VIREN POV

The indistinct mumbling is disturbing me.

Lazily I flutter my eyes open to discern the mumbling coming from Paakhi.

She's covered in sweat and I listen to her mumbling something among the lines, "Don't...I can't...please.."

Not able to understand her words, I gently shake her.

She doesn't respond, "Paakhi! Love!" Now I'm really tense.

She doesn't wake up until a few minutes later.

"Huh?" She sits up all confused and disheveled.

"Are you okay?" I ask wiping the sweat from her forehead.

She keeps staring at me.

"Viren?" She whispers my name. Her voice sounds so gentle, so vulnerable.

I pull her in my arms and she lay her head on my chest.

"What is it?" I ask her.

"I had a bad dream," She sobs.

"Do you want to share?" I ask, gently stroking her hair.

"I remembered Rags accident and..." She wail.

I hold her tight and she sobs.

I don't know what happened today, but I have never seen Paakhi so vulnerable.

"Love?" I gently raise a question.

"Hmm..." She answers.

"Come, let's go to the balcony." I pull her up and to the balcony.

"This will make you happy!" I try to cheer her up.

She looks at the sky and closes her eyes.

The luminous moonlight shimmers her face. Illuminating her sharp features.

I take a step behind her and loop my arms around her waist.

She instinctively leans on me and I smile.

We stand there in the same position for a while.

I gently lay my head on her shoulder, press a tentative kiss on her neck and wait uncertainly for her reaction.

She tilts her head and I press another open-mouth kiss, while gently licking the spot.

She curls her fingers with mine and I smile.

I lay kisses starting from her shoulder to her earlobe.

"Viren..." She whimpers due to my teasing.

"Yes?" I ask twirling her around to face me.

Her eyes are hooded with desire.

"Don't tease me," she scolds lightly.

I stifle a smile, I like my bossy wife.

"What if I do?" I dare.

She scowls at me and tried to walk past me.

I get a hold of her hand and firmly pull her body against mine and brush her lips with mine.

Staring into her eyes, I lightly slid my tongue across her bottom lip. She draw in a deep, staggered breath.

And I smile at her.

Then, I softly kiss her and lightly sweep my tongue between her lips, pressing my warm, soft lips to hers. I slid my hands up her body and cradled her face with my hands.

Then, I passionately kiss her, tickling her tongue with mine.

Holding her waist she loops her hand around my neck and I pull her up.

Carrying her to our bed, I lay her down without breaking the kiss.

"Are you sure..." I lean back to ask for her consent. Not wanting to push her.

"Yes..." She smiles staring at me.

I feel the passion burning within me.

"Will you keep looking at me..." She asks shying away.

I take a hold of her chin and force her to see me.

I sit up and remove my t-shirt.

I chuckle as I discern her gawking at me.

Today I feel like my time in the gym paid off.

"This is all yours love..." I chuckle and she blushes.

Unable to hold myself, I lean down and kiss her cheeks.

Just as I'm about to sit up, she loops an arm around my neck and pulls me down, and kisses me hard.

I like her taking initiative.

Her kisses are a bit sloppy, but they are getting better with time.

_____________________

PAAKHI POV

I feel his hands map the curves of my body, as his tongue traced along with mine.

The heat of our bodies multiply together and radiate into the cool sheets of our bed.

I feel excitement as I feel my nipples pucker as his hot breath fans them.

------

I wake up the next morning with a bright smile and a bit of soreness between my legs.

Walking or should I say with slight limping to the washroom I hear a laugh behind me.

Turning around I blush as I see Viren sitting up and observing me.

"Are you okay love?" He asks ruffling his hair.

I feel something between my legs just by seeing him ruffling his hair.

What did this man do to me?

"Wasn't last night enough?" He teases me.

I grab the cushion from the couch and throw it at him.

He continues laughing and I just scowl at him.

"Have a bath with warm water. " seconds later he turns serious and advises.

I nod and walk to the washroom.

I double-check the lock, afraid that he might come in.

Yesterday was my first time and I'm still not comfortable just doing it everywhere.

Taking a long hot shower, I come out of the bathroom all relaxed and fresh.

"You have this glow." Viren leans against my vanity and comment.

