Service station getting my truck serviced. What undercarriage you thought I was talking about" he was still laughing.
"Oh! Babes I wish I can see your face right now. It's not my undercarriage" he burst out laughing again.
" I'll be finishing in another half hours time. Forgive me for being concerned about your health" she tired to sound angry.
"Not my health but my undercarriage. That's what you were worried about. I'll be little late" he was hysterical.
"Okay. Bye" she ended the call and laughed out loud too.
She messaged him little later and informed that she'll come to the service station. So that they can save time.
He was still waiting for them to release the truck when she called him and asked him to come out. That she's outside.
He saw her getting out of the silver Mercedes. Sky boy was her. He went up to meet them.
"Hey! Man nice to see you again" he said extending his hand towards Akash.
"You too Shlok" he was not one to hold grudges.
"Thank you for dropping her"
" this was on my way" they were being very cordial indeed.
"Still carry enough condoms?" asked Shlok with a sly smile.
"Wife is happy and I'm yet to be held responsible for the world population" the men seemed to have found a good rapport. Astha was very happy to see them being more than cordial.
"So I take it as a yes! As long as the misses is happy you have nothing to worry" Shlok said.
"Nice meeting you again man. Come by our place with your misses here for a meal" said Akash looking at Astha. "I need get to the high courts by 1 o clock. So I'll be on my way" saying he shook hands with Shlok once more.
" Tell us the date and time and we'll be there. We never say no to a free meal. See you around man" and he was on his way.
"Why does he think that you're my misses? What did you tell him?" Shlok was back to his mission.
"Why didn't you ask him? How am I supposed to know?" She was on the defensive.
"Well he's your friend not mine" he said as they made their way inside.
As they entered Shlok noticed all the eyes was on her. She didn't seem to notice it. She was petting Pancy inside the glass panelled waiting room. He came stood in front of her. As if to shield her from all the hungry stares.
"Why did you come here? I said I'll come and pick you up" he sounded irritated,
" I thought I was doing us a favour. To save some time" she saw the change in his face too.
"I didn't ask you to" she said with looking around the place casually.
"What's so wrong in coming here? Forgive me for trying to be considerate" she didn't see the problem at all. "Oh! Now I know. It was cause I came with Akash"
"Did I say it is. Astha don't jump to conclusions" he said firmly looking at her.
"Then tell me what it is? I've stopped mind reading long time back when I realised I was very bad at it"
"Look around you Astha" he whispered to her ear. She was lost for a moment feeling his warm breath. His perfume it was happening yet again.
"Oh my dear lord... You're jealous of them looking at me" she said with a wide grin finally realising his reasons.
"Do you think they think I'm sexy?" She asked looking at him with a touch of her cheek.
"Why don't you go and ask them yourself" he was loosing his cool. "Astha stop it. Do you want me to get into a fight with them? Cause I swear I'll beat the next guy that stares at you" he was warning her. And she knew he meant every word he said.
"You want me to go out and wait?" She asked trying to calm him down.
Just then he was informed by the supervisor that the vehicle is ready.
"Why don't we call Shane and ask him if he can see us now" suggested Astha. They had two more hour for Pancys date.
"Who's the hell is Shane? " asked him irritated.
"Pancys would be father in law" she said smiling.
"You never told me he was a guy. For all you know he could be a serial killer or rapist. Luring women under the guise of having a pet for mating. Instead he's the one looking to get laid. You have him your number? " she didn't expect this kind of reaction from him at all.
"I didn't have a choice . Relax will you? Not all men are after me to shag"
"What is that supposed to mean? " he stopped the truck and looked at her.
"That I'm doing all this just so that I can get under your skirt?"
"I didn't say that. I didn't mean that. You said it not I" she said looking at him feeling sad.
" I know this is all in my head. I must be going crazy"
"You're doing it again. I'm not going to say anything" she looked the other way.
"Okay fine. Call your Shane"
"He's not my Shane" saying she called Shane.
"It's ringing. Here you talk to him. He's you're dog"
He protested at first. But then when he heard the voice took the phone from her hand.
He was more than willing to accommodate them at that time. He gave Shlok the directions to his home.
It was an old fashioned single story house. Big garden. Verandah on three sides of the house. Clay pots hanged from the ceiling with many coloured flowres. In the middle of the garden was a bird bath and a swing as well. Six antique wooden arm chairs lined the frontal verandah. Wooden caved elephants stood between the chairs.
They met Shane De Cruze . He was living with his paralysed mother. He was a freelance photographer. Looked not more than 27-28. Very fair and green eyes with hair coloured in shades of brown. He looked of European decent. He had very intricate tattoos on his forearm and calf. Dressed in a pair of orange cargo pants and a white t-shirt. Looked very handsome indeed.
