Hey everyone!

Long time no see, but I did mention it on my feed.
How are you all doing?
Hope this makes this smile.

Happy reading.

Unedited

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November 2020

To wander in the lanes of contentment is such a serene walk amid the hurly- burly streets of the world, isn’t it? It feels as if you’ve walked towards the pedestal of satiated satisfaction.

This feeling is like a grandmother’s nighttime lullaby, and the cocoon in which it holds us feels like a warm hug with a sigh! It resembles those summer vacations of school where we would make all sorts of plans containing unlimited data of enjoyment that we would embrace in our Nanihaal.

(Maternal Granny’s house.)

Saral shabdon mein kahun toh kuch aisa hai… ki jo hai, jaisa hai aur jitna hai…kaafi hai. Aur shayad iss’sey paryaapt ab aur kuch nahi.

(To say it in simple words, it is as if whatever we have, however we have and how much we have… is enough. And perchance, nothing could be more satisfying than this.)

This feeling of uninterrupted and uncorrupted contentment was radiating on the faces of the couple who were on their way to be with each other in a little more proximity and a little more away from the crowd of which they were a part of.

It was around half past two when they started their journey after having lunch and informed their clan members back at home. Even now, she was clueless about their destination. Although she made a guess of Manali, it was just a part of it so he just cheekily smiled when she looked at him for confirmation.

Monami insisted that Karan take a nap as it was quite tiresome for him and for his leg. So here she was, gazing at a serenely asleep Karan, while the fingers of her one hand were engaged in caressing his hair as he was asleep on her lap and his legs comfortable on the air pillow in front of their seat.

Talk about being a grown up and equal parts of a stubborn man. Monami thought, as a frown covered her features when she looked at him. She was clearly not in favor of this when he had an impending surgery but it was him, who wanted this.

Monami’s eyebrows twitched and the corner of her lips pulled up as she recalled their conversation.

Karan was back in Udaipur after his IPL, sitting on his bed while operating his laptop and was on a video call with Monami who was chopping vegetables for her dinner.

“Accha suno?” He spared a glance on the right side of the screen and looked at her.

(Hey listen?)

“Hm?”

“You remember, we made some plans for our trip, back in June?”

“Haan.”She looked at him and nodded. “But we are cancelling it, okay? We are taking no such draining trips for you.” She said in an absolutely no nonsense tone.

“Monami yaaaaar.” Karan whined a little as a part of his dramatic nature. “We are going.”

Monami looked at him in disbelief as she looked at him. She washed off the knife and her hands, before wiping them and picking the phone in her hand.

“Tumhe khud bhi pata hai kaisi behki behki baatein kar rahe ho? You’re injured, you have surgery to undergo and sir wants to go for an outing.” She scoffed in sarcasm.

(Do you yourself know how illogical you’re sounding?)

“Arrey baba, listen to me!” When he saw his oh so casual tone was not working, he tilted his head and narrowed his eyes as he thought to use his charms. “Sunn toh lo!”

(At least listen to me.)

When Monami didn’t say anything, except scrunching her nose, Karan bit his inner cheek to stop the ear to ear grin from appearing. He silently cheered in victory, knowing she gave into his shenanigans.

“See, I know I have my surgery on the 24th and we’ll be back by the 20th evening, so there won’t be any load as well. Also, I didn’t know before that the sprain in my leg would become a sprain in our honeymoon.” His visage pulled up in a displeased feeling.

“Lekin Karan, agar aise he karenge toh main toh tumhare saath surgery ke baad zyada rukk bhi nahi paungi. Saari leaves khata ho jayengi.” Monami reasoned as she rested her back against the slab.

(But Karan, if we do it like this then I won’t be able to stay with you post surgery. I won’t be left with any leave then.)

“Arrey toh meri Jaan, yeh konsa major surgery hai? They just have to fix my nerve tissues, hardly a procedure of half an hour.” Karan coaxed her softly.

(This is not a major surgery, love, isn’t it?)

“Still…” Her words dropped by the decibel in her undertone.

“Look at me!” Karan gently asked as he saw her eyes which were fixed elsewhere.

Once he had her attention, he smiled his sweetest smile and blinked her eyes in an assuring manner before he said anything.

