✿◍•~•✿•~•◍✿

"Sanskar!" Ragini yelled, a tone above her usual ones, to her husband who was busy on his laptop.

"Yelling is not gonna change my decision, Ragz! So better keep your voice little down." Sanskar retorted, his voice laced with slight anger as the couple glared each other. "Let's not involve our family into this by waking them up." His voice lowered.

"Fine! Do whatever you want!"Ragini threw her hands in air in frustration earning no response from her husband. As she felt anger going up further, she pushed a flower vase to the floor. "Neither I'm gonna support you nor I'm gonna disturb you further. Sorry!" She walked away from the door, not forgetting to slam the door loudly.

Sanskar closed his laptop tiredly, leaning backwards to the couch; his hands flew instantly to his forehead trying to ease the headache. Nothing was helping!

Two and a half years of their marriage! 

They grew as individuals, with the support of each other; ensuring that no one is less than the other.

They supported each other in other's vulnerabilities; be it emotional or physical.

Their trust never seemed to cease its track upwards but even then small cracks appeared.

Their love grew; tremendously but not lacking fights. They fought; sometimes over useless things only to drain their energy and themselves; sometimes it stayed between them, sometimes it reached the family.

But not---

The door flew open with Ragini standing on the entrance. Seeing her, Sanskar also pulled himself to his feet, inhaling a long breath. Their faces hung down, Ragini's eyes glistening and Sanskar's eyes defeated.

"Sorry.." They said at the same time making them close their eyes. 

"Ragini.." Sanskar's voice was small, soft and it held something his wife hated - defeat and pleading.

She took long strides, throwing herself on him as they clung to each other as their life depended on the other; which was the truth. "Sorry..."They mumbled multiple times as the hug prolonged to their satisfaction.

"I should have taken it slowly instead of dropping a bomb." Sanskar said as he ran his hand soothingly over Ragini's back.

"I should have heard you before blasting on you." Ragini tightened her hold, keeping her head on his shoulder, her toes hardly touching the floor.

"I forgot that my wife is Jhansi ki Rani, no more the naive and soft Ragini Maheswari." Sanskar pouted as they separated from each other.

"I'm not?" Ragini narrowed her eyes making Sanskar chuckle. "And I forgot that my patidev has become a bit more angry businessman, losing the innocence he had!" She sighed, a bit dramatically, later giggling.

"I did!" Sanskar sighed as he sat on the recliner, pulling Ragini to his lap. She sat sideways, her head resting against his chest, as the steady rhythm reached her ears. He circled his hands around her, holding her more close as the peace returned back.

"I'm not able to handle all together, Ragz. Saranga needs you! Swara is here to help Laksh in managing 'Sindhoora'. Adarsh bhaiyya and Uttara can help Papa and Bade papa. Left are 'Santhwana' and Saranga. Santhwana needs some attention of us. Arvind is here for that, Ragz. I and Laksh want to work for it."

The maheswari industries expanded their business with introducing Sindhoora, the wedding outfit showroom, which instantly clicked with the exquisite designs of Parineeta Maheswari.

As their business flourished, they decided to form Santhwana, a charitable forum which they wanted to focus on funding for the education of children, without any barriers, and to provide home for homeless.

"I won't be able to do alone, Sanskar! And that too alone in Mumbai. Doing something while having you besides is different." Ragini said, snuggling more to him.

"That's why I'm saying you're letting go of your patience easier these days. You can easily handle Saranga, Ragz. I believe in you! And who told that you will be staying there alone? Ananya is coming back in a week. She will staying for a month, that's till I come. Two-three months more, Saranga will be back to it's position. What we need is a good team to work with Ajit and Swarna. And they are adamant that I should approve them; and yours satisfaction is mine. So---" Sanskar gazed down at Ragini in expectation.

"One month without you? It's difficult."

"Fifteen days?" Sanskar asked chuckling. "I'll come to visit in between."

