Heyaa!

Late hone ke liye maafi!

Happy reading!

P.S~ Unedited.

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November 2020

Udaipur

Shergill's

There is something weirdly amusing about reactions in general. Although the reactions of living beings highly differ from the environment and non breathing objects, it is funny how Isaac Newton's law fits here perfectly, that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Specifically talking about human reactions, it is indeed other worldly. I mean, the fact that we react is directly proportional to the emotions we feel as well as emotional exchange, that may come to surface from even a little verbal or non verbal communication. Perhaps, it is just the mechanism we've unanimously agreed to enact upon.

Lekin baat bhi kya khoob hai, nahi? Ki haav-bhaav ke bartaav se pratikriya nirdhaarit ho jaati hai. Aur pratikriya bhi aisi ki ruswaayi bhi ek pal mein aur meethi si muskurahat dusre pal mein.

(But this is incredulous, isn't it? That our reactions are decided by the behavior of our gestures and too to an extent that we may be dishonored in one moment and simpering delicately, in the other.)

And I feel this is the very reason, that we respond, we think, we grapple on the thoughts and actions that nudge us to have a reaction. Moreover, this only makes us more human, considering that even if we try to escape from our emotions, our reactions somehow give it all and we confront as well as rejoice, as to no more over-thinking is left on the plate.

Something akin to a fervid desire to embrace his better half and never let her leave him bare of her presence hit Karan when he by chance got a view of Monami convincing his father to wear the brooch she got for him in the living room, as he descended the stairs.

"Please Papa..." She requested softly.

"Par beta, iski kya zaroorat thi?" Atul asked in his ever fatherly tone.

(But my child, what was the need of it?)

"Har cheez zaroorat dekh ke thodi na karte hain? Mujhe accha laga toh le aayi." Monami smiled softly. "Vaise bhi, agar mai Diwali par ghar bhi aati thi na tab bhi kabhi khaali haath nahi aayi, toh iss baar kaise? Aur phir mujhe aise do brooches mil gaye toh mai aapke aur papa ke liye le aayii..."

(We don't always do things as per the needs, right? I liked it so I got it.) (As it is, I never come empty handed, if I come during Diwali. Moreover, I found two similar brooches, so I got them for you and papa.)

Atul gently put his hand on Monami's head, as an affectionate blessing and allowed her to put the brooch on him. "Accha puttar ji, laga lo."

(Okay my child, put it on.)

After that Monami neatly tucked it on the left side of the chest of Atul's plain navy blue kurta. It was a pure coincidence that the shades of the brooch were in perfect coordination with his kurta. It was a vintage gun in authentic rhinestone gold, with a scabbard that was connected with three thing chains in between, that hung in between them. It was studded with tiny diamonds and three blue stones on the gun and two on the scabbard. It was artistic and definitely eye pleasing.

But the fact that it resembled so much of the early life of Atul made him nostalgic as well as touched at the thoughtfulness of Monami.

"Kaisa laga aapko papa?" Monami asked with a hesitant curiosity. It was the first time she was gifting something in this family.

(How did you like it, papa?)

"Bilkul vaisa he, jaise ek fauji ko lagna chahiye." He smiled boastfully, before tilting his chin down and caressing it with his fingers. "Bohot pyaara hai, thank you beta."

(Just the way a soldier should feel it.) (It is beautiful, thank you kiddo.)

Karan's lips curled up in a tender smile, as he folded his arms while looking at the scene unfolding before him. It was sweet, the way she had embraced them as hers. She was thoughtful, very much at that.

Smiling, he made his presence evident as walked down the last stair towards the living room, where they both were.

"Arrey Karan, dekho na kitna pyaara brooch diya hai Monami ne." Atul heartily said, whilst straightening his shoulders as he corrected the collar of his kurta.

(Look Karan, Monami gifted me such a beautiful brooch.)

"Indeed, papa." Karan's countenance covered up in those expressions of being impressed.

Soon enough, the remaining three Shergill's joined them too and after a little chit chat and some complimenting, Barkha instructed everyone to do their tasks before they sit in for the Pooja.

So, as per the instructions, Karan and Param went out with a plate of well lit diyas and set them properly, near the gate, the parapet, the smaller subsections amid the pillars and wall and mainly near the tulsi plant.

Meanwhile, Barkha kept the diyas in rooms as it would have been an irksome task for Monami, owing to the lehenga she was in and the latter put the garland around the frame that would be worshipped. And baby was assisting her grandpa in placing the mats on the floor of their temple room.

