MaAn FF Our Little World Completed pg114 updt Jul 5 - Page 78

~49~

"Now... if you would... we need to get some work done..."

She said as she pulled back and adjusted her saree. He raised his eyebrow.

"Weren't you the one who started it?"

She clicked her tongue and ran her finger through his hair setting them straight. He chuckled and was about to pull her back when a knock sounded. Anu unlocked the door as he resumed his position at the table muttering to himself that he needed to whisk her away somewhere alone.

"Pakhi?"

Anuj looked up to see her daughter entering their cabin in her school uniform. Anu felt her head.

"Are you ok? Aren't you supposed to be at school?"

"I am not okay... how can I be? You lied to me."

"I... what?"

Anuj stood up.

"I'll go... you guys talk."

Anu looked at him.

"No... don't. Stay... Pakhi... now what did Kavya or that Mr. Shah say?"

"They said nothing... I overheard."

"Overheard?"

"I overheard Baa and your ex husband gloating over how the planned to stop you and how easy it was to fool you back then and how I came to be..."

Anu felt shaken as she realized what she was talking about. Anuj saw her breaking and quickly marched towards Pakhi.

"Pakhu... come... sit here..."

He made her sit and went to Anu.

"Sit... you need to talk. This is between you and her. I will bring something for her to drink."

As he left, she looked at her daughter. She took her hands in hers.

"Pakhi... I never meant for you to find out... I..."

Pakhi squeezed her hand and let the tears flow.

"Why? Why didn't you tell me... you always said to was a good father... he was a perfect parent... even when I behaved so badly and sucked up to him... you remained quiet... why, why why? Why did you lie to me?"

"I wanted to protect you..."

"Protect.... do you know how it feels to know you were never wanted... "

"No no... don't say that..."

"But that's the truth... the bitter truth... don't tell me you were over the moon when you realized you couldn't go to the US... I remember how in all the stories you told me as a kid the girl would go and dance in the US with her Prince..."

She took in a deep breath and placed her hand on her cheek.

"Sweety... I was over the moon when I learnt I was pregnant again... it was so long after Samar.... 7 years.... so I was over the moon. When everyone said I can't go to the US... I kept the anklets safely inside dreaming how the little princess in my womb would learn dance from me... I was happy... oh so happy..."

"Mummy... how?"

"I was happy because I didn't know... I didn't know... but when I did find out... I won't lie... I was devastated.... I knew however I tried to forget, the baby would remind me... I mourned for days... then one day, when your father shouted because he couldn't find something he was looking for, you kicked... that was the first time you moved.... that day I swore to myself that how many times ever I may be reminded or provoked, I would never ever let you know... I would protect you with my life..."

"Mummy..."

"Yes, my baby..."

"Sorry... sorry... sorry... sorry for everything..."

She wrapped her arms around her and they wept together letting the tears wash away their pain. After few minutes, Pakhi got up and wiped away her mother's tears.

"Stop... no more tears, Mummy... they are the one's who need to cry... not us... no more..."

Anu smiled and reached out and stroked her cheeks.

"No more..."

"Mummy... I don't want to go back there again. I can't bear it... the people whom I really respected are not the same... and to face them... Winter is not there, Toshu Bhai is never there... I can't... after all this... I don't feel safe..."

Anu hugged her tight.

"Come home..."

"Mummy... I want to... I will come to you... but now... I need some time... some time away from here... it's difficult to stay here..."

"But where would you go...?"

"Let me take care of that..."

In entered Anuj with two cups of hot chocolate. He sat in front of them and offered them the cups he had prepared.

"Pakhu... firstly... you are a brave girl... we love you so much. You were, are, will always be loved. Don't ever forget that..."

"Thank you..."

"Now... you told me long back that you have an interest in fashion designing...."

"You remember?"

"I do... have you heard of Stylus?"

"Of course... who doesn't know Stylus... they design bridal and party wear for celebrities..."