"Um-Hmm.." She shook her head in denial.

"One week? I'll come every weekend."

"Um-Hmm.."

"Ragz..." 

"You only pampered me and don't Ragz me now!" Ragini said twitching her lips making him laugh aloud.

"Fine! Let's think of something else." He said making her look at him. "You are throwing tantrums like children lately. Do you realize that?" He asked kissing her crown.

Ragini loosened her hold on him, sitting straight on pulling his collar as she looked straight into his eyes. 

Every time she did that, involuntarily her eyes teared up. The love and admiration she could see in his eyes for her, only for her, always swelled her heart. She thought, with time it would reduce; that they would like every normal couple. But it didn't. Even now, her husband never shied away from declaring her love for her in front of anyone; never stopped giving her surprises; never making her feel special with his sweet gestures.It was true! Life was so easy with him.

A content smile crept her lips as she leaned in, pulling him close, seeing which his face also bloomed. His lips came crashing on hers midway and she could feel him smiling into it. It was their kiss; soft, promising, filled with love and care.

"I love fighting with you for this; what you make me feel, Sanskar! I'm the luckiest one to get you!" Ragini said hugging him close; his hands caressing her head.

"Feelings are mutual darling! But, I do feel terrible sometimes seeing you out of order because of me." He sighed, closing his eyes.

"Next week will be fine, right?" Ragini asked making him look at her confused. "I want to stock your love to survive the fifteen days." She pouted making him laugh and kiss her pout.

•~•×✿ו~•

The next morning, Maheswari Mansion was delightful as usual; full of hustle bustle; giggles of children echoed as the men cooed them. The ladies gang took over the kitchen early morning; nothing unusual.

"So, when are you planning to visit Mumbai?" Pari asked Ragini who was preparing dough for Rotis.

"Bhabhi!" Ragini pouted as Pari laughed seeing her.

"Chori, ek minute keliye main toh dar gayi! Phir jab Sanskar ke papa ne kaha awaaz thare kamre se hai, tab jaake saant huyi main!" Sujatha said heaving a breath making others chuckle.

"Haww Maa!! You could have come and checked on us!" 

"And...?" Annapoorna exnouraged her to complete.

"And should have seen them sorting out the matter within an hour and make fool out of ourselves." Swara said while others agreed to them in union.

"Kisi ko kadar hi nahi hai humari!" Ragini said Sujatha's usual dialogue dramatically making Suji swat her playfully.

"Bachhe kaha hai? Their food is ready." Annapoorna said, setting baby food in bowl.

"As usual, they are with a bunch of grown up kids, Maa. These men are pampering them so much." Pari said shaking her head.

"Swara, call Laksh today. Others will trail behind." Ragini said as she and Pari continued making Rotis.

"LAKSH!"Swara called out loudly from kitchen entrance as the ladies always kept their phone away from kitchen. 

No response.

"LAKSHHH!!!" Swara called for the third time.

"Swara, call him the way you should." Ragini winked at her making Swara nod in agreement.

"Jaanu ki Papaa....!" Swara called again in a fake-dramatic voice and with no delay Laksh descended the stairs with Adi in his hands.

"Ji, Jaanu ki mummyji..!" Laksh passed on a stretched smile to Swara while Adi giggled seeing the irritated look on his Chachu's face. "Watch that tone of yours jaaneman! It's so---" He cringed his face, showing his dislike.

"Isiliye aap prakat ho gaye, devarji!" Pari said as she came out with the breakfast. "Where's Jaanu?"

"Jaanu is with her super-cool Bade Papa, haina?" Sanskar said as he nuzzled into the little girl's tummy making her giggle aloud. 

Jwala Maheswari was the youngest member of Maheswari family and she had every one on her little finger, including her big bro Adithya Maheswari  whose favourites were his Chachus and his doll 'Aanu'.

"kooooo...." The little one cooed as she tried to cover Sanskar's face with her tiny palm. "Diiiiiiiiiiiii...."

