Hey everyone.

I hope you all are doing good. My apologies for this much delay but I hope this makes up for it.

Please shower all you love and support.

And as I say, inline comments literally makes my day!

Happy reading.

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April 2020

Pune

Indian Defence Station, Indian Air Force.

Quarter No. 15

At times, we stand in the crossroads of life, swinging between two emotions, completely opposite to one another. It does not necessarily mean the carrefour is of making a choice between two extremes. It can simply be those moments in which even after having one thing, we cannot help but miss what we don’t. Aur shayad aisa isiliye bhi hota hai kyuki chhootey huey log aur lamhe, dono he itni ehmiyat rakhtey hain ki unke bina koi bhi sukoon bhara pal adhura sa he lagta hai.

(And perhaps this happens because both, the people and the moments that are left behind hold so much importance that in their absence, even in the most tranquil junctures, we will feel something is incomplete.)

Karan was travelling down the same lane. He felt the void of his remaining paltan who was back there in Udaipur and some of his friends, too. Nonetheless, he was thankful to have his better half alongside him, giving him the much needed companionship. These pangs started hitting his inner self as soon as he hung up the call of his friends who were buzzing with boisterous enthusiasm and ceaseless teasing stating that Karan was having or rather relishing his much needed honeymoon period.

Sometimes, all you need is a company; someone to accompany you, regardless of anything, he thought while fiddling with his phone, standing with the support of the dining table and staring at his wife who was doing god knows what in the kitchen in 1 in the night. He sighed and walked back in the room to keep his phone on charging and then help his wife with whatever she was doing.

“Kya kar rahi thi tum itni der se kitchen mein?” Karan just turned and twitched his eyebrows at Monami who just stepped in the room.

(What were you doing in the kitchen for so long?)

“Huh?” Monami was slightly caught off guard and then she continued, “Kuch nahi... bas kuch cheezein theek kar rahi thi.” Monami added quickly as she knew Karan might question her.

(Nothing... I was just arranging a few things.)

Karan looked a little askance but he let it pass and nodded. The couple wished each other a good night and slid in their blankets to let the peaceful arms of slumber hide them in.

The morning alarm started beeping from Monami’s phone, a little earlier than their scheduled time. She made sure to keep it at a low volume so that it does not wake Karan up. Her eyes fluttered open, with a tinge of drowsiness lacing in them due to their late sleep and she skilfully swiped her finger on the phone to stop that irritating noise.

It was then her consciousness got aware about the proximity she was sharing with her husband. She was in the middle of the bed, with her sides brushing his frame. Karan was sleeping on his sides, facing her. His slow exhales were gently hitting the skin of her neck and earlobe, making her insides nervous as the first thing in the morning. Monami attempted to shift but froze as she felt Karan’s arm tightening the hold around her waist, involuntarily pulling her close. Unable to even grasp anything, her body was turned too, facing him.

Monami stayed still for a few seconds in order to see if Karan had somehow woken up or not, though she knew that Karan needed at least five hours of sleep to even open his eyes, yet she didn’t want to take a chance and get herself embarrassed the first thing in the morning. Also because if she was caught, she would be the prey to his merciless teasing.

When there was no change in Karan’s sleeping posture, his Officer Sahiba took her own sweet time and let her eyes capture his serene countenance. He looked like a soulful dream while sleeping; sleeping carelessly without any burden of feelings. Monami let her fingers caress his features tenderly until they reached his lips and shivered when she continued the soft brush after a two second pause. She leapt forward and placed a sweet kiss on his forehead after setting his hair.

Quickly finishing her morning prayers, she ventured into the kitchen and made the preparations for the birthday special meal or rather meals, for the entire day and then worked out for a bit and woke Karan up.

Monami was looking at Karan with a fond smile that refused to leave her face since the very morning. She was unaware of the twinkle in her eyes when she was just aimlessly watching her spouse do absolutely nothing besides rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn, nothing that he does not do otherwise.

Karan after a couple of seconds finally raised his eyes and then looked at his wife who was standing at a two feet distance from the bed.  He raised his eyebrows in question with a small smile as he got down from the bed while speaking, “Good morning.”

Monami wished him back and just when Karan was about to ask her the reason of her inadvertent gaze, he was in for pleasant shock as his wife just covered the distance between them and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his torso, keeping her head against his heart which gained her a gentle hold almost immediately on her back and then she said in a sweet tone, “Happy birthday Patidev!”

