Chapter 5

Sherry24

@Sherry24

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 3(Part B)

A few months had passed and both had felt the gradual change in their relationship. Sai also used to look forward for weekends. Friday classes always seemed unusually longer to her and the watch moved slower. Their friendship had evolved in a very short time, but this had played a catalyst in them understanding eachother without words. They understood the actions and gestures, how the other would react or feel about a situation. They were like an open book to each other now. So the love they shared reflected in everything they did. Their love had never been about transition, but about realisation. Virat had been the first there. On the other hand, after Virat revealed about his past, Sai's procastination was a result of her realisation that this was not stopping at friendship. She wanted to think through of the repercussions before she gave into the tempations. Yes she had been tempted! It had been like something had been there inside her unknown to her, that was pulling her at this proposition. But she wanted move ahead slowly and carefully.

Love had been there always. It was about acknowledging it now. And they could feel it between them, in their eyes that spoke a language of their own. It was now about who would make the first move, who would say it aloud first. The physical touches were becoming more intimate and they were becoming more relaxed within each other's personal space. Their status of being married led them to those liberties, that friend zone may have restricted. With the love flourishing the physical proximity had started to ignite sparks, not of discomfort, but of anticipation. 

It was Virat's birthday and Sai had taken leave to be with him. She had planned the entire day itinerary with him. After they had cut the cake, Sai have him his gift. Virat opened it and saw it was a wallet. Sai was waiting for his reaction. But Virat nonchalantly placed the wallet on the table and went on to sit on the chair and started checking his phone. Sai was hurt, because she had taken great pains to hunt for a perfect gift for him

Sai - Virat Sir.. Did you not like the gift?

Virat -(Casually.. like brushing off) Ya, it's fine. What is good or bad in it? It's just a wallet after all

Sai - If you don't like it we can get it exchanged

Virat - Don't bother. I actually don't need a wallet

Sai was now losing her temper. 

Sai - Tell me what you want then

Virat - (after deep thought) There are two things. But only if you are willing to gift me that. Because I really want it. Infact that's all that I want.

Sai - Ok. Tell me. If I can afford it I will get it for you

Virat - It's only you who can afford it.

Sai felt her heart skip a beat. She was trying to understand the connotation of his words. 

Virat had been openly flirting and dropping hints to Sai. But this was different. This could be dangerous knowing how unpredictable and volatile she could be. 

Virat - I want you to do stop calling me Sir.

Sai let out a breath she had been holding. She was not sure whether she was relieved or disappointed.

Sai - Then what do I call you? Gabbar or Khadoos Jasoos?

Virat - Nothing of that please. Only Virat! You can do that for me atleast. 

Sai - Alright Virat. Granted...oops gifted

They laughed together at that. A nervous laugh!

Virat (observing her every slight movement every change in expression) - What I want most importantly...is YOU! 

Sai didn't know how to react. She had been waiting for this. But now that this was happening, she didn't know what to feel.

Virat - You have become an integral part of me. It's like I feel and breathe you. I want you to be a friend, my closest confidante, but I want more...I want you as my life partner. I want to you to be mine! As real as that can be. I want to proudly call myself the husband of Dr Sai Joshi one day. I want you to look out for me when you are  sad, worried, happy or however you feel. I want to be the first and only person you want to share everything with. I love you meri Gadchiroli Superfast Express. Will you accept my love? Promise a lifetime of togetherness. Promise to be mine and accept me as yours forever?

Sai had goosebumps. His words were taking her breath away. She stood there unable to move, tears flowing down her cheeks. But the next moment like the firebrand she was, she jumped into his arms hugging him.

Sai - I love you too! I don't know since when...but it now feels like always. I promise to be yours. And you are most definitely only mine and you dare not forget that ever.

