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Chapter 24 - End and a beginning
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Affairs of the heart Chapter 25 - Lonliness
5 years later -Ishaan Shekhawat closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair. His eyes closed.The reports were again missing. He was fed up with his incompetent staff. He was seated in his swanky New York Office Manhattan skyline stretched beneath him.He had everything. A fortune 500 dollars company, Power, prestige.......everything but Happiness.All he had in his heart was suffocation. To quench that suffocation he used to work harder. He impatiently called his PA.A rather wiry looking man came in trembling "Y. Yes Sir""Where is the MOM of yesterday's meeting??"He stammered " It must be here somewhere".Ishaan narrowed his eyes "what do you mean somewhere?""Sorry. Sir I. I will get it now.""Why wasn't it here in the first place?""I forgot Sir. It was a mistake.""You know I hate mistakes. One mistake can destroy everything. I have no sympathy or place for people who make mistakes. you are fired.""But Sir.""Leave now."The PA scuttled out disappointed. His 5th PA in a ro
Affairs of the heart Chapter 26 - When destiny brings old wounds
Aarya picked up her phone sleepily as it buzzed."Hello" she spoke into it.There was no response.She cut the call and snuggled into her pillow again. These prank calls were annoying. Even more annoying than those offering bank loans or credit cards.She checked her mobile it was 5:30 am.She still had time to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Instead, she tossed and turned for several minutes then gave up.Yawning she stretched her tired body, pinned her shoulder-length curls into a messy bun, and got off the bed.Her therapist had recommended yoga to calm her anxiety. She had the time to do that now. Her 1 bedroom flat was parsley furnished as she rarely had visitors. She hated Bangalore when she had initially arrived but eventually, she had grown to love it.Staying in Delhi was out of the question especially after her divorce 4 years ago. Things were messy and complicated. Shashank and Aarya had parted mutually and they were still good friends but that didn't stop the wagging to
Affairs of the heart Chapter 27 - Reconnecting
Aarya clutched the door for support. She felt the colour draining from her face.For the next few moments, they simply stared at each other. A multitude of emotions played across his face. The room fell completely silent as few people looked to and fro.Then he blinked his eye as if coming out of the trance and somehow managed to say "Pease come in Ms Aarya Mathur".She felt a jolt on hearing his voice after so many years. He was dressed in a charcoal suit. The years had added some maturity which somehow made him even more handsome.He still had his boyish charm though.She averted her eyes and quickly walked towards the empty seat.Ishaan followed her with his eyes and then proceeded with his speech as if nothing happened.Mary's manager whispered to her "Aarya you are in real trouble"."You have no idea what a mess I have got into". She thought.Her manager said again "you know he is very strict'.""Well, then I hope he fires me".She replied.Her manager looked at her puzzled but did
Affairs of the heart Chapter 28 - Asking for forgiveness
It was almost 7 Aarya who was still in office. She was supposed to meet him at 7, which she very much wanted to skip. She went into the washroom and splashed cold water on her face. She looked tired and harassed. She had braved curious questions from her colleagues all day regarding Ishaan and she was pissed off.She brushed her hair and tied them in a tight ponytail. "Why should I meet him?" She thought.Many years had passed but the memories were still fresh. Showing up would mean ripping an old wound. But there was something in his eyes which was calling out to her.Sadness....there was a strange sadness in them.Ishaan was waiting in the hotel's lounge area. It was 7:30. He sighed but he was sure that she would arrive.At 8 Aarya arrived. She was dressed the same as the office.He immediately got up and offered her his hand. She didn't take it and said "Ok so what do you want to say?""Whoa, Aarya relax. Shall we sit and talk. Are you coming straight from the office?""Yes""God!!
Affairs of the heart Chapter 29 - Can old bonds be rekindled?
