FF: Pyaar in the Pink City Pt32/Pg106(Concluded) - Page 55

Originally posted by: Sisbamboo1

Res

😲 I'm first?! 🥳

Edit:

It would be very ironic if the man Dhruv saved turns out to be Shyam's father or even someone who can lead them to Shyam's parents. Everything would come full circle. Shyam and Anjali's story also started out by Shyam "saving" Anjali at the temple and now Dhruv will save the man at the temple that may eventually lead to exposing Shyam. I think Anjali would appreciate the symbolism.

Ajay and Anjali are sooo cute! The way he was savoring her lips on his cheek even hours later, the way Anjali held his hand at night, the way Ajay held her hand under the table at breakfast. Definitely, they took steps forward. Anjali is not hiding anymore and she's not fighting the attraction either. If she was, she would have never asked Ajay to give her time. She wants to muddle through her problems and come up with a solution.

I'm so glad she didn't get the package on Teej. Yesterday was so magical for both Ajay and Anjali...a turning point in their relationship and that magic would have disappeared had Anjali received Shyam's thoughtful gift. He just never tires of being an asshole. Do you know, that Shyam seems more obsessed with Anjali now than Khushi? It's like he can't see Anjali moving on...is he jealous or just plain selfish?

Anjali does not need the added stress of an ambitious gossiper who wants to be part of the gossip and not the one reporting it. She's locked her eyes on Ajay. In a way, it might be good because it may force Anjali to become possessive and show and want Ajay to be hers and hers only. Ajay would definitely not mind 😉. I just hope Ketaki and Shyam don't join forces.

The suspense and action are building up! I can't wait for it to explode!

Hola,

I am back with the latest update on PIPC. Brace yourself, this is a longish update.

Thank you for leaving your comments.

Pyaar in the Pink City(English)

Disclaimer: I do not own these pictures. They have been procured from internet sources available for public consumption and have merely been used for illustrative purposes only.

Part 24

Knight in Shining Armor

Less daunting as team, You, unlikely king by my side
And me so much better for trusting you

My hand over your heart, while You keep hindrances at bay
Color me surprised by, How our union saves the day

How I've grown to need you, As my soldier need fades
How I love to love you, And how'd I remain

~ Lyrics of the song 'I Remain' by Alanis Morrissette

Anjali finished her prayers at the Shiv Mandir at Malhar and glanced at her watch. It was slightly past six and Ajay would be at the stables at this hour. "Khushiji, Mayaji, Would you drop me off at the stables? There is something I would like to discuss with Ajayji" She requested her sisters-in-law who had been keeping a close watch on her since the breakfast episode that day.

"But of course di" chimed Maya wrapping an arm around her shoulder while Khushi smiled warmly.

"Anjali di was coping with the episode much better than she had anticipated. Apart from the fainting spell, she had been quite composed and gone about her activities as if it were just another day. Under different circumstances she woud have teased Anjali over the request she had just made. But the tone of Di's voice had signaled that it was something significant" thought Khushi silently as they dropped Anjali off at the stables and proceeded towards the Haveli.

Smells of hay and straw and the musky odor of leather and horses filled her senses as Anjali gingerly stepped into the stables. She had spied the hummer outside, but Ajay and Atticus were missing. "They are probably out on a ride", she thought, reaching out to stroke the beautiful chestnut bay that was munching on oats contently in its stall.

She recalled the riding lessons that her father had given chotte and her while they were kids. It had been so long since she had ridden, that it almost felt like it was part of a different lifetime.

"I would have never thought that you loved horses", came a deep voice causing her to swirl around. "It's a pleasant surprise" Ajay said walking up to her. Stroking her cheek with his knuckles, he added on a husky note, "I am glad you came Sugar Queen. Want to ride?"

Anjali's eyes widened. Of all the things, she had not anticipated this line from him. Heck she had not known what to expect from him after that morning's scene.

