"Marry me, Duffer," a fifteen-year-old girl demanded, facing Sanskar.

"What?" he exclaimed, looking at the girl.

"I said marry me."

He gave her a puzzled look and then composed himself.

"What happened?" he asked with concern.

The girl pouted, feeling like he was treating her serious request as a joke. She was earnest, yet he seemed to regard her love as trivial. He looked at her, regretting that he had caused her pain.

"Come here," he gestured for her to come closer as he sat on the bed, dropping his pull-ups.

She walked slowly over to him and sat down. "What's the problem, sweetheart?" he asked, caressing her cheeks and tucking her hair behind her ears.

She pouted her lips, refusing to answer.

"You're getting married," she stated, shocked at the thought of the girl he was marrying.

"Yes," he confirmed, concerned about what was troubling her.

"And you won't marry me?" she asked, her complexion turning pale at the statement. He chuckled, then quickly stopped, realizing it was a significant issue for her.

"You sacred me. Duffer"

"You're too young na, so I can't wait marry you", he tried to console and clarify the problem.

She seemed sulking, but he implied trying to agree on the fact that he is 23 in some 3 months he would be turning 24 and she is 15, she had her birthday just 4 months before.

They had 8 years difference and she is minor while he is Major. That should not easy to work a relation. And she is underage for even consideration of Marriage. That is what he can advise her, she was a kid to him so he slightly took this matter into consideration of any problem. What he doesn't know was, the matter he thought Slight would get on his nerve later.

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"Marry me," the twenty-year-old girl said, facing Sanskar for the second time.

"Pardon me?"

"Didn't you hear me? I asked you to marry me," she repeated, crossing her arms over her chest and posing as if she were an investigator.

He carefully set down his weight lifter and turned to face her properly. Why did she always have to ask him like this, especially during his workout?

He grabbed a towel, wiped off his sweat, sat on the bed, and patted the seat next to him.

She shook her head negatively and remained standing.

"No objections this time," she stated resolutely.

"Answer me," she demanded once more.

"We have already discussed this matter, and I have previously made my stance clear. What more is there to answer? I do not wish to marry you," he replied calmly.

"If you're unwilling, then who are they seeking a bride for? Why do you keep rejecting me? Do I look ugly to you? Am I not perfect for you?" she inquired.

"It's not like that. Haven't I already told you that you're young and I'm older and married? Would you be willing to be a second wife?" he asked, genuinely concerned for her.

Why couldn't she understand? His marriage was one of obligation, not joy.

Her expression was unaffected by his words; it seemed she had come with a decision and was here only to inform him.

"I'm not looking for a wife for myself, but a mother for Yash," he added.

He needed a mother for his son, not a wife for himself. He couldn't bring himself to accept someone else in his life.
Ragini's words hung in the air, a bold declaration that left Sanskar stunned. She had thrown caution to the wind, challenging the boundaries that society had set for them. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on him as he grappled with her audacity.

*"I would be as what you want,"* she had said, her voice casual yet determined. *"I would love to be Yash's mother and your wife."* The simplicity of her statement belied the complexity of their situation. Ragini was no longer the innocent girl he had met years ago. She had grown, transformed into a woman who knew her mind and her heart.

Sanskar's mind raced, searching for excuses. *"It's not you,"* he replied, his voice strained. *"It's your age."* But even as he spoke, he knew it was a flimsy defense. Ragini was right-she was nineteen, legally an adult. The government wouldn't object to their marriage based on age alone.

*"And if you have a problem with sex,"* she continued, her gaze unyielding, *"then it's not an issue. I'm ready for it, if you are."* Her words hung in the charged silence, and Sanskar felt like the ground had shifted beneath him. Ragini had become adamant, pushing against the constraints that held them apart.

He looked at her-the woman who had once been a girl with dreams in her eyes. Now, those eyes held determination, desire, and fierce love. Sanskar's heart battled with reason, torn between duty and longing. Could he defy convention? Could he embrace this obsession she had?

As Ragini stood there, cheeks flushed and eyes unwavering, Sanskar realized that perhaps love didn't always follow the rules. His mind never noticed her looking at him lovingly, but why. Why is she loving him?

Sanskar's protest echoed through the room, his embarrassment palpable. Ragini stood her ground, her eyes flashing with determination. She was no longer the wide-eyed girl he had once known; she was a woman now, unafraid to challenge him.

*"Co'on, I'm 20,"* she retorted, her voice laced with impatience. *"Don't look at me like I don't know anything. They teach these things in school itself. Besides, I'm a teenage girl-I know whatever you know."* She rolled her eyes, frustrated by his condescension. Why couldn't he see her as a woman? She was no longer the sweet, candy-loving girl he remembered. She had grown, matured, and her desires were no longer hidden.

