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You may begin now.

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This chap is affectionately dedicated to - JannatF61🖤✨

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"I believe that when two people are in love with each other, you can see it in their eyes. The way they look at each other, the way they stare at each other, it's all there. Their eyes are full of admiration, of attraction, of undying feelings for each other. Their eyes twinkle, their eyes are smiling. Even if they didn't say a word about it, there's this invisible thread connecting them two......................................"

"Everytime I trade my soul because of you,
If you wanna be in my way cuz of me,
The stars... Were shining to me away,
Whispering... I want you to know you're my... World!
Everytime I'm crazy is because of you,
If you're looking right at me because... Of love!
To me it's a pretty wonderland,
Do not make me make me cry again,
I need you right now..."

Manjiri who was softly humming to herself whilst ironing a few clothes looked up startled when Adishri kept a few more clothes to be ironed before her. Her little boy was in her arms while her state looked amazingly disoriented.

"Dii!... Oh God, it's you. You scared me."

"And you surprised me. It's been so long since I heard you singing to yourself."

Adishri spoke shifting her focus back on her baby who was giving her a hard time from past 3 days.

"Tomorrow is a happy day. That's why."

No sooner did those words could slip from Manjiri's mouth, then Dev was ready with his remark.

"So can we know the reason of this indescribable happiness? Please!"

"As if you'll believe me if I tell you."

Manjiri mumbled out ignoring the playful look which Dev was offering her. She gushed going back to what she was doing,

"My munchkin will gain a name tomorrow. His parents will celebrate their 4th anniversary tomorrow. I'm so excited..."

Dev interrupted her yet again stifling up his chuckles.

"Are these the only reasons of your excitement?"

"Leave her, Dev. She won't tell you the actual thing even if you keep standing there till tomorrow."

Adishri announced irritated from a certain distance. She stood near the rocking cradle. Every time she used to make her baby lay there, he used to whine very loudly. He only used to be at peace whenever he used to be in his mother's arms. However, his mother had so much to do nonetheless he wasn't helping her in any way. Manjiri understood that.

"Oh Dii. Tell me how many guests are coming over. What all would be needed? I'll try my best to do it all."

"Just family and close friends." Adishri added eyeing Dev in particular, "There's already too much to do. The wedding is not even a week far... I request you both to not go beyond something. Please, keep it as simple as I want it to be. He's already giving me a hard time."

"Ohho Dii, if you ask me then I want to celebrate everyday with this cute little bundle of my joy..." Manjiri added taking her nephew in her arms from Shri's. "Life is beautiful. Everyone should celebrate it and celebrate it everyday."

Adishri felt relieved. With having her little sister around, being a mother seemed easier for her. Dev had to leave from there when his phone started ringing.

"Oh God have mercy. Something has happened to my sister. It's not her." Adishri voiced settling down on the bed for a moment before again getting up and assembling her baby's clothes. "The whole house is being a mess. He has turned cranky. His father doesn't listen. My sleep has ditched me. I cannot find anything in my own room... And you feel life's beautiful."

"This haphazardness is what makes life beautiful. Look at the brighter side, Dii, all of us will be together from tomorrow onwards. Even if this coming week would be exhausting but it would be worth it." Manjiri smiled at Adishri. "Our entire family will be together, we all will make memories, isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes, very beautiful." Adishri spoke out distracted, "Now, where have I kept his lotion?"

"It's here. You go, get a shower. I'll take care of this."

Manjiri smiled looking away at the retreating figure of her sister. Dropping her gaze to peer at her nephew, she whispered to him,

"You trouble your mumma a lot these days. That's not good!" "What if you get beatings for that, huh? I won't rescue you then I'm telling..." The baby slightly whined, thus making her shake her head at him. "Ok, ok, I'll. Relax."

"Your Chachu will be here tomorrow. Are you excited to meet him?" She cooed, her face beaming with joy. However, that joy didn't manage to reflect on that baby's face. He whined more. "No? Ok, ok, don't meet him."

It took her a good ten minutes span of swinging the baby in her arms to make him fall asleep, when Adishri came out of the washroom. She looked comparatively better than she looked before.

"Miru, do one thing. Call your Jiju. I asked him to get me the things for tomorrow on time. But what's the need to listen me..."

"I've already spoken to him. Must be here anytime."

Hardly could Manjiri tell that, when Ved approached with a few shopping bags in his hands.

"I'm here."

"Wow, so early?"

Adishri deadpanned. Taking those bags from his hands, she went to another room, perhaps to take some suggestions from her mother-in-law.

"Did you understand what is this happening?"

Ved asked looking at Manjiri. To which Manjiri replied whilst carefully making the sleeping baby lay down on the centre of the bed.

"It's very obvious, Jiju. She isn't getting time for herself these days. Also, she is anxious about the upcoming events. Moreover, your kid has started annoying her too."

"Yeah. I'm gonna talk to her and take care of everything." Ved mumbled and then asked, raising his eyebrows, "And what's happening with you?"

"A lot is happening with me. Though, thankfully, nothing wrong." Manjiri smiled walking up to him. "In fact, I won't let anything wrong happen now."

Ved reflected her smile. He was observing many positive changes in Manjiri from past few days. It was like looking at the Miru who he knew from always.

"Wow! Who's is this new Miru? I don't know her."

"Even I didn't know, Jiju. But I know now."

"You're happy?"

He asked, looking at her carefully. Manjiri smiled and spoke up strongly.

"Umm... Not sure of happy right now cause there's so much to do around. But yes, I'm satisfied. I'm satisfied because I've befriended myself. I belong to myself, this family."

Unbeknownst to Ved and Manjiri, a third person too was hearing their conversation. And it was none other than Dev.

