Passionate Encounters
She was in ecstasy. She hadn't expected him to come. And he shouldn't be here, but she couldn't stop him and she certainly couldn't stop herself. She couldn't wait. He grabbed her at the door as soon as she opened, kissing and caressing her. It felt like his hands were all over her.
"What are you doing here? She asked hoarsely as his mouth lifted from hers.
"I know your family went away for the week." He said.
"Mmm." She moaned.
"You shouldn't be here" she said before proceeding to kiss him in his neck and starting to unbutton his shirt.
"I know" he said relishing her lips on his body, placing his hands on her bottom and pressing her in to him.
The he pushed her away.
"Not here." He said.
He took her hand and practically dragged her to her bedroom. She didn't know how she managed on such shaky legs.
Immediately on entering the room, he kicked the door closed behind them and they were in each other's arms. Kissing and touching and undressing each other all at the same time in desperation.
He had her on the bed in no time. She was so ready for him. Her need to have him inside of her was all that she could think of. She was desperate and she couldn't wait but suddenly he went still.
"Yash" she moaned in demand.
He put his hand over her mouth.
"Shhh"
Suddenly she heard it too.
"Mummy. Mummy, open."
She looked at him shocked. Then she pushed him off her and they both scrambled for their clothes.
"Mummy!"
"Coming honey.
"Hide she whispered.
"Where?
"Bathroom"
He was on his way, but she ran behind him and grabbed his arm and said.
"No, what if he wants to use the bathroom.
"Then where?
"On the balcony."
He rushed out the patio doors and she went the bedroom door and waited till he was out of sight. Then she opened the door.
"What is wrong my baby? She looked at her 4 year old that was on the point of being distressed.
"Why did you take so long?"
"Uhm, I was in the bathroom. She was so happy that the little munchkin, though tall for his age, was not tall enough to reach the door handle.
He walked past her and got on her bed.
"So what's the matter, sweetie?'
"I can't sleep.
"Why?
"I don't know.
"Come let's go to your room. I will stay with you till you fall asleep.
"No, I don't want to sleep.
"Why?
"Can you call daddy to come here?
"Baby, it's late. I can't call your daddy now. You know he only comes here when you are not well. But I can call him tomorrow and he can fetch you from school."
"Ok. When will gran and grampy be home"
"Still 5 more sleeps angel."
"I don't like it here alone. I want my daddy and my gran and grampy."
"You don't like your mummy?
"I do but my grampy always gives me what I want.
"I know how naughty you and your grampy are and that you two don't listen to me. She pinched his nose. But if I call daddy, you can spend time with your cousins and daddiji and daddaji tomorrow till after supper or you can even sleep there if you want."
"And you mummy? You will be all alone. Why can't daddy come here? Just tell him that I have a tummy ache."
She struggled to hide her smile and put on her stern mommy voice.
"Ansh Yash Scindiya! Do we tell fibs?"
"No" he said exasperatedly.
"Will Prashant uncle come here when you are alone?
"Don't you like Prashant uncle?"
"I do, but I like my daddy better.
"I know, love. I know. But it's time for you to sleep now, you have to go to school tomorrow.
She lay down with him in her arms, rubbing his head. She looked at the patio door that was slightly ajar. She saw that Yash was standing at the door listening to the conversation and they looked at each other sadly.
*****************************************
Flashback
Their situation was crazy since the time they met.
They had met at college and fell in love. His parents did not approve of her and her parents did not want her to get married so young. She was the only daughter of a wealthy family and she was to put it kindly, a spoilt brat that got her every whim fulfilled by her parents. When she met him, she wanted him and got him like she got everything else.
At the time she was 21 and he was 24, he had just completed his MBA. They were the IT couple of the University. Gorgeous, young and rich and they had the brightest future ahead of them. The Sharma's had moved to Mumbai that year and the moment she saw him she knew that he would be hers. He was sitting on the steps of the cafeteria. She had a friend at the University so at least she was not alone.
"Who is that guy, Mansi?"
"That is the gorgeous Yash Scindiya. He can have any girl he wants but he prefers to study. Not that he is not already a genius anyway. What a loss."
"I see she said. She walked directly over to him.
"Hi, my name is Aarti"
"Hello" he said shocked.
"You are Yash right?"
"Yes, I haven't seen you around before. Are you a freshman?"
