Hey everyone! Here's the next one. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Shower all your love!

Happy reading!

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November 2020

Udaipur

Shergill's

Homecoming, a moment that is enough to light up the lives of the individuals who are eager to be enveloped in the warmth of their home and the people who relentlessly wait for them to be back. At times the situations and their layers might be modified, but something that will remain in the old school fashion is the feeling, the essence it carries; of unadulterated warmth, embracing affection, unmatched sense of comfort and a nerve soothing euphoria. Kyuki asal maayno mein toh ghar woh he hota hai na, jahan aapke khat-khatane ke pehle darwaza khol diya jaata hai, aur woh darwaza ghar ka nahi, balki apnepan ka hota hai, sukoon ka hota hai. Aur kayi baar Ghar toh sirf ek insaan hota hai. You see, our person!

(Isn't it like this only? Our home, a place where the door is opened even before we get a chance to knock and this door is not simply at the entrance; rather it is a door to the sense of belonging and tranquility. And often, our home is a person.)

Monami felt herself sailing through the same waters of familiar testaments of the changes; she was still getting used to. No doubt, she felt the same surge of emotions within her when she arrived for the first time to Udaipur, post her marriage for Holi, this time the realization was nothing but a bittersweet stamp of verdict that there was indeed a newness in her earlier followed routine and this newness will remain so, till it lasts.

As she came out of the army quarters she was staying in since last two days for some official work, she took the jeep keys and settled in it, after putting her stuff in. She was followed by two officers on a bike, so that one of them can take the jeep back to quarters. Usually, the posted officers are allotted with the staff that would drive them wherever they wish to, but Monami requested to keep the arrangement in the way it now is, so as to avoid any unnecessary hassle and also to maintain Covid protocols.

Monami was supposed to drive from her defense base till the nearest city area from where she can get a cab. Once she reached the destination, she parked her jeep in an aloof parking of the four wheelers, away from the crowded parking and fished out her phone to book the cab, but just before she could type drop destination on her application, she received a call from Karan.

"Hey, where are you?" He enquired.

"I've just reached. I was booking a cab when you called. Bas thodi der..." She started off and was cut in between.

(In some time...)

"Koi zaroorat nahi hai madam, banda aapki seva mein haazir hai." Karan said dramatically and Monami pulled her phone looking at the screen in disbelief. She placed her mobile against her ears again, when she heard him speaking. "Apne left mein dekho, 7th car in the row, black color. I'll be turning on and off the headlights thrice."

(You don't need to do any such thing, madam. The man's at your service.) (Okay, now look at your left...)

Monami shook her head but at the same time, it really touched her. It was very thoughtful and courteous of him, to pick her up, even after knowing the cons of it. Because even after being a little calm city unlike the metropolitan ones, his presence was known to his fans and his popularity was not something hidden from anyone's eyes. Also the Covid was still lingering in the air, and it had a list of precautions to follow.

Monami adhered to the words of her man and came out of the car, with a mask shielding her nose and mouth and bits of her cheeks, chin and jaw. She gestured to the officer on the bike to take a seat behind the wheels as she was leaving.

There was a feeling of lingering anticipation, bubbling excitement, fiddling nervousness and yet an odd sense of comfort as Monami dragged her suitcase towards the car while Karan was waiting for her to arrive. Undoubtedly they resolved their issues; still there was an unsettling anxiousness that they wanted to fade away.

It did not take them long to wipe off the distance between them, since Monami reached the car, marched till its bonnet and stuffed her luggage, before taking her seat. As they sat in each other's propinquity after months of staying together, their awaited moments of togetherness filled the room.

Karan subconsciously tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and Monami mindlessly softened the creases of the folded sleeves of her shirt on her forearms. They both sighed together and then, they had eye contact. It was as if this was what they needed, they chuckled and said in unison, "Hi."

They shared a chuckle again.

Karan downcast his eyes and pulled his lower lip in between before lifting his softened gaze with a smile and raised his arm towards her, cupping her left cheek. "Come here."

Monami made no further delay and leapt forward in his welcoming embrace. As she leaned in, his fingers deftly traversed from her cheeks that were visible from the strings of the mask that she had on her face before removing it, to her nape, above her ponytail secured tresses. It was one of her most favorite gestures of his, the way he cups the back of her head in the most affectionate and protective manner. She snuggled her head further in the warmth of his neck, clutching the sides of his sweatshirt near his waist.