"Yup... the chief designers, the founders, Kabir and Suhana are very dear friends of mine. They offer internships for students like you. I will talk to them... I think there course is for a month or two... you can stay in their house, they have a daughter around your age and you'll have company...."

"Wow... I mean... aren't they in Mumbai..."

"Mmm hmmm... you can go and stay there..."

"But school..."

"I will personally talk to the principal, your grades are really good anyways... so it won't be a problem...."

"Thank you so much... so so much for solving all my problems... I really didn't know where I should go... I just wanted to go... but you solved it... thank you... and thank you for remembering my dream and making me remember it too..."

"Ah... it's nothing... you work hard, Pakhu... we will be proud of you..."

"I promise I will make you proud..."

Anu had seen him as a friend, a partner, a brother, a coach, a son... but today she saw him as a father... more importantly, a father to her daughter and she fell in love all over again. She stood up.

"Anu?"

"Mummy?"

"I have to go and inform my ex-husband that my daughter won't live in his house anymore."

She looked directly at Anuj.

"You will protect our daughter till then?"

He nodded.

"I will."

She looked at Pakhi.

"Don't worry, Mummy... I am safe here..."

She left.

***

"Mr. Shah..."

"Anupama..?"

"I came here to inform you Pakhi is going for a fashion designing internship course in Mumbai."

"What? How dare you?"

"Why shouldn't I dare? All these years I pretended for my children's sake... now they are old enough to understand right from wrong... I don't have to do anything, Mr. Shah."

"You already took Samar away from me.... don't you dare..."

"She doesn't want to come back to you because she heard you proudly boasting with your mother how you cheated her mother. She will stay with me after she comes back..."

"ANUPAMAAA"

"Scream all you want... I told you before, I am telling you again... your deeds will bring you down... "

He tried to move closer to intimidate her when she stopped him.

"Don't you dare. Mukku is in the next room."

As if on cue, Mukku came.

"Vanraj, the Mauritius.... Bhabhi?"

She looked suspiciously at Vanraj.

"I just came to inform something about my daughter... Mukkudi... isn't it time for lunch? Where is this Aarav?"

She guided her outside the room while he fumed. He couldn't lose, no he just couldn't lose... not to the woman who had been his slave for so long. He wouldn't let her take the upper hand.

***

~50~

"Coach....?"

"Sit, Aarav... Mukku said she will be here in sometime... Uh GK... come...."

As GK entered, Aarav said

"You found about him..."

He nodded. Anu stood up and walked towards him. Taking his hands in hers, she said

"It's going to be ok..."

"Really, Bhabhi?"

"Really... we are all with you..."

"Will you stay?"

"We will..."

He squeezed her hand and nodded. She wiped away the tear that had made it's way to his cheek and whispered before getting up

"Stay strong..."

The cabin door opened and in entered Mukku. She looked at everyone and marched straight to Aarav. Taking her seat beside him, she took his hand in hers and looked at Anuj.

"We are ready, Bhai..."

He nodded and placed the video call.

"Hello, Mr. Raizada... let me introduce you to Aarav..."

He turned the laptop around and showed him Aarav.

"Hello, Aarav... Uh... I am your cousin, Arnav Singh Raizada..."

"Hello... how... do you know my father?"

Arnav took a deep breath before starting.

"Your father was my father's younger brother. When he was young, he went to Gujarat on business. He stayed there for a month and came back. When he came back, he told my Dadi, his mother that he had married a girl he liked. She didn't approve and after a heated argument, he went away in the dark. He met with an accident that night. My Daadi... being who she is hid that such a thing ever happened. We really didn't know about the wedding until recently after her death we found this incident in her journal. I set out to search for your mother but knowing only her name and from Gujarat, I had hit a block and was about to give up, when our detective found that you were searching for my uncle... I contacted Mr. Kapadia and here we are..."

"So he didn't run away..."

"No, he didn't..."

"Thank you..."

Arnav nodded then said.

"Uh... we are your family... you can come here whenever you feel like it... you are not alone... I remember seeing some interviews of yours were you said you have no family... you now have all of us... you have a brother, a sister, a sister in law and so many people... you never have to feel alone anymore..."

