PV OS - Friends to lovers

Friends to lovers

She was listening to him and pretending that he was saying didn't hurt. She should have known this day was coming. Their situation couldn't last forever. They both had agreed from the beginning that there would be no emotions involved in this relationship. They were both single and they were meeting each other's needs. And now he was telling her that that he had to end their "relationship" as he had agreed to get married to a girl of his parents' choice. Up until this moment she hadn't realised her true feelings for him. Somewhere along the line she had fallen in love with him. Maybe she had always loved him, why else would she have entered into such a relationship with him. And why else did he make her feel the way she did. She had thought she loved Prashant but he had never made her feel the way he had. In fact he called her cold, this was one of the reasons he gave her for eventually leaving her for her best friend, Mansi. She was never the type of girl that indulged in such behaviour. When Prashant made demands before their marriage, it was easy for her to say no. In fact in retrospect she thought that it was the only reason he married her, for sex, but she didn't please him. She was never enough for him. Throughout their short marriage he had cheated on her. And she had started believing all the things that he had said about her. That she was frigid, that she was fat, that she was stupid, that an orphan girl like her didn't deserve a catch like him. Until she met him.

After Prashant left and her parents in law that never approved of her threw her out of the house, she ended up here. They didn't even think of their granddaughter, because they wanted a grandson. Luckily she never stopped working and because she was good at her job, she was often headhunted by big accounting firms but she always turned them down. And when there was no more reason to stay in Bhopal, she accepted a lucrative offer at a firm in Mumbai. They put her up in one of their apartments until she found a place of her own and she found good play school for the 3 year old Payal. She quickly became best friends with a cute little girl called Palak Scindiya.

She met him a couple months after she moved to Mumbai as the girls wanted playdates. They met to discuss the girls' wish to have playdates. And the playdates turned to sleepovers and they became friends over these 2 years. She could speak to him about her past. How she was treated by husband and how his treatment of her made her lose all her self-confidence. And he could speak to her about the love he had for his deceased wife. They were childhood sweethearts and he was completely in love with her still. She died in childbirth and on some level he blamed himself for her passing. He always spoke of her with so much love and he was convinced that he would never feel that way about anyone else. For him true love only ever happened once. But he made her see herself through his eyes, that she was an accomplished accountant, that she was a good mother and her even made her feel attractive.

It happened about 6 months ago. The girls were sleeping over at her house and Palak had forgotten her favourite doll at home and insisted that her father bring it to her and as usual he indulged his little girl. They had started chatting as usual over coffee after the girls fell asleep. Then all of a sudden there was a cloud burst and she had spontaneously done what she always did when it rained. She jumped up like a little child and ran outside and danced around in the rain. He was shocked to see her run out of the house to her little garden and followed her to find out what was going on. In a moment she was drenched and she was dancing, around with her eyes shut, her head up and her dress was plastered to her body, revealing every bit of her curvaceous body to his hungry eyes. She totally oblivious to the desirable figure she presented him.

Only when she opened her eyes did she see the look in his eyes. At first she couldn't make out what it was but as he moved towards her in rain there was no doubt in her mind what the look meant. She was riveted to her spot. Their eyes never left each other. He body was reacting in a way that she never experienced before and his reacted in a way that it hadn't since his wife's passing.

He closed the gap between them, put his one hand on her waist and the other at the back of her head and kissed her passionately. She had no resistance and she wanted the new sensations that she was experiencing to continue. He broke the kiss and once again they just stared at each other, surprised by the overwhelming desire that was encompassing them. She had no idea how long they looked at each other, but he finally broke it, and walked away from her, leaving her in the rain staring after him.

The next day he sent his younger brother Prateek to collect Palak and she didn't hear from him in a week. She was too embarrassed to contact him as well.

He finally called her and as it was previously arranged for Payal to sleep over at SM, that they should meet up and talk. They met for dinner a restaurant in the city. It was very awkward. But he was the kind of person that took the bull by the horns.

"Aarti, I don't know what happened the other night and I must apologise for my behaviour. I promise it will never happen again. I have never done anything like that before, I don't know what came over me."

"Yash, you are not the only one at fault. I was also as much to blame and nothing like that has ever happened to me either. I can't understand it either but I agree that it can never happen again."