“See, you’ll still be there for 3 days, out of which I’ll be there in the hospital for only 2 days. And then after 10 days, I’ll be going to NCA. So, there’s no point in taking the load of guilt, sweetheart.” Karan explained.

When Monami continued to look on the screen with an expression of longing in her eyes, Karan’s eyes softened too. At that, he knew he had to divert her attention.

“Oye, Officer Sahiba! Where is my brave heart? C’mon, it’s not that big of a reason for you to be displeased upon.” As he saw her lips perking up a little, he knew he was successful in his attempt. “Cheer up and let us plan for our long due honeymoon.”At then, Monami rolled her eyes, her lips curved in the faintest shadow of a smile.

“What is there to plan?” She said nonchalantly.

“Arrey wahan par toh, hum tum ek kamre mein band ho aur chaabi kho jaaye!” He sang the lines of the famous song with his eyes glimmering with mischief. “Haan, who alag baat hai ki wahan hume chabi ki chinta nahi, gharwalon ki chinta nahi, kaam ki chinta nahi aur naa he mujhe meri sardi ki chinta…” The moment he uttered his last set of words, he bit his tongue as he blurted out what was supposed to be a secret.

(Oh, there the scene would be like, we two, locked in a room with its key lost!) (Now that is a different thing that there we won’t be panicking about keys, our family back at home, work and neither would I be worrying about my cold…)

“Sardi? Where are we going, Karan? In sab mein yeh toh reh he gaya.” Monami blinked her eyes, as she collected her thoughts and discussions about this trip.

(Cold?) (I forgot to ask you this.)

“Yaar, main nahi bata raha!” Karan whined, feeling foolish for blurting it out. But he won’t be giving in, to her questions or gazes, or whatever. 

(I’m not telling you anything anymore!)

“Itna bata he diya toh poora he bata do!” She wriggled her eyebrows, teasing him.

(Now that you’ve told me this, share it completely!)

Monami knew that Karan knew that she was having her share of fun at his expense, but neither of them wanted this vibe to end.

“Yaar jaaaaan, please ha. Tumhe pata hai na ki main tumhare saamne kuch bhi bakk deta hoon, who bhi bina kuch soche.” He frowned before shaking his head. “Aur isi chakkar mein main hardly koi secret rakh pata hoon, khaaskar tumse.”

(Loveee, please ha! You know it well that I just end up blurting anything in front of you, that too without thinking twice.) (And this makes it really difficult for me to keep anything secret, especially from you.)

Monami heard him while biting her lips, knowing well that whatever her man just uttered was cent percent sure. There was this thing, out of innumerable things that she adored about this guy. It was endearing to her. It made her feel special, knowing even after being expressive, he just had his own way with her and that was winsome.

And the way he calls her jaan! Specifically in times of their banter, it is home-some. No doubt, she had always acknowledged others’ feelings but this time, when she finally began to understand her harboring feelings for him, his gestures and habits just made her want him to be in the major part of her day; in the major part of her life.

“Haan, toh tabhi toh keh rahi hoon ki bata he do ab.” Monami put a halt on her racing thoughts and landed herself back to reality.

(That’s the only reason I’m asking you to let it out completely.)

“Aisa hai madam, aap na sirf yeh mat bhooliye ki yeh humara honeymoon hai. Baaki ka main sab sambhal lunga.” Karan can never not have an upper hand when it comes to the game of tease.

(Madam, you just don’t forget the fact that this is our honeymoon. I’ll handle the rest.)

“Yeh tum kya kabse besharmo ki tarah honeymoon honeymoon kar rahe ho? Trip he hoti hai yeh bhi.” Monami blinked rapidly so as not to feel the heat creeping up her cheeks.

(What is with you behaving shamelessly and constantly chanting about honeymoon? This is also considered as a trip only.)

“An hn?” He raised his brow as smugness appeared on his countenance. “One thing that I for sure know is that, this is not just ‘a trip’. Agar hoti bhi hai, toh humare liye toh definitely nahi hogi. Aur, besharmi ki baat hai toh phir wahan par toh tumhe meri harkat mein bhi sharam nahi milegi. Soch lena.” His voice turning huskier with each syllable his lips rasped out.

