Sensual Seduction

Second Chance

I had lost the count of time.

It didn't seem of importance to me anymore. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and my own reflection found the sight of me ugly. I looked thinner and paler than ever.

I no longer looked like the Naina Nanda that seemed to have sorted out her life and knew how to live it without questioning her pointless existence.

I had cried countless times but these tears weren't of hopelessness but of longing for happiness I never desired from life before.

Expectations were long back given up by me. My fingers gently touched the bandage that concealed the scar granted by him, just like all the other feelings stirring up inside my heart, regarded as sinful by my own conscious.

This feeling of uneasiness was choking my guts and hampering my clarity. I wanted to term myself as the sleepless delusional woman for the unthinkable things that my heart was making me imagine at the moment. Life with Carlo Laviosa Or life, I was already leading with my own husband?

I pressed my palm against my forehead in complete distress as I breathed harder. What was happening to me! How can I even think of something like that? My own mind couldn't believe that my heart was imagining something so bizarre, out of the ordinary.

Maybe it was due to the fact that I hadn't slept or even tried to sleep in these three unwelcomed horrible days. The change of the night to day didn't particularly appeared any different in the way of what my life was turning into in such little time.

All of a sudden, loud honking of the car and sound of the brakes disrupted my chain of thoughts. I slowly walked upto my balcony to see if it was truly my husband. Unexpectedly it was as I saw him getting out of the car with his briefcase and few set of additional files in his hand.

It was time to face my monotonous reality. I took a deep breath and stepped down from the bedroom towards the front door to welcome him home. I mustered up the energy to fake a smile and opened the door.

"Hey.. " That's all the greet, my husband felt, I needed from him for being away. I watched as he stepped closer to the threshold, his navy blue shirt and hairs slightly wet due to the sudden drizzle caused by the dark grey clouds shadowing the clear blue sky now.

"Carry my briefcase and these files inside while I go park the car in the garage.." before I could say something he pushed his things into my hands and ran back towards the car. It had been like this since we had got married then why, all of a sudden, his words seemed to afflict me.

I suddenly felt stupid for being so naive and never revolting against his ignorant behaviour. I still stood near the door like a mannequin holding his essentials in both hands as I watched him drive the car into the garage. His hand then suddenly gestured me through the window to go inside.

I sighed heavily and closed the door behind feeling more like his secretary than his wife. I walked upto the side table and carefully placed his belongings on it. Few seconds later I heard the door open and Gaurav walked in running a hand through his hairs in an attempt to dry them off

"The climate had to get worse as soon as I arrived. It was much pleasant in Indonesia throughout the day.." he spoke casually looking up at me

"You were in Indonesia?" My eyes wandered over his face blankly

"Yeah I was. Why do you look so surprised? Weren't you informed?" Oh. So I was supposed to be informed by one of the company's associate and not by my own husband

"No. I wasn't.." I plainly muttered "Oh. Well then, now you know." He then, picked up his files, completely ignoring the gloomy look on my face and walked past me towards the shelf

"Well, All the credit goes to Mr Laviosa, Naina, for including me in this conference in such a short time or I really wouldn't have got the chance to know the intellects of such brilliant scientists from all over the world. I can't tell you in words how amazingly inspiring the experience was." His praise for Laviosa made it even more difficult for me to bring out the truth as I stood speechless watching him place his files orderly inside the shelf.

"Could you please make me a masala tea, Naina? It'll help me to get over this jet lag. It feels as if every ounce of energy has been sucked out of the very marrow of my bones.." He then went back to pick up the briefcase and headed upstairs from there

"Gaurav..!" I finally found my voice as I yelled out his name. He turned around from the middle of the stairs and looked down at me

"I-I need.. to talk to you..about something." My voice turned low again

"Can't that wait, Naina? I'm dead tired and I really need to take a shower. Call me down once the tea's ready.." I became quite as I watched him walk back up towards the bedroom. I had no idea how long I could hold the things that had happened behind him. He didn't even seem to be concerned about my well being.

For now patience was the only thing left in my hands so I had to make sure that I didnt loose it. I stepped into the kitchen and prepared the mixed spice tea for Gaurav. It reminded me of how we had met the first time at my paternal parent's house and how I had impressed his parents including him with this same special ingredients tea.

Time makes sure that we start remembering the moments as soon as they leave us, doesn't it?

I could feel that the rain had taken a heavy turn as the raindrops pattered furiously against the window panes. I went back near the staircase and called out Gaurav but it seemed like he was still in the shower.

