Aarzoo:A Tale Of Twisted Desires

Chapter 7: Mine

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"Humari shaadi hui hi nahi thi kabhi.. aur aap kon hain? Kya hum aapko jante hein? "

(I was never married only..and who are you? Do i know you?)

"Kya? Tu uh mujhe na..hin janti "

(What? You uh you)

Hrida casually shook her head in a negative response. Rutvi felt a jolt of pain engulfing her senses, her friend was not recognizing her. She froze in shock for sometime but then composed herself again looking at her friend who was engrossed with deep concentration in the thick textbook of microbiology. She tried to resonate the situation of her friend, she kept wrecking her brain about it until she finally succeeded in understanding the plausible cause. She realized that it must be her husband's will, Hrida was always terrified of that man and he must have asked her to maintain a distance keeping in mind the chaos she had created last time.

Rutvi felt slightly anguished at the man, she could not pinpoint the exact reason but she felt something menacingly off about him. She looked at her again which a concoction of overwhelming feelings. Hrida who was looking deeply delved in the book had stolen a few glances at the strange girl in front of her. Her mind seemed to recognize the stranger to be someone familiar but she was in a juxtaposition of different assumptions.

Rutvi decided to provide her with some more time and prepare herself to help her friend in every possible way. She didn't interfere in her study anymore rather focusing on her own books for sometime. Soon Hrida's alarm rang and she dismissed it clicking the sound buttons of the mobile phone. Both the girls started packing as usual, Hrida felt like she has seen this occurring before but shrugged it off. Soon they went to the classroom and sat at their respective seats, Hrida stared at her got a few good seconds. As per her memory, no one used to sit beside her but she felt compelled to not stop Rutvi.

After the lectures, Rutvi kept following her to the food court. Hrida was feeling exasperated as she noticed the girl trailing behind her during lunch time too but didn't want to speak something which might hurt her sentiments. Rutvi was determined to make her friend speak with her, she had been keep an eye on her the entire time and it seemed she was totally normal. There was not a single wrinkle of discomfort or fear on her face except a wave of confusion at Rutvi's acts. Rutvi sat beside her who looked at her rather awkwardly, a slight hesitancy clear on her face whether to ask Rutvi about her confusing behavior or not.

Rutvi initiated the conversation herself, she asked Hrida her where about. Hrida was quite amiable and nice towards her but the formalities of being respectful were strange for her friend who was more used to the colloquial exchange of words. Rutvi kept asking about her husband and told her that they were close which were both foreign to her friend's mind. After the classes ended Rutvi felt exasperated and compelled to face her friend directly about this hide and seek behavior. She asked Hrida with her heavy heart and low voice,

"Umm do you really not remember me from before Hrida? "

Hrida felt a painful clench in her heart as she heard the vulnerable voice. There was a certain helplessness and sorrow which twisted her mind. She could not let a word escape her mouth as her throat felt clogged with an invisible weight of unspoken words. Her own eyes started leaking out the saline warm tears as if she felt the same pain like the girl in front of her. Rutvi stole a glance of her friend and noticed the shining tears in her eyes and a certain hope washed over her. She looked at Hrida as a gleeful giggle left her throat and spoke,

"It's okay darling...we just met once and you didn't even notice me properly that time right? "

"Hun? Aisa hain kya? Per hume na sab yaad hota hai hum sacchi "

(Hun? Is it? But I remember everything all the time really..)

She looked at Hrida who was speaking with utmost sincerity, she felt befuddled. More than fear, there was pain in her gleaming eyes. She was breathing heavily which concerned Rutvi and she consoled her composing herself. She cackled out a few jokes and made Hrida smile finally after sometime. They both departed but Rutvi soon followed Hrida. Hrida was standing on the bus stop while Rutvi was a a little distance. Due to the crowd of students filling up the bus, Hrida entered first and took a seat while Rutvi got further to the back in the hassle. Rutvi kept and eye from the back on her friend.