(Even if this is a trip, it won’t be the same for us, for sure. And if this is about shameless words, then you won’t find an ounce of shame in my actions there. Be aware.)

Monami’s eyes were left open, with her jaw dropping on the floor. She blinked furiously to keep her mind going off the track and to keep the jitters in her body in control.

“Uh, Monami?” He approached after a few seconds, as if he was not yet done tiring the heat in her body. Her eyes found his. “Woh sardi wali baat bhi yaad rakhna.”

(Keep that thing about the cold in your mind.)

She frowned, at his half baked talks.

“Dekho, tum thehri har mausam ke toofan se ladne ko taiyaar fauji, toh tumhe toh vaise he sardi se kuch khaas farak padega nahi…” He paused, after stating the obvious. “Aur jahan tak meri sardi ki baat hai, main tumhe odh lunga.” He bit his lower lip, as his warm charcoal orbs filled with a knowing look.

(See, now you’re a soldier, ready to fight any battle of weather, so you won’t be getting affected by the cold anyways.) (And as far as I am concerned, I’ll simply wrap you around me.)

“Karan!” She meekly gasped out in nervousness.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, we won’t be proceeding any further till we both are ready to bare our deepest of the vulnerabilities to each other. You and I both need that time and togetherness and so we will wait, till both of us are ready.” Karan offered a gentle smile.

“You know it very well right?” She said softly, making him give a questioning look to her. “Kya bolna hai aur kab.” She shook her head; smiling tenderly and making him chuckle.

(What to say and when.)

“Karan, honestly speaking mujhe bhi yahi sahi lagta hai. Hum ek dusre ke saath itna zyada nahi rahe hain ki tum ya main koi bhi itna easily next step le le. Yes, we share warm comfort but that too happened gradually. Toh hum time lenge, ek dusre ke saath jitna ho saka utna waqt bitayenge aur phir eventually whenever we feel it is the right time, will be the right time.” Monami agreed to the sensitivity of the topic they were discussing.

(Honestly speaking, Karan, even I feel this is the right way. We did not stay that much with each other to take this step with this ease.) (So, we will take our time and spend as much time with each other as we can and then eventually whenever we feel is the right time, will be the right time.)

“Tabhi toh, hum aisi baat jo hum ek dusre se aamne saamne baith kar karni chahiye, aise video call pe kar rahe hain.” Karan let out a mirthless chuckle, at the villain of their lives, time.

(See, this is the reason we are having such a conversation, which needs to be talked about while sitting in front of each other, on a video call.)

“Bas, thoda time aur.” Monami heaved a sigh.

(It is just a matter of time.)

Monami placed the phone back on the slab against the wall of the kitchen, as she got engaged with her paused work and Karan too, resumed his work. They worked in quietude, amid an occasional clink of utensils or tapping of keys on the keyboard or a few words here and there.

“Suno, tum bhi jao aur dinner le lo. I’ll also go and have mine.” She said, as she looked at the time.

(Listen, go and have your dinner.)

“Hmm.” He spared her a glance and nodded.

“Okay then… wait.” She said, as he was about to hang up.

Karan raised his eyebrows in question, asking her to continue.

“Hum jaa kahan rahe hain? Tumne tab bhi nahi bataya tha.” She was curious.

(Where are we going? You did not even tell me back then.)

“Somewhere in the North.” He said, giving half information.

“Kashmir? Ladakh? Leh?” He tch-ed, in continuous no, having his share of fun at her impatience.

“Phir? Manali?”

“It’s just a part of our trip oh, and we will be going via car!” He smiled cheekily. “Aur ab main aur kuch bhi nahi bata raha. Jaao khana khao aur so jao timely.” He spoke and hung up, without even giving her a chance.

(Now I won’t disclose anything more. Have your meal and sleep timely.)

Monami came out of her lane of memories as she felt Karan snuggling closer in her stomach, cradling her palm within his. She gazed down, her charcoal orbs meeting his.

Karan woke up, after a relaxing nap. He needed it, he knew but he wouldn’t have voiced it out. Though the situation never occurred, his wife knew him. Almost like the back of her hand.

Once he got up and turned in his position, his eyes flickered upwards and he saw his wife gazing outside, but still not paying attention to her surroundings. So he did the needful to grab her attention.

