PV OS - The Price of Love
Chapter 1
Aarti couldn't believe where she was. Her mother would be so proud of her right now. She was mingling with the high society of Bhopal. They were all at a building site. It would be the new orphanage that was being established by one of the richest families in India. The Scindiya's now lived in Mumbai, but hailed from Bhopal. Besides being rich, they were well known for their philanthropy. They had invited the wealthy of Bhopal so that they could all start a trust to keep the orphanage afloat, although the building would all be done by them.
There was a gazebo where with tables and snacks. There were speeches made and food served. And Aarti looked like she belonged. Because of her beauty, complexion and flair for fashion, she fit right in. She was practically engaged to Prashant Dubey, the heir to the biggest suppliers of electrical equipment in Bhopal and she was there with them. She was from a lower middle class family but she was not content with that. She was determined to rise above that. And she would reach her goal. She would be Aarti Prashant Dubey. No one in Bhopal would dare remind her of the low station that she came from. And she would not have to live from hand to mouth any more. She would have a lavish lifestyle. Even now Prashant spoilt her. And she was fashion designer so at least she could dressed the part. She had arrived.
She was taking to the mayor of Bhopal when she felt the hair at the back of her neck prickle. She looked around and looked into the most amazing eyes. It was dark, deep and soulful. His hair was plastered to his head and he was bare chested. His body was glistening in sweat. He was one of the workers. They had started digging the trenches. She felt a strange sensation going through her body. It was totally unfamiliar to her.
He didn't even have the decency to look away. She eventually did. Who did he think he was? To look at one of the guests like that? The audacity, she thought. He needs to put in his place. But she would just ignore him. She had no interest in someone like him. Her days of being part of the working class will be over once she marries Prashant. He was the whole package, rich, handsome and very sweet. He treated her like a queen. And his family accepted her like she was one of them and not at all like she was inferior to them. She loved Prashant. And he mother was very happy with the match.
At one point she saw the young Scindiya girl going over to the workers with snacks and cool drinks. She was getting very friendly with the one that looked at her so intently. She talked to him longer that with the other workers and they apparently shared a joke as they both burst out laughing at something. He is very forward she thought. His attitude annoyed him. Fraternising with these people. He really did not know his place. She looked at him angrily. He looked up and caught her staring and he gave her an amused smirk. She immediately looked away again, feeling a bit embarrassed about getting caught staring.
A while later she was busy helping to clear up. She reached for a glass when a hand came around her to clasp hers as she wrapped hers around the glass. She looked up and saw him. She was not surprised to see who it was when she looked up and she yanked her hand free. At least he had a shirt on.
"Can I help"
"No, thank you."
"I want to"
"Don't you have to go and dig a trench outside?"
"I'm done with that now. It's more interesting in here." he said leering at her.
She was shocked at his familiarity.
She opened her mouth to chastise him when she heard.
"Hey you, servant guy?"
The both looked around.
"Yes, Miss Scindiya." he responded.
"I want to go home and you need to drive me."
"In a minute. I am still busy working here."
She looked at him and then at Aarti and said in an amused tone:
"Well if are done "working" then can we go? I have plans."
"Yes, ma'am."
"That girl is turning out to be a real brat" he said as she walked away.
"That is no way to talk about your employers."
She did not understand his baffled expression. And then his face softened into a smile again.
"No one is here to hear but you."
"Still ..."
"What is your name?"
"Miss Khuranna" She said haughtily. "And I think you are rather forward and rude. You should know your place. You are just a worker here."
"I am trying to help you clean, is that not my place?"
"You are ... You are ..." she was sure he was flirting with her, but what if he wasn't and she embarrassed herself? But she was saved.
"Aarti, Aarti beta."
"Yes, Shoba-ma" she replied.
"It's time to go."
"Coming" she responded. She gave him a lost look and left.
"Aarti Khuranna" he said mulling over her name on his tongue.
"Mm, I don't think it will be the last time we will be seeing each other." he said to himself.
He surprised himself today. This girl had captured his attention immediately. Nothing like that ever happened to him before. She was beautiful yes, but there was just something about her that kept his attention. He couldn't keep his eyes off her or his distance eventually. He wanted to see her again and know more about her. He wanted to know everything about her.
"Bhayia! She's gone, now come."
"Yes, you nagging chit of a girl. I'm coming." he said to his beloved baby sister and they left.
Aarti was excited. Paridhi Scindiya had asked to come and see her. She had a big bash at college and she had learnt at the orphanage opening event that Aart was a designer. They spoke about what she wanted briefly and it seemed that they had similar ideas. And she liked the idea of having a designer that none of her friends in Mumbai would have. She would send a car for her to take her to their Bhopal residence. This could be her big break, that is if she still wanted to work after the wedding.
