A tap on her shoulder snapped Kuhu out of her reverie. She looked around to find her husband Kunal Rajvansh unbuckling his seat belt. They were outside Maheshwari Sadan.

"Kya soch rahi thi Kuhu?"

"Main kyun batau?"

"Kyunki main tumhara husband hu"

"Accha tumhe yaad aagaya?"

"Tum mujhse ab tak naaraz ho?" He questioned. 

"Let's go. Dinner pe sab hamara wait kar rahe hai" She was about to step out of the car when he held her hand.

"I know mujhe kya karna hai" In response she just raised her eyebrows at him.

"I will kiss you. There!" He said pointing towards her lips.

"In our room when nobody's around, right?" She asked, successfully masking her shock at his words.

"No! At your place, right after dinner. In front of other family members"

"Tum mazak kar rahe ho na?" 

"Nahi toh. I am serious" Kuhu couldn't believe what she just heard. 

"You c...c...can't because you have no guts...because...because you're hashtag darpok chokro"

"Yeh baat tum mujhe pehle bhi bol chuki ho Kuhu. Kam se kam 50 baar" 

"And I can because I am your husband. Aur haan mere paas pyaar karne ka license bhi hai" Said he cocking his eyebrow suggestively.

"Par yeh theek nahi hai. I mean sabke saamne..."

"That's what you wanted me to do right?" 

Kuhu knew what was he referring to. She was in the kitchen this morning, baking Ketu's favourite chocolate cupcakes when Kunal randomly walked in and trapped her between the counter and his body ; trying to steal a kiss. But as usual they were interrupted. This time by Parul Masi. Kunal maintained a neutral expression while convincing Masi that he was just searching for his protein shake bottle. As soon as she left the kitchen, Kuhu broke into a fit of laughter. 

This wasn't happening for the first time though. He had earned the tag of Darpok Chokro for all the right reasons. Kuhu was having the time of her life teasing, annoying him. Sometimes she would just pretend to be mad at him for pulling away in the middle of their intimate moment. Other times she would challenge him to assert his right on his lawfully wedded wife, around other people and that's what he was going to do now. Kuhu gulped at that thought. Nervousness engulfed her all of a sudden. 

"Don't worry. I will take care of everything" Kunal spoke as he held the car door open for her.

"Aur haan Kunal Rajvansh is not a darpok chokro. Time to find a new nickname for me, wifey!" 

"Itna confidence kaha se leke aaye ho? I can't believe it's you Kunal"

"Hashtag I am learning from the best" Said he winking at her.

"We will see"

"Yes of course. In fact everyone's gonna see" 

•••••

Kunal and Kuhu's relationship in the past few weeks was blooming. Kunal couldn't help but realize what an absolute jerk he was to her when she finally opened up about her insecurities, her inner turmoils. She also confessed how those deep-rooted feelings pushed her to do some wrong things. He had never seen her look as broken and weak as he had seen at that time. Tears started to well up in his own eyes as he felt a sudden guilt overtake him.

It was not easy for Kuhu to let him in to the darkest places in her heart but lately things had become so overwhelming for her that she just needed to talk it out to someone.  She had prepared herself to face the worst outcome but all her fears eradicated the moment he hugged her tight. His embrace brought with it a solace she had never experienced elsewhere. Ever. She felt loved, safe, protected. 

The night of confessions, apologies and promises brought them closer. It was just the beginning of their emotional intimacy. They had a few things to work on but now that they were together working as a team, hashtag as partners, they knew they would figure it out soon.

•••••

The dining table was filled with various punjabi cuisines. Special menu made by none other than Jasmeet Chachi. It did look appetizing to others but all Kunal could see was excessive spices, butter, ghee and calories. He glanced at Kuhu and decided to eat whatever will be served to him. But when Varsha mentioned that they had redone those recipes using healthier alternatives for him because Kuhu told them so, he was taken aback. Nobody else knew him better than his Kuhu and he couldn't express how much he valued the little things she did for him.

Dinner was fun as usual. Kaushal Mama Ji couldn't stop gushing over how out of the world Rajma Chawal was and Nidhi Mami, who was trying to stay calm all this while, ended up taunting Jasmeet that she would be given catering contract for Ketaki's wedding. The house was filled with tinkling laughter as Nidhi and Jasmeet continued with their silly banter. Throughout this time, Kuhu could feel Kunal staring at her intently. She also found him dropping hints for the kiss that he was going to initiate. And that thought made her flush.