(Husband.)

Hearing such a thing in this affectionate manner, made Karan aware about his day and he just squeezed his wife a bit more and swayed them a little with a peck on her temple. Monami smiled and then pulled back a little and got on her tippy toes to place an unhurried kiss on his left cheek, making him close his eyes.

Karan opened his eyes after soaking in the moment and then flirted, “Haaye! Mera birthday roz nahi aa sakta? Kyuki itne pyaar se agar birthday pe uthaaogi toh kon kambakht mauka chodega?” Monami squinted her eyes a bit at his drama and then shook her head in an attempt to make some distance. Karan secured the hold, feeling her moments and then suggestively said, “Vaise ek taraf itna pyara subah ka tohfa diya aur dusri taraf itna rooka sookha?”

(Uff! Can’t my birthday come every day? Because if you are going to wake me up lovingly, like this on my birthday, then who would even want to miss out on it?) (By the way, on one side you’ve given such a lovely gift and nothing for the other side?)

Monami looked at him confusedly but then a powder pink shade rusted on her cheeks when she saw him tapping his finger on his right cheek. She lightly dabbed his chest, “Started in the morning only?!”

“Hey! It's my birthday, I actually deserve it today. Don't I?” Karan was just trying to have a chance and his eyes widened when he felt his wish getting fulfilled. This was so sudden that his hold on her loosened.

Monami trudged towards the door of their room and said, “Kaptaan Sahab, jaldi taiyaar ho jaaiye!”

(Kaptaan Sahab, get ready quickly.)

Karan came out of his trance and nodded a bit dazedly, with a small blush covering his ear tips. Karan could only imagine what all this day had in store for him if the morning was this beautiful.

Karan freshened up and then moved out of the room to find Monami talking with someone and then she said to the other person, “Karan is here, Ammi.” And saying so, she raised the phone in his direction, making him smile when he heard who was on the other side.

After talking with Ammi, Koel and Faizi, Karan moved to the kitchen to help Monami when he was asked to sit back on the dining table. He did what was asked and then Monami followed with a tray in her hands. She placed the tray in front of him and his eyes sparkled seeing what was in breakfast. It was his favourite dry fruit shake with Malai bread.

Monami gestured to him with his eyes when he looked at her with excitement and as he was about to dig in, when Monami made a slight clinking sound with a spoon on the table, making Karan raise his brow. She forwarded the spoon and said, “Cut it.”

Karan chuckled and took the spoon before cutting a small piece of the bread and then thinking something, he let go of the spoon and picked the morsel before advancing his hand in her direction. Monami simpered and leaned in, but just in time Karan pulled his hand a little back towards himself and repeated the action twice and naughtily grinned at her when she looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Once affirmed that his Officer Sahiba was in the desired radius, he fed her the piece and kissed her cheek, close to her lips as he whispered a thank you sneakily yet purposely licked the malai that got smeared just below her lips.

Monami’s heart refused to beat for a couple of seconds before going frenzy. She could only think of one thing and that was how she could be so unprepared, so defenceless when it came to his actions? What sort of charmer was he? She at the same time was in awe of the undermined power he had on her. His one look, one touch, one action or his mere presence was unnaturally enough to render her unarmed. And this was alarming, but she was slowly and steadily letting her heart go with the flow.

While Karan; he himself didn’t know how come he is so natural, when it comes to her? He definitely does not plan in advance but hell, he was never the one to directly jump on the actions. And here; his body reacts even before his mind could comprehend. It is all just so facile and so organic when she is in his proximity.

They were growing fond of each other’s companionship and at the same time, they were getting accustomed to each other’s presence as a habit. It was literally after decades, that they both had got so much time to spend without any work. It was undoubtedly, that phase of their lives, where they had got the ample of time with each other. They both didn’t have the liberty to enjoy the newlywed period in close vicinity but these moments of togetherness was more than rewarding.

The forenoon passed, with a little bit goofing around, continuous phone calls and now it was the time to have lunch and well, Karan was in for a surprise yet again.

Monami connected her phone to the television and then arranged the lunch on the table in the living room and then went behind Karan who just went to wash his hands. He looked quizzically at Monami who a moment ago, was in the living room but the latter bluntly ignored and kept her palm on his eyes and then asked him to walk.

