PV SS - Choices (Chapter 7 epilogue - page 8)

Choices

Chapter 1

"I have to go now baby. Ma is going to start wondering where I am" They were standing at the door of his study. He was nibbling at her lips the way he knew she loved. He dipped his tongue through her parted lips and she caught it with her lips. Their hands entwined. The kiss becoming more heated as their tongues started to explore each other's mouths.

"Aarti, Aarti where are you."

She pulled her hands free and pushed him away gently.

"See, I told you. Now please let me go" she said with a trembling voice.

"Not before you say it"

She smiled brightly and said "I love you Yash Scindiya"

"I love you too" and he kissed her again.

She opened the door. He was still holding on to her one hand as walked out.

"Aarti. We need to talk"

"I know love, but I have to go now."

He heard her say.

"Sorry Ma. Yash bhayia was helping me compose my resume."

"Where are your files?"

"It was not needed. It's all on the computer."

He hated that she was lying to Rhada ma. She was like a mother to him. And until recently Aarti had been like his baby sister. But things had changed since he had come back from the USA after 4 years.

She had attended Prateek's party. Prateek and Aarti were the same age and were practically brother and sister as well as best friends. Her parents had worked for and lived at the Scindiya premises since before she was born. So they grew up together. This was going to be the bash that ended their college career and it would be at the Scindiya beach house. She normally never went to these parties, but Prateek, Paridhi and Mansi had been on her case. She eventually agreed.

It was a beach party theme so aarti wore a frayed denim short and white off the shoulder cotton top over her bathing costume. Aarti's head was always in books and she was totally oblivious to how sexy and beautiful she was. As she had predicted, she was not really having a great time. Her friends on the other hand was having a raging good time. She was left to her own devices and she growing tired of all the advances the guys were making. She took a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri and walked outside to enjoy the sight and sound of the sea.

She was standing there on the beach, the epitome of beauty, with her hair blowing in the wind whilst sipping her cocktail through a straw. She was not aware the beautiful eyes that was staring at her from the 2^nd storey of the house. He had seen many beautiful girls in his industry but there something about her that took his breath away.

He had come to Mumbai for a little break before he went home and found that his little brother had planned a huge party at their beach house. The party was in full swing and he made his way up the stairs to his bedroom with his luggage. He was not in the mood for these stupid college kids. Then he saw her. She was standing in the corner. Not dancing. She was talking to a guy and shaking her head, clearly not interested in dancing with him. He didn't know what it was but he stood on the landing, on a spot just out of her view and watched her. He has seen her go out the door to the beach and he went to his room and watched her from the balcony. Then he saw a guy walking towards her. It was one of the guys that she had refused to dance with. She was unaware to his presence. Yash could see he was up to no good. He started to move, he ran down the steps of his balcony towards them.

Aarti was enjoying the view when suddenly she was embraced from the back.

She could smell alcohol on his breath when he said" Are you waiting for me gorgeous." It was that idiot Kunal that was always pestering her.

"Let me go, Kunal."

She struggled to get out of his embrace. They ended up face to face. He started to kiss her and she got scared. She realised the danger that she was in. The next moment he was tugged away. Punched in the face and was sprawling on the sand. "Is that the way you get women." He picked him up by the neck of his t-shirt. "I despise men like you. You better get the hell out of here before you really regret It." and he shoved him.

Aarti was in state of shock.

"Miss are you OK."

"Yash bhayia." She grabbed him and held onto him for dear life. She started crying. He legs were weak she was petrified. She couldn't move or talk. All she could think of is what would have happened if he wasn't there. She would never have been able to fight off Kunal on her own.

"Aarti?" How did he not recognise her? When did she grow up to be this gorgeous creature? He picked her up and took her up the outside stairs to balcony and to his room. He put her on his bed and fetched her some sugar water to calm her nerves.

She was so scared that she held on to him the whole night long and slept in his arms. He almost felt sorry for that Kunal. He could understand why he couldn't resist her. He felt like such a pervert. He was totally aroused by this girl that was like a baby sister to him. But thank God she wasn't his sister and thank God she slept so soundly else it could have been a very awkward situation. Every move she made, every turn she took made him more aware of her delectable body and it was agony for him. He could not let his control slip. He only fell asleep through shear exhaustion in the early hours of the morning.