"Say it straight that you belong to him now, completely." Dev added more taking a note of Manjiri's gaze getting lowered. "By the way, what was he telling you in the morning, in his romantic voice?"

Ved chuckled whacking Dev.

"Why do you keep snooping in everyone's life like a typical neighbouring woman?"

Manjiri giggled while Dev turned to Ved grumbling,

"Bhai, I'm gonna get married in a week. Stop beating me at least now..."

_

_

_

Next day, with much effort, Manjiri managed to drape her saree around her frame with the assistance of Sameeksha. And so did Sameeksha with the help of Manjiri. Then they helped Adishri and Shreya and their 12 days old nephew in getting ready.

Four of the ladies had put on similar sarees, only colours were different. Although, Shreya and Adishri's were a little heavier as per their liking.

Many of the guests were already reached their place two days ago, primarily to attend Dev's wedding. A few from them didn't miss a chance in mocking out of how they weren't called for Shaurya's wedding or why Mohans didn't make that wedding a loud affair. Manjiri tried hard to ignore those remarks, however, comments with regard to the way she was brought to Mohan Villa was a touchy topic for her.

"You're giving a yet another opportunity to receive something from Sheetal Buaji."

To Shreya's remark, Manjiri looked down at her saree.

"Why? Is this not ok?"

"It is ok. But, she would again begin with newly married should be like this, these colours are to be worn by them etc etc..." Shreya spoke. Adishri agreed to that too, "Yes. She will start again. Therefore, doll up a little, Miru."

"For her?"

Manjiri mused making Sameeksha laugh out loud. Rolling her eyes, Adishri spoke out encircling her neck with a gold chain.

"No, I'm telling in general. Relatives won't spare you if you'll not stand out on their touchstones. Trust my experience."

"Don't mind my words, ok? But seriously, our frankest in-laws have got the meanest relatives."

Sameeksha voiced in a no-nonsense tone colouring up her lips in a shade of dark pink. Shreya muttered giving her a side-look as she was busy combing her hair.

"Excuse me. You're commenting on my far-extended family."

"Like you don't know how good of a far-extended family you got, Shreya Bhabhi."

Sameeksha was quick to retort. She had to add when Shreya shook her head at her.

"At Shri Bhabhi's baby shower, they didn't even spare me. God! Why few women do this to other women?"

At then, Manjiri couldn't help but agree with Sameeksha. However, she remained quiet and made her busy with her nephew. It was his and his parents' special day and Manjiri was in no mood to spoil her mood because of a few ladies who didn't think before speaking. She smiled as she looked at Vaidik who climbed the bed and neared the baby with a bright smile. He didn't make any noise, unlike always, and slowly held the baby's hand in his in a way as if to shake hands with him.

Manjiri was at awe. She literally missed out on the conversation flowing in between the ladies present in the room. She looked at Sameeksha when she heard her say,

"I'm telling I won't spare any if today anyone targets me for any damn thing. Not sure about Badi Maa or Chhoti Maa but I'm sure Dadi would understand and won't mind."

"Badi Maa or Chhoti Maa wouldn't either. They too had gone through all this once upon a time. It's just that nobody speaks out of respect in front of those elderly ladies."

Shreya spoke out and that was when they heard Mrs Dipti Mohan's voice from downstairs.

"Girls, make it fast!"

Minutes later when Adishri walked out of the room, Dev remarked with an appreciative smile.

"Wow Bhabhi, you don't look like you're a mother of one."

"Dev, you're impossible."

Adishri spoke up not quite believing his words. And that was when Dev saw Ved. His mood looked a little foul.

"What's wrong, Bhai?"

"Can't you see how's she glaring at me? You still need a reason."

Ved complaint hinting towards his wife, who almost rolled her eyes at his words. Dev was tempted to jest at that situation,

"She isn't glaring but staring. You're looking that handsome, you know."

"Of course, I'm staring."

Adishri voiced in a sarcastic tone. And before Ved could even get a chance to provide her an answer to that, Manjiri came to the rescue. She declared coming in between the couple.

"Ok, enough! It's not good thing to indulge in something this useless when it's your anniversary. Let's get going."

"Yes, yes, let's get going." Dev supported her. As the couple walked away together, Dev nudged Manjiri, "Someone's in a weird kind of hurry today. Desperate enough, I see."

_

_

_

"Look who's there..."

Sameeksha whispered in Manjiri's ears making her eyes roll on the side. They are presently in the hall occupied by guests, all waiting for the Naamkaran sanskar (naming ceremony) to begin. The priest was yet to arrive though to begin with the necessary rituals.

The moment Manjiri's eyes fell on Shaurya, she felt gravitated towards him. He was giving a hug to his grandmother when his gaze got locked with hers. However, there were a few seemed to draw his attention towards them,

"Shaurya, didn't you see us?"

Shaurya turned towards his father's distant sisters and walked towards them to touch their feet.

"Doesn't your mother or wife forbid you to stay away from home for this long?"

One of them asked jokingly. Another one was quick to join in too,

"Times are bad and you've a good face, my boy. One can't trust the eyes of the world."

Before Shaurya could even think to speak something, a yet another aunt of his spoke up.

"By the way, do you require a visa to come to my house? You roam in the whole world but never visits me..."

Mrs Kaveri Mohan intervened, on feeling that those ladies had begun to trouble her dear grandson and now they might not leave him until unless someone stop them.

"Ohho! He just returned and you've started with your complaints. Let him freshen up, you got a whole day for all this." She added patting Shaurya's back a little, "You go, child, and freshen up."