Virat hugged her back and holding her tight, and she just melted into his arms..as if it was so natural. After breaking the hug they stood there loosely holding onto one another, staring into the eyes, revelling in love that was shining there, basking in the happiness that this new dimension had brought into their life, lost in each other. They were not sure who broke the trance, but then there was an awkwardness, of their next move. Virat slowly went down for a quick peck on Sai's lips. He was carefully testing the waters before making his move. When he came up he wasn't sure what to expect, but what he saw left him mesmerised. His beautiful wife stood before him with her eyes closed. A sight of pure love. Sensing no resistance, he became bolder and went on to capture lips for a full blown passionate kiss. And that's how naturally their kiss happened! A first of the many firsts to come and the first of the infinite kisses to follow. 

One thing led to another, and soon Virat was moving to his room holding her hand, the cake and dinner untouched and long forgotten. That was a night they had given into their days and weeks of anticipation, physical frustration, longing; drowning themselves in the love that they had found for each other, in each other. 

Their night of consummation, was followed by very difficult weeks. Week full of longing ending with a weekend filled with passionate love making. Virat had never realised that this weekly arrangement that he had proposed would turn out to be so torturous.

Life had been blissful. They had switfly moved into roles of a happily married couple. Ashwani, Shivani and Mohit had been in constant touch with them, and where aware of their evolving relationship. However, Ashwini had advised them to keep this as a secret from the other members of Chavan family. She missed them both dearly, but she was happy that they had found each other and their happiness away from home. And she feared that if the others came to know about the truth they would again try to separate them. It was through her that Virat came to know about Samrat. He had been so relieved and happy to know that Jeeva was back home safe. He had tried to call him many times, but all his calls went unanswered. Mohit had updated him about Pakhi's stand on their marriage and their mutual decision to go in for divorce. Virat doubted that Samrat knew the truth behind his marriage, and when he came to know about him leaving CN with Mansi Bua, he couldn't stop himself from feeling guilty of ruining his brother's life. Sai had been seeing the stress taking a toll on Virat lately. It had been over a year and a half since she had left CN, but she still felt responsible for the well-being of the family...atleast a few. She knew what Samrat meant to Virat and his evasion was making Virat restless. She had waited to see if things worked out between them, but when she realised that they might turn for worse, she decided to make that call. 

Samrat had been a little hesitant to talk when he recognised the person on the other end. But Sai being her stubborn self, had ensured that Samrat heard every bit of what she had to tell him. She explained, what prompted Virat's decision to hide his acquaintance with Pakhi, and all that, that had happened before Samrat's wedding and later, carefully leaving out Pakhi's shameless admission of her love on the night when she had left CN. Sai wasn't sure if Samrat had believed her and if so, would be be able to see things with a neutral perspective. She just hoped that the animosity between the brothers is resolved and her call would not backfire. 

She was relieved when Virat had called her excitedly to tell her about Samrat's surprise visit. They had talked through everything frankly like they always used to, and patched up like they were never apart. Sai was glad that she could bring them back together.. She knew what Samrat meant to Virat. 

Samrat and Mansi slowly became frequent visitors to their place. Samrat had taken an instant liking for Sai. After meeting her, he understood why she was not accepted by the elderly, narrow minded Chavans. He could now place the stories he had heard about her, and view it in totally with a new perspective. He liked her for her lively spirit, just like him..or how he was. They bonded very well and used to have regular conversations on call. Sai had played a catalyst in not just bringing the brother's back together but also to bring back the old Samrat. Mansi had seen her efforts and couldn't thank her enough for it.

She was on a call with Samrat that she received a call from Karishma. This was an unusual call, since she had never spoken to her after leaving CN. Sai had hung up promising to call back Samrat. Karishma had been crying profusely and she could barely understand what she was trying to say. Sai asked her to meet at a coffee shop. They met up and Karishma went on to narrate the treatment given to her after Sai left. 

