Chapter 15 – Anamnesis
Soft yet deadly tremors vibrated through concrete like muscles and strong bones.
A trembling hand reached for the entrance door, however, hesitation paralysed it in its place.
'Mummy, can you not go away again?'
Jerking, the hand tried once more in vain to push past the door and escape the poison that was corroding Aashi's very being, yet the memory rung once more in her mind.
'I won't go away'
Begrudgingly, the hand pulled away and Aashi's hard stock form stood tall in the hallway, still shaking as if she were struck by lightning. The sweat upon her brow began to cascade down and trailed her jaw.
Aashi took a staggering breath in a poor attempt to school her emotions. To her plight, it did not ease the agony. If anything, she felt as though her efforts were having an adverse effect. Her teeth were clenched to the point where the pressure was making them groan. Her fingernails dug into her hands, making the crimson liquid flow freely between her fingers, tainting the floor with the vile substance as she clinched her hands into fists. Her deeply furrowed brow and pursued lips made her look several decades older.
Aashi inhaled deeply more forcefully to fill her body with much needed oxygen. But it was difficult for she was painfully hunched in her position, her shoulders nearly reaching her ears and her head bowed with her chin almost touching her chest.
Every part of Aashi's being was under an assault: her mind felt as if it were disintegrating as each second passed, collapsing upon itself, her eyes stung with the godforsaken tears blinding her, her nose became clogged and overheated thus choking her, the rushing blood in her ears blocked off any other sounds from reaching her consciousness and her tongue felt as if it were too large for her mouth which rendered her mute. Blind, deaf, mute.
As if that weren't enough, her muscles were too tightly coiled together to even move under her command and no matter how she attempted to calm herself her body spammed out of control, hence she could only wait for this fit to pass over before she could take any further action.
As her thoughts wandered from her current predicament, a disconsolate thought passed over her: she would never set her eyes on Asilia's magnificent body. She would not be able to look into those twinkling soft brown eyes. She would not be able to admire her cute Nubian nose or savour those big lips of hers. She would never receive one of brightest smiles ever again, or hear her boisterous laughter, or converse with her about how they would spend the rest of their lives together.
Then it finally settled inside of Aashi - she had lost her anchor in life.
Aashi's eyes clouded over with a familiar darkness and her lips trembled as she struggled to quell a soul-shattering scream. As she regained her composure over the hour, Aashi heard a rather disturbing sound but she could not place what it was or where it was being emitted from.
Slowly but surely, Aashi's hunched form began to uncoil from itself, her head was held high and her shoulders returned to their relaxed position underneath her ears. However, her demeanour may have seemed to have cooled down but in actuality the tempest within her mind still caused havoc.
Realisation dawned upon her when Aashi realised her chest was heaving frantically. She had been hyperventilating for however long she had remained rooted in her spot. It was a disgusting sound, once which she would not stand for, especially as her mind rebelled against the idea of revealing any weakness to anyone.
As she took her last haunted breath, another sound caught her attention, a squeak like a door being jarred open. There was only one door that squeaked and that was her own door. She felt her shoulders turn rock hard as the pressure began to mount again.
"Aashi" the raspy voice called out. Arthur. "What- what are you doin'?"
Aashi's head twitched softly in his direction but her back still remained towards him.
"Aashi" his voice sounded rather alarmed by this stage.
"Arthur" Aashi was thankful that her voice was firm, not at all fragile or thick with emotion as she had expected, "Leave me be." Although, she had to admit herself that her tone was rather cold and unforgiving.
Arthur stared at Aashi with concern, but he was a smart man, and realised that Aashi was in need of her space, so he backed away and went to Lucy's room.
Aashi would have appreciated his thoughtfulness, yet she could not because the toxic mix of her wrath and grief were poisoning her, choking her until the only thing she could concentrate on was relief by immersing herself in her fond recollections of Asilia.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Aashi stalked away from her position and locked the door to her sanctuary, imprisoning herself in it.
;-;-;-;-;-;
Being holed up in her room left her nothing to do but to wallow in crushing grief. She could hear the nervous patter of feet just beyond her door, however, her pain was so great that it barely registered in her mind that the world was still turning even though her own world was being plundered and brought to ruin before her very eyes.
The one sense that didn't fail her completely, yet, had been her sharp eyes. But, it hurt to breathe let alone sifting through old memories.
Aashi's vacant eyes fell upon the pictures in her photo album. Her eyes caught the first one at the top. It was of Aashi and Asilia. Her darling Asilia.
Aashi was facing someone off the side of the camera and Asilia was beside her about several inches away facing the camera.
It was the night when Asilia had first found herself wandering into Aashi's life.
Toamasina, Madagascar, Late April 1995
The Santabary festival was perhaps one of the most joyous festival that Aashi had the pleasure of going to for the first time in what seemed to be a life time. It also was a good way to ease herself before the match started.
Aashi's amused eyes swept the landscape and dazzled at the variety of food available, the many dances that hordes of men and women partook in which was further made more beautiful by the rainbow of colours of their traditional clothes that they sported. The traditional music in the background added to the warm and excited atmosphere as if the hum of ecstatic chatter had not been enough. Clearly, the people were enjoying themselves as the festival went well into the night, and the lack of sun did not kill the joy.
Aashi glanced over her shoulder when she felt an impatient tap poke into her shoulderblade. She was met by Chuck Morrison's impatient tomato face, "Where's lover boy go off ta? We have less than two hours"
Her partner, Patrick Morgan, had most probably run off with another woman, knowing him.
Aashi chuckled when she did indeed catch him in such a predicament, and nodded towards him, "I believe, he's trying to woo that poor woman".
Chuck bristled at the sight of Partick leaning over a young flustered woman. Vexation crept over his features and his chest puffed like a love bird's before he began forming his mental assault on the man. It humoured Aashi greatly.
"Tha' little runt-" Chuck started, however he was held back.
Chuck whipped around to give a good shove to Harry Turner but Harry wasn't having it, "Ah, let the lad take comfart in the canny henny!"
Thankfully, years of friendship allowed the friends to understand Harry Turner, but any stranger would have given him a look over like he was an imbecile.
Chuck sputtered for a moment but Harry beat him to it, "Look, murray. Let's let the lad 'ave some fun and we can go and get mortal, ey?"
Chuck grumbled after consuming what his friend offered to him, "Fine, let's get goin'! Leave that bitch ta get home himself. Skipin' the match like it's nothin'!"
Harry slapped his shoulder repeatedly, "Tha's it! Ai, lass. Let's go, I'm clammin' like!"
Aashi shook her head, her eyes still on Patrick, knowing what was about to happen.
"No, I think I'll stay…"
Aashi watched as Patrick's arrogance outdid his charm and the woman delivered a sharp slap to his clean cheek.
"…and get that idiot once she chucks him on the curb." Aashi smiled before turning to face Harry, "I'll see you two back at the pub."
Harry nodded, "Aright! Don't be lang!" Harry then began to tug Chuck alongside with him.
Aashi chuckled again when she saw the way Chuck adjusted his leather jacket. She had warned the biker that his jacket would not have been suitable for the Madagascan heat but his pride got in the way and now he was suffering the consequences.