"Glow?" I observe myself in the mirror, "I don't know about glow but I see these!" I point at the purple-black spots on my neck.

"These are my claims!" He boasts.

I frown at him and he chuckles.

"See this, I'm not the only one!" He turns around and I observe the scratches on his back, I look at them horrified.

Did I do that?

"It's okay love. I like them." He leans down and places a kiss on my forehead before walking to the washroom.

I sit there relishing his affection, before applying a bit of makeup and getting ready to join others for breakfast.

Remembering yesterday only gives me happiness because Viren made me feel so special. He kept saying he loves me.

"Paakhi?!" I hear Viren call out for me.

I stand up and follow his voice to the closet.

"Yes?" I ask him.

He just looks me up and down and glances away.

"Excuse me?" I ask.

"I just want to see what color you are wearing. I want to match." He says.

I smile seeing this tough man being goofy.

He pulls out a navy blue sweatshirt and black jeans.

I pull out his shoes and then we both walk out of the room.

Descending the stairs I feel him loop his hand with mine.

I squeeze it. He doesn't know how much this gesture meant to me.

With a smile and deep breath, we enter the lounge room.

"Morning everyone," he announces causing everyone to look at us.

I leave his side to move forward and touch Ma's, Papa's, and uncle and aunty's feet for blessings. And then take a seat beside Viren.

I glimpse around to see Maanya and Aditi talking to Palak aunty. Ma and Viren having a chat.

Shaurya is busy on his phone and Arhaan is talking to his dad and uncle.

I sit there all silent waiting for anyone to acknowledge my presence.

Nope, not today, I'm not going to be upset today.

"Paakhi?" I look immediately at Viren.

He pulls up his brow and I just shake my head with a smile.

"Girls?" Ma calls for our attention.

I look at her.

"To the kitchen, you three go and make us breakfast." She announces. I smile knowing this is my chance to make everyone happy.

"This is your another ritual?" Shaurya asks ma.

She nods and says, "Maanya, Aditi get up."

I feel a pang when she doesn't acknowledge me. Nonetheless, I follow them to the kitchen.

"I hate this," Aditi groan and I smile.

"Of course you do!" I mumble.

Maybe they didn't hear me because they don't acknowledge my comment.

I follow them to the kitchen.

"Morning ma'am, " the staff greets us.

I smile at each one of them.

"Just let us know what you need and it will be here," an elderly maid, who looks to be like a head maid says.

"We have not yet decided what we have to make, can you give us a moment to decide?" I ask.

They all nod and leave the kitchen.

I take a deep breath and look at the girls.

"Why are you being so distant?" I question them.

They share a look and Aditi is the first one to reply, "Did you give us a choice?"

I look at them confused.

"Don't look like you don't know..." Maanya groan.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about," I say confused.

"Quit being so innocent, just accept you are a cunning bitch," Aditi exclaim.

Tears pool in my eyes hearing them say these things about me.

"Will you guys just tell me what did I do?" I choke out.

"Yesterday morning you woke up early and talked about us to mom and aunty? Do you remember?" She stares me down.

"Ya, because I woke up early and saw mom and Aunty in the courtyard," I reply remembering the incident.

"So will you tell me why did you bad talk about us to them? Why did you tell them that I have a bad habit of misunderstanding things? And Aditi is very arrogant?" She screech.

I'm taken aback by the amount of hatred in her voice.

"Who told you this?" I ask.

"Does it matter? What matters is you said those things." They scoff.

I do not deny that, because I did say those things but utterly in a different way.

"Do you guys think I would do this to you both? After whatever we have been through-" I wipe off my tears and turn to the incoming staff members.

"We will be preparing, Suuji ka halwa, poori, and Potato curry," I reply to them.

They collect the ingredients and settle them on the table beside me.

I ignore Aditi and Maanya and get to work.

"We'll do it, thank you for your help," Maanya tells the staff. They leave and I continue my work.

"You do the halwa and curry, Aditi and I will do the pooris," Maanu announces.

I just nod and continue peeling potatoes.

After that, I dice them and keep them aside.

In the background, I hear Maanu and Aditi talking among themselves.

I don't hold back the tears as they tumble down.

I'm not angry at them, they are not doing something intentionally, that is just who they are. They are hurt as much as I am. I just feel sad that they think that I would ever talk bad about them.

