Note - Please do read the note at the end of the chapter.....

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Saanvika's POV

I woke up just 2 hours before the ritual, and my ma is like "You'll never change"...... Actually, I planned to wake up early but I didn't sleep till 3 AM at night, so had difficulty in waking up..... I don't love my sleep but I just find peace in it, you know, no pain or feelings can hurt you there, I see papa in my dreams many times but every time it feels so real and that makes me very happy instead, but as soon as I wake up, reality slaps me hard, just like today, I don't know what it's called but I saw papa in dreams last night, he was alive and he and Alok uncle were enjoying our wedding, papa did my 'Kanyadaan' and asked Vihaan to take care of me......

Ahh...... that dream felt so real and I take that as his blessing, I know he is always there to look after me though he is not physically present and even though I feel his existence, that doesn't reduce my pain...

My make-up artist came inside along with Tanya di, my elder mausi's elder daughter, that is Siri di's elder sister, Siri di couldn't attend my wedding as she and my jiju couldn't get leave...... She said she will visit me soon and I understood her situation......

I made a face looking at the make-up artist and Tanya di hit me on my head......

"Di.... Please, I will have to go through this torture during the wedding, at least leave me now, anyway it's just our family" I tried though I know my attempts are futile...

"Shut up and sit here Saanvi, let her do the work, there are photographers who r gonna take your pictures, these are gonna last for your lifetime, don't do this" She scolded me.... Huh.... I sulkily sat on the chair and the make-up artist started her work......

"Please don't apply too much, I don't like it, it shouldn't seem like I have applied any make-up," I said so that she at least gets tired of my tantrums and stops applying all those on my face..... I was waiting for a comment from my di, something like 'if u don't want it to seem like u have applied make-up, then y to do it in the first place' or something like that, so that I can skip this torture..... But what came disappointed me....

"Of course ma'am, ur sister has already detailed me about it, don't worry, you'll get a natural look," my make-up artist said, I smiled at her politely but glared at my sister who is smirking at me enjoying my misery.....

After half an hour, it's done and I look good, I mean very good compared to my usual joker face and as she said, it looks very natural but only I know what is put on my face to make it look this natural..... I mentally giggled...

I am taken to the hall, the rituals are done and after that, my cousins started clicking pictures with me, the photographer also took some pictures in which I, feeling most uncomfortably gave poses which he asked me to, I look very bad in pictures, that's y maybe I don't take many photos, but a few are exceptional like today.....

After some time, I went to rest a little before ma asks me to get ready, wearing that heavy bridal lehenga..... I laid on the bed chatting with Meera who just went home, she said she'll be coming back in an hour, but I asked her to take some rest and come along with uncle-aunty, as I don't wanna stress her and she obliged......

I am about to take a nap when I received a call from Vihaan, Why is he calling me now ?? Isn't he busy ??

"Hello......" I said sitting up...

"U look stunning in the pictures Saanvi," Said Vihaan shocking me...... What pictures ?? What is he talking about..... oh..... it took me a few seconds to understand that my cousins might have put my pictures on Instagram and Facebook.....

"Hmm..... thanks," I said awkwardly..... Ahh Saanvi, when will u get used to taking compliments.....

"Soon u will get comfortable with taking compliments, I promise u that," he said like he read my thoughts..... This man is incredible.....

We talked for a while and then hung up.....

After some time, I got freshened up and to my dismay, I am asked to sit, the make-up took for an hour this time, if it had taken any longer, I would have literally cried here only..... But the result is quite good, for the first time, I liked the make-up on my face..... I look so good and beautiful, these are the words that I rarely use for myself.....

Ma came inside, and she got emotional but didn't cry as if my chachus see, they might rebuke her because in our family, crying before a celebration is considered a bad omen...

"I always wanted to get you married, not because u r a burden for me but because it's my responsibility, I know u don't think that way but that's the truth.... Stay happy, and be tolerant some times, they do some things or say some things which may hurt u but stay calm, don't answer back, keep up your patience, if they say something against us, regarding marriage arrangements, just stay put...... this is common, we can't do everything perfectly and it's natural that the boy's side might have some complaints, so just keep ur mouth shut" ma said and I rolled my eyes instantly......

"Ma.... I'll try to keep my mouth shut if they say anything to me but if they say anything to u or bhai, I won't be calm..... U did your best, u worked so hard, u literally spent every single penny from your savings, adding to it, we mortgaged our only home for this marriage, they better understand our situation...." I told her sternly..... I know dad, Vihaan or Ayan won't have any problem with the arrangements but am not sure about Vandana aunty and their relatives.....