Hrida was looking lost in her thoughts, she was still drowned in the event of incidents which happened today. Rutvi kept checking on her friend from time to time to understand where to get down. She called at her home informing the classes will end at five pm and she'll go home via bus route so she will be late. Once the driver called for the stop of China park coming Hrida started to get ready to get down. Rutvi followed her, thanks to her stars the bus route was more busy during four pm. She got down with others and followed her again. Hrida was walking till her home, it took them around fifteen to eighteen minutes to reach and Rutvi had almost drained all her energy following her friend who walked so quick. It made her wonder, how could she walk so fast with such small legs.

Rutvi followed Hrida inside the huge garden but she found her walking away from the entrance of the huge palace. She was allowed inside by guards as they had seen Yvis bringing the same girl in last time so they didn't dare to stop her. Rutvi walked till she saw a cottage at the corner end of the garden. Hrida got inside and Rutvi waited for sometime contemplating the idea of going inside. Rutvi rang the bell and an elderly woman got out staring at her quirking her brows. She was looking simple wearing a beige saree . Rutvi glanced at her for a moment until the old lady questioned her,

"Aap kon hain beta? "

(Who are you dear?)

Rutvi was feeling nervous, she spoke hesitantly,

"Ji woh hum Rutvi Kashyap, Hrida ke dost hain "

(Uh I'm Rutvi Kashyap, Hrida's friend)

The woman seemed to recognize her instantly, her eyes gleamed as she politely asked the girl to get inside. She introduced herself as Hrida's mother and told her that Hrida talks a lot about her and asked her to sit down on the sofa of the living room till she calls her friend but Rutvi insisted on joining her. She looked around the house, it was a cozy and clean home more familiar to her than the huge palace like mansion. Soon the aunty opened the door of Hrida's room where she was lying in the bed scrolling through her phone. She noticed her mother who was inside as Rutvi was beside her watching from behind the door.

Hrida called her inside but Rutvi only watched them as she wanted to wait giving them sometime. Before Hrida's mother could speak she herself started talking,

"Aunty aap jante hain aaj ek larki mili mujhe, woh boli hum dono dost hain..uska naam Rutvi hai "

(Aunt you know today I met a girl, she told me we are friends.. her name is Rutvi)

The woman just nodded and heard her talking showing her full interest as if she too didn't know her. Rutvi was perplexed watching the scene unfolding in front of her. Her mind was filled with a chaos of another set of questions. Hrida was facing her back to the door, talking about all the things with great enthusiasm lacing her voice. Rutvi signaled her mother to not say anything and that she was leaving. She got outside and was taking her backpack when she heard footsteps coming towards her.

She quickly got outside and hid behind the other side of the cottage ensuring her safe hiding. Hrida looked to be in a rush for something. She noticed her now walking towards the mansion and followed her there too. She found Hrida wearing gloves and having a mop in her hands moping her floor of the huge room diligently with full concentration. She didn't saw this room last time. It was looking like the master bedroom but she paid less attention to the surroundings. Her eyes were gawking at Hrida. She was getting too many shocks in just one day and it felt like she will fall anytime. She walked slowly near Hrida about to talk to her when she saw Yvis entering there. He looked at her friend in confusion and asked her very gently,

"What are you doing Doll? "

His voice was dulcet, words slipping out like melted chocolate from his tongue. Rutvi didn't quite understand the reason but she hid herself more precautious to hide her presence. He took the mop from Hrida's hand and she spoke respectfully,

"I need to clean the house or sir will clean my life from the earth Yasi "

He hummed and thought how to help her out when a man came there. Rutvi couldn't quite grasp from where he came, her sole attention was directed to the exchange of Yvis and Hrida. The stranger's face was not properly visible to her, his enormous back facing her side. He had raven black hairs were shining like pure silk. He had a formidable aura which felt radiated straight to Rutvi making her feel an uncertain apprehension. Soon she heard a husky voice speaking distinctly,

"Piccolo, you are my sister and you are here to complete your degree completed..go and study you don't need to work.."

