It was the best week of my life! I loved the simple life we opted for ... waking up to the chirping of birds, enjoying the wild fruits for breakfast, having bath in the nearby lake, having boiled tubers for lunch, evening walk in the forest, playing with birds, butterflies and rabbits; everything was a new experience to me and I enjoyed it to the fullest.

{The best part was that, it was only the two of us.} I blushed at that thought. For the first time after marriage, we got some private time to spend with each other. It was the time when I understood, how well he knew me. I felt guilty for not making an attempt to understand him. I wanted to know all about him, his desires, likes, dislikes, goals, habits, everything. But it was tough, since he never told me anything properly.

6 days passed like 6 hours; and finally, it was the last day, the day when the missile is scheduled to be launched. He had gone to office and I went home. It was supposed to be a secret mission. But somehow, the information has been leaked to social media. I felt blood boiling inside me. {Why do they have to poke their noses into each and every matter? Don't they get it when it is said to be 'Confidential'?}

But thankfully, my 'god' was able to handle the situation smoothly. To be frank; I was both shocked and mesmerised by his charm, when I saw him on T.V. for the first time. He was looking extremely handsome. Jealousy engulfed me, when I saw the female-reporters move closer to him. {Back-off ladies! He is mine. Oops! Was I becoming possessive?} I mentally kicked myself.

The way in which he explained to the journalists; the way he convinced them that it was just some ordinary space-probe launch; his patience and calm face which he maintained during their tricky and annoying questions; everything impressed me. But I felt deflated at the thought that, he deserved someone better than me.

{Do I deserve him? He deserves someone as perfect as Radha didi ... then why did he agree to marry me? Why did he bear with my stupidity? Why did he not show me my true position? Why did he treat me like a princess?} My eyes filled with tears.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on the door. {Who could it be?} I went and opened the door, only to be attacked brutally!

I screamed, rubbing my red cheek. In front of me stood an angry Ma, Pa and Bhai. They were glaring at me. And what just made me scream, was that I earned a slap from ma.

{What have I done?} I stood rooted to the spot, like I had been petrified.

Then ma suddenly hugged me, and started crying. I did not understand anything that was going on there.

Ma: We loved you so much; why have you done this to us?

She was wiping her tears. Pa had settled in the sofa and Bhai went to his room. The fact that they were ignoring me; and were angry with me, made me feel miserable.

Me: What ... What ... have I ... I ... done?

Ma: You never considered us as your family.

Me: But that is not true! If there is anyone in this world, who is my true family; it is you people! I swear ... please, ... tell me why you are angry.

Ma: If you had thought that, you would not have behaved like this.

Me: What have I done?

Ma: You never picked any of our calls since a week! You were not at home; that I could make out because you did not pick the land-line. You mobile was out of reach ... do you even know how worried we were? Even your parents did not have any information about you. What the hell were you doing?

She was shaking with anger. I cursed myself for being so irresponsible. I was so engrossed with the recent events, that I forgot to call my family and inform them about my whereabouts. Me staying at home all alone (apparently!) made the situation worst. Their anger was justified. But I did not have an answer for their question. {What should I tell them?} I was struggling to find words but a phone call saved me. Ma picked it up and glared at me. Through the conversation, I could find out that the call was from my parents. {Oh god! How many people do I have to justify and answer? What will I tell them? They were not supposed to know about anything!} I was silently praying to the god, staring at the T.V. His gorgeous face was still on the huge screen and I wanted to punch it, for putting me such a mess.

Ma: Radha!

I looked around.

Ma: Radha!

Ma was shouting at me. Then I realised that she was calling me. I was used to being called Dhara; my real name, during the previous two weeks. So, it took me a few moments to realise that she was calling me.

Bhai: Don't disturb her mom! She is busy drooling over her husband's face.

I glared at Bhaiya. He winked and gave me an evil smile. I threw a pillow at him.

Ma: Radha! Come speak to your mother.

{Please god! Save me. What should I tell her?}

Mom: What are you doing?