Dragging his luggage, he passed by Manjiri. On noticing her longing filled stare, he wordlessly asked her to follow him upstairs. She widened her eyes and looked around quietly telling him that she couldn't even if she wanted. He took an audible helpless sigh, thus indirectly letting her know a lot of things. A smile tugged at her mouth as she noticed him tapping his fingers on his wristwatch telling her that he would still wait and finally walked away.

On reaching his room, Shaurya immediately took a quick shower.

Moments later, a knock came at the door. Shaurya was kind of sure to who it belonged. He walked towards the door and in an instant, yanked open it and there she was.

"Here."

Manjiri muttered holding out a glass of water to him. Her voice seemed like a music to his ears. Heart in his mouth, he held the glass. Their fingers brushed against each other over the curvature of the glass.

Both looked up. She softly smiled at him. He tried to exchange that. And suddenly, the air between them started tasting different.

She watched him as he gulped down the water. The waves of his hair were wet and loose, inviting her to brush them back and press her mouth there.

He glanced at her keeping down the emptied glass on the adjoining shelf and reached out for her hand. Taking the silent cue, she moved closer to him. She leaped at him the way she did that night, or that early morning to be precise.

"Finally..."

His warm breath burst across her mouth. As his arms locked around her, she took no time in taking her hands to his hair to push those hair strands curtaining his forehead back. His eyes drooped inadvertently, giving in to the feel of her fingers.

Cupping his face, she studied him reverently, tracing the sharp, handsome planes of his face. The lines of his jaw, his cheekbones, his nose. The soft part of his mouth. And then the heat burning in his eyes when he unfurled his eyelids to peer at her.

"I missed you so much Dr Saahab!"

She meekly told him through her tears and brought his face down to press her mouth against his forehead. Very tenderly and unhurriedly. Then both of his eyes and cheeks. The corners of his mouth and at last, his cupid's bow. She wanted to peck all of him and never stop.

Whereas he couldn't silence his low, raw noises of satisfaction which her administrations were teasing from him. She was his and above all, she wanted him. He nodded to himself with a sweet, slight grin and drew her into his arms.

"I missed you more, Silly Head..." His voice came out like gravel. She grinned too embracing him with all her might. However, her grin minimized on hearing him add, "...Well, now I think I should start going away more often."

"Go right away!"

She spat out pulling back. He chuckled attempting to pull her back towards him.

"No, after this."

However, she didn't give in.

"No, why? Going is more important."

Chuckling a little, he leaned in.

"You're silly. My kind of weird." He added, his mouth barely an inch away from her ear, "Another thing, this colour suits you. You look different."

Manjiri shyly looked down. She didn't know that a few simple words from his mouth could make her feel so good about herself.

"Oh God! Why did you wear this? Remove it." She spoke up disappointed as her finally processed of what he was wearing. Inadvertently, her hands rose up to unfasten the fasteners of his kurta. She only realised of what an impulsive move she took when she sensed his palms over her hands perhaps to stop her. She looked at him alarmed, "I'm sorry!"

He looked on surprised when she broke off completely and stepped a little away. Taking an inwardly sigh, he brought her hands back to where they were a minute ago mumbling,

"Relax! You so rightfully can. But first tell me what's the need?"

"Cause I've taken that one out for you."

She murmured motioning her eyes towards the piece of cloth which was sprawled on the bed. It was a plain, cotton kurta in lavender colour. Something which would complement with her plum coloured saree greatly. But there, he was in no mood to get dressed again, so he asked.

"But what's the issue with this? This look fine, doesn't it?"

"This won't match with mine." She grumbled looking at him. "Didn't you see others twinning with their spouse downstairs?"

Shaurya shook his head in negative hiding the hint of amusement ready to sparkle in his eyes. Manjiri looked at him with disbelief.

"You don't see what's important. Now wear this."

"Do the honours." He urged making her hands to unfasten those fasteners. Standing in a white vest upon his trunk, he inquired when she brought another piece of her choicest clothing for him, "What if it's fitting is not correct?"

"It's correct. I was very careful whilst selecting and buying."

"So you bought it?"

"Yeah... No, Maa too."

Manjiri looked at him with anticipation as he turned towards the mirror to view his reflection. She stood behind him and softly smiled as he raked his hand through his hair first and moved to see how he looked in that kurta.

He raised his eyebrows to ask her about her opinion. To which she immediately replied,

"I'm liking."

"Me or this?"

He asked making her shake her head at him.

"Let's get going, Shaurya." Before she could walk away, he held her hand. "Answer first, Silly Head."

She turned to look at him. He was already looking at her with curiosity.

"Both." She said it genuinely, like totally looking at him in eye that he had to fight back a blush. As he looked away smiling to himself, she pulled his hand. "Now, let's go. Baby wants to meet you."

"He told you so?"

He mocked at her but she chose to ignore that and pulled his hand. He smiled softly to himself, on feeling far much better than he had felt without her at his place. His home didn't feel like his home when she was away.

She was his home. His home was her.

_

_

_

The prayer session and the naming ceremony concluded on a happy note. The baby was named as per astrology. It was Mrs Kaveri Mohan who had given - "Adved" name to the baby. Everyone really liked it. Adved meant - with advantage, Lord Buddha's another name.

And 'Avi' was decided to be Adved's nickname. Soon after the ceremony, Adishri and Ved cut their fourth anniversary cake together.

Later on, when the guests got busy in filling their plates, younger Mohans decided to catch up around a small table.

"Shaurya, I'm telling that if you're looking at your brother in order to match Avi's features with his then I'm right away booking your return ticket to Chandigarh."

Adishri warned making Shaurya dart his gaze from Adved to his mother. Ved was quick to chime in. He had to agree that it was flattering to hear from all that Adved looked more like father.

