Sidharth and Sana met at the bus stop every day. They would speak to each other during travel as well but as promised to her dad, he wouldn't touch her.

"Give me your bank details.", said Sana.

"Huh? Hmm..", he gulped nervously before handing her his debit card.

"765433", he whispered

"Huh? What is that?", She asked confused.

"My ATM Pin.. 765433", he repeated in a low tone.

"What? Why are you telling me that? I didn't ask you for it. I asked you for your account number and IFSC code.", Said Sana.

"What do you intend to do with that?", Asked Sidharth

"I've got some Rs.23,000 savings with me. Will transfer it into your account.", Said Sana.

"But why?", He asked.

"Don't you want to take your wife home early?", She asked.

"Why do you sound like your father to me?", He chuckled.

"You haven't answered me Sidharth. How long do I stay away from you? You don't even touch me after promising my papa.", She said with a frown.

"I thought you love your papa, else I woulf have broken the promise the very next day.", He teased her making her frown even more.

"Sidhaaarth.. it's not funny.", She whined.

"I know Sweetheart. I am saving money for us to stay together. I have been doing odd jobs on weekends to earn extra money just so that I can stay with you without any restrictions.", He said

"How much have you saved for deposit?", She asked.

"Rs. 53,700." He said.

"How much do we need to give as deposit?", She asked.

"I was checking online at the office yesterday, if we rent it closer to our offices, the rent will be very high but if we rent a bit far, we can get it at affordable rate. We will need to travel more, start early morning and reach late. But good thing is that we will be travelling together as our offices are closeby.", He said.

"I understand all that Sidharth. All I need is your love. I am ready to do all sacrifices to be with you. Take the 23,000 and get a home for us soon.", She said.

"But that's your money dear. How can I?", He asked.

"Why is your male ego getting hurt so much in taking my savings? My father doesn't know about this saving at all. This money is the extra money which I have quietly saved for a long time.", Said Sana.

"It's not just about the house sweetheart, we need to buys things once inside the house. I hardly have few things to call mine in the shared accommodation. We need to buy a lot of stuff to manage a family. So let's save your money for that. There is still a month to get a house as agreed with your father", He said.

"Hmmm.. we'll start searching for a house to know exactly how much is required.", She said.

"Hmm.. yes, don't worry. I've spoken to one of my friend for money. If it's a little less then I can borrow from him but will get the house by next month. You don't know how much I am longing to hold you in my arm, to cuddle you and do dirty things.", He spoke looking into her eyes.

A shiver ran down her whole body and her cheek turned crimson. Knowing that he wouldn't allow her to hide her face in his chest due to his promise to her father, she dug her face into her palms making him giggle.

The conductor yelled the stop name and he had to get down. Her face fell instantly when he got up to leave.

"I love you wifey.", He muttered leaning close to her ear. Her eyes followed his movement as he got down the bus. Once out of sight, a huge tear drop that accumulated in her eyelids dropped into her lap.

Don't cry sweetheart. It's just a matter of month. Instead think of the moments we will spend after a month.

Came his message and she smiled leaning her head to the window pane and putting his words into action. When she reached home, she went on to take a cold water bath from the bucket which was filled by her mother. She then picked up the empty bucket and walked out to refill it from the well, only to be stopped by her mother.

"Sana.. Sweetheart, leave the bucket empty. There will be the corporation water in the tap tomorrow.", Said Shanti.

Sana nodded her head and returned after keeping the bucket back into the bathroom.

"Sana, come here.", Said her mother.

Nodding her head, Sana sauntered to her mother. Shanti pulled her daughter's head into her lap and patted it slowly.

"You know what? Don't tell your papa, but I have been saving money for a long time. If I tell your father about it, then he will reduce the monthly grocery budget. I am thinking of putting it to use because I am afraid of your father learning about it if it's lying idle at home. Why don't you speak to Sidharth to use it for rent deposit money?", Asked Shanti.

"He won't take Maa. He didn't want to take my savings itself.",said Sana.