My mom's angry voice boomed over the phone.

Me: Mom; do you know; a space-probe is being launched today.

Mom: Don't change the topic.

Me: I am not. I am watching it on T.V. and your son-in-law is being interviewed about it. Don't you want to see him?

Mom: Really? Which channel?

Me: DD.

Mom: Okay! I will talk to you later. But you owe me an explanation. Bye.

I was proud of myself. {I escaped her questions for now. Thank god. No! thanks to 'my god'. I am in trouble because of him. But he is my solution too.} But my happiness did not last long. I noticed that all three members present there; were now staring at me.

Ma: You can fool your mother easily. But you cannot fool us. We have faced people who are smarter and more cunning compared to you. One example being my son.

I didn't understand why; but I blushed. I wanted to escape to my room, to avoid their gazes. But I heard a teasing voice.

Bhai: Come watch T.V. We don't want to spoil your excitement. We shall talk later.

I knew what they were thinking. I blushed. I wanted to deny it. But I felt that it would be better to shut my mouth. I didn't want to invite further trouble. So I silently occupied my seat and started watching the live telecast.

There was a call immediately, from my ever excited Revati didi; who seemed more troubled and hyper now. She insisted on speaking to me, to make sure that I was safe. But as soon as she heard my voice, she started crying. Thankfully, Bhai tackled her well.

As the rocket took off; a shiver ran down my spine. I wondered why. {Because it is not some ordinary project. It is mission 'Save Earth' and you are a part of it.} I felt like a lightning hit me.

My mobile started ringing and I looked at the caller I.D. It was him! I smirked. Noticing my awkward behaviour, all three gathered around me. They threatened me and forced me to put the call on speaker. {From when have they learnt to be evil? Are they taking revenge on me? What have I done?} I pleaded them with my eyes. But they must have turned heartless. I had no other option. Three against one. Not fair at all! I switched on the speaker.

Me: Hello!

He: Radha! We launched it!

His tone was a happy one. I smiled. {But wait a minute! Radha? He usually called me Dhara when we are alone. But why Radha now? Did he notice that something was wrong? What is he doing?}

Ma: What is this Krishna! Will you not inform your dear mother about it? Just because you have been recently married; will you choose your wife over your mother?

She teased her son and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. But I was happy too. She was the only one who could command him like this. {If I had her on my side; I could get him punished if he irritated me!}

He: No mom! Nothing like that. I thought of calling you only. But you won't be always with the phone right! You have much important work. But that girl has no other job. So she will be carrying the mobile around all the time. So ... I thought that it would be best to call her and ask her to put it on speaker, so that you all can hear.

{Smart boy! But wait! Did he just insult me now? How dare he! Such a Chameleon! I will teach him a lesson when he returns.} For a moment; I saw pride in her eyes. {This person knows how to impress people!}

Ma: Enough of your lame excuses. Come home soon. We need to talk about your careless wife.

I felt a lump in my throat. {Is she getting really serious about this? I apologised!} I looked at Pa. He gave me a small nod, as if understanding. I felt a tinge of relief in me. On the other hand; Bhai was grinning wide. {Must be pleased because his annoying younger brother is in trouble!} But he caught my eye immediately and winked. I smiled back. {These Brothers! Even after growing up, they did not stop fighting. But everyone knew how much they loved each other.}

He: Of course mom! Even I wanted to talk to you about her.

{No! Not him too! I have enough trouble already.}

I ran into my room, leaving my phone there, for them to continue their lovely family talk. I locked the door from inside and landed on the bed with a thud.

........................................................................................................................

Okay ... It's been ages! But yoo hoo! I am still alive!

Exam was not a valid excuse for such a long gap, but 'life' was.

And I won't be surprised if you had forgotten all about this story. I understand, 3 months is a long time.

Anyways, STAY HAPPY ALWAYS, KEEP SMILING AND LOVE LIFE (it can be a piece of hell at times, but still, it is your life! And if you wish, you can turn hell into heaven.) :)