Chapter 6
Aarti felt like a teenager in love again. She couldn't wait for the weekend. I just seemed like the longest week. Yash's week was pretty busy so she did not see him at all, which made matters worse. They video chatted every night after the girls went to bed and neither really wanted to say could night, so it would go on till well after midnight. Finally, the day had arrived. The girls would go to their aunt straight after finishing school and Aarti would send their luggage with the driver.
"Girls, are you packed? Are you sure you have everything? Toothbrushes, enough undies, shoes? Make sure you have enough warm things.
"Mom, stop stressing. We have everything. What we don't have, we will buy there. We are not going to the wild.
"Ok, Ok. Do you need money?
"Nope, daddy gave extra pocket money this week for the trip.
"Ok. Now behave yourselves. And no fighting. And help Chachi with the kids.
"Mooom they both moaned.
"Ok, I will stop. I will miss you so much. She hugged and kissed them for the umpteenth time.
"What are doing this weekend all on you own-some asked Payal as she was driving the girls to school.
She hated lying to the girls.
"Mmm she shrugged.
"What does that mean? asked Palak.
"Nothing much lied Aarti.
"I have an idea. Said Payal.
"You don't have the kids and Yash does not have the kids, so why not do something together. Does that not sound like a plan di? she directed the question at her sister.
"Quite a good plan, little sis. What about it,mom?
"Really you two.
"Just wait. Palak whipped out her phone and speed dialled the number.
"Hello dad. She said and put the phone on speaker.
"Hi Sweetie. Excited for the weekend?
"Very. Are you?
"Huh?
"Are you excited. I mean you and mom are both childless this weekend so maybe you know, you two could hook up.
"Match making again, love?
"Maybe. So, what say you.
"Ok, I will swoop your mom up and carry her away to a romantic weekend in the mountains, we will walk hand in hand in the forest and have spa treatments and romantic candle light dinners for two. How does that sound? I'm sure your mom would just love that. He said.
"Your sarcasm is not needed Yash Scindiya. Payal shouted.
"At least just take her out to dinner once. Palak said.
"Ok, ok. I will ask her.
"She's right here. Payal chorused.
"Hi ...hi Yash. S... Sorry about that. You don't have to ask me anything. Aarti, was so nervous.
"If the girls are worried about you, how can I say no. It will be just dinner, right? I will call you to confirm when.
"Yes, Yes, just dinner. Chat soon. Aarti tried to remain calm as she said it.
"Bye dad. Love you. The girls shouted.
"By, sweethearts, have a great time.
After she dropped the girls off at the various institutions, she called him.
"Hi honey. He answered.
"Are you insane.
"Why whatever do you mean?
"You know exactly what I mean.
"I am a good father, Aarti. I don't lie to my kids. I was just telling them the truth.
"I was not amused Yash and neither am I now.
"Ok, honey. I'm sorry. I know they would think I'm joking. Please don't be angry with me. I have been looking forward to today for the whole week and I promise it will be an amazing weekend. I can't wait for the two of us to have some quality time alone. I know you feel the same way.
"I do. But I was so scared that the girls would be able to see through me. I'm not really angry and I can't wait to see you later. Was everything you said about the weekend true?
"Every word. But of course, there are some things that I couldn't mention to the girls. He said suggestively.
"Yash! she blushed even though he couldn't see her.
"I'll be there just after you get home. Be ready.
"I will. She smiled.
"Bye, sweetheart.
"Bye. She replied.
She rushed home, although she was already packed, she just wanted to shower and change. When she got there, she was quite surprised. He was already there.
He waited for her at the door and kissed her passionately.
"When did you get here. I wanted to shower and change before we left.
"Great idea. I scheduled some time for before we left. That's why I worked so hard this week so that I could have most of today free. He said and picked her up and led her to the shower while she giggled.
He put her down when they reached the shower and slowly undressed her while touching and kissing her sensuously and she did the same. Then they got into the shower and he started lathering and washing her till she could not endure the torture anymore.
"Baby, please.she implored as her body was on fire and her legs felt like jelly.
"Please what?