As Shane came out of the house Astha looked at Shlok as if to say "now what do you think"
He was very pleasant to talk to. Funny too. Explained to them that he needs the money to take care of his mother's medical expenses. They were touched by his honesty and agreed to go ahead with it if the dogs get along. Shane also said that he's going to be away on an assignment in few days time. And will be a away for two weeks. So they can take Queen with them if they are up to the challenge of caring for two St Bernard's.
"Pancy it's all in your hands... Paws man. Make me proud and win her over" he said to Pancy petting him. Pancy barked as if to say yes sir
"Hope you don't take this the wrong way. You have a very photogenic face. Expressive eyes. Lovely smile. Perfect" he said out of the blue. And Astha was totally taken by surprise. She didn't know what to say. She immediately looked at Shlok.
"I'm sure you're husband says that to you all the time" he said trying to put her at ease.
"I hope he will when I do find him. Hopefully soon" she said looking at Shlok.
"I'm sorry. I assumed the two of you are a couple" he was very embarrassed
"Don't feel bad, many make that mistake but we have managed to resist the pressure up to now" she was looking at Shane. But saw fuming Shlok from the corner of her eye.
"You should stop the resistance then. The two of you make a wonderful couple"
"Let's concentrate on the dog getting laid and will think of the others later' said Shlok trying to keep his anger under wraps.
"He's the lucky one. Looks like he's found his match" she said looking at the two dogs sniffing each other.
Queen and Pancy finally had their first encounter and it seemed like love at first sight.
"They seemed to get along very well. Pancy is smitten. My Queen is a seductress" he said . And the owner in trying to be one thought Shlok.
"They seem to be doing okay. So does that mean we get to take the happy couple home?" Asked Astha .
"I don't see why not. If you're comfortable with the idea that is?" said Shane.
"Shlok what do you think? Should we take them home?"she asked Astha looking at him.
" It's your decision. You decide" he said not looking at her. Astha knew he was irritated.
"If you guys need some privacy I can understand" said Shane seeing his attitude.
"No it's nothing like that. This was my idea. So I' have to make the decision. And we'll take her with us" she said trying not look flustered with shlok's attitude.
"Okay great then. I'll get her stuff and then we'll discuss the terms" saying he walked towards a room .
"Shlok if you're not happy about this we don't have to do it" she said
" Why do you assume to know what I think when you obviously have no idea at all. Let's just get the dog and go" hearing his tone she knew she didn't want to provoke him further. So she kept her mouth shut.
Little later Shane retuned with a box her food, few of her favourite toys and her mat. He said he refuses to sleep without it. When Astha was told that she can choose a girl or a boy from the litter she immediately said she wants a girl. And she looked at Shlok.
Shlok' knew why she wanted a girl. All the anger in him vanished.
"Do we need to put it writing" asked Shane.
"No. I trust you" she said. If only she had seen the jealousy brewing in Shlok's eyes. She would've taken those words back.
"I'm flattered to be trusted by a very beautiful lady" he said with a big grin. If not for her I would've shattered your bloody teeth thought Shlok making a fist to keep his anger under wraps.
"I had a good feeling about this from the moment I saw the ad" she said. Oh! Of course you did. You do for all but me. May be I too should get tattooed and colour my hair and look like a Pancy. Dress like a Nancy. His thoughts was racing ahead of him.
"I'm glad too. Will it be okay if I call you sometime?" he was trying to make his intentions clear. But Astha was oblivious to all this.
"Of course we will have to talk if all goes well. We'll be related. In laws actually" saying she smiled and walked out of the house.
Shane got down to Pancy and said "My man she's your responsibility now. Be gentle with her and never hurt her. She's all I've got. She's my girl. Treat her well and look after her." He petted his head and Pancy as if to say yes barked twice. "I trust you man but not as much as I trust your beautiful friend" he said looking at Astha. Astha looked down feeling shy.
Then he grabbed his queen and hugged her tightly. "Daddy will miss you so much my girl. Nana too. Be good. Listen to the lovely lady. She'll take good care of you just like daddy does. Daddy loves you and will miss you so much" he said kissing her fluffy head. Queen whined feeling the anxiety of separation.
He looked and Astha and Shlok both noticed the tears in his eyes. Astha felt bad for him. She went up to him and said "Shane don't worry about her. We'll take care of her just like our own. Pancy is a very gentle boy. He'll treat her like a Queen. We won't let anything happen to her. That's a promise. Besides you can come over to see her anytime. We're really kind people." With that she tried to ease his apprehensions. He smiled while wiping his tears and said "gosh you must be thinking I'm such a Pancy. I have no doubts about you. If I didn't trust you I wouldn't have let you take my jaan away from me. I'm sorry for being emotional"
"Please don't be apologetic for having feelings. And not being sacred to show it. You can call us anytime" she reassured him once again.
