Astha was about to prepare tea for Anjali when she noticed a very beautiful woman standing next to Anjali. She was listening to Anjali quietly and for once even her Sasubai's expression seemed to be human. Who was this woman? And what is she doing here? She heard Varad and her father in law come back from work. That woman bent to touch Niranjan's feet. He in turn blessed her and came in.
Astha was surprised to see the woman's color flare on seeing Varad. Varad bhai too looked a little uncomfortable. He gave a faint smile in her direction and went ahead. Interesting! She wanted to go and speak to the woman when her Sasubai spoke to her "Astha, this is Sojal. Sahib's friend's daughter. She could not come for your wedding as she was out of the country. She has come to see you. Get some snacks and prepare the tea."
The robotic expression was back. All her luck! Astha inwardly sighed and gave a smile to Sojal. She asked her to be seated and went into the kitchen. Astha placed the snacks and the tea, and went to serve the tea to her father in law. She knocked and entered his room. However, Astha was surprised to find her Sasubai quickly arrange her face from nervousness to careful blankness. Niranjan immediately turned away from her.
Anjali came forward and snatched the tea from her hands. "You can leave!" Astha was preplxed by this behavior from both of them. She decided to at least speak to Varad bhai regarding her mysterious parents in law.
When Astha came down, she noticed Varad bhai leaving while Sojal was seated in the same spot. Grabbing this opportunity, Astha went and spoke to her. She took an instant liking to the soft spoken, well mannered Sojal. Astha broke the ice and then asked her "Sorry to be so forthright at the first meeting. But you seem to like Varad bhai a lot. Why don't you speak to him? I am sorry if I am crossing my limits."
Sojal's face slightly paled. "Am I that obvious?"
"No. I noticed it since I am an outsider."
Sojal gave a sad smile and replied "I don't think there is any point in speaking to Varad. He refuses to see anyone after Shilpa."
"Who is Shilpa?"
"His wife."
Astha gaped in shock. "Varad bhai is married? Then where is bhabhi."
Sojal looked uncomfortable. "She is no more. And I have known Varad for a long time. If he couldn't see my love before how will he see it now? There is really no point."
Sojal thanked Astha for the cup of tea and took leave. She asked Astha to inform Anjali and Niranjan. Astha nodded. So many thoughts were running through her mind. Why didn't anybody tell her about this? Should she ask Varad bhai about this? No not now.
Just then she saw Shlok enter the house. He was surprised to see his wife standing in the middle of the living room. Shlok quickly looked away and went upstairs. Astha was fed up with this husband of hers. After the rain incident he was behaving very oddly. Previously he considered her as a furniture in their room. Now he just looked away and got away the moment she came in his vicinity. What is happening in this house?
Shlok went up to his room thinking about his wife. He could not forget her rain drenched image. He was now constantly aware of her presence. Ignoring her was not an easy task anymore. She got under his skin, which only increased his anger and irritation. Even her fragrance, the tinkling of her bangles, everything sent a tingle in his spine. How long can he go on like this?
Cricket
CID
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