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November 2020

Sometimes we cling onto the memories; memories of the time that has passed, the people who mattered, the things we were attached to and sometimes, it's vice versa. These memories cling to us, for their very essence. It is hard to tell when we end up living something so random or so special that our reminiscing self paves a way for these little anecdotes to knock on our doors telling, "Hey remember us? Or perhaps the way you were in that very moment."

It is special, isn't it? It is as special as the moment when an infant smiles its first toothless smile and at the same time, it is as bittersweet when we notice our grandparents curving their lips in a toothless smile, spreading the pearls of their years old experience of experiencing life.

In simplest of words, each passing minute is a little brick of a memory in making our wall of life. Sometimes the cement is too much and sometimes we figure out the correct amount of water to be mixed in. But it is ephemeral to say, that yes we had mixed our parts of sand and cement each minute we lived; at times in our own Pandora box and at other times, of people.

Phir baat toh yaad ki hai. Kabhi guzri baaton ko yaad kiya jaata toh kabhi un yaadon ki baat ki jaati hai.

(It has always been about the memories. Sometimes we remember the past events and sometimes it is about the memories we talk about.)

It was the same chunks of the memories, which held the attention of the couple. They were looking at the pictures they clicked on the Polaroid Camera they carried, on Karan's idea, which was turning out to be amazing and the said man left no chance unturned to boast about it.

They were in Naggar for the day and visited the famous Naggar castle and had the famous Siddu.

[Siddu is a type of steamed bread made from wheat flour, often stuffed with a mixture of poppy seeds, ground nuts, and other ingredients like green peas or potatoes. It's typically served with ghee (clarified butter) and can be enjoyed with dal (lentil soup) or chutney. Siddu is a must-try for anyone visiting Naggar, offering a taste of the local flavors and culinary traditions.]

Done with their eased up exploration, they were in the confines of their room for the night before they set out to visit their last stop of their honeymoon, Kullu the next morning.

They both were cuddled up on the bed, with Karan resting his back against the headrest while Monami was perched up against his back. His hands were on her stomach and the blanket wrapped them up in a warmer cocoon. He asked if he could place his hands on her tummy for it would keep his hands more warm and she had no reason to deny, because his touch was comforting and titillating, both.

Each of their pictures had a story of their own. On Monami's idea both of them wrote the notes on the pictures clicked by another person. Those clicks narrated a tale of their own, of two people, happy in their bubble and the silent yet salient picturesque scenes of the nature they were immensely blessed with. In a few of them, they were smiling goofily and in some, they were telling the camera to "find someone who looks at the way..." and some were, colored in intimacy, solely for their eyes. Overall, it screamed pure bliss.

Setting back the picture, a new one came into their view and it made Monami's cheeks simmer with hues of red. And as Karan's eyes fell on the same, it made him tighten his hold on her bare tummy underneath her full sleeves top, as he dropped a soft kiss on her clavicle before placing his chin back on her shoulder. It was a click of them, kissing each other or more like, him stealing it.

They were in the Naggar Castle, and found a perfect spot for clicking a picture, with fewer visitors. Monami was all set to click their picture once she made sure that both of them were at the right angle, when Karan called her.

"Suno!" He spared a glance at the camera before eyeing her side profile, his eyes glimmering with intent.

(Listen!)

"Haan?" She looked back, quite caught back with how gruff he sounded.

(Yes?)

He didn't say anything for a couple of seconds, keeping his unwavering gaze transfixed on her charcoal ones. Monami swallowed the lump in her throat, as she looked in his similar orbs. They both were aware of the proximity they were in.

Making his mind and taking his chance, Karan leapt forward, while simultaneously raising his arm towards the camera. As his lips embraced hers in between, he took advantage of the moment and eased her into it, caressing her cheek with his free hand and then when she relaxed, he clicked their picture, pressing on Monami's fingers.

As he pulled back, he saw her blinking twice before letting her gaze roam around to see if anyone saw them being sneaky. Once sure, she narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, damning the blush that coated her cheeks. Karan was unfazed by the looks he was getting from her, rather he was all smug and reeling in the mischief that was written on his face.

