Aastha stood by the window in her room feeling the cool evening breeze over her face. The Agnihotri Mansion was much larger than Aastha had imagined. The swimming pool on one side and the garden on the other was visible from Aastha's room. After a long time, Aastha had got few peaceful moments to breathe calmly and relax. Aastha watched as the breeze kissed the water sending ripples through the surface. She recalled her moments with Shlok through the little escape-adventure few hours back. Aastha didn't get to feel his care for her through the hustle, but now she could see it clearly as she looked back. He had held her from behind, she remembered, his one hand across her belly and the other covering her mouth. He had held her firmly, her back pressing against his chest, making her feel his abs through their clothes. Aastha put her arms around herself and smiled recalling the moment. She had felt so safe in his arms. And then those words... Don't worry Aastha, I am with you... Oh wow! Those words were like magic. They always worked. Aastha believed more in Shlok every time he said those. Those words always assured Aastha that she was safe. The breeze across her face reminded her of Shlok's touch making her blush. She turned her back at the window and closed her eyes as she entwined her fingers bringing her hands close to her heart. She remembered how Shlok had lifted her in his arms while running towards the car. She had put her arm around his neck and the other clinching his shirt at his chest. She remembered the concern on his face, the determination to keep her safe. And then she remembered the pain in his eyes, the pain he was hiding. She realised that he was in pain, yet he didn't show it, because he cared for her more than himself. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes as she realised Shlok's concern for her.
Aastha sat down on he bed, thinking about Shlok. He was currently in sleep since hours under the effect of medication. Aastha had visited his room several times in the span of these few hours to see whether he had awaken. But the nurse always told her that there was still time for Shlok to wake up. Finally the nurse told Aastha that she would be informed once Shlok was up. Aastha was waiting to meet Shlok. Shlok's condition was only because of her and she would not feel good unless she herself confirmed that Shlok was fine.
*****
Aditi and Karan were sitting in their seats waiting for the bus to reach Mumbai. Karan checked the time. "Half an hour more..." he said to Aditi but saw that she was asleep. He looked at her innocent face. She was holding his arm and her head was resting on his shoulder. Karan smiled and sat back resting his head over Aditi's.
*****
Ajinkya was already angry with his men that they couldn't find Aditi and Karan. On observing the bungalow, Ajinkya had noticed a few things that confirmed of Aastha's presence in the bungalow. All the rooms were very clean, he had found Aastha's phone, her old broken sim card and also water and some food items in the kitchen... All these things indicated that Aastha was had been there.
"Shlok!" thought Ajinkya, "I need to find this Shlok!"
Ajinkya took Aastha's phone and searched for Shlok's name in he contacts. Aastha's new number was activated by now. Ajinkya dialled Shlok's number. But as Shlok's phone was damaged during the accident, Ajinkya couldn't reach the number. "Argh!!" he gave out a cry in frustration. "Find Aditi and Karan at any cost!!" he ordered his men.
*****
Aastha heard the laughter of a little girl from the adjacent room. She wondered who it might be and went to see. She smiled at the sight in front of her. Avdhoot and a little girl were enjoying making a tower with playing cards. Aastha was amused to see the excitement of the little girl as she tried to carefully place a couple of cards to make the second level of the tower.
Looking at Avdhoot, Aastha remembered her childhood days when Avdhoot used to play with her. "Everything had changed now..." she thought. "My baba who always wanted me in front of his sight, doesn't even recognise his girl now... Why did this all happen? Will I ever get you back, Baba? I am your daughter, don't you remember all those days we had been together? Just one accident took you away from me... Was our relation so weak that just a moment was enough to drift us apart? Your daughter needs you, Baba..." Aastha's eyes watered.
Avdhoot noiced Aastha standing at the door. "Come in Aastha... Why are you standing there? Come..." he said. Aastha quickly wiped her eyes and smiled as entered the room.
The little girl was staring at this new lady in her room. She stopped smiling and moved towards Avdhoot clinging onto him on seeing Aastha coming closer. Aastha stopped seeing the little girl nervous.
"Don't worry Kavya beta" said Avdhoot to the little girl, "This is our guest... Say hello to her..."
Aastha smiled at the girl, "So is your name Kavya?" she asked. Kavya nodded. "That's such a lovely name!" said Aastha and a big smile appeared on Kavya's face.
Avdhoot told Aatha that Kavya was Varad and Sojal's daughter. Aastha and Kavya became friends in no time. Avdhoot watched in awe how easily Aastha won a place in Kavya's heart.
"Come Aastha didi, we will make a huge tower... Just like our home!" said Kavya jumping in excitement.
Aastha was amused to see the four-year-old so happy. Avdhoot watched as Aastha and Kavya played together. He got up to leave. Aastha looked at him as he gently moved his hand over Aasth's head. "Carry on..." he said with a smile and left. Aastha stared at his back. "I need to know why you kept coming to Pune, baba... I want to know all the answers..." she thought.
"Aastha didi, look here!" called out Kavya and Aastha became busy with her.
*****
Avdhoot, while passing by Shlok's room, saw Shlok wake up. He entered he room.
"How are you feeling, beta?" he asked.
"Much better, uncle..." replied Shlok with a smile.
Avdhoot sat on a chair beside Shlok's bed. Meanwhile the nurse went to inform Aastha about Shlok.
Avdhoot and Shlok were chatting.
"Aastha is a nice girl..." said Avdhoot suddenly.
Shlok was a bit confused at the statement. "Yes, she is..." he replied.
"She came here several times since afternoon to see whether you were awake and fine" told Avdhoot.
"Really? She did?" asked Shlok, excited. Avdhoot could clearly see Shlok's inclination towards Aastha.
"You both seem great together" said Avdhoot with a wink. Shlok was surprised. Avdhoot tapped Shlok's shoulder gently and walked away telling him to take rest.
*****
The nurse saw Aastha with Kavya, busy making the tower. Kavya watched keenly as Aastha carefully placed a couple of cards to make he top-most level. The moment it was done, Kavya began jumping happily as she clapped. The nurse smiled and entered the room telling Aastha that she could meet Shlok now. Kavya listened to this and said, "Yayy! I will show this tower to chachu!" Aastha frowned. She wanted to meet Shlok alone. Just then, Sojal called out to Kavya. Aastha's face glowed as Kavya ran away towards Sojal. Now Aastha could talk to Shlok peacefully, hopefully without any disturbance...
*****
Edited by ..optimist.. - 9 years ago
Anupamaa