It did not take them long before all them gathered, did the Aarti and then the younger ones took the blessings of older Shergill's.

When they came out, Monami fetched the shopper that was placed on the dining chair. She fished out a book and gave it to Param. Then, she gave Barkha a watch and the little Shergill was also given a cute frilled frock.

"Monami yeh sab kyu? Ghar he toh hain hum sabhi!" Param questioned, as he was reluctant to accept the gifts they were bestowed with.

(Monami, what was the need of it? We all are at home only.)

"Bhaiya, bhabhi... apno ko dene ke liye zaroorat thodi hoti hai. Aur vaise bhi, aap logo ko sirf kehne ke liye bhaiya aur bhabhi nahi kehti hoon, balki maanti bhi hoon. Toh haq hai mera. Aur phir ab aise mauke pe bhi khaali haath aau? Aise thodi na hota hai." Monami gently kept her point across.

(Bhaiya, bhabhi... we don't need any reason to give something to our people. I don't call you bhaiya and bhabhi just for the sake of it, I genuinely consider it as such. And by that, I have all the rights. Moreover, I'm here on such an occasion and that wouldn't be okay to me if I come empty handed.)

"Aur zyada kuch thodi na hai... Bhaiya, yeh toh bas book hai jo abhi abhi automobiles pe aayi hai. By chance dikh gayi, toh le aayi. Aapke toh bade kaam ki hai." Monami said to Param as she blinked her eyes in assurance and then turned towards Barkha. "Bhabhi, I know aapko smart watches kuch khaas pasand nahi hai toh bas isiliye, yeh mujhe acchi lagi toh le li. I hope aapko bhi acchi lage!" She squeezed the elder lady's hand that was in hers.

(Oh ho, it is not much. This is just a book on automobiles which was released recently, bhaiya. I just found it by chance so I bought it. And this is worth your use.) (Bhabhi, I know that you aren't that fond of smart watches, so I just found this to be perfect for you. I hope you like it.)

"Tum by chance ka bahana toh rehne he do!" Param chuckled as he shook his head, while Barkha nodded in agreement. "Aur ab kyuki bhaiya bhi itne pyaar se kehti ho toh rakh leta hoon." He affectionately kept his palm on her head, as a gesture of blessing, making Monami smile sweetly.

(You drop this reason for getting all these things by chance, okay?) (But because you address me as bhaiya with so much love, I'll accept this.)

"Haan Monami. And this is really beautiful." Barkha gently hugged her.

(Yes.)

Hardly a couple of seconds would have passed when the comfortable silence settled deep amidst the smiles was broken by little Shergill as she tugged on Monami's left hand, catching her attention.

"This is not fair, chachiii." Baby whined and complained with a frown, accompanied by a pout.

While the other Shergill's watched in amused curiosity, Monami exchanged a look with Barkha before kneeling down, as she caressed baby's nose with her index finger.

"What is not fair, bacche?" Monami asked.

(Kiddo.)

"Aap sabke liye gifts laaye, par mujhe bhool gaye?" The little girl puckered her lower lip out.

(You got everyone their gifts, but you forgot about me?)

Karan who was just peacefully breathing in the easy breezy moments of the affectionate banter and exchange, quickly jumped in after hearing Baby's complaint. After all, the skipper cannot skip the attention now, can he?

"Tch Monami, very bad." Karan knelt down beside Monami, in front of baby and shook his head, as if disapproving her actions and making her narrow her eyes. He gently pulled the little girl in his embrace.

"You know baby, chachi toh chachu ke liye bhi kuch nahi laayi." Karan tried to fill baby's ears, with a fake hurtful huff. "Abhi hum chachi se katti." He said, with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, he looked in Monami's with a smirk crawling on his lips.

(You know baby, your chachi didn't buy anything for your chachu as well.) (Now we won't talk to your chachi.)

Monami narrowed her eyes at his blatant display of absurdness and smacked his arm. She pulled baby out of his feeble grasp, towards her and stroked her hair.

"Chachi apni baby ko kaise bhool sakti hai, bacche? Aap toh sabse special ho toh aapke liye sabse special gift hai." Monami said and got up to bring the neatly placed package on the dining table. Seeing a little backpack and a bunny sling in the packet, made the little extremely happy.

(How can your chachi forget you kiddo? You're most special to me, so your gift has to be special.)