"Aaanu..." Adi called out for his little sister, trying to jump out of his Chachu's hands.

"Let's have breakfast before these two starts adventures for the day!" Sanskar said as her tried to hold on to the jumping little munchkin.

•~•×✿ו~•

"The three girls and the boy seems good." Ragini said Swarna as they shortlisted the people for their team.

"Yeah.. First set went very nicely. I hope we will get around 10-12 people from the other two." Swarna hoped positively.

"Hm... And you stop getting anxious. The little one might not like it." Ragini said fondly.

It has been one week since Ragini reached Mumbai. Even though missing Sanskar and family was making her feel low sometimes, a delighted Ananya and a three months pregnant Swarna made a good job in keeping her smiling almost the whole day.

"Di..." Ananya called out while rushing to the cabin with a toothy grin. "Spicy schezwan Fried rice for little one and rajma chawal and gulab jamun for my cutie Di.." She said while arranging the lunch before them. "Specially prepared by.." She bowed down dramatically.

"Chinese restaurant chef and Rohini Didi!" Ragini said chuckling.

Rohini was the househelp in Ananya's home and her father was very keen on sending Ragini's favourites once in a day.

"Haan, yes.. but delivered promptly by Ananya!" She said making the duo chuckle. "Toh you guys have lunch. I've a chutku sa case to handle!" Ananya said waving a bye.

Ragini was standing beside the window, staring out of it. One more week; Sanskar would come to visit her. 

In the last one and half year, he made sure to take her with him everywhere, for even business meetings, ensuring that they do not have to stay apart and could have some quality time alone.

That made her so used of him, that she felt incomplete without him. She missed his goofy smile, teasing and subtle touches and his love. He was a passionate lover; in every sense and she could swear that he was the essence of her life.

Ragini was so submerged in her thoughts that she freaked out as a pair of strong arms snaked to her waist from behind. One instantly flew to cover her mouth, making her relax at the familiarity of the touch. It was him!

She leaned back to his front as he held her closer, his chin resting on her shoulder, her head on his! A moment passed by and they could feel the content of having each other; peace engulfing them warmly.

A tear slipped, without knowledge, from her eyes as her heart thrummed in happiness.

"Sanskar.." She called out softly, realising that he was standing motionless, his hold tightening slowly by every passing moment.

"Hmm..." He hummed in response, but didn't do anything else.

"Everything okay? At home? Santhwana?" She asked, slowly pulling away and turning to face him.

Sanskar cupped her face, his eyes filled with admiration as he nodded his head promising the safety of everyone. "All good! Except me!" He said joining his forehead with hers.

"I thought this meeting was scheduled after one week." Ragini said with a teasing smile.

Sanskar moved away, his hands still in place, staring straight into Ragini's eyes, sweeping away tease from them. "Maybe I felt that this deal is very important for my survival." He said with a smile, a layer of tears making way to his eyes.

"Sanskar!!?" Ragini caressed his face with her thumb seeing him so vulnerable; the most she saw till that moment. "What's wrong?"

Sanskar shook his head lightly, pulling her to his chest, treasuring the moment. "What would I do without you? You know that I can't live without you, right?"

Ragini smiled as she tightened her hold around her husband; in all true sense. "I know!" She whispered. "And I know that you know even I won't live without you."

"That's what I don't want!" Sanskar's voice held helplessness as he mumbled.

"What?" 

"I want you to live even without me. I--" Sanskar closed his eyes and opened; pouting at her while she narrowed her eyes at him.

Flashback

"What's problem with, Saranga, bhai? Everything is going good, right. Recruitment can be pushed to three months. We had agreed on it." Laksh asked confused. "Why are you so keen on pissing Ragini off?"

"Sanskar, this is going to end up as a fight between you two. Do you think Ragini will agree to stay away from you? And it's not right also." Adarsh said shaking his head.

"Yeah exactly. That's not right. She should live without me also." Sanskar raked his fingers through hair as his brothers frowned at his words.