"You can't manipulate his true opinion, Shri."

"Well, Bhabhi, what do I say?"

Shaurya asked confused. He really didn't understand the logic behind that whole thing. A baby's face, a woman's face and a man's face - all three were three different things. How could one manage to link faces that closely, he could never.

"Anything but - 'baby exactly looks like his father'..."

Adishri spoke making Dev and Ved laugh out aloud. However, Sameeksha looked at those two squarely, she was already fuming because of woman's nasty comment on her being an over-indulgent at household which was not yet hers. People could be very nosy and mean at times.

"I don't think there's anything to laugh over here. Shri Bhabhi carried him for long nine months, had her body cut open to bring him in the world just to hear from every passing by human that the baby takes after his father. And that he doesn't even have an ounce of his mother's features... Seriously? These ladies should've been little thoughtful. However, I expected nothing better from them."

"Oh, so the main issue is with those ladies."

Dev understood to where his lady's annoyance was going. He hated such moments. Only he had that right to annoy her, others shouldn't take advantage of his negligence. He then added looking towards Adishri,

"Regardless of anybody's opinion, I strongly feel that Avi resembles you, Bhabhi. Like if one spares a quick glance at him, he would slightly appear like Ved Bhai. But if one closely looks at him, he looks like you."

"Exactly."

Shaurya exclaimed, he didn't actually know what else to speak. Manjiri knew her husband sucked in particularly those type of situations. At the most, he would bring some scientific theories or researches to validate his saying.

And there she was right. He actually added,

"And according to a study published in Evolution and Human Behaviour, Bhabhi, new-borns tend to resemble their mothers more than their fathers. So chill!"

"Yes, he looks like my Dii. End of discussion."

Manjiri declared making Sameeksha too to speak up.

"Yes, we shouldn't give a damn about all those ladies' opinions. They are all getting old anyway, can't trust their eyesight."

The last line made everyone chuckle including Adishri. Ved who had been wordlessly hearing and watching everything the rest five. Well, his son was a add on, so six. He didn't know why but he felt too overwhelmed at then. He was certain now if he wouldn't be around for any reason tomorrow, his wife and his son would be taken great care of. Those four individuals who for him were immature and insensible in their own ways, exactly knew how to be there for one another.

A while later, Manjiri who was whispering something to her little nephew looked up when her husband stopped beside her. She excitedly forwarded him to Shaurya.

Taken by slight surprise, Shaurya reluctantly shook his head. He never held such delicate babies. And he could never.

"Come on."

Manjiri still insisted. She couldn't know why she was feeling so excited to make Shaurya meet her little munchkin. Perhaps, because she wanted her two extremely special ones to form a sweet bond at the soonest.

"Shaurya, please. Hold him. I want to see you holding him."

After much persuasion, he hesitantly agreed only to earn a heartfelt beam from her.

"Keep your arm in a way that it supports his neck and head." She stepped forward and let go of the baby when he held him. "Yes, this way."

Shaurya closely examined the baby. A warm feeling instantly washed him over. He mumbled out not taking his eyes off the baby's face.

"Manjiri, he's looking at me. See, he's staring." Shaurya's words and the sight of little Adved in his arms warmed Manjiri's heart. Her smile grew more when she heard him greeting, "Hello Avi. You know me?"

"Is he scared? Or is he bored?"

Shaurya questioned, his gaze nowhere but on the baby. Manjiri couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"No, why?"

"He's expressionlessly staring at me. Not looking anywhere else. Like it's hard to tell if he's happy or sad."

"It's his habit. Most babies do this. Moreover, he's sleepy right now since his tummy is full."

"Oh!" He added as he looked around, "Can we take him to our room? It's too noisy for him here."

Manjiri first informed her sister, who was bidding farewell to her and Ved's some close friends, and then returned to Shaurya.

"Yes, let's go."

Once they were back in their room, Manjiri gently laid Adved on the baby mattress which she asked Shaurya to spread on their bed.

"He seems relaxed here, right?"

He asked on noticing that the baby's eyes were slowly getting closed and he was drifting to sleep bit by bit. She whispered covering his nephew with a baby blanket.

"Cause he knows this room. He comes here daily with his Mausi."

Abruptly, Shaurya's phone began ringing loudly, thus, making Manjiri to glare at him.

"Sorry!" Offering her a sheepish look, he picked up the incoming call. "Hello Papa... Ok, I'm coming. Just give me five minutes."

"He wants me drop Dadi's friends to their places by car."

Shaurya explained Manjiri, even though she didn't ask. Manjiri simply nodded with a slight smile. Within a couple of minutes, he got changed into a tshirt and jeans. Traditional attires were all good, looked nice but they weren't that handy.

"Where are the car keys?"

"Ask Shreya Didi. They were with her in the morning."

Manjiri responded as she cleared the room. It was a mess all around. Suddenly, a knock at their open door made both of them turn towards the entrance of their room.

"Hey. Hope I'm not disturbing."

"Priyal."

Shaurya spoke as he found Priyal standing at the door with a formal grin.

"Actually, I was looking for you both downstairs. Suniti Aunty told me to meet you both here. So, I'm here."

Shaurya didn't know what to possibly do at then. All he knew was that he wasn't wanting that. Everything was falling back to it's place at it's pace, everything was seemingly getting better. However, he wasn't sure about what would happen now. He chanced a glance at Manjiri who looked amazingly fine as if she was ok with whatever life would throw now.

Before he could speak anything, his phone rang again, thus, telling him that his father was waiting for him downstairs. He didn't know if going from there and leaving the ladies to themselves was a suitable option or not, but he was left with no option other than that.

"I've to go. So..."