Time passes quickly when I'm in my thoughts because now I'm just garnishing my Halwa with some almonds, cashews, and raisins.

Keeping it aside and covering it with a lid, I give some finishing touches to my curry and garnish it with coriander leaves before taking a step back.

"I'm done, " I announce and turn away from the stove.

I see Maanu and Aditi holding a plate with already prepared Pooris, now they just have to deep fry them.

Leaving them be, I walk out of the kitchen and to my room, to fix my makeup, before anyone notices the specks of tears on my cheek.

On the way, I keep my head low, I don't want anyone else to see me like this.

Entering my room, I'm happy Viren is not here.

I rush to the washroom and open the tap to wash my face. Sprinkling some water on my face, I gaze up in the mirror to see a vulnerable, broken girl looking back at me.

I remember my chat with Ma and Aunty yesterday,

They were having tea in the courtyard and I joined them. We were talking about girls today and how Aditi and Maanya are different from everyone.

"They might come as strong and independent women but they are both soft at heart. Maanya loves and believes someone so easily that she easily misunderstands them. And Aditi is the same, the only difference is she put up this wall around her and come off as arrogant."

These were my exact words. I didn't say them to embarrass them but to portray Ma and Aunty that my girls are as simple as other girls,

I shake my head and turn around to grab the towel to wipe my face when I bump into a solid chest.

"Viren?" I ask appalled.

He squints his eyes.

"Were you crying?" He asks adamantly.

I instantly look away and say, "I was cooking and came up to freshen up,"

"Say that looking into my eyes." He holds my chin and looks into my eyes.

"I.."

"Never lie to me..." He addresses.

"Aditi and Maanya are upset with me but you don't worry, they will come around," I smile. I can't nag Viren for such small things.

"Are you sure?" He asks.

I nod and say, "Now come on, we have to complete the ritual."

He nods and tugs me to the door,

"Wait!" I yell and run back into the room.

"What happened?" He follows me inside.

"I have to re-apply makeup," I say retouching my lipstick.

He stands there with a frown.

I laugh at him and move hastily.

"Done!" I cheer and tug him to the dining room.

"Where were you? Maanya and Aditi did everything when you were gone." Aunty Palak says when she sees me.

I look down feeling ashamed.

"Aunty if you don't know, I can smell this halwa is made by Paakhi only," I smile at Arhaan as he takes the aroma of the halwa on his plate.

"Did you?" I nod and serve Viren his plate.

"Paakhi dear," Papa calls me.

I walk towards him and he bestows me with money.

I touch his feet and thank him.

This money is blessings.

"Paakhi?" Ma calls for my attention.

"God bless you," she passes me a box.

I touch her feet and accept it.

With a big smile, I watch Maanya and Aditi getting their gifts.

"Why don't you guys join us?" Ma exclaims.

I smile and take the seat beside Viren.

"Did you get a call from your family? When are you going for your pagphera?"Aunty questions. (The PagPhera is one such ritual where the married daughter (the bride) comes back home for the first time after her wedding, to ensure the best future of her parents.)

Before I could comprehend her question we hear an exclamation from the dining-room door.

"And therefore here comes the brother!"

A wide smile etches my face when I hear Prithvi's voice.

I stand up and run into his open arms.

From the crook of his neck, I see Sana Standing beside him.

Did they come together?

"How are you P?" He asks with a gentle smile.

"Good," I say and step aside so that he can greet others.

"How are you girl?" Sana greets me.

I feel a change in her, something has changed, and that too for good.

She greets others.

"You will be going away?" I hear the whining voice of Viren.

He looks upset.

"Just for tonight." I ensure.

"Just? You think is it just?" He scoffs.

I chuckle at him.

"Why don't you join us for breakfast?" Ma offers Prithvi.

"Thank you, we just had some on the way." He politely declines.

I see Sana uphold a glare.

What is going on between them?

" What about a cup of tea? Till girls pack up..." She proposes.

He nods and everyone leaves for the living room.

"You go bring your bags." Ma stops me and the girls.

We nod and depart to our rooms.

I pack a small bag with some necessities.

I'm zipping my bag when I feel a soft, intimate kiss on the back of my neck.

Instantly my body lit up with just a brush of his lips.