Sanskar stumbled over his words. "No,"he said hastily, trying to regain his composure.
"I'm just marrying because Yash wants a mother."
His heart raced. How much Ragini had changed! She spoke bravely, unafraid to challenge convention.

"If it is I would love to being the honor of yash mother", she said non-vehemently.

"Okay." she took deepbreath, before saying and asked lastly.

"Tell me. Will you marry me or not".

"No", he said his declaration, not looking at her. He could not see her, he felt hurt for being the cause the pain for her. She is his best cousin, how could he do wrong for that girl.

She turned around, he thought she is going away. Stil he is wrong on his prediction about her. She moved to the side of dressing table, and picked the knife placed for fruit. Picking it, she turned to look at him and brought it closer to her hands nerve just pointing it close enough to cut her hand, and asked,

"Are you going to marry me or not?"

He looked shocked at her doing and tried to handle the situation delicately. He looked at her in bewilderment.

"Answer me. Dammit", she shouted at him in anger.

He scratched his hair with his hand confused over what is happening. "Tell me. Otherwise, I'll kill myself", she blackmailed him, saying she carelessly let the knife cut her outerpart, the blood started flowing.

"I won't take No as answer. "

He began restless, he know about her daring.

"Tell me"

"Ragini. Stop this craziness. Please drop the knife", he said taking a step forward her. "Stop coming near me. Tell me, You'll marry me" She brought the knife on edge closer enough.

"Ragini. Please stop this craziness."

She was not care about his words, only focused on the knife. Drop of blood oozed out of her wrist.
He shouted at horror, "Ragini. Stop it. I'll marry you"

"Woh wadha raho", she told not believing him.

"Wadha Mera",he promised.

"Wadha kar Swara ke liye", She prompted. What a contrary she is promising to marry another in the name of his dead wife.

"Promise karo Sanskar" , she threatened bringing the knife closer. He was silent. He could not make this. He loved Swara and marrying other woman that too promising on Swara name. It might be some nightmare of his. But no, all was happening for real, she is threatening and he know about her. She would surely kill herself. He could not able to risk her life for his deceased wife.

"Swara ke liye wadha"

She drop the knife, but it knifed her hand. Blood started to bleed from her wrist. Her visage looked pale, there is profuse loss of blood and she is sweating.

He looked at her, she is going to faint, amidst the problem she cut her hands lightly, "Ragini", he yelled.

He held her before she fell. "Thank you", she said smiling at him. "But you would feel for it later", he whispered to her.

"I love you." She said her eyes half open.

And he added, "It is just your infactuation". "Infactuation for 4 years. Do you think? It is more than you know", she said fainting.

He picked her to outside and placed her in his jeep, and starting the engine. He never had to go through this if his wife Swara had been alive, they got married on before 4 years.After One and a half year of marriage, She died giving birth to their son, she'd problem in her pregnancy, but she hid him and when the doctor informed him about lately on delivery. He is shocked to digest the crucial impulse god had written on their fate. And when their family wanted him to marry a new girl, he rejected. But agreed for their sake of hapiness and for need of yash wanting a mother.

But all he ended up in he giving promise to Ragini on remarriage. Unravelling promises and your actions are uneasy to do. He thought, this remarriage is not going bring any changes in his life. Who knows?He halted the car and pounded from the seat and took Ragini and ran to the hospital stretching and frantically sounding for help.

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The days had flown by, and the impending marriage hung in the air like a sweet promise. Sujatha, delighted at Ragini's decision, couldn't help but feel hopeful. For her, other women wouldn't be quite like what Sanskar needed. Ragini, being her cousin, carried a special place in her heart. Sujatha believed that Ragini could change Sanskar, soften his edges, and make their union amiable.

But what truly shocked Sanskar was the unexpected approval from Shekhar and Sharmistha. They were genuinely happy about this unbending wedding, set to take place within a mere two weeks. The doctor had confirmed that Ragini was fine, alleviating any worries about her health. So, the countdown began-it was only one week until the momentous day.

Sanskar sat in his room, lost in thought, when Yash burst in, his face beaming. The sight of his son's happiness lifted Sanskar's spirits. *"Papa,"* Yash exclaimed, hugging him tightly. *"What's the news? My champ looks so happy!"* Sanskar chuckled, ruffling Yash's hair. *"Well, my little detective,"* he teased, "what have you heard?"

"Papa, you're going to marry!"Yash declared, his eyes wide with excitement. Sanskar raised an eyebrow. Who had spilled the beans to this observant child?

