FF: War Path (Aslok fight it out)

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ArVi-licious

@ArVi-licious

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 11 years ago

#451

The pace was just perfect Mary..
Astha giving him d silent treatment! She is totally tormenting him...
There he was looking at her with so much love, n she just thought he was laughing at her n getting humiliated.. Shlok's not going to be forgiven so easily is he?!
and they finally share a bed.. Funny how it had to happen somewhere other than their room..
and to end it with all that sexual tension... Wow.. Loved it..

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NidhaA

@NidhaA

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#452

The pace looks fine to me Mary. Squeezing too much into a chapter might ruin it.

Poor Shlok. It's really hard when a person refuses to even acknowledge. He should probably email a letter to her. She doesn't seem in any mood to talk. Khush's hyperactiveness can do only so much na?

Death? Oh my that doesn't sound good. Waiting nonetheless.

Regards

Nidha

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katj

@katj

Dazzler

Posted: 11 years ago

#453

Hi, just started to read your story...enjoying it..hope cover all part soon...

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gauriangel

@gauriangel

Dazzler

Posted: 11 years ago

#454

Pace is good..jus update lil faster..

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shalini_s

@shalini_s

Sparkler

+ 2

Posted: 11 years ago

#455

very nice update.. poor Aastha though..

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pkanchan

@pkanchan

Explorer

Posted: 11 years ago

#456

nice story line

just loved it...😊

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Chaudhrytm

@Chaudhrytm

Voyager

Posted: 11 years ago

#457

Thanks for the beautifully written between the couples... however it short cause your brilliant in writing...just wondering when is chapter 12 🤗out !!! sorry just being greedy

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snoopy84

@snoopy84

Rocker

Posted: 11 years ago

#458

Awesome update Khushi is helping Shlok hopefully he is able to get her to talk to him

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Marybarton

@Marybarton

Rocker

+ 8

Posted: 11 years ago

#459

Thank you all for your comments. I read each of them at least twice to see how you are feeling about where this story is going. Hope you like this one, it was written with a lot of love. I am going a little risque. Let me know what you thought. Always a pleasure hearing from the readers.

Chapter 12:

Well, if this was going to be the first and last time he ever shared a bed with his wife, he would cherish every second of it. Not that he had a choice. He couldn't fall asleep like this with every cell in his body awake and his heart beating fast. Of course, his wife couldn't be less bothered. She had already made a pillow of his other arm and was sleeping cozily while keeping him wide awake.

She pulled his leg closer to hers. Shlok kept very still as Astha hugged his leg with both her thighs.

What was she doing!? Dear god, her skin felt smooth.

As his eyes adjusted to the moonlit room, he saw something red glint on the bed ahead of him.

The nighty!? What the hell!? When did she wiggle out of it? If the nighty is here...

Without thinking, he pulled the blanket aside in panic. It was only momentary relief. She was still wearing something. But it was no nighty at all.

Lingerie. Those tiny ones with those...pasta straps. No, linguini straps. That doesn't sound right either...fettuccine straps? Oh hell, who cares what they are called? The fact was...he was doomed. He could make out the curve of her pert derriere.

Shlok pulled the blanket over her quickly, more for his own sake than hers. The full-sleeved robe fooled him. She wore that robe to bed to hide herself from him. Now he understood what it really was.

He had seen these lacy things in catalogs all the time, but never in real life - on a warm, soft, hot-blooded woman who smelled like vanilla ice cream. And not just any woman...Astha.

Shlok pondered hard for a long time. His arms and legs were starting to cramp. How long could a man hold his leg and arm like this?

He could try falling asleep like this. Maybe he if he counted back from
1,243,435...

1,243,434...

1,243,433...

WHAT was she playing at wearing such things!? Surely, she didn't wear them normally at home. He saw her homely, cotton nighties before. Worn little things they were too. This silky new top-dress looked like she was out to seduce someone, though...it's not like she was out for Arnav...

With the arm over her shoulder, Shlok picked up the robe and squinted hard at the writings on the label. The pre-dawn light eventually helped him out.

"Bridal camisole."

They were meant for HIM.

Were. Past tense.

Shlok's hands grew clammy.

She had bought this for her wedding night. The wedding night he ruined...and with it any chances of seeing her in this beautiful, lacy, flimsy excuse for a clothing.

What a joke the universe liked playing on him. Now he could watch, but never touch.

Morning...

Those cackling birds were chirping too loudly, were Shlok's weary thoughts. His poor, exhausted body was very sensitive to all the sounds and sights now.

Even the sun's rays bothered him. The same ones he liked to glare at every morning. Good old sleep deprivation.

Astha squinted as the sparrows became louder and louder.

Where was she?

There was a weight on her. She turned to look. A muscular arm was on top of the blanket that covered her shoulder.

Astha slowly looked up.