Aashi turned back to Patrick and found him walking back to her whilst rubbing his cheek, "You would think being military would have them hooked but, no!" in his anger his Irish accent became more noticeable but it was still faint.
Aashi chuckled at his agitation, "Military counts for shit, mate! Woman don't care about that."
Small green eyes flicked over Aashi's face, "Oh, yeah! Then why did you sink your teeth in the bait?"
Aashi punched his arm. "What? You think I decided to shag you because you were military?! Get your head on straight!"
"Girls dig it, Aashi. Maybe not you, but you're not a normal woman, are you?"
Aashi smiled knowingly, "No, and I would never want to be either!"
Patrick ran a hand through his short curly black hair before he realised that the other two were gone, "Where'd those two wankers go off to?"
Aashi stared at him as one would when they were about to scold a child for its wrong doing. Her eyes scanned his face from his small green eyes, to his roman nose, to his small pink lips. "They decided to get back to the pub since they didn't want to wait for to finish with your shenanigans." She looked at him pointedly, "Chuck's not happy with you. You know how he feels about this match."
"That bloody yank is never happy. Besides, you're the one going in the ring, not him! What's he worrying about!"
Patrick looked over Aashi's shoulder to gawk at another group of women.
Aashi's voice broke him out of his gaze, "Maybe he doesn't want you catching anything and then spreading it to me. You know Chuck is the oldest and he thinks it's his responsibility to look out for the youngest" she pointed to herself.
"Actually, Harry is-"
"Yes, but Harry is only old in body, he still has the spirit of a rebellious teen! You know how those northerners are…"
It was Patrick's turn to look at Aashi meaningfully, his strong body leaning over her, "I wouldn't do that to you, Aashi!"
Aashi smirked and leaned in to him, her finger trailed his jaw, "I know, love." Aashi simply marvelled in the power she held over this man. One word and he would be on his knees. "But, I think for now we should be preparing for the real action of the night, hm?"
Patrick beamed at her, relieved, "Yeah, let's go."
They began to make their way to the pub where they had found lodgings in for the night, but just as they were about to turn a corner that lead them to the road on which their pub was situated upon a group of dancers blocked their path.
They tried to pass them, however, they found that they were trapped in the middle of the dancers who were circulating them and tried to encourage them to join. Patrick, the more care-free one, just shrugged at Aashi and eventually gave in. Aashi took some time convincing but humoured the dancers briefly.
As they began to circle faster, Patrick began to pull faces at Aashi to try and brighten her mood. She rarely did let go so freely. Faster and faster the dancers went until they found themselves even more victims. Just as Aashi and Patrick had done, a group of women tried to pass them, yet were also caught in the middle of the dancers.
The group of woman fit right in as they too adorned the beautiful clothes that many of the locals were wearing apart from one woman who stuck out like a sore thumb in her western clothing (which was not unusual per say but it was in this case considering the festival). Not to mention she also looked to be in a lot of distress. Patrick was the first to move and tried to escort the woman towards the street and away from the dancers. The more Aashi studied the woman, the more she realised that the woman was attempting to blend in the group and was by herself.
Aashi followed suit and quickly stepped in when the woman's face contorted to one of disgust. Aashi shook her head. Even with all her advice Patrick, somehow, always offended the woman he was with. A twitch in the woman's arm told Aashi all she needed to know.
SLAP!
The woman raised her hand again but Aashi stepped in quickly and took the strike for Patrick. She could have easily caught the woman's wrist but she did not, especially as she did not want to agitate the woman further.
"Oh my God! Merde! I'm so sorry, madam!"
Her voice was the first thing that struck Aashi, a thick French accent, coupled with a strong sense of femininity and coolness. Like wet clay which coasted a woman's hair in the dessert air to cool it.
Aashi twisted her neck back to face the woman, "It's quite alright, Ma'am."
Aashi could be the charmer herself, when she wanted to be, and this was one of those moments though it was not to get lucky but to smother the woman's displeasure for her partner.
"Oh, are you sure about that? I was-"
"Ma'am." Aashi did not touch the woman, and yet it was like Aashi had held her shoulders and stilled her completely with the no nonsense tone she had used. "Are you in need of any assistance? I do not mean to pry but you seem lost. My friend here" she gestured to Patrick, "was only trying to help, albeit, in his own way which usually does not end well."
The woman hesitated and it was then Aashi assessed her. She had a large tamed afro, well kept, which curled around her soft and innocent face. Her brown eyes shone with what Aashi could only describe as agitation and a minor distrust. The woman was pouting softly, whether she knew it or not, and Aashi nearly licked her own lips wondering what it would be like to have such plump lips. She looked young, barely pushing eighteen or seventeen, and the fact that she was about 5'3 did not help it either. Aashi was a giant in comparison to this woman.
The woman swallowed, "I- I'm-"
The woman was nervous so Aashi brought out the big guns: chivalry. She gave the woman a dazzling smile and straightened her posture, "Apologises Ma'am, I have yet to introduce myself. Let's start over." She held out a hand to the woman, "Echanté, mademoiselle. Je m'appelle Aashi Jaya Patil."
The woman blinked in surprise but hastily grabbed Aashi's hand with a new found admiration, "Le plaisir est pour moi! Je m'appelle Asilia Emese!"
It seemed that the use of her native tongue did ease the woman, Asilia, somewhat but now she needed Asilia out of her hair. But, she could not leave the distressed woman by herself on her own devices. She would cause a ruckus and they were too close to the pub that Aashi was heading to. She had to divert this troublesome brat somewhere else.
"Asilia" Aashi acknowledged her, but then Patrick butted in introducing himself and he wisely chose not to offer her his hand.
He eagerly tried to get more information out of her, "How old are you? Are you with someone?"
Aashi, with as much subtly as a tip-toeing polar bear in the Sahara desert with a sombrero on its head, punched Patrick in the gut as the look of disgust fell over Asilia's face again. "Like I said Ma'am, please do mind my partner, he was not raised with manners. In fact, I reckon he was probably brought up by a pack of hyenas."
Asilia's attention was back on Aashi, and again she noticed how lost this woman looked. A look which she had seen in many children's eyes as she travelled the world, but she did not pity Asilia. Aashi just wanted to be on her way to finish her own business and have as little of a hassle as possible.
"I was trying to get to the square but I was confused by the directions given to me."
She was lying, Aashi could see it in her eyes but decided it would be less trouble for her to ask questions and merely offered the woman a nod. "Let's get you there then."
Patrick's eyes widened, "What?!"
"Come now, old boy. This woman is of need of our assistance, what sort of man are you to leave a woman without so much of a helping a hand?"
They began to lead the woman, who was quietly observing them from a short distance, and Patrick snorted, "A man not born in the nineteenth century. I hate it when you do this! You act like those old men from the Victorian era."
"Do you mean a gentleman? There was no such thing as a gentleman in the Victorian Era; that is merely a stereotype that many people have taken to due misleading figures, in actuality many of those so called gentleman were power-hungry, silver-spooned, incestuous, paedophiles. Besides, I act like this most of the time" Aashi smirked at him sideways.
"Yeah, with everyone but me! You do this especially with woman! Don't think I don't see this, mate!" he pointed an accusing finger at Aashi.
