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She absolutely loved the countryside. So calm, vibrant, simple and accepting.

She was too tired and flocked by soon to be in laws' extended family that she wasn't able to see around last evening.

Waking up early due to the chirping of birds and hubbub around, she decided to not rot in her bed and have a small walk.

Freshening up,sSia walked out, only to be met with the pleasant faces of people husting and busting.

In the villages, day always began early.

"Why are you up so early, child?" 

"What do you wish for breakfast?"

"Bhabhi? Breakfast karke gaon ghumne chalein?"

Answering everything politely, she stepped on the grass, bare foot. The tingling sensation of the green beneath was too soothing.

"Shubman! Uth jaa! Subah ho gayi!"

"Uth jaa, Shubi!"

Yells rang into her ears. 

Always a late riser.

"Mummy sone do na! Sirf 7 baje rahe hain!"

"Kabhi toh badon jisa behave kar, ullu!" Shahneel sighed, then pointed to the garden through the window, "Bechari Sia akeli ghum rahi, accompany her!"

"Why does she have to wake up so early?" Shub groaned, trying to keep his eyes open.

"Not everyone is lazy pants like you, cousin!" Inder mocked.

"Good morning!"

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty!" she mocked, "Slept well?"

"No, thanks to you!" He huffed, stretching his limbs, "Ab andar chalein? Am hungry!"

"Chalo, bhukad!'

After having light breakfast, the two set out to explore the village. Shub was too enthsiastic to be the tour guide.

The duo stood in in the fields of mustard, which stretched as far as the eye could see. The mustard flowers swayed gently in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing wave-like effect. As they walked through the fields, feeling the soft wheat brushing against their hands, they felt at peace. Sia was elated to feel the stark contrast to busy city life she was used to. Like a free bird, she literally galloped around, feeling the peace lingering in the place.

And he just stared at her, with smiles curled at the corner of his lips.

What he was searching for, his khwaish was before his eyes, fulfilled. And he was yet to realise.

They walked down the dusty road leading towards home Inder and Sebastian  called them from a far.

"They're calling you for a swim I guess." she pointed to the stream.

"Are you three buffons planning to put up on a show of artistic swimming in the stream? What an honor!" She sarcastically remarked.

" Shub ke saath mereko bhi kyun toda?" Seb acted hurt.

"Liking the view?" Shubman asked, unbuttoning the T-shirt and throwing it on the ground.

"It isn't as if I haven't seen you totally bare before. If I see something I haven't seen I'll throw a dollar at it." She shrugged and turning back, walked away, towards the dusty path that led away to the house.

"You're cutting yourself off from an enchanting event!" He yelled after her, playfully.

"Nothing excites me more than food! Come back on time if you want to have some too! " she yelled back and he just stared at her with googly eyes.

"Abey jawaani ki murat, idhar aa tu!" Inder pulled him away, "Baad mei taadte rehna apne hone wali biwi ko."

"Am not- oye chup kar!" Shub chased him down into the water.

_____

siaahuja 

living in DDLJ delusion 👅

liked by shubmangill, athiyashetty, abhisheksharma_4 and 101134 others

shubmangill 

and what 

about Raj?

|

virat.kohli

since when are you 

this kind a-?

|

shubmangill

sangat ka asar, bhai 😉

shubisbae 

omg guys, 

shubman's comment -am dyin' 

username1

even king ships it! 

ritssajdeh

aww, so soothing!

username2

are they sealing

 the rumors?

anyaahuja

gimme deets, di?!!

username3

attention seeking-

devishashetty_

so serene! 🤍

"You know, this temple is special." Shub narrated, as they stood before the steps, "It fulfills your genuine wishes for someone."

"Oh?" She asked, her eyes lingering on the couples walking up, to be exact the men picking their women in their arms as they stormed up the steps with smiles on their faces.

"Come..." he said, and without waiting for her reaction, picked her up in his arms.

"Whoa-Shub!" she yelped, and put her arms around his neck for support, "Put me down, you-!"

An elderly woman, who had come there with her husband, smiled from behind and interrupted,

"Beta, it's the custom or ritual everyone coming here believes. If a man wants the best for an woman, be it his life partner, daughter or mother, he picks her up in arms and walks up the stairs. Only putting her down before the deity."