"No, I transferred from the University in Bhopal. I am in my 3rd year. And I guarantee you will see a lot of me from now on."
"Are you coming on to me?"
"My friend tells me you are quite the genius. But it can't be right?"
"How so?"
"You can't even tell if a girl is making a move on you."
He was amused.
"You are quite direct Miss ..?"
"Aarti, just Aarti. Formalities are not required between us."
"Aarti then"
"Will you go for coffee with me?"
"And your friend?'
"She can tag along."
"Well Aarti, you intrigue me. But I can't go for coffee now, I have a lecture in 10 minutes however I will take a rain check. Can I have your number?"
"Of course."
They exchanged numbers.
"See you around Aarti."
"Definitely" She smiled seductively.
He walked to his lecture and his phone rang.
"Can we go for coffee tonight? You can let me know where to meet you. You know Mumbai better than I do."
"I will text you after my lecture."
But by the time she reached her car, he had already sent her a text.
She laughed happily.
Aarti was given free rein to come and go as she pleased and she had an unlimited credit card so she knew no boundaries. The only things that interested her were partying, shopping, travelling and her art. And now him. She had liked boys before, but the attraction she felt was so much more intense.
They started dating and after 2 months they announced their intention to get married eventually.
His very traditional family totally disapproved of this modern girl that didn't even look like she owned a sari and she had no respect for her elders or their traditions according to them.
Her parents on the other hand were quite insulted that his parents did not approve of their darling princess and refused that she see Yash anymore. For the first time they wouldn't give in to her demands. She cried and asked constantly but they refused. But she wouldn't give him up.
She was the one that convinced him to elope. They were old enough and got married in a Civil ceremony. They were both modern so they didn't need all the rituals.
They met up at a little bed and breakfast one weekend:
"Please baby. I love you. I can't stand to be separated from you anymore. Please let's get married."
"No Aarti, we have to wait. We need our parents' permission. They will come around you'll see."
"When Yash? When? Why do we have to wait when we know we love each other?"
"Because we don't want to start our life off on the wrong foot."
"They won't have a choice but to accept the marriage if they are presented with the fact. We have love on our side. And what is it that they say? Love conquers all. And I love you sooo much. You make me happy. And if we get married, I will be so much happier. You want to make me happy don't you baby?" she looked at him in a way that he would not be able to resist.
He wanted to wait and win over their parents but Aarti could not wait as was her way and he gave in to her eventually. And he loved her and he wanted her badly. He always had his head in the books and busy with his sports and also part time work at the family business. He was never interested in girls and he never indulged in sexual affairs which was unusual for anyone in his circle of friends, especially the guys. And now his desire for her was a big factor in his decision to go ahead with the marriage.
"You Miss Sharma, will be the death of me, yet I can't deny you anything. I want nothing more than being your husband. You make me happy too."
"You mean it baby."
He nodded.
She jumped on him and kissed him.
"I love you, Yash."
They went to Goa for week and got married at court.
The wedding night was very disappointing but he loved her and was prepared to be patient.
He carried her into the hotel room. They were both excited and happy or so he thought. He immediately threw her on the bed and started kissing her. She responded as passionately but when he started undressing her she froze.
"Aarti?
"Baby, I'm scared."
"Aarti, I promise, I'll be gentle. I love you."
"I know but they say it hurts."
"I will hurt the first time but I am sure afterwards it will be fine."
She started crying.
"All right, sweetheart. We can wait till you are ready."
"Oh, thank you baby. I love you so much."
He took her in his arms and wiped her tears and that is how they fell asleep.
After the week in Goa, he took her home. His parents were livid. They were busy trying to find a suitable bride for him and here he came with this disrespectful modern girl.
"I will not have her here Yash" shouted his mother.
"Ma, she is my wife."
"What kind of girl is she to get married without permission? How has her parents raised her. She probably has never even done a stitch of house work."
"There is nothing wrong with my upbringing. We have servants as do you, so I was not required to work. What is the problem with that?"
"Aarti! Yash admonished. She was making matters worse.
"Is this the way your wife speaks to your parents? His father shouted.
"She is not from a traditional home Bauji. Please just let me talk to her? She will understand how things are done here.
"Yash, what are you saying? She asked.
"She calls you by name?
"Ma ..."
"What else should I call him?"
"Yash! Get her out of here."
"Fine, I will go. We can live at my house." She turned around to leave.
"Are you coming?" she asked him.