I then, went back in the kitchen and poured out the tea in a thermos. Then placed it in the tray with a mug and went upstairs, into the bedroom. Gaurav was still in the shower as I heard the water running inside. I placed the tray on the side table and picked up the clothes littered uncaringly on the bed as well as the floor like his forever smelling socks.

Suddenly the bathroom's door opened and Gaurav walked out in just a towel wrapped around his waist. My eyes grew wide and I quickly turned away. I didn't know why but my heart restricted me to look back at him.

"Is there something wrong, Naina?" I didn't even know what to say to him that wouldn't seem rude or strange at this point "Nothing. Just..Just put on some clothes please.." There was silence from his end and It made me more nervous

"Why, Naina? You shouldn't shy away from looking at your own husband. Should you?" His sarcastic words piercing a hole into my back

"The tea's in the thermos, Gaurav. Just pour it in the mug. I'll go, put these clothes for wash.." I lowered my gaze, avoiding him on the way towards the bathroom. I couldn't believe that I was panicking at the sight of my own husband.

I stood near the machine now, rubbing my fingers across my forehead, trying to understand this terrible feeling of not knowing who I was anymore.

"You done..?" Gaurav's voice startled me. I turned to look and he was still there in just a towel leaning against the door with folded arms. His expression seemed unreadable

"Yeah. Just..just have to put on the timer." I clumsily added the washing powder then dropped the clothes inside the machine and switched it on. I was literally avoiding his gaze and stressing out with his naked presence around me

"What's with the bandage on your neck?" My heart stopped beating at the sudden question and my hand immediately touched the place he asked about

"Um.. nothing just.. something that bit me and the rash got worse.." I spoke without a guilt in my voice. How was it possible that I was lying instead of telling the truth.

"Something?..or you mean someone? Could you be more specific for a change?" His shrewd question split any kind of attachment I felt towards him as I stared back at his ruthless face.

"Don't act innocent like you dont know what I'm talking about.." My temper rose at his insensitive words .

"Yes! I don't know what you are talking about, Gaurav and please wear clothes before talking to me again." My words caught in my throat and suddenly I had the urge to flee from his sight but as soon as I tried his hand caught hold of mine.

"I'm not done talking with you yet.." His grip tightened over my hand making me wince in pain. Instinct told me to grab his wrist and push it away but before I could, he roughly pulled me towards him. "Gaurav! let me go!" I yelled trying my best to get away from his brutal grasp.

"I don't think I need to take permission from my own wife to hold her, do I Naina?" He questioned menacingly as he shook me up like a mini toy in his arms.

"Gaurav please. You are hurting me!" His merciless gaze continued to burn into me like an open flame

"Oh, so now my touch's hurtful..huh? What about that something's touch, was it satisfying for you?" Tears welled up in my eyes listening to his disgraceful words.

"Stop it, Gaurav! What are you talking about? Let go of me please!" I whined deliberately.

"I need to see this 'something' with my own eyes before I can let you go." His hand suddenly reached upto my neck and before I could stop him, he brutally peeled off the bandage.

That's when I lost my temper and pushed him hard, away from me. I stumbled backward with the sudden push but then steadied myself against the edge of the bed. The searing pain engulfed me as I immediately kept a hand over the bleeding wound.

"What is wrong with you..!" I screamed out as tears trickled down my face. I could feel them make their way down my face, tears made of sorrow, hatred, and anger.

"Wrong with me! What is wrong with you? I knew you were sleeping around behind my back and the proof's right there!" He pointed angrily towards my neck, howling at me like an wild animal. My other hand immediately flew over my mouth as my eyes widened in shock. I had never expected such a filthy accusation from my own husband who I trusted completely.

"Gaurav.. I.. how could.. What are you saying? That's not true!" My mind had no words to speak out but hurt and anguish that infiltrated my soul, crushing the respect I held for him.

"It's not? Then prove it to me, Naina. It's about time that I fulfilled your ardent need of having a family." I couldn't grasp his intention in all the misery, he had inflicted upon me. He abruptly walked upto me and grabbed hold of my hand pulling me along with him.

"Gaurav, please.." the muffled sound of my voice barely clear. He dragged me forcefully and threw me on the bed. "Gaurav stop! Just listen to me, please." I was pleading now in desperation but there seemed no humanity in his eyes. My heart couldn't believe that it was staring at the man I desired to spend the rest of my life with.

He got on top of me and roughly raised up my t-shirt revealing the intricacies of my body. Gaurav's touch was far worse from gentle as he filthily exploited me with his immature hands. His conceit wasn't just playing with my body but my soul ripping apart my belief of hope into shreds. His nails dug into my sensitive skin.