When Karan was settled on the sofa, his eyes finally got the permission to look around as Monami withdrew her palm. His gaze got stuck on the TV screen as he witnessed his family which included the Siddique’s and the Mahajan’s as well, on the big screen, as they were settled on their dining tables respectively. But his eyes became moist as he looked on the shelf below the TV, it was his mother’s photo, which he kept with himself. He turned to look at his wife and she blinked her eyes, comfortingly.

“Jeej, ab jaldi se dekho khaane mein kya hai, paet mein bade zoro se chuhe daud hain.” Vedant broke the silence,  which caused the members to erupt in laughter.

(Jeej, c’mon now, check out what has been cooked. There is a rat race going on in my stomach.)

“Kyu bhai? Tum toh aise keh rahe ho jaise khaana banane mein tumhara bohot yogdaan hai.” Karan teased his brother-in-law and picked up the glass of water.

(Why so? You’re telling me as if you’ve contributed a lot in preparing the food.)

“Woh toh ki hai jeej. Lekin haal filhal aap dekho toh sahi. Aaj toh kiss pakki hai.” Vedant acted smug and then teased.

(That I have done for sure. But for now, just check it. A kiss is happening, for sure.)

Hearing Vedant, Karan who just chugged in some water, choked on it and coughed badly. Monami didn’t know whether to reprimand her sibling, fight her blush or help Karan. She decided to help her husband, not meeting anyone’s gaze. While the rest of them bursted in chuckles, Juhi made sure to smack Vedant’s head.  

“Arrey jeej mai toh generally baat kar raha tha. Ab agar khaana accha hota hai toh hum nahi kehte chef ke haatho ko kiss karna hai, just like that! Aapko kya laga? Di, please yaar dhyaan do apne pati pe.” Vedant was now in the mood to push his sister and brother-in-law in the spotlight and he blatantly ignored the smack.

(Oh jeej, I was talking in general. As in don’t we say casually to kiss the chef’s hands if the food is good, just like that. What did you think? Di, please look after your husband.)

Monami wanted nothing more than to kick her brother’s butt for being such a jerk at the moment, while she was rubbing Karan’s back. Meanwhile, Karan mentally cursed himself for even thinking about the actual innuendo Vedant hinted at. He was surrounded by his entire family, for God’s sake!

“Haan janab, itni khaasi kaise aagayi? Hume bhi toh bataiye!” When it’s Karan who is being teased, how can Faizi leave the troop?

(Yes mister. How come you choked on this badly? Tell us, please.)

“Vedant, tu sahi khel gaya bhai.” Param joined the gang and guffawed before continuing, “Aur yaar Faizi, c’mon. Yeh baat bhi koi batane ki cheez hai? Yeh toh seedha ki jaati hai.” Just as Param finished, he received a smack too, from Barkha and Atul shook his head.

(You played them really well, Vedant.) (Oh c’mon Faizi. Is it even a thing to talk about? It is simply meant to do.)

In between all this, baby was confused and so she whiningly said, “Aap sab bade bas baaton mein busy ho jaate ho. Bhukh lag ri hai na mujhe!”

(All you guys just get involved in talking. I’m very hungry.)

Barkha just smiled and kissed her daughter’s head and said, “Yes baby, now we’ll have food.”

Baby’s interruption in between gave ample of time to Karan to compose himself. He thanked his niece a million times in his head. He cleared his throat and said, “Haan mera baccha! Chalo ab khaana khaayein!”

(Yes kiddo. Now let’s eat.)

“Khotte, pehle dekh toh sahi ki kya bana hai khaane mein.” Atul mocked and told Karan.

(First take a look at what has been prepared. Donkey.)

Karan scrunched his nose and then leaned in to open the lids of the dishes. His lips stretched in a smile and eyes glittered. It was his favourite, Rajma Chawal with a raita and dal ka halwa.

“Yeh toh...” Karan was interrupted in between.

(This is...)

“Haanji beta. Phir shuru karein sab?” Deepak nodded and asked.

(Yes, son. Now shall we all begin?)

“Sab matlab?” Karan asked before he realised something. “Matlab aap sab log bhi?”

(All of you means?) (Oh, that means you all as well?)

Barkha smiled at him and said, “Haan Karan, hum sab bhi wahi khaa rahe hain jo tu. Monami ka idea tha.”

(Yes, Karan. We all will be having the same food as you. It was Monami’s idea.)