She woke up and tried to remember where she was. Then it all came flooding back to her. She was so he glad he chose that moment to come back. But then he had always been her rescuer. She had really missed him. Only then did she focus on the man in whose arms she had been lying. He was still fully clothed. His hair was messy, an unruly curl hanging down his forehead. She felt the urge to push it back. He had stubble. His shirt was unbuttoned quite low and she caught a glimpse of his muscular chest. It must have been so uncomfortable to sleep in this snug fitting jeans but it sure made his buns look sexy. What the frack was she thinking? He was like a brother to her. He must never find out what thought had just crossed her mind. She looked back up at his face and had the urge to kiss him on his gorgeous mouth. Involuntarily she did just that. She parted her lips and kissed him on the mouth.

Suddenly she found herself pinned under his chest. She wasn't scared like she was last night.

"Aarti what are you doing."

"Nothing"

"You kissed me" She blushed

"Don't do it again."

"Why?"

He shifted his body completely onto hers.

"Oh" she said shocked at what she was feeling.

"Yes, now go to your room and dress yourself decently before I forget that I am supposed to be your big brother."

As he she got out of bed and made her way to the room that she shared with Paridhi in Mansi for this trip, she said.

"I am not your sister, YASH."

When the door closed behind her, he got up and made his way to the shower and turned on the cold water only.

"Well this is an interesting turn of events." he said to himself while just standing there trying to calm himself down in the shower.

When she came downstairs she heard shouting.

"What the hell kind of friends do you have? And where were you. Do you know what could've happened to Aarti last night?"

"Sorry bhayia. I didn't know that Kunal was that kind of person."

Then Prateek saw her.

"Ads (short for AD which is short for Aarti Dubey) are you ok?"

Paridhi and Mansi rushed to her.

"Ads did he hurt you"

"I am fine everyone. After all I have my own personal Rescuer. Not so Yash bhayia. In fact I didn't even thank you or welcome you back." She went to him and hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. He groaned inwardly at this little teasing minx. And she wasn't dressed decently. She was wearing a short sundress that exposed her long beautiful legs. And it was obvious that she was not wearing a bra. He didn't hug her back and shot her a warning glance when they eyes caught.

"We were going out for brunch are you joining us Bhayia"

"Thanks but no. I came here to relax before I start working again."

"I also don't think I am up to going out after last night" said Aarti.

"Then we will all stay,"

"No don't be silly. I don't want to ruin your time here. Besides I have my Rescuer here. Go and enjoy yourselves."

She went to see them off at the door and came back inside.

"So what would you like for breakfast? I am ravenous "she said.

He was too but not for what she had in mind.

"What are you playing at Aarti?"

"Nothing. I was just asking you what you wanted for breakfast." she said innocently.

"It doesn't matter to me." he said and walked the balcony.

She already knew what he liked and luckily the beach house was always stocked up so she made him his favourite breakfast.

They ate on the balcony. He was very quiet and she was very chatty. She had to draw him out. Asking him about his time in the USA.

"So do you have a girlfriend?"

"No, I don't have time for that."

"I don't have a boyfriend either. But now that I am done studying that might change."

"Did you tell that to Kunal also?"

She stopped in mid bite, put her food down and left the table.

Uhh ... damn why did he have to say that. But she was driving him batty. He got up and followed her.

"Aarti, Aarti Stop. He caught her arm but she pulled loose and ran up the stairs with him behind her.

He finally caught up with her at the top of the stairs.

"Stop Aarti"

"Leave me!"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"But you did. Is that the type of girl that you think I am"

"I can't seem to think very well right now. You are driving me crazy"

"Really?"

"Yes really"

She move to stand against him.

"I like that. Can I really not kiss you again?"

"Aarti please. Do you know how difficult it is to resist you?"

"Then stop resisting." and he did.

He grabbed her in his embrace and started devouring her mouth. He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him as they walked to his bedroom.