"Aarti, stay here. Let's talk it through"
"I am not staying in a place where I am not welcome." She walked out the door. He was forced to follow.
"Aarti, you are being rude."
"And them?"
"You knew that we are a traditional family."
"And you knew that I am not a tradition girl. I think its best that you stay here and talk to your family and I will stay at home till they calm down."
"Aarti ..."
"It's for the best now. I love you. I will see you soon."
"But I can't let you go home alone. I have to talk to your parents."
"No, it will better if I do it alone. They will be too angry at you. They can't stay angry at me for long."
She gave him a peck on the cheek and left.
Her parents were livid too. By the time she had arrived home, his father had already called.
She cried and apologised and said that she loved him and could not live without him. And she would go back as soon as his parents had calmed down. As she knew, her parents placed the blame squarely on his shoulders. She did not bargain on the fact that her parents were even more incensed about the fact that he did not accompany her home and didn't even apologise for getting married without permission.
After extensive talks with his parents and hers as well as Aarti herself, he had managed to get her to move to SM. She promised to try and fit in. She refused to wear traditional clothes though but dressed more conservatively than she would normally do. But things in the home did not make sense to her. Why did the bahus have to work when they had domestic workers? Why could they not sit at the table with the rest of the family and why could the servants not serve the food or the food just be placed on the table? And far be it for her not to question this. And it would inevitably end in an argument. The only person that she had on her side was Vidhi Bhabhi and she tried to coach her to be the perfect Scindiya bahu, but to no avail. That caused huge strain on their relationship.
Three months after the marriage he had reached the end of his patience.
"This is it Aarti. It's been 3 months. I am not made of stone. I want to make love to you and I am not waiting anymore. That is part of marriage. So far you have had everything your way in this marriage. I want this one thing or we might as well annul the marriage."
"But Yash ..."
"No! This time I am not falling for your tears this time. Enough! My family is going on pilgrimage for 3 days next week and we will be alone. If you don't intend to consummate our marriage by then you can go back home. I will assume that if you stay that you agree to finally become my wife. I am serious about his Aarti. You choose whether we will have a marriage or not."
He was sorry to be so harsh with her, but he was dying a slow death. She was unknowingly enticing him each day by merely being her alluring self. He did not get married to stay celibate all his life.
He made it romantic. Music and candle light and dinner in their bedroom. He could see that she was tense all the while as much as she tried to smile. When dinner was finished he took her to bed and gently undressed her, touched her and kissed her all over. He really was gentle even getting lubricant for easier access. He was new at this too so he had done research to make sure both of them had had the best experience despite their innocence.
But all was in vain. When he penetrated her, she tensed up and started screaming and crying. She pushed him away, but he wouldn't stop for 2 reasons. Firstly, because he knew that if he stopped then, it would mean they would have to go through the same thing the next time and the next. And secondly, he just couldn't stop. He was too caught up in his own pleasure.
Afterwards she cried for a long time. She wouldn't let him touch her. Not even to wipe the evidence of this miserable encounter off of her. He couldn't feel bad for her. She was his wife and she acted as if she was raped. He was angry. She was not the only one that had rights to that feeling. He went to shower and then left, without trying to console her.
Sadly every time after that, was much the same. And he stopped trying. He stopped feeling anything for her. And he put everything he had in his work. Till he went to Dehli to meet a client and walked into Ishita Gupta. He met her through Aarti at college. It started with coffee and then dinner and then the inevitable. He always knew she was attracted to him and at first he convinced himself it was just a friendship. He ignored the feelings of guilt that kept niggling at the back of his head. He shared his marital issues with her and she consoled him. First emotional and then physically.
He convinced his father to start branching out to Dehli and he would take frequent trips there for work and to see her. He was away from home more than he was at home. But one of their rare encounters with his reluctant wife left her pregnant. When he found out, he broke off the relationship but that didn't last too long.
The pregnancy was another unpleasant experience. She was sick for the whole duration of her pregnancy. She could hardly eat due to her nausea and vomiting and had to be admitted to hospital a few times so that both her and the baby could be fed intravenously. And finally she gave birth at 8 months to a healthy baby boy.
They both loved their little boy so much but matters in their personal relationship stayed pretty much the same. As his wife was sicker than anything during the pregnancy and then all her attention was on the baby. After the birth they stopped communicating beyond what was needed. His Dehli trips were a welcome release.