Waving away her half-hearted protests of how long it had been since she had ridden, he picked her up and setting her on Atticus, leaped on to sit behind her. They rode in silence for a while, Ajay's arms brushing against her lower back and his thighs pressing against her knee. The evening air was cooling down. Everything was peaceful and quiet except for the rhythmic clip clop of Atticus's hooves and the shrill calls of the birds returning to their roost.

Anjali felt her tension dissolve and leaning ever so slightly on to Ajay's chest she began, "The gift and the note from this morning----."

"Your ex-husband" he stated in a matter of fact tone.

Anjali lifted her surprised gaze to meet his.

"I know. However, I want to hear it from you Anjali." He replied in response to her mute question.

"Ajayji I know I am asking a lot of you, You will hear it from me but not now. Please bear with me. What I really want to know is what you thought about the note and if you have any second thoughts, you know" she paused, her throat aching unbearably as the words stuck in her throat. She dropped her gaze to her hands that had tightened around their mount's bridle and finished in a rush, "I want to know if this changes what's between us?"

Ajay went absolutely still and slowly brought Atticus to a halt. He waited for her to lift her gaze to meet his before he spoke. "Anjali, I don't give two hoots to what that Shyam thinks. What you think on the other hand matters a great deal. I do not give my heart easily, and once I do, I do not back out easily. I want you to remember that now and forever. The only thing that will change what is between us is a 'no' from you. And I am still waiting for your answer" he stated, his eyes boring into her's willing her to speak.

Anjali's face beamed, her eyes moistened and her heart was overcome with love. Throwing her hands around Ajay's neck, she whispered against his cheek, her lips thrilling at the sensation of his stubble against them, "Soon, Ajay. I will tell you all soon. Let's get past tomorrow's press conference."

Ajay wrapped his arms around her waist and burying his face in her hair kissed the top of her head, silently adding "Don't take too long Sugar. Time is precious, and once lost can never be recovered. I should know. Besides, there are things about my past that you should know too. That I am waiting to tell you. But first, I want you to trust me and open up before I can tell you about Mrinalini."

************

Arnav Singh Raizada knew how to throw a party. Vrindavan was partly opened up to host the gala pre launch event of AR Resorts' newest addition. The grand Durbar hall that had been remodeled into a fabulous Foyer as well as the sweeping staircases and the hall ways on the first floor were opened up for the party. A complete model built to scale of the resort was showcased in the center of the foyer.

The front yard, the fabulous fountain of Krishna & his Gopis that inspired the name Vrindavan, had been immaculately presented. Crystal sparkled, the art work enthralled, while the wood work and marble gleamed. The red carpet was rolled out as the creme-de-la-creme of hi-society and press poured in twinkling like stars on earth and filled the night air with their laughter.

Anjali had arrived at the event with her brothers and Nitin, while Rathod had joined them later with Radhika. Devyaniji, Virenji and Tashi had stayed back at the haveli along with Buaji, Garimaji and Shashiji. Arnav opened up the conference with his welcome remarks and let Anjali and Nitin take the lion's share of the spotlight.

Anjali looked radiant and sophisticated as she fielded questions, and Nitin was in his element. Rathod beamed at this confident avatar of her's, his eyes taking their fill of her lovely form in the transparent black saree she had donned for the event. He felt irrationally jealous of every man in that room that night, for he had to share this lovely sight with all of them.

"Be careful Rathod. Ketki is shooting daggers at you and her poisoned quill will spit out gossip by the ton if you do not look at other things besides your precious Sugar Queen" whispered Radhika nudging him casually.

She chuckled at his surprised expression and remarked flippantly, "Wake up Rathod. Every one including your nine year old daughter knows that, that's what you call Anjali when you think no one's listening."

"This Anjali might be more of a threat than I imagined. Rathod has eyes only for her. It's as if the rest do not exist." Fumed Ketki even as she grabbed the microphone and shot out her question. "Anjali. I hope I can call you that?" she fluttered her fake eye lashes and gave her most winsome plastic smile as she continued, "Why this sudden interest in Jaipur? Aren't you from Lucknow? Has this anything to do with your current stay at the Rathods? Word on the street is that there might be more there than meets the eye. Would you care to elaborate?"