Karishma - Till you were there Bhabhi, you had been their target. I was safe, but from the time you have left, the focus shifted to me. I have been on their side and done so much against you, just to remain in their good books. I did everything possible in my ability to keep them satisfied. But it seems nothing is enough for them and I always fall short on their expectations. Just because I don't belong to some renowned Maharashtrian family. I'm constantly compared to Patralekha didi, and humiliated for not matching up to her standards. I have tried, I swear I have tried my best, given it all I have. But I can't take it anymore. Why can't I be like you Sai bhabhi. Things would have been so much better that ways.

Sai didn't know what to tell her, because she understood her challenge and opponents she faced. She had faced them as well. Karishma was still sobbing after Sai had tried to calm her down and give her the courage to take a stand for herself and her husband

Karishma - Only if Aai and Baba supported me. But they are always trying to impress Kaku. Mohit's career has taken off, and I thought things would change with that. But it didn't. He is earning well, and I haven't even thanked you for it. Despite everything I did to you, you still helped Mohit and came to speak to me. 

Sai was an active member of the Cultural association of their college. One of her friend’s father was directing a movie and they were looking for actors for a small parts. It was when he visited for screen tests, that she brought up Mohit and recommended his name for the audition. Mohit had called her to tell her that they liked him so much that instead of the small part they were giving him a prominent role. He kept thanking her, but she said all she did was recommend his name, rest was his talent which landed him a bigger role. Since then there had been no stopping him.

Sai - Mohit is part of my family. And what I did for him was out of my love and concern for him. So don't thank me for it. And you can call me or come to meet me whenever you want to. Frankly I hated your habit of instigating and gossiping, but you are my family too. I know what you are going through as I have been there myself. I will always be there for you..always..whenever you need me

Karishma - I know I have been wrong. But it was my desperate attempt at making a place for myself in their hearts. I'm not that bold and strong like you. But that hasn't helped, so I also would refrain from doing any of it anymore. Thank you so much Sai Bhabhi.

That was the last bead that was to be stringed up. Things had changed rapidly and drastically since then. They all used to have weekly group video calls. Sai & Virat, Samrat & Mansi and Ashwini, Shivani, Mohit and Karishma (away from the prying eyes of the remaining Chavans and Pakhi). They all used to look forward to these calls, family time together.

Time flew and Sai and Virat were to complete 2 years of their marriage. Virat wanted to do something really special for his wife. He came up with the idea to get married to her again. They had married under pressure. Though they had now built some beautiful memories and strong marital bond, the recollection of their wedding day was always tarnished with some unhappy pictures. He wanted to change that, so that they could remember their wedding as a exquisite union with fond memoirs. Virat created a chat group. He added his family and friends of Sai including some from college. And thus began the planning of their wedding. Virat had also informed Usha Maushi and invited the others from GC as well. Everyone was assigned their roles and responsibilities and they were then divided into two groups. Team groom and team bride. Samrat, Mansi, Shivani, Pulkit and Karishma were Virat's side. While Ashwini, Devyani, Mohit, Usha Maushi and the GC gang and Sai's friend formed Team Bride.

Unaware of the plan Sai had taken leave a day prior to their anniversary and asked Virat to pick her up. She had planned to spend the next two days with Virat. 

The wedding preperations were in full swing. While a few of them arrived a couple of days early, rest arrived two days prior to the wedding ceremony. Virat had picked up a beautiful wedding saree for Sai that she had once looked at in awe when they had gone shopping. She had not bought it saying it was too heavy and looked more of a bridal attire. Virat was leaving no stone unturned to surprise his wife and to see the smile on her face. With the help of Shivani he had managed the jewellery, makeup and all that they could possibly think of that Sai would need. 

It was the night before Virat was to leave to get Sai from college, and everyone was busy running errands ensuring all the arrangements were done before Sai arrived. 

It was pitch dark and Samrat was getting the lights fixed in the lawn. He took a step while switching on the lights and bumped into something or rather someone and ended up on the floor on top. The lights came on and all he could remember was that he was besotted by the beauty of the face infront of him. Becoming aware of how they toppled over each other, Samrat got up and held out his hand to the girl. She got up and they awkwardly apologised to each other.