Ansh was about 6 months old when she found out about his affair with Ishita. He came home from Dehli and she was sitting on the bed with and envelope and photo's already packed.
"So I finally know she is. Couldn't you have done better than that gold digging s**t. "
"What are you talking about?" he said taking off his tie and not even looking her way.
"Do you think I am stupid? Do you think I don't know there is someone else? Did you really think I believed that it was all for business."
"So why didn't you say anything. Oh wait. You were happy. At least you were not subjected to my vile advances."
"Is sex all you care about?"
"It's not all I care about no. But I told you before, I am not made of stone"
"Not even remorse Yash? I don't even know you anymore."
"No, you don't know me. And I don't know you. We jumped into this marriage without knowing each other. And this is the result."
"I'm leaving."
"Surprise Surprise."
"This time I am not coming back. I want a divorce. And I don't want that s**t in my son's life"
"I will see my son. We will do things legally and draw up a suitable custody arrangement. The divorce will be done much more efficiently than the marriage. Isn't that a sad indictment on this relationship?"
He swallowed the lump in his throat. He never thought it would end this way. But it was for the best. They would do more harm to each other if they carried on this way and she would not fight for the relationship.
Truth be told he was not surprised that she left immediately. In the short time that they were married she had spent as much time at her parents' home as theirs. He had quickly come to realise that to her parents she would always be their baby and they indulged her even now. And every time she left, it was a little calmer at home as the running battles between her and his family stopped for a while. Hence his continued absence in the home. He wanted to avoid the drama.
His affair with Ishita continued till he found out through a mutual friend that it was Ishita that sent the pictures of them to Aarti. After the separation and divorce, they actually got along better. They were in agreement with the raising of their son. And they saw each other regularly at school plays and when they collected or dropped Ansh off. At first it was akward and painful but it got easier. Yet, there was no question of reconciliation.
They both dated throughout the years but neither were interested in marriage till now. She was seeing Prashant Sharma, the owner of one of his suppliers so it turned out that they saw each other at some industry social events. Prashant was a good person and he did not have a problem with him being close to his son. Recently he had been thinking of settling down with Arpita. They saw each other for the last 3 years but not exclusively. His parents liked her and they were the perfect match on paper.
*****************************
Their Passionate Encounters started when Ansh fell sick.
A couple of months ago, Ansh had picked up a viral infection. He was given some medication to which he developed an allergic reaction and he got seriously ill. He was admitted to hospital. She was beside herself. She doted on her baby. She would not leave his side. Yash was out of town at time but he cancelled his meetings and came back as soon as he heard that his son had been hospitalised.
Her parents were with her. Her mom and dad took turns to be at the hospital with her but still she could not relax or rest properly. When Yash came he convinced them that he would stay with her and her they could go home and only visit an hour or 2 a day.
When he was there, she finally managed to rest properly for some reason. She wasn't sure why. They hadn't been together since Ansh was a couple of months old and their marriage was quite a disaster at that. But at least they shared a love of their son. She supposed that is why she could finally rest. And Ansh's fever finally broke.
Their families brought them food and changes of clothing. Ansh had a private ward so fortunately there were showers and an additional bed in the ward as this was the best private hospital in Mumbai.
They didn't talk much, they were both too worried about their son. Finally they got the news that he would be discharged in 2 days after a week in hospital. She was so relieved. Those nights she slept at her best. When she woke up the 2nd night she was lying in his arms. She had no recollection of him getting into bed with her. She looked at him while he was sleeping. He was even more handsome now than when she met him. He looked more rugged and manly now.
She suddenly got these feelings. She had been making out with Prashant a lot lately. She wondered if she was ready to take the plunge to the next step. But she still had memories of her experiences with him. It wasn't very enjoyable. In fact it was an unpleasant and painful experience. Later she had learnt from her gynae that the painful intercourse was as a result of a medical condition called vaginismus. But these feelings that she was having lately with Prashant and now with him made her very curios. She tried to take advantage of his sleeping form to softly explore his upper body. His chest felt hard and muscular as did his arms. And she looked down to the lower part of his body and gasped as she saw that a certain part of his anatomy did not seem to be sleeping. She looked up and saw him looking back at her.