"Saanvika, don't be an idiot..... don't spoil our name, please, I beg u" she said joining her hands.... and that hurt... Is it wrong to stand for your family ?? Y will she say that always ?? Am I really spoiling their name ?? I got teary-eyed and surprisingly a few drops fell, ma noticed it, my bhabhi, Tanya di, and almost all my cousins are surprised to see my tears.... I am about to wipe them with my hands but Tanya di stopped me and wiped them carefully with the wipers without spoiling my makeup.....

"Kya hai mausi, aaj ke din bhi yeh sab bolna zaroori h kya (What's this aunt, is it necessary to say all that today too ??" Tanya di said to ma irritatingly.......

Ma came towards me to convince me but I moved away...... "It's okay ma, it's fine, let's go, we're getting late," I said and moved away and my cousins followed me..... I know she wanted me to live happily and not to create any problems for myself but this is not the way to talk...... There's a lot of communication gap between my mother and me, we just don't talk, sometimes we do but that's very rare, Whenever a girl feels pain, she first goes to her mother, but in my case, ma would be the last one to know about my sufferings.... same with her, a daughter should be a support system to her mother but I failed her badly.....

bhabhi, Tanya di, Kabir, and all my other cousins tried to make me laugh and I, as always masked all my inner emotions and laughed as if nothing happened.....

We reached the marriage hall and I am rushed to the bride's room, I missed papa a lot but didn't let anyone know..... After a while, I was called to the stage and my cousins took me following all the rituals.....

As soon as Vihaan saw me, he smiled widely, and his charming smile caught many girls' attention..... well I wasn't jealous or something like that, just I happened to notice it, that's all..... I smiled at him too and he gave his hand to help me to the stage... I got embarrassed but people found it cute...... my paternal cousins were looking at us with 'awe' expressions while my maternal cousins were giving me those looks which they used to give when someone does things like this..... I know what they are thinking, we are those types of cousins who sit at a corner and comment on bride and groom in these kinds of functions, we did the same during Siri di's engagement. Kabir, my bhai, Rohan, and everyone else made jokes, I mean among ourselves of course, when my jiju proposed di going on his knees, well, I don't comment but I too laughed and now I know that pain...... They were whispering to each other and I know what they are talking about, stupids...... Kabir smirked looking at me..... That idiot..... I looked around for his wife to complain about him.....

"Hey.... r u fine ??" Vihaan asked.... ahh what should I say to him ??

"Yeah.... good.... good....." I said getting nervous, standing on a stage among all these people made me conscious...

"Saanvi, if u r nervous, then calm down..... If u want u can hold my hand" He said...... awe.... I love his thoughtful nature.....

"No... No, I'm fine" I replied immediately.....

"U look great by the way," He said looking at me, and I looked into his eyes hearing the compliment, till now I was avoiding looking at him.... and now that I saw him, I don't want to take off my eyes, he is looking so good in his sherwani that I couldn't resist myself from complimenting him...

"Vihaan, u look great," I said averting my gaze.....

"Woah, thank you to-be wife," he said with his charming smile..... I smiled at him and casually looked at the aisle, and my smile immediately vanished seeing Aarav and Bipin Bhai, along with my high school friends... Vihaan looked at that side seeing the change of expressions on my face...... I felt so guilty for hurting Aarav..... I can't live with this guilt... I know he is in pain... I don't want him to be hurt..... I care for him a lot but was it my fault that I didn't love him ?? no and it's not even his fault to love a girl like me who couldn't love him back...

"Is something wrong ??" Vihaan asked......

"No..... Bipin Bhai and Aarav....."I said looking at them.....

"Oh....." Vihaan started "Who is who ??" he continued

"Blue shirt is Aarav and the green kurta is Bipin Bhai," I told him.....

"Ohh great..." He said...

"Where r ur friends ??" I asked him as I didn't see his friends till now.....

"Oh they can't make it, but they'll surely attend our reception in Delhi," he said and I nodded...

Soon Pandit ji came and 'Varmala' ritual started..... With some drama and fun, it's done and guests came on the stage to offer gifts..... Vihaan greeted Bipin Bhai and Aarav as he knew them and then I introduced my other friends to him..... and we clicked a picture and they left down.....

Meera came to me and talked to me and Vihaan, Ayan also came on the stage and cracked some jokes asking me to set him up with any of my cousins or friends, and I laughed at his comments.....

After some time, I was taken inside and an hour later or so, the marriage rituals started, I don't know y but I'm missing papa more than ever now...... I know he can't be here but Y is my heart not accepting it.....