They both heard a soft laugh from behind and without stopping they peered over at their companion, who now looked really guilty, but answered their looks nonetheless, "Sorry. You two are just so perfect for each other. Arguing like an old couple, non?"
Patrick grunted, "Yeah right."
The rest of the short journey was silent, it was a comfortable silence for Aashi and Patrick, but not for Asilia. She was anxious.
"Here we are, the Square." Patrick waved his hands as if it was a grand reveal.
Asilia ignored him, still miffed by his earlier remarks and faced Aashi, "Merci Aashi! I do not know how to-"
Aashi interjected, not caring for chivalry now that the woman was nearly out of their hands, and began to return to her silent but no nonsense behaviour, "Do not to get lost again, and try to bring a friend with you next time." Aashi paused and said as if an afterthought, "It is dangerous to be alone."
Patrick raised a brow at his partner and her rare show of kindness. A smug look took over his face when he caught a staggering couple and a thought struck him, "Hey, why don't you stay with us a little longer, Asilia?"
Aashi cocked a sharp brow in a silent show of agitation, "What?"
Asilia too was in shock, "What?"
Patrick pointed behind Asilia to a couple of men near a fruit stall, holding each other for support, and Asilia swore she heard a soft growl emit from Aashi's throat momentarily but shrugged it off.
The two men staggered towards Aashi who side stepped them.
"Aye, lookie 'ere!" Harry was near incomprehensible. "Is war murrah!"
"Murray?" Asilia was so puzzled by Harry's speech pattern, especially since his accent was thicker with the alcohol in him.
"Murray means friend." Aashi answered much to her own confusion. Why hadn't she ignored her?
"Who'z the kid?" Chuck pointed at Asilia.
"I'm not a kid!" Asilia's own accent thickening, "I'm nineteen!"
Patrick stepped in to help. "Easy, lads. This is Asilia. She got lost so we helped her here!"
"You just wanna fu-" Chuck was about to point out Patrick's obvious intentions but Aashi interrupted, "Harry when you said you were going to get drunk, you didn't say you were going to get this pissed!"
Harry grinned lopsidedly, "Aye, we were just havin's som fan!"
Aashi pinched the bridge of her nose, "Right, why do you have a camera? Where did you get it from?"
Chuck and Harry shared a cheeky look, "We bought it!"
Aashi sighed in frustration. "Why?"
"Ta get a good ol' shot of the final blow!" Chuck wooped.
Aashi looked toward Patrick to come up with a solution but he was already leading Asilia away to the stalls. Aashi cursed him before she ordered to Harry and Chuck, "You two stay here!"
It took a lot of meandering around the large crowds but Aashi reached the pair. "Patrick!" she grabbed his wrist with a warning grip, and he did back down a little. Not completely though.
"Alright, we'll be going Asilia. Hope to see you around! Are you going to be here long? Aashi here-"
Asilia stammered but never got to reply as Aashi had half-dragged Patrick back to her drunk friends.
Patrick knew not to irk the beast further but he needed to say one final thing. "You like her".
Aashi stopped dead in her tracks, a few feet away from their drunk friends, and looked him dead in the eye with a mocking glint in her eye. "Are you taking the piss, Patrick?"
Patrick had toyed with this idea the moment Aashi showed genericity (in Aashi's standards) to the girl, "Come on! I saw it!"
"Just because she's cute doesn't mean I fancy her, Patrick!"
"Was 'is?" Harry blubbered from his spot with Chuck.
"Aashi fancies Asil-" Patrick never finished his sentence since Aashi slapped a hand on his mouth and with good timing because the woman in question had followed them.
"Uhm, Aashi"
Asilia approached Aashi as if she were a wild animal. It was clear that Aashi was intimidating Asilia. Aashi was much taller than the woman, looked like she could easily rip someone's fingers off with that strong body of hers and kept a questionable set of friends. All in all, Aashi looked supper dodgy to Asilia.
"You dropped this" Asilia held out her hand to Aashi.
Aashi took the pendant from Asilia's hand and her anger diminished instantly. It was a wooden flower charm pendant that one of her lovers from China had given her. It had been in her pocket but she didn't recall dropping it. Suddenly, Aashi knew that this woman, Asilia, had managed to pick pocket her without Aashi noticing which garnered Asilia her respect. Not just anyone could get away with that.
A quick look at Asilia's face told Aashi that Asilia knew that she had her figured out.
A look of levity passed over Aashi's stone like face which caused the tension to visibly release from Asilia's shoulders. "Thank you."
A moment was shared between the two women. Asilia, who still distrustful of Aashi, let her guard down momentarily and really looked at Aashi. Like really looked at Aashi and not just what Aashi offered at face value now that the beast had eased her defences somewhat. On the other hand, Aashi memorised this woman's face and burnt the image in her mind for another time.
"Aye" Harry broke their moment, "Let'z 'ave a good ol' photo!"
Aashi jested, "Oh good, another for my collection!"
The men laughed at the inside joke while Asilia stood awkwardly on the side not knowing what to do or say.
"Come on, kid. Aashi ain't gonna bite ya." Chuck came out of his stupor to encourage the two to stand closer. He murmured to himself, "Not yet anyway."
The two started to come closer but there came a point where Aashi refused to get any closer. Instead, she scanned the landscape again while Asilia moved a few inches closer. The inky sky was illuminated by the brilliant stars above them and by the lanterns around the stalls which gave the area a warm glow. The sun may have set but the heat was still thick in the air which mixed with the variety of scents of fruits and spices from the market. If Aashi concentrated hard enough she could smell the sweat from the bystanders, the paints from the dancers, the smell of the river-
"Come on, Aashi! A lot closer!" Patrick shouted over at her and gave her a discreet wink. Aashi felt at ease in the moment and decided it wouldn't hurt to smile back at him.
FLASH.
"Done!" Chuck and Harry simultaneously bellowed at them.
Aashi faced Asilia for the final time in their first encournter and held out her hand. Asilia hesitatingly took her hand but Aashi jerked Asilia towards herself, earning her a gasp from Asilia, "Until next time, Asilia Emese. Try to keep in one piece."
Aashi traced Asilia's face softly before her eyes trailed over to the next photo. They had been attending someone's wedding, she couldn't recall who's wedding it had been, but she had been so grateful considering how it had changed her life so greatly. It had been their second encounter and it was then the two really connected.
Kenya, August 1995
Aashi groaned internally when the petit woman kept rambling beside her. For whatever reason, though Aashi suspected that the woman was a closeted lesbian (and in an amazing feet identified her as queer as well) began to follow her around. Clutching onto her like a parasite. Perhaps, it hadn't been such a great idea to flash her wealth, but then again this was the wedding of one of the most wealthiest bachelor's in Kenya.
Finally having enough, Aashi ground her teeth and gently untangled the woman's hands from her arm, and then with a smug grin, told her coolly. "Please excuse me, you are rather irritating and perhaps one of the most bland, banal and vexing woman in this entire event."
The woman's bright face fell and stared at Aashi hard, but then, as if a switch went back on, she was giggling. "Oh, you're so funny." The woman's sleek dark skin wrinkled as her large lips opened to allow the woman to giggled further. Her dark eyes crinkled and her heavy blonde curls bounced as her entire frame leaned forward, giving Aashi much unwanted cleavage exposure.
