#2 Ashlok FF GUILTY - Last Chapter finally updated 26/03 - Page 59

Pancy kept trying get close to his Queen. She was still weary of his advances. She kept to herself. Being away from her beloved master added to the anxiety. But Pancy was over enthusiastic with his show of affection to her. She even growled at him at times. Shlok and Astha kept an eye on him right through out the drive back home.

He kept glancing at her. She seemed to be in a daze. Feeling of a weight being lifted after so many days. She was free. Free to love and be loved by the man she loves. She was holding on to her life by a mere thread. Now it's been re-attached with stronger bonds.

Once at the warehouse they settled them in a corner of the warehouse. They could still keep an eye on them but not too intrusive. Queen seem to be sad and uninterested. Astha tried her best to pacify her. She seemed to be bit settled after some time.

Astha saw Shlok removing his clothes from one side of his wardrobe and stack them all in the other. "What are you doing?" she asked pulling the clothes out.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Im making room for your stuff. You don't plan to keep your stuff in the back of your Porsche do you?" He asked putting the clothes back inside.

"This won't do at all anyways. You have no idea how much closet space a woman needs? This is laughable" she said sitting on the edge of the bed.

"But you don't have anything much. What do you plan on filling the closet with? Your cow softies and Your Pancy's used undies? " he asked sitting next to her.

She tried to get up as soon as he sat, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back on to the bed. "Where do you think you're going my lady? We have to discuss many things" he said as she pulled her hand away from his.

"Like what?" she really didn't know what he was referring to.

"Like which side of the bed you want to sleep in?" He asked with a mischievous grin.

"The couch has only one side"

"No. No more couch sleeping. You sleep here. That was part of the deal. You can't go back on what you agreed."

"Don't forget you agreed to give me time. So I'm just asking for what you promised me. Nothing more nothing less"

"Ok. Let's see for how many days or rather nights you'd be able to stay away from me. You know my stand so it's all up to you babes. Until I can build you a proper closet you'll have to do away with this two door section" he said lying down next to her. "Don't go" he said when she tried to get up again.

She was afraid to turn back and look at him. She knew she won't be able to control her feelings for him. His voice was laden with desires and emotions. Feelings she herself felt but not ready to act upon. She felt his eyes on her. Her body started to warm up with that mere thought. She had to get away from there. But she didn't want to hurt his feelings yet again either.

It was Pancy to the rescue yet again. They heard Queen growling and Pancy barking. They both jumped out of the bed and ran towards where the dogs were kept. Queen had been cornered by Pancy and she was waring him not to come near her. Shlok grabbed Pancy and took him away from there. He had to be dragged out of there. He was not at all happy to leave his lady and be taken away.

Astha slowly went up to queen and tried to calm her down. Queen seemed to trust her. She was very glad about it. She had promised Shane that she'd be taken very good car of, not just by them but by Pancy as well. And she planned to keep that promise.

She decided to take queen outside for a while. She saw Shlok and Pancy sitting on the couch. Pancy with his head on his lap. She changed her mind seeing it was drizzling slightly. Queen was pulling Astha towards the boys anyways. As she got closer she could hear Pancy getting a lecture from Shlok.

"Just because she's been promised to you that doesn't mean you can just have your way with her. Give her some time to get to know you man. She's nervous and she wants to take things slowly, she wants you to woo her. Not just shag. There's more to a relationship than just shagging" Astha looked on and realised he was talking to her as well. More than Shlok advising Pancy it was Shlok talking to Astha.

"She knows you're sexy and a good boy. But she needs to be reassured and proven how good you really are. Tell her that she's beautiful, that you love everything about her. Even her fat fluffy ass. Tell her that you find everything about her just perfect and there will never be any other after her" Shlok was now looking at Astha who couldn't take her eyes off him. He was reassuring to her all that he feels for her. Not that she had any doubts.

"Tell her about up your likes and dislikes. Ask about hers. Tell her how beautiful her eyes are and how much you like big girls. Tell her you find everything about her sexy. And that you only waited for her. And now that you've found her you won't let her go. That this is not just a shag but a lifetime commitment. Tell her your feelings man and make feel special" Shlok was talking to Pancy with his hand on his head soothing but eyes on Astha.

"Tell her she's the first and the last for you. They love to hear it. They adore eternal love. Let her know. Tell her you'll be a good father. That you want to father her kids. No one else's" just then he realised what he was saying. He looked at her. She was looking at him. He saw the hurt in her eyes. In his eagerness he said something he shouldn't have. How could he be so careless. So insensitive. Of all the things this was one subject that they have not talked at all, and he had avoided with very good reasons too. He knew she wasn't ready to talk about that incident or the subject of kids yet. Specially not with him. He felt as if he had committed a cardinal error.

She just took off from there. Shlok knew what he had done. He couldn't take back the words he said. He did the next possible thing. He ran after her. She ran towards the door. When he came out what he saw broke his heart. She was kneeling down on the cement floor outside. He stopped and slowly walked up to her. He kneeled down next to her. She didn't look at him. Kept her head down. He saw tears streaming down her cheeks. He wasn't sure what he should do? "Astha I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please don't cry. I know how painful it is to you. I'm sorry" he said her putting a hand on her shoulder.

"We needed you. I called for you. But you didn't hear me. We waited for you to come all night. But you never came. I needed you so much. I...I.." He hugged her. Wrapped his hands around her pulled her closer to him. She finally cried for her lost baby in his arms. She waited all this time to grieve for their baby. She wrapped her hands around him finally. "I'm so sorry baby I didn't come to you. I'm so sorry. There hasn't been a single day that went by I didn't regret not coming to you. Doubting you. I can't look at a little girl without thinking of our baby" he said wiping her tears.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't save our baby. I tried. But not hard enough. She died because I couldn't keep her safe. I killed her. I killed our baby. Shlok... " she was consumed with greif.

