Sensual Seduction

Victims Of Love

"I would watch you all day if I could"

Those were his words..weren't they and the way his eyes watched me the other night proved that he wasn't any less serious. I dont understand whether I should feel sorry for him or consider myself lucky for being the center of his attention.

Even Gaurav hasn't talked about his overly drunkeness of the earlier dinner night and I dont really wish to pry him either. I want things to stay the way they are but this behaviour of his has started to concern me now. Maybe these days thinking is all I can do as I dont have the courage to face the consequences. When did life become so unpredictable? What more there is that my eyes still need to discover before I completely run out of hope?

I sighed deeply as I stared at the empty flower pot in my balcony as the golden shaft of sunlight illuminated everthing in a surreal way. Few days ago this same pot had the rose that I had planted so lovingly but now it must be lying wilted in one of his expensive trashcan. It still hurts me when I think about it. How can he be so insensitive and still expect feelings out of me.

My hand reached upto my cheek and it immediately flushed remembering the touch of his lips. The other hand brushed across the one which he had grabbed so firmly and still somehow it carried his ardent feel. But It's true isnt it? He has dared to touch me in places where my own husband hasnt even bothered to. My hands wrapped around my shoulders as I closed my eyes to step away from reality.

It felt like my whole body was crumbling slowly beneath his audicious seduction. What is a woman like me supposed to do? My mind questions each day but my heart holds no answer for it just a mild pain that consumes me each time I look into those eyes.

"NAINA! DOWNSTAIRS IMMEDIATELY!" Gaurav's sharp stern voice reached my ears. Something wasn't right I knew because these days conversations between us didn't exist without valid reasons. I came downstairs taking each step very carefully until my eyes saw him standing near the front door in his usual work clothes

"Gaurav what's wrong? Did you forget something?" I asked with utmost concern but he said nothing. His face was entirely focused on the white piece of paper that he held in his hand. My mind tried to come up with some kind of explanation for something I had no clue about as my heartbeat increased looking at his grim face

"What is it, Gaurav?" I finally found the courage to ask in a faint whisper. His eyes looked at mine with depth of uncertainty.

"Why dont you see it for yourself? after all, you'd know better about this than me." He then handed the paper to me and my eyes fell upon the words written in distinct aristocratic handwriting.

"The sweetest flower that blows, I give you as we part. For you it is a rose, for me it is my heart"

I froze at the exact spot as my eyes grew wide and my chest tightened with fear. I gulped down hard as it felt impossible to breath anymore. I was suddenly left speechless by the written words

"That's nothing, Naina,you should take a look outside, you're admirer has completely outdone himself."

Gaurav's mockery felt like sharp needles pressing into my skin inducing imprecise guilt. My eyes slowly turned towards the opened door and my heart again found itself in a complicated state as I saw several rose petals scattered on the ground creating a beautiful panorama. No doubt it was incredible to watch the creativity in such a pure and simple form. It was hard to look away and not appreciate the vivid efforts

"Exciting, Isn't it Naina?" I looked back at Gaurav. His lips curved at the corners crookedly with his hands folded over his chest. "to have men at your knees, one that foolishly earns everyday and another who spends to impress you.." My mind couldn't believe the words that came out of him as I stood there in complete perplexity .

"Gaurav, what are you.."

"Come on Naina, be honest! tell me who this person is that thinks you deserve more than what I have given you.." he didn't know but his words were emotionally damaging the pride that I held of being his wife.

"Is this what you think of me?" I couldnt hold the anger inside anymore

"I believe what I see, Naina and I can see you are trying to avoid my question.." what did he want out of me. The unreal truth that would destroy everything I have tried to build so far in this relationship.

"Yes because absurd question like yours doesn't deserve an answer." I'd never seen him look at me or anyone else the way he glared at me now

"Fine. But let me tell you one thing Naina, if this continues then, I'll have to take a radical decision about our future together." anger visible in his rigid tone

"You better keep in mind that I too can go as far as you can.." he then pushed me out of his way and left me standing near the doorway.

