Chapter 2:
Aarti went home from Dehli with mixed feelings. She was anxious about the news that she had to break to Prashant and her mom. But strangely it was mostly her mom that she worried about. This was a huge revelation to her about her feelings or lack of feelings for Prashant.
Aarti had always been very honest with her mother about everything. They loved each other and had a very open and trusting relationship. When she came home that Diwali after she got involved with Yash, her mother noticed that she was different. For the first time she was reluctant to share something with her mother. The fact that she had a lover was not something that she ever thought she would be able to discuss with her mom. But she was constantly checking her phone and apparently she could not hide her expression when she chatted with him via text or on calls.
"Who is he Aarti?"Her mom asked as she was once again looking at her phone with love lost look in her eyes.
"Mom?" she asked, feeling embarrassed.
"The man that is making my girl glow?"
"No one, ma"
"Since when do you lie to me Aarti? What is going on?"
"Nothing mom"
"Aarti?"
"Ok, mom. I'm in love." she said, her eyes showing that same glow.
"I see. And who is the boy?"
"He is not a boy mom. He is a man. He is mature, sophisticated and absolutely gorgeous. He is intelligent and successful. And I love him so much."
"And does he love you back?"
She looked away.
"No, he is not into long term relationships."
"Aarti are you sleeping with him?" as usual her mom came straight to the point.
For a moment she contemplated lying again, but she knew it was no use."
"Yes."
"Aarti!" her mother said shocked yet not accusingly.
"I know mom. I know. But I love him. Why can't I express my love? You always tell me that you would not have given your time with dad up for anything. And that is what I am doing. I am enjoying the time with the man that I love and no one can ever take that away from me."
"And are you taking precautions?"
"We are very careful, Mom."
"Aarti, I am so worried for you my darling. This can't work and you will get hurt if you are the only one committed to this relationship. Your dad and I loved each other. It was mutual. A one sided love spells disaster, my angel"
"I know and anticipate that, Mom. But I can't give him up just yet."
"My baby, I love you so much. I don't judge you. I know what it is like to be hopelessly in love. Heck, your pappa was so sexy I couldn't resist him either. He swept me off my feet on our second date, if you know what I mean."
"Moom" Aarti laughed at her mother's revelation.
"What? Only you can be naughty."
She laughed.
"But on a serious note, my darling. I know I can't look after you like I would like to anymore. And I can't guard you heart, but will you try your best to look after it as best you can. For me if not for yourself. And if you need to talk or shoulder to cry on, I am here. And I know if this is your true love, it will work out. And who can resist my beautiful, talented and smart girl."
She hugged her.
"Mom, you are the best. I don't what I'd do without you. Love you so much."
And true to her word, she was. When Aarti came home after her graduation, she spent weeks crying and her mother let her. She listened when she wanted to talk and let her be when she needed to be on her own, until she was ready to face the world again.
And when she came to her to tell her about deciding to marry Prashant she was no less concerned.
"Do you love him Aarti?"
"I do mom, I really do."
"The same way you loved him." she didn't have say more than that.
"It's not the same mom."
"No, that is very clear to me. Are you sure you are over him Aarti?"
"Mom, it's been four years."
"Baby it's been a decade and half and I am still not over your dad."
"I know mom. But I am sure about this and Prashant loves me."
"Does he know?"
"That I am not a virgin. Yes and he accepts it."
"I don't know Aarti." he mom said, her doubt about the situation obvious.
"Mom, I don't understand. When I told you I had a lover your reaction was better than this."
"Then I thought you were making a mistake and now I think you are making an even bigger one."
"I promise I know what I am doing mom."
Still she insisted to speak to Prashant and make sure that he loves her and that he is ok with her not being virgin to Aarti's utter dismay. But she knew it all come from the deepest place in her heart, so she endured.
Prashant did not take the break up well. He was so angry. He wanted to know if there was another man. In fact he accused her of having an affair. He demanded to know who it was. She knew that since she had agreed to go to the USA with Yash, it would be quite easy to figure out. She did not see the point of hiding the truth and that made him even more mad. Almost violent.