"Babes how can you even think that it's your fault? You did all you could do to save her. I'm the one that didn't do anything. I was in a club getting wasted while you were fighting to keep our baby alive. Me or no one else for that matter thinks it's your fault. I never ever blamed you. Please don't think like this. You suffered enough already. I'm sorry I wasn't there to hold you all those painful days. I'm sorry I wasn't around. I'm sorry I didn't trust you. I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I'm sorry for the hurtful things I said to you. I know I don't deserve to be forgiven. But I'm hoping you would. Please say you forgive me" he too finally managed to let out the regret that he's been harbouring in his heart all this time.

Everything that needed to be said was said in the open finally. She spoke her regret and hr disappointment. Her fear and her anguish that she has managed to keep buried deep within her heart. She felt as light as a feather with the burden of guilt taken away from her. She felt she was ready to fly again. to be loved, to feel good, to be happy again. She wanted to live again.

He loosened his grip on her and moved his face closer to hers. Placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He was beyond thinking. He wanted to show her how much he missed her. How much he loves her. She looked at him eyes shining with tears. "Hold me" she managed to whisper. He quickly tightened his arms around her once more. "I missed you so much" she whispered again. What ever restrain he managed was thrown out the window with those words.

He was done thinking. He wanted her. And he was ready to make her know his intentions. He finally kissed her on the lips. She could very well feel his passion. That single kiss conveyed all the pain, the loneliness and the love they had for each other. She pulled him closer. Things were getting out of hand very fast. just then both heard the sound of Pancy barking. They both were back to the real world. Shlok didn't want to stop. But Astha managed to pull away from his grip.

"Shlok we can't do this. They're looking. See.." Saying she tuned his face with her hand. He let go of her with much protest. Got up and extend his hand to her. She grabbed his hand and he pulled her up. She bumped into him. They went inside with Pancy following them and shlok's hand firmly holding her by the shoulder.

Queen and Pancy seemed to have made some progress in their relationship. She allowed him to come closer to her. Sniff her lick her. They were lying down next to the couch with Pancys head on her belly.

"Why is life so cruel? Pancy gets to shag a freaking Queen and I'm not allowed even get a proper kiss. This is not fair at all." He said coming towards her. She was in the pantry making coffee for them. He was as usual without his shirt hovering close to her. Waiting for his coffee. "You do realise you're jealous over a dog?" She asked him giving him the coffee mug. "Yes. One that gets to shag a Queen" he said.

"Don't worry as they say every dog has his day" she said looking at him.

"Oh! Really. You think so. Do you know when my day will come?"

" Sooner than you think and besides you will not miss it" she said mischief in her eyes.

"I'm not so sure babes. At this rate I could be too old to notice it. Please do hurry" he said making a sad face. She smiled looking at his desperation. For once she was being courted by a man. Wooed by the man she loves. He was like a hungry puppy following her around waiting for her to throw a bone at him. She felt sorry about him as well. Knowing very well how much he enjoyed the whole process she knew the amount of will power that's needed to abstain. That made her love him even more. He waited for me. And she loved him for that. May be she should just give up the fight and let him have his day.

Ringing of her phone brought her back to the real world. It was Shane. He was inquiring about his Queen. Shlok watched as her face lit up. He was jealous of him. How could he make her smile?

She went to Queen and put the phone on speaker. Shane was talking to his queen. She held the Phone close to her. After talking to Queen he talked to her for awhile. Shlok looked on. She chatted with Shane without a care in the world. This infuriated him even more. When she talked to him she looked very tensed. Even though he knew why she seemed to be edgy with him he was ready to pick a fight with her.

Finally when the call ended she saw that he was not happy at all. "Are you done talking to your boyfriend? Didn't he tell you how much he loves your voice? Or your giggles?" He asked.

"How did you know? He said my voice is like music to his ears. What was the word he used?" She pretended to think. "Angelic. That's the word" she said. "He's so sweet. I think it's adorable. Don't you think so?" She asked seeing the irritation in his face.

"Angelic my foot. He's not only blind but hearing impaired too. For all you know he's sadistic bas***d torturing innocent animals in his attic. And taking pictures of them. Could you get any gay than crying for his dog getting a shag. You have such great taste in men. I'm all wrong for you. You need a Nancy not a man" he was losing his cool and he couldn't stop it.

She kept looking at him smiling like a idiot. And that added to fury. "Oh! My look at you, jealous over a gay sadist that's blind and deaf. Could you get any pathetic than this? But you look so cute my green eyed monster" she said coming towards him and pulling his cheeck. He grabbed her with both hands and lifted her to his level. She rested her hands on his shoulder. The fact that he was upper body was bare didn't help either of them. It added more to their misery. They felt their energy passing through. How they are able to keep themselves from acting upon those feelings wad beyond them as well

"this is all a big joke to you right?Do you see me laughing?" he asked leaning towards her face. They were just inches apart. She closed her eyes. Her only defence against her feelings.

"Open your eyes. Why too hot to handle?" He said slowly blowing air to her eyes.

"No. You're making me sleepy" she said looking straight into his eyes. She could see the depth of love he had for her. She wanted to be in his arms for an eternity. Just then shlok's phone started to ring. "What's with these party poopers. They always seem call at the worst possible times" he said frustrated. "Then don't answer" she challenged him. "Just ignore it" she said.

"And do what? It's not as if I'm going to be doing anything better either". He said still holding on to her.