My Bhai and bhabhi did the 'kanyadaan' and other rituals took place including 'pheres'(vows) and it's time for Vihaan to tie mangal sutra (nuptial chain) and fill my hair partition with vermilion..... He bends to my ear to whisper something..... What is he doing ?? But, the photographers kept clicking our pictures as they got a nice still after a lot of time, We(my family and I) actually restricted photographers to interrupt during wedding procedures and ask us i.e(Vihaan and I) for the poses, the decision was mine mostly, I want the rituals to be followed perfectly without anyone interrupting for stills..... I know it's not wrong to want the best wedding photo album, but for me, this experience and our beliefs are more important than photos.....

"Look in front of u Anvi" Vihaan whispered and I looked obeying his words..... and what I saw stopped my heartbeat only to start beating at a double pace...... I cupped my mouth and my eyes are filled with tears.....

There's a huge like really huge screen at the entrance of the aisle, and my papa's pictures started appearing on it, they looked so natural that I felt his presence instantly..... Everyone present in the hall too turned their heads to the back seeing my expressions and what they saw surprised them.....

Vihaan tied the nuptial chain, filled my partition and a tear left my eye...... My papa is here, he is present at his daughter's wedding, just because of Vihaan.... he is so thoughtful.... he did so much for me..... I looked at him thanking him with my eyes..... He looked at dad who is smiling at me..... I understood that he is the one that convinced my chachus.....

Actually, I asked my chachus to let me take papa's picture to the wedding hall but they said it's not auspicious to take dead people's photos..... I followed their words as I never really went against their opinions......

I am awestruck with the number of pictures Vihaan had of papa, there are some pictures even I didn't see..... and I would never forget this surprise, this is the best gift to me..... For the first time, I'm so so happy for marrying him.....

Vihaan's POV

Saanvika got so happy seeing her father's pictures and I felt contented seeing her wide smile, I tied the nuptial chain and filled her partition, a tear swept down her left eye, I so wanted to wipe it but it would be so cliche and I don't want to embarrass her... I know she isn't comfortable with things like this.....

Saanvika is now my wife and the feeling is damn good..... we followed the priest's instructions and after two long hours, the rituals got completed.... and we took all the elders' blessings.... but I can see Sanvi looking at the screen once in a while, a sense of fear and pain occupied her face when they are about to take the screen off and I immediately stopped them...

"Rajesh..... abhi keliye aise hi rehnedo(leave it for now), u can take it off after we leave from here," I said to the technician and he nodded..... Saanvika released a sigh and smiled gratefully at me, I returned her smile, she is very tired from all the rituals and I can see that on her face..... Just a couple of hours more, we'll be moving to the hotel, mom and dad booked for us and she can take some rest there.....

Dad is so damn happy, no one could hold him back...... Saanvika's mother, brother, and sister-in-law are also very happy..... Ahana is playing with Kabir and Rohan unaware that her bua is now officially someone else's, she would beat the hell out of me if he heard my thoughts, that little girl loves her aunt too much......

Saanvika and I are asked to sit for a while, all her friends left of course except for Meera, Ashish, and Bipin..... Saanvika's cousins are busy helping people wrap up everything...... We are asked to have our food, and she just nodded tiringly...... I feel so bad for her, dad told me that she was continuously made to participate in so many rituals over the past week.....

I think she wants to say something, she is looking for someone but whom ??

"Saanvi, what's wrong ??" I asked softly...

"Vihaan, they're asking us to have food, but I can't walk with this lehenga, it's very heavy and uncomfortable...... I'm looking for someone who can bring food for us" She said.... and I looked at her lehenga, she is looking very pretty but I can see it must be very heavy and also I observed she is not comfortable showing much skin, she is continuously adjusting her top covering her waist..... It looked cute, I couldn't help but notice all these minor things as I don't have anything much to do now.....

Saanvika's lehenga (just the dress and wearing style)

"Okay, ur cousins are here, u can tell them" I whispered pointing to her paternal cousins.....

"Yeah...." She said but I can see she is not so comfortable in asking them, though she is very close to them and talks as if they are her siblings, not her cousins.....

Just then, Kabir and Tanya came along with Saanvika's Nani(maternal grandmother), they made her sit beside Saanvi and went away smiling at us, Rohan brought food for her and water and he also went away to bring her the desert, and ice cream... I like how they take care of their grandmother...

"Ahh thank god Nani, u r here, ask Kabir or Tanya di to bring food for me and Vihaan na, I am not comfortable in walking in this lehenga," Saanvika said..... I would have brought for her and myself but I can't move without her because of the gatbandhan(clothes of bride and groom are tied together)

"Saanvika, don't do that, maybe Vihaan wants to have food with everyone, u can't do that to him..... and coming to ur saree, get used to this, u r gonna wear it frequently now, so stop cribbing and go, get ur food" her Nani told her and her face fell...

