And the romance continues?
Astha and Shlok went about their business immediately the day after the engagement. Astha's college reopened, while Shlok went to join his father as the head of the institution. Astha still had one semester to go before she completed her graduation. The families mutually agreed to settle on a date after Astha's exams were over.
Astha finished her breakfast in a hurry and dropped a quick kiss on her mom. "Ayi bye." She was excited to be back in college though she was going to miss Shlok. Just then her mobile beeped. All the best for the new semester.
Think of the devil! She typed back a Thank you. All the best for your stint in the business. Love, Astha.
Astha received a grand welcome in the college with all her friends congratulating her on her recent engagement. After some catching up and the usual activities, the day went on as usual. Astha tried messaging Shlok several times but she did not receive any response.
On the other side Shlok was welcomed by all the staff. He also received several wishes and bouquets. He realized he had lots to do in this institution and wanted to bring about lot of changes, all with course of time. He was completely involved in this that he missed checking his calls and messages.
Niranjan was also in talks to begin a new branch in Mumbai and wanted Shlok to come with him for the meeting with the investors. Shlok rushed home to pack and sent a hurried SMS to Astha. Sorry baby, gotto rush to Mumbai. Work calls. Will miss you. Call you later. Tc!
It had been three days. The calls never materialized form Shlok. He sent her brief messages and called her only once. Even then his voice was distant and it looked as if he was thinking about something else.
Astha felt very lonely and did not know why he could not even give her half an hour out of his busy schedule. She began to feel worried and angry. Anjali also noticed this when Astha went and met her "Beta. It is always like this with men. Sahib also forgets everything about home the moment he steps out. He rarely remembers to call. Don't take it personally."
This only increased her concern. Will Shlok also become another Sahib down the line? I don't want to be a trophy wife in a rich mansion. That is not why I loved him. She wanted to wait and speak to him when Shlok came back. She did not even reply to any of his messages that he sent the next day.
On the end of the third day, Shlok's investors were finally convinced of the project and they could reach a consensus regarding the new project. He was completely exhausted and was travelling back to Pune when he realized that he did not receive any message from Astha. It was Saturday. She would not have been busy with college.
He immediately tried calling her but her phone was switched off. He was worried and confused. He asked the driver to stop at Astha's house first. Finally he reached her house. It was late evening/ He rang the doorbell. Kalindi opened the door. "Shlok beta, come in."
"Aunty where is Astha? She is not attending my calls. I just came back."
"Woh beta patha nahin. She has been locked up in her room since noon. She is upset about something."
"I will take care." Saying, he rushed up to her room taking two stairs at a time.
Her door was ajar. He went in and closed the door softly behind him. Astha was standing near the window. She was looking at the Agnihotri mansion and was thinking about Shlok.
When she heard the door close she turned to see the object of her thoughts standing before her. She ran to him and gave him a bear hug. "I missed you so much." She crushed him with her small hands and refused to let go of him.
"Astha. At least let me breathe." Shlok laughed.
"No."
"If this is the welcome I am going to get, I think I need to go out more often." He said cheekily.
Astha looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Don't ever say that."
"Astha!" He was shocked to see that she was crying. He untangled her hands and sat on the bed. He pulled her on his lap and asked her what happened.
"Why are you crying? What happened? Tell me Astha!": His voice was frantic with worry.
"You. You're the reason I am crying. You left me with no word and didn't even bother to speak to me properly in these three days. I understand you're busy but not so busy that you couldn't even speak to me properly once?"
Shlok felt extremely bad. He realized he had been selfish and he expected Astha to understand.
Astha continued "I don't know how it is with your family Shlok but I don't want a husband who is only concentrating on making the next million. I need you. You have to give me time. Always. Promise?"
Shlok grasped her chin and looked into her eyes. His eyes were solemn. "Astha, I promise I will do my best not to neglect you. Now and forever. Ok? Now please stop crying. Is this why you were upset?"
She nodded yes. He brushed her tears away and his hands moved down to brush her lips.
Astha let out a shaky breath and her lips parted. Shlok could not resist the invitation and crushed his mouth on hers with all the pent up need and frustration of not being with her for the past three days.
Astha let out a soft moan. She never wanted to get away from him. He broke off the kiss to kiss her chin, her neck, her throat. She arched her neck to give him better access. Shlok pulled her more fiercely on his lap.
"Astha." Her Ayi's voice rang out loud and clear, jolting the couple out of their passionate love making.
Astha hurriedly scrambled out of Shlok's lap and went inside the washroom to splash some cold water on her heated face. Shlok stood by the window and willed his raging body to calm down.
Astha came out and both of them went down in a daze to have the steaming cup of chai her Ayi had prepared.
Rules & Announcements
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
263