The car pulled up outside the house and she rushed out. She only looked up at the driver when he opened the passenger side front door open for her. Her smile froze on her face.
"Good afternoon, Miss Khuranna" he said with one of his smirks again.
She was shocked and didn't respond, she got into the car."
He started the car.
"So how are Miss Khuranna?'
"Fine"
"I am fine too. Thanks for asking" he said sarcastically.
"You look beautiful again today. I am not sure if I prefer you in western wear of traditional."
"Why would it interest me in what you prefer?"
"I was just making conversation."
"You are the driver. You don't need to make conversation with me."
"I want to. I'd like to know more about you."
"Must I put you in your place again? We are not friends. You are a worker. There will not be any conversation here."
"You are going the Scindiya's for what again. To see Pari about making a dress for her? Is that not correct. Does that not make you a worker too? And the area I just collected you from, it's not exactly a high class area. I am not judging, just asking?" he looked at her quizzically.
She was a bit embarrassed. But this man angered her too.
"I won't be there for long. Once I am married, I will be moving to an affluent area. My intended husband is wealthy."
"Is that why you are marrying him."
"I lo ... I don't have to defend myself to you. I don't know you and I don't want to speak to you."
They didn't speak the rest of the trip. But he kept looking at her.
She had a good session with Paridi. They ended up talking and laughing longer than she had anticipated. She was home alone, but for the servants. She was so down to earth for someone so wealthy. She wasn't a brat at all.
She offered her lunch and they ate together. Afterward she said she would get someone to take her home.
"No. I can take the rickshaw."
"Don't be silly. You won't do any such things. We have a whole fleet of cars here. Just wait a moment.
She disappeared and came back with him. She still didn't even know his name.
"Good bye, Aartiji. I am looking forward to seeing the final result of the dress."
"Me too" said Aarti.
"Bhayia, get her safely home."
Aarti was shocked that Paridhi addressed him like that.
Once in the car she asked.
"Why did she call you bhayia?"
"I have been with the Scindiya's ... Well forever. And she sees me as an elder brother."
"Oh." She said.
He drove but she was deep in thought. And then she suddenly noticed that they were not going in the direction of her house.
"Where are we going?"
"You had dinner right? I thought you might like some dessert. I know the best coffee shop in town."
"I don't want to go."
"It's just a cup of coffee, Miss Khuranna. And maybe a piece of cake." he smiled.
She was feeling anxious. But not scared. She didn't want to go but not for the reasons she should not want to go. She just knew spending time with him was not a good idea.
They stopped at a quaint little coffee shop that she had never been to. He ordered for both of them.
She stubbornly refused to eat.
"The longer you refuse to eat, the longer we have to stay here."
His words spurred her on to eat. She loathed to admit but the chocolate cake that he ordered was heavenly. She actually devoured it in no time.
"Wait, you have a piece here.'' He said as he took his thumb and wiped it across her lips, to side of her mouth where a piece of frosting was left. The touch of his finger made her shiver. He took the same thumb and licked off the frosting.
"Hmmm, tastes good." he said. Both knowing that he was talking about more than just frosting...
Finally he paid and they left again.
"What do you do?'
"Excuse me? Are we talking now?"
She gave him a scathing look.
"Ok, don't be so mad. I assume you mean for a living. A little bit of everything I suppose."
"How long have you been employed by the Scindiya's"
"Formally, about 9 years. But I have started even when I was at school."
"You don't look like a ... a
"A servant? What does a servant look like?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I am being treated as family. I don't feel like a servant."
"But surely that can't be all you want. Surely you need more than to work on a building site and drive around for them."
He stopped the car as she had stopped in front of her house.
"I do. I want you." he said. He took her hand and kissed it. Once again the sensation filled her whole being. She just sat there looking at him. He brought his face closer and kissed her gently. She closed her eyes, it was as if he couldn't resist.
Suddenly she came to her senses.
"No, I don't even know your name. I can't be kissing you. I am with Prashant."
"Does he make you feel like I do?"
"Feelings are overrated when you have nothing, no food, no home and low status."
"Aarti ..."
"No, it's Miss Khuranna to you. I am kissing a man that I don't even know." She got out of the car and attempted rush to the door.
He was so fast. He got out and grabbed her arm.
"Yash, my name is Yash."
She pulled her arm free and ran into the house.
He looked after her. He was so confused. He was never interested in girls before. Especially since he knew that his wealth would be his biggest attraction for them. Yet here was this girl that made it clear that she wants a rich husband to get out of her current circumstances, but he could not get her out his head. Yet he wanted her to care for him as he had started to care for her. If he revealed who he was, she would marry him today, probably, but he wanted more from her. Much more. And he could sense she felt the same. But before he revealed his true identity to her, he needed to know that it was more than material wealth that she saw in him.