"Aur Karan?" Param called, and Karan rose up on his feet as he faced his elder brother. "Tu tera gift ab yahan kaise lega?" This made Karan frown in confusion. Shareefon ki tarah apni biwi se apne kamre mein lena." The tone and the evident tease was enough to make Karan flick his nose in embarrassment.

(And Karan?) (How will you take your gift here?) (Take your gift from your wife in your room, like a decent and modest man.)

"Yeh khota na khota he rahega. Pata nahi kis pae gaya hai. Tu sirf lene ka he dhyaan rakh, ullu da pattha. Meri beti ko kuch nahi dega?" Atul vented out in disbelief as he pulled Monami in the side hug.

(This brat will remain a brat. I don't know who he has taken up after. You only focus on taking something, foolish man. Won't you give something to my daughter?)

{Literal meaning of Ullu da Pattha means Son of an owl, but that would be very weird to fit in here.}

"Haan haan, dedunga. Thand rakho tussi." Karan pursed his lips.

(Yes, yes, I will give her. You please relax.)

After their little laughter filled banter and a tummy filling meal, the Shergill's went out to burst some crackers, the little Shergill of course doing the task under the guidance and surveillance. The Shergill's also met some of their neighbors who were out to watch the crackers or simply greet each other.

[Not that I promote the burst of fire crackers or anything, it's just what most people do on the occasion and enjoy.]

Spending some more time in exchanging greetings and formalities, the couples departed to visit the maternal homes of their wives.

The drive to Mahajan house was filled with minimum vocals of comforting music as the man was driving the car whilst tapping on the steering wheel, syncing with the lyrics and Monami was glancing at the lightened up streets of the city of lakes.

The wordless silence between them was comfortable enough to understand the unspoken words and the moment they were carved in.

"Vaise, kitne time baad ghar pe diwali manaogi?" Karan asked to know more about her.

(By the way, after how long will you celebrate Diwali at home?)

"Last year yahin thi..." She took a pause as she reflected on the changes that have taken place since the last time and how almost everything was flipped in a wonderingly unexpected yet organic manner.

(Last year as well, I was here only.)

Karan gave her the time she asked in her silence and then simply held her right hand in his left and placed a soft peck as he kept it firm in his gentle hold on his thigh.

"Ghar par, sabhi gharwalon ke saath diwali bohot kam he manayi hai. Pehle papa ki service thi aur phir mere join karne ke baad toh mai bhi hardly 4-5 baar he ghar gayi... to celebrate. This might be the fifth time, actually." A tender curve knocked at the corners of her lips as she spoke.

(I've hardly spent Diwali at home, with all the family members. First it was due to Papa's service and then when I joined the force, I could make it home hardly for 4-5 times to celebrate.)

"You know what? Like I know what exactly you are feeling. I've missed out on this family gathering so many times too and nothing can compensate for the time you just have to miss for your responsibilities. There is no regret or guilt whatsoever, for we've chosen this but it is what it is." Karan's reaction and response was nowhere wrong, for he had been overwhelmed too.

In their own ways, they were shouldering the responsibilities of their country and countrymen; the country, which they regarded and revered as their own home and the countrymen, some of who knew them and almost all, unknown to them. Funny, isn't it? You standing and racing forward to grab onto the challenges for the impassionate sentiments you are filled with.

The events of his life were so similar to his wife, at some moments and that was the foundation of a very solid understanding between them. Growing up, they longed for their father's time and now they are in a situation where they are longing for every person's presence as they are determined to walk on the paths they chose for themselves.

The people who are on the national duty, both, with and sans the gun and armed uniforms, are the ones who hold the courage to expect and demand less and give as much as they can; at times, to the extent of surrendering their entire being.

Monami's fingers reverted the comforting grip on his fingers, by curling them gently. She could literally breathe his feelings and the mess of the chaos of his very essence.

And in between the vague and loud sounds of fire crackers, honks of a handful of vehicles, the chatters on the street and a perfectly illuminated city, they reached the Mahajan residence.

As Karan turned the key, to silence the uproar of the car, he looked on his side, at his partner to find her looking at her home with the unspoken longing which he seemed to understand.

He gently tugged on her hand that was in his grip. This had gained him her undivided attention. He wordlessly raised their joined palms and placed a soft kiss on hers; once and then again. Then with an assuring blink and a heart easing smile, he let it go.

Monami in all her senses was touched. This guy was so thoughtful, so understanding and so beautiful, she thought. She was yet again thankful to their parents for making him a part of her life, a very important and a soulful part.