Her put her down and lifted her dress over her head lay her down on the bed, he started kissing her neck and her breast like he so badly wanted to do last night. His fingers found her throbbing moistness as she writhed in pleasure. He soon discovered the barrier that told him all he need to know.

"Aarti, he said breathlessly. "We have to stop. You haven't ... We can't. We have to wait."

"I don't want to wait. I want you now. "She was desperate for him.

As much as he wanted to, he couldn't. He would give her as much as he could but for the rest they would have to wait for marriage. So his mouth and his hands pleasured her again and again.

"Yash, what about you?"

"I am fine. Your pleasure is mine."

"No, that can't be right" She pushed him down on the bed and put into practice what he had just taught her and he was in heaven."

"Don't you ever listen?" he said as she lay cosily in his arms totally and completely happy and satisfied.

"Not when it comes to loving my man."

"Oh, so now I am your man."

"Oh, I'm so sorry Yash bhaiya"

"If you ever call me that in private again, I will give you a spanking."

She got up from and said "I won't... Yash Bhayia" and she ran to the bathroom.

But he was too fast for her. He caught her, threw her over his shoulder and gave her a wack on her bottoms"

"Ouch!"

He took her into the shower and put on the cold water. The cold water took her breath away and she screamed "Yash"

"That is your punishment for all the suffering I had to endure because of you last night and this morning."

"When we are married, you will have to make up for the rest" he said kissing her.

Those words brought happiness to her heart.

"I love you Yash Scindiya."

"And I love you future Mrs. Aarti Yash Scindiya.

But when they got home, things changed drastically. He parents had received a proposal for her from a very affluent family. Not nearly as rich as the Scindiyas but affluent by Sharma standards. They were very eager to accept.

Yash and Aarti was brought back to reality with a bang. They both knew that the Scindiya's would not accept the servant's daughter as their bahu. And Aarti did not want to disappoint her parents or cause them to leave the only place they knew as home for most of their adult lives.

Chapter 2

Yash needed to talk to someone and he called his best friend since kindergarten.

"Aaman, want to go and get a drink"

"What, the straight shooting sober Yash Scindiya wants to go drinking? Since when?"

"Since my life has become an impossible mess and I need to talk to a friend."

"Ok, see you at 30 minutes at our favourite restaurant.

"No Ma. I am not ready. I have just completed my final year of college and I would like to work at least before I get married."

"But beta, we can't turn this down. This is a very good proposal. We are not likely to get another one like this. He is handsome, well off financially and he comes from a good family. Please reconsider."

How was she supposed to tell her mother that she had gotten an even better proposal? He was wealthy, comes from a good family, was rakishly handsome and was so good with his hands. She blushed at the thought. He mother would probably get a heart attack if she knew who her other suitor was and it would probably be fatal if she knew what was going on in her mind now.

"I know that they might retract the proposal, but I need at least a year to work before I will consider marriage." Please let them retract, please please please, she thought.

"Fine beta, I will tell the Gupta's about your wish and see what they say. Hopefully they will understand."

"Thank you Ma and bauji for understanding" Yeah, she was giving a reprieve. Hopefully they can work something out in this time. She couldn't wait to tell Yash. She was excited to see him when he came from work that evening. But the Scindiya's were hosting a dinner party for some of their business associates and friends. All the family was there and she had to help Ma serve the food. She didn't mind, at least she would be around him. She hadn't seen him since he had gotten home as she was busy in the kitchen but he did send her text message.

"Where are you?"

"Helping Ma in the kitchen. I will help serve dinner so I will see you then, mwah."

"Love you"

She smiled. "Aarti, please concentrate on what you are doing" her mother shouted as the milk was almost boiling over.

"Sorry Ma"

The guest started arriving and Aarti was busy putting down the hors oeuvres when Aaman and Arpita, Yash's best friends arrived. They greeted everyone and came to Aarti and gave her a hug. They had been like part of the family for years so they were also like a brother and sister to her. "Hello Aarti (bhabi -that part Aaman whispered)"

Aarti's head shot up and she looked at him. He gave her a knowing wink.

"He told me everything. It will all work out, you'll see."

Everything, Aarti thought. She hoped he didn't tell everything. She blushed.

