A Chipped Cup
Yash Scindia also known as the most rich,horrible lethal and powerful Earl of Dukesberry (Made it up) stood infront of a painted picture. This was the only visible object in the room besides a cup which was chipped in his hand. He stood before the painting and sighed. He was broken. There were tears of anger and agony in his eyes. His eyes were showing fury and contempt for the person in the painting yet his heart was in agony.
The painting was of a beautiful maiden girl who was smiling. Her eyes were soft and full of life. They were sparkling happiness and her lips were full of laughter. Her cheekbones were perfect and her hair a dark shade of chocolate brown. She was a beautiful angel in his life and Yash Scindia couldn't hold onto her. He remembered the first time he saw her and brought her into his life.
6 Months ago
'He's coming' Amit exclaimed looking out of the windows seeing a procession of horses and carriages arriving. Amit was frantic. He was worried and looked outside and saw the person whom everyone feared the most. Yash Scindia. Amit Dubey was a peasant in Dukesberry. He had taken a loan from the Earl Yash Scindia for buying further Land to grow more crops. He had promised Yash that he would return the money within 4 Months. The last day of repayment was yesterday. Amit's new crops on the new land had failed to grow as there was not enough Rain this summer and Yash Scindia had come for his claim of his money.
'Father what do we do now?' asked Prateek who was worried for his father and their situation. Prateek was the son of Amit Dubey whom was an ideal son.
'Papa, whats wrong?' asked Aarti walking in to the house from the garden after picking some flowers. Amit turned to her in disgust and roared at her
'what are you doing here AARTI?' Aarti flinched at her father's loud voice. Truth be told her father hated her, as did any father who had a daughter living in this realm. Being a girl was the biggest mistake in her whole life, Aarti had heard again and again. In this time, being a father of a girl meant bad luck. Aarti's mother had passed away when she was 7. Aarti lived alone with her brother and father who always showed her contempt. Yet Aarti was a beautiful happy child, she grew up to be a beautiful person inside and out and often believed the tensions in her father's business of farming were the reason for his anger. Aarti was brought up by her maid. Her brother who loved her dearly, but could not show it often hid her love and took his fathers side. Prateek sighed and knew he had to handle the situation swiftly before Aarti receives another slap. Often when Amit was tensed and Aarti came infront of him, She would often receive a slap. Prateek being a loyal son could not afford to comfort Aarti but always via the maid's hand sent food and sweets to her. Aarti knew it was Prateek and he had a silent brotherly love for her. Prateek also knew Aarti understood his love.
'Aarti go inside. We are expecting guests at this moment you need to be out of side' Prateek said in an authorised voice. Aarti wondered what was wrong, her father just looked away in disgust as Aarti placed the flowers into a vase. She smiled and went into her room. She then looked out of the window and saw a horse carriage arriving and saw Earl Yash Scindia step out. She wondered what was going on. Hence, she opened the door a peep and watched the whole scene infront of her eyes.
Yash stepped into the house. Amit and Prateek bowed down.
'sir' They kneeled and said.
'you may stand Mr Dubey and Young Dubey' Yash permitted them. Amit stood up sweating in fear.
'So I believe I gave you a loan 4 months ago, Mr Dubey and with interest the last day to pay it was yesterday' Yash said walking to a chair and sitting down. He took a cigar out and lit it and brought it to his lips. Yash smirked seeing them scared and terrified.
'Sir, the crops had failed to grow on the new Land and we have only managed to pay you tax from the sales of our existing crop' Prateek stated. The peasants in Dukesberry pay Tax to Earl Yash Scindia whom in turn provides safety for their lives. If Tax was not paid to Mr Yash Scindia, then they were arrested. The Tax was used to pay the police officers who work under Earl Yash Scindia as well yearly festivals.
'Well well well that's not good enough is it? Mr Dubey a deal is a deal isn't it' Yash snapped his fingers. Yash's accountant brought forward the deal papers.
'Read it out please accoutant' Yash said as he put his feet on the table.