"Kiss me then I won't answer the phone" he challenged her.

"Okay then put me down and answer the call" she said taking her hands off his shoulder.

"Wuss. You talk the talk but you don't walk the walk" saying gently put her down and reached for his phone in his pant pocket. It stopped ringing. It was Arjun. He called him back.

"Astha, Arjun and Shani wants us to go out with them. Their celebrating some anniversary. I told him I'll ask you and let them know" he said coming towards her.

"You go. I'll stay with the lovebirds" she said hoping he wouldn't go, but she knew they won't be able to keep their hands off each other either.

"No way. Either we both go together or we both stay home" he said.

"If we both go who will look after them. We can't take them with us" she said looking at him realising he didn't want to leave her either.

"We can keep them separately and go. It will be anyways for few hours. We can tie them up. They'll be okay. Or let's call Shane and ask him to come and baby sit" he said with a grin.

"Are you sure they'll be okay. Have you left him alone and gone?"she asked feeling apprehensive about the idea of leaving them alone.

"Of course many times" he lied. Well it was a partial lie. He's never tied him up and left him. Not in the warehouse.

"Okay then" she agreed. She wanted to get away too.

"Where are we going? I don't have anything to wear" she said looking worried.

"Don't worry babes you'll look sexy even in a potato sack. But if you want we'll drop by at your apartment and you can change" he said giving her a twirl.

"That's ok. I'll manage. What time we have to go?" she wanted to make the lovers proper food. She was already trying to make her way towards the kitchenette. He didn't let her go. Put his arms around her from behind and told her "Hey!take it easy. We have enough time. Its not as if Queen of England is coming"

She was dressed in grey jeans and light blue shirt. Black ballerinas. No make up. She remembered him telling that he likes her without any make up. He noticed it too. Every little thing she did for him made him love her more and more.

He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a white shirt. And she couldn't take her eyes off him. White looked best in him. She remembered how he had just dark colours earlier.

"White looks good on you" she said fixing his collar. She couldn't help herself from being attracted to him. What am I doing? The thought made her pull her hands away from him.

"You can touch me. Fix anything. I don't mind and I don't bite. For now anyways" he says with a wink.

"Let's go Mr.subtlehotri. Are you sure they'll be okay on their own?" She asked once again looking at them.

"Mrs. Worrymehotri, they'll be just fine. I've kept them in the best places. They can still see each other but can't get close enough to hurt either. They have enough food and water. So my lady, it's all good." They kissed them and were on their way. They first picked Arjun and then it was Shani. Arjun was in black jeans and dark blue shirt. Shani dressed in a bottle green silk knee length dress. They made a wonderful couple. Astha was glad to see them.

They went to the same club that the two of them met for the first time three months ago. They had reserved a table. As soon as they entered the club Shlok instinctively held her hand. And she held on to his hand like child would to its parent.

Loud music was blaring. They had a tough time hearing each other. But the table Arjun had reserved was in a corner and they had some respite from the noise and crowds. Astha looked on as women clad in skimpy clothes kept ogling at Shlok. She was feeling uncomfortable and underdressed.

Astha couldn't afford to loose her senses even for a second. She decided to stay sober. Shlok was the designated driver. So even he had already made up his mind not to have any alcohol when he's out with her. Specially at a place like this.

Shlok went to get them drinks and Astha went with Shlok to help bring them. As they waited for their drinks suddenly their was a scream and pair of hands grabbed Shlok from behind. "Rohaaan!!, Shlok nearly jumped out of his skin. Astha was the first to turn around to see who has lost her head? "Who the f*** is Rohan?" Was the first thing that came to Astha's mind as she scanned her from head to toe. She was everything Astha wasn't. Tall with endless long legs. Well endowed assets. Those twin babies seemed to be adopted she thought with disgust. Dressed in a black lace cocktail dress with a barely there plunging neck line. Six inch heels, face covered in makeup with blood red lips. Smoky eyes. She looked like the perfect seductress. And she was all over her man.

Shlok turned and she hugged him once more. Kissed him on his cheek and wiped the lipstick off his cheek as well.

"OMG! I think I'm dreaming. Please pinch me." She screamed. Still with her claws firmly on him. "How about I kick in your silicone filled ass" she thought looking at her. Long legged witch wasn't done yet. "I don't believe this. Is it really you?" . Would you like to do a full strip search and Look for scars and birth marks. How about a cavity search as well while your at it. Astha was seething with rage.

"Rohan baby what a pleasant surprise. Today must be my lucky day. How are you? Where have been hiding all this time?" She said still keeping her claws on his chest. Shlok held Asthas hand. But she didn't seem to notice anything or anyone but Shlok. "Tell me how have you been? Do you still drive your looong Mustang? I assume you still enjoy fast rides? She asked with a wink.

"Hi, Angelica. Nice to see you again" said he without much fanfare. "Why so formal? It's not as if we're strangers" she said with another wink. "Can you see anything different in me? I'm sure you won't miss it" she said with a press of her adopted twins to his chest. She was like a proud mother showing off her kids. He was forced to look down at them. And Astha pulled her hand away from him. He tried to keep the grip on. "I'm sure you're very happy" was all he managed to say. "Go on you can touch them if you want. Tell me If you can feel any difference. I remember how loved my girls" saying Angelica tried to put his hands on her newly adopted babies. Shlok pulled his hand away as if his hand was truck by lightning. He looked at Astha. Her presence made him feel extremely awkward. But there wasn't anything he could've done to avoid it. His past was bound to collide with his present.