"Yeh kya tha?" Monami was in disbelief.

(What was that?)

"Tumhe nahi pata? Chumban tha woh!" Karan dramatically asked and then replied.

(You don't know? It was a kiss.)

Monami's nose flared as she smacked on his bicep. "Mera matlab tum acche se jaante ho."

(You know what exactly I mean to say.)

"Arrey, maana ki ab main tumhe aur tumhari unkahi baton ko bhi thoda thoda samajhne laga hoon lekin main koi antaryami ya dimag padhne wala thodi na hoon jo sab samajh jaaunga." He shook his head, continuing his shenanigans.

(Now now, I agree that I have started to understand you and your unsaid words bit by bit but I am not an omniscient or a mind reader who would understand each and everything.)

"Yeh tum kuch zyada he nahi bann rahe?" Monami pursed her lips.

(Aren't you being too much right now?)

"Arrey baba, I was just trying to make some memories!" He shrugged his shoulders.

"Woh sab theek hai, lekin pehle toh aise publicly nahi kiya tumne." She was befuddled with this more than the fact that he kissed her. Also, both of them loved their privacy way too much for letting their guard slip in this way."Aur tum toh itne shareef the, phir ab kya hogaya?" She raised her brows up in curiosity.

(That is alright, but you've never done this before publicly, then why now?) (And weren't you quite a gentleman, then what happened now?)

"Hum public place mein zaroor hain, lekin public se door hain."Karan said and the way he said it, Monami understood the underlying meaning in it. It increased the respect she had for him, to another level.

(Sure, we are at a public place but we are away from the public.)

It was as if Karan affirmed the already established fact between them that nobody gets to invade their privacy and he won't allow anyone's eyes on Monami the way he was permitted to. Not even in the slightest light. Well, this was applicable to even himself. Despite being a public figure, he was Karan and he was someone's partner so he didn't want anyone to catch him in this way as well, wherein he just shared a moment of closeness and vulnerability with her.

Sure, he shared a few snippets of them on social media, but he knew where he had to draw a line. He was guarded about his safe haven and how would be damned if he lets anything trouble it.

Karan cupped Monami's cheeks and pressed his lips on her forehead. Pulling back, he stroked her cheeks with his thumb as his fingers glided away on her jaw and neck.

"Humare moments sirf humare hain. Toh maine bas unme se ek ko is tasveer mein kaid kar liya, is jagah ki ek aisi yaad jo sirf humare aur is jagah ke beech rahegi aur iski baat bhi." Karan said all this in such a tender tone that it made Monami's insides swell up with all the fondness and affection that she had for this man. -Her man.

(Our moments are solely ours. So I just captured one of those moments in this picture; a memory of this place and the experience it gave us, it'll stay between us and this place and no one else. )

Unable to resist her urge, Monami held Karan's shoulders and pulled herself on her tippy toes before placing a long touch of affection on his forehead. Karan closed his eyes, dropping his hands from her face to her waist and wrapping it around, to bask in the serenity and sanctity of the moment.

Getting back on her feet, Monami made no attempt to distance herself from him. She curved her arms from his shoulders to his back and rested her face against his steady and sturdy chest, breathing softly.

"Aur vaise bhi, hum konsa baar baar kiss karte huey photo kheechte rahenge? Har baar thoda na yaad rehta hai yeh sab, is baar toh bas mauka tha toh chauka maar liya!" He broke the silence and the choice of his words made her smack his back with a laugh, which in return made him laugh. The pillars of the castle enclosed the hushed peals of laughter within them.

(Moreover, we won't go over clicking on pictures every time we kiss, would we? Neither do we remember all this, all the time so this time when there was a chance, I tried my luck.)

A soft smile curved on her lips as she reminisced about the events of that day and more specifically the quote he made her write on it. -"Baat toh humare labon ke beech ki thi, hum toh sirf zariya thhey."-

(We were merely the medium, while it was a conversation between our lips.)