"Nani.... my legs are aching, Nani, please Nani ask na, please....,"She literally begged her grandmother and I controlled my smile..... Her grandmother sighed and then nodded, Sanvika hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek tightly...

Seeing them, I remembered my grandparents.... My maternal grandfather wasn't feeling well, that's y they didn't come but my dadu and dadi(paternal grandparents) are here..... They instantly loved Saanvika, I mean she is Niranjan uncle's daughter, y wouldn't they, Dadu and Dadi like Niranjan uncle a lot, I also heard them say many times that dad reached such great heights in his career because of Niranjan uncle, I don't know much about what he did neither dad told about it.....

Her Nani asked Rohan to bring food for Saanvika and I...

"I'll bring for Vihaan but not for her, stop eating like a pig at least today," He said and Saanvika glared....

"Rohan, I don't have much energy left in me to argue with u today, please bring yr," She said...

"Did u just say please ?? OMG, say it again", He said teasing her.....

"Please Please Please Please Please, aur bolu," She said and he smiled victoriously and left to bring food for us... Rohan is just a couple of months older than Saanvi but they exactly fight like twins..... My cousins are more like clubs and parties type, and I know right now they might be sulking somewhere, the only function they enjoyed is Sangeet, they danced to their fullest, and also they had alcohol secretly, Ayan and I had to struggle so much to hide it from Saanvika's family as everyone is against alcohol in that family...... But Rohan sat with my cousins and had a few drinks, Saanvika's jiju, that is Tanya's too joined them...

He brought our food and I thanked him... We ate and then finally everything got to an end....... Now it's the most painful part for Saanvika..... It's farewell time but these days there's nothing called 'Farewell'. No one is actually crying like before..... Though I can see Saanvika's mother crying vigorously followed by her bhabhi, I didn't see a single tear in the siblings'(Saanvika and Pawan) eyes.....

Saanvika hugged her mother, her bhabhi, and then her babachu (Ranjit chachu) who also had moisture in his eyes..... She met with her chachus and chachis, aunts and cousins, she did have a very large family...... And Finally, she came to her brother and hugged him tightly, a few tears escaped her eyes then.... I understood how much she loves him then..... Honestly, when I got to know that she forgave her brother so easily, I'm very surprised, but she told me, her brother is that one person who stood as a pillar to their family when they lost their father and for the things he sacrificed for the family, she can tolerate anything.....

After the 'Bidaai' (farewell) Saanvika and I sat in the car, mom and dad are coming with Ayan in our other car, We have our flight tomorrow morning, Saanvika and I will be reaching the airport directly from the hotel whereas my family will be reaching from my uncle's home.....

As soon as the car started moving, Saanvika sighed loudly......

"I know you are very tired, just wait till we reach the hotel, You can rest," I said....

"Hotel ?? I thought we are going to ur uncle's place" She said confusingly.....

"Yeah..... but mom and dad booked a special suite for us, u know technically, it's our first night," I said and she blushed trying hard to hide it, I also observed some discomfort on her face...

"Saanvi, relax," I said holding her hand and she leaned her head on my shoulder tugging my arm and humming..... Woah.... I didn't expect this, this is the first initiative she took towards me...... so my wife is getting comfortable with me..... good to know that..... It's such a relief actually... I'm not a person to believe that a marriage completely depends on the physical relationship but intimacy plays a very crucial role in marriage, and I feel s*x life is important and needed..... and for that partners should be comfortable with each other...... I understand her discomfort and am ready to give her the time she needed to adjust to me.....

"You haven't cried much, I thought u would cry a lot", I started a conversation holding her close to me.....

"U thought so ?? Vihaan these days, no one is crying, at least I'm toh not crying, this is not the first time I'm staying away from them, so I kind of got used to it, the only difference is I'll be staying with my other family instead of my roommates now," She said shrugging..... Sometimes, her practicality and maturity surprises me, but sometimes, her emotional attachment to some things which are far from reality shocks me..... like that diary or those earrings and chain, well she is not wearing them today but I'm sure they are with her in her bag...

"Good, I don't have medicines for headache if u cry," I said chuckling and she glared at me getting away from me but I pulled her to me and she again laid her head on my shoulder......