"Chalein?" Karan asked after a couple of seconds.

(Shall we go?)

"Haan!" She nodded but then gave him a side knowing glance as she continued, "Baal theek nahi karne apne?"

(Yes.) (Don't you want to do your hair properly?)

"Not bad Mrs. Shergill! Mujhe laga toh bas mujhse sharmati phirti ho. Lekin nahi, as a good officer tum mujhpe poori nazre gadhaye baithi ho." Karan was for sure impressed, but he simply cannot let go of the chance of teasing her.

(I thought you only coy around me. But no, you're having your eyes on me, like a good officer.)

Monami narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, well known to his antics.

Karan looked at these expressions from the front hanging mirror in the car as he corrected his perfectly settled hair with his fingers. Once done, he couldn't help but lean in towards her and peck her nose which was scrunched up a bit.

"Ab chalo bhi!" He huffed out as he wasn't making her wait and that didn't catch her off guard. What? She must be used to his abruptness now!

(Okay now, let us go.)

Even the slightly cold air that hit her when she stepped out of the car, couldn't fight against the heat that was bestowed upon her by her husband.

Monami took hold of her veil as she covered her head, while walking towards the entrance as Karan joined her after grabbing the shopper bags from the back seat.

It was different for both of them. For the first time in her life, she was entering her home as not just a daughter, but as someone's wife and daughter in law on an occasion like this. The veil, the clinking of the jewelry, the lehenga and a man by her side... all of this felt foreign to her.

Meanwhile Karan felt no different. It was for the first time that he was accompanying someone on the Diwali night and that too with a relation of a husband and a son in law. At this moment, he couldn't help but think about the entirety of a routine his wife had left behind her.

The door was open only, for they knew about the arrival of their daughter and also because the gates do not really close before midnight during such festivals.

As they entered, they saw Vedant on a phone call, with his back to them, though they made no effort to have his attention.

Monami looked around; soaking up the familiarity of the comfort of the walls and the space she was provided with and Karan let her have her moment.

Vedant picked a Kaju Katli from the sweet box that was kept on the dining table for the guests and took a bite as he hung up.

"Haan tu bas gate khol ke, apni dhun mein ghum rehke bas thoos ta ja. Koi aaye ya jaaye, iss sey kya he farak padta hai? Tujhe toh bas teri Kaju Katli ki padi hai." Karan's amused eyes turned towards Vedant from Monami, as he feared that the young man might get a back sprain with the speed with which he turned.

(Wow, you're going on the right track. Keep the gate open and then get lost in your own world and hog on the food. Who cares if someone comes or not? All you care about is your beloved Kaju Katli.)

{Kaju Katli- Kaju katli, also known as kaju barfi, is an Indian dessert, originating in the Deccan, and is popularly consumed throughout north India. Kaju means cashew; barfi is often made by thickening milk with sugar and other ingredients. Kesar kaju katli includes saffron. It is similar to a Barfi.

P.S- It is a sweet that you'll find in every Indian household during such festivals!}

"Diiii. Pagal ho yaar aap." Vedant patted his chest to calm his suddenly raced up heart beats and then swiftly putting the left over piece in his mouth; he dusted his hands off and skedaddled towards the couple.

(Diii. You're mad.)

He crossed the distance and embraced his sister in grip. "Happy Diwali, di. I missed you so much. So so much." His eyes moistened a little, as he felt the familiar caress on his nape.

"I missed you, too." She tightened her hold.

"Lekin behen se zyada phir bhi tujhe teri Kaju Katli ki he padi hai. Yahaan aaya bhi toh woh poori khaake." Monami pulled back with a twitch on her lips as she smacked his bicep.

(You care about your Kaju Katli more than your sister, don't you? You came here, but not before eating it.)

"Haan toh? Ab tyohaar pe bhi insaan apni favourite mithaai na khaaye?" Vedant rolled his eyes.

(So what; now a man can't even have his favorite sweet during the festival?)

"And excuse moi. Let me greet Jeej first." He took a step towards Karan and the latter side hugged him. "Mummy papa ke kanwar sahab aaye hai, aur aise darwaaze pe khada rakha hai aapne." He exaggerated and shook his head dramatically.

(Mummy and Papa's son in law is here and you've kept him standing on the gate.)