"Typical Indian male ego!! Ask him to use it as a loan without telling your father.", Suggests Shanti.

"I still don't think he will agree.", Mumbled Sana.

"Hmm.. these men I say. Tell him that I fear my daughter's wellbeing. I don't want her to suffer from pneumonia by taking so many cold water baths.", Shanti complains cutely.

Sana was surprised to learn that her mother knew exactly the reason behind her cold shower bath. Sana felt shy. She got up quickly and gave a quick hug to her mother before running into the room.

.
.
.

"Oh!! Come in, Sidharth!", Said Naveen opening the door. Sidharth stepped inside their home and touched her parent's feet to take their blessing. Shanti goes inside the kitchen to get Sidharth something to eat.

"So you've come to take your wife, that too 2 weeks before the stipulated time.", Said Naveen.

Sana blushingly smiled looking at Sidharth standing at the room door while hugging the door frame. Sidharth glanced at her and nodded in negative looking at Naveen.

"I need more time.", Said Sidharth feeling mortified. Sana's face fell in disappointment.

"Huh? Well, you do have 15 days.", Said Naveen.

"No. I need even more time after that.", Said Sidharth.

"Why Sidharth? We had already decided on the house and checked the finances as well a day before.", Asked Sana unable to hold back.

"Aa.. my younger sister's engagement got fixed. I would need to send some money to my parents for the function.", Said Sidharth.

"Oh!! Hmmm.. so when is the engagement?", Asked Naveen.

"Next week.", Said Sidharth.

"Okay! And we aren't invited for it?", Asked Naveen looking at Sana who was still shocked.

"I came to know about it yesterday night myself. It was all fixed in a hurry.", Explained Sidharth.

"Hmm.. then we should be expecting a call from your parents soon, isn't it?", Asked Naveen.

"Aa.. they aren't aware of our marriage yet.", Said Sidharth.

"Oh!!", Naveen looked at Sana who put her head down in embarrassment.

"So, when do you plan to let them know? On your child's first birthday?", Asked Naveen sarcastically.

"Papa.. please..", said Sana. Shanti came back overhearing the conversation.

"Oh!! So you felt hurt by my words more than his actions Sana? Have you ever thought how hurt your parents were when they learnt that you got married even without informing them? How hurt his parents might be after learning that their son is married since three and a half months now?

Marriage is the bond of trust not only between two people but between two families. When we give away our daughter, we trust that he and his family will keep you safe. When they accept you as their daughter-in-law, they trust you to take care of their home and family as their own.

But you two started the relationship on lie by hiding the bond of marriage from your families. So what do you expect us to do? Applaud and appreciate your deeds?", Asked Naveen.

"Naveen..", Shanti wanted to interrupt but Naveen showed her his palm. She shook his head in disappointment and went back inside the kitchen.

"Papa, We took this decision because you rejected him. If you had accepted, then we would have married with your permission and blessings. Why don't you understand papa, I love him?", She said.

"Why don't you understand that I love you my child.? As a father, I wanted to make sure you get married into a house which is your own. I know the struggle of middle class. Is it bad on me to expect a man for you who has a shelter of his own? Yet I have agreed for a rented place now, but see how much he is struggling to find that one as well.", Said Naveen.

"Sir, I had arranged the money for rent but my sister's engagement came as a surprise.", Said Sidharth.

"Yeah, I understand. So, I have no problem keeping my daughter with me until then. But I want you to give an exact time.", Said Naveen.

"3 mon..", Sidharth was cut short by Naveen.

"Before you open your mouth and give me the date, think about it. It shouldn't be that tomorrow you come and tell me that your sister is getting married and you need more time.", Naveen said. Shanti kept a plate of savoury on the table in front.

"Aaa... Aaa... Can I call my parents? ", Sidharth fumbled as his eyes met Sana's, who looked at him with hope.

"Sure, take your time. Shanti, keep the snack back in kitchen", Said Naveen.