Aarav looked at the people around him, then at the man in front of him.

"Thank you... thank you very much... but I was lying in the interview... I already have a family. My Gopi Kaka who always played the role of my father without any expectations... my coach because of whom I now play... my Bhabhi who came and made our lives beautiful... my Mukku... who is my everything... this... this is my family..."

Arnav nodded understanding.

"I understand... but whenever you need me... I will be there... whenever you come to Delhi, do visit us... we would love to know more about you.. oh and your family is always welcome too... I will call you in the evening after I reach home, my wife is eager to meet you... bye for now, Aarav..."

He cut the call. Aarav looked up at Anuj.

"Thank you, Coach... for everything..."

"Hey... it's alright, kid."

Aarav turned to Mukku.

"Mukku... Thank you... for staying..."

She squeezed his hand and nodded.

"You knew I will..."

"I knew... but I don't know if..."

He stopped unsure of how to proceed when she replied.

"I am ready to give it a chance, Aarav..."

He looked up and the joy reflected on his face. He was about to hug her when Anuj cleared his throat.

"That's my baby sister... Not in front of me, kid... Get out."

Aarav chuckled and was about to lead her out when Anu stopped them.

"Oye Hello mister... that's my baby you are leading out of the room..."

Aarav looked at Mukku and she just shrugged. He let go of her hand and knelt in front of Anu.

"Please give your baby's hand in mine..."

Anu stroked his face and was about to give her blessings when GK interrupted.

"Uh... isn't Mukku my daughter? I say no..."

"GK please... you know I love her soo much.. I can't live..."

"Okay everyone enough..."

She went and pulled Aarav up.

"Listen everyone... we are going out... anyone has any issues?"

Everyone pursed their lips and shook their head. She walked out with Aarav and shut the door. GK looked at the couple in the room and smiled.

"Thank you for giving a closure to Aditi's search... I am happy the man was good.."

Anu walked towards him and held his hand.

"Kaka..."

He sighed.

"Everything is for good, Anu... but I really wish we were more open with each other... all those years... she was free... so was I... but we lost the chance... you both don't be like us..."

He left them. He looked at her.

"He has a point..."

"Hmmm..."

He moved closer to her and wrapped his hand around her waist from behind. She leaned back into him breathing in his scent. He lowered his lips to her ears with a smirk

"So, Mohatarma...."

"Hmmm?"

"Which part would you like me to open first.... the top or the bottom?"

As the meaning of his words sunk in she reddened and pushed him back. Mumbling something incoherent under her breath, she ran away as he stood with a satisfied grin.

***

~51~

"Vanraj, come, sit. I have something important to tell you."

He sat in front of her looking a bit uncomfortable as GK was sitting in the chair next to him. Mukku took a file and gave it to him.

"Here... the project file and tickets to Mauritius. You have worked really hard. So I am giving you the sole ownership of the project. You can go two weeks later, you will need some time to set your affairs in order here... Take it and leave the country. I am dissolving this partnership. I don't work with abusers.... oh and don't you dare come near my Bhabhi again."

"But this is not fair... I can't take it..."

"Fair enough, you don't have to take the offer. It's your decision anyway. I am dissolving this partnership as the contract period will be over in two weeks and you can leave then."

"I still have two weeks..."

He got up to leave when she said.

"Oh you do... but post that, make sure you get out of the country... and about getting another job in India... uh I think none of the Kapadia's friends would be willing to take you... now would there be anyone left to give business to him, GK."

GK chuckled as Vanraj left the room trying to process what had just happened. He had been expecting something bad but this.... this was worse. He had to do something... they needed to know that he was invincible. but what? He wondered. He took out his phone and dialed a number

"Are you coming or not? Oh today.... awesome."

He gave a sly smile.

"Oh my dear ex-wife... I know just how to make you and your boyfriend and his kid sister dance to my tunes."

***

"Anuj..."

"Hmmm?"

He was leaning on his chair admiring her engrossed in work. He loved the play of emotions on her face as she tried to understand things.