He muttered to no one in particular. Priyal smiled speaking,

"I understand. You go."

"Get in, Priyal. Don't keep standing there." Manjiri spoke as first looked at Priyal and then at Shaurya. "Ask Dev Bhaiya if you don't find the keys with Shreya Didi."

Shaurya could only nod and walk away. Priyal entered the room behind him,

"I must say nice room. Pretty different from what I remember it used to be."

"Many congratulations on your engagement. That day I couldn't get a chance to congratulate you properly." Manjiri pulled her lips into a slight smile. "Please, take a seat."

Priyal exchanged that smile taking a seat in front of Manjiri on the couch.

"Yes, you seemed to be in a hurry. Well, thank you so much."

They say in companiable silence for a couple of minutes until Priyal spoke up again.

"It's kind of awkward this way. Isn't it?"

"Yes." Manjiri voiced strongly, "Let's be real with each other here..."

"You want to get real, Manjiri, woman to woman? Sure I can do that. Gladly." Priyal resumed taking a pause, "Let's start with having a friendly chitchat about both of ours unaddressed issue revolving around a same man."

Manjiri internally winced at that. Nonetheless, she nodded with an encouraging grin.

"Look Manjiri, it's ok for you to dislike me. No need of pretending and all. I understand because I too would have disliked you if you were me and I was you... Moreover, you hardly you know to not dislike me. I'm probably the other woman in your story. But trust me, I'm not."

"I know that you're not. I know it now. I'm sorry I made you feel so that day."

Manjiri genuinely felt sorry for her behaviour. Priyal at Arsh's wedding was being friendly with her but on the contrary, she treated her rather rudely.

"Hey, please don't be. You're the wife after all. You shouldn't apologise for what he has started feeling."

"For sure I'm the wife but I don't control nor do I manipulate him, if that's what you mean. I'll not apologise for how he feels."

Manjiri spoke biting the edge of her voice when Priyal looked at her with plain expressions.

"And you don't need to. I wouldn't take him even if he was available. By my words, I didn't mean that." Priyal finished with a shrug. Taking a sigh, she further added, "Yes, I'd feelings for him ever since I was old enough to know what those were. And I'm not going to apologize for it. You shouldn't too cause if there was any chance for something more between us two more than friendship, then that ship had sailed long ago even if you weren't in the picture."

Manjiri stifled a flinch and kept silent. Her eyes got narrowed when she heard Priyal add more,

"There is more I want you to know. I want you to know what was my story. Not because I seek for your forgiveness or I want to justify myself but only because I don't want you to picture me as a home-wrecker. We females are much more than this, right?" She asked and only added when Manjiri nodded, "Trust me, I wouldn't have make myself meet my eyes if you both weren't together today."

"I know you didn't know about me, us properly. So I wouldn't blame you to sprout doubts regarding my involvement with him. Shaurya and I were classmates since kindergarten as our fathers are very good friends from always and they had put us in the same school. Even my sister and Shreya Dii bond well being classmates and best friends to one another." Priyal added with a sigh, "In school, we never used to leave each other's side. Shaurya, being extremely good at academics, was everyone's favourite in school. Be it teachers, batch mates, seniors and even juniors. I was no less. And then there was Arsh, another competitor yet a very close friend of our... We three were like always together. Extra-curricular activities and other stuff gave us ample amount of time to become each other's go to humans..."

Manjiri looked on with a curious gaze when Priyal suddenly went silent for a while before again resuming,

"But then things started changing. Teenage is tricky, delusionary perhaps. I don't know how Shaurya became my favourite person, a person whose every single thing started flattering me. Though, he never looked at me as more than a friend. But I did. I started rearing deep feelings for him. I even neglected Arsh's feelings for me for that matter. Yes, Arsh confessed to me in our final year of school but I didn't accept anything from him cause I was waiting for Shaurya. I was hopeful for him to catch my feelings. But sadly, that never happened. I wish I could be brave enough to let him know how I felt for him, rather than choosing that twisted way."

Manjiri's eyes widened a wee bit. What did Priyal mean by twisted way? Shaurya told her everything that night but not about this twisted thing. She patiently heard Priyal speak,

"Shaurya knew that Arsh liked me. Arsh must have told him. At the end of our half yearly exams, I very well remember that day when I made the biggest mistake of my life knowingly. A mistake by which I lost both of my friends. They fought brutally that day. I saw them holding each other's collars..."

"But why? What did you do?"

Manjiri couldn't hold her from questioning that directly. Priyal gaze got slightly lowered as she smiled a sad smile to herself continuing,

"The one thing in a school or college life which couldn't get unnoticed is that the line between a rumour and the truth getting amazingly blurred. And I took an advantage of it to draw Shaurya's attention towards me. With no time, it was all over the whole school that he and I were secretly dating. And stupid of me, went glad with that. However, it infuriated Arsh. He thought maybe Shaurya and I were playing with him and his feelings. He blamed Shaurya for that. He called it a betrayal. He was hurt and he hurt Shaurya for that matter. Things took a ugly turn. School life got over but differences remained intact. They maximized when they both went to different places for higher education. And then you know everything now of how they're still trying to patch up."

None spoke after that. Manjiri didn't want to speak something which might indirectly hurt Priyal more, so she provided her some space as the other one took her sweet time in sobering up.

"I'm ashamed of my pettiness but not for my feelings. With time, the roots of those feelings grew deeper. My family always liked Shaurya and maybe that was why when Anubhav Uncle asked for my hand for Shaurya, they didn't waste a single second in agreeing to the proposal. But God had other plans..." Priyal paused and now it was Manjiri's turn to lower her gaze. She knew what was coming. Still she heard Priyal add with patience, "The tiny hope which I was holding within me from years shattered into pieces when I heard he was marrying you. To be honest, that hurt like hell. But perhaps, I deserved it."

