Hello Reader's...Happy Janmashtami to all of you.

May lord Krishna brings all the happiness to you and fulfillment to you hearts. May you and your family stay  healthy and prosperous.

You achieve the best in your life and become a good human.

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Ishika's pov

I close the book, rubbing my tired eyes. Finally I have completed the first reading of the book. Pure satisfaction.

I look around trying to focus back on the distant objects, the living room is bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun.

It's been ten days since we returned back from Seattle, and I missed this place so much that I didn't even realise until I was back.

And after a break of two days, I engrossed myself into the preparation much to Abhiraj's satisfaction.

The sound of the front door opening catches my attention. Abhiraj walks in, his suit jacket slung over his arm. Our eyes meet, and suddenly my heart begins to beat faster. He gives me a small smile and I swear my pulse doubles its speed.

What on earth?

I quickly pick my water bottle, pretending drinking water, in an attempt to hide the flush I can feel creeping up my neck.

Since when does a simple look from Abhiraj started affecting me? It's just him, for goodness' sake. The same man I've been with for months. The same man who...

Oh god no. My heart's still racing, and I don't know it's all giddy in there.

I press my hand to my chest, "Hey cut it out. There's absolutely nothing to get excited about. It's just Abhiraj. Remember? Mr grumpy-turned-slightly-less- grump? Get a grip!"

But my own heart is refusing to listen to me. It's like throwing a part in my chest and I ain't invited for planning.

I take a deep breath 1 2 3 exhale, relax bub. This is ridiculous. There's definitely nothing. Nope. Probably just...maybe I've been sitting at one place for too long.

That must be it.

I sneak another glance at Abhiraj, who returns from the kitchen with a glass of water. He catches my eye again and raises an eyebrow questioningly.

And there goes my pulse again, doing salsa this time.

Oh boy.

I nod my head in nothing, smiling at him.

"Ishika?" Abhiraj places the glass on the center table, and turns to me. "Would like some tea?"

I look up at him, hoping my face doesn't give away the turmoil inside. "Umm, yes please," I manage to squeak out, surprised a bit still not used to his unseen chivalrous self.

And he returns back to the kitchen. I take a deep breath, this is silly Ishika.

How can I be like this, just because he is more kind towards me?

He returns, two steaming cups in his hand. He settles beside me on the couch, close enough that I can smell his cologne. Stop.

"Here you go," he hands me a mug. Our fingers brush, and I feel a tiny jolt.

This is first.

"Thank you." I murmur.

I don't like tea at all neither coffee but I couldn't deny him. Not when he is offering his company. I'll grab it anytime.

As we sit in silence, sipping our tea, I steal glances at him.

He looks...softer somehow.

"How's the studying going?" He glance at me, his voice low and warm.

"It's... um going, bit exhausting," I  can't help but furrow my brows at the last word while smiling at him. "But I'm making progress."

"That's good, so today was productive I guess."

I grin, "Somedays are better than other. Today was surely one."

He nods, his eyes on me.

"Don't push yourself too hard. Remember to take breaks."

I can't help but shrug.

I pick up the snacks box kept beside me, and offer him some cookies.

He takes one, " So, tell me what topics did you cover today?" He says, genuine interest in his voice.

And I started telling him about Indian constitution, it has become so easy to talk to him now. He listens attentively, asking questions here and there.

It's still a bit dreamlike how  much things have changed between us in the past few weeks. We're not quiet friends, not lovers, but we're something more than we were before.

I take a sip of my tea, "Abhiraj?" I begin, softly.

He looks up, his dark sea green eyes meeting mine. I swallow hard, " I was wondering had you always wanted to get into business as a choice or... was it because you come from that background?"

For a moment, he looked surprised. I realise it's probably the first time I've asked him something personal.

He sets his mug down, "It was a combination of factors." he says, leaning back slightly.

I find myself leaning in, curious. 

"The complexity of business strategy, critical decisions... it just clicked for me." 

As he speaks, I notice little things I've never paid attention to before - the way his eyes light up, how his hands move expressively. It's... captivating.

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Four days later...

"Tinkerbell?" I was busy with one of my eco topics when Abhiraj calls my name from his desk.

We both decided to do our work in his study itself. I am settled at the desk that Abhiraj decided to put in the room for me.

I glance up from what I was doing, and silently raise my eyebrows in question.