Aarti closed the door once she got inside the house. She wiped the tears from her eyes. She was totally confused. After all that she had worked so hard to make herself the kind of woman that could win the love of someone like Prashant, she was not going to fall for a poor man. But he made her feel so many things. Things she never felt with even Prashant. She loved Prashant didn't she?
"Aarti."
"Ma"
"Who is that man?"
"No ... No one."
"Not no one. I saw what happened outside. Who is he?"
"The driver."
"DRIVER! DRIVER! Aarti, if you mess this relationship up with Prashant, I swear ... You will never see that man again. Do you hear me? I raised you or better than this. I raised you to do better than me. You can have it all with Prashant. You won't marry a good for nothing lowly worker like your father. And today we are still battling. I could have done so much better. But I married for love and look where it left me. I won't allow it. And that is final!"
"Yes,ma."
"Now go to bed."
"Yes, Ma"
She answered the unknown number on her cell phone.
"I need to see you, Aarti."
"No. I can't"
"Please."
"Don't ask me to. Please."
"Just this once. Please, I need to see you. We will be leaving for Mumbai soon and I will be out of your life."
"Just this once then. Where."
"I will fetch you."
"No, I will come from work."
"Come to the orphanage site. I will wait for your there."
She told her mother that she was going to her friend Mansi after work and took a rickshaw to the orphanage. He took her to a house nearby.
There was dinner for them and chocolate cake for desert.
"Yash, I can't stay."
"Please, just this once. I won't bother you again."
She sat down at the table eventually and they ate.
"Do you love him?"
"Yes."
"Would you marry him if he was poor?"
"Yash ..." she said and started to get up.
"No Aarti. I want to know. Is wealth really more important to you than love?"
"I told you I love Prashant."
He grabbed her and kissed her till she was gasping for breath ad her heart was racing wildly. He pushed her away from him.
"And that? What was that? You love him, but you kiss me like that. Tell me that you have never thought about me after we last saw each other. Tell me why you agreed to come here. Tell me you feel nothing for me."
"I have to go.
"You are not going anywhere till you answer my questions." he grabbed her again. "Answer Aarti"
"No. I won't live like this. You can't give me what I want. I can't live in a house like this. With no money. No future. I can't do that. Love? What does that bring you?"
"Money and wealth is no guarantee of happiness, Aarti."
"No, but it makes life easier."
"I love you." he said.
"I love Prashant."
"You love him so much that you can't resist me."
"I'm leaving."
He grabbed her again and kissed her. This time he didn't leave her. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. She was helpless to resist. He lay down on the bed and started undressing her. He kissed every spot that was being bared. The feelings she experienced was more than she could have imagined. She responded like she had done this before arching and opening for him before her touched. Finally his fingers gave her a magical sensation that made her scream and convulse. Then with his mouth he did the same.
Yash was so aroused by her. Knowing she was innocent made it so difficult for him. He knew she couldn't resist him. She wanted him as much he wanted her. But could he snatch away her prized possession right now. He knew it was his and he could take it but finally he came to the conclusion that he couldn't do it right then. It would still be forcing her to choose him. And he didn't want that. She had to choose him freely.
Afterwards she turned away from him in shame. But he would not have it. He held her in arms until the sobbing stopped.
"Aarti, please. I love you. I will give you everything I have. Everything. I will make you happy. Just allow me to."
"I can't. You don't understand. I can't."
She got up and got dressed.
"Aarti. This is the last time I will ask you. I love, I want you, and I need you. I want you to be my wife. Please say yes. If you don't, you will break my heart but I will not beg."
"Sorry, I can't"
"Fine, I will take you home."
"No, I will go on my own."
Aarti was doing the last fitting or Paridhi. She had gone there on her own this time. Pari was over the moon about the dress. But Aarti was pre-occupied. She wondered where he was. She wanted to see him. She wanted to speak to him. She couldn't think about anything else but him. Even when she was with Prashant. She wanted to tell him that she had changed her mind. That she wanted another chance with him. That she would break up with Prashant. But he was nowhere to be found. She was standing on the balcony of Paridhi's room.
"Mr. Scindiya, Mr. Scindiya, the car is ready."
"Coming" she heard a familiar voice. She looked down and saw him. He was wearing a business suit and had a laptop. The door was opened for him by the driver and he got in the back seat.
She moved out of sight quickly. She felt sick. How could he lie to her like that? She always made it clear what she wanted but the whole time he was playing with her. Would he even have married her?
"Aartiji, we can have lunch now."
"Sorry, Paridhiji." I just had call. My mother needs me. I will mail the dress to Mumbai for you in 2 days. Ok. Thank you so much for letting me do this."