Karan caught the movement of her fingers as she caressed the line and whispered in her ear, "Kya soch rahi ho?" He traced his nose on her cheek as he added, "Ya yeh kahun ki kya yaad kar rahi ho?"

(What are you thinking?) (Or shall I say, what is it that you are remembering?)

Monami tilted her head, to make room for him. Her mind wanting nothing but to delve in more and her body, reacting to it before the former could conspire to change the decision. Karan could sense the change in her breathing and how her head leaned against his body in a more eased up manner, bidding adieu to all the remaining chunks of stiffness.

It was overwhelming for her and it was no different for Karan. This would be them, stepping into another level of intimacy; something more profound and equal parts of passion and compassion. In fact, both of them were sailing in the same boat for quite some time now, with some hints here and there and then the Diwali night, but no one said anything explicitly.

Not wanting to waste the moment in over thinking, Karan kept the soothing caressing of his fingers on her stomach, which, much to the contradiction was an onslaught for her. It was an onslaught of unleashed feelings, untamed desires and consuming flames of passion burning brightly between them.

"Suno!" She called out, making his relentless fingers stop their ceaseless movements.

(Listen!)

"Hmm?" His mind was a mess of nerves. But he had to ask her, for there was something in his body, which needed a release. He gulped in the lump, "Can we-if you..." His heart was beating at a speed unknown to him and he couldn't complete what he wanted to ask.

"Can we- can we take it further?" She slowly asked as she craved for his attention, without any barrier of clothes. Then she immediately added, "If it is okay with you?" Monami breathed out, making Karan smile.

Who said that it is only the women who need to be asked for their consent? Men are not always up for it, too. When it is a relation of solid partnership, it goes both ways and these two, slow turtles made sure of it.

Karan removed his hands from her tummy and held her cheek from his right one, as his left hand grooved its fingers in her left one. He turned her face towards his, to make them gaze at each other and traced her lower lip slightly before placing a momentary peck on them. "Yes."

Pulling away, they could see the seam of burning passion between them. It had them captive. Their eyes conversed and lips trembled. Their bodies felt giddy and their hearts- on fire.

The reality of the moment, that this was the time they were ready for each other and to be each other's. More specifically, in a way that would solely be between them and for them to bask in an inexplicable warmth, cherishing desires and a consummation of their souls.

There was a fueling nervous energy around them as they knelt in front of each other and took each other in. Their labored breaths and goose bumps told the story of their hushed, glimmering fervidity.

Their fingers felt nimble as they slowly traced each other in the realms of their intimacy. They took their own sweet time as they progressed and the slow, careful kisses were the stamped fact of it.

With clothes, came off their diffidence. The hums and gasps in sync with moans and grunts filled the air with sharp, deep and rugged breaths. The way their lips sought each other's was as if making a desperate attempt to ground each other in the ferocious ripples of seeking pleasure and giving in their desires.

Karan's lips whispered against the touched and untouched contours of Monami's skin, as if mapping its trajectory in his mind. While the occasional press of her fingers and curls of toes narrated the tales of her feelings which were all over the place.

Each lick, nibble and suckle ignited the flame more ferociously and with utmost intensity. The way her curves welcomed him, the way his body grew warm on her touch, the way they bared each other of the hidden vulnerabilities narrated the tales of the long passionate night. Their highs were not only a result of their heat but it also made them feel emotionally closer to each other.

Though as they tried, it wasn't something they could go ahead with in the first go even after the foreplay and naturally so. They were a bundle of sensitive nerves, reacting to the smallest touch of breaths and the faint noise of wrappers and rubber sheath only added to it. But with the gentle trials, it became smoother than they anticipated.

When they were entwined at their core, his hands caressed her in the softest manner as he held her stable. While her quivering fingers held him as her anchor. The tears in their eyes spoke the volumes of the connection their souls shared. All this while their lips shared the same breath at every moment they could.

With labored breaths, exhausted gazes filled with affection and tender strokes of affectionate touch, they held each other as they came down from their high. They embraced each other with utmost tenderness as they basked in the compassion of the moment they shared. They were together in one the most cherished moment of their loves. This first of theirs was irrevocable, inexplicable and indelible.