"We have Janmashtami celebration at the mansion this weekend. We all have to attend it. Be ready with an overnight bag, dad requested us to stay there for the weekend."

My lips lift up the slightest bit. But my inner self is shit scared.
This is going to be my first time under the same roof as of my in-laws. I know them as much as I'll know any stranger.

"Alright."

He nods.

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Rajvansh Mansion.

As we reach Rajvansh Mansion, I feel Abhiraj tensing up. Feeling the tension even I feel my stomach twisting in knots.

Why is he tensed?

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

"Have you guys picked all your stuff?" He asks, looking at me and then at Ivaan in the backseat.

I nod. "Yeah."

We step out of the car, and I help Ivaan out of the car. I look at the huge villa, this is my first time in Abhiraj's family home.

"Relax." Abhiraj says, pulling me in his arms, taking me by surprise. Ivaan in his other arm, who giggles staring at my startled face.

"There are going to be so many people." I whisper, ignoring our proximity.

"And they all are going to love meeting you." He says, smiling sweetly at me.

I feel tingles everywhere.

" Hmm," I nod.

" Good. Let's go. Morning Aarti will be starting soon." And giving me a tight squeeze he pulls away.
I instantly miss the warmth.

As we enter the living area, I look around immediately struck by the vibrant aura. The house is alive with activity.

Colorful streamers and rangoli designs decorating every corner, and the air is thick with the sweet scent of incense and fresh flowers.

Servants are busy putting final touches on the decorations. A group of them are carefully arranging a cradle, no doubt for the baby Krishna idol.

Others are stringing up more lights and garlands.

I focus back to centre of the room, where uncle, aunty and Aditya, are engaged in some prepration.

Abhiraj moves towards them and  Ivaan and I follow him.

"Namaste, Papa," he says warmly, touching his father's feet. Uncle's face lights up as he blesses him, taking him in a warm hug, I smile looking at his happy face.

"Bhai!" Aditya shouts jovially embracing his brother. "It's been too long."I watch, fascinated, as the brothers exchange playful jibes.

Then he turns to aunty.

"Mom," he says, his voice noticeably stiff as he bends to touch her feet.

Her hand rests briefly on his head in blessing, but it feels, I dunno maybe different.

"You people are late. We were beginning to worry."

I hang back slightly, Ivaan's hand in mine, feeling a little out of place.

Uncle turns to us, "Ishika beta," I step forward, a little nervous.

"Namaste," I say, touching their feet in turn. Uncle and Aditya smiles warmly at me, but Aunty seems not too keen.

"Welcome, beta," He says.

He pats my head, "This is your first time here thanks to your husband, feel at home here."I nod, grateful for his kindness.

"Thank you, Pa..pa." I say, meanwhile feeling the assessing gaze of Abhiraj's mother.

"I hope you've brought appropriate attire for the puja," she says, I turn to look at her, swallowing hard, suddenly unsure of the clothes kept in my bag.

"Yes, Au...Maa," I manage to reply.

Everyone gets engrossed in conversation. I notice that Abhiraj doesn't once glance in my direction as if I've suddenly become invisible.

A knot forms in my stomach, leaving me confused.

"Abhiraj," his mother says, "Take Ishika and Ivaan to your and get ready for the pooja."

Without warning, he picks up Ivaan. "Come on, champ. Let's go see our room."

And just like that, he's gone, taking Ivaan with him without a single word to me. I frown at his rude behaviour.

I turn to look at uncle and aunty a little embarrassed, feeling lost and out of place.

Aunty stays silent, eyebrows furrowed watching Abhiraj's retreating back, then turns to me.

"Ishika," she says, her tone cold, "you should get settled in. The puja will begin soon," I nod at her.

She continues, "Make sure you change into something presentable. Many close relatives and friends will be coming today, I want you to make a good impression on them."

"Of course, Maa," I reply meekly, aware of the scrutiny in her gaze. She gestures to a nearby servant.

"Lakshmi will show you to Abhiraj's room. If you need anything, ask her." With that, she turns back to her preparations, effectively dismissing me.

I follow Lakshmi aunty up the grand staircase.

Why is Abhiraj suddenly acting so rude?

Everything was okay before coming here.

Lakshmi stops in front of a heavy wooden door.

"This is Abhiraj sir's room," she says softly.

"Do you need anything else, madam?"I shake my head, managing a small smile.

"No, thank you, aunty. And please don't call me madam."