"Anujjj..."

"Yes, Mohatarma."

"Concentrate..."

"I am..."

She raised her eyebrow.

"Where?"

He pointed to her face.

"Here..."

She bit her tongue trying to control her cheeks from reddening.

"Anuj... this is office... we are here to work..."

"Mmm hmm..."

He opened the top two buttons of his shirt knowing she loved to peek. She looked away trying to hide the satisfied smile at his action.

"Anuj..."

"What? I feel hot... Now what did you want me to concentrate."

She knew he was playing with her. Determined not to lose, she said.

"Did you look at the final list of companies shortlisted by the team for construction?"

"No, read them out to me..."

"Singh constructions, AL and sons Constrctions, TAK and daughters constructions..."

"TAK and daughters?"

"Mm hmmm.."

"Why do I feel I have heard this name before?"

A knock at the door made them look up.

"Come in..."

In entered a tall woman with beautiful blue eyes and curly hair.

"Hello AK, you have kept your figure well, missed me..."

He got up mumbling to himself.

"Ah... now I know..."

She walked towards him and he held out his hand courteously but she didn't take it. Instead, she wrapped her hand around his neck and pecked him loudly on both his cheeks. Feeling uncomfortable he slightly moved back creating some distance between them. The pair of eyes glaring at him did nothing to ease the discomfort he felt. Deciding put an end to the misery, he opened his mouth.

"Uh... Tarika..."

"Oh wow... the great AK does remember my name... though pretty much no one forgets after being pleasured all night by me... but man... I couldn't forget you after the blissful one hour you gave me... If you hadn't..."

Anu drew in a deep breath and stood up.

"Stop..."

Anuj shut his eyes feeling highly embarrassed. Tarika turned around.

"Oh sorry, I didn't see you... his assistant?"

"His partner..."

"AK... this is your new partner?"

He nodded still unable to talk.

"He took you home yet or no?"

He snapped his eyes open as he understood what she had mistaken Anupama for. One look at her face and he knew she had understood too. Before the conversation could take a bizarre turn, he interrupted.

"Tarika... this is my business partner..."

She stroked his face.

"Awww... I was once your business partner too.."

"Tarika... she is my business partner and best friend, Anupama..."

"Anupama?"

"Yes..."

"The Anupama?"

"Yes."

"This is her...?"

Anupama spoke up.

"Why? do you have any issues? Yes... I am... I am the Anupama he loved, loves, will always love. Oh and... I live with him at his home... have been living there for over a month... do you have any other queries?"

Tarika looked taken aback.

"Now, we are not going to offer you the tender. We don't offer to people who are not professional. As this is our workplace, you currently have no business here. I would be happy if you clear out."

"AK...?"

"Didn't you hear what I said? Clear out..."

Tarika walked out in a huff. Anuj puffed his cheeks and let out the breath he was holding.

She walked towards him and buttoned up his shirt.

"That was for my eyes.... mine alone..."

She rubbed his cheeks harshly.

"Anu..."

"Take me home. I can't work anymore today."

***

~52~

TW: ⚠️ mentions sensitive issues

They entered in and he shut the door.

"Anu?"

"Did Devika tell you why I divorced Mr. Shah?"

"He had an extra Marital affair with Kavya."

"Did she tell you how long was he having the affair?"

He shook his head.

"9 years.... 9 long years... and I was blind..."

"Anu..?"

"Did she tell you how I found the affair?"

He whispered.

"No."

"On our 25th wedding anniversary, we remarried, renewing our vows in front of our family. That night was supposed to be my suhaagraat. I was so excited, desperate and nervous even... he hadn't touched me in 17 years and he was about to that night. I did everything I knew back then to look beautiful for him that night. I walked down the corridor and opened the door thinking of ways to please my husband and in front of me... on the bed decorated for me... my husband was pleasuring another woman..."