Astha wanted to be swallowed up by ground. Here She was dressed like a plain Jane. Jeans and boring plain shirt, no makeup, no heels, hair not done. And this woman, one his former lovers was the opposite. How can she compete with that. She was no match for her at all. It was a knockout even without fight. She accepted defeat. She didn't have a choice. She slowly slipped away from there and made her way back to their table. Shlok didn't even realise she had gone.

Angelica seemed much more important to him. But what she didn't know was all the while she kept talking to him he was scanning for her. One moment she was holding his hand and the next moment she was gone. When he looked to her side to introduce her to Angelica she was gone.

Arjun came to check on the drinks. Shlok introduced him to her as well.

Ashta was looking at them from their table. He seemed to be interested in what ever she was telling him. May be she was telling him how many ways she can now shag in one night, you're missing out baby. Baby my foot. Why did he have to go on shagging everything moving in a skirt? Why couldn't he have been like Arjun. Saved himself for his one true love. You just had to go on poking every hole that came your way. With every thought her anger and disgust kept building up.

Finally Shlok managed to get away from her and returned to the table. Astha seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with Shani. She didn't even look at him when he returned to the table. Shani was telling Ashta how they trapped Arjun. How Jane, Shlok and she planned everything. Astha could see Shanis' lips moving but she didn't seem to understand what she was telling her. But she was nodding and smiling nevertheless at what ever she was telling her. Arjun too seemed to know what his Shani was telling for He was blushing as usual. She kept kissing his cheek evey few minutes. They were enjoying the drinks and food as well. Astha had completely lost her appetite.

"Babes, you've hardly touched your food. Can I get you something else?" Shlok asked looking at her with concern.

"Oh! Rohan now you notice me? Don't bother. I'll be just fine. Why don't you take her to your looong mustang and check if she's got any work done down there too. Show her that you still like to ride fast" she was hissing.

"What's going on. Don't tell me you're jealous of her" he said bursting out laughing and reached for her hand. But she pulled it towards her. " Babes she's got nothing over you. I thought we're past this? Please don't do this. Not today" he said looking at her. But she didn't look at him at all.

"Okay I won't Rohan. I'm so sorry for my behaviour. Please forgive me. See... I'm so happy. How about you?" she said looking at him with a fake smile.

"You can't be angry with me for her. I didn't ask her to come here. I'm sorry she made you upset" he said

"What's going on? Who's Rohan?" Asked Shani looking confused.

"Why don't you do the honours Rohan?" Astha wasn't in the mood to forgive anytime soon,

"Shani I'll tell you later. It's a long story" Arjun came to shlok's rescue. She didn't ask anything more. She saw that Astha was not a happy camper.

Shlok could really do with a drink. But he couldn't. He wanted to stay sober to drive all the love struck boozers home.

"So I bumped into you again" or "more like stalking if you ask me Miss. Booby" Astha wanted to tell her.

"Come on Rohan lets dance? For old times sake" she said pulling him by the forearm.

Shlok looked at Astha and said "Angelica, not today. I'm with my friends"

"Come on. They won't mind. Just one dance. You won't mind would you guys?" She asked looking at them.

"Come on Rohan, please don't make the lady beg. Don't stop on our account, please dance for old times sake. She' seems desperate" Astha said with daggers shooting from her eyes.

"See, she can see it. They don't mind. Let's go" saying she pulled him. Shlok didn't have a choice but to oblige and be dragged to the dance floor. He kept looking back at Astha. She was having her dinner. She didn't have the heart to look up and see her man being dragged away.

She was shamelessly flirting with him. Getting unnecessarily close to him. She wanted to go up to them slap her and claim her man. But she couldn't.

She just stood there staring at them from a distance. Shani tried to calm her with few jokes about Arjun. But nothing seemed to help her state of mind. She was ready to kill him with her bare hands. How could he dance with her when she's there. What was the need to hug and kiss. Okay you met. Say hi and then bye. No need to get all kissy kissy. And feel body parts. He didn't even introduce me to her. He forgot all about me. He forgot I was Standing right next to him. The more she thought the more she wanted to scratch his eyes and cut his hands. So that he'll never be able to hold or touch another woman. She felt humiliated in front of Shani and Arjun. She was sitting by herself while he gets cozy with one of his former shag partners. How could he? He knew how I felt about him. But still he chose her not me.

On the way back Shani and Arjun insisted that they sit at the back. Shani seemed tipsy after two glasses of red wine. She was all over him and they were making out in the back seat of his 1972 Cadillac Eldorado. Shani was giggling and mumbling in between the kisses.

Finally Shlok said "guys keep it down. This is my car not a love shack. If you want to shag get a room. I don't want any stains in my car seats"

"Why don't you kiss Astha. I know you want to. You two have been glancing at each other ready to pounce any second. You were undressing her with your eyes just a while ago" Shani has thrown caution to the wind.

"Shani zip it. Arjun keep you woman quiet or else she'll have to walk the rest of the way home"

"Come on Shlok, be a sport na... It's our three month anniversary. Don't we deserve some fun" said Arjun defending his lady love.

Yes. Come on Shlok, don't be jealous. Your time will come too. Soon. I can see the way she looks at you. If you weren't a total Jackass today it could've even been tonight. Im trying to get my man to choose me. I don't wan to be the only 25 year old Virgin in Mumbai. I'm not getting any younger. AG baby I think of you day and night. I can't sleep wanting you to be with me. I can't be more in love with you baby. Make up your mind. There I said it all" said Shani.

"Shani, you have no idea what you're taking about. This is not the time nor the place" said Arjun

"That's what you think. But I know very well what I'm talking about it. It's you that have no idea. You have no clue Mr.Bond with license to kiss" Shani seemed determined. Alcohol has turned the playful kitten into a hungry lioness.