Post dessert Ketaki suggested they should play truth and dare. Kuhu knew this was all planned by Kunal as she had seen him talking to Ketu in hushed tones just a few minutes ago. Nanu refused to take part in the game saying, "Yeh games toh baccha party khelte hain. Hum youngsters gappe ladayenge. Gossip karenge. Kyun Vishambhar beta?" None of the elders showed any interest in the game except Jasmeet and Nidhi and to keep things in control between these two, Kaushal Mama had to join the squad.

The night was a little cold. They all sat around the small bonfire in the veranda. Kunal gestured for Kuhu to sit beside him but she deliberately ignored and chose to sit on the opposite side. He pouted cutely, making her chuckle at his antics.

The play was in order. Ketaki explained the game and the rules. Jasmeet chose dare surprisingly and Nidhi Mami asked her to go without talking for an hour. And their argument began once again. Finally Abir intervened, "Katrina Chachi, rules are rules and you've to follow them". He noticed Jasmeet shooting daggers at Nidhi Mami while Mamiji was flashing her victory smile.

Mamaji chose dare, he had to mimic veteran bollywood actors. Nidhi Mami couldn't decide so she was given both truth and dare at the same time. She had to reveal her first reaction when she met mamaji but the dare part was to speak only in English. Mamaji went into the embarrassed mode as she made a blunder saying "Husband was looking very beautiful". Tara corrected her instantly that it's "handsome". All were trying hard not to laugh but couldn't control. 

Mishti chose truth and Kuhu quickly asked her to share her most embarassing moment during school times.

"Abir bro yeh baat toh aapko pata honi chahiye" 

"Aisa kya kiya tumne chorni?"

"Chori" Kuhu blurted out and earned a glare from Mishti. Before Kuhu could spill more details, Mishti had to confess how she used to steal someone's lunch box because it always had her favourite food which was extremely delicious too. This went on for a week but she got caught and her parents were called by the principal.

"Mujhe nahi pata tha ki hamara connection itna strong hai angry chorni" Abir whispered in her ears, stressing on the words Angry Chorni.

"Shut up Ajeeb Rajvansh" Mishti said as her cheeks turned crimson.

It was Abir's turn and he chose dare. Ketaki asked him to recite a shayari for Mishti. He quickly stood up & offered his hand for her to stand. Collective awws were heard as he got down on one knee and recited a very romantic shayari, looking straight into her eyes.

"Mere naseeb me likhi thi, ek angry si chorni" He softly kissed her knuckles and everyone started clapping.

"So cuteee!" Kuhu exclaimed and Kunal adoringly looked at her.

It was Ketu's turn next and as she chose truth, she had to divulge details about the first rule she broke at home to do something she was really tempted to do. To which she revealed how her college friends had planned a really nice night out and thinking everyone would be against it, she had no other option but to sneak out. Mamiji expressed her disappointment but Abir somehow handled the situation. Mamaji said such things happen but he trusts his younger daughter which made Ketu smile wide.

The funniest part of the game arrived as Kuhu chose dare and Mishti suggested her to sing a few lines of the given songs but the twist was Kuhu should replace all the 'Dil' words with 'Kunal'.

"Hashtag NO" Said Kuhu annoyingly.

"C'mon Kuhu. You can't say no to your favourite game" Abir and Kunal just exchanged looks, not knowing what these sisters were up to.

"But why Kunal? Give me another word"

"No changes now. This is your dare" uttered Mishti.

"Okay fine!" 

"First song - Dil ne yeh kaha hai dil se. Just sing the main line" Mishti said.

Kuhu cleared her throat, "Kunal ne yeh kaha hai Kunal se, mohobbat hogayi hai tumse" 

"Self love song" quppied Abir and all of them busted out of laughter except Kuhu and Kunal of course.

"Seriously bhai?" Kunal rolled his eyes.

The next song was given by Abir.

"Kunal kyun yeh mera shor kare, idhar nahi, udhar nahi, teri ore chale" 

"Isn't that for Uima Patel?" Abir started laughing squeezing his stomach.

"Kuhu teacher woh Pardes ka song sing karo na. Do dil wala. Ek baar. Pleaseee" Mami had a song suggestion too.

Kuhu took a deep breath before singing, "Do Kunal mil rahe hai, magar chupke chupke" It took a while for the laughter to die down.

"Okay guys enough. Main mere bhai ki izzat ke saath aise khilwad nahi hone dunga. Before it gets dirty, we should stop" Abir spoke.