When he had heard the news of Ansh's illness he was anxious. He rushed back home to be with him. He could see the amount of strain she had been taking. He allowed her to rest as much as possible while he sat up with Ansh. He slept next to her the previous night, as he was tired and did not want to sit up anymore. They were both so tired that neither of them woke up. But the 2nd night was different. Again, he went to lie next to her and he woke up with her touching him. First he thought he was dreaming. It would not be unusual as he had definitely noticed that she was even more striking now than when she was then. She was a confident and sensual woman as opposed to the flirtatious girl that he married.
She was as surprised as him it seemed if he read her expression at getting caught exploring his body. But he didn't want to overthink and went on instinct. He brought her head down to his and kissed her. She reciprocated. He felt desperate to have her all of a sudden. They both forgot their previous experiences and where they were. They got rid of the barriers and when he entered her, they were both surprised. For a just a millisecond they remembered, but she felt pleasure instead of pain this time and she wanted more of it. She was the one that moved her hips into him first, eager for this to continue. He lost control and his thrusts were wild and uninhibited as was her response. He kept kissing her to silence her passionate moans and finally muffling her scream of pleasure as she reached climax.
They lay in each other arms in the aftermath, not quite sure what just happened.
"Wow" she said.
"Wow indeed."
"That was ... Wow."
"Finally Aarti Scindiya, sorry Sharma has no words.
"I never knew."
"And with Prashant?'
"We have never gotten that far."
"How far? He asked feeling a little jealous all of a sudden.
"None of your business. And we can't do this again. OMW, what if he woke up. We would have traumatised our son."
"He would've woken up had I not kept you quiet."
"Oh no, Yash. I have a boyfriend. I just cheated on him with my ex-husband."
"And I have a girlfriend and I just cheated on her with my ex-wife. "
But he didn't seem the least but distressed.
"You are not taking this seriously.
"It was over too quickly. For me to feel truly guilty, I we have to do it properly."
"Yash! She got up and grabbed her things and went to the bathroom. She tried to close the door but he stopped it.
"Yash" she said weakly as he grabbed her in a passionate embrace.
"Let's take a shower. That way no one will be traumatised."
"Together?"
"Of course"
He turned on the water and she seemingly had no will power as she meekly followed him.
"This is the last time."
"Mmm" he said, clearly not agreeing to this.
Luckily when they came out, Ansh was still sleeping. The doctor came soon afterwards to do is final check-up and Yash went with him to sign the discharge papers. He took them home.
His ex-in laws watched him like a hawk. He was the man that broke their little girl's heart. They could never see any flaws in her character. To them she was just perfect. But for their darling grandson, they would even tolerate him.
He bathed Ansh and told him a story. The three of them ate in Ansh's room as he wanted his dad to feed him. He bribed him to take his meds. He battled to get him to sleep as he didn't want him to leave as he knew when he woke up his dad would be gone. Eventually he fell asleep in Yash's arms, holding on to him tightly. Yash struggled to get him to let go even in his sleep.
He went downstairs and Aarti's parents were watching TV. He snuck past them to the kitchen where she was washing the dishes as they ate late and the servants already left. He embraced her from the back and started kissing her in the neck.
"Yash, my parents."
"Then be quiet." he said as he lifted her dress and reached inside her panties. He started rubbing her and she had the hardest time not making a sound. Eventually he held on to her as she shuddered in release and held on the sink for dear life.
"Good bye, Aarti. I promised Ansh I will be here tomorrow morning." He said with a final kiss on her shoulder and left while she still stood there trying to very hard to compose herself after what he just did.
And from then they used every opportunity they could to make love. Aarti stopped objecting and started initiating. She loved the excitement of having this taboo relationship.
She would let him know when her parents were out and Ansh was at school and he would quickly reschedule his workday to come to her. Her parents travelled frequently for business and pleasure. One weekend they went to spend some time in Goa with friends. They had a grandchild about Ansh's age so they took him along. Aarti had a bright idea. She went to his office and waited for him at his car. All she wore was a light coat and a pair of stilettos. As he approached his car, he saw her and smiled. When he got to her, he untied the coat and said.
"Where is my son?'
"In Goa with his grandparents for the weekend."
"Ok, thank the heavens then for the privilege of private parking. How did you get in here?"
"Well, as Mrs. Scindiya or ex-Mrs. Scindiya I still have some influence. Jamal still remembers me."
"Remind me to give him a bonus" he said as he started devouring her breasts. But she was not interested in foreplay. She undid his pants and he hoisted her up and had her against the car.
