Adultery Love Sex And War Part 1 : Age Of Darkness

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                 (CHAPTER 4 CONTD)

When he arrived home , everyone was asleep. He already messaged Sonarika that he will be late today and not to wait for dinner. When he arrived in his bedroom he saw his darling wife in deep sleep in the bed. Hemant just sat there looking at her for a while. The sight of that mysterious man haunted him. It was a face Hemant had long forgotten , but seeing him again had opened old wounds and long lost history that Hemant had buried about himself. He started fresh and began a new normal life with Sonarika who healed him in many ways. But the arrival of that man and the constant embarassment with first Sandy and then problems with Dilawar and his brother Rafique , and now the rough skirmish with Siddharth Mehta. All these incidents really pissed him off. And he could also understand the frustration growing in Sonarika regarding his pacifistic approach.

 

But Hemant is scared , he made a vow to never go back into that darkness. But now the signs in these recent events give his mind a feeling of deja vu. Hemant's mind was in distress and thus to get some clarity in his mind. He went to the balcony and called Harper.

"Roy"

"Egghead , how's the package coming up"

"Its coming well , a good portion of it  is done , I will start the trials in few weeks"

"Good to know"

"Roy , I called for something else"

"What's the matter"

"Its umm....something regarding my past"

Roy was silent probably showing concern for his words.

"What happened Egghead?"

"Lots of things to be exact but right now I just wanna talk about the elephant in the room"

"Which is"

"Few hours ago I was in a party....and I crossed path with a face I haven't seen in years Harper.....I saw Jackson Shepherd"

Harper didn't respond for a while , but soon asked.

"Did he recognize you?"

"I had a feeling he could never forget me , he called me by the name I have buried in my memory a long time ago , these things, these events , its giving me a bad omen. As if something worse is coming for me"

"I understand Egghead"

Hemant rubbed his face , feeling the situation is getting out of control. Soon he heard Harper's voice.

"I can understand your turmoil Egghead , but with all due respect , these things aren't exactly problems but a wake up call for you"

"I am already getting back into shape Roy"

"That is not my point. You're still burying your past which is the worst thing to do , the more you try to forget the more it will eat you inside and out. Ignoring your deeds from the past will only start to haunt you Egghead"

"Then what do you sujjest I do?"

"Don't ignore them , learn to adapt , find the best parts about what you did , make use of it and evolve. I am not telling you to become the old you , just the combine the past and present and create a robust and atmost best future for yourself"

"You're telling me to go back to that darkness"

"I am telling you to mold it into something useful , and in my opinion. You are sadly mistaken for thinking what you did was some god awful sin , it ain't jackshit man. Listen to my words carefully , don't fall to the darkness , mold it into your strength and will."

"But my family.....my family Harper...I cannot put in in danger with those actions"

"You are making the same mistake most do , considering your family as a weakness. Family is a man's greatest strength Egghead. Even I am standing here going on dangerous missions but I do it with the drive that I will return to my family. Because they are my strength. Your family is no different. Your wife defended you when you were in trouble. You son sees a Superhero in you , I myself know the superhero in you"


Harper's words carried weight and each those words added fuel to Hemant's confidence and determination. His words were like lightning strikes to his mind giving him clarity like never before. After listening to his motivational words , a smoldering fire was started deep in his heart. A determination born with it , that he will learn and adapt , he had enough of living with the burden. It was time to own up to it. His son drew him as a superhero a few days ago again. Each time it was a different superhero. Now Hemant felt he has the drive to be that hero for his son. More over he has the drive to be the best version of himself for his wife. He made a promise that night , that he will adapt and he will evolve. And surprisingly those nightmares no longer bothered him , that was the sign that his mind was adapting. With some clarity and clear mind , Hemant went to bed.


The next few weeks were work of determination for Hemant. He got some extra time from his office which he used to spend time in the warehouse creating the molds for the gun parts. Smithing work always had its fun and he enjoyed doing the work for it. Pranitha started to occasionally visit the warehouse not just for seeing his side business , but seeing Hemant in his tank top do the work. There was a strange form of attraction forming in Pranitha towards Hemant and ever sine that party it had only levelled up tenfold. Kunal too visited his place many times and often talked with him and discussed his project and other things. To be honest Hemant liked the company of Kunal this way more often. One day there were talking about various things until their conversation took an interesting.