He runs his hands slowly down my shoulders, touching and pausing at every inch making it agonizing until he reaches my wrists.

He takes me by my hand and leads me to our bed. I lay down and close my eyes, my whole body thrumming with anticipation.

"Are you sure you want to go and miss this?" He lay a hot searing kiss at the nape of my neck.

"This is unfair..." Words come out as a sheer whisper.

"What you doing to me is unfair too.." He says placing a kiss at the corner of my mouth.

I groan in irritation and open my eyes to glare at him.

"Then get aside." I lightly push him and march out of the room carrying my bag.

He follows behind with a chuckle.

I try to normalize my erratic breathing.

Who knew I will get angry at him for not kissing me.

With this thought, I enter the lounge and smile at everyone, who by seeing is waiting for me.

"Give our love to your family." Ma hugs me and we all shortly depart to the driveway.

"I will miss you..." Viren whisper as he unlocks the door for me.

I discreetly meet his gaze and smile.

Aditi and Maanya settle in the back seat while I take the passenger seat in front with Prithvi.

I wave to everyone and settle back when Prithvi drives away from the house.
Just as we recede the driveway I see swarms of people at the curb. On further noticing I see them holding cameras.

Are they waiting for us?

"So? Married woman huh?" Prithvi comments. Just as we pass them and a loud cheer comes from outside.

I look at him and smile.

"Yup, happily married," I exclaim.

"It's so good to see you smiling like that," he confesses.

All that happened till now just vanishes when I remember the love and respect Viren shower me with.

He is making this journey a bearable one.

"What about you two? I never thought I would see Aditi so silent. " he grins.

I turn around and see Aditi and Maanya looking directly at me.

I know we just need to sit and talk. They will come around but till then I have to hear their huffs.

Some might think, I'm such a weak and miserable person, still craving for them when they just hurt me.

But what they don't get is that it is always hurt and misunderstandings between people who care for each other.

They are my family and I would never give up on them.

They are just angry with me but when the time will come I know they will stand with me, for me.

"They are angry with me," I tell Prithvi.

His eyes go wide for a second.

"Are you now..." He mumbles nervously.

I feel a blow to my hand and see Maanu frowning at me.

I smile at her and she stares.

"Do you girls want to go to your apartment? Or cafe?" He asks.

"Apartment first. We have a lot to discuss before meeting others." I tell him.

He nods and keeps driving.

"By the way, how have you been?" I keep having a chat with him till we reach the apartment.

Being a smart man, he understood that we need to be alone right now and left us.

We silently wait for the elevators.

I discreetly peek beside me to see Aditi massaging her back.

And Maanya, busy on her phone.

We take the elevator and reach our apartment.

I unlock it and we all walk in.

I take a deep breath and stare at them.

"Do you want me to massage it?" I ask Aditi.

She scrutinizes me but before she could reply, I turn her around ball my hands into her back. Rotating it and applying a bit of pressure I hear a content sigh from her.

"Why did you do it Paakhi?" I hear Maanu mumble with tears brimming her eyes.

I feel guilt overcome me.

I leave Aditi's side and hug Maanu.

"How could you both think that I did anything to hurt anyone of you?" I choke back a sob.

"The way we were told what you said, hurt us greatly. " Aditi comment.

I take a step back and ask, "who told you?"

"Aunty Palak," both reply.

"Aunty Palak?" I ask shocked.

"Why would she?" I mumble.

"Do you guys want to know what happened?" I ask them.

They nod their heads and I tell them everything that happened that morning.

"Then why would she make us believe you talked bad about us?" Aditi asks furiously.

"I'm so sorry P," Maanu Sob.

"Me too," Aditi walks over to me and holds my hand.

I tug them both into my embrace.

This is bliss.

These mad girls are mine.

"I hate to say this, but-" Aditi lean back after a few minutes pass and say.

"Are those hickeys?" She asks slyly.

I feel a blush creep gradually.

"Did you and Viren?" Maanu smirks.

I look everywhere but at them.

"They sure did!!!" They cheer and start tickling me.

I leap away from them and behind the couch.

"Stop!" I warn while controlling my laughter.

Aditi lazily slouches down on the couch.

Maanu and I join her on either side.

