Chapter 7
Back in his room Shlok stamped his foot in anger.He was angry on himself , on the situation,on fate.He just wanted to break something.He flung a chair towards the wall breaking its legs thdn sat down on his bed holding his head.
How could he be so stupid.Crown price Shlok the model of decoram turned into a salivating teenager whenever he was near Astha.
How could he lose control ?? Now she was even more frightened of him, And wat the hell was he thinking while kissing her ?
But she was so...so..exquisite his heart fluttered whenever she was near him.
He cursed himself.She was already taken and he had no business thinking of her.Perhaps he would be normal again after she went back.There was a tiny doubt in his heart which he refused to acknowledge.Would he bear to let her go??
In her room Astha cried herself to sleep.Her life would never be same again.She was destined to be miserable for the rest of her life.Next morning Astha was ready to depart.Shlok came in with some of his men.He was also dressed for the travel.
They didn't exchange any word.She mounted one of his horse and they proceeded for the trip.
Astha was out of his stronghold for the first time and she was surprised to see the unknown terrain.She couldnt make out there whereabouts.It was defenitely beyond the forest.As far as she knew forest was the border.Who was he ??
She didnt have guts to talk to him again after last night and this was probably the last time she would see him ever.She stifled a sniff.
Shlok looked at her and asked "Are you alright?"
She replied "yes I am fine...how far we have to go ?"
Shlok replied "We would reach by evening and I would prefer to drop you at your house late night so that no one sees you coz that would be safe for you as well as your reputation"
Astha understood tht he wanted to be discreet.
But full day ??Where the hell was she ? Did she stray that far away from her village??
She asked "where are we ?"
He replied "Does it matter?? You will be home today.So dont ponder over the details"
She asked on impulse "Will we meet again?"
He stared back at her "Lets not test fate Astha"
They completed their journey and after reaching the edge of her village they stopped for the nightfall.When it was late night and everyone had slept. Shlok and Astha proceeded alone towards her house.His men camped in the forest.Astha felt as if her heart was tearing up.Each step took her away from her life.
Shlok said "Just be normal when u reach home.Your parents would be worried although I have assured them in my letters and they have been getting your letters regulary too but I can understand their concern"
Astha just nodded.
The reached her haveli's gate.Shlok helped her to unmount.
As he held her they had an eyelock.Astha wanted to say something.
She gathered her courage and said "I will miss u" and blushed.
Shlok smiled sadly "I will badly miss these blushes ...Always be happy" He placed a quick kiss on her forehead immediately mounted his horse and rode away.Before he had a change of heart.
Astha sadly looked at him till he disappeared.Her eyes were streaming with tears but she had to appear normal.She wiped her eyes and went in.
Shlok was riding fast his eyes were wet.He just had to get away from here as soon as possible.He was not going back to his hunting lodge now , not ever,that place was filled with too many memories.It would kill him there...He had other plans.
Unknown to them Aditi who as usual was hiding in the bush had seen their exchange.She didnt know who was Shlok. Ever since she had nicked some of the letters she had got a fair idea that Astha was in captivity of the bandits.
She had a wicked smile on her face.Now she had proof as well as bonus information.That bandit kissed Astha on the forhead !!!
Now tht was something to cheer about "This was worth the efforts" She thought brushing off the twigs.
Poor Astha what's gonna happened to you after this news is leaked.She laughed.So the so called noble future DIL of the royal family is not so innocent afterall.
She decided to publicise this news but at the right time smilling gleefully to herself.
Astha went in and knocked the door.
Avdhoot opened the door.His eyes grew round when he saw Astha.He ushered her in and called out to Kalindi.
Kalindi came running and nearly fainted She hugged her and cried "My darling is back.How are you ? Hope tht brute didnt ..."
Astha said "I am fine aayi.I am really fine"
Kalindi peered at her "tell me the truth,...wat happened...did he?"
Astha said "No aayi I am fine nothing happened"
Kalindi continued her grilling "Tell me the truth dear.Did he touch u ? Did he do anything inappropriate ?"
Anandi turned red "Aayi he was very...honourable gentleman..nothing happened trust me"
"Why did he take you away ? And returned without any ransom. I dont understand this" Kalindi said
Avdhoot intrrupted saying "let her rest Kalindi.She is tired and she just came back.Be thankful everything turned out fine before the wedding"
Astha tried to look normal and happy.Althought her heart was crying.She couldnt let her parents get a hint about her actual feelings.
She went in her room and immediately went to her window.She looked at the outline of the forest, somwhere in it was her Shlok...her Love.
She wiped away her tears and tried to get some sleep which was interrupted with dreams of someone riding on a black horse,someone grabbing her, those intense eyes and that passionate kiss.
Astha woke up again startled "I will go mad"
Each day was a struggle for Astha.Thankfully everyone had bought her parent's story so there was no village gossip and her parents were also relaxed now.Though Kalindi didnt trust her explanation but she was assured since Astha was about to be wed anyways.Astha maintained perfect composure in from of everyone.The wedding was scheduled in a week.Nobody knew her inner termoil.
She was forbidden to go out alone anywhere.So no more rides towards the hills not that she had any hopes of seeing Shlok again.
She thought "Is this may fate? to long each day for him ?"
