Since I was rushed, here is
Part 2
Two weeks later ...
she was sitting opposite her new boss.
"Do you want to resign now?"
"Do you want to fire me?"
"No, I am a professional. I don't allow personal issues to cloud my judgment. As long as you can do the job you can stay."
"I am the best. That is why I got this job."
"Then we shouldn't have a problem."
"No we shouldn't"
Truth be told she would have left in a heartbeat, but this job offered her an amazing package. She could get a better apartment for her mother and herself. She could afford full time help for her mother and it offered a company car so she could take her mother to hospital when needed without worry. She was willing to put up with getting her heart broken every day for her mother's comfort and health.
They worked together as best as they could. The acted like strangers. Professionalism took precedence. They tried to ignore the feelings those odd accidental touches sparked. As far as they could, they tried not to be alone. He was dating, she knew. In fact it seemed like he was trying to date every single woman in the city by the phone calls he had received. She knew she would eventually get numb to it. And she knew one of them would eventually move on to the next job. They were both ambitious.
The day that she was dreading arrived. Valentine's Day. After the last Valentine's Day that she spent with him, she hated them. That day she lost her family and her love. She only had her mother after that. She made it special for her mother only. She made sure her mother's favourite flowers were delivered to her every Valentine's day.
She banged the chocolates on his desk. There was hardly any space.
"Problem Miss Dubey?"
"I am not here to sign for your deliveries the whole day. I have a job to do."
"Could it be that you are jealous?"
"Of your bimbo's? I think not. I have a few admirers of my own."
"Who?" he said. There was anger in his voice.
"None of your concern." She walked out.
Later that day ...
Just as she was packing up to go home she received a call ...
"I knew you would like them. Don't eat too much of the chocolate, ok. Love you. You are my only valentine." she smiled and put the phone down.
"Who was that!?" she heard from behind her.
"You have no right to ask."
"I want to know."
She picked up her bag and attempted to go.
He grabbed her arm and dragged her to his office. He closed the door and they stared at each other. Both remembering the last valentine that they were together too many years ago. That kiss and even the night they spent together after the bachelor's party.
This time, he initiated the kiss. Softly at first, then it deepened. They ended up on the couch in his office. They fell asleep afterwards, till the ringing of her phone woke them.
"Ma, sorry. I got caught up at work. I forgot to call you. Did you eat? Ok. I will be there soon."
She started dressing frantically.
"Aarti, come home with me." he said.
"No, I have to get home" she said almost dismissively, he mind was on her mother. She never forgot about her. She didn't like her to worry. Now look what she was doing. All because of him. She practically ran out of there.
Aarti went into his office just over two months later. She had gone to fetch files on a different floor and went to put it on his desk. There was a mature lady sitting in his office.
"Namaste ma'am. Have you been helped?"
"I am Yash's mother"
"Oh" she bent down to touch her feet.
"No, not in your condition."
"Ma'am? How do you know?"
"I have a gift it seems. How far along are you?"
She didn't say anything.
"Your husband must be very happy."
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she saw the realisation in the ladies eyes. She had no symbols of marriage on her. She bent her head in shame. His mother lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes, there was no judgement.
"Aarti, is this true?" he asked from the doorway.
She looked at him and back at his mother. She could see that his mother had another realisation.
She walked over to her son and slapped him across the face.
"How could you Yash? You of all people. How could you?"
She walked out.
He stood at the door and looked at Aarti. They stared at each other for a long time. Then he walked back out leaving her crying in his office. She didn't see him for two days after that.
She was busy cooking when she heard a knock of the door.
"Ma are you expecting anyone?"
"No Beta."
She went to the door. She opened to see him and his mother standing there.
"Namaste" Aarti said to his mother.
"Can we come in beta?"
She stood aside and let them come in.
"We would like to speak to your parents, beta?"
"Only my mother is here, Mrs Scindiya."
"Then I would like to speak to her."