With an utterly sad, hollow smile, Priyal let herself express freely.

"I envied you and what all you got when I first saw you at your wedding reception. However, I could never make myself to hate you or him. A part of me felt satisfied when I got to know that you didn't hold much hopes with your marriage. But my other part too felt sorry for him cause, Manjiri, that man deserved to be cherished."

Manjiri gulped hearing that. Maybe, what Priyal was hinting at was something she was ought to hear.

"Cherish him with what all you got. He's a keeper. I would like to repeat my words from that day today too, you don't have to be insecure for any reason because who we genuinely like, we like no matter what. And who we don't like, it wouldn't even matter to us if he or she turns into gold. You have his heart, and that will be your saving grace. He won't go anywhere." Priyal added with a bright smile, "Manjiri, be thankful that someone is there to like you much... to come after you... to care for you... to appease you... to support you..."

Manjiri noticed Priyal opening up her phone whilst speaking,

"I've got something which I think you need it more than me... I'd recorded this for it to help me in getting over him more efficiently if in case my determination gets dwindled someday. But I no longer need this now, cause I guess Vinay for me is above everything now." She added looking up from her phone, "I've sent you the voice recording, you can play it if you want."

Manjiri's fingers on their own accord began unlocking her phone. In no time, she played the recordings which Priyal freshly sent her.

Not really. When you see her you label her as quiet and reserved but you haven't seen her vivacity as she cracks jokes with the people she is comfortable around or when she plays with little kids. Or when she sees fireworks or talks and prays for the ones she love. She's kind a always up for having serious and raw conversations. She can go on and on about ponder-worthy metaphysical topics, her childhood memories and most importantly people who she really cherishes. One can easily sense the zeal in her voice when she talks about all those things that really matter to her and also find a little grief in her voice when she talks about her Dadi. And...

Well, she... Not entirely she's an introvert. But it can't be denied either that she is more of an introverted person who would never tell you anything if you don't initiate or ask her on any things. However, when you do ask her genially she would eventually tell you everything and let you know that her Dadi was her closest one. Or why she loves Chinese so much or what all benefits does green beans and her favourite Masoor dal have got. Or why pastels shades are far better than vibrant colours. Which all new songs did Dev recommend her to listen and she liked. Why staying home is so much better than wasting time in hanging out in a social gathering. And there will be times when you would barely hear her whispers in a conversation. You know, she has a misconception that she is very mature. She actually thinks of herself that way but her voice makes you feel like she is just a school kid.

Dislike? She really hates it. She is the kind of girl who stands at the corner in nearly every party or function trying to read the room and never completely fitting in with any crowd unless it's me, Dev, Sam or my Dadi around. However, she never fails in artificially smiling at everyone who passes her way. Thus, not making anyone aware of how badly she wants to go back to her safe place at the soonest. She's so silly that she even sometimes gets lost in a crowd despite knowing that she least cares about her own phone. I wonder will she ever realise that she owns a phone.

_

_

_

The whole day passed in a jiffy. Greeting guests, bidding farewell to some and then making preparations for some who were staying over. And then there were some arrangements which too were to be taken care of since Dev's wedding rituals were commencing in a couple of days. Though, the marriage was still a week away.

Manjiri was left with no time since the afternoon. Something or the other used to keep on coming her way each time whenever she thought to sit and think for something.

At long last, Manjiri returned to her room. She looked around but there was no trace of Shaurya. It somewhat worried her, she remembered he hadn't spoken a word to her since he was home after dropping some guests to their respective places. Not that she had time to hear him either.

Dumping her dupatta on the bed, she moved towards the balcony when she found the lattice door to the balcony wife open.

"This is my place."

Manjiri murmured that on noticing him sitting on a mat spread on the balcony floor and leaning against the wall of the room lazily scrolling through his phone.

He looked up surprised at her. His eyes followed her as she took a step towards him and sat beside him. He noted that she was changed into a beige and off-white kurti and straight pants. Though, the accessories from her afternoon's saree look were still on her.

She didn't lean against the wall like him, instead she was sitting in a way that she was able to hug both of her knees whilst pressing her chin against them.

"I wonder why you used to sit here and talk rather on the swing or anywhere else."

He mumbled out. She smiled and turned to look at him so fast that a few of her hair strands springing out of her bun flew around her face.

"I used to sit on the swing and talk to you. But you see, Dev Bhaiya used to notice that up from the terrace and then he used to tease the hell out of me from there itself."

Shaurya didn't react anything to that, simply looked up at the sky wordlessly staring at the stars. Few moments passed like that until Manjiri whispered shifting a little closer to him.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

He responded and that was when he found her hand reaching his. He looked at her only to find her looking at him with concern.

"I'm absolutely ok, Manjiri."

"Shaurya, I'm deserved to know what's worrying you." Her grip on his hand tightened as she added, "Please."

"I'm worried maybe because you seem worried."

"I'm not worried, just a little overwhelmed with all the turn of events."

"What happened after I left?"

Shaurya finally managed to ask that. He didn't fear in admitting that he feared the workings of his wife's brain. No matter how simple she looked, only he knew how complex her emotions and thoughts could get. He observed her taking a soft sigh before telling him,

"Priyal and I were getting to know each other better."

He didn't know what to comment at that. So he chose to remain quiet, giving her enough chances to express her thoughts freely.

"She told me everything which you'd already told me that night. Just from her perspective." She muttered looking ahead. "She isn't a wrong person. You were right."

