Part 5
Shlok came late from office as usual. He did not change anything nor did he intend to change anything just because he was married now. He came in to see the table neatly set. Astha was sitting by the table. She was waiting for him. Shlok went up to his room and changed after having a quick shower.
When he came down he noticed Astha in the same position. Her shoulders drooped and she had a very dejected look on her face. When she heard him come in, she straightened her shoulders. The mask slipped back in her face. Now he knew for sure her calm face was just a facade. What he had been wondering today was confirmed by her face.
She served him dinner. He quickly finished the food in complete silence. He proceeded to go upstairs immediately. Astha went to put his plate in the wash when Anjali followed her into the kitchen. "So you are not planning to have dinner as well?"
Knowing Anjali was taunting her and was expecting her to break, Astha calmly trashed the plate and left the kitchen without a word. Her back was straight and her walk was steady. Anjali saw Astha walk away with cool and calculating eyes.
As Astha walked up the stairs she slightly stumbled. The whole day without food was affecting her sugar levels. Her head was also spinning. Yet she did not show any reaction on her face. Resigned to her fate, she stepped into the room she shared with Shlok.
Shlok was reading a business magazine and only the bed side light was on. In the illumination his chiseled profile looked clean and sharp. His straight nose, full lips, and the sharp eyes made him look like a Greek statue. Huh, what am I thinking? Maybe the low sugar level is affecting my brain. She mentally cursed herself for weakening even for a second.
But as she was crossing the bed to go to the washroom, her gaze became hazy, her head started spinning and she slowly slid to the floor until only blackness prevailed. "Astha!" Shlok shot out of the bed in a split second. He shook her to no avail. Astha remained unconscious. He quickly carried her to the bed and laid her gently on the bed.
Sprinkling some water on her face, Shlok gently held her shoulders. She opened her eyes slowly. She still felt light headed. She felt someone give her some water. She drank the water gratefully. Shlok's heart was thudding painfully. When she fainted for a moment he felt terrorized. He felt hounded by the past. His eyes turned bleak with misery. He felt guilty for this young girl despite his well intentions.
Astha slowly regained consciousness. She felt Shlok holding her, almost hugging her. She felt breathtless and awkward. Astha struggled to be free of his arms. He immediately removed his hands and moved away.
"What happened? Why did you faint like that? Do we need to see a doctor?" Despite his concern, his voice was flat.
"No."
"Why did you faint? Didn't you eat properly?"
She flushed at his question. He noticed her evasive gaze and tipped her chin back to him. "Tell me. What did you have since morning?"
"Nothing."
"What?" It was a shocked exclamation. "What the hell is wrong with you? What were you trying to prove by not eating anything?"
Before she could answer, he rushed down stairs and got her a glass of juice. Shlok handed her the juice and asked her to drink in a curt voice.
"You are not a child and you should realize by now starving won't help you. Better don't throw these stunts around another time. I may not help you out the next time."
She felt let down at his harsh words. For a moment something warmed her heart when he took care of her. But he was back to his cold, uncaring self. She sighed and told him whatever happened in the morning.
Shlok was deeply disgusted at the way his mother had behaved with her. " I will take care of this. Now rest."
He took the glass from her hand and pulled the quilt over her frail body. Switching the light off, he turned and slept as usual on the couch.
Edited by ipkkndfollower - 11 years ago
Cricket
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
50