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*Wooohooo* Super happy with the response to the first chapter... Expecting an even better one for this update 😃 Thanks to all the readers for the love and support and encouragement in the form of Comments, Likes and PM's... Thanks a bunch 😊 Read on for Chapter Two... Also those who want PM's, you know what to do - Like the PM LIST post on the First Page of the thread... Enjoy reading 😊
"This
is pure madness, I cannot do this." Aastha stared in distaste at the clothes Sojal
and Jyothi had dressed her in and crossed her arms at her chest saying, "This
just isn't me." "You can be so difficult at times, Aastha. It's high time you
got your nose out of those damned books and had some fun." Sojal said, as she reluctantly
admitted to herself that Aastha looked prettier than she thought she would. Sojal
was the only daughter of a wealthy officer and was used to getting what she
wanted. She had spent the last two years in and out of universities such as
this one. She preferred the night-life and her numerous boyfriends over a solid
healthy education. When she flunked out of school her father would make a large
contribution and get her in another one. She had begged her father to not have
her live in the hostels, but her father thought she could learn something from
being among real people instead of her high priced social friends who spoke
only of Gucci, Versace, Prada and Louis Vuitton, and cut back on her allowance.
She was disgusted and angry with him. To make things worse, Aastha was her
roommate and was everything she hated; innocent, naive, intelligent and pretty.
On top of that, Aastha's modesty just made her angrier, because she didn't even
know how pretty she really was. Of course, the extended time of living with
someone as nice as Aastha can bring about a change of heart in anyone.
Aastha
listened to her when Sojal bitched about her life, her cut in her allowance,
and whichever boyfriend was in season. She never protested Sojal's foul
treatment of her and string of insults over Aastha's choice of fashion. Eventually,
Sojal started to feel guilty and selfish, and realized that the words she chose
must have hurt at times. Also, she had began to notice that in the last six
months of knowing her that no one ever called, or visited her and that she
never got any letters. Being the curious cat that she was, Sojal had asked her
about her parents. With some coaxing, Aastha confessed that she had lost her
parents at a young age and had made it this far with the aid of a scholarship in
hope of becoming a Doctor. Guilt overwhelmed her. Soon, Sojal began to attend
class and with Aastha's tutoring, her grades picked up slightly. Not enough to
be proud of, but her father noticed. This made her feel like she was actually
worth something to him and was elated. She credited Aastha with this, and was determined
to make up for her poor treatment tonight, after serious convincing that lasted
days. Although she knew she could never repay what Aastha had done for her, she
thought she could at least help her with something she knew she was good at.
She noticed the way people looked at Aastha, especially men.
However,
Aastha was so unapproachable, never making eye contact with the opposite sex,
nor answering more than a whisper when addressed. They quickly lost interest in
her. Also, not to mention, her attire always consisted of boring slacks and a
baggy blouse, and her hair pulled into such a tight bun that caused her
beautiful eyes to slant. Tonight would be different. It was the beginning of summer
break, and neither one of them were interested in going home. Sojal's father
was in Delhi and Jyothi's parents were on a tour. So, Sojal and Jyothi, another
friend of Aastha's that Sojal had eventually grown to like, changed her lose
fitting style into one of Sojal's tight fitting dresses. It actually was mostly
Sojal's idea.
"I
don't know if these clothes suit her Sojal, they're just not her style." Jyothi
said running her eyes over Aastha. Sojal knew Jyothi didn't fully agree with
the makeover they were doing to Aastha. She thought she was just fine the way
she was. "That dress is not conservative enough for her." Jyothi said, as she
made a helpless gesture with her arm in Aastha's direction. The dress was too
tight and too revealing for an innocent girl like Aastha. Jyothi was concerned
that men might get the wrong opinion. Sojal shot her a look telling her to shut
up. But Jyothi deliberately ignored her, "It's too tight." Jyothi seemed like
another person of good virtue that Sojal originally took to dislike. She was
honest and outspoken with a strong sense of righteousness. Also, friendship
meant everything to her. However, Sojal discovered later that they had more in
common than previously thought. Jyothi also enjoyed her "wild" weekends as much
as she did, yet she was always able to balance her studies with her social
time. Aastha had met Jyothi at the library during the reading hours last year
when she was taking some elective classes, and they immediately hit it off. It
wasn't long after, that she introduced her to Sojal, and ever since then, the
three had been practically inseparable.
"Are
you serious? Look at her!" Sojal pushed Aastha in front of a mirror to show her
how good she looked. Jyothi twitched her mouth and said, "This is too soon for
her to do such a drastic image change. Maybe we should start with high heels
for a day, and then maybe add a dress the next day..." "Don't be ridiculous Jyothi."