"What?" Laksh exclaimed as he and Adarsh looked each other in confusion.

"What's wrong, Sanskar?" Adarsh asked seriously, seeing his younger brother in distress.

"Anything can be wrong anytime, bhai. There's no guarantee of life. She's so emotionally dependent on me and I don't want that. I mean, even if something happens to me in future, she won't be able to surpass it." His voice broke as he said the last words. "I'm so scared for her. What if something happens? I don't want her to be broken. I--"

"Bhai!" Laksh held Sanskar's hand, squeezing it a bit,making him take a breath calming down himself. "We all know life is unpredictable. Even you can't live without Ragini! Bhai, you both are the strength of each other, not weaknesses. And nothing is gonna happen to you. Stop worrying so much."

"Haa Sanskar. See--"

"Bhai, I know!" Sanskar said sighing. "I just wanted to know. I don't know. Seeing Nikita's state (his friend's wife), I'm just terrified. Let me just talk to Ragini."

"Happy Diwali then!" Laksh chuckled instantly lightening the atmosphere as Sanskar smacked his head.

Flashback ends

Ragini's eyes welled up as she started hitting Sanskar continuously.

"Ah! Ragini.. Ruko yaar.. I'm sorry.. Galti ho gaya.." Sanskar winced as she continued hitting him with no mercy.

Laughing aloud, he caught hold of her hands and pulled her to his lap crossing her hands in front as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. 

"I won't do it again! Sachhi.." He took her hand to her throat and pinched there "Really Sachhi.."

"Why do you even think of such things, Sanskar?" Ragini asked, her voice choking in between.

"Because I can't lose you and more than that, I can't see sad tears in your pretty pretty eyes." He said, bringing her hands closer and kissing on it. 

"What if I go?" She asks, her eyes welling up.

"I won't let you!" Sanskar says, recovering from a sudden shock on her question. "If Savithri could fight for the life of her husband, I can also do! If not, I won't let you do anywhere; without me." He said holding her so close.

"Why do you love me so much, Sanskar?" Ragini asked making him chuckle.

"Why do you?" He asked back making her smile as she joined her forehead with his.

•~•×✿ו~•

"Kill me, Ragini!" Sanskar told dreamily slapping his hand over his heart, watching his wife getting ready in a red saree.

"Serious words, are they?" She asked raising her eyebrows.

"Can we cancel the family dinner? Let them go." Sanskar said with puppy eyes.

"Not happening, patidev! " Ragini made faces at him.

"Seriously?" Sanskar said in a husky tone as he took the tip of her pallu and pulled her to him.

"Seriously!" She said knocking his head with her fist, making him pout.

"Pleeshhh!"He batted his eyelashes quickly making her burst into laughter seeing which he held her close, his hands around her waist.

"Don't be a child, Sanskar. We will come back; here only." She ruffled his hair, pressing a feathery kiss on his forehead.

"We're not going!" He said before pulling her down to the bed, turning their places in between; making her trap in between him and the bed.

"We're, Sanskar! Maa will kill me with her teasing tomorrow! And Pari and and Swar---" Her words got muffled in between as his lips came crashing down to hers, rendering her silent.

"Je Chori kahan chali gayi? Sabse pehle wo hi aati thi mhare ko company dene..!" Sujatha complained twitching her lips.

"Chachi, Bhai also didn't come. I don't think they're coming today." Laksh said, controlling an erupting laugh.

 "Aagyi aapki chori.!" Swara said with a grin, with a playful Jaanu who clapped her tiny palms in her hands.

Ragini came down with rushed steps, consciously plastering an embarrassed smile on her face while Sanskar walked behind her with a goofy smile which changed into irritation on seeing the expressions of his family.

"Thodi jaldi nahi aagayi aap donom!" Pari teased the couple without any wait. "Should have just told us if you're not coming!"