"BTW , there is a small gig for motor lovers happening in the Marine Drive tomorrow evening. I am planning to go and I would love your company with me for that"

Kunal's expression changed and then responded.

"Sorry , I caanot be there tomorrow. I have plans to clean up the house and set up the bedroom for Mouni and Sagar for their special night"

Hemant just straight up looked at him and Kunal thought he had upsetted Hemant once again boasting about his cuckold nature.

"If you are uncomfortable , I won't talk about it"

"I won't judge you Kunal , you are who you are. As long as you are happy , it doesn't concern me......so , are you happy?"

"What?"

"Are you happy with your....choices"

Kunal didn't respond for a while but Hemant could see the turmoil of thoughts in him. After some thinking Kunal answered.

"Yes"

"Good , then that's it"

"Okay"

"But in all honesty are you really needed for their 'special night' "

"Not exactly , its the date that is special for them , it was the date of their first night together so"

"Okay , but are you needed to be present with them?"

"No"

"Then why don't you come with me on that Motorfest , we can share our enthusiasm and love for vehicles there , I heard they will be bringing some exclusive offroad specials for display"

"Aw man , I love offroad"

"Then come with me , let them have their happy moments , and you can have yours"

Kunal had a strange smile coming from his face. There was slight tears in his eyes. Hemant asked concerned.

"What's wrong Kunal"

Kunal quickly responded.

"Nothing , its just....its been a while since someone wanted me to be part of something special"

That was the moment Hemant decided that he was going to help Kunal and save him from his own problems slowly. He realized Kunal was struggling and he needs help and he got the green signal with his expression that he needs to be saved.

"Believe it or not , you're a good friend for me. And I give you my word , you can share your everything with me and I will protect it. Let this be the start of a beautiful friendship"

"Definitely"

Kunal and Hemant as promised did spend the next day evening enjoying the motorshow. Kunal was extra happy seeing all the exotic vehicles and he was very much happy seeing the offroad specials. They shared their preferences in performances of their favorite and dream vehicles. After that day , Kunal became a regular visitor and formed a bond of friendship with Hemant. 

"So did you have any problems last night for not being at home for their...special moment?"

"Surprisingly no.....but then again I wasn't needed to be there to be honest"

"So everything is good?"

"Everything is good....I really enjoyed the motorshow to be honest"

"See? I told you it will be a wonderful time. What other things do you like?"

"Oh I believe I am a simple man for that Hemant....I don't think I have much cool hobbies , though I am intrigued by your life to be honest"

"Really?"

"Yeah...I mean you have it all , you're kind , loving , respectful. Despite being a Project Manager in a reputed company in the city , you are also here building things like a badass smith. You are like a movie character in many ways. You intrigue me Hemant, but most importantly you found the best parts of me that no one around me has noticed or didn't bother to look for a while"

"Well that is the thing Kunal , people don't look because you won't let them. You were reserved into your 'kinks' that you let Kunal the person to die out deep inside. I just gave him some air to breath. And I like hanging out with the person Kunal"

"Maybe you're right , in that case , thank you for reviving me"

"I refuse to be emotional about you , so I ask again , what other hobbies do you have so we can explore some more of you"

Kunal thought a bit and then replied.

"Well , I like music....reading books , going on long drives and....."

Kunal had a short smile for a few seconds to which Hemant was curious.

"And?" Hemant asked curious about that little happiness in his face.

"Its nothing....just a dream of mine from the past"

"What is it?"

"I don't know it might feel....cheap"

"Is it something to do with your kink?"

"No....hell no!"

"Then what is it?"

"Its a big dream of mine....a world tour!"

Hemant raised his eyebrows.

"World tours aren't cheap Kunal"

Both laughed on his comment after which Kunal explained.

"Its not like exploring only the famous place , its like a never ending ride on the road , like the world keeps on moving and you keep moving forward seeing new things in every moment. I just want to I don't know , ride , drive , sail , fly to every part of the world. Atleast until my heart and my mind is fullfilled and then return"

Hemant noticed the glow in Kunal's eyes as he explained his dream. 