Shlok helped Shane put the stuff on the truck bed. Even Pancy and Queen were to ride there. They were both securely tied and Shane gave an extra mat for Pancy. They both seemed happy to be at the back. They were on their way.
"What do you think of my rapist" she asked victoriously.
"What I think doesn't seem to matter anymore. Why do you even ask? Just cut the crap Astha" he was angry
"What is that suppose to mean? Didn't I ask you before we agreed? Why are you blaming me now?"she was confused.
"I'm not talking about this bloody mating, I'm talking about you. I thought you knew all Im thinking? You like him don't you? "
"Well I don't like him. He's got ulterior motives" he continued.
"Well I like him. He's kind, cares for his sick mother, funny, hip. Handsome, smart, he's got tattoos and green eyes. What is there not to like about him" she was teasing him but she genuinely liked him too.
"Well then why don't I take you back to his place. You can mate him. Pancy can mate his B***c" he was fuming with anger.
"Don't talk such filth Shlok. What has gotten into you? " she was hurt by his words. Here she was thinking and using all her energy to keep her hands off him and he was accusing him wanting to be with another.
"Tell me what I'm suppose to think when the woman you love is flirting openly with another man who obviously can't wait to get her to bed"
"You're being very unfair. I never flirted." She was on the defensive. Asths knew she kind of did.
"You don't have to jump to his lap to flirt. The things you said was more than enough" he was right. She knew it.
"You think I want shag him? Is that all this is about" she asked
"Him maybe, me certainly not. Cause you won't let me touch you let alone shag" he said. "What are you so afraid of?" I know you want it too"
"I'm not, you are the one whose obsessed with it" she said.
"Astha all men are. And you're not suffering from sex depravation? When was the last time you had a good shag?"
"I'm not suffering from any deprivation. Speak for yourself" she said.
" You're not only depriving you but me too. I've come a expert at it"
"If that is the case then you should start giving lessons"
"Good idea" he said and reached for the phone in his pocket. "Who are you gonna call?" she asked puzzled.
"Who else but Pope Francis. I'm gonna ask him to send all the monks that have trouble being celibate. I've been enlighten. Hell, we'll even start a club and talk nothing but sins of sex. Why we should never give into our desires" he was going on and on.
"We will call us the Anti Shag club and our motto will be sex kills. Will you help me to create a logo?" He was enjoying it at the same time." Naked women may line for miles but they have no power over us"
"Just stop is Shlok. You're a sex obsessed beast. Is that all that you think of. Is that all you want from me too? " she was back to curing him alive.
"Yes I am! What are you gonna do about it. Let's get it over with. We never needed a bed. This will do just fine. Don't you agree" he was removing his shirt buttons.
"Shlok just stop it" she said getting frightened.
"Why you scared of me. You trust him but you don't trust me. That's it right. You're willing to trust a total stranger but not me. Am I so unworthy of your trust, your love? "
"I never said anything like that. You have it all wrong" she said looking at him. He was hurting.
"Then can you please f*****g explain it to me. Cause I'm sick and tied of trying to understand you. You want to leave?"
"No" was her simple answer.
"Then what are we doing wasting time in this truck. When we should be living out our life. Planning our future. Come to me. You need me as much as I need you. Move in and live with me"
"Move in? It's not that simple. You can't make decisions on whim like that"
"It's so bloody simple. You're making it complicated. Isn't that what you also want?"
"Shlok I need time" she was pleading,
"You don't need time. You need love. You had one year. I stayed away from you thinking that's what you wanted. But I was wrong too. All you wanted was love, all anyone needs is love. Time changes nothing, I'm still the same. I'm still the reason you lost it all. No amount of time will change facts. Just as same I still love you, want to marry you have babies with you. I still want it all. Nothing's changed there either"
"I don't know Shlok" she said feeling completely lost.
"Then we end this now. No more wasting time. No more hide and seek. No more games. We say all that we want and feel" he said putting his hand forward.
"Take my hand and I promise you this time I will not let you go. You'll always have me. I can be trusted. I won't make the same mistake twice"
"I'm scared Shlok. I lost it all"
"No you didn't. I'm still here. All will be safe"
"I'm not sure Shlok"
"Of my love?"
"No. You're trust" it's come to it yet again. He was devastated to hear those words from her yet again,
"After all this you still don't trust me, I can't do this anymore Astha. I'm only human. We end it like this. We part"
"You want to end it all. Didn't you just said that you'll hold my had forever. And you're already to let me go. Just drop me at my flat"
"What the f*** do you want me to do then. You don't want to come with me. You don't want no marry me. You don't trust me. I don't want to do it anymore. Only thing left to do is part"
"Give me some time. I deserve that much"
"Astha time will change nothing"
"It will. Can't you see it already has"
"Impossible for us to stay together. We can't do it. I won't be able to do it" he said feeling desperate.