"Bhabhi!" Ragini pleaded with her eyes, pulling her bhabhi and taking her Jaanu from Swara as the family merrily laughed out.

•~•×✿ו~•

"Ragini!" A worried Sanskar rushed to her who was taking unusually deep breaths. 

"Ke hua chori? Sanskar doctor ko bula!" Sujatha said running her hand over Ragini's back.

Sanskar held out water for Ragini, making her sip slowly.

"I'm fine, Maa. Adi was running a lot. So--" She said sheepishly.

"I can't understand if problems are coming to you or you are running into problems." Swara scolded as Ragini pouted. "We're going to visit doctor tomorrow."

"I'm not! Sanskar, see.." Ragini whined making him sigh.

"Okay okay! Don't." He said to her while blinking his eyes at his Mom and Swara. "Let's go to room." He said before scooping her up in his hands.

"Sanskar!" She called out as he walked towards their room making him hum. "I want khichdi?" 

He chuckled hearing her while she closed her eyes in his hold. He tucked her into bed while she smiled faintly at him before drifting into sleep.

"Chori ki bukhaar na utar rahi, Sanskar. Na doctor ke paas chal rahi hai, na doctor ko bulane de rahi hai! Dekha na ke uski halath? Upar se khel-khoodi. Tu bigad raha hai usse!" Sujatha's complaints continued endlessly as Annapoorna served khichdi to a bowl.

"Maa, let's see one more day. She was fine today morning." Sanskar pressed his temple tensed.

"Make her eat the whole, Sanskar." Annapurna said handing over the food tray to him. 

"This kaada too!" Pari kept a glass on the tray.

"I kept flask with hot water in room. Make her drink frequently." Swara said as she came to the kitchen.

"12 hours! After that, doctor! That's final!" Sujatha declared. "Lagta hai chori din pe din bachhi hote jaa rahi hai!" She murmured.

Sanskar laid down besides Ragini, his eyes wide open as he continued running his fingers through her hair. She was sleeping peacefully, a slight temperature stayed persistently making him nervous. She was down with fever after having a crazy marathon of chatt and ice-creams. And he was helpless with her being adamant on not visiting doctor. Even though her fever reduced, she looked tired with slight breathing problems which scared him.

"Why are you being Ragz at this time, Ragini? Tomorrow we will go and meet doctor, okay?" He said softly to which she hummed in her sleep.

Sanskar woke up from a short slumber on hearing alarm in his mobile. He turned it off as a smile bloomed on his face.

Turning to his wife, he held her as close as possible before whispering to her ears.

Happy Birthday, Ragini!

She smiled instantly, her eyes flew open as if she was waiting for it, surprising him.

"Thank you!" She said softly and pecked him swiftly, making him snap out his surprise. "I Love You!" She said happily.

"I Love You, my Ragini." He took her to his embrace, relishing the moment, an act which they did at every special occasion. 

"No surprise party this time?" She asked expectantly.

"Tch! You made us distracted with your fever and tantrums." Sanskar sighed disappointed making her giggle.

"Finally!" Ragini sighed happily, hugging him again.

"But we can sweeten our mouths for sure." Sanskar said happily.

"With ice-cream?" She asked excited.

"NO!" 

Ragini chuckled at the horror-stricken expression of her husband. "Aww." She awed.

"Come." He caught hold of her hand and walked to kitchen silently.

"Atleast gift toh milegi, right?" Ragini asked in a whisper.

Sanskar threw a playful glare making her giggle. "I'll get you tomorrow." He said with a smile.

As they entered kitchen, the lights went on alerting them of danger making Ragini close her eyes.

"Mom!" Sanskar gulped seeing Sujatha with a belan.

"Ji Chora! Good that you remember. I guess you remember the way till here. Put on the reverse gear fast!" Sujatha said in a strict tone, making Ragini shift behind Sanskar.

"Sanskar, sweets!" She whispered from behind, loud enough to reach his ear. "Please."