On hearing the last sentence, Karan turned his head towards his wife who was sitting beside him and coincidentally turned her head in his direction, and smiled one of the smiles which stirred her heart. This silent smile, spoke volumes.

All of them had their food and it did not, even for a moment felt that all of them were not together; for it was equally happening, chaotic, messy, loud and fulfilling.

After lunch, when Monami was in the kitchen, doing dishes, Karan walked in too, after a phone call and wrapped his arms around her belly, taking her in a back hug. Like every time, Monami’s heart fluttered and her fingers fiddled a little.

Karan sighed and dropped a kiss on her shoulder and then slowly whispered, “I loved it.” It made Monami smile.

Karan then left her and started drying the utensils his wife washed, wordlessly. Monami tried to deny but he paid no heed to it.

Once done, they both settled down in the living room and Karan rested his back against the head rest and closed his eyes. Monami too did the same but then she just remembered something and walked in the direction of her room.

She came back in the living room with a giant box in her hand and kept it on the table before Karan. With a sudden noise, Karan opened his eyes and looked back at his wife and then his eyes travelled on the table.

Monami settled beside him and uttered, “Open it.”

Karan raised his brow and then opened it. A chortle escaped his mouth as he saw what was in it. “Yeh?”

(This?)

“Ab aisi situation mein tumhe kya he gift de paati. Although this is not a gift, I think this can be something that might elevate your mood.” Monami explained.

(What could I even gift you, in this situation?)

“Yeh Foosball tumhara hai? I refuse to accept this fact. What is it even doing with you?” Karan chuckled again, looking at the brown Foosball in front of him.

(This foosball is yours?)

Monami narrowed her eyes before asking, “Why is it so hard to believe that I cannot have this?”

“Oh ho, Come on. Do you even have the time to wipe off the dust on its box? Now tell me the story behind it.” Karan told her like it was nothing.

“Fine. Actually Sid bought this one when he came to visit me almost two and a half years back. He said kisey pata yeh tere liye use mein aajaaye aur vaise bhi kabhi bore ho toh khel lena.” Monami shook her head with a small laughter as she recalled this incident.

(Who knows this might become useful to you and moreover if you ever feel bored, play with it.)

Karan chuckled too, before saying, “Hmm, baat toh vaise sahi kahi thi usne, use mein toh aa he jaayega.”

(Hmm, he was right; this will be useful.)

They then spent some time with each other, sharing their past birthdays and Monami silently listened to him when he shared about his mother. How she would prepare everything as per his liking and how his whole day would be so memorable. Her eyes became misty when he cupped her face and said, “Tumne jaane anjaane mein mujhe mere bachpan ki khushiyaan lauta di. Aaj tumhaari vajah se Maa ki kami thodi si kam khal rahi hai.”

(Unknowingly, you have given me my childhood happiness back. I miss my mother a little less today and it is because of you.)

After that, Monami had a meeting so she went in the room and Karan decided to go live and connect with his admirers, since he had this opportunity.

After greeting everybody, he firstly asked them to follow up with the precautions and be as safe as they can be and then responded back to innumerable hey’s and answered the basic questions like how is he or his wife. He thanked everybody for their wishes and even interacted with some 5-7 people one on one by accepting some random invites. He then accepted the joining request of Virat Kohli and had a good time with him.

While he was still on the call, Monami was free from her first call and as she saw the time and an empty water bottle on the table in front of Karan, she went into the kitchen and filled up a glass for him. She was unaware of the call going on since he was wearing air pods and also because Karan was silent since Virat was sharing something.

She just came closer to him and ruffled his hair, catching his attention and borderline scaring him as he jumped on his seat. He looked at her with wide eyes and stifling a laugh, she gave him the glass saying, “Peelo.”

(Drink it.)

Karan took it, shaking his head and said, “Live chal raha hai.”

(I’m on a live chat.)

Monami blinked her eyes rapidly and pulled back her hand and whispered, “I’m going in.” Saying so, she just hurried in, making Karan laugh.

Fortunately, nothing except Monami’s hand was visible on the screen but unfortunately his fans, Virat and some of their team members who joined the chat saw him getting scared.

“Kya Karan, bas itne mein he dar gaya.” Virat teased.

(You got scared with this only, bro!)

Karan rolled his eyes. His birthday was literally transforming itself into Tease Karan Day. Not wanting to accept this fact, he clicked his tongue in his mouth and said, “Oh please. I was just caught a bit off guard.”