This was probably the weirdest and worst dare Kuhu had ever got. She looked at Kunal and murmured a sorry, holding her ears. He just smiled in return.

The much awaited part in the game arrived as Kunal was asked to choose between truth and dare. He said dare and before anyone else could give him a dare, Ketu did. It was as expected. Kiss your wife. Mamiji whacked Ketu's arm while she tried to cover it up, "Maa woh abhi Kuhu bhabz ne jo songs gaaye uski wajah se Kunal bhai naraaz hai. So main unhe keh rahi thi to kiss and make up"

"Par woh toh kiss and make out hota hai na?" Mamiji innocently said, making others widen their eyes. Mamaji whispered something in her ear and she hid her face with both the palms.

"Yeh ashleel harkat hai" Jasmeet, too, was now out of her mute mode.

"Arey ashleel kaha. Aapne bhi toh kabhi kiya hoga na?" Mamiji spoke in the heat of the moment and this time Kaushal mama glared at her for her audacity.

"Mhari wali aur Jasmeet Ji, hum ek kaam karte hain. Gandhiji ke bandar ban jaate hai. Yeh dekho aise" Mamaji placed his hands on his eyes and both of them followed suit.

The stage was now set. Kunal got up and walked towards Kuhu. Mishti, Abir and Tara egged them on. Kuhu sat unmoved in a hypnotized state as he moved closer to her. He took off his jacket and pulled it over their heads. There was a determined glint in his eyes that she had never seen before. He held her gaze and she knew this devilishly handsome husband of hers was not going to free her from his charm. Her breath hitched as he grazed her lips with his thumb. Without wasting any more time, he leaned further closer. Kuhu only saw his eyes coming too close before she felt his lips on her and spontaneously squeezed her eyes shut. His soft lips moved against hers slowly. The touch of his lips made her mind go erratic. She lifted a hand and gently rested it on his cheek and he deepened the kiss, running his own hand through her curls. By the time their lips parted, they were gasping for air. He rested his forehead against hers, inhaling the scent of her into him.

"You played safe" She said pointing towards the jacket over their head.

"Nope. That was intentional" She was surprised at his statement but before she could ask him anything, they heard Abir's voice.

"Guys hum bhi yaha pe hai. Control kar lo zara" Kunal immediately removed the jacket and looked around only to find others bursting into laughter. Kuhu and Kunal were quite a sight actually, lips swollen, heaving chests, messy hairs and flushed faces. 

"Kuhu I think you both need to fix your face and hair so no one knows what happened" Said Mishti teasingly.

"Mera Nanko tu  toh bada hogaya re" Even Abir didn't want to miss this chance of pulling his leg.

"Kunal bhai, remember? Aapne kaha tha ki Muskii ke hote hue koi husband wife baaton ke alawa kya kar sakte hain. Look how far I've come. You owe me for this" Tara enacted his dialogue in his style which made Kunal giggle. And the way Jasmeet was looking at them with her mouth wide open, Kuhu knew she is soon going to spill the beans. This kiss was going to be the talk of the house for quite some time now.

•••••

Rajvansh family bid goodbye to Maheshwaris and made their way back to their home. Kunal and Kuhu were in their car, the ride back was quiet until Kuhu spoke.

"That jacket part was intentional?" 

"Yup"

"I genuinely thought you played safe and it was a smart move so that others won't be able to see how we were doing it" Kuhu said it all in one breath, making him smile.

"How was the kiss wifey?" Kuhu felt the butterflies in her stomach came back as her mind wandered to that event.

"It was...it was heavenly...and so filmy bilkul Aashiqui types" 

"Exactly and you wanted to recreate that iconic 'kissing under a jacket' scene with your partner, right?" 

"Oh yes. My fantasy but I don't remember telling this to you. So how do you even know Mr. Rajvansh?" Kuhu questioned, curiosity evident in her voice.

"That day you dozed off while we were watching Aashiqui 2 and I heard you mumbling about it in your sleep. That's how I got to know
Mrs. Rajvansh" He smirked.

"Oh" Kuhu said not knowing what else to say but she could feel a bubbly feeling in her heart as a smile grew on her face. He did that for her. She realized how much he loved her, his actions made her feel like the luckiest woman alive.

She couldn't resist and pecked his cheek lightly. She pulled back almost immediately and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

"What was that for?" He asked huskily.

"Nothing, I just felt like it" She spoke, leaning her head against his shoulder & wrapping her arms around his hand. The rest of the ride was completely silent but they both had contented smiles on their faces.