for SwagataGhosh5 

In a afternoon flight of Air India, the Indian Cricket Team, accompanied by the families, was on way from Vizag to Kolkata, to play the last ODI of a series against New Zealand.

The atmosphere was light, because the series was in their pockets, already. In the five match series, India was leading 3-1.

Many were dozing, some entertained the kids, some were in their pro gamer mode, while some decided just to talk about anything and everything.

But, the center of attraction were a couple.

"Aww! Cuties!"

"Guys, come back! Don't disturb!"

"Am taking a pic!"

"Don't disturb them, idiots!"

The people hovering over the couple scurried back to their seats seeing one of the two stir in sleep.

Then man groaned as he broke out of a small nap. Stretching his limbs, stifling a yawn, he turned to his left and saw her, his lady, curled up into a ball, napping, with her head resting on his shoulder. A small smile graced his lips as softness and adoration crossed across his features. She looked more adorable and prettier in sleep. Noticing her neck pillow was slightly disoriented, he put it back in place for her to sleep comfortably, so oblivious all the while to the coos around.

Abhishek and Swagata were not that couple the "world" seem them to be. They didn't fall in love before marriage. They haven't, yet.

Their relationship laid on the foundation of promise of mutual understanding, respect, trust and loyalty. They were arranged in a marriage.

A man from Punjab to a lady from Bengal. How uncommon for an arrange set up!

Swagata was so focused on her career as data analyst that she didn't have time for relationships, not that she didn't dream for having that. She had her own thoughts about that.

Abhishek had a couple of, in past, but none were serious. Perks of being famous, ladies flocked around. But is priority was cricket.

When asked about marriage, they had left that on their parents. And here they are. Before getting married 8 months ago, the two had met 4-5 times and had talked much. At the end they just agreed to their parents choice.

The first meet was too simple. Both families arranged a meeting at Swagata's home. Abhishek, dressed in a crisp off white kurta, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had seen her picture and found her undeniably beautiful. What if he shows off himself as a clown in front of her? He was so nervous and kept blabbering that his sister had to smack his head to calm him down.

 Swagata, in a simple yet elegant Jamdani saree, was nervous too, along with being scared and shy.  Their first conversation was polite and formal, involving their taste and general thoughts, but there was an undeniable spark, as they found similar tastes.

After a few more meetings and family discussions, the engagement was set. The ceremony was small, with only family and close friends, filled with laughter, music, and traditional rituals, emotions and teasing's ( obviously ). Abhishek and Swagata exchanged rings, marking the beginning of their journey together, with promises which they really were going to keep in future.

The months leading up to the wedding were filled with preparations. Swagata's family was busy with shopping, selecting the perfect sarees and jewelry. Abhishek's family focused on the venue and guest list. Amidst the chaos, with help from their siblings, sometimes,  Abhishek and Swagata found moments to get to know each other better, sharing their dreams and aspirations. They were going to have a Bengali wedding first, in Kolkata. The media went frenzy, tagging them as secret lovers and hideous, giving the families enough laughter. 

The wedding day arrived with much anticipation. The venue was decorated with flowers and lights, creating a magical ambiance. Swagata looked stunning in her red bridal Benarasi saree, while Abhishek, after much struggle (with dhoti), was looking handsome as ever in  white kurta and red dhoti. The rituals were performed with utmost sincerity, and the couple exchanged vows, promising to support each other through thick and thin. 

To be mentioned when Swagata took off the paan pata before her face, and they had their shubho drishti, Abhishek couldn't help but stare in awe at her kohled eyes. He swore to himself to never let the light from her eyes dim, and to always respect the emotions in them.

The reception was a grand celebration, in Chandigarh, few days later. Friends and family, along with the ICT gathered to bless the newlyweds. Abhishek and Swagata, though exhausted, couldn't hide their happiness. They danced, laughed, and enjoyed every moment, creating memories to cherish forever. 

Swagata was nervous to blend with the ICT at first, but they made her feel so welcomed that she mingled with them easily, especially the kids. Shubman supplied Swagata about funny stories of his best friend while Yuvi Paaji asked her to tell him if Abhi steps out of the line, he'd take care of it.

For their honeymoon, Abhishek and Swagata chose the serene hills of Darjeeling. They didn't want to go, but their parents were reluctant. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. He loved clicking her, and she loved posing for him. 