They had their dinner and he took her home. He walked her to her door and as she unlocked and went inside it happened again. He grabbed her and kissed her again and she responded and this time it didn't end at just a kiss. He closed the door behind them and pressed her up against the door. His lips roving to her neck and ears, his hand pulling her work blouse out of her skirt and started unbuttoning it. His lips found her breasts after he had loosened her bra. He lifted her skirt and pulled down her panties, touching her most intimate part making her moan in pleasure. Her hands hastily unbuckled his belt and she removed his jeans and underwear and within in instant they were joined in and experiencing pure bliss still standing at the door. It was so intense and they were so desperate that it was over quickly but not before they experienced simultaneous climax.

They were panting and still half dressed. He set her down but her legs were still weak and she held on to him. She buried his head in chest, for the mere embarrassment of what had just happened. She could not face him. They stood like that for a while and eventually he lifted her face. She wasn't sure if it was merely that they didn't know what else to do or if their desire for each other had not abated but he kissed her again. He undressed both of them completely, picked her up and carried her to the bedroom and they made love the whole night long, not saying another word other than the expression of their need for each other.

The next morning he got up and got dressed silently while she pretended to sleep. She didn't know how she was going to face him again. And she had to fetch Payal at their house later.

But he wasn't there when she collected Payal later that day. But this time he didn't stay away. He came that same evening after Payal had gone to sleep. She let him in and he silently went to sit on the couch.

"What is happening to us, Aarti?"

"I don't know. I have never experienced anything like that. I mean I ... I "

"I know what you mean, neither did I. But you know I am still in love with Arpita. There can never be anything between us.

"I know. Yash, I think it is just a case of us fulfilling a need that has not been met for years. It was just physical. I have no expectations from you. But I think we should try not to be alone together anymore."

"I think so too." He said and they stared at each other. And an hour later they lay on the couch, once again clothes discarded and panting heavily in the aftermath.

She came up with the suggestion.

"Yash we are both adults. We clearly are enjoying each other. Maybe we can do this."

"What?"

"Have a no strings attached physical relationship."

"Aarti, I don't do that kind of thing"

"And what have we been doing now? I think I have been with you more than in the entire year that I have been married. I have never experienced anything like this with Prashant and I am not ashamed to say I like it and if you want I would like to continue. You can think about it and let me know"

"Aarti, I can't deny that I want you but it's not right."

"It feels more right than what happened with my husband. But the choice is yours."
Clearly the choice was made when he came back the next night and grabbed her at the door before she could even say anything. And it continued for the last 6 months. They had to steal time together as he couldn't come to her every night as it would be too suspicious But they made time and sometimes with great excitement. Sometimes they would meet in his office or hers, arrange to meet at her place in the afternoon before the girls came from school and even stole a few very naughty moments for quickies at functions that they were invited to. In a dark garden or in someone's bathroom. The fact that they could caught seemed to make it more erotic.

And now, when she realised that it actually wasn't just physical, he was to be someone else's. She found herself saying

"I am happy for you Yash. I am glad you found someone that you can share your life with again and that my sweet angel will have a mother again."
"Yes, that is the biggest reason for me getting married. Ma has convinced me that Palak is growing and needs a mother."

"I wish you both all the happiness in the world."

"And what about you Aarti?"

"I am fine. I was destined to only share my life with my gorgeous daughter. And I am perfectly happy with that."

He left shortly after that and it was unspoken but agreed that they wouldn't see each other again.

He was committed to this marriage but the very one he was doing it for was not happy.

"Why must you marry her Pappa? Don't you like it when it's just the two of us?"

"Of course I like it. You mean more than anything in the world to me. But little girls need mommies too, my angel"

"So why can't Aunty Aarti be my mommy. She already loves me. And I want to be Payal's sister for really real."

"But you don't even know Aunty Ishita. She is also very nice. She will love you the same as Aunty Aarti and you will like her the same.

"No, I won't I. I only like Aunty Aarti."

"Palak, that is enough now. Be a good girl otherwise you will not be allowed to see Payal anymore if you don't behave nicely to Aunty Ishita."

She pouted and ran away.

He was doing it for her and now she wasn't even happy. She wanted Aarti. And if he had to admit it to himself, he missed her but it was probably just the fact that they had such an amazing sexual relationship. It was better than he had remembered it being even with Aarpita. But Ishita was a better match for him. She was chosen for him by his parents and he didn't mind, he had no interest in a love relationship and only wanted a mother for Palak. And Aarti wouldn't fit in with his family. She didn't even have family, she was an orphan and a divorcee with a child. Although he wondered how her husband could leave her. She was beautiful, fun, interesting and passionate. He found that he had a smile on his face. But he sobered. It was not appropriate to think about a woman like that while he was supposed to get engaged and he tried to put her out of his mind.

Two weeks later, he was working from home when Palak came from school.