“Kya soch rahi ho?” Karan’s voice was husky, dazed with sleep.

(What are you thinking?)

“Yahi ki kaise behla fusla ke mujhe apne saath leke aaye ho aur phir jagah bhi nahi bata rahe.” Monami scrunched her nose, as she spoke quietly.

(The fact that how you’ve manipulated me to join you and above that, you haven’t even disclosed about the place.)

“Sabr karo kanya, sabr ka phal meetha hota hai.” He slowly got up and at the word meetha, which he put extra emphasis on, looked in her eyes at her level and gave a quick peck at the corner of her lips and moved beside her to sit.

(Have some patience, girl. Patience bears sweet fruits.)

(Sweet )

Monami’s eyes raised a little and she quickly looked in front, to see that the driver did not look and once she was sure, she exhaled and looked beside her, only to smack on his bicep, muttering, “Pagal.”

(Idiot.)

Their rest of the journey was spent in the moving wheels, as they talked, ate some food, watched a movie and admired the view the lanes were blessing them with.

As the car inched closer to their destination, they could see the mesmerizing Beas River flowing in its flow. The subtle continuous waves, as they drenched the few smaller rocks in between and nudged the rock filled shore, surrounded by lush greens and browns, was a splendid creation of nature.

The more they sloped higher, the change in the winds became more evident. The windows of their car slowly got the insides colder. The night started approaching when it was barely 5:30 in the evening. And then, it did not take long for the cloak of the night to cover the surroundings in its long drape.

Snuggled into each other under the warm quilt, they comfortably embraced the weather and each other in this much needed solitude. Also, it made it easy for Karan to keep the place hidden from Monami till it’s very last.

After the adequate halts and necessary breaks, and a long nap, they finally reached their destination. The nap was the reason Monami failed to see the board of their destination. They got out of the car, stretched their squeezed limbs and blew out the air, which seemed as if they were releasing a breath after smoking.

Karan walked on the side of his wife, his arm wrapping against her shoulder, effortlessly. He tightened his grip on her. They looked across the place, standing under the road lights.

There was hardly any proper visibility to deduce the place they were at. Except for the trees, rumble of the leaves and murmur of the flowing water added to the presence of the river that was their companion since the beginning of their slope.

“Ab toh bata do, kahan hain hum?” Monami raised her head, pressing her chin on his chest.

(Where are we? At least tell me now.)

“Arrey ab itna sabr kiya he hai, toh thoda aur karlo, please?” Karan requested quietly. Monami puckered her lips as her eyes narrowed. “Kal subah acche se dekhna poora. Aur vaise bhi raat mein kya he dekhogi? Araam karte hain abhi, aur uske liye please andar bhi chal lein? Mujhe thand lag rahi hai kyuki aur thoda sa pairon mein dard bhi ho raha hai.” He twitched his lips, as he mumbled the last sentence.

(Now when you’ve kept this much patience, please keep a little more?) (Look around here at your own pace in the morning. Besides, what will you even get to look at in the night? Let us take some rest now and for that, can we please get inside? I am feeling cold and have slight pain in my legs.)

Monami looked at him, alerted and took a step to move ahead, after analyzing her surroundings. She saw a couple in their late 40’s walking in their direction.

“Kulkarni Ji?” Karan asked.

“Ji.”Mr Kulkarni responded with a smile, as he joined his hands in greeting. “Welcome Sir, welcome ma’am. Welcome to our homestay! We hope your stay here makes you feel like home. We have our cottage right at the back, in case you need any assistance. The cleaning would be done around 10 in the morning and if you want to have something in here, please let us know.” He completed with a smile and a formal receptive message.

Mrs. Kulkarni led their way to the door of their homestay which was looking in a dual shade of golden brown and dark brown because of the aesthetic bulb fixed above. She opened the gate and walked in, placing the lock and the key on the table, which was placed in front of the bed with a miniature flower pot on the book, alongside a tray.

It was a well lit room, filled in with natural wood tones. It was golden brown; making the space a cozy one. The golden bulbs on the wooden ceiling gave warm tones of comfort to the room. It gave a rustic ambiance and a homely vibe. There was a master bed placed in the center of the room with a solid wooden headrest against the wall, a couple of feet from the entrance. The side desks were attached with the bed on both the sides.