"That is a wonderful dream but pretty expensive. Although that part won't be a problem for you , you should consider it"

"Yeah , maybe one day"

"Well , since that day isn't today , how about we settle with music then , what's your taste"

"To bo honest I am not picky about it , kind of enjoy all of them"

"Even American country music?"

"Absolutely , George Strait , Buck Owens , Johnny Cash..."

"Alright , in that case , lets hang out at one of my favorite place in the city. The Tuborgs"

"Wait , I thought you don't drink?"

"I don't , you will drink and sing. I will give you company drinking some coke"

"Great!"


And as promised Hemant and Kunal hanged around at the Tuborg pub. There was a karaoke section which Hemant pushed Kunal to try his singing talent in. Kunal sang the George Strait classic Troubadour. Hemant was impressed by his singing skills and the people present too liked his song and when it ended everyone clapped. Kunal then insisted Hemant to sing and he sang the recently popular Luke Combs hit Ain't No Love In Oklahoma. And since the song was pretty catchy , the people present in the pub got involved in the groove of his singing. Kunal was happy to see that Hemant too had a talent in singing and they both sang together from halfway of that song. When it ended , the public cheered and everyone applauded Hemant and Kunal's performance. 


Even in their drive home , they were singing that song as Hemant dropped Kunal in his highrise apartment doorsteps. A few days later Hemant seeked Kunal's help in modifying his SUV to elevate its look. Kunal took him to a motorshop he knew and helped assisting in how and what they should do to customize the vehicle's look. The next few days Hemant stayed away from his warehouse until his vehicle was done.


When Hemant went to recieve his modified SUV , he was quiet happy with the customs. Gone was the look of a simple offroad vehicle , now the standard front bumper was replaced with steel bumper and a custom bull bar. They also installed a silver DRL grill which added a bit of eliteness to it. Then it was installed with upgraded tail lights and matrix lights which gave the vehicle a vibrant look with its black color and silver coatings on the grill. Now it looked more luxurious than offroad , to be honest a perfect blend between those. Things were looking in the high for Hemant as he would take Karan for weekends to Kidsworld at a mall nearby and let him have fun in all the fun activities present there for kids. Hemant made a conscious decision not to bring Karan to the warehouse anymore as his design phase was done and there will be sophisticated things present in the warehouse that will be harmful and dangerous to him.

A week later Hemant returned to an old place he cherished. The WFLF (Wrestling and Fighting Legends Federation) , it was a training gym for Mixed Martial Arts and even Professional Wrestling. Hemant was part of this center during his college days. This place created the man that he was back then. Hemant could not believe when he saw his old image in one of the showcase shelf in the training area. Eventually he met his old trainer Raghavendra aka Raghav who glowed when he saw Hemant after so many years.

"HEMANT! OH MY GOD WHAT A SURPRISE!"

"Good to see you Raghav Sir"

"You're still looking good after all this time" Raghav teased as he made a light smack to his stomach.

"Actually this is a recent improvement , which is why I am here" 

The moment he heard Hemant's words , Raghav predicted what Hemant wanted. His face beamed with pride seeing his old student coming back to his roots.

"Alright then , lets see how much you still remember"

Hemant changed to his MMA gear wearing just shorts and fighting gloves. He was send to go a round with a new blood , and it turned to be not good for Hemant's well being.

Hemant struggled a lot to match his speed but he was able to defend himself against him. Raghav looked upset at first but he gave a smile.

"I guess I disappointed you sir" Hemant said with regret.

"Actually you just gave me the opportunity to remold you better" 

Hemant felt hope in his words. Raghav put his hand on Hemant's shoulder.

"What I just saw is a man with a lot of potential returning back to his roots. Yes you struggled , but you haven't forgotten. I still see that flame in your eyes , but I believe those flames were ignited from the darkness very recently"

"How do you know?" Hemant asked out of curiosity on how he predicted it.

"Because I see it in your eyes and in your movements. I see fear , a considerate amount of it."

Hemant felt those words couldn't get any more true. There was indeed fear in him  , a lot of him. The path he will be walking , he cannot go back , he doesn't want to go back. But he is also scared , because he is no longer a lone man. His actions can affect his family.

"How do I fight fear sir"

"Unfortunately son , an answer to that is very simple but hard to execute. The best way to fight fear is face it. Fear is a dangerous poison , but if you manage to survive the fear , you will become the unbreakable and the unkillable. Only way to do it is  dare against it. Face it , adapt according to it and defeat it. A man who conquers his fears learns the secrets of life and how to live it."