He looked at her car until it disappeared. Seeing her again had shaken him to the core. He knew he had hurt her deeply and it was time to rectify those mistakes. Destiny had given him a second chance and he was not going to let it go again. He had yearned for her every day in the last 5 years. He would win her back and never let her go again.Aarya didn't sleep at all that night. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. She had convinced herself that she was over him. Her love for him died the day she lost his baby."Oh no! " she commented when she went down in the parking lot. Someone had busted her car. It had a big dent. She was furious but she had to leave for the office now."How can someone do this in a parking lot!" She thought angrily.She took the cab instead and reluctantly dragged herself to the office. Dreading every minute if he would pop into her cubicle and ask for another meeting.Thankfully that didn't happen. She didn't see him all day. "Maybe he didn't come today." She
Affairs of the heart Chapter 30 - Explanations
The next day Ishaan was busy, rather trying to keep himself busy in the office. He was contemplating how to face Aarya.People were droning on around him at the conference. He wasn't listening. He was busy planning how to convince her to meet him again.Once back in his chamber he called in the HR manager."Yes Sir?" "Please arrange a meeting with Aarya Mathur, yourself, and me. Do it soon."The HR manager hesitated."What?" He asked."Sir please don't fire her. She is a very good resource."He suppressed a smile."Did I say anything about firing her? Just send the meeting invite but you won't attend it.""What?" She looked puzzled."Send the meeting invite but I don't want you in the meeting. Do I need to repeat?" He said.She nodded and went away.Ishaan smiled to himself.He was waiting in one of the conference rooms when Aarya arrived. She had a blank expression and he could easily make out that she had a sleepless night just like him.“Please sit down Aarya.”He checked to see th
Affairs of the heart Chapter 31 - Revelations
She forgot all about that call when Preeti appeared for her usual gossip."I heard you are in trouble again.""Really? Who said so?" Aarya replied sarcastically."Umm, some people saw you going into the conference room with Ishaan Sir.""So?"Preeti came nearer and whispered, " I heard he dropped you home yesterday."Aarya's eyes widened with surprise. She tapped some random keys on her keyboard to look busy."People should mind their own damm business!" "Hey don't be angry but do you know him from before?" Aarya signed and decided to tell her the truth, at least part of it so that people would stop gossipping."Yes, I knew him in Pune. We were.....umm friends but we haven't been in touch for a long time."Preeti gasped "Oh! That's why? Wow! You had billionaire friends!"Aarya smirked."That's why whenever you are together sparks fly!" Preeti grinned.Aarya's smile vanished."There's nothing like that Preeti. We just met again by chance. Please don't repeat this." Aarya looked angry.
Affairs of the heart Chapter 32 - Can forgiveness rekindle old feelings?
She looked at the watch it was 9:30."I should leave now it's late".He said "Ok I will drop you home. Its dinner time now would you like to stay for dinner?""It's ok Ishaan don't trouble yourself. I will take a taxi"."Seems like I will have to eat out alone again. Ok as you wish" He said with a wry smile.Aarya hesitated for a minute then said "Ok I will have dinner with you"His face beamed into a wide smile "Good I know a very good place for that".He took her to a nice cosy restaurant. Not too posh just a simple diner. She was surprised at how easily they conversed about nothing in particular.He seemed happy and relaxed. "So when did you come to Bangalore?" He asked."Its almost 4 years now. I came here a few months after the divorce.""And you are staying here alone?""Yes coming here was ans escape from the mess which I had created. Our parents were not very happy. In India when you decide to separate every known person and his brother in law, his maid, driver, everyone has an
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Affairs of the heart Epilogue - Bliss
