Chapter 17

Marybarton

@Marybarton

Part 16: 

Imlie froze. Aryan immediately regretted his question, he had gone too far. 

She turned and leaned away from him. He could see the disappointment in her eyes. His heart sank. He had ruined their perfect day.

Imlie, in a small voice: Is that what you have been thinking about all day?

Aryan rushed to clarify: No, not at all! 

Imlie looked down at the magazine lying next to them, with their own faces beaming back at them. 

Imlie: Because my head...and my heart, has been full of you all day. And I thought...(she choked on her voice) I thought you believed me when I said I love you. 

Big tears rolled down her cheeks as Aryan looked in stunned silence, unable to think of anything appropriate to say.

Aryan, his voice broken: I am sorry. I shouldn't have. 

Imlie was still looking down, but shook her head: It's not your fault. You have a right to ask, of course. You saw me pine for that man like a loser. You have no reason to believe me. 

Aryan: Imlie, I believe you! I don't doubt anything that you said. I am sorry, it was a stupid thought. I just said it, I wasn't thinking. Please don't bother about it. I swear, I won't bring him up again. 

Imlie looked right at him: You should. If you have any doubts, I want you to talk to me, not bottle it up and misunderstand. I will answer, no, I will. Don't interrupt. For your sister, because it was a loving marriage and because she lost him, she cannot overcome his love, his loss, yes. We are all built to do that, it's the only way to survive. For me, I was a teenager just learning what love is while already married to a man who chose to disregard the wedding and got married to my sister. I see it with more clarity now. What happened to him by force was his right to reject and there never was a way I could have him for myself when he didn't even believe it was real. He convinced me later he had, but a part of me could not accept him wholly because he was still tied to my sister by the baby. That's why I couldn't share his bed. He never was willing to let her go, he wanted her in our lives and the house as his friend and he trusted her over me. That's when I realized that love without trust cannot make a marriage. So I burned the mangal sutra in the sacred fire and left. He married her again and I saw that they really did deserve each other and perhaps always belonged together. That's why he didn't quite let her go even when the romance was gone. I waited because I couldn't let go of the lingering feelings. But I see all these years later that he still blames me and thinks I deserted him when I left because he never gave me trust. So I am truly over him. If I wasn't, I couldn't be with you last night. I have never been as connected to anyone, heart and soul, as I have been with you. Does that answer your question?

Aryan sat back, shame-faced. Of course, why didn't he think of that? Even though she married him for friendship and he walked into it without expecting her love in return for his, she had told him she loved him last night for the first time. Someone like her could not be with him as she had, with her whole being, if she wasn't over her ex-husband. Aryan looked up and nodded. 

Imlie wiped her tears and got up: Let's head back. 

Aryan willed his legs to get up: I am sorry, I ruined our date.

Imlie was still glum: I am glad you told me what was bothering you. You did after all marry a woman with baggage, so it's only fair. 

Aryan grabbed both her hands and brought them to his heart: Please don't say that. 

Imlie looked away: It's just true. 

Aryan: No, it's not. You are only mine, I know that.

Imlie: But I have loved someone else. 

Aryan: Gosh Imlie, who doesn't have a history? Everyone does.

Imlie looked up: You said, you don't. 

Aryan scoffed: Not by choice, Imlie. But three years ago, I fell in love with you. If things didn't work out between us with Di's meddling. Wouldn't I have the same history as you?

Imlie: No, you wouldn't have been a divorcee like me.  

Aryan: You were forced into that wedding! You have come out of it and thrived. Please don't let my question make you feel any less for that. I was only feeling jealous about him, I had no thought about your divorce. 

Imlie sighed: The boat is here. Come. 

He had gone and ruined their perfect day. Aryan could hit himself for the fool he had been over a minor tinge of jealousy. But something about being with her had pushed him over the edge today. He was getting possessive. He didn't like the idea of his wife having anyone else on her mind. She clarified that, but at the cost of her happiness just a few minutes ago. He regretted that. It was unfair to her. He had pined for her while knowing she was waiting for Aditya Tripathi for these last three years. It hurt, but he had no right to say anything. He could only wait and hope that she would get over him. But now, it was different. She was his wife and he couldn't just pine. He wanted her. All to himself. God, what an idiot he had been. Of course she was his. Why did he doubt it?