{Moi was just used as a twisted version of me.}

"Saale sahab, kanwar sahab nahi beta kahiye!" Karan humbly said and made the sibling duo smile with all their hearts. This man was a charmer who knew the art of stealing hearts very well.

(Bother in law, address me as their son, and not son in law.)

[This translation seems so weird and funny.]

"Bilkul!" Vedant took a step back as he smiled.

He then bent down and touched the feet of Karan and Monami, catching the former off guard. Since he was the youngest one, no one ever touched his feet.

"Ved... yeh?" Karan was taken aback as he hesitantly kept his palm on Ved's head, as a gesture of blessing, after Monami gently nudged him to do so.

(Ved... this?)

Vedant softly smiled as he rose on his feet. "Ab di toh mujhse rishte aur aude, dono mein badi hai toh inke pair toh bachpan se chhuye hain. Ab kyuki aap mere jeej bhi ho and more than that because I take you as my older brother, toh yeh mera haq tha."

(Di is older than me, both in relation as well as in prestige so I've taken her blessings since childhood and now that you are my Jeej, and because I take you as my older brother, this is my right.)

A heartwarming smile curled up on Karan's lips as he heard these words, which were a lot more than mere words. These were a symbol of acceptance, an embracing acceptance in their families and hearts.

Vedant took them to settle and Monami could not help but feel more foreign, as somehow she felt like a guest in her own home. Obviously, it wasn't Vedant's intention but the gestures of ensuring that everything was well settled sans the carefreeness and mockery that generally lingered around them.

"Mummy papa kahan hai? Sharma uncle ke?" Monami questioned when she didn't see her parents even after a few minutes.

(Where are mummy and papa? Are they at Sharma uncle's place?)

"Haan! Aate he honge bas." Vedant said as he served them water.

(Yes. They must be coming anytime now.)

Hardly would they have taken a sip, when they were greeted by the senior Mahajan's.

"We're so sorry, beta. Late ho gaye hum log." Juhi said in a hurry as she walked in further.

(We got late.)

"Shaant ho jao aap, apne he bacche hain aur apne he ghar aaye hain..." Deepak tried to calm his wife, who wasn't affected even a bit as she cut him off in between.

(Please calm down, they are our kids and they are at their home...)

"Ohho, aap nahi samjhoge. Shaadi ke baad bacche pehli diwali pea aye hain. Kuch rasmein hoti hai aur maa- baap he ghar par nahi thhey. Ab sab fatafat se karna padega..." Juhi breathlessly said but was halted down as Monami grabbed her shoulders to calm her down.

(You won't understand. The kids have come here on their first Diwali after marriage. We have some rituals and customs to follow and we ourselves were not present. Now we'll have to hurry in...)

"Mumma, breathe. Relax!" Monami tried to calm her mother but as Juhi was about to speak again, the former yet again in a firm voice said, "Mumma. Relax. We are here only. We have time to do everything."

She made her parents sit and then said in a calm manner, "Abhi aaye ho, baitho aaraam se. Aur yeh batao, kuch khaaoge? Laa dun kuch?"

(You've just come, please relax a bit and tell me if you will have something? Shall I bring it?)

"Nahi baccha, baith araam se. Tu bhi toh abhi he aayi hai na." Deepak said with a soft smile.

(No kiddo, you too relax and have a seat. You also came here sometime back only.)

"Baccha sunn na, araam se baith jaana pehle ek baar aarti kar lein?" Juhi looked at Monami and then averted her eyes to Karan. "Beta, I know aap log thak gaye hoge..."

(Kiddo, can we please relax after getting done with the aarti?) (Son, I know you guys must be tired...)

"Offo mumma, kaisi thakawat? Ghar se yahin toh aaye woh bhi gaadi mei... konsa koi bohot bhaari kaam kiya hai? Aap araam se batao kya kya karna hai and please ek baat bilkul bhi allowed nahi hai, pehle he keh deta hoon." Karan brushed off Juhi's reluctance and then sternly said.

(What tiredness are you even talking about, mumma? We've come here from our place only and that too in the car, it wasn't something burdening. You please take it easy and then tell us what is to be done. But yes, I'm telling you that there's one thing that is not at all allowed I won't listen to anything.)

"Kya hogaya beta, sab theek hai na?" Deepak asked in confusion.

(What happened son is everything alright?)

"Haan papa, sab theek hai." Karan assured and then got up from his seat and walked towards the senior Mahajan's.

He smiled his usual charming smile as he saw them looking at him in puzzlement as adjusted the small glass table that was between the sofas, a little.