Aarya -"Ok now what?" I said after Ishaan had ushered me in his car.He swooped down on me and crushed his lips on mine kissing me deeply.I was startled initially but then responded to his kiss. It was the best feeling.It was like a homecoming.After coming back to Earth. He kept gazing at me."What are you doing?""Making sure that all this is not a dream.""Be assured it's not. I have to catch the evening flight back btw.""Cancel it." He simply said while caressing my cheeks."Hmmm so how is this going to work out?""Just marry me and we'll work out everything. " He said trying to kiss me again."Ishaan wait," I said."I know we have been through a lot but are we going to fast? I mean you have directly jumped to the wedding " I said.He kept both his hands on the steering wheel and looked ahead."I am 31 it's about time I get married. We have waited 5 years Aarya. I am d
Affairs of the heart Chapter 40 - Coming back to you
"May I come in?" Anjali asked.Aarya realized she had been gaping at Anjali for several minutes."Oh yes! Please come in" Aarya said and wondered at herself where were her manners."Please have a seat." She said to Anjali."Umm, would you like to have tea, coffee, or something cold maybe?" Aarya askedAnjali smiled at the nervous girl. She was indeed beautiful. No wonder Ishaan was smitten."Sit," Anjali said to Aarya.Aarya obeyed immediately. She twisted the pearl ring in her hand to fend off some anxiety."You must be wondering about the purpose of my visit," Anjali said.Aarya nodded."Well first of all thank you for bringing my son to me. He hasn't been home for years."Aarya's eyes shot up in surprise."I owe you an apology. We all do."Aarya was contemplating how to react. This was her first meeting with Ishaan's mom and "I know everything about you and Ishaan. I am sorry for what he did to you.""Aunty it's ok. I mean he has apologized already, please you don't have to do this
Affairs of the heart Chapter 39 - Confusion
Aarya floated in and out of consciousness. She was having a nightmare. A nightmare where she was being stripped and violated.She woke up with a scream."Aarya it's ok. You are safe." His soothing voice said."Ishaan" she whispered in the dim light."It's ok dear. I am here for you, please go back to sleep." He patted her head until she drifted off to sleep."She woke up again?" Swati arrived from the other room."Yeah, but she went back to sleep," Ishaan replied."I am glad I rescheduled my trip," Swati said.He was quiet for a moment."I will make sure that bastard never gets out of that jail alive." Ishaan gritted his teeth in anger."It's like Priya all over again. Only this time it's worse." Swati sighed.After rescuing Aarya from the cottage. Ishaan had proceeded to file the FIR and get her medically examined.She was in a shock and been hallucinating under bouts of fever ever since.It had been 3 days now."Ishaan please get some sleep. I will look after her," Swati said.He ran
Affairs of the heart Chapter 38 - Rescued
Aarya woke up with a splitting headache.The sun was already up but most of the room was still dark. She tried to sit up then realized that her hand was tied to the bedpost.She had no idea what time it was or for how many hours she had been knocked out but her growling stomach confirmed it was quiet late probably hours.Aarya recalled the events which led to this. She had cried herself to sleep after a confrontation with Ishaan.She booked a cab for Bangalore and left the hotel early morning before Ishaan could find her. She just wanted to be away from him.She remembered getting into the cab and probably fell asleep in it. She wasn't sure if she fell asleep or she was drugged.When her eyes opened she was here in this dingy room God knows where.With a hammering heart, she tugged at the ropes tying her hand to the headboard. It didn't budge.Her throat felt so dry she could barely speak. The room was sparsely furnished with just a bed and a chair.She heard footsteps. Someone was app
Affairs of the heart Chapter 37 - The past comes back
"Hey what's up?" Aarya said while settling down on the sofa."I hope I didn't disturb you?" Shashank said from the other side Aarya glanced at Ishaan who was sitting on the edge of the bed buttoning up his shirt."No it's ok we can talk." "Well there is good news and I wanted you to know first.""That's sweet. What is it?""Astha's pregnant!" Shashank said.Aarya felt as if a bucket of cold water was flung at her."That's great news Shashank. Congratulations! Please convey my regards to Astha as well.""I sure will. Frankly, I am thrilled!" Ishaan's fury grew with each passing moment. He wasn't sure why he was getting overwhelmed with jealously. Perhaps because Shashank was her husband once. Something which he had failed to achieve.Aarya cut the call and stared at the black screen. Her reverie was broken when she felt the cushion sinking next to her.Ishaan plopped down next to her."Sorry I had to take his call." She said.He didn't say anything just placed his hand on hers and sq