Sojal laughed, "And gosh, quit being so over-protective." Sojal watched Aastha's
beautiful pale complexion turn crimson at her reflection, "I can't believe I
let you guys talk me into this! This dress is too short, tight and I feel as
though everyone can see my breasts!" She tried pulling the material up, just to
have it hike higher up on her thighs. The material stuck to her like second
skin, accentuating her curves. She let out a frustrating sigh, "Sojal I don't
know if I can wear this in public. It's awfully revealing" Sojal lightly
slapped at Aastha's hands as she worried the material would split apart with
the way Aastha was tugging at it. "Aastha, quit it. That is the style. It's not
as bad as you think. You wait and see what everyone else is wearing. You'll
feel like you're dressed in a blanket. Besides you have great assets, it's time
you started showing it!" Sojal did her best to squelch her jealousy at the
image before her. She might have just taken all the attention from herself. But
it's just one night, she thought. "Sojal." Jyothi interrupted, "She's going to
blush right out of that dress. Stop talking to her like that." And then, she
turned to Aastha, "You do look stunning, Aastha. Sojal did a great job. I may
not agree with the extent that she went with you, but you really look great!
You just need to relax. Sojal is right. You spend too much time in the books."
"See?"
Sojal said and handed Aastha a pair of matching high heels. "It's a good thing
we have the same shoe size." She watched Aastha reluctantly take them and put
them on. It was obvious that she didn't want to hurt Sojal's feelings about the
choice of wardrobe. Sojal was glad that Aastha was just too nice to say
anything and would rather wear the outfit than hurt her friend. She smiled
inwardly. Aastha stood straight then and the heels caused her athletically
enhanced legs to lengthen. It was comical for Sojal when she wobbled slightly
and grabbed Jyothi's shoulder to steady herself. "Have you never worn heels
before?" Sojal asked. "No." Aastha said sheepishly. Sojal shook her head, "You
have legs like that and you've never worn heels. Goodness Aastha, you are a
piece of work." Aastha blushed yet again, but managed to smile at Sojal's
tease, "You should have known by now. How long have we lived together?" Aastha
said with a smile. "Well, you do have a point." Sojal grinned. Aastha was
right; she should know her well by now. As she looked at her, the twinge of
jealousy that haunted Sojal resurfaced again and she did her best to squash it.
She wasn't prepared for what she created. Aastha was indeed a rare beauty. Her
heart shaped face was complimented by striking emerald eyes, thick lashes, full
lips and high cheek bones. Sojal had always envied Aastha's soft pale skin and
flawless complexion. She never wore or ever needed to wear any makeup. Sojal
watched her absently sweep her naturally curly hair out of her face and off her
shoulders so it cascaded halfway down her back. She silently scolded herself
for her recently jealous feeling when Aastha shot her a vulnerable look of
apprehension. She deserved a night of fun. Anyway, Aastha will be back to her
no-shape clothes by tomorrow and the male species would still be hers for the
choosing. She turned and examined her own appearance, her previous thoughts
already forgotten. Yes, red was definitely her colour. "Come on girls, I want
to get there before all the good stock is taken."
"Where
are we going Sojal?" Sojal noticed Jyothi's worried expression, "Don't worry, Jyothi.
An acquaintance of Dad's friend's son is having a bash at his beach house. He's
invited me and a few of my close friends." She gave her friends a quick hug.
"This isn't a rave party, is it Sojal? I'm not sure about this." Aastha's
nervousness was evident in her voice, "Why can't we just go to one of the hostel
parties?" "Because, Aastha, compared to the parties I go to, hostel parties
seem like afternoon chess matches." She began leading her toward the door. Aastha
still had a worried look on her face as Sojal's words really didn't reassure
her. "Don't worry, I'll protect you," Sojal added with a reassuring grin. "That's
what I'm afraid of." Jyothi stated seriously as she was getting inside the
taxi, causing Sojal to giggle again while Aastha shot Jyothi a look to refrain
her from rolling her eyes.