Even as they merely held onto each other sinking in the afterglow of their desires, Monami could still feel the lingering of his lips on her skin. The marks he gave her, spoke of his unspoken passion, as they laid littered on her curves messily. His slow and deliberate suckles, teasing nibbles and rough presses blew her off the mind. His touch on her forbidden areas made her feel timid, as now it took a lot of effort to look in his midnight orbs unblinkingly. His each touch felt like a symphony of love song on her soul.

While Monami showered in the toe curling feels of his presence and touch, Karan, too, was unable to land back in reality. His taut muscles could feel the delicate strokes of her fingers before they turned into anchoring hold. He could feel the tenderness of her kisses before they turned into muffling bites on the junction of his shoulder. He felt himself craving for the nestling warmth of her soul again. Her touch was akin to the epilogue of one's favorite book- content yet the one that trailed the traces of never ending yearning.

In the simplest of the words, they surrendered to each other in the most fragile and pious submission. They sealed off their deal of lifelong togetherness in the most beautiful obeisance.

A couple of moments later, he cleaned himself and her, she took a washroom break and they got dressed in some warm clothes, for it was cold. They held each other delicately.

After some silences and mindless yet comforting brushes of each other's fingers, they met each other's hesitant and bashful gazes. The moment they shared, got more affirmed. More like the intimacy of it seeped into their bones.

"Tum theek ho?" Karan turned and let his thumb graze her cheeks.

(Are you fine?)

Monami nodded her head, her eyes downcast.

His thumb glided across and raised her chin. Once eye to eye, he shook his head the slightest as if denying her not avert her orbs from his.

"Tum? Tum theek ho?" She asked quietly.

(You? Are you fine?)

"Thank you..." He whispered. Pecking her head, he continued, "For being so raw with me." He attached his forehead with hers.

Monami's eyes moistened. What was this guy? Extrovert and fun loving to unmatched level and then this the one with the softest and kindest heart. The way he treated her was akin to the way he treated his heart, with paramount care. And in these moments of intimacy? He literally worshipped her.

"Agar tum nahi, toh koi bhi nahi." She tightened her hands across his torso.

(No one else, if not you.)

"Tumhe uncomfortable toh nahi laga na?" he pulled back a little as he asked in concern.

(You didn't feel uncomfortable at any point, did you?)

"Tumne kabhi lagne he nahi diya." She said with a small smile as she pecked his chin, making him close the remaining distance between them once again.

(You never let me.)

If he treated her the way she was asking to his heart, she treated him like he was the Mirage in the desert of her being. With reverence and care of higher divinity. She was glad she was his and so was he, to be hers.

Though way too unforgettable to be slept but their bodies demanded it, and so they gave in for the night, or rather the wee morning. The hidden glow of the morning that was yet to bloom in its full charm was similar to the glow on the faces of two which were barely peeking from the quilt.

The morning welcomed them with easy moments and teasing smiles. Undoubtedly, the night of closeness knitted them in the thread of closeness for a lifetime and beyond. They both were up but he was not letting her escape out of his embrace.

"Karannnn, uth jao naa aur nahi toh mujhe toh uthne do." Monami said, trying to break free from his hold, albeit loosely. If she wanted she could have easily sneaked out of his hold but who was she to deny the warmth of his arms anyway!

(Karann, get up please or let me, at least.)

"Nahhiiiii naaaa." He denied, nuzzling more into her neck and his grip getting firm beneath her t-shirt.

(No.)

"Hum late ho rahe hain. Mujhe nahana hai." She paused. "Aur tumhe bhi." She tilted her head a little, drumming her fingers against his arm.

(We are getting late. I have to take a bath.) (And so do you.)

Her last set of words got his attention. In a span of seconds, he hovered above her. He bit her chin and then said, "Vaise toh meri koi khaas iccha nahi hai nahane ki, lekin agar saath mein nahane ki baat ho rahi ho toh kuch socha jaa sakta hai."

(Although I am least bit interested in bathing but if you are implying on us bathing together, then something can be done.)