"And who is that girl?"Yash asked, his curiosity uncontainable. Instead of answering, Sanskar began to fumble with the buttons of his uniform. The truth was, he hadn't seen Ragini since their encounter.

Yash was 4 and half year old.
The joy of attending a wedding-a celebration of love and union-was a magical experience for young Yash. His friends had regaled him with tales of weddings: the festive atmosphere, the new clothes, the delicious food, and the sheer excitement of it all. Now, he was about to witness his own father's marriage, a moment he had once missed but would now cherish forever. Yash couldn't wait to brag to his friends about attending his very own father's wedding.

Yet, amidst the anticipation, Yash grappled with a question: *To whom was his father getting married?* His memories of his mother were hazy, like fragments of a dream. Swara, who had given birth to him during their first year of marriage, had been a part of their lives for two years.

The story of Swara and Sanskar unfolded like a delicate tapestry, woven with threads of duty, compromise, and fleeting moments of connection. Theirs was not a love marriage; it followed the well-worn path of arranged unions-a package deal where practicality often overshadowed passion.

Sanskar, adjusting to this new life, took his time to adapt. Swara, too, found herself navigating the unfamiliar terrain of marriage. Their feelings were not fiery or soul-warming; instead, they liked each other, finding comfort in companionship. The birth of Yash brought both joy and responsibility, and Swara's journey through pregnancy was marked by morning sickness and the occasional retreat to her mother's home for rest.

After Yash's arrival, Sanskar made frequent visits to Swara's maternal home, spending time with her and their baby. Swara's mother insisted on a six-month stay, believing it was essential for her daughter's well-being. Only then would they send her back to her marital home. Swara returned after nine months, and those days were filled with quiet moments-the kind that build familiarity and shared memories.

But fate, ever unpredictable, intervened. Swara's accident, a collision with a bike during an outing, changed everything. She was rushed to the hospital, her recovery slow but steady. Yet, something was amiss. Sanskar noticed her unusual fatigue and persistent headaches.
But then tragedy struck-a minor accident that led to unforeseen consequences.

Swara's injuries weren't severe, or so they thought. She hadn't complained of any head pain, so doctor hadn't checked her CT scan. But fate had other plans. After the accident, Swara began experiencing intense headaches and bouts of vomiting. Sanskar, concerned, took her for a medical evaluation. The diagnosis was devastating: a blood clot in her brain. Her blood levels were dangerously low, and the stress took its toll.

Despite the best treatments, Swara's condition deteriorated rapidly. And then, suddenly, she was gone. Sanskar was left to grapple with grief, memories, and the responsibility of raising Yash alone. The weight of loss hung heavy in their home, casting shadows on the walls where Swara's image lingered-a mother Yash barely remembered but whose absence shaped their lives forever.

The past six months had been cruel, a relentless cycle of separation, financial strain, and emotional pain. Swara bore the burden silently, her body and spirit weary. Sanskar, too, felt the weight of helplessness-the desire to ease her suffering, to be her solace. Perhaps even God, in His mysterious ways, had orchestrated an end to her pain.

When Swara passed away, others saw it as a release-a way for her to escape the daily struggle. But for Sanskar, it was a void-an ache that echoed through empty rooms and haunted memories. The pain of losing her cut deep, leaving scars that time alone could not heal. Every step he took was a walk through the remnants of their shared life, a journey marked by both love and loss. 🌙

"It's me", Ragini said standing out of the room, watching Dad and Son talking. "Ragini", he shouted in excitement. Abruptly leaving his father, he ran to her. She bowed her body, and equalized herself to hug him. He throw his arms around her neck, hugged her.

Cheater, forget his father for Ragini.

She started removing yash clothes while talkinv with him. He brought Ragini to his room, "Papa. Does she saying is true. You gonna marry her", he asked impatiently, Ragini stood beside him silently trying not to intervening them. "Yes", he shook his head agreeing. "Ragini", he said happily hugging her once again. He looked at them, Ragini was wearing her usual monochromatic gown ending just below her knee.

It would be the last day, Ragini would be entering the Maheswari house as Ragini Gadodia next time when she set her legs she would be Sanskar's wife and her Yash's mother. Ragini left the place. Haldi, Mehendi and Sangeet followed one after other.

The day, Sanskar not wished to arrive, arrived with beats and drums of happiness for others. The hand in which he put sindoor for Swara, now it was forced to put sindoor on Ragini. Sanskar paced around nervously on the corridor, watching every guest departing. He had to face another problem Suhag Raat

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Ragini sat on the bed nervously, it was still felt like dream to believe that she was married and been waiting for her groom in the bed. She was fidgeting her pallu of lehenga perching herself in the bed. Sanskar entered the bed, and smelled something different. He'd never let anyone in his room other than his family. But the smell was perfect, like musky. He saw Ragini sat on the bed, her face is veiled.