After a few seconds of uninterrupted solace, warm embrace and unrushed moments, they pulled back, albeit reluctantly.

As Karan took a content glance of his wife, his face had a frowning countenance. "Tumne sweater kyu nahi pehna? At least ek sweatshirt he pehen leti."

(Why aren't you wearing a sweater? You could have at least put on a sweatshirt.)

"Kyuki thandi nahi hai." She chuckled and shrugged her shoulders, leaning back on her seat, properly.

(Because it is not cold.)

"Madam, sabhi ko aap jaisa nahi lagta na. Kyuki hume iski training bhi nahi mili hai." He shook his head dramatically. "But you should've actually put on a sweatshirt; it's a weather change for you." He said in concern.

(Not everybody thinks in the same way as you, madam; because not everybody receives training like you.)

"Karan, there is hardly much difference in the weather of Pune and Udaipur, so it was not needed." She explained, while holding her seat belt. "Aur vaise bhi, tumhe toh thand lagni he thi na, immunity aur stamina dono he kam hai. Pata nahi on field apna dhyaan kaise rakh lete ho?" She mocked him playfully and leaned on her side to tuck it in the holder.

(It was obvious for you to feel cold, as it is you have a weak immunity and stamina. I don't even know how you look after yourself on the field?)

Karan clicked his tongue and raised his eyebrow, listening to some particular words which Monami said. He too, leaned on his side, held her hand that was about to tuck the seat belt and pulled her closer.

Monami was startled at this abruptness. She felt her breath getting hitched at the sudden proximity. There was hardly an inch of space between their noses. The intensity in his eyes replaced his usual, playful ones and it made her fidgety. She was not at all used to this side of him and what transpired in those miniscule seconds, she was unable to comprehend that.

Karan tilted his head, his eyes never leaving hers. "I don't know about immunity sweetheart, but you questioning my stamina is... questionable. And I surely don't appreciate it!" His lips grazed hers, with each syllable he uttered and his warm breath mingling with hers. There was something absolutely seductive about the way he spoke and it sent a wave of pleasure between her legs.

Karan raised his other hand meticulously and let his fingers cover the distance, before settling in such a manner that his fingers were on the bare skin of her nape and his thumb was brushing gentle strokes, behind her ear. Her weak spot and he knew it.

"But just to make you satisfied, shall we test it today? At our- home, in -our -bedroom!" His voice fell by every decibel with each word he spoke in the last, and the air between them just intensified as he dropped an unhurried peck on her cheek before pulling back a little and looking at his wife, who was looking at him wide eyed.

"Tu-tumhe kuch bh..." She cleared her throat before speaking again, although firmly but in a whisper. "Tumhe kuch bhi kabhi bhi bolna hota hai kya? Kitne besharam ho gaye ho." Her cheeks flared up.

(Yo-you have...) (You just have to speak about anything that comes to your mind irrespective of the moment, isn't it? You've become so shameless.)

Karan's countenance turned mischievous as he registered his wife's words. "Mai toh humare room mein chalke pillow fight karne ki baat kar raha tha, taaki tumhe pata chal jaaye ki mera stamina barabar hai ya nahi." He spoke with a fake innocence and then clicked his tongue in his mouth and shook his head in an equally dramatic order. "Tumhe kya laga, mai kiski baat kar raha tha?"

(I was just talking about us having a pillow fight in our bedroom, so that you can make sure that my stamina is okay or not.) (What did you think I was talking about?)

Monami swept her fingers across the unruly baby hair in a failed attempt to tuck them behind her ear, unable to meet his eyes and then she narrowed her eyes when she heard him completely. She turned to him and began saying, "Tum na..."

(You...)

But of course, what kind of husband would Karan make if he let his wife have an upper hand in catching his mischief and getting back at him?

Karan crossed his hands on his chest, as if his modesty was on the brink of getting snatched and said in an exaggerated manner, "Haww Monami. Very bad! What kind of thoughts are you having lately? Aur phir tum mujhe besharam kehti ho!"

(And then you call me shameless.)