While Virat read what Rohit Sharma wrote in the chat, and guffawed. “Haan haan, aisa hone ke baad sab aise he bolte hain. Lekin Karan, sammy bhi aise woh nahi hoti jaise tu hua.”

(Ya ya, people say like this only when something like this happens with them. But Karan, even sammy does not react in this manner the way you did.)

“Hahaha. Well said Ro!” Virat laughed.

“Aisa kuch nahi hai Rohit Bhai. Aur Virat bhai aap kya unke saath team up karke mere maze le rahe ho.” Karan frowned.

(It’s nothing like that, Rohit bhai. And Virat bhai, how is this fair that you’re teaming up with him to laugh at my expanse.)

“By the way, I must say, your wife cares a lot about you. Varna hume toh koi paani bhi na puche.” Virat said and then averted his gaze sideways which earned him a pillow on his face.

(Otherwise, no one even asks us for water.)

“Aur do-chaar phenko bhabhi, he deserves it.” Karan said suggestively and hopefully.

(You should hit him with some more, bhabhi. He deserves it.)

The call got over soon and he unknowingly fell asleep while just scrolling his mobile in a relaxing position. Monami’s call took time and it was quite late in the evening when she got free. As soon as she came out in the living room, her eyes were greeted with a sight that she found endearing. It was Karan, sleeping.

As if having a mind of their own, Monami’s feet moved themselves in the direction of Karan and a chuckle left her mouth when she saw his position. Due to his tall frame, his one leg was hanging from the hand rest as the other was rested upon the former. His left hand, placed on his chest with his phone sandwiched between and his right hand carelessly thrown behind the other hand rest, his head was supported on.

She just caressed his hair and stroked his bearded cheek slightly as she spoke to herself, “Thodi trimming kar deni chahiye. Chubhti hai ab.”

(He should trim a little. It is getting poky.)

Then she adjusted his muscular frame appropriately and left for the kitchen. She prepared the final meal of their day and then when she saw that it was indeed a long time since Karan slept, she woke him up.

After some time, when they had their evening snack, Karan showed Monami the amount of love he received from the people across the globe. Monami was feeling like a proud wife, over the love and admiration her husband was getting. They both even laughed at the funny memes that were having some snaps unknown to even him, as the main face.

After seeing the time, Monami looked at Karan and said, “Chalo.”

(Come.)

Karan looked at her and raised his eyebrows in question. To which Monami just pulled him up, making the corner of lips twitch in a small smile at the authority she just showed on him. Getting up on his feet, he flung his arm around her neck and deliberately leaned in, in order to add the weight of his frame on her.

Monami wayed a little in imbalance of the sudden act her husband pulled up. She turned her neck to him and shook her head seeing a goofy smile plastered on his face.

As they entered the room, Karan asked, “Kya hua?”

(What happened?)

“Umm, tum 10 minute ruko, mai abhi aayi.” Saying so, Monami rushed into the washroom after picking her towel.

(Umm, wait for 10 minutes, I’ll just be back.)

When she came out, she saw Karan mindlessly scrolling instagram reels and then in a snap, took his phone out of his hand and said, “ Mera ho gaya, jaao jaake ek baar shower lelo aur freshen up ho jaao.”

(I’m done. Go take a shower and freshen up.)

“Yaar subah he toh nahaya hoon. Phir dobara kyun?” Karan was looking no less than a sulking child right now. He clearly detested the idea.

(I have taken a bath in the morning only. Then why again.)

“”Don’t be a kid now.” Monami said, chuckling. But when she saw no difference in his countenance, she gently palmed his face and dropped a sweet peck on his forehead before saying, “I promise you’ll love what is in store for you. Now go.”

Karan grinned at this gesture but then eventually did as asked, although after huffing dramatically.

The moment Karan went in, Monami instantaneously picked out her outfit and managed to dress up. She then quickly fixed her make up and hair and then looking at the clock which was about to tick 9:30, she again picked out the clothes for Karan. As she looked at what she chose, she couldn’t help but appreciate that it was indeed quite fruitful on his end to pack at least 2 pairs of formals, no matter where he went.

Soon, she felt the sudden silence that the turning off of the shower caused. So, she quickly but neatly scribbled something on a small chit she took from her side shelf and placed it on the hanger of his attire. And then she hurriedly went out, closing and then bolted the door from outside.