Shlok was looking sleepily ahead. He was just looked down at her when she landed a solid scratch on his collar.

Shlok: Arrggghhh...Astha!

She pushed and scratched at him until he extended their distance.

God those nails cut deep. He was sure his arms would be covered in scratch marks for days to come.

Shlok, accusingly: I wasn't doing anything. You came over to my side!

Only a squeak escaped her as she scrambled for her robe. Her hair was a mess when she looked back at him, indignant. Shlok watched as she panted. The blush was high on her cheeks, neck, and...(he didn't venture any farther down).

She still would not talk, even to shout and scream at him.

Tears glistened on her eyes. Shlok reached for her instinctively when he saw them.

Shlok: Oh honey, don't cry...I did not touch you, I promise!

Astha got off the bed with a start before his fingers could reach her cheek. Next moment, she slammed the bathroom door closed causing a ringing in his already sensitive ears.

Shlok sighed.

Breakfast room at Awad Palace...

When Astha walked into the sun-lit glass attachment to the palace, led by an orderly, she was surprised to find not only Shlok...but a couple of other people there as well.

Shlok was sitting awe-struck by Anisha's playpen, cooing over Anjali's baby daughter. Astha had already met the baby Imad was now proudly showing off to Shlok. She watched unobserved as the little girl presented Shlok a miniature of Elmo.

Anisha: Shooo...Shooo...

Shlok took the small bug-eyed toy: Did you hear that!? She called my name! (He laughed in shock).

Imad, like any proud papa: She's turning one in two weeks.

Shlok looked at her wistfully: You are so lucky. She's precious.

Imad grinned: Thank you. Inshallah, you will have one of your own someday.

Shlok, softly: I doubt that.

"Astha! There you are! Over here."

Gauri called out from the other end of the room. Shlok started and looked up at her guiltily. Ashta quickly lost her smile and made her way over to Gauri while avoiding his eyes.

Stupid Shlok Agnihotri and his love for baby girls. She will not be affected.

Anjali and Gauri were standing by Anisha's high chair.

Gauri: Look, this is the kitten the Princess was telling us about. LG.

Astha peered at the queer creature on the high chair. It had a black, top-hat birthmark that made her smile.

Shlok watched her from a distance.

This was the first time he saw her smile wholeheartedly since their marriage.

Anjali: Khushiji calls Chotte "Laad Governor" out of love. So, LG is...

Astha: LG for Lord Governor (she chuckled). Oh, what happened to his tail? There's some fur missing.

Anjali: I am afraid my daughter tried to make lunch of his poor little tail last week. We caught them just in time. No one was hurt.

Astha: Sorry, Anjaliji, I got distracted. Good morning.

Anjali, cheerful as usual: No worries, good morning to you too! We are all up early for Chachu's treat.

Astha: Ji?

Anjali: Khushiji did not tell you? Chachu, Akash, and NK bhai are making breakfast of us all this morning. Then, Chotte and Imad will make lunch. It's our Sunday treat.

Astha: How sweet.

Gauri: That is sweet! My dad would light the house of fire, if he ever tried.

Astha smiled: My Baba makes us breakfast on special occasions. He especially makes great ginger tea.

Anjali, keenly: And Shlok?

Astha's smile waned: He never made anything.

Anjali grinned above her shoulder: Well, this is your day to impress your lady, Shlok. You can join the boys for lunch. Italian, easy-peasy.

Astha turned in surprise to find Shlok right behind her. He looked a little embarrassed.

No doubt all this was very foreign to him, Agnihotri men hardly knew where their kitchen was.

"Here HERE!"

NK sashayed in with Khushi in tow.

The aroma of yummy breakfast followed, making Astha's mouth water.

A bevy of orderlies came in with tray upon tray of breakfast.

Arnav followed behind with the family.

Nawab: Breakfast is ready, family! Akash made the pancakes and I made the potato hash and French toast.

NK, proudly: And I made the scrambled eggs.

Arnav came up to Shlok: His gift. Scrambling.

Shlok and Arnav shared a chuckle that did not go unnoticed by Khushi or Astha. They both glared at their respective spouses.

Arnav straightened: Anyways, let's all sit.

Arnav's Mamaji: I made the tea and coffee, don't forget!

Mamaji: Hello hi bye bye, hum donohi trywa karenge then.

Mamaji: Which one first?

Mamiji: Tea. Payal bitya?

Payal, shyly: Tea for me too.

NK ran over to Buaji: Pancakes for you Buaji!

Buaji: Haire Nandkisore, jite raho NK babua.

Gauri, Shlok and Astha were made to feel like family at the long table full of the royals, Guptas, Raizadas and Faisals. To their pleasant amazement, the orderlies also joined them.

Gauri, who had the forethought to sit right in between Shlok and Astha, watched in awe as the Nawab went around serving potato hash and French toast to the ladies and then the servants at the table. NK and Akash trailed behind and helped.