What had I done? When did I start rebelling against my own husband? Tears welled up in my eyes and an overwhelming feeling of sadness filled my heart. I turned to look at Gaurav but he had already left in his Car. His words still stinging my heart, echoing within my head. This was all my fault! I'm the one who let it go this far. Disgust was all that I could feel for myself now.

I crumbled the piece of paper in my hand then aggressively tore it into as many pieces I could as anger took hold of me. I then threw it away in the dustbin but still my house carried the fragrance of those roses that reminded me of him.

I then picked up the dustbin from the kitchen and took it where the rest of the rose petals were scattered. I sat down near the doorstep and slowly gathered them all. I didn't wanted to do this, throw away these beautiful creation of nature. It pained my heart so badly as I let them fall in the dirt to wither away in the closed container. What had they done? My heart asked - Why am I punishing them for giving me few minutes of happiness?

Tears finally gave away as I wiped them off my cheek. I then slowly got up holding the dustbin in my hand and closed the front door. My legs trembled and hands shook as I walked back to the kitchen. I placed down the prison of those petals near the wall and fell beside it completely drained out of hope and everything else that kept me strong, hot torrents of grief coursed out of me in the form of unruly sobs, mingling with the uncomfortable softness of the cold floor.

I missed my parents, missed them the most right now. Nothing had been the same after I had lost them and it seemed it wont ever be in the future too. My heart would always bleed like it did for so many years. I curled myself into a tiny ball of self pity on the floor, soaked in tears of self pity. I closed my eyes and desperately wished that the darkness would rid my soul of the excruciating pain I felt deep inside me.

Time passed gradually but my body remained still on the floor unmoving, taking small breaths mixed with sobs until the doorbell caught my attention. I slowly opened my eyes but then closed them again as I wanted the person whoever it was beyond the door to leave getting the hint that nobody's inside but the doorbell continued to sound making my headache from crying more severe. I got up slowly wiping away the sweat and tears with the dupatta then placed it around my neck letting its ends fall behind.

The doorbell rang again and again like a timed alarm clock. I opened the door furiously and saw a young man dressed in clean laundered buttoned up black suit accustomed by a black tie and a black hat. As soon as he saw me he took off his shiny tailored hat and smiled brightly like he had been expecting me

"Good Afternoon Madame! How are you.. today?" My eyes narrowed suspiciously. I wasn't in the mood to share my sorrow with a stranger I hardly knew myself.

"If you're here to sell something then, please leave, I'm not interested really." I stepped back to close the door.

"Oh my! No-No.. Madame, you have completely misunderstood me." I stopped in midway and stared blankly back at his face.

"Well, actually it's my fault I should have been more specific.." he chuckled as he scratched his head, awkwardly.

"Well, anyways I'm here at your service, Madame" My eyes that were drowsy few seconds ago immediately opened wide in disbelief.

"At my service? What? Who are you?" I was utterly confused now as to what this man was speaking out of enthusiasm.

"Oh! Forgive me, Madame! Name's James Bruno. I'll be assisting you for the rest of the day.. Just tell me where you wish to travel and I will drive you to the very place." he gave a cheesy expert smile while my eyes looked beyond him at the front of my house.

"Who-Whose car is that?" The black mettalic Car shined immensely under the daylight. It felt like I had seen it somewhere but right now my mind couldn't remember the exact location

"Oh, that dazzling piece of work is your ride, Madame, It's one of Mr Laviosa's personal favourites.." for a second I thought I heard him wrong as I blinked my eyes at him like a fool.

"Wh-Who's favorite?" I asked twice, just to make sure I had heard him correctly.

"Mr Laviosa, Madame, I work for him and drive his luxuriant possessions except that one.. " He looked back at the car and continued to admire it. "I was suprised when he ordered me to drive this beauty to your place and told me to assist you in your travel.." He looked back at me and smiled sincerely.

"I'm guessing, you're quite an important person to him." The word important stung me inappropriately and my face turned emotionless.