(Little one)

His voice was riveting but it made Rutvi feel the subtle arcane laced in it. His words were not matching his tone but it only coursed curiosity in her every fiber, one which was foreboding yet immersing. Hrida seemed to agree with the man and took her leave handing the mop to the person speaking with determination,

"Okay Bhaiya, I will study hard..bye bye"

(Brother)

Hrida quickly left, another passion taking over her senses. She was inspired by his words and wanted to make him proud for giving her such a good opportunity. Yvis took a short exist not before prying his eyes in the room making Rutvi's breath stuck in sheer anxiety. It was now only the stranger, whom she assumed to be Hrida's brother standing still in his position. He looked to be in a spell, his body didn't move and inch as she stood like a statue. She was oblivious to the fact that he was watching her intensely. In her rush for a little hiding she overlooked the huge mirror in the room which was reflecting her visibly clear.

The moment he entered he was already known to her mischievous presence in the room. It was the mere reason for his arrival, just to steal a glance of her and share the same presence of the place she was in currently. His eyes were intensely prying over her every single gesture. His eyes seemed to have forgotten the movement of blinking as if he were possessed by her presence itself. She was enchanting him into the sinful depths of passionate desires. His voice was restrained by the thought of being so close to her yet missing the chance to face her. He let her play her little game, not giving her any hints of his knowledge.

The moment everyone left, he knew she was waiting for his departure but his body denied to move. His soul was entrapped by her which stilled his body. He compelled himself to finally leave watching her expressions turn into annoyance at his stubborn presence. He moved out not wishing to involve himself into the series of actions he would commit if he stayed. She unraveled a raw and ferocious beast which he had stealthily masked and buried deep in his soul. Rutvi on seeing the final departure of the last person present in the room got up from her place ready to leave for her home. Everything she came across today has jumbled the whole context and confused her mind too much.

Rutvi got out of the huge room quickly, not wishing any eye catch her. She took fast steps moving cautiously across the same corridor, her senses ready to detect any person's arrival. She kept moving until she heard a slight noise of a door opening and two strong arms pulling her roughly in their embrace, inside the same room she had found herself last time. She was terrified, it was faster than a blink. But before a terrified scream could escape her mouth was already bound by the huge palms engulfing them in a harsh grip. Her screams were muffled but her struggling stopped as she saw him.

Yvis was holding her tightly, binding her between the door and his body. She felt a sudden warmth engulfing her body making her feel the heat. His cold eyes gazed at her with a twitch of fury. She felt scared, her breaths irregular at the close proximity. He left her as she heaved a deep breath when she heard him,

"Why are you here? "

She looked at him in nervousness, his low and dangerous tone sent ripples of fear in her body. He knew why she was there, he was not really oblivious to her hidden and uninvited presence in the room earlier. The only reason for his silent ignorance was Hrida. He looked at her scared eyes, her heavy breaths and quivering lips. She started speaking,

"I wanted to know why Hrida forgot me.."

"No need..mmh get lost before I kill you"

He said as he turned around making her dumb for a moment as she let his words sink in her mind. He had a certain ominous and forbidding nature which was mysteriously attractive. She didn't spoke for a moment but then gathered all her courage and asked him,

"At least tell me why she forgets? "

"mmh..It was an accident which led her to this condition, leave "

He spoke grimly sufficing her curiosity in bits as she left without wasting another second. She soon went out of the mansion and left for her home. The day went by and soon it was night, Hrida went to the mansion again to meet him. She was sitting on his lap as he fed her food while telling him every single detail of her day. She also informed him about her interactions with Rutvi which satisfied him. She was becoming the old Hrida, his wife who was always so obedient and gullible. Travis caressed her lovingly as he fed her. He was feeling much better now she can befriend any one she wishes too all he wants was to be her priority.

Time went further as three more months flew away like water. Rutvi had reconnected her friendship. She started her friendship again and soon it deepened but after a week or so Hrida started behaving like before as if all the memories flooded back into her mind. Rutvi was confused initially but she didn't dig into the matter realising she knew the reason already. It was today, both the friends had decided to have a night out together at Hrida's house. Rutvi had got the permission after a lot of begging and crying too her mother. She was shining in happiness. The plan was all set, Rutvi arrived at Hrida's place in the evening. Both the friends watched netflix, gossiping and diving into the lanes of memories unknown to each other.