"You are right. I am in love with someone else. It is same man that I told you about, that I was seeing in my days at University. I thought I was over him, but when I met him again recently I discover that I was still in love with him."
"Who is it?"
"Yash Scindiya"
"Oh, I see. Now a lot things makes sense from the conference. The way you reacted around him. How you rushed to your room every night. Of course you would find him more attractive as his bank balance is probably 10 times healthier than mine. For a middle class girl like you that must be a huge attraction. But you realise that he will just use you and leave you don't you? He is not going to stick around in this relationship for long."
"Please Prashant. I know you are upset. I think its best that you leave."
He advanced on her and grabbed her by the arms.
"Maybe I was not exciting enough for you. Maybe you like it a little rough."
His lips came down on hers punishingly. She shut her eyes tightly and waited. Finally when he got no response her let her go. He pushed her against the wall and looked at her with total disdain. She looked at him with a cold stare.
"Are you done? Then leave."
"I am done. And when he discards you like an old rag, don't think you can come running back to me."
"I won't. You knew where you stood with me from the beginning. You are the one that wouldn't let up till I agreed to marry you. I really do care for you, but I can't help that I love someone else. Trust me if I could choose it would not be him. Again I am sorry for causing you pain. It was never my intention."
"Beautiful speech. Pity it means nothing to me. Enjoy being Yash Scindiya's wh**e while it lasts." he walked out of the house and banged the door.
Her mother did not find it surprising that the engagement was broken.
"I see. Who broke it off?"
"Mom, you were right. You can't force love and I recently discovered that I still love him."
"Have you been seeing him?"
"Yes, and I am going to the USA with him for 2 months."
"And him, how does he feel about you?"
"The same as then." she lowered her gaze so that her mom couldn't see the sadness.
"So, you will leave the relationship with a broken heart again."
"I am hoping that it will be different this time. How can it be possible for me to love him so much and not have him return those feelings? I just want the chance for him to see what it could be like when are together and that it can be for a long time."
"Oh my darling. My heart breaks for you. But I know there is nothing I can do or say to make you change your mind on this. I can't give you my blessing on this, my sweet girl, but again I am here for you no matter what.
"I understand, mom. Thank you for never judging me and loving me unconditionally. I am truly blessed to have a mother like you."
They hugged as the tears fell down their cheeks.
A month later she moved to Mumbai as the preparations for the new project was to start. She never went back to the office after her confrontation with Prashant. She finished her projects from home. Now she was ready to start working again. She was looking forward to this. And she was looking forward to seeing him again. He had arranged an apartment for her to live in for the month before they went to the USA. It was a luxury one bedroom house that overlooked the ocean. It was a double story. The ground floor consisted of the living area and a kitchen, dining room and lounge and guest bathroom and the entire top floor was a massive bedroom with a full bathroom. There was a section that was cordoned off for a study with a desk and a computer.
She had unpacked her clothes and stood enjoying the sea breeze when she heard someone say from the door:
"That was the longest month ever."
She turned around.
"How did you get in?' she smiled
"It's my apartment."
"Then I best get some alternative accommodation as I can't have you walking in and out of the place that I stay."
"That is the least you should be concerned about." he said.
Finally she couldn't hold out any more and ran to him. He opened his arms as she ran into. She held him around his neck as he hugged her tightly.
"I missed you so much" she said in his neck.
"All your fault. That was your demand."
"I know but ..." he didn't allow her to finish as his mouth came down on hers. He picked her up as they were and carried her to the bed while they were still locked in their passionate kiss. He put her down on the bed only removing the bare necessities in their desperation. He parted her legs and entered her swiftly, foreplay was not needed as they were both more than ready. His thrusts were hard and passionate as she matched his rhythm. Within a matter of minutes they both called out as they reached their pinnacle of pleasure.
"Not fair, sir" she said once she had calmed down enough to talk.
"What's not fair?"
"You know what I like best"
"You didn't like that?"
"No" she said with a pout. "I demand a do over."
He laughed her. He rolled off her and lay on the bed all sprawled out on his back.
"Fine you greedy wench. Have you wicked way with me."
She smiled and bit her lip and she approached him like a tigress approaching her prey.
"Indeed good sir. That I will" as she got on top of him and started doing what they both loved.