'I MR Amit Dubey promise to repay The Earl of Dukesberry Mr Yash Scindia the sum of 10,000 with Interest resulting in 12,000 within 4 months. If I cannot repay the sum, Sir Yash Scindia can take any asset of Amit Dubey..Signed Amit Dubey' The accountant read out the statement.
'So Mr Dubey, what should I take, your house, your life, your son or your lands..Well killing you will not be of no use to me. Your house,…' Yash looked up and down at the stone small house which was olden style. 'is not my style and I don't want this place.. Now your lands will mean I would have to hire peasants to grow me my crops….Well I could make you work for free and get a daily amount of food for you and your son…'
'But Sir, If you give me one more month, rain is expected next month Sir, if you take my Land how will I pay tax, how will I pay for my son and daughter….' Amit started to speak when Yash's ears perked up. He put his hand out for Amit to stop talking.
'Daughter…' Yash asked. He looked ahead and saw a slight view of Aarti standing there listening. He smirked.
'Sir' Prateek asked when he noticed where Yash's eyes were headed. Prateek was shocked. Yash had seen Aarti. Now what would happen. People in the village knew about Yash Scindia and his womanly ways.
'Bring her to me' Yash stated. Aarti eyes widened in fear. She was scared as one of Yash's men went to the room as Amit and Prateek stood there in disbelief and brought Aarti out. Aarti was a young woman. Only 18 years old.
'So Miss what is your name?' Yash asked interrogating a young Aarti. She looked perfect in Yash's eyes.
'Aarti Dubey Sir' Aarti bowed down showing respect as her father's angry glare was on her. Prateek was worried what would happen now.
'Mr Dubey a deal is a deal. Consider your loan paid. Aarti comes with me..' Yash stated standing up. Aarti looked at him in shock and then her father who was equally shocked. He never knew this would happen.. Prateek was more shell shocked.
'Sir, please she is my daughter..She is not part of this.' Amit as a father didn't want a bad name in the word of other peasants. The other peasants knew she was promised to son of Raghuveer , Prashant Raghuveer. 'She is betrothed to another' Amit exclaimed.
' Mr Dubey, Once I make a decision I do not go back. And anyhow a deal is a deal. See I'm helping you. Aarti will stay with me forever and you no longer have to worry for an extra expense of a daughter as all you peasants have a problem with' Yash stated. 'And I'm helping you financially by writing of your loan'
'But Sir Aarti is too nave innocent young' Prateek stood in. Amit was happy enough to let Aarti go. IF she was never to return. This means only him and his son. He will not have the extra burden of a daughter. Prashant would understand as Prashant neither wanted to marry her as he was in love with another, Naina. The only reason they accepted this realtion was due to Amit late wife Shobha's dying wish. But Now Earl Yash Scindia had stepped in.
'How old is Aarti?' asked Yash.
'old enough to make my own decisions' Aarti said confidently standing up for herself. Prateek turned to her in shock. 'Sir I'm ready to come with you. However, do you promise to write off the loan my father has received'
'I never lie Miss Dubey..you there help the young lady into my carriage' Yash pointed at a guard.
Aarti walked to her father and stood infront of him 'father I know you never liked me.. And I hope you will be happy now' Amit looked away not caring his daughter was going.
'Prateek Bhaiya I shall miss you.. Thank You for Everything' Aarti said walking to him. Prateek wanted to hug her but he could not due to his father. Aarti stepped out and walked into the carriage. Yash turned to the Men of the Dubey family and said
'So Long then.'
Yash sat alongside Aarti as they took the ride back to Yash's mansion. Aarti looked out the window. She had never been allowed out far beyond the reaches of her home and a few neighbourhood girl friends that she had. She looked at the fields and everything. Yash shifted closer to Aarti. Aarti turned towards him in shock as she felt the heat of his body against hers. He saw her beautiful eyes looking at him in anxiety.
'Why have you asked for me' Aarti questioned him. 'My father abhorred me, my brother loved me yet never showed me no love nor compassion. My mother left me alone. How can I be of use to you?' Aarti asked keeping a straight solemn face.
'You will know very soon Miss Aarti' Yash replied. He saw a tendril of her pinned up hair across her face. He leaned over to move it from her face and removed it tucking it behind her ears. Aarti was shocked as she felt him touch her face. Yash looked at her face and removed her pin from her hair letting it loose.