On the right side of the bed, with a distance of two arms, there was a mid length glass window, which gave away the view of lush greens all over and against it was a cozy sitting space; like a traditional wooden sofa. Not only this, there was a gigantic window just beside this, with a distance of a pillar in between. It gave them a direct view from their bed. There was a table-like slab attached to it, with a flower pot and some add ons. It was decked up by a chair, curtains and a small tea table in front of it.

The room was like a replica of mindful carvings and plans. With traditional and hand-woven rugs and mats, the carvings here and there and greenery all around, it was some place with authenticity and charms.  

A complete check out from her eyes, and Monami was impressed. She looked at Karan and gave him a nod, with a subtle curve of her lips, making a known smile tug at his lips.

In the meanwhile, the driver came along with their baggage, which was not much, considering the pro packers this couple was, or well, more like Monami was. He kept their suitcases and a bag near the gate and nodded at them, gesturing he was done.

Karan looked at him and walked in his direction. “Thank you, Kashyap Ji. Ab aap bhi jaaiye aur rest kijiye, bas subah 11 baje tak taiyaar rahiyega.” He patted his back and asked softly.

(Now please, you also go and have some rest. Just be ready by 11 in the morning.)

“Ji Sir. Lekin rehna…?” Kashyap left the sentence hanging.

(But where do I stay…?)

“Oh haan, aapko toh…” Karan started but frowned when he couldn’t recollect the details and looked at Monami.

(Oh yes, you have to…)

Monami shook her head and looked towards the Kulkarni couple, “Please take him to the stay number 13.”

Mr. Kashyap’s countenance turned grateful as he heard what he heard. It was for the first time that he was offered, strike that, given the same accommodation as the people he was driving around. He intertwined his fingers as he bowed a little.

Well, it was a very well planned decision. Both Karan and Monami earned well and they could easily afford what they wanted to and hence, it was something they never compromised on; providing the one who was giving them their time and service the best quality they could give.

Monami smiled a little and continued as she looked at the older lady, “Mrs. Kulkarni, please prepare some light moong dal khichdi for tomorrow’s breakfast.”

Mrs. Kulkarni nodded with a sweet smile and followed Mr. Kulkarni, followed by Mr. Kashyap.

A couple of seconds later after all of them left, Karan closed the door and walked towards bed before sprawling on it like a panda. Monami shook her head with a fond smile on her lips.

“Monami yaar, tumne moong dal khichdi ka kyu bola? Apne pehle pati ke saath pehli baar honeymoon pe aayi ho aur pehli baar hum khaane mein saath mein yahan par moong dali khichdi khayenge?” He scrunched his nose, as he called out to his wife by turning his body sideward, in her direction.

(Monami, why did you ask her to prepare moong dal khichdi to her? You’re on your first honeymoon, with your first husband the first meal that we’ll share is this moong dal khichdi?)

“Taabiyat kharab tumhari, surgery baaki tumhari, rehab mein jaake rehne ki taiyaari tumhari aur abhi kuch dino mein jo cheat days ki chalaaki bhi tumhari. Toh naa seedhe se yeh khaao bina nakhre dikhaye, konsa phir hum koi diet follow karenge?” Monami rolled her eyes, as she stated the facts. She paused, as she squinted her eyes before continuing, “Aur kya matlab hai tumhara? Pehla pati, pehla honeymoon? Tum kahin jaa rahe ho kya? Kyuki mera lifetime iraada toh tumhare saath he hai.” She shrugged in nonchalance and as she saw a smile creeping up his lips, she bit her lip in mischief. “Kya hai na, tumhare saath ka he experience bohot hai. Baar baar yeh sab jhela nahi jayega.”

(Whose health is in bad shape? Yours. Whose surgery is pending? Yours. Who is gearing up for the rehab? You. And who was the one who was being clever with his cheat days, all these days? You. So, it’ll be better if you eat it without any tantrums because after this meal who is going to follow the diet anyway?) (And what do you mean by this; first husband, first honeymoon? Are you going somewhere? Because I have my life time plans with you.) (Moreover, I’ve got enough experience with you. I cannot bear this again and again.)