She enjoyed her time with him. He stayed with her and only sometimes went home for supper and to spend time with his family. But it was really reluctantly. He not only liked spending time with her, but he admired her proficiency at her job and her skilful ability to work with clients. They often even worked till late at night and even when they were in bed they would discuss the project as new ideas came to mind. Even between lovemaking sessions. She often cooked for them as well even though he did not expect her to do so. They had their meals either on the balcony or even as a picnic on the beach. That was her favourite.
The apartment was on stretch of beach that was private property for the residents only and was mostly holiday homes or holiday rentals. So since it was out of season, most of the homes were vacated. Which was ideal for couple that wanted their privacy. She had gone to the office with him that day, but he had left early for meetings off site. She had gotten so lost in her work that she only realised how late it was when he called her. He was already at home. She wrapped up quickly and called a cab to take her home. When she got there, he was nowhere to be found. She called to him and eventually when she went onto the balcony she saw him sitting on the beach. He had some lanterns lit around him and put a blanket out with the picnic that he ordered from a nearby restaurant. There was an ice bucket with what she knew to be non-alcoholic champagne and glasses as well.
She smiled as she looked at him. She kicked off her shoes, untied her hair and walked to him.
"And this?"
"Well, you weren't here to cook, so I made alternative arrangements."
"I should work late more often."
He stretched out his hand to her.
"Come sit down"
She sat and he started dishing for her and feeding her. She smiled at him. He really knew how to steal her heart.
"Do you like the food."
"I love it. I love everything here." She didn't dwell whether he understood the implication. Thank you for taking the trouble to do this."
He looked at her.
"You don't have to thank me. I am enjoying this as much as you are." he gave her a gentle kiss.
They chatted a bit. The moon was casting a magnificent reflection in the ocean. Suddenly she got up and slipped out of her dress and underwear.
"Race you to the water." she challenged and started running.
"Not fair" he shouted as he too got undresses quickly and ran after her. She swam but he was an excellent swimmer and he soon caught up with her.
He pulled her into his arms and said
"You cheated"
"All's fair and all of that" she said. Again letting him know how she felt yet not. She had her arms around his neck.
"This is such a beautiful evening. I will treasure it always. Even though you say I shouldn't thank you, I want you to know how much I appreciate this." she said overwhelmed with emotion.
"I know. I know you appreciate the littlest thing I do for you. I know that you are with me for me and nothing else. And I appreciate that." he said with no less emotion.
He kissed her, the kiss got more and more heated. The cold water was ineffective on their sweltering bodies instead it served as a sensual conduit for their already heightened senses. He bent his head to kiss her neck and tasted the saltiness of the sea. Finally taking her nipples in his mouth as she arched to give him access. But she couldn't wait.
"Please, Yash, please" she moaned.
"Yes, baby. I will give you anything you want."
"You. I want you. I want you now. Please." she begged.
He lifted her onto him and she wrapped her legs around his waist as she moaned again in sheer pleasure. They share another passionate kiss and then he walked with her to the blanket and he sank down with her on top of him. Her wet hair was falling down on to him. He loved her hair, he like the feel of it on him. Right now she was at her most desirable, with her hair and the look of passion in her eyes, her chest heaving making her nipples move against his chest. She bent her head and kissed him passionately before she started moving on top of him. He was not moving, only enjoying her, watching as she was lost in her passion for him. And he knew beyond a shadow of doubt that it was only for him. She bit her lip and opened her mouth to gasp and moan intermittently until finally she let out a cry of passion as she reached climax. As she was still shuddering on top of him her turned her around so that she was not at the bottom. He lifted her legs as her knelt in front of her and started thrusting hard. She screamed as she reached climax after climax until her could bear no more of his self-imposed torture and he let go to finally be fulfilled too. He moaned her name loudly to which she responded,
"Yes, yes, yes" until he collapsed on top of her, spent.
The lay there for a while, coming down from their pinnacle of passion, holding onto each other in the aftermath. This precious moments meant so much to both of them. It was near to perfection and they didn't want to let go.
Finally Aarti started to shiver.