Ganjam Singh approached them with a big smile as they arrived at the palace.

Ganjam: Hukum...Kunwarisa (Your highness...princess), I hope you had a good lunch. 

They assured him they did. 

Ganjam: Kukum, Rajasa is back and he would like to see you both for coffee in the grand parlor, if you are not too tired. 

Imlie looked too worn out, all thanks to his question. So Aryan said Imlie needs to go rest, but she contradicted him. 

Imlie: No, I will join you and go thank Rajasa for his wonderful hospitality.

Ganjam Singh bowed and led the way. Imlie elbowed Aryan as soon as Ganjam turned.

Imlie, in a hushed whisper: How can you be so rude!? Turn down an invitation from our host!? After all he did for us to have a good stay here? Are you crazy?

Aryan, guiltily: I thought you might want to rest...since I ruined our day.

Imlie: Well, I certainly won't take it out on your uncle. How could you think that?

Aryan, annoyed: I am sorry. I can't seem to get anything right, I guess.Of course, you like him. 

Imlie: What's that supposed to mean?

Aryan: Only that you like him a lot better than I do. 

Imlie: You have no reason to dislike him. Whatever happened with your parents was between your grandfather and them. You will not punish your uncle for it. Be on your best behavior because he doesn't deserve it. He is only trying to patch up the family. 

Aryan: And to have me back here as a pantomime feudal lord over a bunch of farms, rather than in the city looking after my businesses. 

Imlie: I don't care, you will not be rude to him, you understand?

Aryan grunted. 

Rajasa was all laughs and congratulations. He had read too much into Aryan's willingness to come back here after all these years and he was treading carefully about broaching the topic about the move again. Aryan could see it in his fidgetiness. 

Rajasa: I am sorry I was so late in getting back, my dear. But I had business in Delhi. Has my staff been looking after you and Aryan well? Ganjam? Have you seen to their comfort?

Gajam bowed: We have tried our best, Hukum. 

Of course he gets to have business in Delhi but not me, Aryan thought bitterly.

Imlie: Yes, it's been wonderful, Rajasa. 

Rajasa clapped his hand: Wonderful! So how do you like it here, my dear?

Imlie saw the old man's hopeful look what he was asking. Could Imlie see herself living here? Truth was, she could. It was like town and village life here, but with none of the hardships. They grew things in the palace garden for the kitchen just like Imlie and her Amma did. Besides the hotel, Rajasa farmed, had a community with other farmers, talked about livestock and grains improvement, worked on improving the town's facilities like the local schools. She learned all this from Ganjam Singh... This place. It felt like home, but a very rich farmer's home. She had no idea that royal life looked like that. But she had to be careful because she didn't know what Aryan was thinking. 

Imlie: It has been very pleasant, your staff has gone out of it's way to look after us. Thank you for having us. Aryan too has enjoyed himself, haven't you? (She looked pointedly at her husband). 

Aryan: Yes. 

Rajasa: Well, you must stay a few weeks more. Don't think about leaving just yet. I have so much to show you. 

Aryan protested: Uncle, I...

Imlie stopped him: I think we can stay here for a week, but after that I have to go back to work, Rajasa. 

Rajasa beamed: One week, it is. I will have to make do with that. It's more than I could have hoped for, thank you, my dear.

Mausi was at the door signing at Imlie. Imlie saw and signed back. 

Aryan looked curiously from Imlie to Mausi. 

Imlie: Rajasa, please excuse me. I asked to see the kitchen garden to help out with today's dinner. You and Aryan talk, I will be back. 

Rajasa: Oh, you don't have to do that, my dear! We have cooks. 

Imlie smiled: I want to, please let me show you some specialities from my part of the country. 

Rajasa: If it makes you happy, of course. Aryan and I can catch up on some matters in the meantime. 

Imlie smiled and turned to Aryan warningly. 

Imlie whispered under her breath: Best behavior. 

She left before Aryan could protest.

Rajasa: Should we take a walk, nephew? 

Aryan wanted to whine, but decided he could not afford to disturb Imlie's peace again, at least not today. He nodded. 