'your very beautiful Aarti.. Keep your hair down my dearie it suits you' Aarti tried to move a bit back from him trying to create distance. She didn't know how her life would be. So far Yash had been quiet yet Kind. However his silence was scaring her.
After two hours they arrived at the Mansion. Yash led her into the mansion and then her room.
'Have a bath Aarti. You will find everything in this room. New cloths, new perfumes soaps. Oh and you inner wear.. Well, in those boxes are different sizes.. But what I believe is your size is in the top box.. Correct me if I'm wrong' Yash said smiling at her and then walking out.
Aarti walked to the box and saw that he was correct. It was her size how did he know. She walked to it collected her clothes and had a bath and got ready. Once she was ready she walked to the mirror she combed her hair and was about to pin it up when she rememberd his words of keeping it down. She looked around the room, it was large. Quite beautiful architecture, he had provided her with expensive clothes, jewellery and fragrances. She walked out and took the stairs when a servant told her that she was expected in the dining room. Aarti walked into the dining room and saw Yash sitting at the end of a long table. There was no one else there.
'Hello Dearie. My you look wonderful…' Aarti looked down smiled slightly and replied
'Thank You sir.. But why so expensive?' She asked.
'Because Dearie, your beautiful and you should shine' He replied.
'Now make me some tea my Precious' He continued. Aarti saw a tea pot and cups next to her. She took a cup and dropped it. She was scared as the crockery and cup looked expensive. She bent down and picked it up.
'I'm sorry.. Its chipped.The cups chipped.I didn't mean to drop it…' Aarti said scared on the verge of tears.
'why are you saying sorry for my pet? Its only a cup..' Yash said. He walked to her and took the chipped cup from her hand. 'See My Dearie.. Its just a chip and just a cup..' He smiled at her. Aarti felt happy and smiled at him. She felt warmth with him she didn't understand why.
She poured out the tea for him in another cup and gave it to him. Yash asked her to take some too.
The following day Aarti walked into his room to wake him up with tea and saw he was already awake.
'May I come in Sir?' She asked politely. Yash looked up from his file and saw Aarti and smiled at her.
'come in pet' She placed the tea down on the table and frowned.
'why the frown pet?.. didn't you have a nice sleep?' asked Yash confused. Aarti walked towards the windows and asked
'Why aren't the curtains like this. I mean It looks like you've never opened them' Aarti said placing her hands on her hips.
'Dearie, I like the darkness its soothing to my soul' he replied sipping the tea.
'No One should live in darkness not even you' Aarti stated smiling. She was getting comfortable with him. He didn't seem as evil everyone had said about him yet a kind and gentle man. He had not even touched her in any wrongful way. He was a very nice person. Aarti got a chair and brought it to the window. The curtains were 10 foot long. She grabbed the curtain tie and untied it. She then used the curtain strings to open the curtains. Aarti smiled as the fresh sunlight sweeped through the room.
'See how amazing the sunlight is?' Aarti said turning on the chair and smiling. Yash watched her in amazement. She was a wonderful sweet girl. Yash loved that about her character. She was very opened and honest.
'mmm' He mumerred watching her facial expressions.
'A smile and a hint of appreciation would have been nice' Aarti said and then stopped in fear she might have spoken too much. Aarti started sweating. Yash realised what Aarti was thinking and walked up to her in a solemn manner with straight line on his lips. Aarti gulped and Yash then smile and said
'Your right Aarti. Thank You' Aarti smiled and her heart and face glowed in happiness. She then reached to open the windows.
'Now for some fresh air' She smiled. She then turned to get off the chair when she slipped. Yash saw her slipping and grabbed her before she fell. They store into eachother eyes as Aarti fell into his arms. Yash was getting lost into her innocence, her words , her liveliness and her beauty.
'Thank You Sir, I thought I would have seriously hurt myself or would have died' Aarti said in a lively voice not seeing what her words effects were on Yash when Yash pulled her closer to him in his arms. He was angered yet worried when she said the words died.