"Gaurav stop.. please!" I begged out in my cries as I turned my face, the other side.

"Come on Naina! Smile for me. This is what you always wanted, isn't it? You should be enjoying this.." I couldn't stand to look at him wanting the proof of my loyalty through my virginity. Is this how our love was supposed to be? Lacking intimacy and all about proof.

I tried to push his hands away but it only got him more violent as he hastily tried to undo my jeans. I had to stop him. This extreme savagery was more than I could take. My hands stretched upward as I wriggled my body beneath his, trying to grasp anything, anything that would give me the strength to stop him.

My hand felt something solid and before I could think twice, my helplessness made me knock him over with the thermos. He winced loudly pressing the area on his head where I had hit. I took the opportunity and pushed him off me. He stumbled down on the floor

"How dare you!. You..you vile woman!" He snarled aggressively while I still shivered from what I had done. The solid container fell from my hand. I got up immediately and rushed out of the room

"Come back here, Naina!" He shouted from behind but I didn't care as I desperately wanted to get away from his cruelty. This wasn't how I imagined him to be with me. I wanted love not torment from my own husband. My pace faltered as I hurriedly opened the front door.

I could hear myself gasping for air. I ran with my shattered heart out of the life I thought I knew..I loved. The rainshowers fell on me like heavy sheets of glass drenching me and my soul with severe pain. It seemed to me that the rain was falling through my heart and causing it to crumble into pieces. I cried hard and the rain consumed my tears making them its own. I had lost my way..my hope..my vision of happiness all at once.

I only wished now that this path, my conscious took, would somehow lead me to my parents. I'll find relief. I'll feel safe in their arms. I was out of breath, heavy rain and mist was all I could see.

I wanted to die. Give up this life that no longer desired to treat me right. I wanted to quit.

Suddenly bright light fell upon me. It was brighter than the sun, brighter than any light as it got closer with each passing second. Maybe it was time. Time for me to let go. Time for me to meet my parents at last. I closed my eyes and surrendered my soul.

Carlo's Pov

Life had turned transparent again except those feelings, I held too close to my heart for that one woman. I envied the man that found her before me. Envied his very hands that might have touched her before me but I'm helpless. Helpless to do anything except curse my own pitiful existence in her absence.

My mind was exhausted from the meeting with the marketing associates of the company and I desperately needed a drink to satisfy my thirst.

Suddenly then, the car came to a screeching halt. I turned my face from the window to look at James for the sudden upheaval

"What's the matter James?" James seemed occupied with the view before his eyes

"James..?" He then, turned to face me with a petrified look

"There..There's a woman. She just fell right infront of the car!" James stammered with fright.

"What Nonsense! Get out of the car and Check!" I frowned at him. I didn't have time for his ridiculous imagination. We were standing immobilized under such a heavy rainfall in the middle of the road. How could there be a woman? He quickly picked up the umbrella from the side seat and got out of the car.

My eyes remained fixed on him and suddenly he seemed completely taken aback as if the sight before him wasn't believable. He then, quickly ran upto my side of the window and frantically knocked at it. I had the least bit of interest in getting wet but his worried expression unsettled me too. I quickly pressed the button and my window lowered

"What is it?" He breathed heavily as if words were hard to utter. Raindrops were now harshly splattering against the window and into the car

"It's...It's Mrs Nanda!" He blurted out in a shivering tone. For a split second, it seemed like a sick joke but his dreadful eyes confirmed my fear. I immediately got out of the car and rushed towards the front.

Bright Lights of the car illuminated her figure lying lifeless on the road. My heart stopped and so did any of the thoughts inside my head. We all have our dilemmas at some point of time, this was mine, that ripped me apart. The one I cared about so much, loved more than death was before my eyes in such a horrible condition.

I immediately knelt down beside her and covered her wet body with my coat.

"Naina..!" I picked her up within my arms. Her body felt like it was protected by a shell of numbness, subduing her feelings of terror. Her breathing seemed awfully shallow and it scared me to death.

"Naina..." she slowly forced her eyes open just as she heard her name again, the world still seeming out of focus around her. Suddenly her weak hand clinged onto my shirt pulling me closer. I couldn't make out what she wished for until her lips murmured

"Save me..."

those two out of breath words escaped her lips before her eyes closed and her hand loosely dropped from my shirt. Her simple yet boundless words touched me. So deep, that it left me dead inside. Words weren't enough to describe the pain I felt at this moment for her.

