PV SS - The Storm within Chapter 7(epilogue) - page 10

The Storm within

"Oh no Yash. This is terrible. This storm was not predicted. And now how will the others get here. We can't even phone them. There is no reception."

"I don't know. I am just glad we didn't get caught in this rain. With these roads it can be very dangerous."

The 3 couples had planned this weekend away at the Scindiya Farmhouse outside of Lalitpur for some time now. Mansi and Aaman had planned to come through on the Saturday, but Aarti, Prashant, Arpita and Yash had planned to drive through Friday afternoon but as it happened, Arpita had a last minute emergency at work and Prashant's mom fell ill and they would be driving together with Mansi and Aaman the next day.

The 6 of them had been friends for the last 5 years since Aarti's first year at college. The guys were more or less 5 years older and she met Prashant and Yash through Aaman. Aaman was her neighbour and like brother to her and he fell in love with one of her best friends, Mansi. Arpita had fallen in love with Yash at first sight and at the end of their first year of college they started dating. She started dating Prashant last year, even though he had been courting her for years now.

I suppose you're right."

"You go and find a room to settle in. At least there is a generator for electricity."

"Ok."

She settled in and came and he was sitting in the lounge trying to get internet reception on his laptop.

"Anything?"

"No"

"I will make supper and then maybe it will have cleared up a bit and we can check for reception again."

"I will help you."

She burst out laughing.

"What is so funny, Miss Sharma?"

"In the 5 years that I have known you, I have never seen you do anything with food other than eating it. Were there not enough cooks in your mansion, your majesty? Your farmhouse kitchen is bigger than my whole house and you expect me to believe you can cook."

"Fine you can stop laughing now. I admit I can't cook so now you will just have to teach me seeing as there is nothing better to do."

"Ok then, sir to the kitchen. What would you like me to make."

"Surprise me with your superior culinary skills, ma'am."

And she did. She was an exceptional cook and his attempt to help had failed miserably to her great amusement.

"Wow. This was superb. Why don't you cook for us more often?"

"Because you are never at my place."

"Well we will definitely have to change that."

"Mmm, so I see there is nothing sweet here to make dessert with."

"Nothing sweet. I beg to differ. I am looking right at it."

She looked up at him curiously.

"I mean, you are always so sweet. Trying to solve everyone's problems. Always putting others first."

"Good save Mr. Scindiya. Luckily I am a chocoholic and I brought a secret stash with me. I will go and fetch it."

She went to the bedroom and fetched the chocolate. She thought about what she felt when he said those words. She thought that she had forgotten that feeling. After all, she had finally decided that she would commit to Prashant and she thought that she was over him. He was with Arpita and they were practically engaged. She went downstairs and the rain had abated and he had managed to get signal briefly and called Arpita.

"It seems that this will be going on the whole weekend and this is not the worst of it. There is storm brewing. They guys won't make through on the roads in its current condition."

"Oh no" she said. She felt a bit nervous.

"Well at least we have enough chocolate to feed 6 people for a weekend." she smiled.

They ate the chocolate and were chatting away.

"Ok, I cooked and now your majesty you can do the dishes."

"Me?"

"Of course, you. Do I have to teach you that too?"

"No ma'am even I can wash dishes."

"And I will dry them"

They were busy in the kitchen when he asked,

"How are things going with you and Prashant?"

"Good. Very good actually. I think we have reached an understanding about where we want our relationship to go."

"Oh, and where is that."

"Marriage, once I have completed my internship and start working permanently. His parents are divine. They treat me like their own daughter. I really love Ma and Bauji so much. I can't wait to join their family"

"I see, so is it Prashant or his family that you love."

She looked up at him surprised at his question.

"Of course I love Prashant."

"And what is happening with you and Arpita. You have been together so long, surely a wedding is imminent."

"I suppose that is the next step."

"You don't sound very enthusiastic?"

"It's not that. It just seems that my whole life is planned for me. And now that I am contributing the family business and Arpita is at a marriageable age, it is expected of me to get married. But I don't know if I am ready."

"Arpita is wonderful. I am sure you two will be very happy together" she said.