Monami looked at Karan in pure disbelief. Trust this human to think in the most absurd ways possible. She smacked his arm, causing him to chuckle as she said, "Tum na pagal ho pure ke pure aur mujhe bhi kardoge kisi din." She then pulled her lips in a tight smile and in the tone of formal finality she continued, "And Mr. Shergill, I know you enough to know about the direction in which your not so decent thoughts are wandering." Saying so, she wore her seatbelt.

(You're mad; totally mad. And someday you'll drive me mad too.)

Karan laughed, as he wore his seatbelt and turned on the car. A few minutes in the ride and Monami asked him, "Tell me one thing?"

"Hmm?" He looked at her for a second and hummed.

"Why do you guys get so worked up when someone questions your stamina?"

Karan was caught off guard with this question, not because she asked it but because he never expected it. But at the same time, he was happy that the layers of her diffidence regarding a few things were getting discarded, slowly but gradually.

"Umm, honestly I don't know. But I guess it is something that does not suit well with us. Somewhere I feel that it fills them with pride knowing that they are the ones who can satisfy their partner in ways no other can and then there comes their male ego as well, I mean it is displeasing if your partner does not find you appetizing enough to let go of their sanity for pleasure for those intimate minutes." He paused, looked at her for a second, utilized a few minutes of silence and then reflected back on the other aspect of his answer. "Also, I believe that there are certain jerks too, who are filled with lechery and they simply cannot put together if someone questions their non-existent unhealthy and filthy excuse of stamina."

Truthfully, Monami was not expecting such an answer from him. Yes, she was affirmed that he would answer her, but the manner was unknown. Now when she heard his words, she was amazed at the choice of his words to tell his views and give her an insight into the thoughts that might possibly reflect the thoughts of men regarding the topic that at times, gets on their nerves.

"Hmm." She spoke after a few seconds of silence.

"Vaise, ek baat mai bhi kahun?" Karan broke the quietness after a few seconds that settled in between them after her wordless reply.

(By the way, can I say something too?)

"Isme puchna kyu tha? Kaho na!" She said immediately.

(What was the need to ask? Say it already!)

"Soch lo, phir yeh mat kehna ki mai pagal hoon." He bit his lips as his eyes sparkled with naughtiness and then he purposely slowed down his speed as he saw that the traffic signal was about to turn red.

(Think again. Because then don't call me mad afterwards.)

"Woh tum already ho." She deadpanned. "Now sir, say it!"

(That you already are.)

Karan took full advantage of the signal; he leaned in her personal space and said, "I love it, when you call me besharam! It in fact urges me to do more stuff that'll make you call me that!" He swiftly saw the signal to see if he still had a few seconds in his hands and once confirmed, he made no delay. "Also, I don't plan to stick to the verbal things anymore! It is going to be more than that." He sneakily held the forefinger of her hand that was on her lap, pulled it till his mouth and bit it before attending the steering wheel with utmost concentration.

(Shameless.)

"And Monami?" He said when he saw the bashfulness that didn't allow his wife to speak.

"Huh?" She looked slightly messed up with his words and looked at him.

"It'll never be without your consent!" He tossed her a genuine smile.

"I know!" Despite all the diffidence, she whispered.

Soon enough they found themselves passing through the familiar lanes of Udaipur, amid the obvious hassle of the festival of lights which was approaching.

While looking at the well-lit shops, under the curtain of mirchi lights which were boasting of the firecrackers, some eye catchy decors, colorful diyas, Monami found herself revisiting the reality that is now a memory of the last year. When at this time, she didn't have any plans of getting married and here she is, after 9 months of her marriage, literally and figuratively.

"You know what Karan?" She turned her neck and fixed her gaze at him whilst he could only spare her a look of a second or a two. "Last year Diwali ki chhuttiyon mein mujhe tumhare baare mein bataya gaya tha. Honestly, I never thought I'l6l agree or rather I'll be convinced to spend my life with the first person I meet with marriage in my mind." She chuckled. "But I guess it's destiny. We meet someone only when we are destined to and at that moment, circumstances or time hardly matters because they have done enough for someone to knock on your door and now it's you who'll have to act and react." She raised her hand and scratched his little bushy cheek with her finger tips before repeating her actions with his chin, making the smile never leave his face.