Speaking with him brought another level of confidence in Hemant. He was more than happy that things are looking to the bright side in his life for now. Hemant had to end his gym workout on the center near his office for this as he shifted to workout and  the training at WFLF.


As things developed well for Hemant in the work front and his personal front. Things were also escalating in Sonarika's life. A new kind of activity joined her daily course. It was obviously regarding Vikram since he started sending a gift card or flowers each day to her onto her office cabin.  A part of her likes his gestures because it wasn't something romantic or gesturing level. Because Sonarika never recieved roses or anything that would symbolise love. But as the first few times the gift cards were mostly representing frendship , soon his gift cards started to turn red on each passing day. And this day was indeed something unexpected. Sonarika arrived on her office room to see a bouquet of Lilly flowers. She knew they were pretty expensive flowers.

Along with it came another greeting card , but this time it had more heart shapes on it. She read the quote that was written in it by Vikram.

I'll plant a row of daisy seeds,
In the space below each eye,
So they'll remind you of your beauty,
When they bloom each time you cry.
Because I could watch you for a single minute 
And find a thousand things I love about you

From An Admirer.

V

Sonarika liked the quote. In her college days , she always loved shayari and poems. Matter of fact , back in that day , Meghna used to say the path to Sonarika's good books and to her heart is through poems. But Sonarika was definitely bothered , bothered that Vikram is doing the same mistake again. Getting dangerously close to her. 


Sonarika was upset about it but a part of her liked that Vikram was communicating with one of the thing she loved. Hemant in his entire life never tried his hand on poems and never had any interest in it. But then again Sonarika didn't expect it from him , Hemant had his weird ways to profess his love for her. Her inner turmoil didn't help her situation one bit , she was once again conflicted with her feelings. Few days ago Hemant was boasting to her about how he visited a big celebrity party and that he got a jacket from Manish Malhotra but Sonarika's mind was partially attentive to that detail and a portion of her mind was still locked into Vikram. In a way she was frustrated , frustrated that she has met a guy like Vikram.


She knew Vikram was the kind of guy that she once desired as a mate for life because he is everything she fantasized and craved. Her dreams had betrayed her mind and painted him as the man of her life , and it pained her every day when she sees Hemant sleeping beside her. There was a time when Hemant and Sonarika would sit on the dinner table in the evening and talk about their daily life and discuss things but now they were long lost memories. They haven't had a long conversation for months and they slept on the same bed together. It was unreal to think the amount of distance there has been developed between them due to the work commitments. Hemant assured her that he will eventually find time and that he is doing something to finally give the family a much needed breakthrough. But ironically the only thing holding the family together was Karan. Sonarika and Hemant derived much needed family time with Karan on occasions.
 

Sonarika took him to close friends functions including one of Ragini's. She really loved Karan's enthusiasm and energy. Mouni's younger kid Gautam was five years older than Karan but they seemed to like each other's company a bit. Karan always found a way to make friendships. Mouni applauded Sonarika's parentage skills and state she did a good job raising Karan.


And now here she was , holding a greeting card of a handsome man who seemingly is attracted to her. That made her feel frustrated the whole day till noon when she had lunch with Meghna. She immediately noticed Sonarika's frustrations and tried to find out what was bothering her.

"What is it Queen? What's bothering you lately?"

"Its...Vicky. He send me another one of his gift card along with some flowers"

"Hmm and I thought sending flowers are meant to lift your mind not bringing it down"

"Read the card"

Meghna read it and after reading it a smile crossed her face as she looked back at Sonarika.

"Damn....this man has taste"

"Yeah but its pretty distasteful for me"

"Really the poem is distasteful?"

"No , not the poem. The person , he should not be writing something like this"

"He is just being a loyal admirer Sonarika , you are the one making a big deal out of this"

"This is not admiration , he is doing the same mistake again"

"Maybe you are overthinking it , he is after all Vikram"

"Yes , and that is what worries me"

"Why"

"Because..."

Sonarika didn't speak for few seconds. Meghna was waiting for her to finish.