As soon as Karan came out, he was greeted with silence and an empty room. After letting his orbs analyse the entire room, he saw a dress exclusively waiting for him on the bed. His lips quirked up as he covered the almost 3 step distance and then he squinted his eyes as he caught a stick on paper on the hanger.

His lips etched, forming a wide grin as he read what was jotted on the chit.

Before the day ends, let's make it more beautiful and create a memory to last in our pandora box? Are you ready for the birthday special dinner, Mr. Shergill?

P.S~ You have time till 10:15. Get ready and knock on the door twice.

Karan made no delay in following the instructions and got ready. He fixed his hair and wore his favourite cologne. The only thing that was constant in all this, was a smile that never left his lips.

Once done, he knocked on the door twice. And when the gate opened, his senses were knocked off. There she was, standing in front of him, looking like a celestial gorgeousness.

His eyes travelled all the way from down to up, capturing every curve that was hidden till now. His wife, was looking absolutely ravishing in a black net saree, with little sparkles and sequins and some baby pink flowers. He was in fact satisfied with the fact that she had pinned up her pleats, his lingering gaze on her waist was enough proof. He could not help his eyes.

While Monami’s insides fluttered and she felt tingles in each cell of her body, with his transfixed gaze. She was a bit under confident when she saw the saree but she had no choice other than this, as the remaining ones were her formal ones. She mentally cursed Sanjana for even gifting something like this, especially a blouse which was so little.  She was even confused if she should just let the pallu fall freely or pin it up, but then pinning up seemed a bit more covering so she went with it. But then, Karan’s undisturbed gaze disturbed her in an enticing manner and she could not even comprehend what this night would bring in.

Though she felt shy when his orbs time and again skimmed their way towards her waist, she courageously let her eyes, mark its territory from her husband’s feet to his handsome face. He was looking no less than a Greek God in his black ensemble. She intentionally picked a black on black attire for him. And boy, he did full justice to it. His hard contours were highlighted with the way his midnight coloured shirt hugged his torso. And the two buttons which were left open purposefully, left her throat dry. 

When Monami gulped the lump in her throat, Karan’s eyes caught that moment and it excited his insides. Then finally, their dark orbs clashed against each other for a minute long eye lock which Monami broke, albeit with a lot of difficulty.

Both of them knew, it was just the beginning of their furious hormonal battle. The night was young to hold and mark the secrets that their bodies will whisper against each other. This night was a struggle against their alarming senses.

After squeezing her saree again and again, till she got some courage, she cleared her throat, forwarded her palm in front of him and asked, “Shall we?”

Hearing her voice, he breathed a deep breath and then wiped his clammy palm on the side of his trousers before entwining their palms and affirmed, “We shall.”

Pushing all the indecent thoughts at the back of their minds, they both hand in hand went towards the gallery of the living room, with Monami leading the way.

When they reached the entrance, Monami asked Karan to wait before she went in, fixed her mobile camera then retreated towards her spouse and held his hand, she said softly, “Take a step in.”

Once they both were in, Monami removed her hold from him and then picked her phone, asking him to open his eyes. When Karan opened his eyes, he was bewildered to see how their gallery was transformed into a delightful date set up. It left him in awe of his wife who took efforts to make his day as charming as this. With the bare minimum items she could gather, she had transformed this place and stole his heart. It even gave him a Deja Vu of their first date.

Monami had placed the dining chairs against the two ends of the small table she had in their room and along with it, she had artistically placed their flower pots on the little space below the balustrade and a few on the ends were arranged to. For the effects, a lantern was placed behind one of their chairs and a candle on the table, along with the covered cutlery of dishes. Then there was a multicolored small rug placed two feet away from the feet of the table. This entire set up oozed out aesthetic vibes, coziness and warmth of congeniality.

He walked towards his wife and held her up in his embrace. He tilted his head and whispered, “Thank you.” His lips brushed against the outline of her ear as he said. He could feel a little quiver in Monami as her shoulders did a little moment.

After having their moment, they both settled on their chairs and as Karan uncovered the bowls on Monami’s gesture he was yet again left in a blanket full of warmth. His favourite, Chhole Bhature with Kheer was in the dinner.

Sensing that he was getting emotional, Karan swiftly said, “I’m seeing what you’re trying to do.” It made Monami narrow her eyes and Karan continued, “Tum itna accha khaana khilaa ke mujhe mota karne ki koshish kar rahi ho. Vaise he mera paet phailta jaa raha hai.” Karan shook his head dramatically.