After she re-tied her coat and said
"Good bye Mr. Scindiya I have a date to prepare for." and walked off.
She had a pleasant evening with Prashant and he kissed her at the door, making it clear that he wanted to come inside but somehow she knew that Yash would be around later. And she wanted him to be so she made some excuse about having a headache. As she had guessed, the moment Prashant left, his car pulled up.
She had left the door open.
He left early the morning as he had a breakfast date with the family and she had a spa day planned with some girlfriends and a date later with Prashant. It was the launch of something or other. She was not really in the mood as she would have rather have spent the time with Yash. And she was intending to break off the relationship with Prashant anyway as she had lost complete interest in him since she got involved with Yash again. All she wanted was Yash.
But the night took a turn for the better when she got there and saw that Yash was there too. She looked at him and he lifted his glass to her slightly with a smile.
Later that evening he came over to her as she was helping herself to the buffet.
"Why didn't you say you were going to be here?'
"I wanted to surprise you."
"Well you did."
"Maybe this was not such a good idea."
"Why would that be?" she asked.
"You know. Why do you to look so damn hot tonight?"
"Excuse me, how do I look other times."
"Hot, but this dress. In your words, Wow. It makes me feel a bit jealous that you dress up like this for him"
"I dressed with you in mind. I was hoping to see you later."
"Oh you are guaranteed to see me later."
They walked off to their respective tables.
Soon the dancing started and Prashant wandered off to network. She caught his gaze and walked out of the venue and went to the disabled ladies loo. It was separate from the rest. The door hardly closed when he opened it again.
"We are terrible" she said. " Cheating and in a disabled bathroom no less."
"Very terrible. We best be very quick. "And they were, the excitement of the situation spurring them on as she brought them to quick and intense climax.
They stopped at her house after the event when Prashant asked.
"Is there something between you and your ex?"
She was shocked at question, thinking that they were careful.
"Why?
"Answer the question."
She sighed heavily and said.
"Yes
"Is it serious?
"I'm not sure."
"And us?"
"I'm sorry Prashant, I should have told you before. I can't see you anymore.
"Do you love him Aarti?"
"I ... I ... Actually I don't know. I thought I didn't but now I am not sure, all I know is that I don't want to give him up.
"Thanks for at least being honest with me.
"Once again I am sorry.
He just nodded and she got out of the car.
Yash came about half an hour later. She was lying on the bed and crying.
"What's wrong?
"I broke up with Prashant"
He held her tightly while she cried.
"I can't say I am not happy about that."
"You still have Arpita."
"No, I broke up with her a while back. She knew about us anyway. She suspected there was someone else since I no longer wanted to be intimate with her. I think we were not as careful as we thought.
"But our parents can't find out."
"Relax baby, let's not think about his now."
"Make love to me, please." it was the only way she would forget now.
******************************************
End of Flashback
Ansh was finally asleep and she joined him on the balcony.
She walked into his arms and he held her.
"We really should be more careful."
"I have a solution to our problem."
"What?"
"Let's get married again."
She lifted her head to look into his eyes.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Why not. I will make Ansh happy."
"Because the first time was a complete disaster. Your parents hate me. And mine hate you. And one does not get married to make children happy. They eventually grow up and move on."
"The sex is phenomenal."
"Yes, now. It's fresh, it's exiting, and its taboo. And when we are married and we have to conform to just the norm. When the excitement of getting caught is done. Then what?"
"Aarti, we can keep the excitement alive within the marriage relationship."
"I don't thinks so Yash. I don't want to get married."
"Then maybe we should stop seeing each other. I am ready to settle down. I'd rather it be with you but if you are not interested, then I am moving on."
"You are just emotional because of what Ansh said."
He looked at her angrily.
"I am not emotional. I have been thinking about it. I was hoping. But never mind. I will pick up Ansh for school in the morning."
"Will you come to me after you drop him?'
"No Aarti. No. I want a commitment from you if we are to carry on this relationship. Can you give me that?"
"No" she said sadly.
"Good night", Aarti he said and left.
She cried for a long time after that. He came to fetch Ansh and he barely looked at her. She realised that she loved him. She really loved him. Not like before when they met. She was immature and infatuated with the hottest boy at college. She wanted him like a possession, a new trinket. She got him easily as she got everything else in her life. But she didn't like being a wife and a bahu. At least she was not like that with Ansh. She was a good mother. When things didn't go her way, she just gave up. Now she was a stay at home mom, supported by her parents and ex-husband. All she did for a living was shop and spend time with her friends. She did volunteer at a children's home twice a week but she had nothing to show for her life other than the most perfect little being that she gave birth to.