Saanvika's POV

I'm surprised at how comfortable I'm with Vihaan right now, maybe because of that single word 'marriage'.... and now he is my husband..... Husband ?? I'm married, reality hit me hard and I got scared, I tried hard to control my heartbeat but couldn't, would I be a good wife ?? What if Vihaan realizes that I'm not good enough for him and leaves me ?? Ma and bhai always called me 'selfish' and y wouldn't they? I never cared for ma, I mean I did but I never showed, and till date, they think I'm some heartless person, what if Vihaan too forms that opinion about me ?? Oh god Saanvi, y r u thinking so negatively, shut up, today is an auspicious day, u got married, so just stay positive.....

"Saanvi, Is everything alright ?? u are shivering...... " Vihaan asked me pulling me away from him but holding me by my shoulders......

"I....I'm fine Vihaan..... don't worry" I said with a smile that would make everyone believe that I am fine, hiding my inner pain.....

"u clearly r not, look at u, u r shivering badly, bukhar hai (is it fever) ??, let me check....." Saying this, he touched my forehead and neck.... " there's no temperature, then y r u shivering" asked Vihaan getting slightly worried..... he also switched off the AC.....

"Vihaan, I'm completely fine, it's just I'm a little scared, marriage is a huge responsibility, and I don't know how can I handle this," I told him honestly because there's no point in hiding...

"Saanvi, don't worry at all, u r not alone in this, not just u r married to me but I am married to u as well, so we'll figure out things together," He said so calmly...... How can he be so calm always..... Isn't he worried about the changes in his life ??

"Vihaan, aren't u worried ??" I asked him...

"A little bit yes, but not too much, not as much as u," He said smiling at me and that instantly relieved me, it's as if his smile can heal all my worries...... "Now close ur eyes and take some rest, I'll wake u up when we reach," he said side-hugging me and my head took its previous position that is near to his heart just below his shoulder, such close proximity is all new for me, very very new, but it's bliss.....

"U too sleep, I know u r tired," I told him and he hummed leaning his head on mine and I felt his lips on my hair...... I smiled more holding his sherwani in my fists...

We reached after 20 minutes, though we both closed our eyes, we weren't asleep, and the screen between us and the driver slid up and I instantly opened my eyes getting away from Vihaan, he nodded at me and got down, I opened my door and about to get out but Vihaan offered his hand, OMG all this is so new, y is he such a gentleman, yr Saanvi you are so weird, every girl wishes for this kind of guy, but u...... I stopped my inner battle and took Vihaan's hand and got out.....

Vihaan told the name in the reception and they showed the way, Vihaan nodded and walked taking my hand in his, it's kind of a resort, I have heard of this place but never been here..... and it looks expensive, of course, it'll be after all this is Vandana aunty's choice..... She never wasted a single chance to show off her wealth though she tried to act modest, it's clear that her acts somewhere hurt my ma and Bhai but they are silent because they are from 'the bride's' side...... Trust me if that's not the case, they wouldn't see her face ever..... Thankfully, Vandana aunty didn't hurt my family's self-respect, and I know I should thank Alok dad for it.....

We entered the suite, the arrangements are elegant with scented candles and all, I can see our luggage already placed in the room, the bags I'm supposed to take to Delhi are all here, they aren't much, just 2 suitcases, also I have a lot of luggage in my flat in Delhi, and ma told that I can take some clothes later as they aren't necessary now, I agreed instead I don't know y I should take all my belongings to Vihaan's house in the first place, I'll be staying at my home sometimes.....

Vihaan decently tipped the bell boy and he left 'a happy married life' to Vihaan and me, by his wide smile and the bundle Vihaan handed him, I can feel that they are a few thousands.... huh rich people.....

"Stop thinking and say it out, you'll go crazy if u do that continuously," Vihaan said and I chuckled.....

"Nothing, by seeing his wide smile, I'm wondering how much u tipped him," I said it there, don't know from where is this comfort coming from, as usually, I would never involve in someone's money matters...

"Oh not much, maybe 6 thousand or so, I didn't count," He shrugged, 6000 for a tip ?? but what I liked in Vihaan is he didn't show off, he just handed over the money politely, there's not a hint of pride or arrogance in him, also he didn't give importance to money, there'll be only a few people where money doesn't get into their heads even though they earn very decently and I'm very very glad Vihaan is one of them.....

"Oh.... u have a big hand," I said smiling......

"haha, nothing of that sort, but today is special, that's y" He laughed off... "Chalo, go and fresh up, till then I'll make a call," He said...

"I'll need more time, y don't u go and freshen up ??" I suggested and he nodded taking his clothes and walking to the washroom..... While I started taking all the pins in my hair and then started removing my jewelry......

Vihaan came out after 15 minutes and he looked so fresh and smelled so good that I kept inhaling closing my eyes..... I don't care if he sees me like this, after all, he is my husband..... I opened my eyes to see him looking at me with amusement dancing in his eyes...