(You are trying to make me fat by making me eat all those yummy delicacies. As it is, my stomach is turning into a paunched belly.)

Monami rolled her eyes and said, “Don’t worry I’ll be strict with you, from tomorrow.”

They both had their dinner while talking at some moments and sneaking up glances of their partner in others. They were having their own sweet time.

After dinner, Karan forwarded his palm and asked, “Mrs Shergill, would you like to have a dance with me?”

Monami nodded and joined their palms before getting up from their seats. Karan put on a random mashup of some old and new songs.

Karan held her one palm in his, entangling their fingers and the other garlanded the other one across her waist, his cold palm against her warm skin. Monami shivered at this and Karan tugged at her waist, pulling her closer.

Monami’s eyes flittered as she slowly asked, “Aise achanak dance?”

(Why this sudden dance?)

“It has been you, who has taken me on a date, both these times, I could at least do this.” He said, as they swayed, making his better half simper a bit.

They were so engrossed within each other that they did not even look at the time. It was in one moment when Monami was in the back hug and Karan sang in her ear along with the lines,

Yeh lamha jo thehra hai,
Mera hai, yeh tera hai,
Yeh lamha main jee loon zara...

This line made Monami tighten her grip on his hands across her tummy. No one knew how after a couple of steps and sways later, they were face to face with each other, with a shame of a distance between them. The music continued, but their moments ceased. All the built up sexual tension, surfaced back. There was an underlined need, that grazed their eyes. Their bodies, demanded intimate attention.

The air was charged up. Their heart beats were on a marathon and their lungs refused to function smoothly. Both Monami and Karan’s gaze traveled back and forth from eyes to lips, when the former asked with her eyes fixated on his, “Karan.” She then looked at his lips before looking at him and gulped before asking further, “May I?”

Karan just tightened his hold on her and it literally fused their body together. Once completely in, Karan nodded and none of them knew who leaned in first, but their breaths mingled and their lips joined. This knitted their bond of unfiltered closeness and intimacy. For the first few seconds, they both went still at the foreign moment against their lips in such a long span of time but they slowly moved their tangled mushes, testing the waters.

The kiss was unhurried, undisturbed, a little bit laced with unfamiliarity but it was their first, with each other. Monami’s palms advanced from his chest to his nape as his fingers dug slightly on the exposed skin of her waist. They backed off slowly, to hold their breaths but Monami gripped his shirt from her left hand and forwarded his frame against hers with her right hand on his nape and fused their lips again. Feeling empowered, Karan’s thumb caressed the inviting skin of her waist, while his other hand cupped her face and neck, in a soft yet firm manner.

This was addictive. They kissed till they couldn’t. And then Monami hugged him tightly, till they were no more breathless.

Karan and Monami, not only took a step in their physical aspect of their relationship but it was also a step in their already brewing emotional intimacy. This seed of rawness, not only ignited their flamed passion but it also paved the way to their knock off the highly built walls of insecurities. Like they say, a kiss is like a seal of the deal. It is a revelation, made against the mouth to keep the moment between the two souls locked in.

•°•°•

karan.shergill

❤️💬⏩
18,341,517 likes

karan.shergill Lighting up my world like the moon lights up the dark sky! Thank you for making my day so special and life, even more, Mrs. Shergill. ❤️♾️

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sid_g Woah bro! Look at you, taking up all the limelight in my best friend's life! 😤 But you both are so adorable together, that I can't even fake my grumpiness. 🌚❤️
   
         ||sanjana.21 Tu na chirkut he rahega. 💀

sanjana.21 You guyssssss 🫶🫶🫶

shergill.karannn His posts earlier 💕 but with his wifeeeeee 🥹😌❤️🫶

karns.fan No matter what, Mr. Shergill never forgets to address her as Mrs. Shergill 🫶😌❤️

•°•°•

( Assume there are candles on the table instead of cups and the sky is dark!)

•°•°•

|~|~|~|~|

6.2k+ words.

Longest till date.

I hope it compensates the delay.

How was the chapter guys?

I just want to request that the reads the striking up but neither the votes nor the comments, at least acknowledge the hard work of the author, before directly asking for the next update.

Anyway, a big truck of gratitude to all the ones who have been my constant support! I absolutely love you all, you're amazing! ❤️❤️

Please vote, comment and share!

Much love,
Nehal.