She is in the lounge watching TV.
"Ma, this is Mrs. Scindiya and her son Yash Scindiya."
"Namaste, Mrs. Dubey."
"Namaste, please have a seat."
"Mrs Dubey, I will come straight to the point. I would like to ask you for your daughters hand in marriage for my son."
"What? How do you know my daughter?"
"She works for Yash."
"Aarti? Is this what you want?"
"I don't want to get married, Ma."
"But Aarti ..."
"I am pregnant, Ma. That is why he wants to marry me. But I have taken care of us for since I was 16 and I will take care of my child as well. I don't need to be married for that."
"Yes, beta. You have been looking after me since you were 16. First because I fell apart when your father left me. Then when I was diagnosed with cancer. You deserve to be happy and taken care of as well."
"I want to take care of you Ma. You are all I have."
"I know, but it doesn't have to be." her mother said.
"Aarti, I am not Mrs. Scindiya. My name is Rhadha Singh. I know what it is like to have a child out of wedlock. It is not easy beta. I wished at the time that I could have married Yash's father, but I couldn't. I found out too late that he was already married. So you see, I can't judge you. But I ask you to please allow my grandchild the opportunity to have a family. The family that I wasn't able to give my son."
"I can't get married and leave, Ma. She needs me."
"Yash has just bought a big house here in Mumbai. There is enough space for all of us. And we can all help with your mother."
"Can I speak to Aarti in private please?" he asked and they went to her room.
"Aarti, I can afford to get your mother the best medical care. Of course she will live with us. And Aarti, I didn't have a father growing up, I am not letting that happen to my child. So just agree to this proposal. It's like any other arranged marriage. You can have your own room if you want. I won't touch you again. I just want my child."
"Marriage is not a guarantee of anything. Not even you taking care of this child."
"We can draw up a document that states that you and the baby will be taken care of if anything unforeseen happens. Don't make this a big thing Aarti. Just like we decided to make our relationship in the office professional, let's just make a decision on this."
"Look how well that turned out."
"Aarti, your mother can get the best private doctors. My father is very influential. I don't have much of a relationship with him, but I will ask his help in this?
"Ok."
"You will marry me?"
"Yes."
They looked at each other. More sad than anything. This was not the way things were supposed to be.
Finally the day of the wedding arrived. She had only wanted them and their parents. And him too. He was waiting for her in the mandap, when he saw people coming in led by his mother. It was his father, his 2 brothers and Bhabhi.
"Ma?"
"He is your father Yash. He has been trying to reach out to you for years. It's your wedding day. Allow him to share it with you."
"Yash, congratulations." his father said.
He nodded and went back to the mandap.
She looked beautiful. Even more than there Valentine's Day, so many years ago. He wanted to go to her and kiss her and tell her, he loved her. But her eyes were down, she wouldn't look at him. When he they did the 7 rounds he held her hand and he felt her shaky fingers. And finally they took blessings from their elders.
They had a family dinner afterwards. She was introduced to her in laws. They seemed to be accepting of her.
"Yash, my offer is still open. Please won't you join us at Scindiya Enterprises?"
"I have a job thank you."
"Yash, bauji is right. You are the only one that can take over the business. I am not a business man. I am a lawyer and my firm is doing well. Pretty soon Prateek will be done with culinary school and starting a restaurant."
"I don't think so bhaiya. I'm sure your mother would not take too kindly to that."
"G3 has nothing to do with the business. As long as she is taken care of. And from what I hear of you in the business world, I know I will be able to rest easy if you take it over. Aarti-bahu, please try to convince your husband."
"I am sure he won't listen to me Bauji."
He kept his promise. He didn't touch her. When their baby was born, he wanted to hold her and kiss her, say thank you for the most precious gift she had given him, but it was as if he didn't exist. Only the baby.
She went back to work as his PA when the baby was 4 months old. She refused to give up her independence.