"Trust me, I am not trying to humour you, quite the opposite in fact." Always to the point Aashi was.
"You-" the woman gasped, "You don't mean that, do you?" a fear filled the woman's eyes as she understood that Aashi was indeed trying to pry free from her.
Clearly, this woman was never rejected in her life and she got what she wanted with just the bat of her lashes.
Aashi sighed unnoticeably and let her eyes scattered to her surroundings. Many people bloated the hall in the Cathedral, women in their soft pastel coloured dresses, men in their dark coloured suits, and children running around in their useless games. She really didn't want to be here, but the groom-to-be was one of her 'sponsors', so to speak.
Aashi could feel a migraine coming as she internally scowled at these fat cats. They made her sick, frankly. No matter what ethnicity, gender or age, they all attempted to present themselves as elegant beings that were above the rest of humanity, when in reality they were the worst of the worst. Murder, rape, extortion, paedophilia, racketeering, enablers of war-
"Please."
Aashi was pulled out of her thoughts when the woman before her began to plead with desperation lacing her every word and action: the way her almond eyes softened and glistened with unshed tears, the small body leaning more into Aashi, her petit hands clutching her purse until they cracked, the worry in her soft brows.
What was Aashi to do? This woman, who paraded herself as the others in the hall did, was now letting her veil of fabricated lies to fall and showed Aashi what she knew was there but was hiding it. Hurt, but not the kind that many ordinary people went through. This was the hurt that underprivileged did not see. One would think that with all the money in the world would buy them happiness. Aashi knew it did not. One could not be spared by life.
Despite this, Aashi did not pity her, after all, the rich still lived a cushy life – they did not have to choose between feeding themselves or finding shelter. They did not have to sacrifice anything. Ever. Aashi's pain was completely different than the woman's before her and that was what kept her grounded and as cool as a cumber.
Aashi softly took the woman's hand and placed it on her elbow which she offered. "Don't stray too far and don't test my patience, woman."
In other words, don't piss me off and stop being so obvious.
"My name is Cecilia. You still haven't told me yours…"
The woman eased up momentarily and a soft looked passed her eyes. But as quick as it came, the softness was gone and her veil was back up. Aashi had to hand it to the woman, she knew how to adapt to Aashi's mood. When Aashi gravitated to a group of men, the woman would flirt with them, no matter their age, and carried the façade of heterosexuality. The woman would not lean her weight entirely on Aashi (much to Aashi's relief) and when they were in the more secluded areas the woman would cease the swaying of her hips, knowing that Aashi was miffed by that.
As Aashi mingled with the scum, she mused as to what the woman's intentions were for Aashi, and after fifteen minutes it hit her.
"I do not take too kindly to being used, Cecelia" Aashi rolled the name off her tongue with disgust.
The woman's coy grin lengthened. "Oh, but I thought it was fair, especially since you're using me like a front. You want to blend in despite your…" Cecilia's eyes flickered over Aashi's frame quickly, "Your clothes."
Aashi smirked slightly, "And what is the matter with my attire?"
"You're wearing a suit. A dashing one, but a suit!"
Aashi nearly scoffed, "So?"
"Only the men were to wear a suit."
The tailored mahogany suit fit her form quite well and made Aashi look more masculine despite her striking feminine features. In fact, the suit fit Aashi like it would fit any other man. That was the problem. Aashi was mistaken for a man by many of the guests by afar, yet when she came closer the guests were appalled by her general lack of regard for their customs. Cecelia would step in every time and blame it on the 'western influence'.
"The men just feel threatened and I refuse to be seen as a plaything that they can easily have their way with" Aashi quipped.
"Exactly." Cecelia had initially believed her excuse of the western influence herself that was until she saw the suppressed look of sadistic smug mockery on Aashi's face every time the guests gave their subtle opinion on Aashi's choice of attire. Cecelia had no doubt that Aashi was enjoying every moment of this. Perhaps she wasn't using her as a front?
Cecelia pondered what Aashi's endgame was. Cecelia clearly saw the licks of lust in Aashi's eyes and probably saw Cecelia as entertainment for the approaching night but she also saw the deep-seated malevolence as well, and she doubted Aashi was just another rich brat. The way Aashi carried herself, spoke to the guests (particularly the men), and the general aura around the woman told Cecelia that she was dealing with something completely different. Cecelia also had a gnawing feeling that she was in over her head.
Aashi quickly switched back to her previous statement, "So, which one is the pinning ex?"
Cecelia blushed, "Is it that obvious?"
"You practically flung yourself at me and that man has been undressing you with his eyes." Aashi produced a faux smile for the passing group of guest and discreetly glanced at said jealous beau that was tailing them. "My question, Cecelia, is why you thought I would be an appropriate blocker."
Cecelia scoffed, "Have you seen yourself? You may be a woman but you could easily take any of these men on. You have more balls than them, anyone can tell."
"Ooh" Aashi chuckled deeply and guided her past a group of people, losing their tail in the process, "Rich little girl is running her mouth. Someone's going to have to punish you."
That did it. Whatever had happened between them had created an odd tension between them despite being total strangers. In Cecelia's mind they just had to be together, at least for one night. She knew that if she didn't have her at least one night then she would become obsessive, because there was one moment where Aashi's eyes were caught with interest and Cecelia felt a spike of jealously when those dark eyes were not on her.
They were on another woman in a dazzling peach ball gown. A man clutched her waist possessively, which the woman did not take too kindly too. Aashi gravitated towards the woman immediately, half dragging Cecilia beside her and into the wide glorious garden. They approached the couple who were currently in a whispered debated, but the couple halted when they were a foot away.
Cecilia may have enjoyed the garden, what with the perfect weather and the beautiful array of flowers had she not noticed the woman's eyes widened momentarily and skim over Aashi's body, "Uh- Monsuier, this is Aashi and Cecilia. They're both honoured guests."
Cecilia cringed internally when she heard the woman speak: she could not be from a well off family if she still held such an accent.
Aashi's eyes were solely on the woman and her eyes quickly glazed over when she glanced at the han on her waist. "A pleasure as always, Ma'am" Aashi smirked, amusement dancing in those big mysterious eyes.
Cecilia clung onto Aashi harder when the older man smirked at her in the most lewd ways and was thankfully saved when the man and Aashi began to mindlessly chatter. However, Cecilia could tell that Aashi was not one to small talk and Aashi's eyes gave her away when they constantly shifted between the man and the woman, resting on the woman's face much longer and with a devilish look.
"Sirs, ladies, a photo please!" A voice beside them yelled. They had only half-turned when a great flash blinded them and the photographer ran off, eager to catch as many photos as he could probably to buy a week's worth of food from it.
When the couple turned aw well, another group of people pulled them aside much to Cecilia's relief, but another spike of ugly jealous was in her chest when she saw the lingering looks from Aashi and the woman in the peach ball gown.
Cecelia grasped Aashi's hand and tugged her along a lonely hall and barged into a nearby closet room. In the few hours they had been together, this was the first time that Cecelia had acted against Aashi. She tried to push Aashi against the wall but she did not budge. Aashi's hard flat chest felt like the wall.