"I didn't know ke mujhse duur rehne ka yeh asar hoga tum par. Khair mera kuch toh accha asar ho raha hai tum par, ab meri maujoodgi mein ho ya gair maujoodgi mein, kya farak padta hai." His was smug and cocky, and it was clearly evident.

(I didn't know that our long distance will affect you in this way. However, what matters is that you're picking up my good traits and not my presence or absence!)

Monami frowned and unknowingly scratched her forehead with her index finger, a habit of his that became hers. But Karan saw this, and man, his ears turned heated and a plethora of warm feelings fluttered his heart with such a small act she did.

"Huh?" She did not understand what he just jested at.

"C'mon now; the all time practical My Officer Saahiba, is highlighting and quoting the talks around destiny and right time with me, I am flattered." He said and carefully, with practiced expertise pulled his car in the parking lawn of their home. He unbuckled his belt, leaned down in her personal space, turned his head a little and made sure that his lips graze her ear shell as he spoke rather huskily, "Meri aadatein tumhari bann rahi hai, Monami. Aur mai bhi." He placed a sweet, unhurried peck on her ear and bit her earlobe before pulling back.

(My habits are becoming yours and so am I.)

Monami's eyelids fluttered as her gaze unsteadily fixed on her hands in her lap. Her cheeks felt warm and her ear felt sensitive. She was under the captivity of his charm and she had no qualms whatsoever.

She was a bit surprised as she heard a knock on her window side. Karan opened the door. "Shall we go in? Or do you want to blush some more?" He teasingly asked.

"You were the reason so you don't get to complain." She annoyingly muttered and came out of the car. But before she could take a step further towards the bonnet to take her luggage, he held her upper arm, right above her elbow and pulled her to his chest.

"I'm not complaining and I won't, ever." He hoarsely whispered. "Bas yeh jaankar acha lagta hai jab tumhare inn surkh laal gaalo ki wajah mera zikra hota hoon, aur uss'sey bhi zyada jab mein khud woh wajah bankar tumhe itne pyaar se nihaar sakta hoon." He said in a hushed tone, caressing the contours of her cheek.

(I just feel happy knowing that these scarlet cheeks are an outcome of my mention. But I'm even more elated when I personally become the reason and can stare and behold you.)

Just like a delicate brush of feathers, a smile daintily curved her lips and she rested her head on his shoulder for a few seconds.

"Ab iske pehle ki tumhaari baatein khatam nahi ho aur hume koi dhoondte huey bahar aaye, hume andar chalna chahiye!" Pulling back from his affectionate embrace, Monami said.

(Now before your endless talks resume again and someone comes out in search of us, we should move in.)

Karan nodded in understanding and walked towards the bonnet, took her stuff and they both went towards the entrance. He then asked Monami to call and inform Barkha about the same. She nodded and did as asked.

"Hi bhabhi."

"Hi. Tum dono aagaye?" Barkha enquired from the other side.

"Haan, bahar he hain. Aap bas papa aur baby ko andar jaane bol do na, aur bas gate poora khol do. Bas ek baar mai naha lu, phir sabse acche se milungi." Monami said, as it was discussed and decided amongst them unanimously to avoid interaction with the youngest and eldest member of the family, without proper sanitation. Although there was hardly any interaction with the outer public, it was still better to take proper measures.

(Yes, we're just outside. Can you please ask Papa and baby to go in the room and yes, please open the gate? Let me take a quick bath and then I'll meet everyone properly.)

Once she got the clean chit, she removed her shoes with her feet and walked in, followed by Karan, with her luggage in his hand. She turned her head in her left, where Barkha was standing.

"Chalo chalo fatafat upar jaao and come down after freshening up. Baby ab iss'sey zyada tumhara wait nahi kar payegi." Before Monami could say something, Barkha said and chuckled.

(Now, hurry up! Go upstairs and come down after freshening up. I don't think Baby will have in her to wait any more to meet you.)

Monami and Karan too chortled and hurriedly walked across the living room, ascended the staircase and dashed towards their room. Karan placed her luggage near the foot of the bed while Monami took a few seconds to admire the place she stepped in after months. She breathed in a deep breath and turned to face him with a sweet smile on her lips.

"Suno, mai pehle ready hoke neeche jaa rahi hoon. Tum aajana baad mein, okay?"