"I can't stand it anymore. Please, I want you. Now. She said. He did not wait even a second before his mouth devoured hers hungrily and he lifted her onto his erect manhood. She moaned loudly in pleasure.
"Is that better? he asked
"Incredible. She said as started kissing him in his neck and nibbling his ears. And he started to thrust to into her gently at first but her screams and moans spurred him on to move faster and harder until both reached their bliss.
Afterwards all she wanted to do was lie in his arms in bed.
"Baby, can't we just stay here. She said, still only wrapped in a towel.
"No, I know what you want to do the whole weekend. I planned a special weekend for us and I won't have you spoil it. He pulled her up and took out clothes for her to wear.
"This? she asked pulling up her nose.
"Fine, just choose something. Just do it fast. We need to go.
"I'm hungry. She moaned.
"Always it seems. He kissed her with a smile.
"No, for food.
"I will feed you on condition that you are dressed in the next 15 minutes. I will take your luggage to the car so long.
"I hate you. She mumbled.
"What was that.
"No, nothing. She smiled at him.
"I love you too, baby. He hugged her from the back. "Now get done. He slapped her bottoms.
"15 minutes he shouted as he walked down the stairs.
"Yes, yes. She said and started dressing.
Half an hour later she walked down the stairs. She looked at her very sternly.
"I said 15 minutes.
"I couldn't decide what to wear.
"I think you have to many clothes.
"I get a handsome allowance from my rich ex-husband, so I can buy what I want. She said naughtily.
He pulled her into her arms.
"Then I'd say it's about time for payback. But first we have somewhere to be. He kissed her and again he swept her up, but this time he carried out to the limo that was waiting for them outside.
The driver was holding the door open.
Aarti was so embarrassed.
"Good afternoon, Aarti Ma'am.
"Good afternoon, Sunielji.
Suniel was Yash's Man Friday since they were married. He did everything for him. And he was the only one he trusted to transport the girls as well.
He put her in the car and got in himself.
"How could you. Now Suniel knows.
"I trust him. He won't say anything. Besides, I think he is rooting for us. He used to lecture me fiercely when I stepped out of line when we were married. Anyway, you said you were hungry.
There were champagne on ice and some of her favourite snacks.
"Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr Scindiya?
"Hardly, I want you to remember every bit of this weekend my love.
He said and kissed her again. She smiled and they started eating while he opened and poured the champagne.
The Limo took them to a helipad and they were transported to a beautiful Himalayan mountain resort by helicopter. They had what she assumed was the honeymoon suite. There were heart shaped rose petals on the bed and some more champagne on ice with snacks. It was snowing outside and the fire had already been lit. Aarti look outside and the snow-covered landscape was amazing.
"Honey this is truly incredible. You went to so much effort. You didn't have to you know. I would have been fine with us staying home for the weekend.
"I know babe. But I wanted to. It wasn't that much effort and anyway, I have lots to make up for. I never did anything like this for you when we were married. I'm sorry.
Aarti had tears in her eyes. She felt sad for what had been. He hugged her.
"I did love you, you know. He said.
"I know. We both made mistakes, it's just that we've lost so many years.
"We did. But as you said, the past is the past. Let's just keep the good memories and learn from the bad and move on from there, together.
"Together. She said and stood on her tippy toes and kissed him. Soon the kiss spiralled out of control and they were making passion love amongst the rose petals.
In the aftermath they were lying under the covers.
"I'm hungry. She said.
He laughed.
"Always. I have reservations for dinner. Let's shower and get dressed.
"Do we have to?'
He looked at her lovingly and hugged her.
"No. We can get room service.
"I love you. She smiled happily and closed her eyes.
"No, no. You can't sleep now lazy bones. You have children to call.
"Nooo. She moaned.
"Yes.
"What will I say.
"We can call together and just say that I am picking you up for that dinner that they went on about.
"Ok.
It was a magical weekend. They ski'd instead of the walks he said, they went to the spa, they ate and made love. They even took a trip to the nearby village and bought some gifts for the family, that they intended to give after the big reveal.
They even had a bonus, because the girls decided to sleep over at their aunts the Sunday night and go to school from there, so Yash could stay the night. Unfortunately, he had to leave early the next morning because he had an early meeting and no work clothes with him.