"Baby don't start. This is not how I planned to do things. I plan to do things the correct way" Arjun protested.

"Aww! Baby you have been planning? I love you so much. I really do. I can't wait to be yours" they were lost in each other's love and the passenger in the front row was ready to kill the love of her life cause she loved him and has a past. And today his past came calling. Crushed her dreams

"Arjun tell me what's your secret. Your girl is ready to jump you in the back seat of a car whereas I can't seem to drag mine. What am I doing wrong?" Shlok said looking at Astha and increased the speed. He wanted to get them home as soon as possible.

"If only I knew I'd stop it right away" Arjun said

"Are you kidding me mam. Only you would complain" saying he stopped on the gas.

"Shlok, slow down. What are you trying to do get us all killed?"

"Tell it to them"

"Anything seems better than this right now. If this continues she'll be pregnant by the time we drop her at home" Shlok said refusing to reduce the speed.

"It's not as if the back seat of your cars hasn't already been baptised already. Why are you being a spoilt sport? "

Astha was ready to say anything to disagree with him. To show her disappointment.

"Baptising car seats is your thing. Not mine. It's not for everyone you know" he said with a glance at her.

"Oh! Really... what did Miss. Booby mean when she said looong mustang. You've had them in the mustang" she was ready to start clawing his face with her nails.

"she was asking about my looong mustang" he said with a wink and grin. He was laughing at her.

" You're an animal. You have no decency. You say you love me and go on kissing and touching other women. How do you justify that."

"It was not my fault. What am I to do if she still Finds hot. I can't help it if women want to shag me"

"But babes don't worry. There's only one for me" he continued grinning.

"Aww! I'm so honoured. You want me to lick your hand and do a trick?" Shlok knew it was going to be a long night.

"Oh I'd want you to do so much more than just lick my hand. But not now. I'm not into orgies" he was pushing his luck and he knew it.

They both could hear Shani making sounds that made them scared to look back at them. Shlok stopped the car "get out of my car you horny people" he was done being funny.

"Shani I'll tell everything to Jane. Think of your poor parents, they'll die of shame"

"You tell all you want. Jane won't mind it one bit. Infact she'll approve it. Let's make a video and send it to her. I'm ready if only he'd make up his mind " said Shani looking at Arjun.

"Astha darling will you be a sweetheart and click a pic of me and AG. I want to send it to Jane" she said giving Astha her phone and bit Arjun's ear when she was just about to take the picture. She wanted her to take few more. Kissing Arjun in all of them.

Astha wished to be open about her feelings about Shlok as well. Not think and rethink about her actions and just give into her hearts desires. Shani made it look all so easy. It's never been that easy for her to show her affection.

"Will you marry me Detective Gokhle? Make me yours" asked Shani still sitting on his lap.

"What the hell ? "

"Just get out both of you. I'm done being mister nice guy" he was venting his frustrations.

"Shlok for gods sake will you please keep quiet. I need to resolve this matter today. Right now" she said to him shooing him.

"Arjun man I mean it. Get out of the car with your horny princess"

Shlok stop behaving like a baby and let's just get going. If it troubles you so much you sit between them. I'll drive." She said trying to make him realise how childish he's being.

"You too get out. You drop the horny drunkards home and stay with them. Don't come home"

"Why? do you have a late night shag session with Miss. Booby? Is that why you're trying to get rid of me as well" Shlok started the car but her anger didn't seem to ease.

"Guys stop fighting over us. We'll behave. I promise" said Shani.

"See I'm not doing anything to your friend" Shani said keeping her head on his chest and wrapping her hands around him

"Can all of you just shut the f***up" all became dead silent. "I need to make a decision. My pride and my dignity is at stake here. I'm being made to look like a sissy. The woman I love feels the need to propose to me cause she feels I don't have the balls to do so" said Arjun finally loosing his composure.

"AG baby, please don't say that. I love you and I want you. I know you're a true gentleman. There's nothing more manly and sexy about guy than having self control. I love everything about you. I wanted to let you know I'm ready for you. To take it to the next level. I..."

"Shani just shut up. I don't want to hear how much you want me. I think I got the message loud and clear"

She was stunned to hear his words. He's never been rude to her. Never spoken a word in anger.

She moved away from his lap and to the edge of her side. Turned her back to him covered her face to hide the tears that refused to stop falling.

"Arjun she's right . There isn't anything more manly or appealing to woman than a man who can keep his pants zipped up" Astha was looking at Shlok. He knew she was looking for any opportunity to attack him.

"Now see what you did. You happy Rohan. You made her cry too" she said hitting him on his arm.

Arjun was very sober in an instant. He was disappointed with himself. She was just loving him. showing how much she loves and needs him and instead of accepting her tender love he hurt her. She hoped and he barked.

"Baby I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Please don't cry. I can't see you in tears. You pressed all the wrong buttons and I snapped" he didn't get to finish what ever was it that he wanted to say. She lunged at him.

"You have some nerve Arjun Gokhle. So it's my fault? I don't want to see you face. Get lost. I'm not going to press you anymore. Enjoy your new found freedom. Free as a bird. I'll tell Mommy I will meet daddy's friends son. You're off the hook. Celebrate!"

"I don't want to be free. I want you. Don't do this" saying Arjun tried to hold her.

"Arjun Gokhle don't touch me. Keep your hands to yourself. Did you honestly think you're irreplaceable? I thought you were too. But not any more. You opened my eyes. Thank you. You go and shout at your groupies . Not me. I don't need you. Did you know I already turned down four after I met you. If I wanted I could've been married already. But no I was waiting for my Prince Charming. And look how well it turned out to be. I'm glad this happened now rather than later. Nothing happened. So it's all good" she said wiping away the tears.