Then all of a sudden there was a flash of lightning and the thunder roared. She got such a fright that she ran into his arms and clung to him as if her life depended on it. She was trembling in fear. His arms came around her too.

"It's ok, baby. We are safe here." He said when the thunder stopped.

She looked up at him and started to say something but was caught by the look in his eyes.

His lips came down on hers in a soft but searing kiss. It didn't stop for a long time.

Finally when it ended they looked at each other in wonder. She suddenly realised what had happened and left his embrace and ran to her room.

How could she do this, Arpita was one of her best friends. And she was in a relationship with Prashant. What kind of person was she? Was she the kind of person that her grandmother always accused her of being, that her grandmother said her mother was. If her grandmother only had to know that she lost her virginity as 17, luckily she didn't fall pregnant then. I would have been about the same time that her mother had fallen pregnant with her and she was an unwed mother as well. So she was born in shame and her grandmother had never let her forget that or that she was burdened with her when he mother died in childbirth. That was why she worked so hard at school and college and even now at work, so that she could repay her grandma for what she had done. She gave most of her salary to her grandmother and only kept some for herself for bare essentials and some pocket money when she went out with her friends. Luckily, she was a fashion designer and saved money by making her own clothes.

"Aarti" he knocked on the door. "Aarti, can I come in please"

"I don't think it's a good idea, Yash"

"Please Aarti, we can't leave things like this. Are you going to lock yourself in this room the whole weekend?"

"Maybe"

"Don't be ridiculous Aarti. Now open the door."

"I'm scared."

"I know. I am too, but we have to talk, you know we do."

And he heard the door unlock.

That was so good continue soon please

wow! there definitely is a storm brewing! I can't wait for the havoc it will create! love it already! please continue soonest of soon B

Wow this is some great stuff, it's intriguing, please update soon dear, can't wait for the next chapter

Wow B. The storm is all around, let's see what kind of havoc it will create. Who will be damaged, how will they pick up the pieces after the storm is over. Very interesting looking forward to find out soon. Very very soon.

wow another story.. eager to read more

I was actually grinning seeing this.
I was like when did it come and how i missed it??
I thought it was OS but as i start reading i start hoping so that it will not end in one chapter only..I can see the complications in the story, waiting to see how all these will be solved..

Wow...!!! surely i sense a storm coming forth ...oh when these both r attracted to each other then why did they have to chose others ??...looking forward to know how will they overcome this storm and being together still...😉

Chapter 2

He entered the room and she moved to the furthest corner, away from him.

"Always running away, Aarti."

She stood with the head bent, not being able to look at him.

"Aarti, I'm in love with you."

"No, no. Don't say that. You love Arpita. You two are getting married"

"Yes, I love Arpita but I have always been in love with you. You know that. I loved you from the first moment that I met you. And I saw the same feelings in your eyes. But every time I tried to approach you, you pushed me away. Why?"

"Arpita was in love with you. I couldn't stand in the way of that. She is one of my best friends."

"So you pushed me away and into her arms, is that it."

"Yes, and you did fall for her in the end."

"No Aarti, I settled for her when it became apparent there was no chance with you."

"Stop saying things like that. You are meant to be with Arpita. She is perfect for you. She is beautiful, intelligent and rich like you. And she loves you."

"Is that what you have decided 5 years ago and now. You have decided what is best for me and Arpita. When I saw you at Aman's party, I couldn't keep my eyes off you. You were so beautiful. I wanted to hold you in my arms right then, especially when I saw the look in your eyes. It mirrored what I felt Aarti, as much you tried to deny it. I saw it. And from that moment you tried to avoid me. You wouldn't even dance with me that night. You just pushed me away at every turn and look now, just as then, we ended up alone together, doesn't that tell you anything. Aarti. I have never forgotten that night and I'm sure you didn't either.

She didn't forget that night. It was the happiest night of her life.

Flashback:

She was so happy. Finally Aaman had come back from his studies abroad. She had missed him so much. He was the only one that showed her any love. He tried to look after he as best he could from an early age, When her grandmother yelled at her and sometimes made her stand outside in the cold as punishment, he would take her to his house. And he made sure that she ate every day, because he found out that his grandmother and his uncles family would sometimes not feed her for an entire day.