(Yes papa, everything's alright.)

Wordlessly, he settled in the criss cross apple sauce position on the rug, making everyone's eyes widen. Deepak and Juhi were unable to comprehend anything. They exchanged a look of uncertainty before glancing back at Karan. In fact, even Vedant stood up in bewilderment and stood near Monami, who herself was trying to make sense of what all was happening.

"Beta ye sab...aur aap neeche..." Juhi tried to speak.

(What is all this child...and why are you sitting on the ground...)

"Papa, mumma... aapne mujhe apni beti ke kaabil samjha hai, toh mera bhi toh farz banta hai na ki mai aapke iss vishwas ko kaayam rakhu. Yeh jo har bar thodi bhi hichak rehti hai na aap mein ki mai jamai hoon aapka aur aapko kuch zamano puraane kaayde mann'ne padenge, please kuch bhi mat karo aisa. Jab aap beta kehte ho na mujhe, toh bas vaise he rakho. Jaisa Ved hai vaisa he mai bhi. Hm?" Karan tried to give words to feelings, as sincerely as he could.

(Papa, mumma... you've found me deserving of your daughter and so it is my responsibility that I keep this trust of yours intact in me. I don't want you to hold any hesitance that lingers around the mere fact that I'm your son in law. And please, don't follow those age old traditions just because I'm your son in law. When you address me as your son, I want you to treat me as one. I'm no different than Ved. Okay?)

At this point, none of the Mahajan could even gather themselves to even speak something. It was overwhelming for them. Karan was one of his kind. His upbringing, his morals, his humility everything vouched for his character.

Deepak regained his control of his surging emotions and affectionately patted his head as pulled him up and embraced him. He was glad his daughter had a man like him in her life.

As Deepak pulled back, Juhi cupped his cheek and patted on his shoulder whilst Vedant followed the lead as he fervently hugged his brother in law, muttering a soft whisper of a thank you.

Amid all this, his eyes somehow got stuck to his favorite pair of similar eyes. He could see a layer of sheen forming in them. He subtly shook his head, a quiet gesture of asking not to cry. But somehow, it made it even more difficult for her to follow.

As it became inundating for her, she averted her eyes, bit her lower lip and inhaled a deep breath to compose herself. She then heaved a sigh and asked her mother.

"Mumma, aaj aap log ne pooja kyu nahi ki?" Monami asked, as it was later than usual for the auspicious time of Pooja.

(Mumma, how come you didn't do the Pooja today?)

"Bacche, jab tak ghar ki Lakshmi ghar nahi aati, pooja kaise ho sakti hai? Tumhari bhale he shaadi ho gayi ho, lekin Lakshmi toh tum humesha rahogi." Deepak wrapped her in the comfort of his arms and kissed her temple.

(Kiddo, how can the worship be done without the presence of our Lakshmi? So what if you are married, you were and will always remain our Lakshmi.)

[In India, the girls are considered a semblance of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the deity of wealth and prosperity. And in Diwali, we worship the Goddess.]

Monami could swear that everyone has taken it on their shoulders to make her over emotional. And this shift in mood was not unnoticed by Vedant who quickly said, "Now now, we shall really begin with the Pooja."

Then, all of them assembled together for the Pooja and followed all the customs that were to be followed.

Once done with all the rituals, they all settled back in the living room and then similar to what happened at Shergill residence, the senior members gave the shagun ka lifafa to the younger clan, who were settled on the sofa together.

[In English, -Shagun ka lifafa means an envelope of good omen/blessings. But generally, it is an envelope having some money that usually elders give.]

Vedant wrapped his arm around Monami as he asked rather dramatically, "Mere liye kya laaye ho di? Yu toh nahi ki shaadi ke baad apne bichare chhote bhai ko bhool gaye?"

(What did you bring me? I hope you haven't forgotten about your poor little brother after your wedding?)

Monami simply rolled her eyes and handed him the smart watch he was pestering her to gift him. It was not like he couldn't buy it himself, but it just kept the little kid inside him happy to be at the receiving end of affection from his elder sister.

She then took a smaller case in her hand as she walked towards her father as she forwarded her hands, "Kholo!"

(Open it.)

It was the similar brooch she gave it to her father in law.

"Arrey waah, bohot pyaara hai. Ab yeh toh mere kal ke kurte se hatne se raha." Deepak smiled at his daughter.

(This is beautiful. I'm going to wear it the whole day tomorrow.)