 They explored the tea gardens, enjoyed the toy train ride, and spent quiet evenings talking about their future. They got intimate emotionally, not physically, both believing emotional connection is stronger. They held hands, but that was it, full of security and belonging.

Returning from their honeymoon, Abhishek and Swagata began their new life together.  The initial days were about adjusting to each other's habits and routines, and cultures. There were challenges, but their mutual respect and understanding helped them navigate through. 

He found difficulty in understanding her bengali dialect creeping in the conversation, but things went better. She found difficulty in digesting the rather bland food he had. It got fixed when Abhishek asked their cook to make whatever she likes, for her, stating it's 50-50 share in everything, and that he and other men should adjust more, because an woman sacrifices everything just for the sake of marriage and that women deserve the best only.   

They respected each other a lot, talked about each other's day, thoughts, worries. The development came in small steps.

Both families played a significant role in their lives. They celebrated festivals together, blending traditions from both sides. Swagata's parents often visited, bringing homemade delicacies, while Abhishek's parents shared their wisdom and guidance from their place, always showing love and support for their daughter in law. 

Abhishek and Swagata worked together to make their apartment a home. They decorated it with love, adding personal touches that reflected their personalities. Swagata's love for art was evident in the paintings on the walls, while Abhishek's prizes found their place in the living room. And every night, when both were home, he would tell her the story behind each, over a cup of freshly brewed coffee, while she explained the brushstrokes and artforms. 

Given that Abhishek was permanent in the team, she moved to Mumbai with him, transferring her job there. She was still adjusting, missing her home, Kolkata more everyday.

She was too happy to be home, even for a short while, to attend the match and for the occasion of Jamai Sasthi. Totally unaware that her husband had always noticed her longing and had planned a little to make her stay at her home better.

True to her Bengali roots, Swagata carried the vibrancy, acceptance, warm and colors. At times, Abhishek would just stare in awe at her personality, making her blush, resulting in sweet moments. They gradually came from holding hands, to pecking cheeks and whole hearted hugs.

Back to present, Abhishek heard a subtle row of coughs and looked forward, to be met by grins and smirks of his best friend, who was sitting before him.

"Stop that grin, Shubi!" Abhishek chided, lightly, careful enough to not wake his wife up.

Why is this man his best friend?

It's not that Shubman never teased Abhishek about Swagata. He did that occasionally, but it increased tenfold since he had spotted Abhishek ranting to a picture of Swagata one day, on his phone, two months ago, during a cricket tour.

To him, she had become home. He had fallen for her, and was yet to realize.

Unknown to him, Swagata had fallen in love too, for her man, with deep realization. How could she not, for he was literally the man she wished for? A real feminist? A real man? An unfiltered person with emotions to the brim? The man she had yearned for, while reading Dutta?

And she was scared to admit. To profess her love.

"Have we reached?" She woke up, rubbing her eyes.

"Just few mins more." Abhishek grinned, "Also, welcome back to the world, Sleeping Beauty."

"Says the one who was snoring!" Virat sang from his place.

"Please yaar, Bhai!"

Swagata chuckled.

So adorable!

---

"Can't survive a day without me?" Swagata asked, horrified, with a bit of sarcasm laced, looking at the state of the hotel room. Two trolley bags lay bare on the bed, with contents scattered all around the room, while Abhishek was rummaging  through the kit bag.

"Correct it to just 4 hours. Returned at 1 from training, now it's 5 and I still can't find the extra training shorts!"

"Did you look into the wardrobe? I think I remember you putting it there."

"Oh damn!"

"You should have called me, Abhay."

"You were with Maa Baba ( her parents ). Didn't want to disturb you." he replied and took out the shorts.

"You're just something, Mr. Sharma." her eyes were full of mirth.

"Only for you, Mrs. Sharma."

Her heart fluttered at his cheekiness and he did somersaults internally seeing her blush.

"Now move. Let me help keeping these back in place. You're going to be too messy anyways."

Abhishek just pouted in response.

---

"Sasural ke saamne naak na katwana." Hardik patted Abhishek's back, who sighed.

All day he's getting such talks. He doesn't mind though. He's pumped up enough to put a show.

The target was 256, and he was opening with Shubman.

In the gallery, Swagata sat, with her fingers crossed, a habit she picked up from Ritika.

She just hoped he becomes proud of himself at the end of the day.

Wickets kept falling like cards, but her man, agitated at first, ultimately calmed and anchoring himself played like she should and scored a ton. As he hit th ball for a four to get to the mark, the crowd burst into cheers, and reacted more madly at the gestured he did.

