Revenge

chapter 11

Her body ached in unfamiliar places and thoughts were a tangled mess. Gasping for air she found herself leaning over the metal rail. Out in the fresh air, she felt her skin enjoying the light breeze caressing her small form. She couldn't understand why her body greedily accepted his touch but resented Brandon's touch.

Lowering her forehead onto her hands, she gave a low groan. She had always dreamed of this night since she met Nikos five years ago. It wasn't just any physical but emotional as well. At least from her side. She knew she loved him. Every inch of her soul and body belonged to him.

"You are torturing yourself for no reason." His soft voice drifted in the thin air.

Diana lifted her head but didn't look round.

"Go away. I am not going to jump if that's what you are worrying about." She sniffed.

He remained silent for a moment. "Whatever you think. I don't understand the reason which compelled you to behave like this. We just consummated our marriage. It is normal as we are married now."

She lifted her head and stared into the darkness, listening to the sea, her hair swayed around her heart shaped face because of the gentle breeze. Her hands tightened around the rails listening to his nonchalant words.

Just like that!!

"Are you happy? Finally you got what you wanted from me." She whispered.

A hand grabbed her arms viciously and whirled her around.

"What are you implying?"

Diana looked into his eyes searching for his soul.

"I have fallen in love with you...again." she closed her eyes not wanting to see his frosty eyes which were glaring at her after her declaration.  " Why can't our relationship be like that of a normal couple? Why do you neglect me? Why are you not allowing me in your heart?" She whispered as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

For a moment she thought she had a chance when a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes but that too was gone quickly , instead a cold hearted man stood in front.

"Because I don't have one. Love is for fools and I am happy to say that I am not one of them. "

Silence.

Both of them stared at each other wanting to gauge their inner torments.

"You succeeded Nikos. You got your revenge because you have crushed my soul. You must celebrate the occasion." She said prying his hands away from her.

"Why are_"

"I want to go home." She declared turning around not wanting to see his emotionless demeanour.

"What?" He asked.

"You heard me. I miss my parents. I want to meet them especially papa. After his operation I didn't get a chance to say him a proper goodbye. "

After a moment he replied, " okay. I shall get my plane ready for tomorrows journey."

"No need I have already booked my ticket. I won't need it."

Please stop me.

"Okay. If that's what you want."

It has been 20 days - 20 days since that night. She sat on the couch listening to the bickering of her parents. As usual some people don't change. Now these two were on about who was a better cook and neither of the two were ready to accept defeat.

"No I am better than you. Remember the last party , the guests were literally sucking on their fingers as the food tasted marvellous." Her father uttered proudly.

"The reason was my last addition of some spices in the food dear, otherwise the poor ones would have a running stomach the other morning. Well I definitely don't appreciate half cooked food." Mother commented.

"Aww jealous....."

Diana zoned out from their conversation. Her body was here, in her hometown but mind was still in New York. What was he doing now?

He had called once to know about her safe arrival. Other than that no calls from him. Though she didn't want to hear him but her other part missed him immensely.

Now that she was here , could  he entertain his mistress in her absence?

Was she ready to accept this bond without love?

She didn't want to think about it. It did nothing but increase her agony.

"Diana are you unwell?"

"No mother just tired. Nothing to worry about. I shall take rest."

"Okay. And I am happy for your return."

Diana excused herself and went into her room. A remarkable change which she had witnessed was her mother's behaviour. She seemed more relaxed and carefree. She even cooked Diana's favourite food which she had stopped doing when Diana was 16 years old. Her mother was more approachable now.

Her mother knew something was wrong in their relationship but she didn't pester her about it for which she was thankful to her.

After 15 minutes she heard her mother yell her name to come downstairs. Thinking it to be an emergency she rushed out of her room and ran all the steps leading her into the hall. The sight in front  was not what she had expected. Their stood Nikos in all his glory wearing a black armani. His skin flawless like always.

"Diana you didn't inform us that Nikos was coming today." Her father asked

How would I father when his arrival is as much shock to me as it is for you.

"Oh let the poor boy be. It was a long journey and he must be tired." His mother came to her rescue.

Diana could only raise her eyebrows at the sudden change of her mother's stance for Nikos.

"Well it was a surprise. I came to take Diana back home." Nikos interrupted.

Home.

"Of course darling. Where are my manners. Please do take a seat."

Controlling her inner turmoil Diana managed to take a seat across from him. He easily chatted with her parents like he knew them from his childhood. What shocked her was her parents cool behaviour towards him.

She could feel his eyes on her time to time but she knowingly kept her head down. Sometimes she found her eyes focussed on him when he was busy in making a conversation with her parents.

"Diana I would like you to pack your luggage. I have a very busy schedule." His voice rang into her ears.

Nodding she left the room well aware of his intense gaze fixed on her.