"Please leave.. " I whispered meekly. After all what happened with me this morning, I wanted nothing to do with him.

"I-I can't..! forgive me if I said something wrong, Madame but I can't neglect Mr Laviosa's orders." I could sense the nervousness in his tone as he blurted out clumsily.

"Well.. I'll just be here outside.. if you wish to go anywhere around please do let me know.." my eyes observed him carefully and he seemed like a decent young man but I felt bad that he was stuck with a wrong person like Laviosa and took him so seriously. I nodded in response and quietly closed up the door on him.

My stomach grumbled as I hadnt eaten anything since morning. I made some sandwiches for myself and while eating them peeked out from living room's window. That James guy was still there sitting in the car sleeping in fact when I looked more precisely. This had gone too far and now I was starting to feel like some famous celebrity when in reality, I was no one just a ordinary person that was trying to fix her own collapsing marriage.

My mind thought for long and it finally told me what to do. I washed my face with cold water and fixed my appearance in the mirror then stepped out of my house after locking the front door. By now James - the loyalist, had woken up as he saw me approach the car. He smiled broadly as he got out of his driver's seat and opened the rear door for me.

"Where to, Madame?" I had thought hard about this and finally I had taken a stand as I wanted to end this once and for all. I took a deep calm breath and replied.

"The same place you came from. I'd like to meet Mr Laviosa personally." His smile dropped and his face turned blank all of a sudden.

"Y-Yes right away, Madame" I then took my seat in the car and he quickly got into his driver's seat. The windows closed automatically as he started the engine. He glanced at me through the rear view mirror trying to read me but he couldn't as he knew nothing abt the rift between me and his owner. I turned my gaze towards the window as James silently drove the car back towards the Mansion.

It was all coming back now, the memories of the night I had first seen this place,admired its architecture and it's owner's perception. Once, sitting there beside me was my clearly happy husband but now, I was all alone moving towards the place I had desperately ran away from.

There was no security check as the giant doors automatically opened. He then drove the car inside and parked it just infront of the mansion. The doors unlocked automatically and I stepped out before James could open it for me. My heart was pacing faster than before but I couldn't step back now as I had come all the way up here.

"Thank you James.." I thanked the young man for his kind service.

"No trouble, Madame..I would be here if you need to go anywhere else." I smiled warmly and then headed inside the mansion. The same majestical mansion with beautiful decor, fabulous paintings and antiques. Mesmeric curtains swaying softly over the symmetrical windows as sunlight passed through them creating bright designs on the dark granite tiles.

Everything in this place was admirable except him I thought as my eyes scanned the entire area. Nobody seemed around and it suddenly made me feel a lot more uncomfortable. My eyes wandered ahead as I walked towards the hall where Gaurav's success party had taken place.

The grand hall was well kept but empty. My eyes then fell upon the grand piano kept in the middle. It wasnt there the day I had come with Gaurav was it? I thought as I peeked inside the room maybe this Laviosa must have discovered a new hobby of his..

"Mrs Nanda..?" A low raspy voice called out to me. I immediately turned and saw a bald person dressed in well pressed black jacket, trousers and a tie. I stared long as he climbed down from the broad staircase but then it struck me. He was the same old man that had offered me that refreshing drink in the party

"You do recognize me dont you?" He smiled warmly. He had a drooping grey moustache and a pointed grey beard

"I'm sorry. I do remember you but not your name." He laughed heartily

"Pleased to see you again, Mrs Nanda.. you can call me Antonio." he seemed like a pleasant man with dignified manners.

"Can I know the reason behind your sudden visit this far?" I blinked and stared at him foolishly as I tried to come up with a straight answer

"I.. um.. I-I'm sorry...I should probably leave.." what am I doing. What am I even thinking. I'm just making it all worse by being here. I quickly turned around and started to leave.

"Mr Laviosa is in the study hall upstairs if that's what you wished to know.." his words somehow stopped me from moving ahead and I quickly turned around. His smile broadened as he saw me walking back towards him.