She lived with her grandmother and uncle. She never knew her father. Her parents were not married. And her mother died at childbirth. The shameful circumstances surrounding her birth was used as a reason for her families' neglect and abuse of her. She was basically treated as one of the servants in the house. She had to do all the work as they could not afford a servant. Her grandmother, aunt and cousins would order her about and she only had time to do her homework late at night after every one was asleep. It was Aaman that applied for scholarships at good schools for her. Along with him, his parents and her school principal, finally her family gave in and allowed her to go to boarding school when she went to high school. That way she was able to concentrate on just her school work and she excelled.

Even though they didn't see each other so much since she went to boarding school, she was very sad when he went abroad. And now he was finally back and they were having a home coming and birthday party for him. She took special care with her appearance. Her best friends were invited too. It was clear that Aaman and Mansi had alreadhy taken a shine to each other after only meeting a few times and since Mansi and Aarti were there, of course so would Arpita. The three of them were inseparable since the first year of high school. Mansi was at the private school on scholarship as well and Arpita was the only girl that was nice to them, despite their social standing. And so the three of them became best friends.

They reached the party that was held at a prominent Bhopal hotel, that one of his friends fathers owned and they were very excited. Aaman saw them and came to them immediately to welcome them.

"Come ladies, I want to introduce you to my best friends that I met at University."

They followed him.

"This is Prashant Dubey and Yash Scindiya."

They were both very handsome, but Aarti's eyes were riveted to Yash. He heart started beating fiercely. He looked and her and smiled. His smile reached his amazing eyes.

"Aarti? That is a beautiful name"

"Th ... Thank you" she said, thinking that his voice was the sexiest that she'd ever heard. She was sure her heartbeat was louder than the music.

"Nice to meet you" he said.

Her eyes were still riveted to him when Prashant greeted her too.

"I agree with Yash. It is a beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

"Thank you" she said again.

"Care to dance, Prashant said."

She didn't really want to. She wanted to stay with Yash but she went to dance with Prashant. While she was dancing with Prashant, she saw that Aaman and Mansi were dancing with each other and Yash and Arpita were dancing with each other. But every time she looked at him, his eyes were on her as well.

Prashant took her aside to a quiet spot outside as they were both hot from dancing. He was really a nice guy and she enjoyed his company. It was clear that his interest in her was more. He finally went to get them some drinks and she was alone outside.

"What are you doing here all alone" she heard.

Her head shot up.

"I am not alone. Prashant went to get us some drinks." she said nervously

"Yes, Prashant has not left your side the whole night."

She felt self-conscious and she looked down.

"Tell me is there a chance for me to get a dance with you as well or do you prefer dancing only with Prashant."

"No."

"No, there is no chance for me to dance with you or no you don't prefer to dance with Prashant the whole night?"

"I ... I can dance with you."

"Good, then let's go."

"But, Prashant..."

"Aah, here he is. Prashant, buddy, you don't mind if I take Aarti for a dance do you. You have been dancing with her the whole night already."

"Of course not. If she wants to."

"Aarti?" he questioned.

"Ok" she said but her calm outward demeanour belied her inner turmoil as they made their way to the dance floor.

When she had entered the room, he noticed her. He wanted to go to her immediately. He had seen pictures of her before and the way Aaman always spoke of her, he had been intrigued. But the pictures of her did not do justice to the beauty that stood before him tonight. But Prashant asked her to dance before he could, yet his eyes never left her. And he noticed that she kept looking at him too even while dancing with Prashant. He had seen them go outside and had made excuses to follow them. It seemed that they were having a good time and he felt so jealous and possessive of a girl that he just met. And when Prashant went inside, he took his chance.

Now she was in his arms and he was loving it. She felt so good. She fit just perfectly. He could tell that she was not unaffected by their proximity. He never felt like this. He was used to women throwing themselves at him, like Arpita was tonight, but he had never felt this way about anyone. He wanted to hold her like this forever. He never wanted to let her go. The song ended too soon. And she quickly made her way out of his arms and left the dance floor.

He followed her.

She had to get out here. These feelings she was having for this stranger was making her crazy. She collected her things and made her way out of the hotel.