(Listen, I'll get ready and go downstairs first. You come later, okay?)

"Haanji." He blinked his eyes in affirmation.

(Yes.)

Monami quickly walked towards her luggage and fetched out her necessities and made a beeline towards the washroom. She had a bath, draped her wet hair in the towel and wore a simple mint green Kurti and leggings. She stepped out in the room, whilst undraping her towel and asked Karan to go in.

Karan who was lying on the bed with his feet hanging down while holding the phone in his hands, a few inches above his face and scrolling kept the phone aside and got on his feet and nodded. He put his phone in charge without turning the switch on and walked to their washroom. But before closing the door, he sneaked his head out and said, "Suno, baal sukhaaye bina mat jaana... thand lag jayegi." Keeping the door ajar, he went in. He simply handed her the dryer. "Yeh lo." He said after coming out and went back in.

(Listen; don't go without drying your hair or else you might catch cold.) (Take this.)

Monami held the dryer against her chest as she stared at the closed gate, a smile which was always present in Karan's presence, tugged at her lips, as she smiled at his thoughtfulness. As she plugged in the dryer, she noticed his phone and turned the switch on before proceeding with her task.

She then quickly dried her hair and secured her hair in a messy bun before taking out the chocolates she bought for baby and hurrying downstairs.

Once there, she found Barkha, Atul and Baby in the living room having their evening beverages. She walked towards Atul and touched his feet in greeting and settled on the single sofa chair opposite him, near Barkha.

"Kaise ho Papa?"

(How are you papa?)

"Mai theek hoon puttar ji. Tum aagayi thi acche se? Aur jo kaam tha woh bhi acche se ho gaya?" Atul enquired with earnest interest.

(I am fine, my child. How was your journey? And what about your work, it went well?)

"Haan ji, sab theek se ho gaya. Vaise papa, next month almost sabhi forces ke heads aa rahe hai next month. To have a detailed check on our growth till date, the strategic and technical planning, the field enforcements, emergency and disaster response, counter insurgency and so on. In fact, we'll have to write our detailed report of our on field experiences, personal equation with the team members and our physical and EQ test. Papa... if I'm not mistaken then this activity is being conducted to have a quick surveillance in our aptitude and attitude, towards our country and this new task force that is now on the road to become an indelible part of the Indian Defense system. What do you think?" Monami shared the recent happenings of her life with one of the two persons who'll understand the hooks and nooks of her life.

(Yes, everything went well. By the way Papa, the heads of almost all the forces will be coming in the next month.)

"Haan bacche. This can be a possibility, a very strong one. Since this team is one of its kind and a first one to exist in our country, so a patrolling and surveillance is a must to check all the boxes. Also, I know that you'll shine in your tests." Atul expressed his opinion after taking a few seconds. His attention was caught by Baby who tugged on his t-shirt's hem, with an adorable complaining pout.

(Yes child.)

"Accha bas bhai, ab humari baby ko tumhari attention milni chahiye. Aur kaam ki baat toh huma araam se kabhi bhi kar sakte hain." Atul caressed baby's head and said lightly.

(Okay now, our baby must get all the attention. And as it is, we can have this conversation whenever we get time, isn't it.)

Monami nodded at him with a smile and glanced at baby who was now sitting with her hands crossed at her chest, a puffed up face and pouted lips. But what Monami's gaze also caught was the sneaky peaks that baby was taking in her direction and this made her bite her lip to hide her grin.

"Hi baby!"

Baby stubbornly turned her head.

"Accha chachi ko ab hello bhi nahi bologi?" On getting no response, she tried again. "Umm theek hai bhabhi, ab baby toh mujhse baat bhi nahi karegi, itni gussa toh phir yeh chocolates mai Ved ko he dedungi, theek hai na?" Monami faked sadness in her tone as she asked Barkha.

(Okay, so now you won't even say hello to Chachi?) (Fine then Bhabhi; now that baby is not talking to me and she is angry too then I should give these chocolates to Ved, shouldn't I?)

"Haan yeh theek rahega." Barkha too played along with Monami.

(Yes, that'll be good.)

"Hawww. No." Saying so, baby quickly jumped off the sofa and skedaddled towards Monami and leapt in her embrace.