Shanti looked at him in shock as it looked insulting. Sidharth clutched his hand on his phone and pretended to be cool.

"Sana, help your mumma in preparing dinner instead. I think the conversation might take some time so let him have dinner with us.", Said Naveen. Sidharth looked at him in surprise as though her father was strict but was still caring. Sana nodded her head and went to the kitchen while Sidharth went outside to make a call to his parents.

After almost 20 minutes of talking over the phone, Sidharth returned back inside the house.

"Hmmm.. So? What's up?", Asked Naveen.

"They don't intend to get her married until the next 6 months, so I don't see any major issue in not getting a house in 3 months.", Said Sidharth.

"Done! And when do you intend to introduce Sana to your parents?", Asked Naveen.

"I.. I will do it after the engagement because I don't want to cause any disturbance or disruption in the ceremony.", Said Sidharth.

Naveen chuckled rather sarcastically.

"Alright! So forget about us, even Sana isn't invited for her sister-in-law's engagement.", Said Naveen.

"Aaa.. No.. If you don't mind can I take her with me as a friend to the function?", Asked Sidharth.

"Hmmm.. Sidharth, I'll be very honest with you. You can take her as a friend if you behave as one with her.", Said Naveen.

"You have my word on that Sir.", Said Sidharth. Sana smiled hearing it.

"I have a reason for it as well. In the next 3 months, it will be practically 6 months that I gave you time to get a home. I can't keep her in my house forever and I want her to be happy as well. She is 27 years old and soon she will be 28 in two months.

It's difficult to find a groom for a girl post 28 in our middle class society. People start talking bad about her character or think that something is wrong with her.

So, if you don't find a house in the next 3 months, you will sign a divorce document and the way you kept this marriage a secret, it will remain as one. I will search for a groom for her after 3 months.", Said Naveen literally giving a shock to everyone.

Sana cut her finger absent-mindedly.

"Sir? She is my wife not a girlfriend that I breakup with her and move on.", Said Sidharth

"I know, that's why I said divorce and not breakup.", Said Naveen.

"Naveen, how can you even speak like that for your daughter?", Said Shanti standing at the kitchen door.

"So what do you expect me to do Shanti? Give them more time until they get old? They acted irresponsible by getting married, now I give them time to prove that they can take responsibility. You need shelter when it rains, when it's scorching hot and freezing cold. You need food to eat when hungry, clothes to wear and money to raise children. Mere love isn't enough to get married or escape these responsibilities. If he can't take one then it's better he doesn't waste her, his and our time.", Said Naveen.

"I agree, Sir.. I will do anything to take back my wife.", said Sidharth.

"Okay then. Let's have dinner.", Said Naveen.

Sidharth and Naveen, sit down on the mat, while Sana and Shanti get a serving bowl. Sidharth looked at Sana's face which was pale in fear and anxiety. He looked down feeling hurt when he panicked looking at her hand.

"Sana, what happened to your hand?", Sidharth gasped holding her hand. Sana nodded her head in denial but a tear drop escaped her eyes. She went to her room to cry alone.

"Give her a first aid, Shanti. I will serve the food to Sidharth.", Said Naveen.

"No.. Sidharth, you give her the first aid.", Shanti spoke sternly, handing Sidharth the first aid box. Naveen looked at Shanti strictly but soon gulped in fear as he saw his wife glaring holes into his eyes.

Sidharth took the first aid box and went to the room.

"Shanti, try to understand..", Naveen sweetly tried explaining only to be interrupted by Shanti.

"I kept quiet when you men decided my daughter's fate but right now she not only needs first aid for outer wound but also the wound which you both left on her heart. Do you even realise how invested a girl feels in a marriage? That's why they leave their parents and go with husband and not the other way. Before talking about breaking it you should have know what you are talking.", Said Shanti.

"My intentions are for her good.", He said.

"I know.. but it isn't doing her good.", Said Shanti.

"But.."

"Eat your dinner..", she said serving food into his plate.

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To be continued.. ❤️❤️