But this wasn't the end. Not when I was there, not before my eyes. I quickly picked her weightless drenched body within my arms.

"Start the car.." I ordered James. He quickly opened the back door for me and I gently placed her inside the car. "Just Go!..there's no time!" James was holding the umbrella over me but his service was needed behind the steering wheel at the time. Hearing me shout, he quickly rushed towards the driver's seat. I then, got in the car from the other side.

She barely even moved as I placed her head above my lap. It was sickening to watch her so lifeless. What could have gone wrong? Why was she here all alone in the rain? My mind was stressed out with so many questions as I observed her in such an unconscious state.

My eyes then, fell upon the mark I gave and it was bleeding. It wasn't supposed to bleed but heal afterall, I had made sure of that then why? Suddenly everything made sense to me as my eyes grew wider. He couldn't have done this, not to his own wife

"Is she going to be alright?" James suddenly asked glancing back at me.

"Just.. Just drive alright!" His eyes then concentrated back on the road as he led the car towards the mansion. I looked back at her and noticed that her jeans button were undone. My hands slowly hooked it back but then my mind thought of the worst, something that I couldnt even think of.

My hand slowly lifted her wet tshirt and the sight of her bruised skin sickened me to the very center of my being. I quickly averted my eyes and pulled her t-shirt down. I couldn't stand to look at it. It felt like my own soul had been clawed at. My eyes stinged as I tried to hold back the tears that rose from within my aching heart. He couldn't have done this, he couldn't have. My heart didn't wish to believe what my eyes saw but nevertheless it was all there before me

"Mr Laviosa we are here!" James spoke briskly. He then, quickly got out of the car with the umbrella and opened the door for me. I picked her up again and led her inside the mansion. Antonio came up from his room but as soon as he saw me his expression turned stiff

"What is going on Master Carlo? Why is..?" His eyes fell upon the limp body in my hands

"Mio Dio! Why in the world do you have Mrs Nanda? Why is she wet? Why are you wet? What is happening?" Antonio stared at me but I had no time to explain him what had happened on the way. He then glared back at James who lowered his eyes in fear of the blame

"Antonio.. Listen to me. I need you to call doc. Vanderbeke at once and also, send romilda to my room with fresh new clothes and first aid" I then headed towards the stairs

"Bu-But Master Carlo it's raining heavily, he wont be able to make it in such a terrible weather" I turned from the stairs to look down at him

"I dont care! Just call him! He has to make it! If he can't then send James over. Do it now!" I glowered at him. I never knew my voice had this much power. Antonio silently nodded lowering his eyes. I quietly then made my way upstairs to my room.

I placed her delicate body on the bed and still it didn't seem like she could feel me. I sat beside her placing her hand in mine. She had done the same hadn't she? When I had ended up at her place out of nowhere. She was there with me and now, I wanted to do the same.

I desperately wished that she would open her eyes and look at me with the same lovely glow in them. The smile I had first seen when we had met, simple and yet I was taken, bewitched by her beauty. I wanted that light back. I wanted to witness that annoyed expression on her face, hearing my sleazy remarks. Short smile slipped past my lips in its remembrance

"Signore, you called?" Suddenly a female voice spoke up from behind, alerting my mind.

"uh.. Si si...vieni dentro Romilda" I quickly got up and stepped away from the bed, wiping away the sudden moisture in my eyes.

"Who would this be Signore?" She asked as she placed the dry clothes on the edge of the bed then sat beside Naina with the first aid.

"Uh.. She...She is.." I scratched my forehead to find the appropriate word to define our relationship

"Someone that's respected and cherished at the very same time by Master Carlo." Antonio walked in with a towel in his hand and his words brought a smile on my face.

"You should change as well Master Carlo or you'll catch cold.." He smiled as he handed me the towel

"What about the doctor? Did you call?" I wanted her to be under the vigilance of an expert practictioner as soon as possible

"Yes Master Carlo. I have sent a word through James. He'll be here in few minutes. Please change your clothes now while Romilda takes care of her.." I stole a quick glance at Naina then reluctantly walked away into the bathroom. Antonio turned away as soon as Romilda started replacing Naina's wet clothes with the dry ones

"Signore! There are some ungraceful marks over her skin. What happened to her?" Romilda worriedly asked Antonio. For a second Antonio was shocked himself with the revelation but then his face turned severe

"Something that shouldn't ever happen to any woman. It would be kind, Romilda, if you would question less and finish off rest of your duty" Antonio's firm words silenced her inquisition for a moment until she spoke again

"It's done Signore. I hope she gets well soon. May I leave now?" Antonio turned back around and carefully observed the long sleeved white shirt and loose trousers on Naina.