"Aartiji, my b ... Yash, he really ..."
"Sorry, I have to go." she practically ran out of there.
Aarti hated this admin. She had been living in Dehli for more than a year now. All she wanted to do was design. But her business had taken off so she was forced to do this. She was coming from the office of the distribution company that she use. They were so unreliable. She had just given that manager a piece of her mind and she gave them one last chance to prove themselves and that would be it. She was still livid when she got into the lift.
The door opened on the ground floor and she was about to get out when she saw him. He wanted to get into the same lift.
They stared at each other, not moving until the lift nearly closed again. He kept it open with his hand and she stepped out as he stepped in. She looked back, wanting to say something but his eyes spoke volumes. The lift closed and she stared at it for a little while longer.
He was shocked to see her. He did not expect to see her here. He had never returned to Bhopal after that encounter with her 5 years ago. She was wearing western clothes so he couldn't tell if she was married or not. She looked as if she wanted to say something. But he couldn't allow it. She had made her decision and he meant what he said. He would not ask her again. Though he had an urge to kiss her senselessly. She had made her choice. He didn't know or care that if she knew who he really was. She was a past mistake.
She tried not to think of him. She had just gotten over him. After that day, she had changed so much. She went home to her mother and told her that she was breaking up with Prashant and she was moving to Dehli. She had received a very good job offer there. She went to apologise to Prashant and his parents for her decision and within days she was gone. She worked for a year and then started her own little business. That was not so little anymore. She would not be distracted by him. She would carry on the way she used to. On her own. She couldn't live with her mother any more, but she sent her enough money to hopefully keep her happy.
She was invited to the dinner party of one of her private clients. She wasn't in the mood, but this woman was wealthy and besides being a good client, she opened lots of doors for her. But she always tried to set her up with good matches. And this time was no different. She couldn't believe it when she saw him. She wished earth would swallow her. They didn't let on that they knew each other. They kept up the farce until the end of dinner.
"Yashji, please will you also accompany Aartiji home. I never like it that she travels on her own."
"Yes, Mrs. Singh."
The went to the car and he opened the door for her. Again they drove in silence, but for her directions to her house.
"So what happened to Prashant."
"Nothing, he is probably happily married by now."
"Did he realise you only wanted him for his money."
"I broke the engagement."
"Why?"
"Because I didn't want to get married. I got a job offer and I moved here."
"Why. Do you think you can find a richer man here?"
"Stop it. I have a career, I don't want a rich man. I don't need any man."
"Now that you know who I am, aren't you sorry you turned me down."
"I have known who you were since before you left Bhopal. Yes, I did what I did with Prashant, but you are a liar. You lied to me. You took me for a fool. You probably would never have married me anyway. After all you were way out of my league. I was just a good roll in the hay for you. You just used me."
"Used you? If I wanted to I could have gone all the way with you. I was the one that stopped it. I loved you and you, you just loved money. You were prepared to sell yourself for it."
"Why are we having this discussion. This happened 5 years ago. So you can just leave here and forget about me."
She turned around and walked to the door. As she opened it, he forced her inside and started kissing her, pressing her up against the door. He was angry. He held her tightly. Hurting her. He wanted to punish her. He suffered so much because of her and she didn't even get married. He pulled at her clothes and started tearing at the fabric to get access to her breasts. She was squirming. She was not sure if it was pleasure or pain. Her breasts were exposed and he devoured them hungrily. He sucked at her nipples vigorously. It caused the skin to tear. It hurt but she couldn't stop him. She moaned in pleasure and pain.
Suddenly he flung her away from him. She hit the door.
He looked at her with loathing.
"How much?" he asked.
"What?"
"How much for the night."
It felt as if she was doused with cold water.
"You couldn't afford me." she shouted. "Get the hell out of my house."
"What is it? You can't surely be holding out for marriage? Then you shouldn't have confessed to me what a gold digger you are. I can't deny I still want you. But marriage, never."
"You are right. With us there will never be marriage. There won't be sex. There won't be anything. Get out, I said."
"I can have you whenever I want to. Anywhere, anytime. And I will have you. Make no mistake. In my time, on my terms." He yanked her to him and kissed her punishingly and left.
She locked the door behind him and ran to her room and threw herself on her bed and cried the rest of the night. She knew he was right. She could have whenever he wanted her. She couldn't resist him. She loved him too much to resist.
She wasn't surprised when he was there the next night. She let him in walked to her bedroom. He followed her. She was busy undressing. He didn't know what she was up to now.
"You can have what you want."
"And what do you want in return."
She gave him a staggering amount and she could see that she had the desired result. The look in his eyes was akin to hatred. Absolute disgust and loathing. That was what she wanted she thought all the while her heart was shattering into a million pieces.
Fan Fictions
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