"Where are you going?" He asked

"Home"

"How?"

"I will get a rickshaw"

"No. I will take you home." He took her hand and led her to his car.

"Please, you don't have to do this."

"I know, but I want to. I can't just let you go like this." He said with an intense look in his eyes. She couldn't say no.

She gave him directions to her house and he drove. But before they reached there he stopped the car.

"Aarti, please can we go somewhere else. I don't want to say good bye to you just yet."

She nodded.

"My family has a home in Bhopal. I am staying there while I am visiting here, can we go there?"

She nodded again.

And he drove off again till they reached his place. He opened the door for her, took her hand in his and walked inside the house.

"Would you like something to drink? Maybe coffee or tea?"

"Coffee please."

She sat in the kitchen while he made coffee for them. The house was massive, for a place that was not their main house. The kitchen was very modern.

"This is a nice house" as they were sipping on their coffee.

"Thank you. We haven't been here in a while."

"So what is it that you do?"

"I work for my dad."

"And what do you do for your dad?"

"Oh, mostly admin type of work"

"What type of business does you dad have."

"He is in the hotel business."

"Hotel business? Are you the friend that's father owns the hotel that the party is being held at?"

"Yes"

"But that is the biggest hotel chain in India"

"I suppose. But my father doesn't own all of it. There are shareholders too."

"And how many shares does your father own."
"70%"

"I see and who owns the rest."

"Well, my father transferred 10% to each of his three sons as soon as we turned 18"

She burst out laughing.

"Was that your attempt at being modest?"

He smiled.

"I had to try. Is the interrogation done now?"

"Yes."

"So, Aarti Sharma, you now know all about me. Tell me about you"

"There's nothing to tell"

"Come on. There must be something"

"Ok, I live with my grandma and my uncle and his family. My mother died when I was born and I never knew my father." She waited for the judgemental look on his face but it never came.

"And what do you do?" He continued.

"I started my first year at college."

"Studying what?"

"Fashion design"

"I see. So I will see your name everywhere one of these days, dressing the rich and famous?"

"Why? Are you going to introduce me to some of your family and friends?" she countered.

He smiled. "Yes, if it helps. And that way I can stay close to you."

She sobered and got up.

"I think you have to take me home now."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"I still want to go home."

He got up and went to stand in front of her. He put his arms around her and looked into her eyes. Her eyes were glued to his and when his lips came down on hers she was helpless but to respond and she was helpless for what followed.

It had never been intention for that to happen but she was so beautiful and he knew she would be helpless to resist him.

He lifted her and carried her to his room. He removed her dress and underwear and then his clothes. He went lie down next to her on the bed and started kissing her again. His lips moving down to her neck and shoulders, down to her breasts. She moaned and grabbed onto his shoulders in ecstasy. When he had finished plundering her breasts he moved down further and she attempted to stop him before his mouth reached his ultimate goal. He looked up and her eyes were big with shock. She couldn't believe where his mouth was going. But he didn't stop and soon she was writhing and moaning in pleasure. She clasped his legs around his neck and finally shuddered in climax.

He moved up and his body covered hers. She looked even more beautiful with the aura of passion around her. He slowly entered her, prepared for the pain that he saw on her face, but she didn't utter a sound.

"It will be better soon, I promise, my love." He started to move slowly, watching her expression change from agony to delight. And she was the one that demanded more. She wanted deeper and faster and he gave her what they both wanted and till they both reached the pinnacle of passion. Afterwards, he rolled off her and pulled her on top of him and held her there.

She was crying. He just held her and rubbed her head gently. He knew why she was crying and he was sorry too. They shouldn't have done it. He was older than her and she should have had more self-control. But he would make it right. She was still young but he would go and speak to his parents and her family and ask to marry her. He was in love with her and he didn't see the sense of waiting for marriage anyway. She could still study and do what she wanted to do.

"Sorry, my love. That was not why I brought you here. I promise. Aarti, look at me." he said and she finally did. Her eyes still wet with tears.

"Aarti, I love you. I want to marry you. I will speak to our families and get that arranged."

"No, we can't get married. We hardly know each other."