Arjun tried to hug her. She pushed him away.

"Okay fine Shanelle you're right. You shouldn't reject the next one"

"Don't tell me what to do. I'm a independent woman. I make my own decisions" Shani was not letting this go.

"I'm happy to hear that. Shanelle"

"You don't have to worry anymore. I'm done" said Shani

"Okay fine" said Arjun with equal arrogance.

"Fine" said she

"Guys what's going on. Let's all just clam down and think things over before taking any harsh decisions" said Astha realising things were turning bad to worst.

"There nothing to think. I don't want to press anyone into marrying me"

"Shanelle I hate being manipulated. You are taking all this the wrong way"

"Of course this all my fault. I brought this all on me. Serves me right"

"Shani dear, what are you saying, there's only Arjun for you. You love him with all your heart. He's the only one for you"

"That's what's wrong between us, I love him too much, but I know it's not enough. My love is suffocating him. We want different things out of this. I can't accept it. So it's better this way. I'm sorry you two had to witness all this crap. I better marry a man that respects me the way I am. As they say love comes later. I will learn to love too."

"This is it then. Good luck. Have a good life" Arjun was going with ten flow. He couldn't wrap his head around what just happened. One minute they were making out as if there was no tomorrow and the next they were breaking up. Can things go so wrong so fast.

""Oh! You don't have to worry about me. I'll be just fine. It's you I worry. But you're not my concern anymore now is it?" Shani was passionate in her love as well as in her anger.

"Happy 3rd Anniversary Arjun Gokhle. Go wank yourself. And while you're at it find yourself a door mat to walk all over."

They had reached her house, Shlok stopped the car and she got out. Astha and Shlok got out too. Arjun was dumbfounded. He didn't know what hit him. It was as if he was having a bad dream but he was unable to wake up.

"I'm really sorry guys for all of this. I will speak to Jane. I'll explain everything to her. Thank you for everything Shlok. Treat her well. She's the one for you" she said giving him a hug and kiss on his cheek. "Kick his ass if he's anything but ideal" she said hugging Astha. " don't forget to send me a wedding invitation. I'll even sing for free" she said with another hug to Astha?

"Please think things over. He's a good man. His heart is in the right place. If I get to have a second chance then he certainly deserves one as well. I know it and you know it better than me. Don't make the same mistake that we made. Don't waste your life searching when he's right in front of you. Don't waste your time being angry for It'll be too late. Shani, just promise me you'd at lest think about it" said Shlok keeping his hand on her head.

"I will. But my heart is broken. I don't know if I'd feel any different any time soon. Thank you for everything. You're a good friend"

"Shani, Shlok is right. He just made a mistake. He's one in a million. Before you say then why don't I get married to him. The answer is he's only yours. Please just think about it. Call me any time. I'm here for you" she said giving one last hug before leaving .

Arjun seemed to be in shock. Asthas heart ached seeing the dazed state.

"Are you happy? They were so happy and so in love. And now look at them. Look at what you have done?" She wanted to blame someone. And he seemed to be the most likely target.

"You should've just let them have their fun. But nooo... Mr. Party pooper had to butt in and ruin it all for them" she punched him again,

"This was bound to happen. Better now than later. I didn't do anything. They did it all on their own. I'm innocent in this" he said starting the car.

Back at the warehouse as soon the car stopped she stormed out as fast as she could and slammed the door so hard as if to slam it in his face.

She had to wait for him to come and open the door. She went to check on Pancy and Queen. They started barking as soon as they entered. She untied both of them and hugged them. She needed to hug someone so badly. He went straight to the bathroom.

When he came out she was already sleeping covered herself all the way up to her head. Shlok sat on the coffee table and pulled the blanket off her face. She tuned to the other side.

"Babes, don't do this. I'm sorry if I hurt you. You know there wasn't anything I could do about it. You're being unfair" he was trying to reason with her. She sat on the couch.

"Oh! Really I'm being unfair? I'm being unfair? Forgive me sir for bing such s selfish b***h. I'm sorry. I'll try to be more considerate about your feelings in the future" she said throwing the cushion at his face.

"I never said anything like that. Now you're being down right crazy" he said reaching for her hand.

"I'm crazy. You think this is crazy? I'll show you crazy" saying she sprung out of the couch and went up to his wardrobe and pulled his clothes and flung it at him. He caught most of it. Then she tossed his perfume bottle at him. He evaded that too. It landed on the bed. Saving bit of cleaning. "Oops! You missed me. I'm here" he said laughing. She pulled out his shoes and one by one flung them at him. "Come on babes put a little muscle to it. You throw like a Nancy" he was taunting her and that added to her rage.

"I have a good idea. Let's invite them all here for a reunion. And save me the agony of finding one after the other every time we go out. I'm sure they all must be having something new to show you. Let you touch. Will have a contest. The winner gets a concessionary shag. For all times sake. It's way better than a dance. Let's call it India's Got Boobs. How do you like the name"

"That's a very good idea. Will you help me to judge. It'll be good to have a woman's perspective as well. Draw up the winning criteria and I'll start calling them from my little black book" he said reaching for his phone.

"I hate you. You... Sex obsessed bas***d. Why couldn't you just keep your pants up? Like Arjun" She said throwing one of the car catalogues at him. And made her way to the kitchenette.

"Thank you for sparing the Porsche catalogues. They are very rare. Collectable limited editions. Where are you going? Have you run out of things to throw. Please the spare the plates and the cups." saying he followed her their too.

"Don't come near me. I mean it." She said threatening to throw a frying pan at him.

