Shlok and Astha entered the Agnihotri mansion hand in hand. They were relaxed and were still in their bubble world after a sensual three days. With a smile they came into the living room. Just as they were going upstairs, they heard the sound of glass breaking. Astha was on the lower stair case. She immediately went down followed by Shlok.
Before Shlok could utter a word she shushed him with her finger over her mouth. She directed his gaze towards the elders. Niranjan was supposed to be having tea while Anjali was dripping with the contents over her head.
"Anjali you don't seem to know the responsibilities of the house. It has been years. Yet you are the same. You don't even know to make tea properly."
Anjali visibly shook at Niranjan's words. "Sahib. Muje maf kejiye. Mujse galti ho gayi. Dubaara aisa nahin hoga." Her words were subdued and her head was lowered.
Niranjan narrowed his gaze and got up suddenly pushing the chair down. Anjali retreated back in blatant fear. He gave a rude stare at her and went out to the patio. Anjali set the chair right and brushed her tears. Shlok stared at the whole scene in shock. He was shocked into silence.
Shlok looked at Astha. He was about to go after his father but Astha held his hand and almost dragged him upstairs. Shlok spoke once they were in the room. "Astha, don't say anything. I know what you're going to say but I still believe Baba. I think Mrs Agnihotri must have been gravely wrong. Else he would never lose his temper like that. And she could do so many things. After all she has already killed two innocent souls."
"Shlok! First of all stop going on and on about the past. I know you won't believe me and I am not going to waste my time on this. I will prove soon. Very soon." She continued without pausing "Okay Shlok now forget all this. I had shown you my presentaion right?"
"Ah yes Astha."
"Did you speak to Baba about it?"
"Not yet Astha. Actually I can do that right away. Anyways I have to meet him after coming."
"Shlok, don't ask him anything about what happened now. Please."
"Okay. I trust him."
Astha said she would make some tea for both of them and join him and Baba. Shlok agreed and went down. He took the pen drive and his laptop while he went.
Astha went into the kitchen. Anjali was standing by the counter, lost in thought. "Sasubai do you want some tea?" Anjali turned hearing Astha's voice.
"At last you come. Make some tea for all of us. And add only one spoon sugar for Baba."
"Yes Sasubhai. I will be careful. I don't want to be drenched in a cup full of tea." She made a deliberate sly remark to see if Anjali was rattled.
"What nonsense are you speaking? Just do your work and quickly." Her hands were twisting one other and her eyes betrayed her fear. Astha was right in the assumption that the incident was not a one off or a casual incident.
She smiled and went about the work. Anjali went to join the men in the living room. Meanwhile Shlok inserted the pen drive in the laptop and ran through the presentation to his Baba. Niranjan was impressed and he asked why Shlok was showing all this suddenly. Shlok then explained it was Astha's efforts and he explained to his Baba about Astha's aspirations.
By then Varad had also joined them. He was also impressed with Astha's work. He jovially said "Shlok, if you both are not planning to employ her in the institution, I will definitely get her a job in my company."
Anjali was a mute observer till then but when Astha came in she pounced. "Don't you know Agnihotri women don't work Astha? What is all this nonsense about you going for work? Are you out of your mind? I thought your parents must have taught you some culture and values. Maybe I was mistaken."
Astha looked at her. But it was Niranjan who spoke. "Anjali, Astha is a mordern well read girl. And obviously she is talented. Why are you stopping her from achieving her dreams?" Niranjan's voice was soft and his smile was kind. Till one looked closely at Anjali. One could see he meant trouble. Later. Maybe for Anjali or for Astha.
Astha looked at Varad and gave a slight nod. He understood what was going on. Shlok spoke looking at his father. "Thank you Baba. I am glad you understand. I want to do my best for Astha."
Astha remembered Sojal suddenly. She asked in front of everyone what was decided. Varad said he did not speak about it yet. Niranjan looked at Varad and said they will all go to his friend's house to give the confirmation for the marriage. Niranjan also said he was happy at last Varad was putting his past behind him.
Varad looked serious when he replied "Baba it is not enough if I put my past behind, I am hoping to rule out any possibility of the same thing happening even before I bring in Sojal into this house. That is my only thought right now."
Niranjan gave a smile on the surface but he was at unease with the idea of his son probing too much. Unlike Shlok, Niranjan knew Varad was not swayed by his words. Niranjan looked at Anjali briefly and got up to go to his room.
Anjali also went behind her husband. The youngsters stayed to catch up and Shlok was showing pics from his mobile to his brother. Varad was happy that his brother and his wife were at last beginning to have a normal marriage. He wished them well and went on.
Astha went to take their luggage and together both of them took their bags up. She was unpacking when Shlok closed the door and pulled her from behind. He began nuzzling her with his lips.
"Shlok, leave me. I am doing something can't you see?" His hand tightened around her waist and he pulled her to himself closer. Astha automatically closed her eyes. The shirt she had been holding fell down to the ground. Her head went back to his shoulder.
Shlok voice husked "It has been exactly six hours and seventeen minutes." Astha turned around and looked into his face. "What?"
"Since we made love."
Her face slowly drenched in red. She hit him softly in his chest. "Shlok!"
Shlok chuckled seeing her face. "Astha, after these three days you still blush?"
Astha hugged him and placed her head on his chest without saying anything. They stood like that for a few more minutes before Astha moved away to go down for preparing dinner.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Cricket
CID
50