'Nothing can happen to you pet' He said breathing harshly on her lips and speaking in an angry tone.
'Sir' Aarti whimpered feeling the harsh grip. Yash saw her on verge of tears and let her down.
It had been 5 months, Aarti had already fallen for Yash. She was in love with him yet she did not know it yet. Everyday was the same, Aarti woke Yash up with tea and opening the curtains and windows. She took him out on a stroll in the garden, speaking to him about the wonderful world of nature. Aarti loved to talk. Her bubbliness was amazing to Yash. He smiled at her talks and listened to her and watched her expressions and gestures all the time. Her happiness when flowers bloomed. Her dancing in the rain when it rained and Yash watched her. She cooked dinner for him everyday and spent a lot of time with him. She made him change his appearance. He looked much handsome now. Aarti sometimes, out of happiness, kissed him on his cheeks not knowing what this was doing to Yash. He was falling for her as well. Everytime she spoke, or asked him a question, she never gave him time to reply. She was an enigma to him.
A week later
'Aarti sit still for once please' Yash said as she sat infront of him and he stood infront of a blank canvass with paint in his hand.
'Sir.. But why do you want to paint me? I mean I'm not going anywhere.. I'm with you forever aren't I?' Aarti moaned. She didn't like to be still
'Aarti please, for me.. keep quiet and still' Yash asked looking her at her. Aarti pouted but keep still as Yash painted a picture of her. Aarti smiled as Yash began painting her. Aarti watched Yash's movements attentively falling in love with him all over again. She knew what people said about the Earl was wrong. He was an amazing person. A Kind hearted person. She loved him. She saw his concentration and fell in love with his expressions. She smiled at her happy life with Yash. He never let her feel alone. She had found a great friend companion in him and maybe love. But Aarti was scared if she loved him did he love her. What would happen the day he found out.
Yash looked at Aarti as he was painting seeing her smiling at him and he knew she was bursting to speak. He smiled inwardly as he completed his painting. He knew he loved her. He loved her a lot. But what he she didn't. Once he had finished he brought her to see the completed painting.
'its beautiful Yash. You made me look so beautiful.. I never knew that I could look so wonderful. Thank you' Aarti said with a tear in her eye. Yash turned to her and wiped her tears. Aarti didn't realise when she called him Yash. She was so astonished at her painting. Yash looked at her and brought her closer towards him and held her by the waist. Aarti was astounded by Yash holding her waist close to him. She saw love compassion and affection for her in his eyes. Was this true? Did he love her.
'I Love you Yash' Aarti said in her heart as Yash's lips grazed hers. He then kissed her lightly. Aarti didn't object. Yash felt she didn't object and then he kissed her again fully on the mouth. He sucked her lips as Aarti kissed him back. They kissed like no tomorrow. It was full of passion. He demanded entry into her mouth, and Aarti let him in as he held her head tight towards him. They kissed again and again when Yash realised what he was doing and pulled back. Aarti looked at him full of love in her eyes. She was confused.
'Yash…' She asked confused.
'Leave…' He stated. He turned away from her.
'Yash….' Aarti walked towards him and faced him
'LEAVE NOW AARTI.. LEAVE FROM HERE AND NEVER RETURN' Yash shouted loudly with anger at her pushing her back.
'Yash what wrong? What have I done wrong. We just kissed eachother because I Love You Yash and I know you love me' Aarti cried with tears and agony in her eyes and heart. Yash clenched his fingers and turned away from her.
' I don't love you Aarti.. And I don't want to hurt your innocence' Yash lied through his teeth. 'What just happened was lust pure lust.. It was a weak point Aarti.. I don't want to ruin your life by being physical with you Aarti. What I have for you in my heart and mind is lust Aarti just lust' Yash lied he turned to her carefully covering his emotions.
'Aarti Leave now, before I turn on you and take you to quench my manly desires GO! GET OUT LEAVE FROM MY LIFE' Yash bellowed. Aarti was shocked at him. She cried her eyes out
'Yash.. please I love you.. where will I go.. you mean everything to me…' Aarti cried.