As she said that, she felt a wave of nausea hit her as the image flashed before her eyes again. She rushed to the washroom to throw up and he followed her. He held her as she threw up and helped her wash. He made her walk towards the bed, propped up the pillow against the headboard and made her lean against it. Pouring a glass of water, he gave it to her. As she took a sip from the cup, he sat in front of her.

"Anu... it's over... he doesn't deserve your tears..."

"He doesn't but it doesn't change the fact that I was blind..."

"Anu... it was not..."

"How do you know? You weren't there, were you?"

"But I do know you... and I know the creep too..."

"But you didn't know me then... I was blind... oh so blind... he used to come late evey day, go for long business trips, never used to touch me, told me a million times how unsatisfied he was with me... yet I was blind oh so blind..."

He took in a deep breath.

"Anu... why are you thinking about this now? It's..."

"Because I don't want the same thing to happen again..."

He pulled back trying to comprehend what she had just said.

"Anu... do you mean to say I would..."

"No... oh no no no... you would never cheat on me... but you wouldn't tell me the truth either..."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning... one day if you wake up and find me inadequate... you would never tell me, would you?"

"I wouldn't because I would never feel like that"

"Anuj..."

"Anu... who told you that you are not adequate? You are more than adequate... You are the only reason I am alive today... and you think I would think something like that? I owe my life to you, you fool..."

"But we are not yet married..."

"So?"

"So... you really don't know how I am as a wife... what if I cannot satisfy your needs as a wife..."

The fear in her eyes made him understand her insecurities. He took her hands to his lips and kissed them.

"You have already satisfied me... you don't have to try anymore... you... just being by me... is all that I need..."

"But Anuj..."

He placed a finger on her lips and shushed her.

"Shhh... by the same logic that you just said... even you don't know me as a husband... maybe you won't be satisfied..."

She pushed his hand away.

"But that is not possible... the woman said she couldn't forget you after you... uh... were with her for an hour..."

He shut his eyes trying to gather the correct words to explain while she continued.

"And me... oh well... I have been told multiple times that I give no pleasure..."

His eyes snapped open.

"Stop..."

"Anuj... I..."

"You want to know?"

He took one hand of hers and placed it on his heart.

"Come close..."

"Anuj..."

"Do as I say...."

As she moved closer, she felt his heart rate increase.

"Closer..."

She did as he commanded and felt the throb increase.

"Closer still..."

As her breath fanned his face, he gave a sigh of pleasure.

"This is what you do everytime you come close... just come close... and you feel you cannot satisfy me? I yearned for the mere sight of you all those lonely years... and now that you are finally here... you feel you cannot satisfy me..."

A lone tear fell down her face.

"Will it be the same after... uh... after...."

"It will... why wouldn't it be? Anu, you have been living her for around 2 months now, we have been around each other and I still cannot bear the thought of an hour without you... Everytime you touch me, I wish you would linger your hands over me... just a little longer... I crave for you, long for you.... I just can't get enough of you..."

"Anuj... I am scared... I really am scared..."

"But why, Anu... why? I don't know about all those years... but now... I am certain you are blind..."

"Huh?"

"What else should I say? Can't you see how I crave to be with you? How I long every moment to be touched by you... by your beautiful fingers and these lovely lips... oh... Anu... Anu.. Anu... I want you so much... you and only you... and you say you are scared I won't be satisfied...."

As the tears streamed down her face, she whispered

"Sorry, sorry, sorry..."

He captured her lips in his letting her know what he truly felt taking total control for the first time not letting her sigh, gasp or think. She surrendered herself to his love as tears streamed non stop washing away the nightmares of the past. As they parted for breath, he lifted his hands and wiped off the tears.

"You are all that I will ever need... Promise me you will never doubt yourself again..."

She shook her head and he planted a kiss on her forehead. He got up.

"You need to rest... sleep..."

He turned to leave when she held his hand.

"Stay.... I want you..."

He sat beside her and she leaned on his arm. Her rested his head on hers and took her hand in his letting his thumb graze her hand tracing random patterns. After they had sat like that for sometime, she started

"Anuj..."

"Mmm?"

"Can I...."

"Ask.."

She bit her lips a little.

