Chapter One – I Was Right, Wasn’t I?
“You look too decent to be here!”
Those words whispered into his ears cut through the pounding bass and drunken chatter of the club, narrowing Shashank’s world to the woman leaning into him. The scent of Jasmine and something darker–whiskey maybe–brushed against his senses as her lips hovered near his ears.
He turned his head slightly, meeting the glint of mischief behind the butterfly mask that concealed most of her face. His gaze stared at the black gown that clung to her curves, shimmering under the neon lights.
A single, delicate finger traced the sharp line of his jaw. Her touch was featherlight but deliberate. With the ease of someone who knew what she was doing, she tilted her head and pressed her cheek to his, her breath warm against his cheek. “Come with me, will you?”
“I have a wife,” Shashank said, his voice carrying neither hesitation nor any inner conflict. He sat unfazed.
“So what?” She didn’t even blink. Her voice just grew more seductive, each syllable curling around him like an invitation wrapped in velvet. She leaned back just enough to meet his gaze. Her eyes darkened with amusement. “Not like I need your last name.” One of her legs slid over his as she settled herself onto his lap. She draped her hands around his shoulders as her lips curved into a smile. “Let her have it,” she murmured, her lips inches apart from his, “I only need a night.”
Shashank’s lips twitched but his expression stayed unreadable. His hand moved, his fingers grazing her cheek before tucking her hair strands behind her ear.
“Didn’t you just say I look too decent to be here?” Shashank countered as his eyes held hers, “what makes you think that I’ll betray her?” He didn’t pull away, didn’t push her aside, and yet despite their proximity, there was a distance between them. A line that hadn’t been crossed.
Not yet.
He watched a devilish smirk cross her face before she grabbed his hand and put it on her waist, pressing herself closer.
“What are you here for,” she murmured, trailing a finger down his chest, “if not for this?”
Shashank stared at her for a long moment before his hand slid from her waist to her leg. Her smile instantly faltered. “I am here because my wife is careless,” he muttered, looking back at her.
“Huh?” Confusion crept in as she felt his fingers skim the fabric of her gown.
He began to lift the hem of her gown with deliberate care, making her breath hitch. Her expression went from intrigue to uncertainty within seconds.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a band-aid, and bent forward, revealing a small but noticeable scar along her calf.
“I am here for this,” he murmured, peeling the band-aid open before gently placing it over her wound. His fingers were careful, precise as if handling something precious.
“I knew she’d forget.” His lips curved. “I was right, wasn’t I?”
“Hmm? Mrs. Kanitkar?”
She froze in his arms. Her teasing demeanor shattered in an instant. The seductive smile disappeared. Instead, her widened eyes stared back at him, her lips parting in shock.
“Khadoos-” Her voice caught in her throat.
Shashank leaned back while securely holding her in her place, knowing his clumsy wife might just slip down knowing that her charade had ended even before it could begin.
“Ghari chalaycha? Ki thambaycha aahe ajun?”
Apurva sighed, her hand reaching for the ties of her mask but before she could undo them, his hand caught hers. “Don’t.” His voice was firm.
Her brows knit together in confusion before she followed his gaze–straight to the man in the black hoodie, half-shrouded in shadows, his face obscured by the dim lighting of the club.
“Tu aadhi ja. Mi yete.” Her voice was barely audible but she knew he heard her.
“You’re kidding me, aren’t you?” He leaned back against the couch, deceptively relaxed as he masked the irritation beneath a veil of practiced indifference. Apurva was being ridiculous–but then again, when wasn’t she?
Apurva pressed her hand to her stomach, clenching a fist before slipping beside him. Her arms looped around his neck, her fingers sliding into his hair as she leaned in once more, her lips brushing against his ears for yet another time. “Khadoos, please! We can’t leave together.” There was a certain urgency in her tone. “I still have stuff to take care of. Tu aadhi ja. Mi yete!”
His silent gaze staring at her had the weight of suspicion pressing down on her. “Mi baaher waat baghtoy!”
“I promise I’ll be back within an hour,” she said, sliding her palm to his chest.
His expressions saw no change. She could feel his heartbeat steady, beneath her palm, unwavering just like his presence. He wasn’t buying it.
“Mi baaher waat baghtoy,” he repeated, firmer this time.
Dammit!
The Forgotten Cry is a short story, set in the original universe of TR.
Superb update
I think this must be connected to d Wada episode. But wonder how Shashank came into d picture ? Intriguing 😊