Taking his helmet and gloves out, he kissed the small gold band on his ring finger.

Cameras zoomed in and out on the couple.

Tears rolled down her eyes. It was too overwhelming. She remained in a daze as the WAG and her family members, who were there for the match hugged and congratulated her.

"This was really for you. I was a bit nervous but your silent whispers and chants did magic." he said, later that night, as he handed his POTM to her.

And damn she was trying to held her emotions back.

___

"What do you mean by one week?" Swagata was surprised.

"My dear wife, I've planned for us to spend a week vacay here. You have to show me around. The places you like and the food you love." Abhishek shrugged, yearning for a smile from her.

Her reaction caught him by surprise. She hugged him fiercely, making him tumble down with her.

"Whoa! Gala daba dogi kya?"

"Thank you so much, Abhi!"

Their proximity sent butterflies and sparks like never before.

"Let's go shopping now. Am zero in gifting in laws department." Abhishek asked, as they drifted away, to break the tension.

"You're speaking as if I have experience!"

Next day was Jamai Sasthi.

And poor Abhishek was struggling to wear the dhoti.

Swagata leaned against the wall and laughed her heart out.

He pouted at her betrayal, as made cute faces  until she pitched in to help.

As he wrapped the material, being tooo close to him, she felt his breaths on her. He had her hairs on his face due tot he fan's air and the tantalizing fragrance of her perfume made him jittery.

His breathe became hard while she tried to such hers in.

A tar threatened to escape her as she was lost in her love for him.

While he realized what he feels for her.

The rest of the day went pretty eventful being such a pompous occasion with Abhishek being literally buried under tons of food and love and the couple becoming center of attraction an teasing.

No of them were having an easy night, had so much trouble sleeping, hiding their feelings.

___

He shifted in his sleep and grunting, woke up, all sweaty, to an empty bed.

5 AM. Where is his wife? She's not an early riser on holidays!

A muffled voice broke him out of hid thoughts.

Following it, he walked into the balcony to see Swagata wiping her tears with the back of her palm. His heart pounded in ribcage. Has he done something wrong?

"Swa-"

"Oh you're up? I'll-"

"What happened? Why are you crying?"

On his instinct, he rushed to her, and held her arms softly, looking straight at eyes, "Tell me. Please."

And she broke down.

"Am dying inside with a lot...I - Abhishek- I have fallen in love with you."

Deep silence.

"You..you love me?" He asked, his voice betraying his emotions.

She just nodded and tried to break out, but he didn't let her go.

"And what about me? My feelings? I thought that-that it's just me in love with you."

"You- you're not lying right?"

The sun was slowing getting up, and so was the Kolkata, the city of Joy.

A little idle, probably distracted by a young couple.

"Yes, Swagata Ghosh Sharma, your husband, Abhishek, is deeply in love with you. It has been a short while he has realized, but he's glad he did."

Minutes later, as soon as his lips met hers, the City of Joy turned to City of Love too, for them.

___

Few years down the line :

"Chahat, come on! Don't disturb Papa!" Swagata chided her 4 year old who had clung herself to her father's leg, not wanting to let go.

"Arrey let her be and help me tie this dhoti na!" Abhishek whined.

Some things never change.

"How can I, when she's clinging? Baby, why don't you go and play with Mamu? I think he has a gift for you."

"Sacchi?"

"Mucchi!"

The kid ran off.

"Now, help me yaar! By the way, did I tell you that you're looking absolutely ravishing?"

"No." she was playful.

Swiftly pulling her closer, Abhishek whispered in her ear, huskily, "I think we should grant Chahat's wish of a sibling."

"Shut up, mister. Learn to wear a dhoti first, by yourself. In 6 years you've learnt nothing."

"I'm too occupied by you and your mini-me to pay attention to trivial matters, love."

"Idiot."

"Your idiot." he grinned back.

Kolkata was again witness to their epic and lasting love.

How was it?

Hope you like it, Swagata <33

(  Note : Jamai Sasthi - On this day mother-in-law performs Shasthi Puja to please Goddess Shasthi and seek her blessings for good luck and prosperity for her daughters and sons-in-law. The son-in-law is invited home and treated to a sumptuous feast of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food prepared by the mother-in-law. Gifts are also given to daughter-in-law on this day. Jamai Shashti is celebrated as a family reunion day and the whole family comes together to celebrate by having a meal together.)