They cooked the dinner together baking a chocolate cake too. They had dinner with each other and in the night strolled around the terrace. It was quite beautiful, the terrace was huge. It had a lawn tennis court in on side, there were proper sitting arrangements and the view was fantastic. The moon was shining brightly and the stars gleamed happily as they laughed and spoke, it all felt like a dream. At the end, around midnight they finally retired to the bed to sleep. In the whole time Rutvi didn't saw Travis or Hrida's brothers. It looked like they had disappeared in some corner of the mansion maybe because they were not interested in meeting her, not like she was when she already had her best friend to accompany her. Even though he eyes did search for a certain person a few times.

Once they settled on sleeping, Hrida waited until Rutvi had no movement. Assuming Rutvi getting to sleep she left cautiously not wanting to wake her friend. She tiptoed out to Travis's room, he had asked her to meet him at night when her friend sleep. He can't sleep without having her with him and agreed to wait for her. Travis knew she was getting too attached to the girl but he knew when to stop her. It was after an hour, Rutvi moved as she felt a need to have some water to quench her thirst. She got up but didn't find Hrida which confused her. She went out to find water when she came across his room. The for was slightly opened ajar, she peeked inside sneakily as she saw Hrida holding him as if trying to soothe him.

Yvis was shaking and crying holding her in his embrace. All she heard was him continuously asking, "Why" But this time his voice was not holding any coldness, it was vulnerable. Hrida caressed him as she spoke,

"Tumhe usko bhulna hoga, saat saal ho gaye hain Yasi woh nahi rahi ab iss duniya mein "

(You need to forget her, its been seven years Yasi she's not in this world any more)

Rutvi felt her mouth dropping in surprise at the sudden revelation. Yvis was crying so bitterly, holding Hrida even she had tears. Rutvi felt bewildered by the fact that this man could love someone so deeply. Her mind swirled her in questions, was it really possible to love someone so deeply? Even when they cease to exist? Was this the real devotion of love which lasts till eternity? She kept looking at the scene unfolding infront of her as if her body had been frozen in the place. She had long forgotten her thirst, her gaze fixated in the person infront of her who was totally different from the one she had known him to be. His vulnerability, his helplessness rose a deep urge to hold him in her arms and cradle him till he's out of the darkness of the pain and sorrows.

She kept looking at them, Hrida was holding him so intimately. They must be siblings. Rutvi again heard Hrida,

"Yasi you need to move on from her please baccha.."

(Baby)

Hrida's words were laced with mirth too as Rutvi looked at them. Her throat felt clogged, she felt angry at the God above them. She never understood why love was such a cursed emotion. If God gave him his love he should not have taken it away when he must have been habitual to it. Love is such an addiction, the misery after the happy moments are inevitable. She wished she could just bring whoever the person was, for him he longed so badly. So lucky she must be. Rutvi admitted. To be loved so deeply by a person that he ruins himself in her love. Rutvi stood silently watching them until she heard footsteps from the other direction. She didn't want to look like a creep again in front of him. Hence she left towards the kitchen.

It was quite dark the dim lights didn't help too much but Rutvi ended the kitchen and took a bottle of water from the refrigerator. She gulped the water she she thought of Yvis. Her mind was filled with the thoughts of him, his love. She imagined for a moment how precious it would be to feel his love. She took the bottle and started walking drowned in her thoughts when she saw two eyes shining like fire in the dim light.

A man was standing in front of her, his amber eyes glowing ablaze as he watched her. She felt suddenly intimidated but tried to walk ignoring it until she was pressed on the nearest wall by the man fiercely. He was holding her throat in a firm yet gentle grip. She was terrified at the moment, she tried to speak but couldn't form words due to the spine chilling fear. The eyes were haunting her, her mind stopped working. The face of the man moved towards her own. The distance was so less that ah he could feel his rugged breath on her neck. His lips moved closer to her ear. Suddenly she heard a familiar husky voice,

"Mine "