Karan jumped up from his position and twisted his lips as he narrowed his eyes in offence. “Youuuu!” He yelled out in fun and threw the pillow he grabbed from his back on her, making her burst out in laughter.

“What? The truth is always bitter, isn’t it?” She said in between her laughing fits as she threw back the pillow on him, walking closer.

Karan was sitting on his knees, on the bed. She walked closer, until her thighs touched the edge of the bed. She pulled out the pillow from his hands and ruffled his hair, messing them. Then, she encircled her arms around his nape and pulled him closer until they were eye to eye.

Tracing her fingers upwards in his mane, she pecked his nose. He closed his eyes as his lips curved up a bit.

“Mujhe tumhare alaawa aur kisi ko jhelna bhi nahi hai. Mere liye tum kaafi ho and mujhe is kaafi se na toh zyada chahiye na he kam, mujhe yehi chahiye.” She firmly said, in the softest words though.

(It is not like I want to bear anyone else, for that matter anyway. You’re enough for me and I do not want anyone more or less than this enough. I only want this.)

Her words and the ones in between the lines were more than abundant for him to melt. Before he could relish these moments, he felt a familiar pair of mushes caressing his; in the softest tango.

This unhurriedness, hushed breaths, delicate pecks and stroking caresses formed the very outline whenever they used to kiss. What followed afterwards was a perfervid whisper of wishful desires; a fiery entanglement of limbs and tongue it was.

Pulling away, Monami cupped his neck, tracing her thumb on the contours of his cheeks and ear shells before gesturing with her eyes for him to bend down and he did so. She planted a deep kiss of assurance on his forehead and dropped another brief peck before maintaining a little distance.

There were a handful of moments in which Monami initiated the intimacy, and those were like the love letters written with the feather pen. They were wholesome and full of contentment. It was like the subtle eaves of the sea gently nudging and drenching the soles of the feet and soul of the person, back and forth.

They did a sweet nose rub against each other before settling down on the bed, kicking off their shoes. They called back home and informed their clan about their safe arrival and then much to his distaste and lethargy and tiredness, they cleaned up and then dozed off.

It was around 4 when Monami woke up, out of habit. She got up, did her morning prayers and when she did not feel sleepy, even when it was barely two and a half  hours ago that they both fell asleep, she heaved in a deep breath and turned sideward, facing Karan.

There he was, cocooned up in the blanket, breathing calmly and his breaths were hitting her chin, as she faced him. Seeing him so peaceful and sans any drama, her lips curved up. She closed off the distance, which is hardly any, but still there and snuggled up against him, as she hugged his waist.

Even in his subconscious and also because of the cold, he immediately accepted the comforting heat that radiated off her and pulled her closer, squeezing her frame in his broad one, making her smile at the usual scene and she closed her eyes, finding his arms and embrace luring enough to slip into slumber.

The morning hour woke them up in a pleasant holidaying mood. They were relaxed and at ease. The beautiful greens, the chilled winds were so much better than the chaotic reality they were always engaged in.

They got ready in comfy woolens and got ready for the day before they got a knock on their door to have a warm, stomach friendly breakfast. The vintage charms and serene greens did the magic; of maintaining the slightest touch, throughout.

As Karan took his last bite, Monami asked. “Ab toh bata do ki kahan hain hum?” She asked tiredly.

(Can you tell me at least now, where are we?)

Karan wiped his lips and smiled, as he forwarded his hand to her. As she gave in her hand, he stood up with her and pulled her in a back hug near the wooden slab in front of the glass window.

“We’re in Shoja!”He mumbled in her ear before placing his chin on her shoulder, as they both captured the sight in their eyes, which captured their hearts.

“Shoja, the village near Manali?” She asked to confirm, as she tilted her head to give him a more comfortable space.

“Hmm! How do you know it?” He asked curiously. “I mean it’s a bit offbeat!”

“We were just studying about some villages near Kashmir and Manali for a mission. So by that, I got to know about this.” Her broad nature of retained memory, never failed to amaze him.

He angled his face such that his lips caressed the soft skin of her neck. Giving it a sweet bite, followed by a lick, he rasped, “Ab chalein hum?”