Monami, without further delay picks up baby in her arms and squeezed the kid in her affectionate embrace. She then picked the colorful candy box that was near her thighs and gave it to baby who excitedly took it and hugged her chachi in excitement.

Karan who was descending the staircase saw the scene and with a cheshirecat like grin on his face, he hurried in his moments. His slippers created the noise and then he was the center of attention. He hopped down from the last second step and sat on the arm rest of Monami's single sofa chair.

He raised his arm and deliberately brushed against Monami's before, swiftly pulling the box out of baby's feeble grip. "Hmm? Baby, bad manners! You were going to eat all these candies alone? You forgot your favorite human, your partner in crime, your chachu?" He teased and shook his head in fake sternness.

"Chachuuuu. Woh mera gift hai, mujhe chachi ne diya. Mujhe vaapis do." Baby argued.

(That is my gift, chachi gave it to me. Give it back to me.)

"Naahh. See you are my girl and chachi?" He looked at her and then continued, "She is also mine... my girl so now, I have a share in this gift as well, isn't it?"

Monami elbowed Karan for his blatantly blunt behavior in front of their family and snatched the box from his hand and gave it to baby. "Here! Take it and have fun." She gave a peck on her tiny forehead, got up and placed her back on the place where she was seated.

She then moved towards the kitchen where Barkha just went. Barkha had kept the tray of glasses that needed to be rinsed, on the platform beside the sink and she was apparently stirring something in the glass, standing a foot away from the sink.

"Kya kar rahe ho bhabhi? Lao mujhe do, mai kar du." Monami said, walking towards the said person.

(What are you doing bhabhi? Tell me, I'll do it.)

Barkha turned hearing her and shook her head. With a final stir, she placed the spoon in the tray and forwarded the glass to Monami. "Sab baad mein, pehle ye nimbu pani piyo."

(First have this lemonade and everything can be done afterwards.)

Monami was literally moved by this gesture of her sister in law. She was the sweetest. Despite not spending much time with her, Barkha never let anything affect their bond. Monami took the glass and kept it on the slab and embraced the other lady.

"Thank you bhabhi... thank you so much for making me feel at home. You are no less than an elder sister which I never had. Thank you for being you." Monami expressed her sincere feelings.

Barkha caressed her head and patted her back with a smile. "Arrey pagal ho tum? Apno ko koi thank you bolta hai? Aur tum meri chhoti behen he ho. And we are family Monami; I understand that you have very limited time to give your family so it's okay. You be you, rest all we be taken care of." She pulled back and patted he cheek.

Monami held her wrist and nodded her head. She quickly drank her lemonade after Barkha gestured and then they both got engaged in some random chit chat while doing some chores.

They then with unanimous concordance fixed the Deepawali delicacies and what will be kept in the good looking boxes for the guests. They also made a list of what is needed to be purchased on the day after next, Dhanteras and thereafter they were busy with the dinner preparations for which Monami strictly pushed Barkha out of the kitchen, asserting that she'll be in charge of the dinner and the latter should either sit and relax or perhaps take out the boxes/ cases that they were discussing about.

After finishing up, Monami walked out of the kitchen only to see Param entering the home, so she went back in the kitchen and brought water for him and everyone else. As Param came back washing his hands and settled on the sofa with baby on his lap, Monami came with a tray full of glasses of water and placed it on the center table before walking behind the sofa on which Barkha was seated along with Karan on its armrest.

"Hi Bhaiya, kaise ho?"

(Hi Bhaiya, how are you?)

"Bilkul theek Monami, tum kaisi ho? Kab aayi... Dopahar mein?" Param took the glass and replied.

(I am absolutely fine Monami, what about you? When did you come? In the afternoon?)

"Kind of; aana toh dopahar mein tha lekin quarters mein time lag gaya toh late ho gaya. Aap bataiye, aaj late ho gaya?" Monami asked knowing it was quite late than his usual time.

(Kind of; I was supposed to come in noon only but then I got caught up with some work in the quarters, hence the delay. You say, you got late today?)

"Hmm. Wok, especially in your case demands a lot." Param said in understanding and then continued, "Aur late toh isiliye ki diwali ke liye 2 extra din ki chhutti li hai toh yeh week thoda hectic hai, at least till the day before diwali. Phir shaanti hai."