"Shut up! Besharam." Monami was red in seconds.

(Shameless.)

Karan simply leaned in and placed a peck on her lips.

Monami's eyes widened. "Kabhi kabhi toh besharmi se bahar aao. Subah subah he shuru ho gaye?"

(Snap out of your shamelessness for some time. Spare the mornings at least.)

"Ab kal ke baad bhi sharam karu?" He raised his brow and looking at her narrowed gaze, he curled his lips in mock acceptance. "Konsa tumhaare saath main pehle bhi sharmo hayaa wala tha. Aur ab isme subah kya aur raat kya."

(Now should I be shy even after yesterday as well?) (Moreover, when was I even full of shame with you earlier as well? And how does it even matter if it's day or night?)

This was enough to drown Monami in the waves of bashfulness. She quickly pushed Karan away and rushed to her suitcase and picked her clothes. She looked at Karan who was looking at her, leaning on his elbow.

She shook her head at him. "Baaz aajao apni harkaton se."

(Stop with your notoriousness.)

"Accha suno, meri gharwaali!" He said as he saw her turn towards the washroom. She turned towards him. "You are glowing." He bit her lip, his eyes twinkling with knowing gleam.

(Hey listen, wifeyy!)

Monami closed her eyes and skidded to the washroom, putting a temporary full stop on Karan Shergill's naughtiness, while Karan was sprawled on the bed without any care.

......

The youngest Shergill couple was still basking in the moments of their togetherness as they visited their last stop of their honeymoon. They were in Kullu and were all dressed in traditional attire to visit the famous -Bijli Mahadev Temple, before they headed out for the airport.

Halfway through it, they realized they couldn't go towards the temple because it would need them to do a trek and it wasn't possible for Karan to do so. The man insisted that Monami should go at least but she refused, because they were here together and it would make her feel incomplete if she visits such a pious place alone. So they prayed from a distance and swore to visit the temple soon, the next time.

Thereafter, they thought it would be wise to depart for the airport and so went ahead with it. This gave them ample time to relax before boarding the flight.

As they took hold of their coffees before sitting in the waiting area, they opted for a secluded corner. They rested against the chairs and sipped their coffees as they indulged in some light conversations.

"You don't have any discomfort, na?" Karan asked, tilting his head.

"No, I am good." Monami said with a soft smile.

"It was good to visit a doctor, it gave us insight into our health." Karan silently acknowledged.

Monami hummed, remembering when they talked about it.

Once Karan was back in Udaipur after the long lockdown, he had to undergo the necessary medical checkups. It was during that time when the couple talked and discussed the concerns of their personal physical health as well.

As usual they were on a video call, which Monami did once she was back after her daytime schedule.

"Accha toh reports parso tak aayengi tumhaari?" Monami asked him as she perched up on the bed against the headrest and pulled up a pillow on her lap, resting her hands on it.

(Oh, so the reports will come by day after tomorrow?)

"Haan, although negative he hongi but protocols hain. And the amusing part is I am undergoing these tests twice in the time span of 10 days." Karan shook his head disinterestedly.

(Yes, even if they'll be negative but we have to abide by the protocols.)

Monami too, chuckled mirthlessly. The entire nation was in the chaos of getting their tests done and hoping to get their tests negative and some, finding the antidote of this mad upheaval.

"Accha suno? I was thinking of something." Monami said after a couple of silent seconds.

(Listen?)

"Hmm?" Karan got more comfortable by placing his left arm behind his head on the head rest as he slouched more lazily.

"You are getting your tests done as it is, so why not both of us also get our personal complete checkups done?" She spoke cautiously.

"As in?" He straightened up and seeing the contours of her face hesitate a little, he continued after thinking a bit. "About our reproductive and sensitive health concerning our sexual life?"

"Uh, yeah." After a couple of fidgety seconds, she continued. "You don't feel it offensive, na?"

"Obviously not, baba!" He chuckled. "In fact, it is better this way. Agar koi health issues huey toh hum precautions ya medications bhi timely le paayenge. Aur phir eventually yeh humari life hai... aur yeh baat jitni sambhal ke deal ki jaaye utna behtar. Nahi?" He spoke softly, his voice carrying the necessary depth.