I push open the door. Abhiraj is there, helping Ivaan unpack his small bag. He looks up as I enter, and the change in his demeanor is so sudden it leaves me breathless."There you are," he says, his voice warm and familiar.

"I was wondering what was keeping you."I blink, momentarily speechless.

Did someone set his remote on random or what? One moment he is you don't even exist and another he is all sweet and sunny.

"Abhiraj," I start, my voice low and confused.

"You're fine right I mean you are not feeling feverish or something, right?"

"No, why?"

"Nothing you just left without saying anything." I shrug.

He pauses, a flicker of something—guilt? frustration?—crossing his face. But it's gone so quickly I wonder if I imagined it.

"Oh, that. I just wanted to get Ivaan settled quickly. You know how he gets in new places."His explanation doesn't quite ring true, but I'm at a loss for how to push the issue.

Instead, I nod and start unpacking my own bag. Let him do whatever he wants. Not in my control.

"I'm going to change." I say, selecting a saree.

The arti is completed, and I go to the drawing room to relax a bit. Ivaan is playing outside in the garden with his football.

Abhiraj is back to his silent mode or rather silently ignoring just me, completely unreadable.

God knows what has gotten into the man.

This time, though, I decide to ignore his puzzling behavior. I have other things to do, also I have to complete national income accounting as well, due to all this I didn't get much time.

I settle on the sofa, Abhiraj is lost in his phone sitting on the recliner next to mine. I raise my brows at his actions.

Just then, Arjun, walks in. He has been all funny this morning, Ivaan is loving his company. He spots me and immediately heads over, a wide grin on his face.

"Hii! Bhabhi," Arjun says smiling warmly at me instantly putting me at ease.

"Hey, Arjun," you reply, smiling. He sits beside me.

"I feel like I owe you an apology." I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. 

"Oh? Why?"

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair in a gesture that reminds me of Abhiraj. "Well, for being such an ignorant brother-in-law. Every time I planned to visit you in Seattle, something or the other came up. Work, mostly."I can't help but smile at him.

"Thats okay. I understand how demanding work can be. Besides, we're meeting now, aren't we?" 

"True, true," he nods, his eyes twinkling. 

I smile a bit hesitant on how to keep the conversation going.

Arjun notices my hesitation and, without missing a beat, leans in slightly. "You know, these family gatherings can be a bit like a game of charades—lots of gestures, but sometimes you just can't find the right words. But don't worry, I've got a trick for that." He winks.

You chuckle, appreciating his effort to make you feel comfortable. "Oh yeah? What's your trick?"

"Easy," he says, leaning back with a mock-serious expression. "When in doubt, just throw out a random question. Like... if you had to choose between only eating sweets or never having them again, what would it be?"

You laugh, the ice finally breaking. "That's tough... I guess I'd go with never having them again. What about you?"

Arjun feigns shock. "Seriously! I'd pick sweets every time. Life's too short to skip dessert!"

He then lowers his voice, as if sharing a secret. "But don't tell my trainer I said that., also your husband will abandon if hear you such outrageous statement. He's sucker for sweets." I grin.

I glance at his brother and he is still not looking at me. I pinch the skin of my palm, now it's turning a little disturbing. What has happened to him? Why he is being like that when he knows I don't know anyone here? I look away when I spot Aunty watching us or Abhiraj.

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I am doing the preparation for Krishna abhishekam, assembling all that is required for the abhishek. It's already noon.

When I look at entrance listening to the door bell ring, maybe guest have started coming. 

But instead of smiling looking at the guest, my brows scrunch in confusion.

What is she doing here?

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Abhiraj to see whether he is aware of the invitation, and glance back at the guests.

I look back again at Abhiraj and see his jaw twitch as his hand curl into a fist.

My frown deepen and I try calming myself from thinking anything. I decide to call him instead, "Abhiraj?"

Rather than replying he leaves the room. I look at the guests, Dhriti and Abhiraj's mother is looking at me I awkwardly smile at them, all of a sudden feeling uncomfortable.

I get up to greet Dhriti but she says something to Aunty and leaves without meeting me. My shoulders slump slightly.

I know I didn't contact her after coming back to India, but that was rude. 

Aunty comes to me, "Ishika why is Abhiraj not behaving properly with you?"

I stand there, silent, she noticed?

I'm about to say somthing but then chose to stay mum. What should I tell her? That I am failing at understanding him!      