'Aarti if you don't leave now..I will take you right now and throw you out.. its better you leave now Aarti' Yash said
'So if you didn't love me why the painting, why the kindness, why not take me to bed on the first day of me being here' Aarti questioned in pain clearly wanting some answers. Yash had none. True he loved Aarti with all his life. But he knew, love cannot be in his life nor happiness. He grabbed her harshly from the arm and threw her out
'Go home Aarti go home' He said to her as Aarti looked at him in pain. He ordered his guard to send her home. He shut the door on her face seeing Aarti for the very last time. He watched from the window as he saw a broken Aarti being taken home. He walked to his room and fell on his knees and tears came out of his eyes
'How Can I Not Love You Aarti. You are the best thing that happened in my life.. But I Can't Love You Aarti.. My life is cursed Aarti. My father killed my mother due to this curse one year after I was born Aarti. My grandfather killed my grandma when my father was young. An old witch was hurt by my Grandpa when he was young, and he laughed it off. The witch had cursed out family line that until we stop having sons, the Khurana Men will kill there true love after two years. He was put into a trance. Aarti my family is cursed. Once You had married me, within two years, the curse would have affected me and I would have killed you, without myself knowing. That's why Aarti I've never married. I want to be the last Khurana Aarti. I want this curse to die with me.' Yash cried.
A week later a message was delivered to Yash.
'Dear Yash Sir
loved you will all my heart. You made feel warm happy and joyful. You gave me so much happiness. You cared for me and gave me lots of compassion. You put up with my clumsiness. My non stop speaking everything. Alas when I arrived home after you sent me. Everyone looked at me with contempt like I done something wrong. My brother no longer had any compassion with me. People started saying wrong things to me Sir. My father and brother were ashamed of me. They locked me up in this small tower at the edge of town. I hope this letter gets to you. Paridi my friend promised me she will as I sneaked this letter to her through the door. Isnt it funny Sir, there is no window here.. I don't even know if its light or day. But Sir, I hope you are fine. And always look after yourself Sir..And no matter what happens. Live your life to the fullest Promise me, you will always look after yourself sir.. I don't know if you ever loved me.. But my heart says you did..and I don't know what made you turn that night Sir..But I know you love me.. My heart says it clearly.. It was in your eyes sir.. Sir.. I Love You Sir.. and always will..
Yours Always Aarti.
'How is she' Yash asked the guard after reading the letter seeing the pain, the love in her words. The guard looked down and said
'I'm Sorry Sir, she committed suicide last night. The townsfold shunned her and she hanged herself last night. Staying here with you for 6 months, people called her a wh**e and god knows what rubbish sir, living with a man without marriage…. You know what I mean Sir… She was found early this morning. This letter was collected from Aarti by Paridi last night.' Yash froze in terror. He silently looked down.
'Leave' Yash stated. He cried. Yash cried tears of anger, tears of helplessness. His Aarti left him. Aarti had died. She killed herself. IT was all his fault. He killed her. He killed her. His curse came true. His love and her falling for him killed her. He was a killer. The curse, he could save himself from the curse. It came true, in a different way.
PRESENT
Yash stood infront of the picture and kissed her lips. The curtains which Aarti once opened was closed and the windows too. Yash spent his whole day with the chipped cup in his hand remembering the first time, she gave him tea.
'The cups chipped I didn't mean to do it' Yash remembered the first time they had tea and the first time she made him tea.
'I love You Aarti always.' He said as he took the cup and placed it into a glass cabinet keeping it, with all her other memories, her clothes, her brush with her hair stands. Everything. He often walked into her room keeping it locked, smelling her frangrance. Sometimes when he closes his eyes in the room he can feel her see her
'I Love you Yash' Aarti said whispering in his ears and laughing. Yash opened his eyes and saw Aarti was there.
'I love you too Aarti.. ' He said slipping in her bed. He closed his eyes and dreamed of a life of what could have been….with his Aarti..
THE END
8 Pages LONG THIS WAS>> BIGGEST OS EVER!! PLEASE COMMENT!!!
I have another Idea for a new OS> But only if this is successful
PROMO: Aarti had lied to Yash that she didn't love him. Yash found out it was his fathers doing.
'I'm going father to find my true love.'