"Do I smell that good ??" He teased...

"u do," I said with a smile and turned my head resuming what I was doing before he came out... He kept looking at me, though that bothered me and made me feel conscious, I didn't react, or should I say, tried not to react...... After I finished taking all my jewelry except for my mangalsutra, I walked to the washroom to freshen up and I saw Vihaan moving to the balcony to make a call before I shut the door...

Vihaan's POV

Saanvi went to freshen up while I moved to the balcony to attend to a call, it was from my replacement doctor Mr. Sinha, so can't avoid it..... We talked for almost 40 minutes, it's about a complicated case I was dealing with, thankfully the patient is fine for now, but soon, we need to operate on him, the patient is in his early 60s, and age is also an issue..... Oh god! What am I still doing here ?? I need to go inside, Saanvi is alone, I kept thinking about the case after hanging up that I completely forgot I have a wife whom I just married..... This is one thing about me that irks others, If it's about my work, I spend hours thinking about it... Nothing is more important to me than that, literally nothing, till now it went fine, but from now I need to change a little bit, though Saanvi is understanding, I don't want to take her for granted...

I entered inside but couldn't find Saanvi anywhere, did she get angry and went somewhere ?? No, she is not that foolish to go out at this time...... 'Really Vihaan, think again and say' mocked my brain, but she is very upset that time.... 'yeah and she must be very upset now too because her husband left her alone for one hour, that too on their first night, wow....' countered my brain... Just then I heard the bathroom door unlock, wait! is she still in the washroom ?? and she looked very cute with her wet hair wrapped in a towel and her mickey mouse pajamas..... like is she for real ?? Mickey mouse pajamas on our first night ?? I mean we know that we are not at that part of our relationship yet and I don't expect her to wear lingerie and all, at least not now but I didn't expect Mickey mouse Pajamas either.... Yeah, she did look cute though.....very cute..... she immediately went to the mirror and filled her hair partition, and then started coming towards me...... Damn man, she looks so good with that sindhur(Vermillion) and wet open hair as now she removed the towel.....

"Hey Vihaan, done with ur call ??", She asked.....

"Yeah..... wait were u in the washroom for 1 hour or u went just now ??" I asked.... and she smiled sheepishly...

"Woh sorry, I take a little long for freshening up, and today it took a little longer, hair got so sticky with the use of all those sprays and whatnot, so had to wash them....." She said lowly...

"That's fine Saanvi, I finished my call just now, so chill....." I told her and we both settled on our bed which is decorated, she felt a little awkward but I'm fine with it.....

"But still, I took a lot of time, don't worry, usually, I finish my bath in 30-40 minutes, today is an exception", she said and I thought she is being sarcastic or teasing me until I saw her expressions, she is serious.... oh god......

"30-40 minutes ??, I hardly take 10 minutes," I told her and she looked away smiling sheepishly... I smiled and let it go..... Vihaan, get ready to keep waiting, till now, mom is the one who is gonna take time but she has got a really tough competitor now......

"And your pajamas...", I started but she cut me off excitedly...

"Cute na..... I know, I have not watched mickey mouse but I liked these pajamas as soon as I saw them..... they are so cute and fluffy..... " She blabbered and my immediate dislike for her pajamas is gone now.....

"U were so tired before ?? Now not sleepy ??"I asked her

"No Vihaan, Actually I feel so fresh after taking bath and getting out of that heavy jewelry..... I feel body pains especially my legs are aching badly but not tired or sleepy....." She said looking here and there, she is actually feeling very awkward, I can say that but she is trying hard to cover it up, trying to act casually.... and suddenly got up cursing herself, and walked towards the dressing table.....

"What happened ??" I asked...

"I need to put this inside neatly, otherwise I'll forget tomorrow," she said pointing towards her jewelry and wedding dress... she quickly wrapped the work and came back, I offered to help but she refused politely.....

and she again sat on the bed, and this time, I badly wanted to kiss her, damn she is looking great with wet hair and Sindhoor indicating she belongs to me now...... Woah, I sound like a chauvinist, Well it's not like that, I belong to her as well but u know that sense of belongingness is beautiful, and I just realized it..... she is looking here and there thinking of something to talk about, biting her lower lip harshly, this is a habit she has, she constantly bites her lips, especially when she is awkward or nervous...