But the marriage did not work out the first time, why would it work out now. Then he had an affair and now he had affair again. This time with her. Who's to say that he would not get tired of her again for another woman? And could she go the long haul. Be part of a family that did not treat her like a piece of gold. She had matured quite a bit but she was never going to be the traditional bahu that befits a Scindiya heir. And she could not take the chance of uprooting Ansh like that.
Yash kept his distance. He knew being near her was not wise. His time was spent on his job and his child. He was ready to settle down, but he wanted to settle down with her. She was his wife and the mother of his child. He could not think of anyone else in that role. But all she wanted was his body. Ironic that it was a big part of what led the end of their marriage. He was an idiot to fall for Ishita's wiles. He knew that. He knew he should have worked harder at his marriage. He should have been there for her. He should have defended her against his family. He should not have allowed her to run home every time there was a fight. He should have apologised for the affair and tried to make the marriage work. He should have been more patient with her, more willing to find out what caused the pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. But he was young and selfish. Just as she did, he wanted it to be easy. And it was easy to let her go.
Now he wanted her back. She had changed. From the person that feared intimacy to one that demanded it but he wanted more. And he agreed that it could not happen just for Ansh. But he thought it would at least make her consider a re-marriage, however sadly he was wrong. A good thing he did not wear his heart on his sleeve.
"Mummy, it's my daddy's birthday today.
"Yes, it is.
"Chachi and Chachu are making a party.
"Making a party, huh?
"Yes.
"Now then let's get ready so when Taiji comes to fetch you, you can go immediately."
"Yes.
They packed his things and the present she got for him as well as the card that Ansh made for him and he was packed and waiting for Vidhi to come and fetch him.
But Yash came to fetch him instead.
"Hello Yash. I thought Bhabhi was fetching him" she said while Ansh went to say good bye to his grandparents.
"I think they are throwing me a surprise party and need me to stay out of the way a little longer.
She smiled. He was not one for parties.
"Happy birthday "She said.
"Not even a hug or a kiss.
She stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek. But she didn't move away again. He turned his head and she kissed him again, a long passionate kiss. As they held on to each other.
"Aarti! They jumped apart at the sound of her father's voice.
"Shoba, take the child inside"
"What is the meaning of this? Shouted her father.
"I'm sorry, daddy"
"Yash Scindiya, if you think you can take advantage of my daughter again, you have another think coming."
"Sorry sir.
"Get out of my house."
"Daddy please ..."
"Aarti do you remember how they treated you, how he cheated on you."
"Again, I say I am sorry, but your daughter was not blameless. She was a spoilt brat that was confrontational all the time. And she is no longer a child so stop treating her like one. She is a grown woman but because you are entertaining her and allowed her to come back here every time there was an argument at home. No wonder the marriage never worked."
Before her father could say anything Aarti spoke angrily,
"Excuse me!"
"What? Are you denying it?"
"And you? You were never around. You were always out working or with your s**t. Whenever I had an argument with your mother you just disappeared. Why couldn't you stand up for me?'
"Because you were not always right."
"Are you saying your mother was?
"No, you both had valid points and both were unreasonable at times as well."
"And then instead of correcting or helping you ran away."
"Yes, yes I did. And so did you. You ran back here at the drop of a hat. I grew tired of running after you."
"So you ran after someone else."
"You are to blame for that too. You know why?"
"Oh yes I do. At least you could have done better than her."
"I am not discussing this in front of your father. You are still a spoilt brat that want things the easy way out. So there is no point to this discussion."
"Running away again?" she said.
"As fast as I can. There is nothing worth staying for here. Get my son. I want to go".
"Dad, please get Ansh "she said softly. Her heart in pieces as she left the room.
Finally she stopped crying. She got up made herself look presentable and went to SM with a purpose.
There was a lull in the festivities when they noticed her.
"I need to speak to you" she said to Yash.
"Yash, what is she doing here? His mother started.
"Ma, Ansh." was all he said. He was not going to have Ansh's mother insulted in front of him.
"Come with me" he said to Aarti and they went to the office.
"What do you want?"
"I need clarity on something. Why did you bring up the subject of marriage if you think so little of me?"