"Please follow me. I'll take you.." before my mind could decide my body moved on its own accord as he led me deeper into the Mansion. He opened one of the large wooden door and led me down through the short spiral staircase. The air felt heavy and somewhat musty in the large room with rows and rows of bookcases.

Antonio stopped suddenly and my eyes fell upon the man sitting behind a polished wooden desk. His eyes focused on the game of Chess.

"Master Carlo..?" He didn't look up and concentrated on his next move. It was oddly fascinating to watch him play the game all by himself.

"What now, Antonio?" His eyes lifted as he didn't receive a reply from Antonio. It was unique to watch his expression change into bewilderment as he saw me standing right next to Antonio.

"Mrs Nanda is here to see you, Master Carlo" but then it was soon replaced by a broad grin

"Yes, I see that now.. you may leave. Thank you." Antonio immediately bowed and left my side. I could hear his footsteps at a distant as he climbed back the staircase and closed the door. Silence and the beating of my own heart was the only thing I could feel now in the enclosed room. Green eyes staring back at me. How could his gaze have such an effect on me.

"Chess..?" He gestured picking one of the chess piece.

"I'm not good at it.." I spoke plainly at which he gave a short laugh

"You would be if you try.. It only needs patience and I know you possess a lot." He gave a wide grin and pushed aside the chess board.

"Take a seat, Naina..I dont bite, really." He smirked as he leaned back in his executive leather chair

"I'd rather stand and talk with you." his face turned impassive and his dark curls lay messily over his forehead, his normally sparkly green eyes looked dull. He got up from his chair and my eyes raised in suspiscion. He then came over and leaned against the front of his desk with folded arms

"Well.. alright then. I didnt expect you would come all the way here to thank me for my efforts." He gave his perfect satisfactory smile.

"It's true, I'm here because of your efforts but not to thank you Mr Laviosa." He laughed again in amusement as he scratched his stubble.

"I see but clearly, I'm not disappointed afterall my effort brought you here, to me." His gaze did not falter. Green eyes flickered with apprehension, a sheen of sweat glistening on his fair skin.

"Mr Laviosa, I'm here to clear out your misunderstanding about us... once and for all." He raised his eyebrows as if raising them was an effort, a trick he was out of practice on.

"I doubt there's any kind of misunderstanding, Naina.. not atleast in what I feel about you.." His words making it even more difficult for me to speak my mind.

"Mr Laviosa, if you expect me then you expect too much!" My temper raised but he didn't seem intimidated by my words.

"At least, I dare to expect unlike your husband." He snickered enjoying my dumbfounded expression

"I love my husband, alright? And because of you things are falling apart. My world is falling apart! Don't you understand?" My voice faltered. It felt like any moment tears would blur my vision of him. His expression turned grave and he stared at me for long

"Do you? Really? It's hard to believe actually. Try not to confuse attachment with love, Naina.. attachment is about fear and dependency." he spoke concisely with a straight face.

"If you actually loved him you wouldn't be here with me right now.. you would be fixing those things with him that you talk about so expressively." I hadn't seen this controlled anger in him. He seemed furious now.. maybe my words had hit the wrong nerve in him. He rubbed his hand over his face in utter frustration and then sighed deeply

"What you need to understand right now is the difference. Please understand." it seemed like a request as his eyes softened at the sight of me.

"You're insane!" I yelled back at him and turned to leave. His hand abruptly caught my wrist. My breath hitched and my heartbeat increased at the sudden contact.

"Let me go!" I spoke forcing out words with all my strength that was left in me.

"Dont test my patience, Naina. Just dont!" he warned as his eyes continued to glare at me.

"I said let go of me! Mr. Laviosa." I yelled again as my trembling hand tried to remove his grip but all of a sudden his hand pushed me against one of the bookcase. My legs went weak as his hands gripped both my wrists and pinned them at the sides. He moved closer pressing his entire weight on me. His strong cologne surprisingly taking over my senses.

"Move away please!" I begged as I shivered under his fierce, penetrating stare. It was no use fighting against him, he was much stronger than I was.