"Why? What will do? Kill me with that pan? Go ahead. Take your best shot" he kept coming towards her.

"I thought you had class and taste. You shagged that s**t? "

"Why not? I never lied to you about the facts"

"What facts?" she asked with a throw of the kitchen tissue toll.

"That I had a past" he said catching it with his hands.

"And a d**k" she jumped in with her accusation.

"Of course that's what got me into all this trouble. If it's going to make you any happier I'll get a vasectomy done"

"She's got silicon boobs. She's looked so cheap"

"So what? But you know I like yours more" he said with his eyes dropping to her chest.

"Babes in case you didn't notice I was never after her money" he seemed to be having a ball at her expense.

"You're sick. You need help"she said with a plate coming his way. He caught it that too. "And with that he scored again.Sick bas***d leads 10 to nothing" he said keeping it on the fridge.

"Yes I am. I'm sick for you. Can you do anything about it my lady other than throw stuff at me." He said throwing he tissue roll on to the floor.

"Cure me. I'm dying. My cow girl" he said blowing a kiss to her.

"You're so proud of your conquests. Ain't you? You wayward b..." she splashed glass of water on him. Not even a drop splashed on to him.

"Why did you stop. Say it. I won't think bad of you. Get it all out of you. I knew sooner or later we were going to have this conversation. Better now than later. Anything else you want to add" he said. She started to throw everything on the counter. Anything that she could get her hands on.

"I'm here. Come on. Hit me. Don't miss this time. Do it before you run out if things to throw, you really should get your eyes checked. You're aim is a joke. Good thing you don't own a gun"

"Oh really! Give me your gun. I won't miss. I know where to aim. Right between the legs"

"You know where it is. Take it. Go on. Take it and shoot. But first let me get Panacy and Queen out of harms way. You don't want anything happening to Shanie boys girl now do you?" He said bursting out with laughter.

Seeing him laughing she was left wondering what's worst the fact that he was thinks this is all just a big joke or the fact all those Angelicas' don't know who she's to him. That they are together. That he belongs to her. He's her man. And no one else's, she's not into sharing.

"I'm a big joke to you right" she said as she feels like a wile but she actually isn't.

"Tell me am I funny? What's so damn funny? " she said thinking why can't he take her worries seriously.

"My height? My face? My average boobs without any silicone? My pain? My worries? My tears? My love ? Tell me" her pain and frustration poured put in the form of her words.

"You take me out with you and while I stand next to you like a bloody idiot, you go on your merry way kissing all that comes your way with a vagina. You shag all around. I'm expected to sit at home with the dog . That's what I am. Dog nanny. How many more are there? Will I ever be enough? On a scale of 1-10 where do I stand? I know I can never measure up to them?" She wanted him to know that she loves him the most. But she didn't want to spell it out to him.

"I never asked you to. You still don't believe me that since I met you there's not been any one. I never needed anyone but you. You're all that I want. Why can't you get it through to your think head"

"She kissed you and you kissed her back. I saw you. Why can't I be the only one?"

" what do you want me to do? Spit in her face"

"Don't kiss other women. I loose my head with jealousy" she said the truth.

"Okay I won't hereafter. I'm sorry I kissed her"

"I'm not sure where I stand? Who am I to you? If I knew I wouldn't have never gone all psycho. She touched you. She knows you the only a wife should know"

"You're my wife" he said reducing the distance between them.

"Where's my ring. You let too many in to our so called marriage"

"You never asked me to be your wife"

"You're not only crazy but you suffer from short term memory loss as well. I asked you to marry me less than 24 hours ago and you can't remember that" he said inching that much more closet to her.

"Would you like me to refresh your memory my lady" he asked with a gentle caress of her cheek with his index finger. She closed her eyes unable to withstand the onslaught of feelings threatening to override her self control.

"What do you think?" She whispered.

"Marry my Astha Almeida"

"Just like that. Are you kidding me. Why should I marry you? You don't even have a ring Mr. Lovemehotri" she said giving him a gentle push.

"You want to marry me or you want a ring"

"That's where you're wrong. I want both. I want the whole shindig. I want it all. More than anything I want you to stop kissing , touching and shagging other women. I wan you to love me"

"I didn't after I met met you. I wouldn't want anything more"

"Don't even dream to start" she said

" I'm not about to"

"Good I will hold you to these words Mr. Lovemenotri"

"Please do. But now will you please tell me what your answer is"

"Do you have the ring?" she was sure he didn't have a ring with him.

"I do" he said very confidently.

"Show me" she demanded.

" ok" saying he took out his wallet and the took out the promise ring he had first given to her in his penthouse. He still had it. He kept it in his wallet all these days. He held it out to her.

"Now I want it all, all that what normal people have. For once in my life I want things to be normal. I want to be normal"

"So do I" he said.

"Go on ask me again. The way it's supposed to be done" she said

"What do you mean" he asked confused.

"I said I want the whole shindig. That includes getting a proper proposal" she said with eyes shining with happiness.

"Get down on one knee and ask me again. Like normal people do"

"Astha it's just stupid" he said taking a step back.

"No one knee proposal like normal people no marriage and you know what that means. No shag. You stay hungry" she said seductively running her finger on his chest.

"Babes are you sure we're normal?"

"Of course not. But won't you just play along and pretend that we are. Shlok Rohan Agnihotri, I'm on the verge of changing my mind"she said frustrated at his refusal.

He got down on knee held out the ring in his right hand looked up at her add said "Astha Almeida wi..." she cut in "its only Astha" . "Okay Your Highness. Anything else you wanna specify before I continue?" He asked. She nodded a no. "May I continue?" "By all means" was her reply.