A silence took over after that until she asked him,

"Can I ask you something?" He simply nodded encouraging her to continue. "Why did you fail to tell me that she was behind those rumours? That she was the one who infected Arsh's mind telling that you and she were a thing."

That caught him off guard. He obviously didn't expect that coming from her. He looked ahead not knowing how to answer that aptly. Where she quietly waited for a response. Her wait got over when he cleared his throat and finally opened his mouth to speak,

"I couldn't demean any woman in front of other woman just to make my point right, Manjiri. That's not me. When I knew that I could get you understand my things without the need of it, then why to do something by which my mother's teachings go in vain?"

She twisted a little and stared at him so hard that even he was surprised with the way she was looking at him. Pressing a hand against his chest, she rose up to peck his cheek so softly that he went still for a moment.

"My precious Dr Saahab."

She whispered with a proud smile in her voice, pulling back. However, he pulled her back. Actually, he sort of picked her up a bit, and settled her between his legs so that his thighs bracketed hers and her back resting against his chest. She was close enough that he could smell that faint fragrance which he was absolutely in love with. He wrapped his arms around her. Closing his eyes, he sank in the comfort she offered him.

"She is getting married next month, you know?"

She asked hugging his arms back. He just hummed in response. He then asked her, in order to distract her from Priyal and that conversation which she had with her.

"You know who is getting married next week?"

"Of course, I know." Her voice turning bright and glittering. He could hear her smile even if he couldn't see it. Then her head dropped back against his shoulder, and he got a front-seat view of her carefree smile and the sparkle in her eyes as she added softly, "Also, we'll complete a year of togetherness next week, on the same day."

He smiled too putting his hand on her abdomen for no reason other than he liked its warmth and the fact that it was her. His wife, his Silly Head. He bent his head to brush his mouth over her cheek. The feel of her skin was like the sweetest possible thing for him. This was all it took, an urge and a taste. And as he was to pull back, she tangled her fingers in his hair, yanked him closer, and pressed her mouth to his temple. For precious, perfect seconds they kept on lingering in that way. Then she pulled away and whispered,

"I wish I could have known you from before."

He asked surprised, his hands reaching her hair to release them from the bun.

"Why so?"

"Just a thought. I don't remember seeing you anytime before. I only knew that Jiju has a younger brother and he comes from a joint family. I only remember seeing Shreya Didi at their wedding, maybe because she was pregnant with Vaidik at then and I was with her on the stage staring at how beautiful she looked with her cute baby belly."

"Dev and I were busy with studies and exams during that time. But we did make it to the wedding day. I also don't remember seeing you at then but I knew Shri Bhabhi has a little sister." He added running his fingers through her hair, "However, after their wedding. You and your grandmother's talks were all over the house. To be honest, Dev and I used to get appalled on noticing Ved Bhai talking about you and your grandmother so fondly with everyone each time. Since we never saw him that way before."

Manjiri couldn't help but smile reliving all those old, sweet fond memories.

"He has always been there, through every thick and thin. Dadi really admired and respected him. I remember Maa and Badi Maa visiting us in Agra very often with Dii and Jiju. They were sweet with me."

"They aren't now?"

He asked jokingly. To which she replied,

"No, that's not I meant. I mean there, we were only two individuals living together after Dii got married. So I used to get very happy seeing Dii with Maa or Badi Maa, or hearing from her about this family. Moreover, I liked Maa's welcoming nature from always. Dadi liked talking to her too. Maybe, that's why that day she expressed her concern for me in front of her in the hospital and Maa readily accepted me without even giving a proper thought."

She murmured, regret chiming sharp with the way she finished. However, he was quick to speak,

"It wasn't like marriage thing wasn't on Maa's mind at then. None could ever make her to accept something if she herself doesn't want it. I know her." He added after taking a slight pause, "Long before your grandmother had been admitted to the hospital. I remember Maa asking me about if I'd someone on my mind or if she could go with whatever she wanted. And I'd told her to do as she liked. So you see, it's from both the sides. Stop burdening your brain."

She didn't say anything after that. He waited though. He waited until he just couldn't. He pushed the length of her her hair aside and pecked the back of her neck, soft and vulnerable, whispering near her ear,

"Silly Head, I did meet you because of one promise but I couldn't realize myself that fulfilling that promise could mean so much to me." He added twisting her arm to make her face him, "Do you remember the first time we saw each other?"

"Not exactly since everything was way too much messed up. All I knew was that a few of Dii's in-laws were there to visit Dadi in the hospital."

Manjiri spoke up in all honesty. However, Shaurya's next words made her look on surprised,

"You don't remember seeing me but I do. The Manjiri I saw at then was very different from the Manjiri I married. You were a weird combination of braveness and restlessness. There was a confused calmness in your eyes. And the way you were urging hopeful things to your sister despite we all knew the possible possibility was something else. I mean if I were in your place, I couldn't have thought of anything. You appeared to me so much like Ved Bhai. If I didn't know that you were Shri Bhabhi's younger sister, I would have believed that you were Ved Bhai's. Your optimism arose curiosity in me, maybe because I knew that I'd to marry you or maybe it was just a human noticing another human's attributes."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

She asked placing her head against his heart.

"You never asked." He drew her more closer to his chest then she already was, "I mean I never got a chance."

"No one told me about our marriage plans until the morning of our engagement day. It's funny actually, our courtship span was just of 15 hours where Dev Bhaiya and Sam's is of 15 months." She added in a slight heavier voice, "If to be honest when I looked at you at our engagement, my gut didn't give me a good feeling about the whole thing. Though somewhere in my mind, I'd memorized the way you looked. I found no factor where we were same."