"We can. I know we can. We did for two days" she was hopeful.
"How much longer do you think you'll need. A month, six months, a year, ten years. What will it be? I don't know about you but I can't live clinging to a hope indefinitely. We say our good byes. I drop you at your flat and never come back to my warehouse"
"I'm not going anywhere . I will move in" she said firmly.
"Where to Shane's?
"To you"
"As what ?"
"I can't stay away from you. I need you"
"I want it all Astha. All that was denied to me all this time. A wife, a normal life. I can't sleep in one bed and stare at you sleeping in a another. I want to be able to make love to you every single night if you'd let me. Move in and live with me. As my wife"
" I want you too" she didn't get to finish "But I can't touch you that's what you're saying right"
"Yes" she looked out side. Pancy and Queen looked on from the glass.
"Okey let's see how long you'll be able to stay away from me" he was challenging her.
"I don't want to stay away from you"
"Then come to me. The only way to trust is to trust. No other possible variants. If you're scared of of falling then you'll never jump"
" Can you blame me Shlok?"
"You think I'm not scared? Astha I'm petrified.
"Shlok I won't survive one more heart break. I'll die"
"I don't intend to break your heart. I never did. But this time I promise I'll stay by your side. I'm willing to jump having fallen flat more than once. Astha decide. Marry me. Will you? I'll never leave you. Tell me dammit what do I have to do to make you believe in me?" saying he slammed his hands on the steering wheel.
"I don't know" she whispered.
"Then you go home cause I don't know either. Astha I'm done. That's it. Now you know my conditions. Go to your burrow and curl up and decide and let me know" he said slamming his hands one more time.
"Shlok, please don't give me ultimatums"
"I never did. I never heard of wanting to marry the one you love being an ultimatum. I said marry me or go away. I didn't say marry me or death. If you think it is so then I'm sorry about it. But if you wanna shag without ever getting married I don't mind that too. Let's live in sin. Use me. I'm at you're disposal"
"So it's all about sex for you is it?" She asked feeling hurt.
"Yes. Finally you got it. I have never ever loved you. Not even for a second. It's always been about the sex. That's it. That's why I'm asking you to marry me. To be my wife. I can't find sex anywhere else. You guessed the reason all right. Very smart. Even Einstein would've been proud. Bravo. I'm sorry for not bing a monk. Astha do you really believe this is all about me getting laid?
"No I don't. I'm sorry" she was sad for the things she said in anger.
"Then why do you keep on cutting me. Seeing I'm already bleeding"
"You corner me and I react"
"You tell me you don't want it? Then you want to live with me as what? My sister? My neighbour? "
"Don't say thinks like that. You know that's not what I'm asking for" she was trying to reason with him.
"Okay. Your conditions? You move in with me and then what? You marry me or not. Name your conditions."
"I want to marry you. Be your wife" she said finally what she's been wanting to say all along.
"That's it?" he asked.
"Never leave me. Ever. Never doubt me or my love for you"
"Okay I agree" . Just like that the dynamics of their relationship changed and all seemed clear.
"Trust me" that's what she most wanted from him. His trust.
"I'm ready. Ok we go to your place and you pack your stuff you're moving in with me" he said with renewed zeal.
"There isn't anything I need. You're all I ever needed. You forgot that".
"Then I take you as you are. I don't need anything as long as you stay with me"
"I will" wad her simple answer. But it cleared all the doubts they have been harbouring for the last one year.
"Can we at least shake hands to celebrate our impending nuptials" he asked extending his hand towards he. She looked at him with s smile in her face and hope in her heart. She placed her hand on his very gently. The moment her palm touched his he pulled his away from hers with s scream. As if he got electrocuted. He was shaking his hand in pain.
"Why what happened? Let me see" saying she tried to grab his hand to get a better look. But he refused to. She managed to grab it with both hands. He kept om screaming. "Shlok don't be s baby and let me see" he finally opened his fist. There was nothing. She was blowing at it. "Nothing has happened to it" she said. "You can't see the blood or the scar but it's there. Your electrocuted me". She tossed his hand to the side. And it hit the dash board. She reached for his hand in an instant and placed a kiss on the bruised spot. Her soft lips on his rough hands was like the rain drops on the drought stricken earth.
He looked on. How he missed her tenderness, being cared by her. "Madam are you ready to go home" he asked her.
"Yes Mister. Let's go home. I was beginning to miss it already" she said
He started the truck and they were on their way home. She moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Anupamaa
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