Sia went numb and could just stare at Shubman's face as he walked up with her, secured in his arms.

Her stomach felt not just butterflies, but a damn whole zoo.

As the two were done and were descending, the lady earlier, came and whispered, with adorating in her eyes, "You two remind me and my husband our first few months together."

"Aaashirvad dijiye." Shub grinned and knelt to touch their feet. Sia followed, with a smile.

"Sukhi raho."

It was a moment, an evening, with both will cherish forever, especially her. Its moments like these which matter.

 The game started with everyone rolling the dice and moving their tokens. Sia quickly took the lead, with Inder and Shahneel close behind. Shubman, however, was struggling to get his tokens out of the starting area. Frustrated with his slow start, he decided to employ a little trickery. He subtly nudged the dice with his finger, ensuring it landed on the number he needed.  As the game progressed, Sia noticed that he was getting unusually lucky with his rolls. Inder and Shahneel also started to suspect something was amiss. That's when chaos ensued.

"Nahi, this is just cheating! Just cheating!" Sia screamed, "You're plainly losing this one, accept it!"

"You're just jealous that am winning this game!" He smirked, rolling the dice.

"Cheating matt karo, Shubman!" She whined and threw the pillow in his direction, which he obviously dodged.

Soon, a pillow fight started, ending in mock beating, laugh and more banter.

This was home.

The elders chuckled from their spots, watching the banter.

In the cozy living room of Shubman's ancestral home, the atmosphere was filled with a blend of anticipation and nostalgia as  the family had gathered for a special occasion, one that would mark a significant moment in the lives of the soon to be couple. Shubman's dadi, the matriarch of the family, had decided it was time to pass on a cherished family heirloom to her would be granddaughter in law. It was a family tradition for generations.

Dadi, with her silver hair neatly tied back and her eyes sparkling with wisdom and warmth, called Sia to sit beside her. She held a small, intricately carved wooden box in her hands and as she  opened the box, the soft creak of the hinge seemed to echo the passage of time and radiate love and care. Inside, nestled on a bed of deep red velvet, lay a pair of exquisite gold bangles. The bangles were not just pieces of jewelry, they were a symbol of the family's heritage, and resilience. Each bangle was adorned with intricate designs, tiny gemstones, and a craftsmanship that spoke of a bygone era.

Dadi's voice trembled slightly as she began to speak. "These bangles have been in our family for generations," she said, her eyes glistening with tears and unknown emotions. "They were given to me by my mother on my wedding day, and her mother gave them to her. They have witnessed countless moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between."

Sia, sitting beside Dadi, felt a lump form in her throat.  Was she worthy of it? Given that the marriage was not that normal? The weight of the moment was overwhelming, and she could feel the eyes of the family on her, especially a certain someone, sharing in this intimate exchange.

Dadi continued, "You have become an integral part of our family. You have always shown that you are the perfect custodian for these bangles. I know you will cherish them and pass them on to the next generation with the same love and pride. Sukhi raho."

With trembling hands, Dadi lifted the bangles from the box and gently placed them on Sia's wrists. The cool metal against her skin sent a shiver down Sia's spine. She looked at the bangles, then at her, and finally at Shubman, who was standing nearby, his eyes shining with something she couldn't catch.

Tears streamed down Sia's face as she hugged Dadi tightly. "Thank you, Dadi," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I promise to honor these and your love."

Keartr wiped away her tears, remembering the day she had received the bangles. Shubman's father, usually a stoic figure, hiding his emotions in such intimate and intricate moments, had a tear in his eye as he watched the touching scene unfold.

Shubman stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Sia's shoulder.

The emotional weight of the moment was palpable. Each family member felt a connection to the past, a sense of continuity that transcended time. The bangles were more than just jewelry; they were a tangible link to the family's history, a reminder of the love and sacrifices of those who came before them.

As the evening progressed, the mood gradually lightened. Stories of the past, especially Shubman's childhood was shared,  laughter echoed through the room, and the family bond grew even stronger. Sia, now wearing the heirloom bangles, felt overwhelmed.