"Can't agree more. It was all awkward for me too. Initially, I'd been told that the marriage thing would take place in a year or two to give you and Shri Bhabhi some time to recover. But then suddenly the plans got changed. I was yet to figure out those happenings too." He paused when she raised her head to look at him. He blinked at her adding, "However, I knew one thing and that was my responsibility towards you. If I hadn't made that promise to your Dadi and I still had to marry you, the responsibility would be the same. What Maa and Papa have in between them has always inspired me. Later on Dii and Abhi Jiju's marriage and then Ved Bhai and Shri Bhabhi's marriage also made me feel positive for arranged marriages. And in my opinion, efforts are all that count rest everything gets easier with time."

The way he said it, the sentiments came out very strongly and naturally. A warmth rushed through every inch of her, a warmth she wanted to share with him because it was pure and so was he. She couldn't think of anything to say, of a way to explain what she felt right then. So she decided to show him. She crushed him to her chest in a fierce hug, her mouth pressing sweet, soft pecks all over. Down his temple, his cheeks, the bridge of his nose, and finally near my mouth.

When she pulled away, he looked up tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Their eyes searched each other's as he asked her whisperingly.

"Anything else?"

"So much else."

She smiled shyly and hugged him again. Minutes later, he heard her calling,

"Shaurya."

"Hmm."

"You always say such positive and lovely things to me. Do you say them to yourself too?"

She asked looking up at him. He kind of slightly shook his head in response. However, relief and contentment gusted out of him when she heard her mutter.

"I'll say from now on. I'll let you know everything about how incredible you are, how and in what ways you make my life better. Ok?"

"Ok!"

"Can I ask you to do something?"

"Hmm."

"Read your email for me. I want to memorize those words in your voice, just the way you wanted to memorize mine that night. Please!"

"Bring it on."

Manjiri smiled gratefully passing her phone to him.

"My silly Silly Head,

First and the foremost..............."

_

_

_

"Manjiri, you didn't see you received a mail from the testing agency?" Shaurya asked when he was about to close her phone, dismissing the mail application after reading his mail to her. He reluctantly asked further, "Results are out. Shall we see?"

"Not now, I'm in a good mood. Don't want to spoil it."

She answered meekly snuggling more into his chest as he held her in his embrace.

"But what if...?

He asked. She closed her eyes breathing him in,

"You check on my behalf. Don't inform me anything if I didn't make it this time. Only inform when..."

Before she could complete her say, he'd already opened that.

"You made it this time. Look!"

"You're joking, right?"

She looked up at him instead of the phone's screen. He said nothing just pressed his mouth to her forehead with a smile. She sank that in and slowly turned towards the phone.

"Oh my God. I just can't believe it. Shaurya, see this."

"I know. Congrats!"

"I'm so happy." She clutched on his t-shirt tightly and gushed more basking in his embrace yet again. "Thank you! Thanks a lot for everything."

"I love you, Shaurya."

She whispered in a excited voice but teary eyes. He grinned at her cupping her face.

"I love you more..." He whispered back sinking his fingers into her hair. They leaned in almost at the same time, coming more closer. She came to him so easily, like she knew this was where she belonged and how they should be. Both unable to control themselves, gave in, with no thoughts whatsoever. Just them and their bone-deep contentment. Moments later, his hands rubbed against her flushed cheeks as both of them inhaled each other laboriously with their eyes still closed. More air rushed out of her lungs as he made their bodies lock tight. His hands roamed all over her, hair and skin and fabric, tugging and asking for more. "More. I want it all."

"Me too. But just allow me 10 minutes. I want to inform Dii, Jiju and Dev Bhaiya about it. They'll be happy too."

She voiced breathlessly, all jittery yet happy. Her palms sweating and hopes swelling. After taking his sweet time, he freed her and stumbled back into the wall. She sucked in a breath when he intensely stared at her, still she managed to exclaim.

"I'm not running away anywhere. I'll be back in a while to where I belong to continue from where we left."

"I know. Now go and reach me fast."

They headed inside the room together and Manjiri quickly made her way out, closing the door behind her. Shaurya took a deep breath making the room darker. However, hardly had a minute passed when he saw Manjiri walking in, in a hurry.

"That was so quick!"

He remarked on noticing her searching for something. Collecting her dupatta from the bed, she told him.

"Your dear aunts are still awake and happily chatting outside."

He looked on confused, not getting the context of the information she just passed. She explained on noticing his clueless expression whilst hanging the dupatta on both of her shoulders.

"I swear to God, you had to wait for me for the whole night if I'd not sneaked from there. Cause probably their inquiry session would have started by now - 'Beta, why it seems to me that you still haven't settled here, yet.?', 'You're a married woman but it doesn't seem so, Suniti why don't you tell something to your daughter-in-law?', 'Dress up properly. By being dressed in this way, you show the world that your in-laws didn't get you anything... Blah, blah, blah!"

Shaurya couldn't help but smile at Manjiri's poor attempt to mimic his aunts. He was thoroughly entertained. What a silly head!

A happy Manjiri was a whole new mood. He could enjoy watching her whole day and night.

"I didn't fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way...................."

~~~

THIS UPDATE WAS BEYOND 10K WORDS!
Longest of all the chaps.

[If my efforts were able to touch your heart then do vote and follow my profile.

If not then that's perfectly fine too.

Can I complete 1K followers before the completion of this book?
Cause now hardly 2 chaps to go.]

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Dear ones, do share your honest views on this chap and the story, as this is the only source of motivation which literally pushes me to pen down.
This can also help me in improving. So yes, eagerly waiting now.

I would really appreciate if each one of you will come and put forward your genuine reviews + expectations from me and
"JI HUZOORI".

~~~

This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

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