"What if I dont?" I looked into his intense green eyes as I breathed rapidly.

"You can't push me away this time. I wont let you." Something in those eyes terrified me much more than usual – they had a certain edge to them that trapped me completely.

"Why are you doing this?" My voice cracked as I murmured weakly

"Isn't it obvious?" He smirked as his nose gently brushed against mine

"I crave you. All of you. I crave your body. I crave for the soul thats inside." My eyes grew wide as his words left me breathless. My overwhelmed focus unable to stray away from his beautiful face.

"You're scared, arent you? Scared of what you feel for me." He whispered softly. Deep, sultry heat reflected in his eyes. His hot breath mingling with mine

"You know nothing of what I feel..You don't." Tears welled up in my eyes as I screamed harshly

"I do, Naina..I know these feelings are stronger than you." I looked away as tears streamed down my face. I never wanted to feel this hopeless infront of him. I wasn't this weak until he stepped into my life.

"Stop it! Please!" I requested helplessly as I tried to free my hands from his strong grip.

"I can give you what you desire, Naina. Just once, tell me that you're mine.." He continued to infiltrate my soul with his imploring gaze.

"Just stop!" I cried out but then his hands suddenly left mine and he moved away creating some distance between us.

"Anything you want of me would be yours. For once, let me hear it." He spoke up without a hint of annoyance. I sobbed mildly as I wiped off the tears from my face.

"I-I can't...I can't betray my husband. I can't do this!" His face suddenly grew rigid. Anger boiled in him as I saw the clench of his fists.

"You'd rather be his slave than my pleasure. You're unbelievable, Naina." he scoffed imperiously.

"I feel nothing but pity for you're ignorant sense.." His tone and his words had suddenly turned repulsive. I looked down as I no longer had the courage to face him but suddenly his hand lifted my chin making me look back into those powerful green eyes

"Trust me Naina... I would have long back fulfilled my purpose with you if my feelings werent involved." He inched closer. His fingers slowly reached inside my clothing, softly touching the bare skin of my waist and from there on travelled around to my bottom. His action frightened me to the extremes.

"And you wouldn't have dared.. to stop me.." Instinctively my hand shot up and before I could think it through, I slapped him hard. The sudden noise reverbrated sharply inside the room. His face turned away with the sudden impact as my whole body fumed under his indecent exploitation. But then his hand slowly reached up to touch his swollen lip and shockingly it had blood. I had hurt him.

How was it possible! My hand quickly covered my mouth as my eyes couldn't believe what I had done.

His face was blank, outraged, shocked to the core. I couldnt tell as he stared back at me incredulously. Blood smeared on his hand and oozing from his lower lip. I couldnt see the sight of it anymore. Sight of him bleeding. I stepped away until my back touched the bookcase and then without a second thought, I rushed out of his sight. At this point I didnt know what I was doing. What I really wanted. Why was it hurting me to leave him like this. I didn't wanted to see anyone anymore as I ran out of the mansion and quickly got into the car I had come in.

"Uh..Madame?" James was shocked to see me drained out of color, sweating badly as tears still laid fresh in my eyes.

"Please take me home.." he spoke no further seeing my terrible state and silently revved up the engine as he drove away from the mansion. I had thought I would end this but instead feelings that were unknown to me were now slowly emerging out of me. I felt miserable torned apart by feelings so strong that I hardly ever knew I had for him. I stared at my pitiless hand that had made contact with his face and it burned just as my heart now.

I knew it was the completely wrong thing to do, but I just did. I didn't think I would regret it this much. I guess we can't have everything we wish for unless we go out of our ways. The car stopped as it parked near my house. My lifeless body then got out of the car and slowly walked back to the house.

I didnt have trust left in me, thinking that everything I did and said was wrong, there were no feelings attatched to my thoughts as I felt completly hollow.

I unlocked the door and closed it behind as I slid down to the floor. My life had just got more complicated than it already was but inspite of everything I still had to move on. This confrontation with him I knew wouldn't be forgotten so easily... neither by him nor by me.