Gauri: The Nawab really is a great equalizer, isn't he?

Astha: Koi Muslim thing hai, I think, about eating together. But ya, very thoughtful. Remember when we went to Mariam's house? They did not do this. No one follows to this extent these days. What a man!

Shlok was in hearing distance. Astha's comment made him look too. As he took in the buzzing, happy family all around him, he saw what a world apart this one was from his own. No, not because of the title, they were just wonderful, loving people. No angry, plate clicking "misogynists" here, as Astha would say.

Shlok knew enough about Arnav's history to know that everything was not always like this. In fact, his friend's life was quite dark until Khushi and the Nawab came into the picture. Shlok was truly happy for Arnav. If anyone deserved happiness, it was Arnav and Di.

Khushi whisked away Astha when Shlok tried talking to her after breakfast. The girls went to show Gauri and Astha around the palace as Shlok, Arnav and Imad were ordered to the kitchen.

The palace kitchen...

Arnav: So, any luck?

Shlok shook his head: Did not say a word to me since yesterday.

Imad handed Shlok a few giant packets of spaghetti.

Shlok: That's it! Spaghetti straps!

Imad: What?

Shlok: Uh, the camisole. I couldn't remember what it was called.

Imad smirked: What are you saying, mate?

Shlok blushed: Nothing.

Imad shrugged: You boil these for 10-15 minutes. I will go make the sauce. And Arnav, you are making the pasta, right?

Arnav laughed: Yes, Khushi's favorite, gila gila pusta.

They all laughed.

Shlok, eyes full of mirth: That's what she calls it?

Arnav: Ya. She's nuts, isn't she?

Shlok nodded: Only in the best of ways.

Imad started chopping the tomatoes with a chef's expertise: She's a little hurricane, but you are no less brother.

Arnav mocked anger: Well, we can't all be perfect like you and Di. Look at him (he said to Shlok), putting the two of us to shame with his cooking skills.

Imad smiled: Be thankful Arnav, because of me lunch will rock today.

Arnav laughed: WHAT THE!!! My pasta will be toast of the day, you will see.

Shlok put all the spaghetti in the large cooker of boiling water: Can I help with anything else?

Imad: Yes, absolutely. Can you grate the cheese for the pizza?

Shlok: How do you grate cheese?

Khushi showed Astha and Gauri around the Bhul-bhulaiya.

Khushi: You girls want to know a secret? Arnavji and I come here to hide away sometimes.

Payal, scandalized: Khushi!

Khushi: It's just us Jiji, chill.

Astha laughed, despite all the thoughts in her head. Something about Khushi really set her at ease.

Astha: Thank you for the trip, but we really must make our way back to Sheesh Mahal to clear all the party left-overs up.

Khushi: Oh, never mind that! Your team will take care of it.

Gauri: Oh my god, that reminds me, they must have not had breakfast!

Anjali: No, we sent their breakfast like other days. Chachu's special.

Gauri: How thoughtful!

Anjali: Lunch will be sent too, no worries. That is, if the boys don't burn the kitchen down (she giggled).

Astha still looked torn.

Khushi: Don't worry, we will all go help out after lunch. Hey, you want to see our wedding pictures?

Astha was naturally curious: Yes, we would love to!

Khushi giggled: Great, I will show you Di's too. Come!

At lunch...

Astha was quite taken aback when she saw that Shlok had really followed through with the other guys. He helped serve the food and even chatted more than usual to the people around.

He eventually came over to ask Astha if she wanted pizza. When she ignored him, Shlok took an embarrassed step back.

Gauri intervened quickly to save him: Here, I will take some. Ye le Astha, I know you love vegetable-mushroom pizza.

Shlok walked away a little downcast.

Gauri: A day here did him good, no? Maybe he can change.

Astha sarcastically: One day never changed a man, Gauri.

Gauri, grimly: You know Astha, sometimes I wonder if you were not wrong about him.

Astha, hurt: How could you say that? He's a beast behind closed doors. Tu meri friend hai, take my side.

Gauri smiled indulgently at her: You are both on the same side, darling.

Astha sighed: Not for long.

Gauri: I am not just talking talking about the marriage, love. He will always take your side, even when you divorce him. (At Astha's skeptical look) I saw him this morning, trying to get feeling back into his sore arm. Came into the breakfast nook, saying his arm fell asleep. Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together when you said you rolled over to his side. You fell asleep on it and he put up rather than waking you up. (Astha looked confused) He loves you, Asthu!

Astha took a guilty bite of her pizza to avoid conversation.

Sheesh Mahal that evening...

Khushi, Arnav, Anjali, Imad and Shlok joined Astha and Gauri back to Sheesh Mahal to clean up, despite their protests.