"Pappa, you have to call Aunty Aarti. Payal was not at school today. She didn't tell me anything. Please call aunty to find out if Payal is ok?"

"Ok, I will but I am sure that they will be ok."

He called her cell phone and home with no answer. He called her office and he was told that she was not in the office as her daughter was admitted to hospital. He found out which hospital and told Payal that all was ok and rushed to the hospital in a made panic.

He eventually found her in the childrens ward.

"Aarti, what is wrong with Palak"

"Yash, what are you doing here."

"I phoned your office and they told me. Palak was concerned when Payal didn't come to school today."

"She is fine now. Her appendix ruptured and I had to rush her to the hospital."

"Oh no, Aarti. Why didn't you call me?"

"I didn't think of anything. I was just thinking of her. I was so scared Yash. She is all I have. I would die if something happened to her." She finally broke down in his arms. It felt good to have someone comforting her. She never had it before.

He stayed with her at the hospital for the night. She wouldn't leave Payal. He visited the hospital everyday till Payal was discharged again. Bringing Palak with him. He collected them when Payal was discharged and took them home. When he was about to go he couldn't help but to notice how tired she was. She had had been taking care of Payal and she had hardly slept in more than a week. Who took care of her he wondered. She looked visibly drained. He decided that he wanted to do that. He wanted to look after her. Even for this short while.

When Payal fell asleep, she also went to her room, she took a shower and fell asleep. He came back when she was still asleep having bought food for them. He had taken her house key without her knowledge. She slept for a long time and when Payal woke up, he gave her something to eat and her meds. And they had talked and talked. She was so like her mother, he thought. She was vibrant despite the pain she was still in.

Aarti woke up and realised that it was already dark and she had slept all the time. She jumped and ran to Palak's room.

There she found her daughter peacefully asleep and Yash in the chair next to her bed, with a story book in his hand, also asleep. They both looked so peaceful. She loved them both so much.

"Yash, yash. You fell asleep. When did you come back?"

"I just went to the shop and came back. I fed Payal and she had her meds so she is fine."

"I can't believe I slept so long."

"You were tired. You needed your rest. Now wait, I will get you something to eat as well."

"No that is not necessary."

"Yes, it is. You get back into bed and I will bring it to you. You need to rest as well. She will sleep through the night now. I won't take no for an answer."

So she accepted his help and it felt good to have someone take care of her for a change.

"I really appreciate this so much, Yash."

"Now, you just relax. If you don't look after yourself then I will just have to do it for you. Because if you also fall ill then who would look after Payal."

"Ok, thanks. I must say it does feel nice to be looked after for a change." she smiled.

Finally Payal was well and could go back to school. It was their sports day and although Payal was not well enough to participate, Aarti still went. There she finally met Yash's fiance. She was smiling and said all the right things but there was something about her that made Aarti apprehensive. And she felt awkward. Especially when Palak showed so much affection towards her and not Ishita.

When Yash took the girls to buy some cool drinks, Ishita's true colours came out.

"So Aarti, you think that you can steal Yash away from me."

"What?"

"I know all about you, but make no mistake he is mine and I will not tolerate any threat to making him mine completely. I hope we understand each other. And in any case an orphan girl like you will never be accepted in a high class family like the Scindiya's so stay away from him."

Aarti was still stunned when Yash and the firls came back.

"Aarti are you ok?"

"Yes, but I think I will take Payal home now, It has been a long day for her." And after getting a kiss and hug from Palak she left.

But something had happened today that disturbed him. Palak had spilled some of her cold drink on Ishita and she got very annoyed and even shouted at her. But when she saw him, she all of a sudden changed and smiled and pretended that she didn't mind the mess. But Aarti on the other hand was different. She clearly loved both the girls. They had been eating ice cream and messed all over themselves and she still took sticky messy ice cream kisses from them to the girls' delight. He actually wished that he could get in on that action. He had been dying to kiss her, and this just made it worse.

Aarti was just going to drop her at Payal's birthday party and go, but the family would not let her leave. They all knew how attached Palak was to her. She was getting the evil eye from Ishita but she decided to stay. She had decided that she will not allow this woman to be part of her angel's life. It was clear that her interest was in only Yash and not Palak.

The party went off well, and Aarti was helped, serving the guests. She was on her way back to the kitchen when she was dragged by her arm to one of the rooms.

"What do you think you are doing? I told you before that Yash is mine. You don't belong here!"

"He is not yours yet. And I have decided that he never will be"

"You have decided. You obviously don't know what I am capable of. You better get the hell out of here and take that brat of yours with you."