The
cab pulled up to a glorious beach house with elegant blue-grey brickwork that
was well lit and alive with music. Sojal could see shadows through the
illuminated windows and knew there was a large crowd within. Also the small
crowd out front let her know they were at their destination. "I can't believe I'm
doing this." Aastha's voice was still laced with apprehension. Sojal put her
arm around her shoulder to reassure her. "It'll be fine. I won't leave your
side. I promise." "Me too." Jyothi added. Jyothi got out, then Sojal. She
turned back and spoke to Aastha, who was still sitting inside the taxi. She
looked like a baby deer hiding in the bushes. Sojal felt terrible for her
vulnerability. "Trust me Aastha, we'll be with you, there is nothing to worry
about. Just wait until you see all the eligible men there." Sojal leaned over
and took Aastha's hand hoping to urge her out of the car. She let Sojal pull on
her hand for a moment before reluctantly complying. "I'm not interested in any
man, you know that. My education must..." "...come first. We know." Sojal
finished, "but just give us this one night and please try to enjoy yourself."
"Okay, I'll try." She sighed in resignation. Sojal knew that Aastha began to
feel guilty about all the work her friends put into her. She knew it was the
only way she got Aastha this far and by manipulating her kind gentle nature,
she was determined to make her continue. It was for her own good, Sojal
thought. Finally Aastha gave in to Sojal's demand and stepped out of the car
onto the hollow-brick road that led to the house. She saw Aastha's eyes follow
the cab as it pulled away and the grimace on her face when it disappeared. Sojal
knew that dashed Aastha's hopes of escape. "You've made the first steps Aastha"
Sojal gave her a reassuring smile, "Only a few left. And wow, look at the size
of that car." Sojal said as she spotted the stretched shiny limousine cruise
slowly along the curb. She probably wouldn't have even noticed if it hadn't
given a small squeal as the driver applied the sudden brakes. However Jyothi
rolled her eyes at her and the three of them continued to walk towards the
beach house.
Shlok
instructed the driver to slow down at the circular driveway that led to a large
beach house. Another typical Saturday night gathering was occurring and it
looked like a big one. "Shlok, we should go back." Sid's voice interrupted his
concentration. Shlok reluctantly agreed saying, "Very well." He knew Sid's appetite
was increasing, as was his. It was getting to the point where he could no
longer ignore the hunger. It was actually beginning to overpower the alluring
feeling that had drawn him here. He relaxed in defeat back against the
cushioned leather not realizing that he'd been so tense. Just then, the limo
cruised by three women heading toward the entrance of the house when it hit him
again. It was like someone had lit his insides on fire. "Stop the car!" he sat
up straight in the seat, staring at the object that called to him. She was
unbelievable. "My God, Sid, look at her!" "It was a woman?" Sid said with
surprise. "Apparently!" he answered. Although he could only see the elegant
curve of her backside, long graceful shape of flawless legs, and long dark
ebony curls that wavered slightly with each step she took, he knew she was the
source. He couldn't explain how his senses picked her up, and at that moment he
didn't really care.
Just
when he thought he could tolerate no more, he caught her scent. His inhuman
sense of smell near did him in. The innocence that blossomed off her was so
intoxicating and enticing that he'd forgotten about one hunger and replaced it
with another. His mouth started to water simultaneously with the stirring in
his groin. One thing was for sure, she was mortal. Every gorgeous inch of her
was alive and pulsing with pure human life. He had to touch her. He watched the
beauty turn her head toward the limo and mouth the words, "Is someone watching us?" with her full perfect lips. Holy crap on a
cracker! She was stunning. At that moment Sojal turned her head to see the
expansive stretch limousine that Aastha was referring to and smiled, "Wow, that
guy must be super-rich. And maybe he's good looking too. And if I hook up
within tonight, you sure won't meet me for breakfast tomorrow morning" "I can't
believe you just said that." Jyothi said with annoyance reflecting in her
voice, "Let's go. We don't want to encourage them."
"The
one in black?" Sid asked. "Yes." Shlok said, with his eyes fixed on her. Sid
couldn't smell or sense the innocence off of her like her could, but he had
many other talents that proved to be quite useful. "Ah! She's exquisite!" Sid
exclaimed. "She has to see me." Shlok said and his hand went to the window
control.
Sojal
turned to argue when the familiar hum of an electric widow turned her attention
back to the car. "Oh, someone please pinch me." Sojal spoke first as the lamps
from the side of the brick-road cast a light on the figure inside the car. He
was truly striking. His strong square jaw held a hint of stubble, with dark
hair where a few strands gently brushed his forehead, and broad shoulders that
framed his perfectly masculine face, just added to an already perfect package.
His eyes though, were different; a light shade of blue, perhaps. He turned his
head in the dim light, and she couldn't tell more about him. She took a step
forward, but stopped when she noticed he wasn't looking at her. His eyes were
unmistakably focused on Aastha. An instant wave of jealousy, anger and hate
swept through her. Then as quick as it came, it was gone. She immediately felt
guilty for even feeling it.
"Aastha..."