"Sorry, honey. You're cold, I should have known better. I don't want you to be sick. Let's go inside. He got up and doused the lanterns. He took her hand and helped her up, then scooped her up into his arms and carried her inside the apartment, where they immediately took a hot shower and got into bed where it got even hotter.
A few days later they were at a restaurant sitting cosily when they were interrupted.
"Bhayia, what are you doing here. We haven't seen each other in a long time. You are never home these days. I wonder why?" the young lady said smiling and looking at Aarti. There was a girl with her, she looked about in her teens.
"What are you two doing here on your own?"
"Mom and Dad, have to uncle Rajeev's birthday dinner and there will only be old people and we didn't want to go. So they gave us money for dinner and we chose this place."
"Are you not going to introduce us, bhayia?"
"This is Aarti. Aarti these are my two nosey sisters, Vidhi and Palak."
They greeted each other.
"Do you mind if we join you?"
"This is a table for 2" he said.
"They can bring extra chairs. I will get the waiter, said Vidhi. The older of the two.
Yash was exasperated. He was not in the mood for his sisters and their inquisition. But he could not say no now.
"So Aartiji. How do you know my bhayia?"
"I am assisting him with a project?"
"I see"
"Where are you from?"
"Bhopal."
"Oh, so there were no capable people in Mumbai that do the job that Aartiji does, bhayia?"
"She is the best."
"I see"
"Is she your girlfriend Bhaiya?" asked Palak.
"No Palak, Bhayia does not have girlfriends, he does not believe in love and marriage so she can't possibly be his girlfriend. So I won't be able to get married and then you won't be able to get married and the Scindiya name will come to an end."
Aarti giggled at her wit.
"What's so funny Aarti?"
"Nothing" she tried to make a straight face. "Other than your sister knows you so well.
"That I certainly do." said Vidhi.
"Aarti do you kiss my bhayia?" asked Palak.
Aarti blushed and looked at Yash.
"Who kisses me is none of your business, nosey parker." Yash said.
"So she does kiss you. Can I call you Bhabhi. I will call you Bhabhi. I think Bhayia must marry you. When are you coming to our house?" asked Palak.
"Yes, you should come to meet the family. Seeing you are assisting a project and it a family business."
"We'll see" she said.
Actually the girls got along famously. He felt like the odd one out. They were talking about clothes and make up and the latest pop star that Palak was in love with. He loved watching possibly his 3 favourite girls in the world interacting so well together. And Palak was a surprise. She was very possessive of him and had a habit of telling off any girl that showed any interest in him, but now she was calling Aarti Bhabhi. And Aarti was so good with her, listening intently to her stories. He liked that. Dinner came to an end, he paid. He took her hand as they left the restaurant. She tried to pull it away, but he kept it tightly. He dropped his sisters off first and then they went to the apartment.
He did not understand. She was angry about something. They reached the apartment and she got out quickly and walked swiftly to the door. He was right behind her. As soon as they were inside he asked.
"Why are you angry?'
"I am not angry."
"You could have fooled me."
"Why did you have to hold my hand in front of your sisters?"
"What was wrong with that? They like you and they know that there is something between us."
"They suspected there was something between us, then you hold my hand and drop them off first. Then it became obvious."
"I still don't understand."
"What must they think of me? But I suppose for what I am, I don't deserve any respect."
"Aarti how did I disrespect you."
"Yash, if one of your sister's allow what I allow with you, what would be your reaction?"
"I will kill the man that touches one of my sister."
"Exactly, but you expect it of me. And you flaunt it in front of them."
"I am sorry, Aarti I didn't think of it that way."
"No you didn't think. And it show how little respect you have for me. And that everything in this relationship, if you want to call it that, is about you. What you want and how you want to it be."
"Aarti I ..."
"I am tired Yash. Please go home"
She was more hurt than angry.
She fled up the stairs threw her bag down on the bed and let out a frustrated grunt.
Yash went to the car and just sat there. He felt like a reall d-bag for what he had done and how he made her feel. He was an insensitive a-hole for having such little regard for her feelings and what made it worse was that he didn't even realise it. And he knew that she was not what she felt like at the moment. He knew she had only ever been with him. And he knew what that meant. Though he didn't want to dwell on it too much. He couldn't believe that he had made her feel like that. He hit the steering wheel in frustration. As he started the ignition his phone rang.