"Indeed you may. Thank you Romilda and please, if you see James with a fine gentleman downstairs then send him this way.." She nodded politely and went out of the room with Naina's wet clothes and first aid.

Few minutes later doctor Vanderbeke renowned physician and also one of my personal therapist was here to check up on Naina. I watched with folded arms as he critically observed her pulse and then her breathing rythm. His face seemed strictly occupied which somehow cringed my insides for being unaware of what I was about to discover. He then looked my way and smiled

"There's nothing to worry about Mr Laviosa not atleast about anything major.." My gaze turned sharp

"What does that mean? What is it?" He glanced at Naina with a sigh then back at me

"Lack of sleep and stress due to which she has a high fever. The stillness will prevail until her temperature goes down." I was infuriated knowing the reason behind all of her suffering and my hands clenched in disgust

"I will inject her with an antibiotic and hopefully she'll wake up after a complete mental rest by tomorrow morning.." I didn't have any other choice but to trust his judgment as I watched him inject the serum into her blood vein. I couldn't bare the thought of her enduring so much pain. I turned away as I had already seen enough and intensely wished he was never a part of her life

"Well, this sedative would counter her fever but if it persists then do reach me and I'll try to come over as soon as possible.." He smiled sincerely

"Thank you Doc. Vanderbeke for coming at such a short notice. Please let me escort you to the car.." Antonio spoke up politely as he showed him the way while I stayed behind in the room.

My mind was on fire, my limbs were restless. It had been a long time since I had felt this physical displeasure towards someone. That unceasing streak of revenge began to boil in me. I thought I had given up that feeling long back when my ultimate source of life had abandoned me but now again, it feels like it's still there within me. The more, I watched her lifeless body before me, the more it burned my insides into ashes.

I glanced back at her and that's when my mind thought being reasonable wouldn't change anything. Modesty gets you nowhere but supremacy changes things. Things that one wishes for. I quickly picked up my jacket and stepped downstairs, heading straight for my car. I knew James was already out to drop Mr Vanderbeke home so he wouldn't be able to drive me.

"Master Carlo, Where do you think you are headed to?" Antonio's voice came from behind and interrupted my movement

"Not now..Antonio" I didn't want him to get into the wrong side of my unsound mind

"Well if I dont now, it would be too late then, Master Carlo.." I turned to face him. He smiled warmly looking at my skeptical demeanor

"Please, Master Carlo, answer this simple question of mine and I would speak nomore. With what right would you accuse him of this immoral action?"

It was true. I had no say. I was a nobody to her. But that didn't change the fact that I was equally hurt from inside

"With the right of love, Antonio, I would snatch away everything from him! everything that I thought he rightfully deserved. I'll make him pay for each scar that he gave her! each tear that she wept silently! He'll beg for mercy but I'll have none to give!" My jaw clenched in anger as my voice got louder

"Master Carlo..I know how you feel..Please calm down!" Antonio spoke softly trying to convince me but it wasn't enough, enough to calm what was tearing my insides

"You dont! Antonio..In my arms she felt so cold almost as if I had lost her. It suffocates me to see her in this state!" The tears that I had held for too long welled in my eyes as I backed up against the wall.

"I have lost before Antonio, you know it too, but this pain's incomparable. I just..I dont know what to feel anymore. I can't pretend. Can't pretend that I don't love her anymore. I can't.." My heart didn't have the strength to hold the sadness within as it made my body slide down to the floor.

I was spilling out tears for the woman that wasn't even concerned of my feelings but I was helpless. Helpless by my own heart. Antonio suddenly crouched down beside me

"It seems like your fate's given you a second chance, Master Carlo, by bringing her to you. Still nothing's ruined." I turned towards him in disbelief. My fate brought her to me?

"Mend her heart, mend it with yours. Mend what's been broken. Prove yourself worthy of her love." My mind carefully noted his each word wandering whether I could do something like that or was it even possible by someone as deeply broken as me

"Maybe then, Master Carlo, the power of your love would render her the courage to fight back and live life as you want her to." He smiled at me with confidence as he handed me a handkerchief from his vest's pocket

"Only You can put forth the choice of happiness before her. Tell me, Would you be the second chance at life.. for her?"

The question was as simple as her beautiful smile and it didn't take me long to voice out the answer from my heart

"I would be anything, anything for her.."