She had gone home early to take Ansh for his vaccinations. But she still had work to do so she went by the office to get her laptop. She still had the baby with her. She heard something come from his office, and she went to check as the light was off. She opened up and she saw him there. With one of his exes sitting on his lap. He looked at her in shock. She held the baby tighter, turned and closed the door and walked out.
She started supper when she got home. He came shortly after her, but he wouldn't speak in front of their mothers she knew, so he took Ansh and spent some time with him. But she had to face him eventually.
"Aren't you going to say anything?' he said when they finally alone in the room.
"What do you want me to say?"
"So it doesn't mean anything that I was about to sleep with another woman?"
She shrugged.
"It probably wasn't the first and it won't be the last."
"I have never cheated on you before."
"I don't care what you do?"
"Fine, I m glad. Because I am not made of stone. From now on, I will see that my physical needs are met. Since you don't care."
He took his keys and left the room. He got as far as the car and he turned back. He couldn't do it. He went back to their room. She was lying on the bed sobbing.
He went to lie down next to her and held her for the first time since Ansh was conceived.
"I have never done it before and you came in before anything happened. I won't do it again."
"I ... I do care. And it hurts. I don't want to hurt anymore."
"Do you want to leave?"
"I can't leave. Ma made me promise."
"And when ma is no longer with us?"
"I don't know."
He let her go and was about to get up. She put her hand on his arm.
"Make love to me Yash. Please."
He couldn't resist.
That morning they were woken up with banging on the door. It was Rahda-ma. Her mother had slipped into a coma. She was admitted to hospital. She was there for 3 months in and out of coma. The doctors had very little hope. Aarti had stopped working to be at the hospital and with Ansh, and she was 3 months pregnant. She was there when her mother woke up for the last time.
"Baby, I worry about you."
"You only worry about getting better, Ma."
"You love him right?"
"I do, Ma."
"Give him a chance. He is not your father. I know if you allow it, he will make you happy."
"Shh, Ma. Now is not the time."
"He is a good man. He loves you. Take it from an old woman. I know your father never cared for me like he cares for you. Let him into your heart, sweetheart."
"Yes, ma."
"I love you, Aarti. You are the best daughter anyone could have had."
Then she was gone.
Aarti was inconsolable. He didn't know what to do. His mother had to take over caring for Ansh. She had no sons so he, along with is his brothers did the necessary at the funeral procession. And his way back, he received a call from his mother. Aarti was rushed to hospital. When he came there it was too late. She had lost the baby.
"Yash, why are you leaving?"
"I will just be a way for a month, bauji."
"Your wife just lost her mother and baby."
"She doesn't need me Bauji."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes."
"Yash, when I met your mother I was young and selfish. I fell in love with her. I wanted her. I wanted my piece of happiness. In the process, I ruined so many lives. Hers, yours, mine, my wife's. I did the unforgivable. I suppose if she would have had me, I would have left my wife for her, but Rhadha was too honourable for that. It took G3 years to forgive me. Still she has always known that Rhadha is my true love. It's not easy for her. I am sorry about that. Sorry for the pain I have caused you. But what you are doing now is no better. You don't have to let her go. You have the woman you love. And you want to give her up without a fight."
"She only married her for Ma's sake. She won't stay now. I know she won't. She has never stayed before Ma made her promise"
"So you are running away instead."
"What should I do?"
"Tell her how you feel. Tell her you won't let her go. No matter what."
"She doesn't even see me through her grief bauji."
"Be patient with her, but don't give up on her. And don't leave."
"I will try."
"That's my boy."
He stayed.
A week later she woke up in the middle of the night screaming. Yash took Ansh to his mother and went back to her. Her let her cry and scream. When she eventually calmed down he asked.
"Aarti, can I do anything for you?"
"Can you bring my mother and baby back?"
"You know I can't."
"Then no, you can't do anything for me."
"Are you going to leave me now?"
"You'd like that wouldn't you. So you can be with all those other s**ts."