Aunty's gaze is piercing, and I feel like she can see right through me. "You should figure it out," she says, her tone clipped. "This behavior is unacceptable, especially in front of our guests."

I nod mutely, feeling a lump form in my throat. I want to defend him, that he isn't like this,  something must be wrong. But the words won't come. Instead, I stand there, feeling small.

Aunty sighs, her expression softening slightly. "Look, I know both of your relationship dynamics are not like a normal couple. But you're married for more than 8 months, you should know how to fit in a man's life and please him." I stare at her. I can feel my eyes starting to glaze over with unshed tears, but I blink rapidly, determined not to cry in front of her.

"I've to complete some work." I utter, leaving before she could say anything.                                                                                    
She has no right to speak to me like that—no one does. The heat rises in my face, not from anger but from the deep, humiliating shame
                               
And it's all because of Abhiraj. 

I make my way to his room, just then I catch a glimpse of her.

Why is she standing in front of my room?

I remember Abhiraj's reaction on her arrival, and all of it is unsettling.

No. I should ask her first, maybe it's explainable. I take a step forward, but stop. what if she ignores me again?

I take a deep breath and approach Dhriti, my heart racing. "Dhriti?" I call out softly.

She turns, surprise flickering across her face.

"Oh, Ishika. I didn't see you there."

"I... I noticed you were standing here. Is everything okay?" I ask, trying to keep my voice calm despite my unease.

Dhriti's expression shifts, a bit troubled, "I'm fine," she says.

"I was just... reminiscing, I suppose."

Her words make my stomach twist, but I push through.

"Remincing?"

"Well," Dhriti says, straightening up.

"I should get back. Mom dad might be looking for me."

There's definitely something I'm unknown of.

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"Ivaan baby, don't cry. Sleep, okay. I'll not take you downstairs.
And no one will tell you to talk with anyone." I pull him close to my bossom trying to calm him down.

He is overwhelmed surrounded by all the relatives. Someone or the other was talking to her. And he is a shy kid not immune to the crowd.

"I like them, but I also do...n't want to be arou....nd them." He sniffs, snuggled into my neck.

"That's absolutely okay bug. It happens." I kiss his head, rubbing his back.

" Did he calm down?" Abhiraj enters the room, his expression tensed. Probably due to Ivaan.

That's the first time he has spoken to me after the morning Aarti.

"Not yet." I say in a clipped tone. Even I can be rude.

Ivaan looks up from my neck and seeing Abhiraj he opens his arms to him gesturing him to pick him up.

Abhiraj smiles fondly at him and comes closer to me.

Kneeling beside me on the bed, he stretches his arms to take Ivaan...his hands brush my my breast. Warm electrifying sensation passes across my skin.

My eyes widen and he stiffens glancing at me, his pupils dialating. The intensity in those eyes made my heart beat faster.

"Mr.big..." Ivaan voice forces us out of the revier.

Abhiraj quickly takes him in his arms.

He cuddles him close to his chest and start walking around the room trying to relax him.

My breath deepens when his eyes catches mine, he is staring at me, without a blink. He eyes darker.

The intensity of the gaze is almost suffocating. Almost impossible to breathe. Neither of us was willing to break it.

His eyes had something deeper as if conveying everything unsaid.

I look away immediately, it was getting too...magnified.

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The home is softly lit by the warm glow of countless diyas.

Arjun lit the incense stick. I hand over to him dahi mishri to offer lord Krishna.

I and Abhiraj stand before the altar, where the idol of baby Krishna lay in a small, ornate cradle, beautifully adorned with flowers and jewels.

As the clock struck midnight, Abhiraj blows conch shell filling the room with it's echo.

I close my eyes, welcoming lord Krishna.

I lit the the oil lamp and camphor, handing over the silver thali to Abhiraj to start the Aarti.

I hold his arm, and we both began the Aarti.

My eyes filled with tears experiencing sacred atmosphere that felt both peaceful and charged with divine energy.

My heart overwhelmed with completeness and gratitude towards the lord for giving me the best.

Together we rock the cradle of baby krishna.

With the rituals complete, I and Abhiraj stood in peaceful silence for a moment, feeling the divine presence of Lord Krishna in our home.

We look at each other, my eyes still full of complaints about today but some where my heart was at peace.

Abhiraj takes my hand in his squeezing it twice and leaving it immediately. And walks away...

           To be continued...

Sooo how was the chapter?

Did you people like it?

There is are tangled strings.

Let's see what happens.