Aashi's eyes were simmering with heat and anger, but she had good control, Cecelia could tell and felt a shiver go down her spine when she noticed that those eyes were solely on her.
"You said you didn't want to be a play thing." Cecelia's voice was thick and sultry.
Aashi's guarded eyes did not waver and further agitated Cecelia, so she moved forward with her hands on Aashi's chest and grazed her lips on Aashi's gloss covered lips. "Can I be your plaything though?"
Next thing Cecelia knew she was pinned on the wall with Aashi's hands caging her. Aashi's lips nipped on her ear. "Do you want to be?"
Cecelia shuddered when Aashi leaned back to look her dead in the eyes and licked her lips with a frolicsome glint in her eyes, "You've never been with a woman, have you, Cecelia?"
Cecelia opened her mouth to answer but she could tell that Aashi already had her answer. Aashi pushed away from her in a nanosecond when there was a crash just outside their ajar door. Aashi gave Cecelia one last searing look and commanded her, "Stay here."
Aashi went out to investigate and found one of the vases in pieces on the ground. She noticed a nick of blood on one of them and followed the trail of blood drops. Another door was ajar, another closet room, another couple… only this couple were not in a passionate moment, rather a horrific one.
Aashi used her index finger to push the door completely open.
"Non! Let me go!"
Aashi knew that voice. She knew that face of disgust. She knew those soft eyes and when they locked with hers, she knew she had to do something.
Asilia froze when Aashi's smouldering eyes assessed the situation. Asilia's face was flushed and bruised, clearly she had been man-handled, and her sweetheart neckline of her peach ball gown was torn which revealed her immodesty. Even the layered tulle skirt of hers looked torn and worn.
Aashi felt a twinge of anger course through her veins when she registered the situation.
The man was oblivious to Aashi's presence and her thickening anger, but Asilia was not and was paralysed with fear for Aashi did not realise that a look of pure murder was shining in her eyes.
Asilia had never forgotten this woman and what was once innocent curiosity about her strange and reluctant aid, turned into a something more. Something akin to lustful. Perhaps it was because she saw something in those big eyes which she reconciled with: the loneliness that came with being alienated from society.
Whatever this something was, Asilia thought it was wrong, not proper. Something Asilia didn't even know she was capable. Over the months, almost like spontaneous randomness, she would ponder about Aashi Jaya Patil, about what she hiding, and what sort of person she truly was. Dead in the night she would awaken covered in sweat and in much need of relief. Every time she woke up, she felt sickened to the core. If anyone ever found out…
Yet, there were nights where Asilia gave herself hope and recalled vividly their first encounter and she told herself that it was not a trick of the light when she clearly saw hints of lust and amusement in those big, big eyes. Asilia told herself that maybe there was a chance that Aashi maybe was interested in her like Asilia was. Asilia tried, she really did, to forget that flair of rebellion and excitement she got when she thought of her dark, mysterious, possibly dangerous rescuer.
Unbeknownst to the two of them, Aashi had been in a similar state of obsession. She would be reminded of the Asilia Emese by the littlest of things – when a woman would try to play coy, when she saw the flower pendant, when a woman teased her. She had decided shortly after that had she ever crossed paths with this woman again, she would not be just any old fling, she looked like she would last for a few months.
Aashi's eyes turned to the man and darkened significantly.
A portly man, blindingly bald, and from the crow's feet and yellowed teeth he looked pretty much like a walrus. His disgusting appearance was worsened further by his small, black, perverted, beady eyes which looked almost as vulgar as his thin black Mugabe like moustache, which stretched slightly as a sleazy smile stretched on his cruel face. He looked like he was probably just as old as him actually.
The walrus man gripped Asilia's jaw and forced his mouth on hers.
The blubber on his body jiggled as he suddenly squealed like a pig when Aashi grabbed his wrist in a bone breaking hold. "Now, now. Gentlemen should know when to stop their advances on a woman when they are unwanted… although you are hardly a gentleman now, are you?"
"Arhg! You! You're that bitch from earlier! You fucking poof!"
She twisted his wrist, "Such profanity." She mumbled more to herself, "I know what I am about to tell you will be difficult to understand for a scumbag as low as yourself, but contrary to your belief, a woman does not find it pleasurable in the least when someone is forced upon them."
With each word, her voice thickened with what could only be described as fiery fury, and her grip on his wrist was unbearable to the point the man fell to his knees.
"You bitch! Argh! Do you know who I am?! You stupid fag!"
Aashi's other hand went to grab his adam's apple which was difficult, even for her, with all that flab in the way. Aashi grimaced at his cigar breath but thankfully she had a thick poker face. "It doesn't matter what you call yourself, or how much power you believe you have, if you touch this woman again, I'll break the other one."
The man nearly wet himself with the dark look that promised a world of hate being directed at him.
There was a splintering pain in his wrist when she finally snapped it.
He could tell by the strength in the woman's hands that she could easily break all of him if she really wanted to. He did wet himself when he realised belately that she was younger, taller, and much more powerful than him in more ways than he knew were possible.
Aashi's eyes slowly trailed down when she heard something pooling on the ground. She frowned when she saw that the pool of urine almost touching her black wingtips and raised her black eyes back to his watery face. She choked him and yanked him out of the room. She took him to the room where Cecilia was and opened the door.
"Get out" she ordered with a hard voice which jolted Cecilia out of her safety zone. Once Cecilia was out, she dumped him on the ground. When he made to stand up, she threw a mean hook right into his wide nose and she heard it shatter.
He fell hard and clutched his nose, "You bitch! You bitch!"
Aashi stepped on his groin. He whimpered loudly but she spoke over him, "Listen, you dickless coward. I said listen!" she pressed further down until he looked her dead in the eye. "I could kill you, here and now, but I don't want to disrespect the groom or the blushing bride, so I'll let you off but know this. I will find you, no matter where you run or where you hide. And when I do…" a sadistic look passed her eyes but she looked otherwise impassive. "I will take great pleasure in ridding this world of another plague."
She pushed off harshly and kicked him for good measure. She assessed him and decided to land a few more well placed blows to his face and the more sensitive parts of his body to the point where he dropped unconscious.
Serves him right, she thought and sauntered out of the room. God, the pig ruined her shoes.
She felt someone rush her and tensed, ready to throw them off, but she relaxed when she recognised Cecilia's insufferable voice, "Oh God, are you ok? Was that the man from before? What did you do to-"
Aashi softly put the woman down and away from her. She looked at Cecilia's concerned face and told her, "You need to go, Cecilia. You don't want to be here when they find him."
She then began to make her way back to Asilia but Cecilia persisted, "Wait, what about you?"
Without so much as a glance, Aashi told her, "I need to get that woman."
Her better judgement had been clouded by fear, so she didn't question it and ran off on her own back to the crowds, back to where numbers were safety.
When Aashi returned to Asilia's side, she gracefully crouched and spoke to her in volume, "You need to get up, Emese. We need to leave." She chose her words carefully seeing as Asilia seemed to be in shock. She was holding her shaking hands in front of her eyes and staring at them vacantly.
When Asilia looked at Aashi dead in the eyes, the water works began followed by a heavy sob. She shook and held her arms around her body protectively.