"She looked like she had wanted to continue way past the one hour you gave... why did you leave her?"

"Because my heart was already taken... I could never give her my heart nor the love she deserves..."

"You know... you could have tried... you would have made it work..."

He placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Could have... but I am glad I didn't..."

She nodded and lifted her face and planted a kiss on his jaw.

"I am glad too..."

She reached up and opened the top two buttons of his shirt. He raised his eyebrow.

"What? It's hot..."

He chuckled and pulled her close.

***

~53~

"Aarav..."

"Mm?"

"Did you see the 3D image of my restaurant?"

"Not yet... show me..."

"Here... how is it?"

He looked and gave a gasp. There were 10 glass balls underwater.

"It's underwater?"

"It is... underwater and underground... these balls... people will sit inside these to dine. There will be a lobby on top where people can wait and a step ladder to lead them down. The kitchen will also be over the ground."

"This is beautiful... and just like the picture you drew as a kid..."

"It was my dream..."

"Kudos to you girl for achieving it..."

"Thank you... glad you liked it..."

"Mmm hmm... what have you named it?"

"Under the Sea."

He smiled.

"Our favorite Disney song."

"Mmm hmmm..."

"Mukku...?"

"Yes?"

"I am going swimming... will you come?"

She looked away.

"I... uh... I haven't visited the pool for 10 years..."

"That's why I booked an hour alone for us... let's go and have fun..."

"I don't have my swimsuit..."

"Here... I bought it on my way... come on Mukku... let's just play in the water like we used to... you know you want it too..."

"This is what I love about you... you get me"

"Love about me, Mukku... love...?"

"Love..."

He ran towards her and crashed her lips with his. They had waited too long to feel them again.

***

"GK...."

"Yes, Anuj."

"What is happening?"

"Meaning..."

"Meaning when is Vanika going to dissolve?"

"Two weeks left for the contract to end. She has given him options. Let's see."

"Will it work?"

"I think he is scared but I cannot be sure."

"I wish she had let it to me."

"You know she wanted to..."

"To handle it herself because she knew I would get my hands dirty and she didn't want it."

"You knew?"

"Of course..."

"Good. Now have some patience. She is trying. You can always butt in if it doesn't work..."

He sighed and left.

***

"Samar..."

"Papa... uh... I mean Anuj... you here..."

He drew in a sharp breath at the 'Papa'.

"I heard from Anu about Kalpana's admission in nursing college. Will you be able to manage?"

"Yes... we will... she will come in the evenings after college to teach. So it will be easy."

"Let me know if you need something..."

"Okay..."

"Uh... Samar I need a favor..."

"Of course..."

"Tomorrow is the birthday party..."

"Ah yes, I remember..."

"Anu is attending alone... I uh... will you keep an eye on her?"

"You don't have to ask..."

"I know but sometimes son, I am afraid too..."

"I promise I will take care... don't worry..."

"Thank you..."

He turned around to leave then stopped.

"Ah... I do like Papa better than Anuj..."

***

~54~

Anu took in a deep breath and muttered a prayer for protection and strength as she entered her ex-house. She had done that all her life she reckoned... for it had never been her house.... never ever belonged to her. As she entered, she saw the house fully decorated and spotted some of Toshu's friends. Giving them a small smile, she walked in searching for her family when a voice stopped her.

"Mummy..."

She turned to see her son. He gave her a wide smile.

"You came..."

He bent down to take her blessings, she pulled him up in a hug.

"How could I say 'no'... It was your birthday wish..."

"Thank you..."

Baa entered the room.

"Ah... here is the..."

"Baa... please... she is my guest... I called her... I wish that she should be treated with respect. It's my birthday... Please..."

Baa shut up though with a sour face.

"Come... I was hoping you would come... let's cut the cake..."

She nodded as he took her hand and led her to the center of the room. She looked around. The entire family was gathered around. Somehow, she felt odd that Kavya was very quiet. Pushing away the unease that creeped into her heart, she said

"Samar? I don't see him..."