Her mom came in and said "Astha why are you sad ever since u have come back?"
Astha said "Nothing Aayi.I am fine .I will be married in few days.I will miss you all.May I visit Padma today? I dont know when I will see her again"
Kalindi hesitated then said "Whatever happned with you.Please dont ever tell it to anyone.You are going to marry a crown prince.He will never forgive you if he comes to know that you are tainted"
Astha protested "But Aayi I am not..He didnt do anything like that...why dont you believe me?"
"Even if I believe you it dosent matter.You lived with a man that's enough to ruin our reputation.Varadh is a prince.He will never forgive you for this"
"But Aayi its not my fault.I didnt ask to be kidnapped"
"Men dont care about explanations.For them their honour is most important."
Astha sulked in anger.
"I cant allow you to go out.But I can call Padma.You can meet her at home"
Soon Padma arrived to meet Astha.She hugged Astha then said "Sorry I couldnt come to meet u earlier.How are you? Everything fine ?"
Astha said "Yes everything is fine, and before u start grilling me like aayi, nothing happened, I was perfectly safe there.He was a perfect gentleman.A truly honourable man"
Padma caught the wistful look on Astha's face.
She said "Astha you are hiding something.Tell me please.You are not same"
Astha just looked down and said "I am fine padma just little stressed"
Padma said "No astha.You cant hide from me.You not same anymore and you have not even mentioned Varadh even once since u came.Tell me whats wrong"
Astha's mask broke she hugged Padma and started crying "I love him Padma...I Love him..How will I live without him"
Padma looked puzzled "Love whom Astha?"
Astha just looked down.
Padma's face was horrified "Do u mean that...that bandit??"
Astha nodded...
Padma was aghast "Are you mad Astha...u know wat ur saying??...how could u.. I mean how did this happen??"
Astha said "I dont know Padma.I dont know.I tried to control my feelings but It just happened.He is so...so different..and gallent,honourable and large hearted...He could have easily taken advantage of me.But he didnt.Instead he cared for me,protected me and then returned me safely"
Padma said "But why did he kidnap you in the first place ?You loved Varadh right??...then how come?"
Astha said "After meeting Shlok I realised what is love.I have never loved Varadh...yes I am fond of him..he is my friend but Love...We never had tht kind of feeling ever"
Padma said "Astha I dont get it..I mean I just dont understand this..I cant think straight"
Astha explained everything about her meeting and stay with Shlok apart from some intimate details.Padma's face had turned pale.
She said "What have u done Astha.How will u survive this...Does he love u?"
Astha said "I dont know.He never told me"She thought of his kisses.
Did it mean anything or was it just his physical impulse due to being alone with a girl ?Afterall he was a man.
Padma didnt know wat to say.She just asked "Now wat will u do Astha??"
Astha looked blankly at her "Nothing I will do whatever is in my fate.I will try to forget him and move on.Anyways its impossible.I cant dishonour Aayi and Baba"
Padma felt surge of sympathy for her friend.She hugged Astha and said "Things will be alright.Just be strong.Varadh is your old friend.You will learn to love him and forget all about that bandit."
Astha cried silently.
At home she morosly went along with the wedding preparations.Although she tried to look cheerful but her heart was just not into it.Even Varadh's jokes didnt make her laugh when he came for a visit.
He complained "Astha I told u such a nice joke and u didnt even laugh"
Astha woke up from her daydream She said "I am sorry...I was not concentrating.Its too hectic with all this wedding preps"
Varadh said "ok no probs.You know I missed you a lot when you were away"
Astha put a fake smile
He came near her and held her by her shoulders
" I just cant wait.I am so excited for our wedding"
Astha looked at him blankly.he was staring intently at her..
He held her closer and tried to hug her Astha felt repulsed.She hated his touch...she just wanted to break free and run away from him...
She said "Varadh wat r u doing?"
He said "Nothing dear...dont be scared...we are to be married in a week's time.This is normal"
Astha just backed off and held her hands in front of her.
She said "Varadh I am really tired please leave me alone"
Varadh said "What's wrong Astha.I am just..."
Astha said loudly "No just go...please"
Varadh was bursting with anger.He closed the distance between them in 2 large steps.Placed both his hands on her either side pinning her to the wall.
"You will never raise your voice in front of me.Do you understand ? I am going to be your husband.You will do whatever I say...Even now I have every right to do whatever I wish.Dont deny me anything ever.Else I will make you life living hell" He looked so menacing.She was terrified.She shielded herself with both her hands
"Please Varadh.I am sorry...I cant..."
He narrowed his eyes "One week...just 1 week then you will be mine.I have waited too long for this.Remember what I said"
Not wanting to create a scene in her home he released her and left.
Astha was feeling angry,hurt...repulsed all at the same time.She wrapped her arms around her trying to rub of Varadh's touch.She didnt feel like this with Shlok.Infcat she welcomed him.Whereas Varadh she had never seen him like this.He was usually nice to her.Today he had scared her.Shlok was so different.Always attentive,caring and so passionate.She broke off her train of thoughts.
"I must stop thinking abt him.Varadh is my future.I better get used to this" She thought.
To be continued...
Edited by Blukitten - 11 years ago
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