Aaman's parents were also long term friends and associates of the Scindiya's so they were there as well. There was a family that Aarti did not know, namely the Nayars. It was obvious that they had brought their daughter here for Yash's consideration. She was all over him and he did nothing about. Aarti fumed more and more as the night progressed. He barely even looked her way, he was only interested in what that Ishita had to say. She went to the kitchen and threw the tray on the table. She was close to tears. She had to compose herself as she technically had not rights on him. But she thought... anyway to heck with him. She started ignore him too.

After dinner, Paridhi and Mansi arrived. They were on their way to a club and were there to pick up Prateek. While Prateek excused himself they went to the kitchen the get Aarti.

"Come with us please Ads. It will be fun. You never want to go anywhere." said Paridhi.

"You are done with your studies, so there are no more excuses."

Then she thought, ok. He was enjoying Miss Nayar's company, she will go out with them.

"I will go"

They were so excited. She went to get dressed for the occasion.

He saw her friends go into the kitchen and a while later she came out, whispered in Rhadha-ma's ear and left to what seem like their cottage. When she came back he nearly choked on the piece of cake he was eating.

Aaman hit him on the back and said "Are you ok Yash"

Arpita excused herself as she couldn't contain her laughter.

She was wearing a short cream lace fitting cocktail dress with one sleeve, with a pair of gold wedge heeled sandals. Her hair was loose and thrown over the one shoulder with teardrop pearl earring and bracelet. Nothing around her neck. She was looking so sexy. He had the urge to forbid her to go anywhere but he couldn't. She didn't even look his way once. He was so angry right now."

Aarti's mother gave her a disapproving look but since she hardly went out and was usually a sensible girl she let her go. And besides Prateek would be with her.

Aaman saw the look in Yash's eyes.

"Prateek, where are you guys heading. Maybe later Arpita and I can join you. She has been nagging me to take her out. Maybe I can convince your big brother to go with us."

"That would be great, Aaman. We are going to Club Neveah. I will look out for you." and the foursome left.

After she left he could not concentrate on what was going on around him. He just wanted to go and find her and bring her home.

"I would have liked to have gone to the club with you but I am not appropriately dressed" said Ishita. Her fishing went totally over Yash's head.

When Yash, Aaman and Apita entered the club, Aarti was sitting at the table and a strange guy was talking to her. He wanted to go there and deck the guy but Aaman held onto his arm.

"Yash, stay calm. Just go and talk to her." said Arpita.

He made his way to her and grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the club, leaving the poor guys stunned.

"Yash, what are you doing?"

"What are you doing? Dressed like this and talking to strange men" he said when they were eventually outside.

Now she was mad. She looked around like she was looking for something or someone.

"What are you looking for?" He asked

"Your date, Ishita"

"What nonsense are you talking?"

"She was all over you at dinner and you just lapped it up. So where is she?"

"At home I assume. What was I supposed to do Aarti? She was a guest in our home. Was I supposed to just ignore her completely?"

"You didn't even look at me once" she started whimpering.

Now he felt sorry for her and hugged her to him.

"Honey, don't you realise that when I look at you I can't hide my feelings. You are the one that asked me not say anything yet. If you give me the go ahead now Aarti, I will speak to Ma & Bauji and Rhad-ma and Dubeyji tonight still. I want you with me. Please Aarti lets tell them"

"No, not yet Yash. I'm scared of the consequences. But I did tell Ma today that I want a year to work before I get married. So we have time."

"Aarti..."

"I know, I know, you want to do the right thing but for me, please be a little patient."

He sighed. He had such a bad feeling about this but he would do as she asked. He couldn't say no to her, especially when she was feeling so good in his arms.

"Will you dance with me?" she asked.

"Only if you say it"

"I love you Yash Scindiya"

"I love you too my darling.

And they danced the night away. Luckily Pardhi and Prateek were too absorbed with each other and Mansi with her new conquest to notice how cosy the pair were dancing. Eventually they pleaded tiredness and he took her home, but not before causing all the windows of his car to steam up in the club parking lot.

They drove home content for the moment, they had managed to be together for a while and he was holding her hand while driving home. They were living from moment to moment so they had to cherish each and every one where possible.