"Because I am loosing it Meghna...I am loosing control. He...he is in my brain , he is in my thoughts. And I am struggling to keep him away"

"But why? why is he in your brain"

"I don't know , it might be like you said , he has this energy , this.....magnetic connection with me. And I am struggling to hold it together with my life"

Meghna could see the struggle in her voice , some of her emotions were visible in her face. There is sincerity in her talk. She was indeed struggling.

"Okay , then why don't you learn to say no...to him"

"I am trying"

"No , stop trying , just pick the phone and say it. That's it. Let's see what his reaction will be"

Sonarika gained some courage suddenly and picked up her phone. She pressed on Vikram's contact number and then hit the green call icon on her smart phone and placed it on her ear.

The phone ringed for about two times after which Vikram answered.

"Hey Sonarika , this is a pleasant surprise"

"Hi Vicky , I couldn't help but call on getting the surprise of the day"

"You mean the flowers? its nothing baby"

"Please Vicky stop!" Sonarika said in a more firm tone.

Vikram was silent and was startled for few seconds.

"What?"

"You're doing the same mistake again...I warned you to never go overboard again with this"

"But Sonarika listen I was ju---"

"I don't need to listen to anymore of your excuses. Don't send me anymore of these you got that"

"Look I am sorry"

"I've heard this before and you still haven't learn. From now on talk only about business through mail and don't ever call me , I am blocking you , good bye"

Sonarika ended the call and she did as she told on the phone and blocked Vikram's number. Sonarika left a sigh as she sat there. Meghna carefully observed her seeing her calm down.

"So....do you feel good now" Meghna asked.

"A little...I did the right thing right?" Sonarike retorted.

"You made the decision Sonarika , own up to it. Do not let go off your confidence"

"But I did the right thing na?" Sonarika still asked repeating the same question.

"Now you are worrying about him. Seriously Sonarika do you want him or not?"

Meghna looked frustrated. Sonarika looked like she was giving off the wrong signs.

"We shouldn't talk about this....ever"

Saying that Sonarika left. She was having a very intense turmoil in her mind since that call. She thought the call will make the whole situation to calm down but now it only raised more uneasiness for Sonarika. She was constantly thinking about him for moments now. Every few minutes she would think whether she had upset Vikram. Is he probably hurt with her statement? Is Vikram ever going to talk to her?


After all , the hotel work is almost complete and the inauguration is happening in a month at Jabalpur , Madhya Pradesh. This is the time of the coming weeks where the final preparations will be done. But Sonarika could not cordinate it directly with Vikram , not anymore. Even though her part of the work is done , she is afraid if Vikram will ruin the working relation he had with Tanishq and that will result in bigger consequences for Sonarika in the future.


The next few weeks , Sonarika anticipated some bad news. But surprisingly it didn't come , but there was a complete black out from Vikram. There was no more contact , no more mails , no more discussions. Sonarika thought her turmoil will stop after her action to block him but that only made it worse. And to top it all , Hemant started to spend more time in the warehouse working on his side project and he started going early to the office stating his work on Quadron is getting to its final phase. This added fuel to Sonarika's frustrations , her dreams again tortured her with Vikram's face. She started to feel regret for some reason , as if she did a big wrong with Vikram. In her heart , she was divided between morality and desire. She cannoy deny her attraction towards Vikram and how his involvement near her makes her feel.


The craziest dream she had involved Vikram to be a part of her family along with Hemant. It was simply bizzare as she saw Vikram sleeping with her in their own bedroom while she could hear Hemant playing with Karan on the living room outside. She walked outside and she saw her husband playing with her son while Anjali is getting ready for her class. Then Vikram would come behind her and kiss her on her cheek.


"Good morning baby" Vikram said with a sexy tone.

Sonarika was too shocked seeing all this as Vikram would look at Hemant.

"I am going to shower , Hemant would you mind if I borrow your wife for few minutes more?"

Sonarika was completely stunned hearing words like that. And then the next shocker was Hemant who would respond with a smile.

"Sure , enjoy" Hemant would then turn his attention back to his playing with Karan.



Sonarika suddenly woke up after that from her sleep seeing that terrible dream. Her inner turmoil only worsened after seeing it. The confliction in her only grew , a constant battle between her chastity and her desires. 

                                                                                                                                            (CHAPTER 4 TO BE CONTD)