(This week is pretty hectic and on top of it since I have applied for two extra days of leave, the workload is more... at least till a day before Diwali, and then I'll be relieved.)

"Oh, okay." Monami said and in the next second, an incomprehensible small sound escaped her mouth as Karan stealthily pinched the curve of her waist, taking full advantage of his wife standing almost adjacent to him.

"Kya hua beta?" Atul asked.

(What is it, dear?)

"Kuch nahi papa." She said softly and glared at Karan. This man had lost control on his hands. She thought.

Seeing Karan stifling a waiting to erupt laughter, Monami narrowed her eyes and swiftly pinched his upper arm, which earned an audible sound too.

"Ab tujhe kya hua bhai?" Param raised his brow.

(Now, what happened to you, bro?)

"Uh- kuch nahi?" Though he said in an answer, it came out as a question.

(Uh- nothing.)

"Haan, macchar kata hoga, haina Karan?" Barkha discreetly teased the couple and was well aware of their shenanigans but also because she understood this pattern of them.

(Yes. It must be a mosquito, isn't it Karan?)

"Uh yeah?"

"Tu apna karta reh uh- uh. Mai aata hoon thodi der mein." Param muttered annoyingly and went into his room.

(You continue with your uh-uh. I'll come in some time.)

Soon they all gathered after a long time for their last meal of the day sat with each other, having harmless gossip and mundane conversations on what all they had missed before calling it a night because it was indeed after an hour after midnight.

Once they were back in the room with Karan carrying their water bottle Monami had bolted the door. As soon as the bottle was kept on the stand and Karan turned, he found himself getting some smacks on his upper arm.

"Tum pagal wagal ho gaye ho kya?" Kya kar rahe the neeche? Woh bhi sabke samne? Besharam. Aur tum na apne haath apne paas he rakha karo." Monami went on like a bullet train and Karan was tickled pink with this out of the blue behavior of hers. It was a treat. His to savour, for a lifetime.

(Have you gone mad or what? What were you doing downstairs? That too in front of everyone? Shameless. And you better keep your hands with yourself only.)

Karan chuckled and draped his arm around her waist and pulled her, as he took a step back and rested his figure against the side table of his side, making sure that she was standing between his legs as he slowly, with deliberate actions reduced the gap between their legs.

"Sabke saamne nahi toh akele mein toh kar sakta hoon na? Aur mere haath toh mere paas he hain. Ab tum mujse alag thodi na ho, toh agar tum tak zara pahuch bhi gaye toh harz he kya hai?" He whispered in a low tempting voice as he tightened his hold and with another hand he pulled her clutch from her messy bun, letting her hair fall like a wavy cascade.

(If not in front of others, I can do this in private right? And my hands are with me only because now you are no different from me, isn't it? So even if they come a little towards you, it shouldn't be a problem right?)

"Tu-tum na chhodo mujhe. Bas badmashi karwa lo tumse." Monami mumbled with her breath caught in throat.

(Le-leave me. You are up to some naughtiness, always.)

"Arrey, kahan jaa rahi ho?" He whined, as she backed away from his arms.

(Where are you going?)

"Sone. Kal jaldi uthna hai." Monami nonchalantly said and walked to the washroom.

(To sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow.)

Karan muttered a few inaudible curses as he went in the washroom to do his business before falling and sprawling on the mattress carelessly as he flung his arm and feet on his personal cuddle bear and after a sluggish good night, he slipped off in a slumber.

Though Monami tried to make him bulge, but even she knew that it was with no mood and half efforts. So she simply adjusted his frame, covered him with a quilt and slept after finding a comfortable position, as much as she could.

In the arms of companionship and togetherness, they cocooned closer and closer. As the night light was covering the chaos of the day with tranquility, it was also concluding a chapter in so many lives that will narrate the tales of these yellowing pages when the fingers of the future will delicately trace and embrace these fleeting moments of serendipity.

|~|~|~|~|

5.90k+words.

How was the chapter guys? Honestly, I wrote it whenever I had time so I hope it came out okay. I would love to know your opinion.

Now now:
I'm sincerely sorry for not being active and not following my words. I had a youth fest in my college and then your author has her very first open mic! So the the time just flew.

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Much love,
Nehal.