"He said he will be a little late..."

"Ok... hey Kinjal come... you should cut the cake with him..."

Kinjal gave her a smile and walked towards her husband.

***

She entered Pakhi's room to wash off the gravy that Kavya had spilt on her accidentally. She opened Pakhi's cupboard knowing she had an old salwar of hers. Sighing at the mess, she fished through her clothes and found what she was looking for. As was her habit, she quickly folded the remaining clothes and arranged the cupboard placing everything neatly. Then she took the clothes and walked to the washroom. Once changed she looked at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly accentuating her curves. She smiled imagining his reaction. Giggling to herself, she said

"Bholuram, you are in for a surprise...."

She set the dupatta to cover her chest and walked out only to find the creep standing and looking at her from the door. Before she could walk away, he entered in.

"Woah..."

"I don't want to talk to you..."

"You think I would leave you so easily after all that you did?"

"I did?"

"Of course... you had the audacity to provoke Samar and Pakhi to leave the house, to create differences between me and Mukku, make me lose my job and still walk with your head held high in front me..."

"They left because they couldn't bear you nor your wife... don't take my baby's name again from your mouth... now I really don't have any interest in this conversation... move... otherwise I will scream..."

"Oh really? What will happen when your pretty boyfriend finds out how well I know about you?.."

As his voice changed to the one he used to use while they were together, she clutched her dupatta.

"None of your business...Move...Samar... Samar..."

He let his eyes roam over her.

"I know all about you... Tell me does he know about you like I do...?"

"Samar..."

"Does he know where you like to be tickled... like the spot just above..."

She looked at him in disgust. How low could he stoop?

"Move away... Samar..."

"He is not home... no one else will come... tell me do you still beg to be kissed in that little mole under your left..."

He suddenly felt someone throw him over the wall.

"Don't you dare..."

"Toshu..."

"You thought she has no one since Samar is out? She has me... her firstborn... I am still alive... I won't let anyone talk to her in that way... had it been any other man instead of you he would have been dead. I am ashamed... ashamed that I ever thought of you as my superhero.... you are a loser... a prize loser... I am leaving this house with my wife tonight. I can't be at peace with such creeps around my wife."

"Toshu.... son..."

"Don't... don't call me that... I am not your son anymore... out.... get out..."

As he left, he turned to his mother. She was trembling all over. He held her by her shoulder.

"Mummy... I am sorry... he came home just now... I didn't know he would stoop so low to save his ego..."

Hearing the commotion, the entire family came up. Samar too came, having just arrived. Seeing his mother's trembling figure, he ran to her.

"Mummy..."

"Son.... take me home..."

****

~55~

As they reached, she got down.

"Mummy..."

"You were late...."

Her voice was accusing.

"Sorry..."

She said nothing and turned to leave. He got down from the bike and walked to her. He took her hand in his.

"Leave me, Samar...."

"Sorry..."

He walked her to the door and rung the bell. As expected, Anuj opened the door. Seeing her unrest, he looked at Samar trying to understand. He shook his head and reached out for Anuj's hand. Placing her hand in his, he said

"Sorry, I didn't keep my promise to you... I was late... When I went there, I found her like this... please take care of her. Promise you will call me."

Anuj nodded and pulled Anu towards him as Samar turned and left, his heart heavy. She hid her face in his chest. As he led her inside, GK and Mukku came running.

"Anu.."

"Bhabhi.."

He stilled them with his hand.

"I am taking her to my room..."

GK nodded and moved back understanding but Mukku couldn't bear to see Anu so broken. She reached out and held her hand.

"Bhabhi... look at me... see your Mukkudi.."

Anu looked at her.

"Stay away from that man... I don't care what the media says... you don't work with him from tomorrow..."

"Bhabhi..."

"Dare you go there again... I will lock you up for all I care... you won't work with him again..."

Mukku fell back at the harshness in her tone. Anuj looked up at her.

"Mukku..."

She nodded at him with tears in her eyes. He walked her to his room and shut the door locking it from the inside. He made her sit on the bed and knelt before her.