Aashi felt a great swell of empathy for the young woman before her, and with great care put a hand on the woman's shoulder. She could see it already – Asilia was going into the comfort part of her mind, shutting her body down to deal with the situation. Alone, vulnerable and hurt.
The hand shook Asilia out of whatever hole she was burying herself in. Asilia jolted suddenly and wiped her tears with the palms of her hands; stammering extremely hard when she tried to cover her torn chest, "I'm- I'm s- s-sorry. I don- don't kno-"
Asilia had never felt so humiliated and dirty. She felt like a used washcloth. She felt so idiotic for freezing up. But, just as the self-loathing began to set in, she felt something warm settle around her torso. Asilia blinked and found a mahogany blazer wrapped around her. It was quite large on her but it covered most of her body. It left Aashi in just her trousers and half open black shirt.
"N- n- no, I-" Asilia tried to take it off, but Aashi gave her a stern look and closed a few of the buttons. Aashi wasn't about to let Asilia go just like that, not after what she had fortunately prevented. She didn't even think twice when she picked Asilia up bridal style.
She heard Asilia's breath hitch in her throat but did not make any comment on it, not even about the way her body was shaking like a leaf. She carried her out slowly, not wanting to agitate the woman.
Aashi looked down at the woman in her arms and examined the damage quietly. A split lip, some bruising on the throat from strangulation, an entire tray of bruising on her bare arms and no doubt some trauma from the molestation. Unfortunately, Aashi knew exactly what the woman was thinking and she wanted to dash those thoughts, immediately.
"Asilia, it is not true."
Asilia froze in her hold and slowly looked up at Aashi. She expected to see repulsive disgust, smug mockery or even amusement but she didn't and that's what threw her off. Instead, she was gazing up at understanding, kind, and wise eyes.
"W- what?" her shaking subsided, curiosity and hope filtering through.
Aashi's eyes softened considerably, "You're not weak."
Asilia gaped up at her.
Aashi grinned warmly. "You always tell yourself, you will be strong and you will fight them off." Aashi's eyes wandered upwards to the empty hall, "But then, it actually happens and you don't know what to do." She looked back down, a solemn expression on her face, "You're not weak for that."
Asilia flapped her jaw, before some words croaked out, revealing her exhaustion, "B- but I could have- I could have not gone with-"
"Now, you and I both know that's not true. He would have taken you wherever he wanted with or without your cooperation." Aashi gave her pointed look but when she saw the fear etching Asilia's eyes she squeezed her gently towards her own body. "People, whether they are men, women or children, will try to take advantage of you one way or another, even if they don't realise it."
Asilia peered up at Aashi's sharp features with caution, thinking exactly what she had just told her but when Aashi's warm gaze fell on her again, she felt doubt. Aashi affirmed this. "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to get you someplace safe and comfortable. Make sure you're alright. Then I'll leave, okay?"
Asilia nodded and whispered, "As long as you don't hurt me. I'm a bit better, so I can beat you if I want." Deep down Asilia knew that Aashi could beat her without so much as moving a muscle.
Aashi stared at the empty hall again and chuckled deeply, the vibration reverberating through to Asilia's body too, "Ooh, I'm scared. Look, I'm shivering." Aashi shook them both, which made Asilia scream but faded into laughter and clung to Aashi harder by her neck.
Aashi pouted, "Oh. Look who is taking advantage now."
Asilia felt a smile tug on her lips.
Aashi mentally patted herself on the back, and continued, "You just wanted to be a princess, didn't you?" she looked down at Asilia. "Well, your prince charming is not an innocent little prince."
Aashi tutted and heard Asilia chuckle softly. "No, no. You have to deal with this warrior prince, instead. No charming here."
Asilia laughed half-heartedly but Aashi took it. "You are so strange, you know?"
Aashi's eyes sparkled with mischief, "Oh, I know!" she grinned down at Asilia in a playful mood. "I'm more than strange, dear. I like to think that I am the epitome of the abnormal and estranged." Aashi stuck her chin out and comically puffed her chest which earned her another laugh from Asilia.
Aashi glanced down at the woman in her arms, "Well, Belle, do you think it is so bad being strange?"
Asilia wrapped her arms around Aashi's neck, cautiously, and replied. "No, I like it very much, actually. You are strange, but in a good way. My strange prince charming is very kind, carrying me back to safety even though I am capable of walking myself."
Aashi cocked a sassy brow, "Who said you couldn't walk? What if I just like carrying a princess around, hm?"
"People don't like carrying other people. It is tiring."
It was Aashi's turn to laugh softly. "Nonsense. You are as light as a feather." Aashi proceeded to lift her slightly to the point that Asilia's face was nearly touching hers (almost giving Asilia a heart attack) and then back down. "Almost too much, should I be worried, princess?"
Asilia was slow to react, still reeling at her attack, but then exploded. She began to hit Aashi directly in the chest with her small punches but much to Asilia's mortification, Aashi's hold didn't even quiver. However, she did stop and set her on her feet. "I must apologise, I did not mean to offend you, Miss Emese."
Asilia staggered on her feet. Her face was still hot with anger and she poked Aashi in the chest with her index finger. "I don't know you. You don't know me. You have no right to-"
Still weak kneed, Asilia nearly toppled over but Aashi caught her forearms. Asilia gained her footing and shoved her away. "Don't touch me! Just because you helped me, does not mean you can take advantage of me!"
Aashi dared not interrupt her and patiently listened to her.
For a whole five minutes, she alternated between swearing at her in French and cursing Aashi to hell to telling her how Aashi was just as bad as her would-be rapist. It took a toll on her (as Aashi expected) and Asilia was drained of what little energy she had.
The tears came back and Asilia's voice cracked hard. "I- I thought you would be different-"
Aashi's form relaxed as realisation dawned on her that Asilia had thought of her as well. But, she still did not speak.
"I-" Asilia's lips wobbled. "I just want to go… home."
Aashi stepped forward attentively, but did not touch her, and instead offered her the crook of her arm. "I can't take you home. It is not safe for you to go home looking like that. But, I can take you some place safe."
A watery and exhaustive face was raised to meet Aashi's own. "Why?"
Aashi's eyes became solid with clarity. "Because I like you and I do not wish you any ill-will to befall you. I know you are a strong girl, but you need help right now." Her tone suggested that she had just committed sacrilege by announcing herself so openly. Although, she refused to admit that Asilia entertained her. It was not the appropriate time to be open about that.
Asilia miserably glanced down the hallway and then back to Aashi's offered arm. Asilia hesitated and Aashi did not blame her for it. Eventually, Asilia took Aashi's arm.
Aashi did not bring her closer to herself or have any other bodily contact with her in fear of upsetting her. She guided her down the hall but then turned down a different path and was quick to explain to the young woman, "This way no one will see us leave."
Asilia was vaguely aware of being led to an old Mercedes and being taken to an old prestigious hotel (it had a good reputation but it was not overly crowded either, which Asilia later suspected Aashi chose on purpose).
Once in the large room, Asilia was only away of being sat on the bed and then left alone. From the moment she took Aashi's arm, she felt a numbness come over her and she was glad Aashi did not speak with her for the majority of the time and did not feel the need for small talk.
