Astha slowly opened her eyes against the morning sunlight that filtered through the thick curtains. She had been exhausted after their intense night. Shlok had taken her thrice during the night. He had almost been insatiable for her. Finally both of them fell into a deep slumber.
Now Astha opened her eyes to find her husband resting his head on his hand and lying by her side. He was looking at her and God knows how long he had been staring. Astha blushed at his piercing stare and gave a shy, tentative smile. She wrapped the sheet securely and wished Shlok good morning in her soft feminine voice.
Shlok gave a lopsided grin and kissed her on her cheek. "Good morning Mrs Shlok Agnihotri. Do you know how beautiful you look when you sleep?"
Astha blushed harder at his compliment. She was a little tongue tied not knowing what one says or does the morning after. As if Shlok understood her predicament, he asked her to freshen up. He was already ready for his meeting. Shlok said he had to leave for the meeting in an hour's time.
Astha was horrified looking at the time. It was already half past nine. Usually she never woke up this late. But then usually she slept early. And sleep was the last thing she had yesterday night she thought with embarrassment. Astha scrambled hurriedly and went to have her shower.
Shlok meanwhile ordered some breakfast for both of them. Astha came out to the smell of hot breakfast and the aroma of fresh coffee. She was ravenous and they quickly finished their breakfast in silence. Shlok asked her if she wanted to go out while he had the meeting. Astha declined and said she will just lounge around. Shlok hugged her and pecked her on the lips. He asked her to be careful and left with his key.
Astha wore a sunny skirt and a cotton top. She took a historical romance and went down to the pool. Thankfully it wasn't very sunny and she just ordered a cool juice and lazed around in the lounger. After two hours of reading and idle watching, Astha decided to head back upstairs. She truly felt she was on a holiday doing nothing and generally having a good time.
Her muscles still ached in places and every time she thought about Shlok her heart did a quick flip. She decided to text him. She couldn't resist it. What are you upto?
To which he replied. In a boring meeting with three other people. Wish I had one beautiful wife in front of me instead.
She smiled at his reply. If it is so boring then you should abandon it and come to your wife. Who is by the way waiting with bated breath for your return.
Shlok's blood coursed through his veins seeing her reply. That small dynamite was going to be the death of him. Not now Astha. I'm in the middle of a meeting.
Do meetings have breaks? Even a short one would do. Astha was having fun teasing Shlok. She would never have done it had he been in person. Since it was over the phone, and only texting, she was bold.
Shlok was almost losing his concentration. He will teach her a lesson when he got back. But now, Please Astha. Not Now.
But Astha was in no mood to listen. She continued. Are you time specific? I didn't expect that from you. Not after last night.
That's it. The mention of the previous night threw Shlok off. He quickly switched off his mobile and continued with the meeting. With difficulty he got back his concentration on the job ahead.
Astha waited for a reply but when she didn't get one, she thought she would lie down for five minutes. The next she knew, someone was giving her feather light kisses on her face. Her brows furrowed in sleep. A pair of warm hands held her and didn't let her go.
A pair of lips held her hands and kissed her knuckles. Astha was still half asleep. The lips went above and kissed her neck. She felt a bite and the flick of a tongue at a sensitive spot. Astha shivered and opened her eyes with great difficulty. She wasn't surprised to see Shlok minus his jacket and tie.
His shirt was partially unbuttoned and his sleeves were rolled up. Astha was a little disoriented and didn't understand where Shlok suddenly came from.
Shlok had rushed in to see his wife after the meeting. He didn't even stay back for the business lunch. Politely declining the offer, he asked his manager and secretary to take charge. Shlok had come in eagerly and was surprised to find his innocent wife sleeping on the middle of the bed.
Her hair was around her on the pillow and her lips were parted in deep sleep. Her long lashes almost cast a shadow on her face. He had shed his jacket and tie and started moving towards the bed. Shlok was unable to resist the pretty picture of his wife in her skirt and top. She looked even younger in this attire.
He started with light kisses but when she woke up completely he pulled her beneath him in a neat move and gave her a fierce kiss. Finally when they broke off for air Shlok looked at her and spoke. "That was for teasing me unmercifully, especially while I was in an important meeting. You disturb my work and I disturb your sleep. Tit for tat."
Astha was wriggling under him, trying to get out of his hold. Shlok stopped her with a "That will only get you more into trouble." And he came down on her completely. Astha gasped and closed her eyes. Neither spoke for a long time after that.
The rest of the two days went in a jiffy. Both of them went around Colaba, looking at the local shops. Astha was delighted to shop for herself and Shlok enjoyed her childlike enthusiasm. They walked along Marine Drive and had long conversations. Astha didn't forget to have her favorite gol gappas.
Of course their love making also progressed in leaps and bounds. Astha was an avid and fast learner. She was still easily shocked by some of the things Shlok did. He always enjoyed the burst of color on her face and her inherent shyness that she was unable to hide. For the first time in his life Shlok felt he belonged to someone. Even with Swati he didn't have this complete possession.
On the third day, they checked out by noon and went to their car to return home. Astha and Shlok were tired from three days of activities. They looked forward to going back home. And Astha wanted to start with her plans of higher studies as soon as possible. That was her next target and she was going to get it done by hook or by crook.
Part 28
Anupamaa
50