“Hm.” If it was a moan or her confirmation, she was unsure and he didn’t tease. He just gave a small peck over it, before kissing her temple and they moved out.

They walked around their homestay, taking in the best, the nature was blessing them with. The panoramic views were beautiful, undisturbed by the notorious people and all of it felt like a blanket of warmth, ironic to the cold weather.

Then, they strolled a little around the town filled with the rusticity of the wooden houses and the scent of the tall pine trees. The mountains were really cool; figuratively and metaphorically.

It was a conscious decision to opt for a place that is offbeat and not a major tourist attraction. The reasons were two, number one was that Karan was a known figure and they wanted a place with a collectively less crowd and second was the fact they were only looking for a getaway with quietude in the air.

Once done with their little walk in the lanes of contentment, they headed to Tirthan Valley, where the River Tirthan, stole their hearts. This beautiful tributary of the Beas River was a flow of enchantment. They took a walk on the shore, where it was permitted and held onto each other as they clicked a few shots.

Thereafter, they also visited the famous apple orchards of the valley and savored its natural and organic taste.

Monami was eating a slice of the apple, looking all gorgeous in her basic blue colored mom jeans and an oversized sweater, topped with a beret. She was looking like a Germander Speedwell, a flower he grew to adore since he visited Europe.

Giving in to his irresistible and titillating tempttion, he tugged on her hanging sleeves on the forearm, startling her a bit. In a sudden reaction, she kept her one palm on his chest and another was holding the apple in between her teeth, looking at him with wide eyes.

Wordlessly, he leaned in, making sure to not avert his similar charcoal from hers. He dropped in further, before intentionally brushing his lips on her fingers as he bit the rest of the apple slice, grazing her lips with his teeth in subtle move.

He moved back and nibbled on his apple, as he continued to look at her now tinted cheeks. The cold weather and his little sneak in did just the right thing. While she was dumbfounded at his act and the fact he was behaving so casual.

“What? I could not resist having the apple even after I had mine.” He shrugged as if he never did anything and grabbed her hands in his. “Chalo, let’s go now.”

(Come on!)

Monami fell in step with him, as they settled in the car. From there, they headed to the Jalori Pass, yet another artistic and majestic beauty. Throughout their drive, they were surrounded with the mountains and valleys and this was nothing less than a picturesque. 

They clicked a few pictures and stored so many in the gallery of their memories. They held onto each other and just watched, the moment, the togetherness and in those moments of unspoken, unhurried and uninterrupted breaths, a flicker and then a tide of realization hit them, making their hands to tighten their grip on the other.

From there, with their hearts full and a knowing, reassured state of mind, they headed back to Shoja around late evening. A duvet of night wrapped this quiet village and the road lights acted as the glimmering stars.

Karan and Monami got back to their homestay and enjoyed a freshly cooked meal by Mrs. Kulkarni, who was priorly informed of the same. Once done, they spent some time looking at the pictures of the day. It was wholesome and this was just a day.

They were on the bed, with their backs resting against the headrest and legs flat on the mattress. Since the pictures were in Karan’s phone, he had it in his hands and Monami was lazily hung on his side frame as she rested her cheeks on his clavicle and her arms gripping his left one, while peeping into the phone.

Gradually, in this time span Monami had started becoming more comfortable with him, and so was the case with him. But given to her reserved nature, he subconscious gestures made him feel good.

She was now more relaxed around him and a lot less uptight. She would be careless and carefree, to some extent around him and he was content. Because this was IT for her and she was IT for him.

“Karannn!” She sluggishly said, cuddling more in his frame.

“Haan jaan?” He looked down at her and freed his left arm gently before throwing it over her shoulders and tugging her closer.

(Yes my love.)

“Mujhe sona hai aur tum mere sir mein haath fero.” She whisper commanded and it made him smile. If she had said this, it must mean that she actually needs some sleep and why not, when she made sure throughout the last couple of days that he is not exerting his leg.

(I want to sleep and you ruffle my hair.)

There were very few moments like this wherein his better half would put forth something in a demanding voice. Sure, she often emphasized her right but demand? They made rare occurrences.

So, shutting his phone and keeping it on the bedside table, he pulled her with him as they both lied down. He secured her in his embrace and gently traced his fingers in the route of her silky tresses.