Initially, like every other father it was sort of new for Deepak and Juhi as well when Monami started gifting them something or the other whenever she visited and especially if it was during festivals, after she started earning. But gradually, he too started looking forward to them. It was as if his life had come full circle, from giving to still giving but now, it was accompanied by anticipation.

"Mumma, your gift is 2 days late. Parso aayega." Monami said as she sat the hand rest on Juhi's side as she wrapped her arm around her.

(It'll come day after tomorrow.)

"Tu hai na mere paas, bohot hai." Juhi kissed her hand sweetly.

(I have you by my side and that is enough.)

"Haan bhai, ghar ki murgi daal barabar! Ab di aagayi toh meri toh kisey he parwah hai." Well Vedant Mahajan cannot not be in the room and go without even having an ounce of attention. Funnily, this was a shared trait with his brother in law.

(Familiarity breeds contempt! Now that di is here, who would even care about me?)

And amid all these harmless banters, catching up chatters, the vibe of ebullience and some pangs of tiredness the night was well spent at Mahajan's.

It was somewhere around midnight, that the usually on field and currently off the field couple left for Shergill residence. It was quite late, considering they were to get up early the following day and then once done at home, they were to venture out at their relatives as a part of meet and greet which was never ending.

But putting all of it aside, there was yet another reason why they left at the time they did. It was to have some time off the people. They hadn't got the chance to literally breathe in the comfort of each other leisurely except for those stolen bits.

During their silent ride, Monami took off her heavy earrings and neck pieces. All she had on was her vermillion, nuptial chain, the wedding bangles and the engagement ring, oh and her twinkling anklets. She undid her hairdo and lazily combed her hair. Karan was aware of what she was doing but he couldn't help but clench his fingers around the steering wheel as he heard her let out an audible sigh of relaxation, as she closed her eyes whilst resting against the seat.

Thankfully, they were just near their place when his mind decided to go on a haywire ride. He inhaled a deep breath of self control as he turned to look at her. She looked like a rose bud. Waiting to bloom and unfurl her petals. He felt as if he would caress her and then have the pleasure of seeing her blossoming under the whisper of delicate touch.

"Aise kya dekh rahe ho?" She quietly mumbled and tilted her head to look at him. Her cheeks heating up at his intent gaze.

(What are you seeing like this?)

Karan didn't say anything. He lazily raised his arm and brushed the back of his fingers from her ear to check to the channel of her neck, paving a way for goose bumps to arrive on the path he traced.

Monami's breath tampered as a shiver of anticipation and nervousness ran down her spine. Her body and mind were jolted awake from his barest of the touch and to say it was just a drop in front of the ocean that was awaiting them.

The feeling of his touch wasn't unfamiliar to her, yet every time when he initiated the contact of skin between them, with perfervid feelings, it gave birth to new jitters within her.

"Tum please yeh dress change mat karna, jab tak mai na aau." He requested, with his eyes transfixed on hers.

(Please do not change, until I come.)

As his eyes caught the moment of her parting her lips to say something, he deftly let his thumb glide from her jaw to her mushes. "Please?"

Hearing him say please this was anything but a request. It was a command, disguised as a plea. The authority in voice, under the layers of tenderness gave it away. It bewitched her to acquiesce to his words.

Monami nodded subtly and gulped in the myriad of unnamed feelings and far from decent thoughts he gave her. She averted her eyes from his as she fumbled with the gate before going in.

She went straight to their room. Her feet consuming all her strength and tumbled up emotions drained her off the sanity. She just sat on the bed with a thud, and kept the jewelry on the side desk in a daze. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to compose herself.

Somehow, she could comprehend that this time they would not stop, where they did the last time. Their hearts craved for intimacy as much as their bodies did. The desire to be close, the brewing lust to test the uncharted waters, the nervous anticipation to shred away a few more layers of diffidence was strong enough for them to give in to their needs.

Meanwhile, as Monami left, Karan punched the steering wheel as he closed his eyes. "Fuck!"

He ran his fingers through his hair and gripped them for a couple of seconds before releasing them. He leaned back and closed his eyes to have a moment of absolute calmness. Though, it didn't work. He was simply envisioning the moments of their proximity.

His mind was distracted from the time his eyes caught a sight of dressed like an epitome of enchantress. She was looking no less than a bride. She looked like the sweetest fruit which he couldn't wait to taste.