"I said I am tired. I want to take a shower and get to bed. How long must I wait for you?"
"I will be right there."
He disconnected the call, got out of the car and did an air punch and ran into the house.
She was standing on the balcony and saw his actions. She had to smile. She was still a little hurt but she loved him and she wanted him happy and neither of them were at the moment. She made her way to the bathroom but before she could reach the bathroom, he had grabbed her from behind and kissed her in her neck, making her laugh as it tickled. He lifted her from behind and carried her to the bathroom. He switched on the water and started undressing her and she returned the favour and they were soon in the shower. He lifted on to him and pushed her against the wall as started thrusting, causing them both to forget their discontent as the experienced amazing pleasure of making up.
Afterwards as he was washing her, he said,
"I am so sorry baby. My intention was never to disrespect you but I did. I am insensitive asshole and don't deserve you in my life, and I am so happy that you forgave so easily. I will try to do better. I won't hurt you like that again, I promise."
"Don't promise things you can't deliver, Yash. I know and accept this relationship for what it is."
He felt a pang at that statement.
"Nevertheless, I am sorry."
She smiled and kissed him softly.
"Let's go to bed." she said and she led him to the bedroom.
She went home for the week before they went to the USA to spend some time with her mom. She really missed her while she was in Mumbai and now she would be without her for another 2 months. But she really missed him too.
She had fly back to Mumbai to meet up with him as they were taking the company private plane to the USA. She met him directly at the airport. It was just the two of them and the flight crew. The plane took off and they were served refreshments and Yash made sure that cabin crew understood that they were not to be disturbed till they were summoned.
"Please do not disturb us. We are working on an intricate part of a presentation that involves a lot of concentration. So I will not be impressed if were are disturbed. We will let you know if we need anything."
"Sir ..."
"Only if the plane is about to crash you can disturb us, understood."
"Yes, sir."
And it was not a lie. They worked on their project. But first they made up for the time they were apart.
"So, do you think that they believed you about working on the project?" she asked later, sitting in his arms.
"Do I care? Any way we are now, aren't we?"
"I suppose. I bet they wish they were in my shoes." she giggled.
"And you find this amusing? Are you not even a bit jealous?"
"No, why would I be jealous. I know that you are not mine to keep. Would you be jealous if someone liked me?"
"Knowing that you were with Prashant drove me crazy."
She sat up and looked at him quizzically.
"Really?"
"Why are you so surprised?"
"Because we both know that this is just a temporary thing. The terms set by you. So how are you jealous?"
"I don't know. I just am. I don't want to see you with someone else. I don't even want to think about it."
She looked away.
"This bothers you?" he asked.
"No, it confuses me."
"Well, me too."
They looked at each other. Both not sure what to make of his feelings sentiments towards their liaison. She turned her head away first. She did not want him to see what reflected in her eyes. For the first time in a long time she felt that there was hope. If he missed her, felt possessive of her, then maybe his feelings ran deeper than the mere physical. Maybe their intense physical need for each was a manifestation of the mutual love that she had been praying for, but had lost hope for in recent times. Maybe there was a long term future for them, maybe it wasn't just her wish for them to spend an eternity together. Maybe she could be more than his mistress, his lover. Maybe she could be his wife, his friend, his confidante and ultimately the mother of his children. Suddenly it didn't seem so farfetched. She felt like it was within her grasp, yet very tentatively. She was ready to nurture it though, to work at it and give it her best. She would love him so much that he had to love her back. But till he did and till her realised it, she would keep mum and do it all silently. And when his heart was hers she would be happy and rejoice as vocally and joyously as she wanted to. She looked back at him and smiled.
"Fine, we will be confused together." she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Now get the stewardess, I am hungry after all this "working". And after we eat, we will continue to work. I have had some new ideas this past week, seeing as I had no one to distract me." she looked at him with an amused accusation.
"Fine, then when we land, I will book into a hotel. You can stay at the apartment on your own."
"Fine." she said knowing that he would never leave her to stay on her own.
"Fine" he said, knowing that he had no intention of being without her.
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