"Because ... I suppose I was stupid to think that things had changed in 5 years. Clearly for you it was just about the sex."
"Wasn't it for you?"
"At first maybe"
"And now?"
"What do you want me to say Aarti. What are you doing here?"
"I have something to say. I am not a spoilt brat. Well maybe I am spoilt but I am not a brat. Not anymore. Yes, I enjoyed our ... our encounters. It was the best thing I have experienced ever but that is not a reason to get married nor is a child. And I won't get married again unless it is for forever. And how can you offer marriage if you think nothing of me. And how can I accept you as my husband if you keep having affairs, first with Ishita and then me?"
"I had an affair with Ishita because our marriage had gone to the dogs. But I was immature and foolish to fall for someone like her. It's easy to see things in retrospect but I see all my mistakes now. The first being getting married so young. We didn't know what we were getting in to and weren't ready.
"And now.
"I told you I am ready to settle down. I am a father. I am not going to do anything that will unsettle Ansh. Of that you can be assured. I thought we could try again but you made yourself clear on that score."
"I can't marry you because I love you."
He shook his head as if to clear it.
"What?"
"I love you. That is why I can't marry you"
"You loved me before and you married me. Or so you said."
"That was not the same. That was an immature love. This is so much deeper and if it doesn't work, if you are unfaithful I won't be able to endure it."
"Aarti, if you love me you have to trust me. If we get married, I won't cheat. I have grown up too. Then I was young and all I cared about was getting my sexual needs met. Now, I want a relationship of substance."
"And sex?"
"Of course. Always that. And only with you. You are the best lover I have ever had and you know why. Because I love you. We messed up. Both of us. And our parent's involvement didn't help. But it is fixable. I hope. Are you willing to try and fix it?"
"I will but won't you miss the thrill of the forbidden fruit."
"Trust me darling, it will still be thrilling. We can make it so because we choose to."
"Ok, and you sure you love me. Even though I am a spoilt brat?
"I do, so much. But I would also like an opportunity to spoil you. Can I?"
"But not too much. Lest I become a brat again."
She said as she walked into his arms.
"Will you marry me baby?" she asked, proposing to him for a 2nd time.
"I thought you'd never ask. But some ground rules ok? He replied.
"OK."
"No more running to your parents. This is your home"
"Ok"
"No more being overly confrontational with my parents."
"Ok"
"No more distrusting me."
"Ok"
"Slap me if I don't stand up for again and stay away from home for too long"
"A big ok"
"And if our love life is less than thrilling, you have my full permission to have an affair of your own."
"Really?"
"Of course not! You are mine and only mine and I know if I don't make it thrilling, you will."
"You better believe it."
"Let's go break the news to everyone and hope that our parents survives the shock."
As expected both sets of parents were opposed to the Punar Vivah but they went ahead anyway and their parents were forced to accept their decision. Both of them apologised to their parents for the hurt they caused in the families and promised to do better and work together as a couple and within the family parameters in order to make everyone happy but that would be a work in progress. Most probably trial and error but they agreed that this time to not give up no matter how difficult the situation may seem, they would not give up this time.
The wedding was small and intimate. The bride and groom were ecstatically happy and the little munchkin was as happy as his parents. He acted like he was the guest of honour. Even sitting with his parent in the mandap while the proceedings were taking place. He loved the idea of staying with his daddy and mommy together, though he was sad that he would not be with his gran and grampy anymore. But they promised that he could spend weekends with them and that they would come and collect him from school some afternoons and spend some time with him. And he stayed with them while his parents went away on their honeymoon.
Their honeymoon consisted of a two week stay in Alleppey. The first week was spent on a houseboat in Kerala. It was lovely, just being on their own and making their way down the river, in the Venice of India. They loved making love on the deck with the fresh air fanning their bodies. They attempted to do some sightseeing but mostly they just wanted to be alone together. The following week they spent at the Marari Beach resort. The house they stayed at in the resort, had its own private pool that they used for much more than swimming.
Aarti discovered that there was nothing more thrilling than making love to her husband, the man that she loves with all her heart or even just lying in his arms. There was nothing more exhilarating and passionate than being in a secure, loving and committed relation where they could express their desire and love for each other. No more hiding, and being rushed, well for the most part, because they still enjoyed being naughty on the odd occasion and push the boundaries of their Passionate Encounters.
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