"No, I don't want to be with anyone but you. But you said you are only staying because Ma made you promise. I want to know what to expect."
"You only married me for the baby. So whether I stay or go what does it matter?"
"I love you. I've always loved you. I wanted to tell you that night, but when i turned around you were gone. And you never came back. And every time after that, you just ran away from me, rejected me. I don't know what to expect other than the same."
"Where would I go?"
"So you want to go."
"I don't know."
"You once told me you love me Aarti. I know you were only 16. I believed you and you broke my heart when you just disappeared. Aarti, please just tell me now what you want. I will do it. I will leave if you want me to. You can stay here with Ma and Ansh. I will find somewhere else to live. Just tell me."
"How do in know you will love me forever and not find someone else like my father and your father did. How can I know that you won't abandon your child in favour of another family?"
"You don't know that Aarti. And I don't know that you will never leave again. All I know is that I love you more than anything. You won my heart when you were only 15 years old. You were so happy, so carefree. I want to give you that again. I want you to be secure and carefree. I miss that chatterbox that stole my lunch every day. The one that told me she loved me without any fear and I was too stupid to respond immediately. It is now 10 years on and I have never felt anything close to what I feel for you for anyone else. Give me a chance to make you happy again. I can't bring ma or our baby back, but we can have another baby if you want. I just want a chance. I am going out on a limb here as well. I have always expected people that were supposed to love me to leave, like my father. And you, unknowingly did the same. So I need you to be patient with me as well."
She sat silently for a while. She sighed loudly.
"I want to stay with you. I love you. I have never stopped since the first moment I saw you. I want to be happy Yash. I don't want to be scared anymore. And I don't want to hurt anymore."
"Trust me to love you forever, Aarti. I will prove myself worthy."
"I will trust you on one condition. You trust that I will never leave you again."
"I do. I will."
"Will you hold me?"
"Yes." he said gathering him in her arms.
"Ma, is probably smiling down from heaven right now."
"I think so too."
He kissed her.
"Let's get some sleep."
"Ok,"
"You going to need you rest."
"Why."
"Because once the doctor gives you the all clear, you won't have any."
"I think we should hold off on baby no.2 for a while as well. We have lots to make up for. And Ansh is finally comfortable to spend nights with Rhahda-ma.
They fell asleep in each other's arms. For the first time in a very long time they had a peaceful sleep.
Present day:
Yash rushed home earlier than usual. He was happy. He had finally decided to take his father up on his offer and he had been getting closer to him and his brothers. His Bhabhi had really been there for Aarti in her time of need. He understood that his stepmother kept her distance and he respected her for that.
He had bought some flowers on his way home. The house was dark and he made his way to their room. He opened the door and he saw the room was full of lit candles. His wife was lying on the bed, her head resting on her arm, looking at him provocatively.
"Good evening" she said.
"Mmm, that picture did not do you justice at all. "he said.
She got up and moved towards him. She started loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. He grabbed her to him and kissed her soundly.
"In a hurry, Mr. Scindiya."
"Yes, and it is all you fault."
She giggled.
She ripped his shirt open with the buttons flying.
"Better?'
"Much" he said she pushed his shirt off his shoulders. She unbuckled his belt and pushed down his bottoms. She kneeled down in front of him to take his pants and socks off. When she he done that she started kissing the inside of his legs, making him shudder. Then she covered his manhood with her mouth, causing him to moan loudly feeling the pleasure that coursed through his body.
But he stopped her and lifted her.
"You didn't like it.?" she pouted.
"I liked it too much, that's the problem. And I want more than that." His hands went under her chemise and his hands found her already moist centre. Making them both gasp. He removed her panties and lifted her onto him."
She moaned and threw her head back in pleasure he entered her. He kissed her now exposed neck as she walked to the bed. He sat down on the bed with her on top of him. He pushed the strap off the chemise of her shoulders to free her breasts. He kissed and sucked at it until she as at her wits end. She started moving frantically on top of him. The sounds of their pleasure resounding in the room.