"And in arranged marriages people don't know each other either. And I know I love you and I want to marry you. I will just happen sooner."

"Yash, let's not talk about that now."

"Ok, let me get you cleaned up sweetheart and I can take you home."

They took a shower together and at first she was embarrassed by being naked like that in front of him but soon their passion took over"

"Yash, I was supposed to sleep over at Mansi's house. So I can't go home now."

"Ok, that's great. Now I get to keep you in my arms for longer" he said nuzzling her neck and she giggled.

She sent Mansi a text that she decide to go home as she wasn't feeling well and slept in his arms. The next morning he dropped her, but she insisted that he drop her a distance away as she didn't want to face questions, and she made him promise not to speak to anyone about them yet.

He wasn't happy but he agreed.

Later that day, she met with Mansi at Arpita at Arptita's house.

"Aarti, are feeling better now?"

"Much better, thank you." She wanted to tell her friends about her new developments.

"Aarti, I'm in love." Arpita said.

"With who?"

"That gorgeous Yash Scindiya."

"What, you only met him once"

"That was enough. Did you see how he danced with me practically the whole night? What a pity that he had to leave so early." She really looked like a girl in love. Aarti was so confused. What should she do now? How can she break Arpita's heart?

"Mansi, please call Aaman and arrange for us to meet the guys again later." Arpita said and Mansi did.

Aaman picked them up later and they met at a coffee shop. Prashant and Yash were there already.

Arpita went to sit next to Yash, leaving Aarti to sit next to Prashant. All he wanted to do was be close to her but it was not possible for now. But he could not keep his eyes off her and she didn't look his way once. She seemed engrossed in what Prashant was saying.

He wanted to offer to take her home but Arpita had already invited herself to be taken home by him and she asked Aaman to take her home.

After he dropped Arpita, he called her.

"Aarti, what was that. You ignore me the whole night."

"Yash, last night was a mistake."

"I know, and we won't repeat it until we are married."

"No Yash, you don't understand. We can't get married. We have to forget that last night ever happened. We have to forget about each other."

"What!"

"Good bye, Yash."

"Aarti. Aarti!!" but she disconnected the call and switched off her phone.

He couldn't believe what was happening. And he was not accepting it. She was probably overwhelmed by what had happened. He would give her some time and the he would get the truth out of her.

She heard from Aaman that he had left. She was heartbroken and relieved at the same time. But Arpita kept in contact with him and she always listened with great interest to what he was up to.

A month later she went for an interview for another scholarship. The meeting was held at the same hotel that the party was held at. She was led to a room in the hotel and she was very surprised that the meeting was held there.

She knocked on the door and she went inside.

Yash was waiting for her inside at the door.

"Yash, what is this?"

"It's was the only way I could think of getting you alone."

"I have to go."

"No, we are going to talk first."

"I have said what I have to say"

"Aarti, why won't you marry me. I love you. You love me."

"I don't want to be married now. And we are from two different worlds. It will never work out. Please understand, we can be friends but no more."

"Aarti, after what happened you expect me to be only be friends with you. I want more than that from you. I want all of you. I want you as my wife. I already made you mine, we only have to make it official."

"No Yash, No. You are only making it more difficult. What happened was a mistake. I should never have allowed it. Never. If you love you as you say you do, then honour my wish. Leave me alone. Just leave me." she had tears in her eyes. She tried to open the door but he kept it shut.

He looked at her but she didn't look back at him. He wanted to say something but then thought better of it and let her go. She fled from the room and he went to the bed and sat there for long time. He decided to give her what she wants and let her go. But his heart was lost, he would never love anyone the way he loved her.

She cried for him for months after that and when Arpita told them the news that she was officially Yash's girlfriend, she cried some more. She had to pretend to be happy even though her heart was breaking and she had to see him all the time, as they were a part of the same circle of friends. And with time it got easier. And eventually she accepted Prashant as her boyfriend after many years of refusing him.

And now, they found themselves in this position again after 5 years.

Originally posted by: jhillyarya

I was actually grinning seeing this.
I was like when did it come and how i missed it??
I thought it was OS but as i start reading i start hoping so that it will not end in one chapter only..I can see the complications in the story, waiting to see how all these will be solved..