"Astha, I don't have no flowery lines. No red roses or teddy bears. But all I have is my love and my promise to love you. Will you give me the honour of being my wife?" Astha kept her silence looking at the dogs. They seemed to be oblivious to the life altering decisions being taken. They were busy romancing themselves.

"Astha!" He called to her.

"Wait. I'm thinking" she said pretending to be thinking.

"What the hell? You wanted to me to ask. And now you want time to think. Damn you woman"

"Aww! Such sweet romantic words. I think I might get diabetes just listening to it"

"Astha! Hurry up woman"

"Keep quiet. I'm thinking"

"What" he asked impatiently.

""Pros and cons. Okay done" she said looking down at him and extending her hand to him. "Pros outweigh. So I think I will get married to you and be your wife" she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Good gracious! I thought it's never going to happen" saying he put the ring back. He got up and she seemed to be in a state of shock.

"Now what Astha?" He asked her bringing her out of her daze.

"Prince kisses the Princess and shows how much he loves her" she said looking at him. He felt her happiness.

"Convince me I chose well" she dared him.

"Babes just one question. Should I convince you with my pants zipped up or I have the liberty to feel some freedom like any other normal Prince would?" he asked pulling her close to him.

"Your call" he said wrapping his arms around her.

"How would you like it husband"

"Pants Zipped up of course. I wouldn't dream of it any other way" he said placing s soft kiss on her shoulder. Shivers ran down her body like a tree burning with bolt of lightening. She closed her eyes involuntarily.

"I really think I should always keep my pants on. It's always better right? No catching cold."

"I'll keep you warm"

"No awkwardness"

"Don't worry I've seen it all"

"No silly excuses if neighbours come calling"

"We'll keep the doors closed. Besides here your closest neighbour is ten miles away"

"What if..." he was enjoying this. But knew she's going to loose her composure any time soon.

"I keep zipped up. I'll stick to my pants. It has never let me down. All my problems start when I take them off. Kannar was right."

"Okay fine then keep your pants up. I'm going to sleep" she said trying to push him away.

"Don't sleep. Night is still young. Tell me what does a normal engaged prince and princess do?"

"They sit by the fountain under the moonlight and talk. With the Stars twinkling while listening to water streaming. Chirping birds will keep them company" she was talking with mischief and hope.

"That's it. What the hell. I did all this to sit and talk. Hell we were doing that even before. You don't need to get engaged for that" he was sounding disappointed but the reality was sinking in fast. It's the beginning of the rest of their lives. They start fresh. Wipe the the slate clean and begin a new inning. Finally she's come back to him. The possibilities are endless.

"No there's more. The prince will sing a love song and then carries her"

"To where? Enchanted woods?"

"No to the Throne room"

"Oh! So it is the Throne room to deflower the princess. But might I add my lovely princess hope you don't mind the sounds of birds singing will be replaced by dogs farting" he said grinning

"Shlok! Help me out here will you"

"Okay I'm sorry. I'll sing, talk and then finally carry you to our Throne room. But we don't have no Throne room let alone a room" he said placing sensuous kiss on her hand.

"Is it ok if the prince carried her to a warehouse. More specifically to a mustang?" He asked her. She kept looking at him. Unable to move from where she stood.

"Babes I' just want to be sure that we're both in the same page. This is what you want as well. Once at the throne room what will they do? "

"They talk of course. They discuss about their future"

"Oh! Babes this just keeps getting better and better. I love it. Let's do it. It's not as if we haven't done enough already"

"So the royal couple don't sleep. They just sit and talk and talk. They are not parrots right?"

"They do. In the throne room. But after talking"

"Babes don't you think we talked already. Now it's time for some action. Don't you think so?" He asked kissing her other hand.

"Shlok! You just always spoil the moment with your obsession"

"Which is?" He asked making her look at him.

"Sex"

"If you seem to know me so well why are you torturing me? Put me out of my misery. Only you can do it for me"

"I'm a very compassionate woman. I will consider your plea. Take me to the throne room" she said with anticipation threatening to knock her out of her socks.

"Babes now you're talking" saying he carried her. She instinctively put her arms around his Neck.

"Where's my room?" She asked not sure where he was taking her.

"It's not changed since the last time" he was now walking out of the living area.

"Shlok it's not the most ideal place for a romantic Suhaagraat" she said

"Where do you suggest then" he asked stopping.

"How about out in gravel. With our butts flashing" he was beaming with happiness.

"We don't have a choice babes. They day beggars can't be choosers"

"So it's the car then?"she asked

"Are you disappointed?" He asked

"No. All I want is you. Nothing else matters to me" she said kissing his chin.

"I have a confession. I don't have any protection" he said making his way toward the car.

"I don't want to be protected from anything"

" are you sure babes? You know what this means?" he was surprised by her answer. Is it going to be that easy to get it all back. To have it all.

"Remember I want it all. The whole nine yards. Not just a normal proposal. But everything else that comes with it"

"My Princes your throne room is ready" He said opening the car door. There weren't any rose petals on white Satin sheets. No scented candles. No wine or chocolate covered strawberries. It was just two souls deeply in love with each other taking the next step for the rest of their lives.

Lying in each other's arms finally after giving into their desires. He covered her with his shirt and tightened his grip on her. She was silent taking in the moment. The moment she imagined many a lonely night. It all seemed surreal. Sheer joy and hope engulfed her. She knew he felt it too. She sat on his lap motionless thinking of their future. It looked bright though unpredictable.

It's not just about having sex. It's was breaking of barriers and putting your faith in the other yet again. They had a history and a present and planned to shape up the future together.