She was happy. She had a great weekend, but one thing bothered her. They never discussed their future. It was as if they just lived in the now. She was disappointed. She wanted him. She loved him and wanted to be his wife again, but he never brought up the subject of marriage. And she couldn't. This left her a tad anxious for the future. What would they say to their children. That mom and dad were in love and they would be lovers indefinitely? Doubt crept in but she was too scared to rock the boat and stand the chance of losing him again for now.
Finally, Ansh was home. They picked him up at the airport and had a lovely home cooked meal. The next day would be a big party at SM as it was Bauji's 65th birthday party as well as Ansh's home coming. They had decided to speak to the kids after the party. Still Aarti was so nervous because still Yash had not mentioned anything about marriage in this time.
He knew she was nervous of coming home and especially as this was a big family event. She was stressing about what to wear. He had sent a few outfits for her and the children to choose from. He knew the girls would probably take all. He got dressed thinking of her. He couldn't wait to see her here in the home where she belonged with him and their family. They hadn't talked about the future or marriage but now that the kids were here, he couldn't wait to take the relationship to the next level. So much depended on today and her presence here. So much depended on how she felt being home for the first time after they got back together again. He was praying that all would go smoothly so that she would happily agree to come back home.
He was chatting to some of his cousins when she came in. She looked ravishing. He hair was loose and blowing in the breeze. The outfit looked amazing on her. It was indo western design. The skirt was black and gold and the floor length tunic was gold with buttons from her breasts to her waist, with just a hint of her cleavage and stomach showing. A black broad gold and pearl choker graced her neck with matching earring and a bold ring on her finger. He was happy to see her choice of ensemble.
"Excuse me gentlemen. He said and made his way to his family.
The kids hugged him and kissed him.
"Mmm, Pops. Did you and mom discuss your outfits.
He was wearing a black pants with a black and gold sherwani.
"Nope, but I guess the saying about great minds are true. Now go greet you grandparent.
He looked at her so adoringly that it gave her goose bumps.
"Absolutely perfect.
"You knew I would choose this one?
"I hoped. It gives me such joy to know that I know you just a little bit. I love you so much, honey. He said trying to keep the tears at bay. He was really feeling so emotional.
"It gives me great joy to know that you love me. She replied.
"It's going to be so hard staying away from you today.
"We can do it. Soon the hiding will be over, I hope. She said.
"It will.
"Aarti, Neelam came rushing to her.
"Hi Neelam.
"You look stunning. Come let me introduce you to some of my friends. You might know some of them. We used to play hockey together.
She followed Neelam.
"So, Yash, you brought your lover home.
He did not even realise that Arpita had come to stand next to as his eyes were following her all the time.
"Not now Arpita.
"She is going to break your heart and your family like she did before.
"Arpita, this is not the time or place. I am sorry for how things ended but it better for everyone. I love Aarti. I always have and always will. We would not have been happy, you know this.
He walked away.
They first had prayers for the closest friends and family and the party would start a little later when the other guest arrived.
Neelam made every effort to make Aarti feel welcome but her ex-in laws clearly were just tolerating her and it hurt as she really wanted to be part of the family.
She just needed a breather and went outside. Suddenly her hand was being yanked and she was dragged along.
"Yash, what are you doing?
He took her to a secluded corner in the garden and kissed her soundly.
"You are driving me crazy. I can't concentrate on anything else. I know the kids will be happy when we tell them later.
She kissed him.
"I know. She replied.
They stayed outside for a few minutes kissing and just enjoying being in each other's arms.
Aarti went to bathroom afterwards to check her make up.
"You even behave like the s**t you are in public. She heard as she was leaving the bathroom.
"Not now Arpita.
"That's what everyone keeps saying to me today. When is the right time Aarti?
"Arpita please. Aarti started to walk away but Arpita grabbed her by the arm making her knock into a waiter. His tray fell and with champagne filled glasses crashing to the floor. Now all the attention was on them.
"Arpita, enough. Aarti warned.
"Enough? Enough! Yes, it is enough that you come to house of the man I was supposed to marry and does who know what with him in the garden.