"That will be the last time that you speak about my daughter like that. And you think that I will allow you to be a mother to my Palak, you have another think coming. She means the world to me and I will not let you ruin her life. It is clear that you don't care for her at all"

"Very clever orphan girl. I just want Yash. You can have your brat and his for all I care. Just get the hell out of here."

"I am not going anywhere."

Ishita gave a derisive laugh.

"You think that you can get a man like Yash Scindiya. You are crazy. You are nothing in these people's eyes. No more than a servant. An orphan, a divorcee with a child. Wake up from your dreams of grandeur. I have worked long and hard to make him mine. I will be Mrs. Ishita Yash Scindiya. I will be the madam of this house, I will have access to their wealth and status and he will be in my bed every night. And you will be left pining for him. You are hopelessly in love with him aren't you?"

"Yes, I am and I will do anything to protect him and Palak from you."

"What can you do? Who will believe you instead of me, Orphan?"

"I will" came a voice from just outside the door."

"Yash" they both said simultaneously as he stepped inside the room.

"I have suspected for a while what kind of person you really were, Ishita, but thank you for confirming it today."

"Yash ..." she said.

"I am not interested in anymore of your lies, Ishita. Go peacefully before I embarrass you in front of everybody and throw you out."

She left.

They were left behind in the room. Finally she started to leave the room but he came to stand in front of her, obstructing her way out. She looked down, embarrassed by everything that he would have heard. He walked closer to her and held her by the arms.

"So you are hopelessly in love with me?"

"Yash, let me go please. You weren't supposed to hear that."

"But I did"

"I promise that I don't expect anything from you. In fact, I have already applied for another job in Dehli. I know you still love Arpita. I won't make a nuisance of myself. It will be easier for both of us if I leave."

"Exactly how will it be easier?"

"The girls will understand better that they can't see each if we don't live in Mumbai"

"And why would they have to understand that?"

"Because I can't endure this anymore, Yash. It is too hard for me to love you so much and not being with you. Now please let me go."

"No."

She finally looked up.
"What?"

"No. I won't let you go."

"Yash, why are you doing this? Let me go."

"I told you I won't let you go. Not now, not ever. It made me so happy to hear that you love me. I love you too."

"Yash... you don't have to say that. I know that you will always only love Aarpita."

"That's what I thought until you systematically broke down all the walls I built around my heart. I should have known even then, when I couldn't keep my hands off you. I am not a person for casual sex and I know you are not either. We couldn't face our love for each other then, and expressed it in the only way we could. I have only made love to 2 women in my life and that is because I loved them. The one was my wife and the other will be my wife soon."

"Yash, no. Your family, they won't accept me."

"I will make them understand. If I am happy and if my daughter is happy, my family will be happy I'm sure. But I won't wait longer than a week for you. I have been burning for you too long since I stopped enjoying your beautiful body."

She blushed.

Later that night at SM

"Yash, why didn't you tell us about your feelings for Aarti before? Do you really think we are so shallow to reject the girl that you love because she is not of our status?"

"No bauji, I was fighting my love for her. I thought I was still in love with Arpita. It was safer for to marry someone that wasn't a threat to my heart and that is why I agreed to the marriage with Ishita, but now I realised how much I love Aarti and Payal. And she loves Payal too."

"That was always obvious to us, Yash. We are just happy you are happy. So let Aarti know that we are happy with the marriage and we can start making plans."

"Thank you Bauji"

He went directly to her. She opened the door and again her grabbed and kissed her.

"Yash" she said breathlessly. "How did it go with your parents?"

"I am happy, so they are happy. The wedding will happen in 5 days." he said still kissing her in the neck.
"So soon."

"Have you forgotten who you are marrying? The events king of Mumbai. I can arrange a wedding in no time."

He kissed her again and before they got lost in each other again he broke the kiss.

"Do you want your in laws to know what you get up to before marriage? Now let me go."

"Me?" she said shrilly" You were the one that grabbed and kissed me."

"If you say so" he said kissing her again.

"Anyway, before you seduce me, I have to go. I will miss you till the wedding, my love." And he was gone leaving her giddy but outraged. Seduce him indeed.

She called him on the phone.

"You obviously have no idea what seduction is. But no worries you will soon learn the definition once you marry me."

He laughed.

"I can turn around right now and you can show me."

"No, no. That's was not what I meant."

"Scaredy cat. I am so looking forward to our wedding love. I will be counting the seconds till then. Love you madly."

"Love you too, Good night"

And so they went from friends to lovers and from lovers to madly, deeply in love and they all lived happily ever after.

The end.