Virat - Jeeva, what are you doing here. Are the lights done?

Samrat - (Like he had been dragged out from a dreamland) Yes. Almost done.

Virat - Oh hey! So you guys have met? 

He looked at both of them. And then went ahead to introduce.

Virat - This is Samrat my brother and this is Nandini, Sai's and now my friend too. Knowing how thick you are with Sai I'm sure you both would have heard about each other a zillion times from her

Samrat and Nandini nodded. Virat was right, Sai had spoken so much about one with the other, that they virtually knew a lot about each other.

Virat had noticed the stealing glances and subtle smiles that were passed between Nandini and Jeeva since then and he was smiling inwardly, gearing up to execute his next plan.

Sai had been surprised..well that was an understatement. She was overwhelmed to see all her loved ones together under one roof. The one who thought she was alone after her Aaba died had ended up with such a loving family and friends. The pains all of them had taken to make this happen. The efforts each one had put in for her happiness. She couldn't express the excitement she felt about getting married to Virat again. She looked at him and tears welled in her eyes. The love evident to them and to everyone around. And it was doubled with the presence of her family and friends who were there to celebrate this milestone with her. Things moved quickly after Sai's arrival and the wedding itself was a dreamy affair. Devyani and Pulkit did the Kanyadaan ritual. The bride and groom looked picture perfect and completely head over heals in love. Virat had barely been able to keep his eyes off Sai. She was looking ethereal. They had danced and danced. Clicked so many pictures that their mouth was hurting. They sat down to take a breather, when Virat noticed Samrat dancing with Nandini. He nudged Sai with his elbow to look in that direction and then raised his eyebrow to ask.."what do you think about that?" Sai went from surprised, to realisation, to excited.."let's do this".

They started plotting how they should go about bringing these prospective love birds together. They had seen the sparks, and knew with a little help from them the fire would definitely ignite.

Just then seeing the bride and groom cozying up in a corner, the others gathered around them and started to tease then

Shivani - Enough guys. You are not newly wed. You have only married again. What are you guys upto?

Everyone laughed at that. 

Virat and Sai - (They were now used to Shivani’s teasing) We are planning the next wedding. 

Everyone looked at each other in horror at this statement.

Shivani - We are not yet over this one and still reeling in from the tiredness of all the preperations of this wedding. And you are already planning the next wedding? How many times are you going to get married?

Virat and Sai looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Bringing together Samrat and Nandini had been a smooth affair. They were already drawn to each other. Nandini was the first friend Sai had made when she started her weekly visits here. She had bumped into her during an evening stroll when Virat was out for some work. They had hit it off right from that day and had become very close. Nandini was a designer working for a clothing brand. Sai found her to be a mature, level headed, genuinely nice girl. And when Virat had put that thought across, she was more than happy for this union. Samrat had his reservations due his past. More like once bitten twice shy. The other bone of contention was Samrat's hesitation about this being his second marriage as it was a first for Nandini. Being a close friend of Sai, Nandini knew a little about Samrat's past too. As part of their carefully devised plan, with Mansi Bua on board, Samrat and Nandini were brought together for lunch, dinner and impromptu movie plans with Sai and Virat. And the scheming couple ensured to leave them alone under some pretext to get them talking. And talking was all that they had needed. Once the ice was broken, they never stopped. Samrat had come clean on his inhibitions and Nandini had been clear that none of mattered to her. And rest as they say was history or like history repeated. Another wedding was planned at Virat's place, only the bride and groom was different.

Cut to present day

Sai and Virat were standing at the door laughing probably at some private joke of theirs, staring with love at each other. Their hands were clasped tightly, fingers entwined like one. Sai had her other hand draped around the Virat's elbow, her head casually leaning over his shoulder. They were an embodiment of a perfect much in love couple. Patralekha got rooted to the floor at this sight and the next moment she felt the world around her spinning and the floor below her slip as she collapsed on the floor.

Concluding chapter - Threads of the past weave the future..

[MEMBERSONLY]