The name came out in a thick accent. "Y... yes?" Aastha took a step toward the
stranger. Jyothi put her hand on Aastha's shoulder stopping her from taking
another step. "What are you doing? You don't know who this is and how the hell
does he know your name?" Since when did Aastha approach a strange man in a car,
better yet, since when did Aastha even go near any man? But there she was
walking up to him without even hesitating. From Jyothi's point of view, yes the
man was very nice looking, and he was most definitely focused on her friend,
but it gave her a creepy feeling. It was the way he looked at her, like anyone
would look at a finely cooked meal. Then when Aastha bent over to him and he
touched her, his expression changed. This expression Jyothi knew very well. It
was lust and desire.
Shlok
locked his gaze with Aastha, beckoning her closer with his bluish stare, not
missing the protests of the brown-haired girl. He felt victorious when Aastha
ignored her. What surprised him even more is he didn't influence her in any
way. She came to him on her own free will. He could have easily clouded her
mind and willed her to do what he wanted, but it was unnecessary. Not that he
ever had trouble having women approach him, but this one was untouched and he
was certain that this behaviour was abnormal for her. It was confirmed when the
brown-haired girl's thoughts came through to him as he heard her mind speak and
he felt a wave of pride over his talent to be able to lure an innocent female
to his side without using his power.
Aastha
shook Jyothi's hand off, ignoring her questions. She stepped up to the car and
leaned down to the open window. Shlok watched the brown-haired girl reach for Aastha
again and his eyes flicked to Sid with an unspoken command, before settling
back on this untouched beauty that was inches from his hand. Sid nodded at Shlok
knowing exactly what he wanted, and got out of the opposite door just as Jyothi
moved to prevent Aastha again.
Shlok's
hand came up and stroked Aastha's cheek, "So beautiful..." His eyes remain
fixed on hers. His mouth was doused with another wash of saliva and his throat
burned to taste her, but he fought desperately against it. Centuries of
experience at least gave him some self control, even the little he had around
this rare creature. It really didn't help that he was hungry. Really hungry. Her
warm soft skin felt like new spun silk. "How do you know my name?" She turned
her face into his hand and closed her eyes against the caress. This man, his
touch, was so amazingly wonderful. All her worries seemed to melt away as he
caressed her cheek. And he smelled incredible, but she couldn't quite describe
it in words. Every time she thought she had the scent pegged, she inhaled
deeply and it seemed to change into something more intoxicating. Furthermore,
he seemed familiar to her somehow although she knew she'd never met him before
in her life. Is that why she walked up to him without any apprehension?
Immediately her question was deleted when he smiled. Shlok didn't smile often,
but he couldn't help himself feel arrogantly proud at her reaction to him. As
for her question, she didn't seem to need an answer and appeared to have
forgotten that she'd asked it. The waves of emotion that he'd found her with
was now a steady pulse of attraction which was practically impossible to
resist. Regardless, he needed to. There were other plans made for tonight.
Shlok
heard the driver shift uncomfortably in his seat. He realized that it was time for
them to go. He would stay, but there was his hunger to deal with. He had
touched her. She would be easy to find now that he had her mental scent
imprinted on him. Not only that he was hungry and her innocent blood did not
help the situation. It took every inch of his being to resist luring her into
the car and sample the precious liquid pumping in her veins. As hungry as he
was, he knew he would not stop and would definitely not end up killing her.
What a horrific thought to destroy a rare, beautiful, untouched woman. A woman
such as this, who was able to summon him with such force and not have a clue
about her alluring power. What gave her that ability? And what made him call
out to her? It was a question that would haunt him until he found the truth. "Sid we must go." Without taking his eyes
off the beauty in front of him, he sent the thought to his protector who had
made his way around the side of the car to block the brown-haired girl from
interfering again. Shlok traced a finger across Aastha's full bottom lip,
studying her. It was as soft as a petal on a rose. Swallowing another rush of
saliva, he wondered what the rest of her felt like. Sighing heavily, he knew he
had to leave. It was disappointing that he had a prior commitment with Mr.
Pawar that couldn't be put off. "I will
see you later Aastha." He silently promised her with his eyes. Sid got back
in the car, and Shlok reluctantly tore his gaze and his hand away from Aastha
and stated to the driver "We must go." The car began to pull away. As the
tinted window began to roll up Shlok kept his eyes locked with hers, until the
window smothered their view. "Well..." Sid stared at Shlok with a smile on his
face as the car pulled away, "...that explains a lot." Shlok nodded, "It does...
to say the least." He said as he slightly smiled, while the limo proceeded
towards Mr. Pawar's building.
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