Aarti breathed heavily. She looked around and finally saw who she was looking for.
"Anshu, please take your sisters and Arpita aunty's children outside.
He nodded and did as he was told.
"Why Aarti, do you not want your children to know that you are sleeping with my fiance?
"Arpita, if you ever say things like that in front of my children again, you will be sorry. Have you no respect for even your own children?
"And what is it that you are trying to teach your daughters, Aarti. To get knocked up by a rich man in their teens, leave him but still have an affluent life style and then when he is about to settle down, seduce him away from his intended bride. You are nothing but a s**t.
"You don't want to go there Arpita.
"Oh yes I do.
"Arpita, stop this. Yash tried to interject.
"No, no Yash. She wants to start airing dirty laundry. So, let's
"Aarti ... he tried he again.
"Be quiet, I am talking now. I have been quiet way to long. I am all that she says am I not Yash. I am the girl that got impregnated by the Scindiya heir apparent in her teens. And then divorced him. Yes, I had a very comfortable life. But I never had my dreams. I was the single mother of 3 children by the time I was 20. I was divorced from the man I loved passionately then too. I had dreams and plans for my life. I was going to be a professional hockey player and coach. I did not plan on falling in love. I did not choose for my husband to be an over indulged spoilt brat that could not keep it in his pants. I did not plan on not being able to handle a marriage and children at 18. I made bad choices and I lived with it. I made the best of it and for nothing in this world would I change the precious gifts given to me in those three children. I consider them a blessing and it was a privilege to raise them. But you Arpita are far from guiltless. And you know I know?
"Know what?
"Oh, come on Arpita. You made sure that I knew. The little hints you threw when we were in group and when your trashy friends used to look at me and giggle. And the decent ones used to look at me with pity. You made sure that I knew you slept with my husband. So, who is the worst of the two of us. Someone who lost her heart in her teens and made and error in judgement or someone who knowing slept with someone else's husband.
"I ...I ... Arpita stuttered.
"You wanted to do this here. So, say what you wanted to say. Can you deny it. Yash, can you deny that she was one of your many indiscretions?
Both of them didn't answer.
"Right. So now Arpita, I will have you know that I am not that teenager anymore. I am not going to let you and your peers bully me anymore. And this time I am not walking away. Yes, you had a long relationship with Yash. I was never involved with him while you were together but now I am. And if you dare try and come between us again you will not get off as freely as you did then, trust me. This time I will fight for what's mine.
She turned to Yash and grabbed him at his collar.
"Did you hear me Yash Scindiya. You are mine. You better understand that. This time I am not letting you go so deal with it. And if I ever see Arpita around you again, you will have to deal with me.
She let him go and briskly walked out of the house. She was about to get in the car when he pulled her by her arm.
"Baby, wait. You can't leave like this.
"I have just created a monster scene inside and you want me to stay? Are you insane. She shaking and crying, mostly in anger.
"No, I am not insane. I am the sanest I have ever been. You can't leave. This is your home, our home. You belong here. You and our children. I was so proud of you in there and I was going to do this in a romantic way later but my hand was forced.
He went on his knees and took a ring box out of his shirt pocket.
"Baby, you are so right. I am yours. I have made so many mistakes and lost you but never again. I love you so much. More than anything in the world, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want a chance to be the husband you deserve. I want to see you achieve your dreams and ours together. Aarti Yash Scindiya, will you marry me. I mean will you marry me again, and this time for good.
Aarti was staring at him, tears flowing down her cheeks. She couldn't even speak. She just stared at him.
"Mom, says yes.
Payal brought her to her senses.
She looked back at him and nodded and said a silent "Yes.
He got up and swung her around.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. He shouted and she laughed through her tears.
Finally, when he put her down, they were swamped by three very happy munchkins.
"Sorry babies. We were going to tell you later.
"You're getting married to my dad. Why are you saying sorry? This is just the best. Payal shouted.
"Can we go back inside now, baby?
She didn't look convinced.
"Bhabhi, I politely asked our guest to leave. She won't bother you anymore. Neelam said.
She went to Neelam and hugged her.
"Now you only have to face our parents.
"I know. Aarti said as they went back inside.
CID