There was a hush while everyone waited for Anjali's response. Shyam's face twitched as he turned his gaze to Rathod and then to Ketki. He hated the man. He had hated many people in his life, especially his saalesaab most intensely up until now. But this was somehow stronger, somehow more primitive and he was baffled by its intensity.

Anjali's clear calm voice cut across his thoughts "Why not Jaipur? It's a city steeped in our rich cultural heritage and a prime tourist spot. Sound business judgment dictates that AR Group makes its presence felt here. After all we take our stakeholders' interests seriously. Besides, my forefathers are from Jaipur and this Haveli here is a testimony to our deep strong roots here. As for the word on the street, it is definitely true."

Anjali paused for a beat while her family and Rathod looked at her stunned and continued," Indeed there is more to our association with the Rathods. It is an enduring friendship that has been fostered and nurtured over three generations and has stood the test of time. How many people do you know of that can claim that Ms Arora?" she smiled.

The evening was spectacular with Anjali basking in all the limelight. Ajay and she had spent almost every minute post the press conference together. She could care less for what fodder that provided the gossip mill. Arnav and Akash were taken aback at this new found boldness in their dear Di while Shyam writhed in his own skin.

Ajay Singh Rathod had become a thorn in his flesh and his every attempt to approach Anjali alone was being thwarted. No, No, No. This is not how it is supposed to pan out. Nothing was going per plan. He had deliberately laid low at the press conference, intent on talking to Anjali alone. He had no intention of confronting her family yet. He had to worm his way back into her heart and by the looks of things, he was no longer sure if that was even a possibility thought Shyam bitterly, glowering darkly from his corner at his Rani Sahiba.

Anjali nodded at Ajay as he excused himself to answer a phone call, unaware that in addition to Shyam two other pairs of eyes had been intently following her every move.

Presently the owner of one of the two pairs sidled towards the other and drawled in a low tone, blowing a ring of cigarette smoke in the air "Sanjay, you are drunk again, tsk,tsk. Now, leave the poor woman alone. She is way out of your league. You would not be able to even get within a ten foot radius of her, let alone lay your hands on her".

Sanjay whipped his head and focused his haughty eyes on a smirking Ketki, goaded by her words and burning up with lust. Sanjay Malhotra was a debaucher of the first order. He had recently taken over as CEO of his familiy's textile factory after his father's retirement and was drunk with the power it brought with it. After a few pegs, he would chase anything in a skirt, and today his eyes had rested on Anjali from the moment she had walked into the haveli.

"Ketki, you bi***. Don't forget who you are talking to? Prettier women have succumbed to my charms. She is a desperate woman who has not known what it is to be with a man since her marriage broke. Watch me bed her tonight and put her out of misery." He boasted, as he swayed away.

Ketki quietly signaled the cameraman who had accompanied her and set him on Sanjay's heels with precise instructions. She could care less whether Sanjay succeeded or not. What she was after was photographs of Anjali in Sanjay's arms. However unwilling she might be, it would be hard for her to fight Sanjay alone, as long as he had the brains to get her away from the crowds. Once she had her photographs, she could poison Ajay's mind as well as ensure her upcoming edition of 'Society' sold out at the stands. All she had to do was wait and watch till the spider drew the fly in its web. All was not lost yet, after all. Ketki smiled, and sashayed back to mingle with the crowd.

"Haven't we met before? You are Rakesh Singh. Aren't you? You had helped my daughter Tashi at the mall, remember?" enquired Ajay who had inadvertently bumped into Shyam on his way back to Anjali.

Shyam sucked up his distaste and smiled politely as he responded,"Yes. Pardon me, I am in a hurry right now. I would love to chat the next time we meet." With that, Shyam rushed out of Vrindavan, loathe to staying a minute longer in the same room. He felt his breath being suffocated. He needed to get back to his room and think, before he reacted on an impulse and ruined everything.