They all worked hard with the team. Astha busied herself with taking down the pom poms on the second floor railings. Unfortunately, Shlok followed. He was trying to talk to her all day. So far, she had avoided him well.

Shlok: Astha, please...I just want a few minutes to explain.

Astha stepped farther away.

She ordered some staff to take down the canopies to avoid thinking about Shlok and what Gauri said about him.

"Asthaji! Look out!"

Astha turned abruptly at the staff's shrill scream and saw a bamboo covered in white sheets hurling toward her. She jumped back instinctively, too late to realize that there was only a small railing behind her.

Death. The word, sure as ever, was the last thought in her head.

Everything went black in a flash.

"Astha! Look at me! Astha!"

Something was digging into her arm.

Shlok's strained face came into clear view.

Shlok: Give me your other hand!

She really looked now. Shlok was bent all the way over the railing, hooking his feet to it for support. He had her by her arm and she was flailing mid-air.

Someone screamed.

Shlok: Don't look down!

She looked down. The white marble expanse of the first floor stared back at her, asking her to come splat against it.

Anjali was looking up at her from downstairs, paralyzed with horror.

A coolness spread over Astha. This was her chance to take revenge. If she must die, she will die with her head held high.

Astha let go of his arm, but he held on.

Shlok, incensed: DON'T YOU DARE!!! THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU AND ME!

Arnav and Imad ran over and pulled Shlok back by the waist.

Shlok: NO, WAIT! I DON'T HAVE HER YET!

Imad peered over and extended his arm for Astha's hand. Arnav kept his strong hold on Shlok.

Shlok, shouting: I AM GOING TO SWING HER TOWARD YOU.

Imad: Got you!

Astha: No!

Shlok: SHUT UP!!! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU AND YOUR TANTRUMS.

Khushi's worried face was what Astha saw next.

Khushi: Shlokji, maybe you should just let her go.

Shlok laughed at the incredulity of the suggestion: I WILL FALL FIRST.

He swung her and Imad caught her by the waist, hoisting her up. Shlok pulled the trembling Astha over the railing as soon as Arnav had him inside.

They all stood aside as Shlok squeezed the life out her with a bear hug.

Astha heard Gauri's voice thanking every god she could think of.

Warm drops of tears spilled over her bare back as Astha struggled to breathe. The fall did not kill her, but his hug certainly would.

A long, exhausted time passed.

Khushi patted Shlok on the shoulder.

Khushi: Let us attend to her. She will be fine, I promise.

He was not convinced. Khushi had just suggested he let Astha fall.

Anjali: Shlok...we will take care of her. Promise. Let us call a doctor.

Arnav rubbed his shoulder: Shlok? She's okay now. She's okay.

He finally let go. Astha sucked in a deep breath - in relief.

She did not remember the rest of the commotion. The heightened fear and relief in everyone's eyes was all she could recall.

Sheesh Mahal hotel-room...

Astha lay on the bed as the doctor checked up on her. Gauri, Anjali and Khushi hovered over her.

Anjali: How are you feeling, Asthaji?

Astha nodded in exhaustion.

Doctor: There is a lot of blood in her clothes. Are you hurt, dear?

Astha: I...I can't tell.

Gauri: I checked. She's not bleeding doctor. It's her husband.

Astha's heart skipped a beat.

Shlok was bleeding? Because of her. And she had stupidly given him a hard time while he fought for her life.

Khushi: Can you see him too, please doctor?

Doctor: Yes, of course. Saved in the nick of time, my dear. How lucky you are. Nothing but minor scrapes and burns. Just take some rest. That's what I recommend. Lot of rest. And if you get a headache or anything unusual, give me a call.

The doctor went to see the other patient.

Khushi sat on the bed and gave her soft hug.

Khushi: I am sorry Asthaji, I said something very mean when you were in danger.

Astha: He was going to fall if Arnavji and Imadji did not come to help. You did the smart thing by telling him to let go.

Khushi smiled: Oh, but those two were already helping Asthaji, that's not why I said it.

Astha looked at her confused.

Khushi: Did you not hear him say his reply, Astha? I know you two have problems, it is quite clear. But he's not unfeeling like you seem to think. He said he would fall before he let go of you...(she smiled).

Anjali: That railing had sharp borders, Asthaji. You did not notice in all the ruckus, but his arms cut open all the way to his elbows when he was pulled over with you. But he never wavered in his attempt to save you.

Astha looked away guiltily: You guys don't know what he has done. Besides, it was a life and death situation.

Gauri: Well, I know what he has done. And I saw what he did today, Astha. You were dead wrong about him. If it was only an instinctive reaction, how do you explain his crying when you were out of danger?

Like and comment. Reactions to this one is very important because it is the revelation chapter. Too sexy or mushy?

Mary.

Symbolisms: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/95995921
Chapter 13 (Final):https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/96135257

Edited by Marybarton - 11 years ago