She came to when she saw Aashi kneel in front of her. Her veiled face not revealing anything. "I have prepared a bath for you and some clothes. They might not fit you entirely but they will have to do."
Asilia found her voice, "What about-"
Aashi did not like to interrupt but she wanted to get to the point. "Bathe first, then we will deal with this predicament later."
Her tone left no room for argument and Asilia slowly entered the bathroom, closing the door for privacy. She made sure to lock it.
Aashi stared at the closed door in resignation. She truly did not mean to upset the girl, but she had done so despite her cautious behaviour. She would have to try harder it seemed. She stared until she heard a gasp and a swashing of water, telling her that Asilia had finally entered the tub before she took her phone and began to find out what she could about one Asilia Emese.
An hour later, Aashi knew her entire family and how to contact them, as well as a brief history of their family too. Meanwhile, Asilia had scrubbed off and dressed in the silk black shirt (which was two sizes too big) and black slacks (also too big and gathered at her ankles). Had Asilia been more composed she would have been appaled by the lack of underwear. They wouldn't have fit anyway. When Asilia left the bathroom, she did not find Aashi and panicked at the thought of being alone.
However, just as she opened the door to rush out she bumped into Aashi's chest. Asilia stumbled but was caught by Aashi by her biceps but the contact was brief. "Steady, woman."
Asilia retreated back until the backs of her knees hit the bed while Aashi stepped in and chose to stick towards the walls of the room so as not to spook the young one. She pointed to the phone next to the bed. "You can order what you want, it has all been paid for. After you eat we can contact your father."
Asilia remained guarded and searched Aashi's eyes. She must have found what she was looking for as she relaxed completely and began to look over the menu.
"And don't even think about getting the cheapest thing."
It hadn't taken long after for the two to get comfortable. In fact, six months later Asilia was traveling alongside Aashi. Bizarrely, one night Asilia had called her up when she was in the middle of romp somewhere in Zadar, she said she wanted to see the world with her (despite knowing her illicit business). Aashi was hesitant at first, not wanting to bring the somewhat naïve girl to her corrupt world, but with a little pleading from Asilia's part she gave in.
And then two months after that Asilia stole a kiss from her. She had been very gentle with Asilia and was aware of Asilia's affections but she never acted on them because she wanted to take it slow with her since she was so young in comparison to her. Though she had to admit, it was exhilarating.
Aashi's dull eyes fell on the third picture. They were on a balcony together, moon gazing. They had been in South America somewhere, Peru if she recalled correctly. By that point they had only been intimate only twice, mostly because Asilia was so shy, but Aashi didn't mind. She had been patient and she knew it had been worthwhile. Asilia had been worth it. The amount of happiness Asilia had brought her had paid off any debt Asilia thought she owed Aashi. In actuality, Aashi never thought Asilia would ever have to repay her. For anything.
Aashi then brought her attention to the two other pictures on the other page. The first picture was of a close up of Asilia. Aashi had taken the picture herself to immortalise that time. Again, Aashi traced Asilia's face in near worship but then her eyes became fixated on the last picture.
She felt a toad lodge itself in her throat and her vision blurred.
It had been Asilia's birthday.
Kew Gardens, England, 22nd July 1999
"How does it feel to be twenty-three then?" Aashi still poked fun at how young Asilia was, but it was all in good fun.
"Twenty-three? Wow, it feels like I'm much older than that." Asilia smiled up at Aashi. "Maybe it is because of the company I keep."
Aashi cocked her head whilst looking up at the rather impressive Victorian greenhouse, "Really? But I'm so young. Unless you have some friends that I don't know about."
Asilia giggled, "As if! You are all the company I need. Everyone else is garbage."
Aashi tutted with a faux scowl, "Darling, who taught you such misanthropic behaviour?"
"You did, you silly prince."
Aashi raised her brows comically, "I did!? Well, I did a good job then, didn't I?"
Light smacks brought her attention back to Asilia, "And here I thought you would be happy that I brought you here! And this is the gratitude I get?"
Asilia walked close by but did not touch her, there were too many people, even though she wanted to kiss Aashi so badly. "Oh I am! I've always wanted to come here but… this is so underwhelming in comparison to the gardens of Alhambra."
"I know, Darling, but they cannot help but be so bland can they." Aashi chuckled, dryly.
"Let's go then!" Asilia tugged on her arm.
"Already?" It was not the issue that Aashi's money would go to waste, rather Asilia would not enjoy the garden. "We have only been here for half an hour."
"Come on, it doesn't matter!"
Aashi blinked at her in momentary shock but smiled and let her lead the way. They had wasted the day in Greater London just seeing some of the sights, though Aashi knew all the best ways to get around as this had been one of the few places she called home when she had been younger for a few years. In the afternoon, Aashi took her to somewhere in East London, said it was a surprise.
Though the place look dodgy, with massive potholes in the ground, flickering lights, rubbish littering the ground, gangsters everywhere, Asilia still trusted Aashi and closed her eyes when she told her too and let her take her somewhere.
When Aashi removed her hands, a piece of chocolate cake was shoved in Asilia's mouth.
"SURPRISE!" a crowd cheered.
Everyone had been there, Aashi made sure of it, the whole gnag: from drug dealers, mobsters, assassins, pit fighters to political officials, MPs, teachers and doctors. Aashi knew everyone, everyone knew Aashi and by extension Asilia. Though not everyone was as open to their coupling as most of their close friends were. They had been lowered down to the level of mere acquaintance quickly.
It took an hour and few shots for Asilia to realise that they were in Harry's ends. Asilia was not one to drink but one by one everyone began to shove a drink in front of her, baiting her and eventually she took it. At first she had been afraid of Aashi's reaction but an affectionate smile from Aashi told her it was alright.
Aashi had assured her she would not judge her life-choices but Asilia was afraid to disappoint her as the years progressed. Her opinion meant a lot to Asilia. Equally, Asilia's needs and opinions were important to Aashi as well,
After the cake was tarnished, the room turned to a pigsty and everyone was near shit-faced, Harry came with another camera. "Ey, where are my girls!?"
Surprisingly, many people that Aashi knew took quite well to Asilia and Harry was the first to accept them and give them his blessings. He was perhaps their biggest advocate.
"Aright! Get in close everyone!"
Flash
"Nah, yeh two don't-"
Flash
"Sod off!"
Flash
"Aright! Now jus' the love birds!"
Asilia looked around her as the crowd dispersed but when she was unable to find Aashi she became concerned. She then felt a pair of hands around her. A pair of lean, warm and familiar arms.
Safe arms.
Aashi's arms.
Asilia brought her hands up to stroke them, "Is this the prince I've been waiting for?"
She felt her chest rumble with a chuckle, "I don't know what type of prince you want, darling."
They swayed momentarily as Aashi rocked them.
Safe. That was one thing they knew very little of these two woman but somehow they had found a sanctuary within one another.
Asilia looked behind her with wide sparkling eyes at the wise old eyes that stared back. Over time, the more she gazed into those eyes which she loved so deeply, she noted with a well of pity that those eyes were too old, too experienced in life, for the owner of those eyes.