Affairs of the heart Chapter 36 - Coorg part 2
It was a short and gentle kiss but it was enough to shake her to the core.She opened her eyes looking into his hazel ones. He had that typical half-smile on his face. He wasn't sure how she would react but there was no trace of anger."Aarya" he whispered."Happy Birthday Ishaan," She said.He looked happy as well as surprised."You remembered?" " Of course." She replied.He looked down and chuckled."You never fail to amaze me Aarya.""Thats my speciality." She grinned at him.He was expecting a backlash for kissing her but instead, she remembered his birthday."So what are we going to do today?" She asked.He scratched his chin pretending to think."I am hungry." "What!"" I can't think when I am hungry." He replied.She laughed ", let's have breakfast then. The dining hall must have opened by now.""We'll have breakfast here, in the garden. I'll call room service.""I would like that very much." She grinned.Soon they were enjoying a private breakfast spread in the garden. The go
Affairs of the heart Chapter 35 - Coorg part 1
Ishaan realized the advantage of sitting on the passenger side. He could gaze at her for hours without bothering about the traffic."Ishaan if you keep staring at me I won't be able to drive.""I am not staring.""Yes, you are. Why don't you look at the scenery outside? It's beautiful?"He rested his head on his palm."Yup beautiful." Aarya chose to ignore his attention and focused on the road ahead. The Jaguar was lovely to drive."I love this car," She commented."You can have it." He said.She laughed."How is Sanchi?" She suddenly asked.His face hardened."She is fine.""And your family?""They are all doing well."He was still evasive about them."Why aren't you in Mumbai Ishaan?" He fidgeted with his phone."I have some work here. I told you I am here for a month." "Really?" She asked."What could be the other reason Aarya?""I don't know. Never been a CEO." She grinned."Shashank used to own a Jaguar as well." She said.The colour drained from Ishaan's face. He suddenly fel
Affairs of the heart Chapter 34 - The drive
Aarya was nervously tapping her finger on the chair's hand rest. She had never been to a police station before.Ishaan squeezed her hand reassuring her.A friendly looking inspector finally asked them."So how can I help you?""I am getting weird calls. The caller seems to be stalking me.""Hmm please let me know your phone number and the numbers from which you got those calls. Do you doubt anyone?""I am not aware of anyone like that." She said."Anyone ever troubled you? Like past boyfriend, ex, or someone you disagreed with?"Aarya looked at Ishaan. Her ex-boyfriend was sitting right next to her and Shashank wouldn't do anything like this. He wasn't even living in India so it was unlikely he would know her daily routine. She wasn't in touch with anyone else from Pune."I can't think of anyone in particular." She said."Any trouble with law earlier?""There was a guy in our group who was arrested. He used to drug and exploit girls." Ishaan interrupted.Aarya recalled Omar and she was
Affairs of the heart Chapter 33 - Rebound ?
"Aarya you are being stalked by someone! Why didn't you tell me?" Ishaan asked after he heard the creepy phone call."Its nothing Ishaan.Some prank callers. I have blocked him but he keeps calling from different numbers.""Aarya this is dangerous, we must report it to the police.""I had thought of reporting to the police but then I was caught up in other things.""I don't want you to stay alone either. Move-in with someone or call someone to stay with you." He looked worried."I don't have anyone here. My parents can't be here of course." She said in a small voice.He stared at her for some time. "You can stay with me." He suggested.She gave him an incredulous look."It was just a suggestion. My bad!" He said holding his hands up."Ishaan even if I stay with you. What after one month? I am used to solving my problems on my own. I would handle this as well. Dont worry." She simply said and nibbled at her food.He observed her for some time. She had changed. She wasn't that carefree g