He looked around, there was candle burning, and the room lights are replaced with dim romantic lights. And his gigantic bed is decorated with stupendous florals especially roses. And the cardboard was adorned with hearty balloons.

He stood silently not knowing anything to tell. "Ragini", he called her. She tried to look at him, but the lehenga was too heavy to make her see Her bride . "You can changed your dress in changing room", he said showing her way to the room.

She nodded her head and at last stood balanced to walk to the room. She came out changing into her night loose salwar suit. He was changed into his night dress, on the time she arrived. She strode to bed, and started cleaning the rose petal shattered on the sheet. "What are you doing?", he quried her in confusion. "Removing the decoration", she replied. Moving to the side, she removed the threaded flowers hanging.

He simply stood there watching her. "What are you looking? Come and Help me.", she said irated. He moved to other side, removing the decoration, "Why are you taking this?", he quried still confused. "Is there any need to keep this? And are you planning to celebrate Suhaag raat", she asked him out of her wits.

He looked at her amazed. She just speak much.

Oh. God. Why do I talk nonsense. Better I keep numb .Stunned by her reply, he ignored her saying. God, she talks too much. She was not shy at all. They remained silent and kept the bed how it was before. "Okay." , she said clapping her hands approving at her own work. "What side you prefer", she asked him. "Right side", he repled quietly. "Then okay, I'll take left", she said preparing the bed. "I'll be back", she said remembering something. He sighed loudly seeing her leaving.

He heard knocking of the door, he walked to the door, and opened it, guessing who was knocking door at this time. He was surprised to see Ragini was standing with sleeping Yash in her hand. She gestured him to move, he moved quickly. She put Yash in the center of the bed, and asked him to join the bed.

He had forget Yash on these days, and even forget him that he would not sleep without him

Patting his head loving, Sanskar looked at Ragini. She was slept quickly. He switched off the lights and turnes on side lamps and drifted to sleep.

Ragini woke at the noise of Alarm ringing. It was past 7'0 clock. Having woken for college early, Ragini had no problem with waking soon. She saw Sanskar and Yash shrinking their eyes at the evading light through curtain. Smiling at their antics,

Like Papa, like bachon

She closed the curtains, before they woke up and hurried to shower.

Sanskar saw his son sleeping peacefully, a smile formed on his lips automatically looking at him. He forget, he was married.There was no foreshadow of his yesterday Suhag raat and his room remained how it was before. Picking up his towel, he strolled to the wash room. Before he open, he saw Ragini opening it. She slipped at trying to balance her. She closed her eyes in fear, but she felt pair of hands around her waist. Slightly opening her eyes, she saw him holding her .

Like happen serial. Hero catching Heroin.And eyelock . Seeing her, he helped her stand and entered the showroom leaving her shocked.

Stupid serial, No eyelock happened here. First stupid is me, For believing those unethical and unrealistic. And wishing for them to happen.

She changed into one of her maroon embroidered Anarkali. She let her hair free and initiated to set the bed. Sanskar came out the bed, wearing his bathrobe and brushing his hair.

What he had seen heroes coming out with wearing Towel only, and heroin getting shy. But where does this Bathrobe came from? Is they making us stupid for believing them? "No need for you to do this. Ramu uncle will do this", he said seeing her making bed. "No need. I'll do this", she informed him. He shook his head not want to discuss anything. "Hmm. Sanskar. I'd got your Coffee", she told not looking at anything particular. "I will change my dress and have that".

"Yash", she called him lovingly. "Let me sleep Dadi maa" "I'm not your dadi ma" , she said exasperated pulling his bedsheet. "Whatever you' re please let me sleep", he pleaded, trying to grab her bedsheet. "Yash beta", she shouted. He slightly opened his eyes and eyed at the person waking him "Ragini", he shouted. Sanskar came out and looked at his son drama. "Come you need to brush and have to go your School", she reminded him.

"No.Not today. Tomorrow. I'm taking leave for your wedding", he announced her. "No. Get ready for School", she said pushing him to the bathroom. " Someone marries, someone have leave. Couple had nothing to do", she muttered making Sanskar gasp at her .

Why in serials they show married couple go Honeymoon not even when they're interested? I think I should stop watching serials.

"Ragini", Yash said peeking his head out of the bathroom. "Yes", she said and brushing his head. "No. I don't like it Ragini", he said pulling her hands away. "Call her mama Yash", Sanskar ordered her. "Mama", they both said in unison. Even if I don' t like it was true indeed. She was Yash' s mumma

To Be Continued,

Thanks for Reading,

NasreenAyesha