"Can you believe this little one will be here in 4 months?" She says gently stroking her protruding belly.

I smile at her and pray for the baby's good health.

"When will you guys get pregnant?" She asks looking firstly at Maanu and then me.

I swat her lightly and say, "if we all get pregnant at the same time who will care for us?"

We laugh together but Maanu seems a bit sad.

"Hey?" I call her and look at her.

"I don't want-" she doesn't have to complete her sentence for us to know she's thinking about her first pregnancy.

"Nothing happens without his will. It was not meant to be, in the future, it will happen with his grace." I assure knowing that things happen with only god's will.

She nods her head.

"We would have celebrated Our Paakhi's first time having sex if not for me being pregnant." Aditi fuss.

I glare at her for teasing me again.

"You know if Viren wouldn't have been my brother, I would have asked for details." Maanu remark.

"Same," Aditi nod her head disappointed.

"Thank God then" I chuckle.

We are still chatting when the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it," Maanu announces rushing off.

I stand up instantly when I hear chattering and greeting from the doorway.

"My girls!" Nana opens his arms for Aditi and me.

We rush into his embrace and greet others after him.

"We thought why not we visit you?" Aunty Savita caress my head.

I smile at her and hug her again.

"It's so good to see you all..." Tears brim Aditi's eyes.

Everyone coo at her.

This evening will always be the best of all, we chatted, played games, and laughed at Nana's bad jokes.

I missed this. My loving family.

"Don't go na..." Aditi whine for the umpteenth time.

"Girl, we will see you soon," Nona kisses her head and depart.

"Aww..." She groans.

As they all depart, I walk back to the living room to see my ringing phone.

I smile seeing a video call from Viren.

"Ooo" Aditi holler and I blush.

I pick it up and instantly hear whistling behind me.

"Where are you?" I ask seeing him shirtless.

"Thanks Aditi but Shaurya is not happy," he acknowledges Aditi's whistling.

I chuckle when Shaurya's brooding face comes in view.

"Babe, you look hot too." she comes near me and says.

"What do you think Paakhi? Do I look smoking hot?" He asks me.

I chuckle when Viren's possessive voice comes over, " why don't I tell you how hot you look?"

"Oh, jealousy..." Aditi exclaim and I chuckle again.

"Where is my wife?" Arhaan comes into the frame and asks.

I hate to say this but sorry I'm not blind. These brothers are hot!

"Are you checking me out Paakhi?" Arhaan's voice jerks me out of my reverie.

"Love?" Viren's voice turns shallow and husky. Doing something inside me and causing me to close my legs tightly.

"The video might have frozen." I lie and call Maanu quickly.

"Hey guys," she greets everyone.

"I miss you beautiful." Arhaan coos from the other side and I aww.

"I miss you too," she replies and Aditi mimics the sound of retching.

"Too much!" She quips earning a frown from Maanya.

"Seems like you guys are having fun..." I say noticing Viren taking a swig from his beer bottle.

"Shaurya?" Aditi asks hurt.

"Babe, I promised. Only these two are drinking. I'm here for swimming and snacks." Shaurya replies.

Aditi blows a kiss and he catches it.

"Now who's acting too much?" Maanya laugh.

"By the way, Paakhi you are a great artist." Shaurya comments.

"Huh?" I ask confused.

"My brother's back looks like a long night of fun." I instantly get his innuendo and blush profusely.

Seconds later, everyone start hooting and teasing Viren and me.

"Love, I'm proud of it." He winks at me, causing me to glare at him because his remark increased the teasing.

Now I'm getting uncomfortable.

"Okay girls have a good night, and don't forget we are coming to get you in the morning." Viren declares and disconnects the call.

I smile knowing he knew I'm getting uneasy.

"Now who's up for a movie night?" Aditi asks picking up the tv remote.

Maanu and I cheer and lean back into the couch to enjoy a girl's night.

These moments make me forget every other bad moment. They are worth it.

I smile at the smiling faces of Aditi and Maanu and pray for their happiness.

_____________________

Hey, lovelies ❤️

How's the update?

Did you enjoy Paakhi and Viren's moments? 🤭

Please, guys, comment and let me know if you like my work or not, 🥺

Don't forget to Vote⭐, Comment💭 and Share.