Rajasa: I hope you will take a tour of the properties with me at some point this week. I just want to tell you the state of things before it is too late. 

Aryan nearly groaned. That's just what he needed, talk of estate planning when he was supposed to be on his honeymoon.

Rajasa: Everything is in good condition, son. I will leave you no debts. I mean, I want to start handing things over to you before I am too old and decrepit to explain your responsibilities to you. 

Aryan: Uncle, you know how I feel about this.

Rajasa: All this is for you, son. You are the custodian of our heritage. I know what happened with your mother was not right. While my father was alive, I tried everything. I had already disappointed him as a son, well that's another matter, I could not do more and disappoint him. But have I ever given you reason to complain about my treatment of your mother?

Aryan sighed: I cannot move my businesses here, Uncle. I have a different sort of life. A city life. I don't want to be lord of a manor for a role that no longer exists.

Rajasa stopped in front of the kitchen garden. Imlie's cheerful voice made Aryan look around. She was picking carrots and feeding them to the rabbits. 

Mausi: That was for dinner, Princess! 

Imlie: Don't worry, Mausi, I set enough aside. These are for my little bunny friends here. 

She ran after a rabbit, giggling, as it grabbed the small carrot and made a run for it. Aryan couldn't help, but smile.

Rajasa: Your wife likes it here. I can tell, she was made for this life. 

Aryan: She was. But I am not sure I am. 

Rajasa: I am not asking you to live here the whole year, Aryan. But could you give me a few weeks out of the year to learn the business of estate management? The hotels, you already know. Only a few weeks a year.

After dinner that night...

Aryan hugged Imlie as she closed the door behind them: Thank you for being so kind to my Uncle tonight, despite how I behaved this evening. He really liked your food.

Imlie: I wanted to thank him. Honestly, it wasn't even planned for him, I was going to do it anyway cause I saw the kitchen garden in the morning. It was for us. But I am glad he came on time. What gift can you give a king? It's good he liked the food.

Aryan kissed her cheek and hugged her from behind in apology: I am sorry. 

Imlie cupped his cheek with one hand: It's okay. It's better if we communicate. 

Aryan: Do you forgive me?

Imlie: There's nothing to forgive. I might have asked you the same thing if you were in my place.

Aryan rubbed his cheek against hers: What should we do now?

Aryan played with the back of her blouse. Imlie suddenly got shy, thinking of last night. She tried to walk away, but Aryan still had an arm across her. 

Imlie couldn't think of a protest. She was excited. But also feeling very shy as he pulled the strings of her top to undo the bows. Her heart picked up speed. She tried to go for the light switch, but his hand was still there.

Imlie, in a soft voice: Let me turn the lamp off at least.

Aryan, in her ear: I want them on tonight. 

Imlie's sharp intake of breath at that suggestion coincided with her top falling off her shoulders.

Aryan: I want to see you tonight. All night. 

Imlie blushed: What if someone sees us? 

Aryan smiled: We are on a mountain and we have no neighbors here, Imlie. 

Later...

Imlie pinned him down and took the remote for the lamp switch. 

Aryan: No! 

Imlie smiled: My turn, my call. 

Aryan: Just dim it then, please don't turn it off. 

Imlie: You are a freak, you know that?

Aryan: No less than you. 

Imlie smirked and snatched the remote as he moved up for it: Uh-uh. 

She turned down the glare of the lamp and threw the remote on the couch from the bed.

Aryan sighed and dropped back: You win. 

Imlie bowed down over him, her hair tickling on his face. 

Imlie, teasing: If you move your hands again, I will tie them up.

Aryan: Promise?

Imlie smiled and pushed back up against his shoulders, he watched in awe as she took his hands and put them on either side of her waist...

Aryan got up and turned the lamp off at last as the sun was cresting on the horizon. He looked back at the bed where Imlie lay asleep in a silken bed with her hair cascading sideways and her small mehendied hands peeking over the quilt.

Those hands had his name on it, Aryan thought proudly. 

Things got a little spicy. I was debating writing this part after imagining it. Hope your imagination helps here because I am still trying to keep things unsaid. Let me know your thoughts.