Now I had to kiss her, so badly wanted to feel her lips, I pulled her to me so suddenly that she gasped..... I pulled her more towards me and without giving her any time to talk, I placed my lips on her petals and started kissing her..... It was a gentle kiss that later turned into a passionate one..... I pulled her more and made her sit on me straddling me..... and I don't think she minds it...... I bite her lower lip harshly and she moans into me which turns me on instantly..... God... it's been a few years I had s*x, I got so busy with work that I didn't get any time for myself, and that also contributed to my excitement now, but I know Saanvi needs time, but I don't feel she is uncomfortable seeing how she is kissing me back clutching my hairs and pulling me more into her.... and considering it's her second kiss, she is damn good, if she continues responding like this, I don't think I can stop now...... She stopped kissing me getting breathless, so I left her to breathe but resumed kissing the next second..... and this time she didn't kiss me back but she clutched my hair which shows her comfort and willingness...... I know I can't stop myself if I continue but to be honest, I don't want to stop if she doesn't stop me...... and a huge part of me wants her not to stop me, but the rational part thinks otherwise and I think it won...

Saanvi's phone rang, We broke the kiss and she got away from my lap instantly and while doing that, I think she felt my.... u know what...... she blushed furiously and walked to the dressing table where her phone is kept, but it stopped ringing before she reaches the table...... Wow, it's like someone wants to interrupt our moment and as the mission is accomplished, they hung up..... huh.....

She came back and put a confused face while sitting on the bed but made sure to keep a decent distance from me.....

"Who is it ??" I asked trying to clear the air also curious to know who called her on our first night...

"It's bhabhi, but she hung up immediately, I think it's Ahana, but it's late and she might be sleeping now because that girl I tell u is very naughty and jumped here and there throughout the wedding, she must be very tired now," She said getting angry with Ahana for not sleeping till now and also worried for her.....

"It's okay, callback, you'll get to know," I told her.... she nodded and made a call...

Saanvika's POV

I still didn't come back from my high, his kisses are addictive, and I don't know what would have happened if bhabhi didn't call, oh god it's so scary to even imagine, It's not like I'm not willing to share physical intimacy but I'm not yet ready, but if I keep staying near Vihaan, I get attracted to him and stop thinking rationally, I don't want to regret anything between us and I don't want him to regret either.....

Vihaan asked me to call and ask y she called at this time, might be urgent but my gut feeling says that it's Ahana..... As soon as she took my call she started apologizing saying "Sorry sorry so sorry Saanvika, U know I didn't mean to interrupt u guys, oh god, it's your first night, it's actually not me, it's Ahana, I took the phone from her and hanged up as soon as I saw her calling u" she blabbered and my ears turned red, it was so embarrassing because Vihaan could also hear me as I keep my volume high, I can't hear the other person properly if I keep it low, and as the room is pin-drop silent, he could hear everything...

"Bhabhi, bhabhi, it's okay and u didn't disturb us, We were just....." I paused remembering what we were doing "Talking" I quickly added..... "Now tell me, y is she still awake ??" I asked

"Well, it's not that important, see u tomorrow at the airport," she said and before I reply, I heard Ahana crying, she is taking my name constantly.....

"Bhabhi, y is she crying, that too so badly ??" I asked her and she narrated how Rohan teased her saying now that I married Vihaan I love him more than her...... Huh.... this guy I tell u, Ahana is very possessive about me..... and I gave her all the reasons to be because she has been my first priority always..... and bhabhi also told me she is crying for the past two hours..... I got so angry, y didn't they call me then only..... but I calmed myself as I cannot shout on my bhabhi if it was ma or bhai that side, I would have given them a piece of my mind.....

"Bhabhi, u could have called me then only, u know right, Ahana gets a fever whenever she misses someone or cries for someone badly," I told her calmly and bhabhi just said how could she call me at this time.....

"Now, I'll talk to her, give her the phone," I said calmly.....

I talked to Ahana and when she asked who is more important to me, her or Vihaan, I told her she is but holding Vihaan's palm, I don't know where did that courage come from but I made a move, I held his hand and indirectly told him that he is as important as Ahana is..... and the wide smile I got in return is immeasurable...... This man is incredible..... and after talking to me, Ahana stopped crying and went to sleep, and bhabhi hung up......

"Um....sorry Vihaan, I had to talk to Ahana, because she often gets a fever whenever she misses someone, it mostly happened when she misses me, that's y I made a habit of visiting her at least once a month," I told him...

"It's completely fine Saanvi, I understand..... the bonding u both have is really adorable," He said...

"Thank... haw..." I yawned before thanking him and he chuckled..... "Sorry, thankyou," I said...

"no problem, and ur welcome, now go to sleep, we have a flight at 11 and we need to start at 9 AM from here," he said, I nodded and immediately laid on the bed.....