Consequently, his ministrations fell slow and his breathing matched in sync with hers. The tale of love this night shared was yet untold but unfurling simultaneously.

The next day was a laid back one. They got up at ease, enjoyed their breakfast, admired the view and lazed around in the room.

Monami was sitting on the side wooden sofa, with her legs stretched on its extended part as she talked to her mother. Once done, she rested her head back as she closed her eyes.

This was how Karan found her when he came out of the washroom. He quietly walked across the room and placed a chair in front of the sofa, facing her feet. She opened her eyes and looked at him, discerning his actions.

He raised her feet up, settled down before placing her feet on his lap. Monami straightened up and was about to pull back, when he tightened his hold on her. So she quietly slouched down, easing her stiffness. Meanwhile, Karan too, stretched his feet on the chair.

“Tumhe pata hai meri baby se baat hui abhi thodi der pehle, mujhse kehne lagi ki chachi wahan se bohot saari snow leke aana.” She chuckled as she recollected her words.

(You know I just had a word with baby a few minutes back and there she was telling me to bring her some ice from here.)

Karan too chuckled. “Mujhse bhi kaha tha usne. In fact mujhe toh Yak tak lane ko bol diya.” Saying so, he started brushing his fingertips on the soles of her feet.

(She asked me the same thing. In fact, she asked me to bring her a Yak as well.)

“And you know…” Her words felt silent as she registered the movements of his fingertips.

His eyes were down. His fingers paused before he did the same thing yet again and this time, he looked at her, right in her eyes. This eye lock was something akin to seeing her soul through these windows.

I Love You.

He traced this. He confessed this. And her insides trembled with this.

She tried to pull her feet back, so that she could have a talk with him. But before she could complete her action, he reacted in a swift and intense manner as he curved his right arm in “V” and latched it under her knees and reduced the distance between them until she was on his lap, with her legs hanging on his left.

He tugged her close and raised his left arm and caressed her ear shell. She closed her eyes and the overwhelming sensations started to sink in.

“I love you, Karan.” She mumbled quietly, opening her eyes and engirdling her arms around his neck.

“I love you, braveheart.” He pecked her nose.

“Braveheart? Isn’t it sweetheart usually?” She asked, smiling softly.

“Haan lekin jitni tum sweet ho na, uss’sey kahin zyada tum brave ho, bahadur ho. Aur mere liye kisi bhi naam se zyada zaroori tumhaari pehchaan, tumhara wajood hai. And there should be a continuous reminder, right? Which reminds you that you are a brave soul, sweetheart.” His eyes fixated on hers, as he opened his heart. “Moreover, I love the person you are and the person you mean to me.”

(Yes, but more than sweet, you’re a lot more brave and strong. And for me, more than any name, what matters is your identity and your existence.)

Monami’s eyes teared up. How can someone not love him? She traced beneath his eyes as she spoke, “You’re too charming for my own good.” She chuckled. “The care disguised in your tease and the love in your dramatics is my reason to smile brighter, each day. You mean a lifelong companionship to me. And I love you more because of the person you bring in me, in your presence. You’re precious too, jaan.” She rested her forehead against his.

They basked in the realm of this cocoon they were nestled in. The confession was unexpected, it was sudden. And it was not like they needed it, because their souls were already walking on the shores with their hands entwined. It was just a verbal acceptance, a clear cut submission to each other for them to grow in Love.

•°•°•

@karan.shergill

❤️💬⏩
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karan.shergill All my heart ❤️

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koel.s When did you become so romantic?
|| siddique_faizi Since he got married! 😂 Kyu? Hai naa Janaab ji 🌚🌚
|| karan.shergill chalte bano dono.

param.shergill dekhlo barkha_shergill vedant_26, bhaisahab majnu Bhai bane baithe hain. 👀
|| karan.shergill bhaiya jaao yaar kaam Karo apna. 🙂

sanjana.21 You two 🫶 and Us, when? sid_g

ksfc_ Ab toh muh dikhai kardo KS! 🥹

kshergillfc_ Mard with his pasandida aurat 🤌

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An image that I had in my mind for their homestay, I created it!

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6.7k+ words.

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Thank you so much for all your love! But please vote and comment.

Much love,
Nehal