Sanskar gulped feeling trapped between his mother, who is bothered about her daughter-in-law being sick, and his wife, the very same daughter-in-law who is having her birthday.

"Ji Mom!" Like an obedient son, he shook his head. Turning around, he held Ragini's shoulders making her walk in front of him.

"Sanskar, at least sweet. Did you woke me up to make me dream of sweet and deny it? I have been eating khichdi from past one week, listening to you, right?" She whined whispering like a kid. "Sanskar, I---"

Suddenly the hall lit up with fairy lights, and amid the lights, a "Happy birthday, Ragini" board was hang.

She turned around to a smiling Sanskar with a pout. "We thought to surprise at morning not wanting to wake you up. But you did!"

"Happy birthday, Raguu!" Swara engulfed her in a bear hug making her smile widely.

"uuuuuu" Jaanu cooed making others chuckle and Ragini kissed her saying 'thank you'in a child voice.

"Then my gift?" Ragini asked excitedly to Sanskar.

"After cake cutting." He said before pushing her to the table.

Baar baar ye din aaye....

The family, including Gadodhias, sang merrily as Ragini cut the cake and extended the first piece to Sanskar. He took hold of her hand and fed the her first making her smile with happy tears. After feeding him, stealthily she tried to eat the remaining of the piece making everyone shriek in alert.

"Ragu, no! Fever!" Swara said shaking her head.

"Ok. A bit only!" She said before licking a bit of the cake from her fingers making others laugh.

She fed everyone as they hugged and wished her happily handing over gifts to her simultaneously. Uttara remained by her side, taking the gifts from her while Sanskar smiled satisfied on seeing the childlike happiness on his wife's face.

On falling sick, she always behaved like a child, showing excitements and throwing tantrums which he always enjoyed. He enjoyed her being a child, letting him take care of her fully.

She walked to him with joy-filled eyes and wide smile, and he knew it's time for her gift. But this time, he didn't know what to gift.

She looked straight into his eyes and smiled as if she could figure out what  he was thinking. Sanskar held a small box in front of him and she took a minute to take it from him.

Ragini opened the box carefully and stared it for a while as tears rolled down her cheeks. Looking up, she saw Sanskar also in tears and others stood confused. Without a word, she hugged him smiling and sniffling as she whispered, 'Congratulations' audible only to them.

As everyone looked on confused, Uttara tiptoed and took a glance at the gift. She stood properly, her eyes widened in surprise, mind processing as she repeated, "Happy birthday Maa" which she started softly and later on shrieked in excitement.

The hall filled with 'congratulations' as the family laughed with tears on the unexpected news. 

"Chori, mhari dil loot liye tune aaj!" Sujatha said in between her tears. 

Ragini and Sanskar chuckled heartily as everyone wished them, the moment turning double-sweet.

Sanskar held her by shoulders as he kissed her crown mumbling a 'Thank you', his voice choking with happiness.

"You knew!" Ragini exclaimed still not able to believe that he did really knew.

"Mm Hmm.." He hummed, smiling at her thoroughly surprised face.

"I waited for whole three days to tell you; to surprise you today." She pouted, her voice soft. "How?"

"Secret!" He mouthed with a grin making her pout again.

"My gift from you is pending yet!" Ragini said with a goofy smile.

"I'll never tired of bringing you gifts, Ragini Sanskar Maheswari!" Sanskar said softly before scooping her up, catching her off-guard and making her shriek, as he made way from the family to their room.

Happily ever after!!!

✿◍•~•✿•~•◍✿

Hey, how're you all?

How was the part? I just wrote whatever came into my mind. 

It's a bye from Always besides you, my first story. I think I could handle the characters pretty well, not sure though! 

If you could leave a comment on reaching here, pretty please!

And

Heartfelt Thank you to all who had been and is supporting this book to this point. The Silent readers also. It has been always a surprise for me and means a lot!

Once Again, THANK YOU!

Stay safe and happy, always:)

ADIOS!!