Having a sane amount of control on his raging whirlwind of emotions, he got out of the car and made his way in. Though uninterestedly, he checked the gate, windows and the knobs of the stove and then filled a water bottle up before making his way upstairs.

As he reached the door of his room, he knocked twice and waited for a few seconds before he went in. He bolted the door and turned around, and his eyes traversed across the frame of his wife, who stood against the desk of his side, leaning on the edge and was acutely aware of even the tiniest of the details around her but her focus was on one, just the one.

He walked slowly and didn't even care to stop even after invading her personal space. He leaned in quietly as his eyes refused to avert from hers and placed the bottle beside her jewelry on the side desk.

As he was straightening up, he let his fingers feather against the bare skin that was not tucked up with safety pins between the blouse and lehenga, before tracing it down her clothed thigh and held her hand in his.

Monami felt her insides doing cartwheels within her. What was this insane rush she was feeling within? Her mind was unable to comprehend any other thing besides his warmth and nearness.

Hand in hand, eyes fixated on each other, breathing in the same air, Karan started walking backwards and Monami just followed the lead. Once he knew he was there, he encircled his arm around the curve of her waist and pulled her closer. Then, he indolently walked behind her, not removing the skin contact between them even for a minute.

His arm and fingers generously brushed against her bare and thinly covered skin as he took her in a back hug. She had feebly kept her hand on his, to not become putty in his embrace. He had his hold on her in a way that the outline of his hand was visible from the veil of her dress.

Karan could feel each intake of her breath against him. Be it his hand that was feeling the moment of her stomach or the back that rested against his chest. It was intimate in ways words could never decipher.

While gone was the bold Monami. Facing the mirror, wrapped in the arms of the person for whom she holds the feelings more than that of simple adoration, she resembled his art. She felt a part of him. She felt like a Moonflower, directed towards the star. Her star. Him.

"You look like my bride again." He quietly muttered in her ear, as he sluggishly kissed it, making her tremble.

He took his phone out of his kurta and clicked a picture of them. He then drew her closer, as if she could and tightened his hold a bit and rested a little more freely in the crook of her neck as he snapped another picture.

Then without any care, he slid his phone on the table beside the mirror and got back at the business. His lips didn't leave the accessible skin of her neck even for one moment.

A delicious moan of his name escaped from her parted lips as he reached her soft spot. This fuelled him to do more and he did.

Swiftly turning her to face him, he leaned in, took a pause of a second as he looked in her eyes as a signal to move forward and once he found the confirmation, he joined their lips in fervid tango of tongues.

There was nothing soft about this kiss, it was searing, passionate and consuming. It was a weave of delicate threads of intimacy knitted together.

Their fingers found the other one's hair, her feet found his to have a proper height and his notorious fingers of the other hand removed the safety pin that was secured on the blouse, to fix the dupatta as the shield.

This broke the momentum of their frisky mushes as they took the much needed oxygen and then her hands deftly worked on the buttons of his kurta.

Sensing her urgency, he removed the buttons and pulled off the kurta over him, leaving him in white vest and white churidar of his sherwani.

[Sherwani- the wedding attire of groom and the churidar is the pants that go with sherwani.]

Karan discarded the Kurta on the table and then breathlessly spoke, "Thoda toh fayda mujhe bhi milna chaihiye, nahi?"

(Even I should get some advantage, shouldn't I?)

Monami's brows furrowed in confusion but soon the redness on her cheeks turned more profound as her eyes caught his fingers that tugged on the veil that was pinned on the shoulder of the blouse.

She nodded and he moved to remove but then the struggle was real and frustrating and her chuckle made him looked intensely at her which made her do the task. She unpinned it from her shoulder while he carelessly pulled it down and then further from the side of her waist and dropped it on his Kurta on the table.

Then holding her back in his arms, he made her stand on his feet as he walked towards the bed and his dexterous thumb traced the insides of the blouse from back from the hook space, which made her tighten her hold on his shoulder blades, as her teeth sunk in the hollow of his collar bone.

The night darkened with a little more frisky, seductive and bold moves as they fiddled around with the unspoken understanding, the patience, the desires and the deep heaves of sighs. The reactions in its own entirety were so compelling that they surrendered in front of it. They moved ahead, as the faintest of reactions guided them and by the time, they were not duly satiated, but for the time being, this would do.

•°•°•

The brooch.
•°•°•

|~|~|~|~|

7.1k+ words.

Hufff! The longest till date. I hope it was worth the wait?

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