In the years she had been with Aashi, they had their arguments (especially on their future and if it would contain children), but never had Aashi treated her wrong. Never. Aashi may have been a pessimistic, cynical, old woman but she was not bitter. She did not take her anger out on Asilia. She had always given her everything she wanted and more. There were only a few rare things she was unable to give her, but Asilia would not give up her soulmate for those things.
Asilia's eyes dilated, her mouth curved, and her features softened as she concluded in her mind at that moment that she had been one of the lucky ones to have met her soulmate. "This one will do!"
She saw the change in Aashi's eyes the moment those words fell from her lips.
Aashi's near pitch black eyes dilated and her eyes transformed into a rich, warm, chocolate colour with sparks of gold swirling in them as if she were gazing at the most perfect creature ever. She was content. She was relieved. She was intoxicated with a sense of mirth and ecstasy.
She looked so young in that moment and in a moment of pure joy Asilia released a short laugh.
Aashi smiled with total adoration at her laughing Asilia. The piercing in her mouth glinted as a flash brought them back to reality. Aashi gave Harry a look and he sheepishly pointed up towards the ceiling.
So, he had complied with her wishes and readied a room after all.
Aashi nuzzled her face in Asilia's neck, "How about this prince shows you a good time, alone?"
Asilia's hand went up to her hair and tangled her fingers in them, "I would like nothing more than that."
The crowd parted like the red sea as the couple scuttled upstairs. The door bounced against the wall with the force it was opened with but Aashi held it back from closing with an open palm, though she was distracted with the delicious lips that were clamped onto hers.
She kicked the door shut when they were through. Their hands already pulling at each other's clothing. With Aashi lithe fingers, Asilia was the first to become bare but she didn't mind. Asilia found herself bouncing on top of the bed first when Asilia gently shoved her there and then climbed on top of her with her knees on each side of her hips.
Aashi's mouth worked its way down her face to her neck and then to her bosom. Slowly suckling and licking at the two brown pebbles.
"This is not fair, Aashi!" Asilia whined. "You have too many clothes on!"
Whilst Asilia was completely bare, Aashi was still in her tank top and jeans. She pulled back to strip her top off and shed her shoes before she went back down on Asilia. Her mouth worked fast against her neck and hit a particular spot which caused Asilia to arch her back in response.
Aashi's hand slithered up her body to fondle with Asilia's breasts which elicited a groan from Asilia as her body became more sensitive. With a final kiss on her collar bone, Aashi stepped back and stripped off completely. Asilia sat up and traced Aashi's abdominals before she turned her attention to her breasts.
This position didn't last long as Aashi laid down and pulled Asilia on top of her. "The birthday girl gets to choose this time."
Asilia smiled down cheekily, "Yeah, but we don't have the strap on."
A smug look overcame Aashi's face, "But do we really need that?"
Asilia's only reply was a mere chuckle before she went down on Aashi. It was very early on in their relationship did Asilia discover that Aashi's breasts were not sensitive like hers, not because of her lean frame, but just because that was the way her body was.
Thus, Asilia rarely gave them too much attention. But what sensitivity Aashi lacked on her breasts, it was made up for on her clit. She could easily become sensitive down there, but only if she wanted to be.
Asilia felt Aashi yank her growing afro encouragingly when she flicked the more sensitive region. Whilst Aashi was usually the dominant one, she did not mind to be the submissive one on many occasions and this time was one of those occasions, though Asilia didn't know for sure if it was due to her 'present' or because she wanted to be.
Asilia chuckled breathlessly (whilst looking at Aashi) and gently bit on one of her lips. Aashi shuddered greatly but made only a small groan. That was another thing which had initially surprised Asilia. Not only was Aashi not super sensitive like all the pornstars made out the female body to be but she was relatively quiet during sex too.
"Don't tease me too much, darling, or I will get you back later."
Asilia languidly crawled back up and left a chaste peck on her lips before she rolled them over so that Asilia was under. "Why don't you get me back now?"
Aashi licked her neck. "Oh, and here I thought letting you on the top would give you a rush…"
"Oh, it does but I prefer when your dominant, ma chere"
Aashi tweaked her nipple. "And why is that?"
Asilia left a hickey on Aashi's neck before she answered. "Because you have magic hands which do most of the work for me."
"Magic fingers, huh?"
"Why don't you put that mouth to good use, ma chere?"
Aashi felt her heart throb at that particular picture. That month had been like their honeymoon (despite both having decided they didn't want to marry – even if it was not possible). It had been after Asilia's birthday did they begin referring to each other as their wife.
Wife.
Her wife was dead and it was because of her stupidity that Asilia was now gone. Had she pushed a little more, insisted a little more rather than respecting her privacy and not giving in to her anxieties she would have seen Gatimu's ploy. But she hadn't.
Now she was grieving.
She had gone through all the different stages: denial, acceptance, depression, and then an unforgiving rage.
Memories were precious to humans and without them there would be no substance to a person. However, just as they can be the elixir of life, equally they could be the bane of one's existence. The memories tortured the very person who held them so dearly to the point where the memories become tainted and smeared with a bitterness of loss.
This is where Aashi was now.
She didn't know how long she had been in her cave, but she knew that the air was becoming toxic, her body began to eat itself, and her mind was further fragmented than it already was. The furious anger that was now consuming her was burning her alive.
She cursed the day she met Asilia. How dare she leave such a mark on her life? How dare she have such an effect on her? She didn't want this grief; she had had enough of it for one life time. She didn't want this pain. If they hadn't met, this wouldn't have been happening right now. She didn't- How dare she-
'Why did you leave me, darling?'
Then: regret. She no longer hated Asilia. She didn't hate the fact that they met. She cherished that memory and she berated herself for being so weak. All this pain, she knew, would strengthen her. However, it was difficult to not feel all this hate when such a wide gaping wound was left exposed on a person who was made of iron.
She had lost control when she had locked herself away and she could feel the insanity creeping in on her. Frighteningly, she did not mind. Just because she had not shed a tear for Asilia did not mean she was not hurting. It was harder to not cry than to cry in some situations. For Aashi, in this predicament, it was harder to cry. So she didn't.
Then the anger was redirected – it wasn't Asilia's fault – it was her family's fault. She was not hurting because of Asilia's foolishness. She was suffering because of those conservative, pig-headed, brown-nosed, ass sucking, sodomising, motherfuckers. Suddenly, something clicked and Aashi then recalled the promise she made.
For the first time, in Satan knows how long, Aashi stood from the bed with as much grace as a predator even though she was well past the brink of starvation and located her phone.
She was briefly made aware of the outside world on a few occasions when she heard the pitter patter of small feet that was usually followed by either a weak knock, a whimper or a whisper of her name. It had to be Lucy. But more often than not, it was Arthur who banged on her door demanding to be let in. His tone would range from concern, to pain, to anger and then a full circle of those. She also smelt food but she didn't even think about going near it let alone eat it.
She punched in the number she had rarely used for business but mostly for pleasure. Her grey bloodshot eyes stared at the small screen before a clawed finger firmly pressed the button. She had only had to wait for one ring before her friend answered.
"Slade Wilson."
TBC...
I know! It has been too long! I have not forgotten about this story, I am just prioritising some older stories at the moment however I am almost done with this story in terms of content, then I will just have to review it all! Please leave me your thoughts!