(If there are any health issues, necessary precautions and medications can be taken care of, timely. Moreover, this is our life and this thing should be dealt in very careful manner. Isn't it?)

"Tum kuch zyada he understanding nahi ho?" Monami asked fondly.

(Aren't you a little too understanding?)

"Dekh lo, tumhare solah somvaar ka phal tumhaare saamne baitha hai." He self boasted, lightening the mood.

(You see, you have your fruit of 16 auspicious fasts of Mondays, sitting in front of you.)

"Hogaya tumhara? Nautanki kahi ke." Monami shook her head at his never ending theatrics.

(Are you done? Drama king.)

"Nahi." He shrugged nonchalantly. Then he wriggled his eyebrows as his lips curled up in mischief. "Vaiseeeee... Yeh baat achanak se aayi. Tumhaare khayal aur iraadey nek nahi lag rahe mujhe. Do I need to take a veil to protect meri sharmo haya?" He retreated his hand from behind his neck and covered his chest in mock shame and shock.

(No.) (By the way, how come you suddenly think of this? I doubt your thoughts and intentions. Do I need to take a veil to protect my shame and modesty?)

Monami's cheeks flared up both in anger and embarrassment. "Shut up! Yeh itni betuki baatein soch bhi kaise lete ho tum? Besharam kahin ke."

(How do you even think so illogically? Shameless man.)

And this was enough to break Karan in the peals of laughter.

"So when are you planning to go for the tests? Once you get a clean chit in this one?" She asked.

"Hm? Yeah. What about you?" He inquired back.

"I have a half day tomorrow, so I guess I should go then only?" She suggested.

"Sounds good!"

"Yeah, we'll discuss it once we both have our reports handy." Monami shared her thoughts.

"Bilkul." He placed his index finger on his lips, concealing his expressions. "So we are in for some deep and private conversation anytime soon, yeah?"

(Indeed.)

"Can you be seriously involved somewhere?" She was exasperated, done with his mood.

"I am serious. And this conversation and the actions afterwards will have me seriously involved too." His tone was a little suggestive. But then he pulled his finger down before continuing with all his sincerity, "Though I just said a little lightly, I mean it very much."

They both continued with their banter and conversation, as they missed each other's presence more than before. Such a long, comfortable stay with one another got them habitual to each other and this was something they will miss, no matter what.

Once they got their reports, they discussed with each other about how Monami was a little more sensitive and she might need a little more time and effort from his side while they delve into the sex. He listened with all the attention and informed her about the normalcy of his reports, with just being careful with the latex as he might not be comfortable with all the brands. She, with attentive red ears heard him and noted it mentally.

These conversations were nothing out of the ordinary rather necessary for a clearer understanding. And they both were mature enough to take the required steps they could, for better health and awareness about each other.

They sat across each other as Karan asked Monami about her opinion for the posts that he can post and also asked for captions. Because according to him, she got a creative one in her and he did see that in Sidharth's or Sanjana's posts. He was feeling left out. And why not? She was his wife, so she should step up in her duties.

But there was this one thing out of many, confirmed and stamped and that was they and their bags were now filled with memories that will be forged in their very souls.

They bared themselves, they trusted each other enough to be that vulnerable in front of each other, they anchored themselves with the other's presence, they found themselves woven in the unbreakable thread of intimacy, they bloomed in the togetherness and they basked in the glimmers of each moment they spent together.

If not a myriad of memories, then what was it? It was the most secured, delicate and pretty piece of life they'll hold close for the entirety of their lives.

|~|~|~|~|

5k words.

Done with the chapter and now eager to read your views.

I'm sorry for the unintentional delay. And apologies if guys were anticipating something in smut. It's not my cup of tea as of now.

How was the chapter? Were you expecting it? And I would love to know in detail about the story as we now have 2-3 chapters more before we wind up.

Thank you for the patience and time. Next update will take some time until the chapters or this one hits 80 votes atleast.

Much love,
Nehal