Finally she shouted,
"I love you, I love you, Yash" as she found he release.
He fought to keep his resolve. He stood up with her again, he could still feel her throbbing around him. He laid her down on the bed and in a few quick thrusts he released himself as she was already shuddering in their ultimate pleasure again."
"I'm hungry" he said.
"Again" she laughed.
"For food minx, but that too soon."
"I will warm the food." She went for her night gown but he wouldn't let her. So they went down to the kitchen as they were.
She sat on his lap as they fed each other, trying to entice each other all the time. Finally he pushed the food out of the way and put her on the table. He stayed seated on the chair and he started relishing her. He hands were entwined in his hair as she felt his mouth giving her immense pleasure. Then he stood up and entered her, her legs automatically closed around him as he started thrusting desperately, like a man that was starved, and she screamed in absolute delight.
It was late the next morning that Yash woke up in the most pleasurable way. She was taking advantage as he didn't allow her to do what she wanted the night before. Soon she lifted her head and wiped her mouth and gave him a deep kiss.
"Good morning, my love" she said.
"How can you take advantage of a sleeping man like that?"
"Well I had to take what you wouldn't give me. Besides I was giving myself a reprieve."
"What do you mean." he said as he touched her intimately. She winced.
"Oh, I see. He said. But you were not complaining last night. Anyway, let's go get some breakfast." he got up but she didn't. She slipped off her chemise.
"What are you doing?"
"Waiting for my breakfast she said and he shook his head in amusement, but he obliged as the sight her naked body had already aroused him again.
Two years later ...
They were at a prestigious awards evening. Yash had been nominated as businessman of the year and won the title. They were dancing. She was looking stunning in a silver sari, with her baby bump ever so slightly noticeably.
"Does my tummy look big?"
"Yes."
"Yash!"
"Just kidding. I love how you look when you are pregnant. I feel proud that everyone can see that you are having my baby."
"I think it's a case of you loving to make me pregnant." they both laughed.
"Yash, come I want to introduce you to someone. This is an old college friend of mine Satyendra Dubey. This is my son and bahu." their father had called them after the dance.
"Namaste said Yash and the man said back. Aarti said nothing. She continued looking at him while the men were talking. He didn't even recognise her.
"My wife's maiden name is Dubey" said Yash.
"Aarti Dubey?" he said finally putting two and two together.
"Yes, bauji, it's me. How are you?"
"Fine and you?"
"Fine, no thanks to you."
He blushed.
"And you mother?'
"She died 2 years ago."
"Why didn't you let me know?"
"Why should I have" He didn't answer. "In any case, I have a family. I have a 3 year old son and another baby on the way. But I am sure you are not interested in that either. Will you excuse me Bauji?' she said to her father in law and walked away.
"Baby are you ok." he said as he caught up to her outside.
"More ok than I thought I would be." she said and hugged him. "All thanks to you."
"Want to go home and share my parathas?"
"I always want to share your paratha's. And thank you for being my new guy. You make every day a blessing. Every day is new and happy because of you and my family, my children. I love you Yash."
"You found me when I had no love to give, and you broke down all my defences. And even when I thought you broke my heart, it kept following and finding you. Not matter where you were, you kept ending up in my life till I could not deny my heart anymore and had to let you in freely and forever. Now I have a relationship with my father and brothers, thanks to you. And now you are giving another baby. There is absolutely no way I could describe how much I love you. Your father was crazy to give you up."
"And so was I to give you up. But as you say, our hearts would not be denied and followed each other till here and now. And only now my heart has settled, now that it has finally found yours. And now it is complete as it beats as one. Love you more than my life, Yash Scindiya. And I will never leave you again.
They hugged, gave each other another lingering kiss and left "to share their parathas."
Edited by B-onesie - 8 years ago
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