Ajay stopped to congratulate Akash, Arnav and Nitin and exchanged pleasantries with NK and a few other friends on his leisurely stroll back to the table where he had last seen Anjali, only to find her missing. Puzzled, he glanced around hoping to spot her. She had been on the verge of saying something when he had been interrupted by the phone call.

A sudden chill settled in his heart as he quickly dialed her number only to find that she had left her phone in her purse at that very table. "This means she has not gone far. But she is nowhere in sight? Where could she be?" Raking his hair he looked around wildly, desperate for some clue when he spied a crumpled piece of paper by Anjali's clutch.

His face turned a deathly white as he smoothed it out and read its content; a single line scrawled in an unsteady hand that was definitely not his, "Meet me by the guest house. I have something to show you that's for your eyes only - Ajay."

Swearing ripely, he rushed out of the haveli, skirted around the building and ran towards the guest house, his heart slamming against his ribs and the blood pounding in his veins, as he chanted repeatedly "Please God let her be safe."

"What if something terrible had befallen her? How long had she been gone? What if it was already too late. No, No, No. Think positive Ajay" He sped on, leaping over the neatly hedged border and screamed out "Anjali" as the guest house floated into his sight. The area was steeped in darkness in comparison to the lighted front of the Haveli. Ajay slowed as he neared the building his eyes scanning for Anjali, calling out her name repeatedly.

Hearing a tussle in the bushes by the side, he quickly spun around and rushed towards the sound, tripping on something on his way. Bending down he picked up Anjali's foot brace. His blood ran cold as he pressed forward with an unparalleled urgency and rounded the corner to find Anjali supine on the ground pinned down by a man in a tuxedo. She was clawing and scratching to no avail, while the man pressed his foul mouth to her throat.

Ajay saw blood as he strode forward. In one clean and powerful move, he ripped the man off Anjali and hurled him against the wall of the guest house. Ajay flung himself against him and heard the man's shoulder crack against the wall at the impact of his body. The man howled in pain clutching at his left shoulder. Ajay clutched at his throat and forced his head up. Instantly he recognized who he was and his fists balled as every nerve in his arm etched taut against his skin.

"How dare you lay your filthy hands on her?" he hissed as he pulled him up by the lapels of his coat and pinning him against the wall swung his fist across his pretty face breaking his nose.

The man whimpered as blood streamed profusely from his nose and fell to his knees. He picked himself up and fell back towards the road, lying to save his sorry ass, "I am sorry Rathod, I had no idea she was your girl."

Ajay advanced menacingly towards him, his body quivering in suppressed rage, while the man stumbled and staggered and ran for his dear life.

For a few seconds Ajay waged an internal war. Part of him wanted to hunt Sanjay down and tear him apart while the other half urged him to rush to Anjali; she needed him. With a final oath, he spun around on his heels and kneeled down by the listless form on the ground. His breath stuck painfully in his lungs even as he gathered her in his arms muttering "Anjali, are you ok? Did he hurt you badly? For heaven's sake, say something." One hand cradled her while the other cupped her chin and slightly shook her till her eyes fluttered open.

"Ajay, Thank God you came" she cried out shakily, burying her face in his chest, hot tears rolling down her cheeks drenching his shirt;involuntary tremors racking her body.

"Shhh, it's ok baby. Everything is ok. He is gone and I am here now" he crooned soothingly, rocking her in his arms till he felt her sobs diminish.

"Take me home please, Ajayji" she pleaded.

Ajay nodded and setting her down briefly he affixed her brace back on her foot and examined her. She had a nasty bump on her temple where it had hit the ground when she fell that was oozing blood, the thin material of her saree had ripped as had the sleeves of her blouse. Ajay felt his blood turn into lava once again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to rein in his wrath. He then quickly shrugged his coat off and helped Anjali into it. Cradling her in his arms he walked towards his hummer, mindful of walking around the building safe from any prying eyes of the guests.