I suddenly started feeling so sleepy... Don't know y but I wanted to hug him and sleep, I always fantasized about hugging my husband and sleeping as it produced a sense of secure feeling for me, it was quite surprising considering my reluctance to marry but I did have this fantasy..... But I can't make a move, one is I'm shy and the other reason is, I sleep in a very weird position, I sleep on one side, with my one leg folded and my knee just below my face...... and I can't sleep hugging someone..... even when hugging papa, I couldn't sleep comfortably but I still remember the secured feeling I used to get in his arms..... that's bliss...... I slowly drifted into a deep sleep thinking about him......

The next morning, we got up, I mean Vihaan got up very early it seems, but I just woke up at 8:30 and rushed to the washroom, Vihaan said he was trying to wake me up since 7 considering my long hours to freshen up but I quickly took bath in 25 minutes and came out...

"Saanvi, it's 8:55 yr, make it fast, we need to start at 9 AM, I know it's gonna take some time, but get ready quickly, at least till 9:20, I requested the driver to wait," He said calmly though he didn't like tardiness...... but y to ask the driver to wait ?? I'm all ready, just need to put vermillion and apply cream, I left my hair freely considering how Vihaan liked my open hair, I got ready in 5 minutes and went to Vihaan...

"But y did u request him to wait ?? I'm done let's go", I said wearing the chain papa gave me and to which I attached Vihaan's SN or should I say SV locket...

"U r ready ??" Vihaan asked getting shocked and I smiled understanding what he meant...

"Sirf nahane mein time lagta hai, tayyar hone mein nahi(I take time only for bathing, not to get ready), now let's go," I told him.....

"Wait," he said and I turned my head, and he suddenly kissed my cheeks..... "u look great, even without much makeup" He said and I blushed but tried to hide it as always.....

"um... thanks...." I said and he chuckled at my reaction to a compliment.....

I wore a pink color floor-length dress, It's heavy, but at least they gave me permission to wear a dress instead of a saree and I'm thankful for it. I just applied a cream, eyeliner, and lip gloss.....

I and Vihaan settled in the car and the driver started for the airport.....

"Don't u think it's very uncomfortable to travel in this ??, I can see u r struggling with it, then Y do u wear it Saanvi, u should have chosen some jeans or some leggings" He said...

"Jeans ?? R u kidding me ?? this is the first day after marriage, I was actually asked to wear a saree, but I requested a lot to allow me to wear a dress because traveling in a saree is a nightmare for me" I told him...

"Who told u to wear a saree ??, is it ur family or mine ?? because if it's urs, I can't say much, but if it's mine, I can talk to them, and you can change in the airport," He said and I smiled widely getting happy for his care......

"Thanks for the concern, but it's fine, I can manage, I like to follow these traditions sometimes, so it's okay," I said and he nodded...

We soon reached the airport, my family came to bid me farewell, ma again cried but Vandana aunty and Alok uncle consoled her, especially Alok uncle, and Vandana aunty just stood there and that itself is a big thing..... Ahana sat with me the whole time and we actually played a lot... Vihaan too joined us, Ahana is a little bit cold with Vihaan at the start but this man whom I can proudly call my husband now has charmed her too..... Vihaan, Ayan, and I talked to bhabhi and Bhai and when it was time to leave, I hugged ma, Bhai, bhabhi, and Ahana, I don't know why I just don't wanna leave Ahana, I hugged her so tightly, I wanted to cry badly, I don't know how, but I stopped myself, I left her and walked away with Vihaan and Ayan, while Alok uncle and Vandana aunty followed us...

We boarded the flight and after reaching Delhi, Vandana aunty welcomed me into the house, which is Vihaan's actually, it's a little smaller than the mansion we are gonna live in but still, this is huge..... Vihaan as promised arranged my Grah Pravesh in his house which I haven't stepped in yet, Alok uncle asked us to live here for a few days as it's not good to leave the house as soon as the Grih Pravesh is done, and we agreed, and after talking for some time, they left, Vandana aunty instructed the house help to guide me before leaving......

Precap - New life and moving in back to Vihaan's parents' house..... New challenges and strong attraction.....

Note - Hey guys, Hope you are all doing well, I wanted to announce something to all of you. The book 'MY WOMAN' which is loved by all of you is getting published on Good novel now, I'm soon going to take down this from Wattpad, I got this offer long before but I didn't take it then, it's you guys and your support that has brought such recognition to my book, that's y wanted to give something in return, so I waited till I complete it as I didn't want to make this a paid book for you, now that u all have read it, I took their offer...... I'm posting the link down, Please go and check the journey of Aditya and Priya right from start.... Re-live the wonderful journey of ur favorite characters once again.... Thank you all for the love and support....

https://www.goodnovel.com/book_info/31000160011/Romance/MY-WOMAN