"Tell me..."

"Anuj..."

"I am here..."

"He has seen all of me."

"Yes..."

"All..."

She looked at him with wild eyes.

"Anu?"

"The day I submitted myself to him, I didn't know he will use it... Anuj... Anuj... Anuj... I can't... he... he..."

"Shh shh shh... I am here... you are mine now... mine..."

She clutched his shoulder tight and shut her eyes trying to push away his words.

"Anu... you need to tell me what he said... you need to let it out... I promise you are mine... you will always be..."

"He said..."

Disgust filled her face.

"He looked at me the way he used to when he wanted to get close and mentioned intimate acts we did when we were married... like how I reacted when he touched me here or there... and asked if it was the same with you."

He stood up as rage filled his veins. Had the man been in front of him, he would surely had done something bad enough to serve life sentence. He clenched his fists and punched the air. She looked away as tears streamed. Her voice harsh with the pain she felt within, she said

"I have never felt more ashamed of myself than today... why oh why..."

He shut his eyes, drawing in a deep breath to control his rage and knelt down before her again. He wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"No... enough... if there is anyone who should be ashamed... it should be him... and I will make sure he is..."

He cupped her cheeks.

"Look... look at me..."

She looked at him.

"I am here... whatever he said doesn't matter... you belong to me... to me now... my Anu... my very own..."

"Anuj..."

"Yes..."

"I want you to touch me..."

"Anu?"

"Touch me, Anuj.... I don't want to belong to that man..."

He sighed and stood up. Holding her shoulders, he made her stand up. He let his fingers graze her face. She stood still her eyes wide open looking at his movements. She made no move as his hand moved lower to her neck. He shut his eyes and took in a deep breath. Taking his hands off her neck, he took her hands in his and squeezed them.

"Anu... I love you... and you are mine.... I long to touch you but not now..."

She looked at him confused.

"You are not in the right frame of mind... tomorrow you will regret... I don't want it..."

"Anuj..."

"You want me to touch you today to prove a point... you just want to prove a point to yourself that you belong to me... it is not from your heart... you didn't even feel my fingers on your face...."

"What..."

"I know what I am saying.... I love you... and I treasure your body... cherish you... I won't make the mistake of touching it just to prove a point... not even if you ask me to..."

He cupped her face and bent his head to get closer to her face.

"You know in your heart that I love you and you belong to me not to that creep... whatever he says are just mere words... you ask your heart... you will know the answer..."

She shut her eyes and breathed in as his words sunk. His scent calmed her and she felt her hands lift up and wrap around his neck on its own. A sense of calmness filled her and she moved closer to him letting her body touch his. He placed his arms around her waist and held her close. After a few moments of silence, she said

"I am yours... yours... when he came close I felt like throwing up... but here I feel peace... bliss and peace... Anuj... kiss me..."

He captured her lips with his and she kissed him back as she felt the fear leave her heart. When they pulled apart, she opened her eyes and the restlessness was gone. He smiled happy that his Anu was back.

"Anu..."

"Mmm?"

"It's late... you need rest..."

"I want to sleep in your arms tonight, Anuj..."

He nodded and lifted her up making her gasp at the sudden movement.

"Anuj... what?"

"Taking you to bed, Mohatarma..."

"I could have walked, Bholuram..."

He bent close to her face and rubbed her nose with his.

"I love to have you here..."

She smiled and he carried her to bed. He made her sit and sat beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder as always and he whispered sweet nothings until she fell asleep.

***

~56~

He walked out shutting the door behind him happy that she was fast asleep. He looked up to see his sister sitting opposite to his door, her knees drawn to her chest and her head buried on her knees. He walked towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder and she got up with a jerk.

"It's me..."

"Bhabhi?"

"She is asleep. Come, we need to talk."

She nodded and they walked to the living room to see GK walking around his hands tied back and his face down.

"Mummy?"

"Anuj... Anu?"

"She is asleep... come sit..."

As the sat, the bell rang and Anuj went to open the door.

"Aarav..."

"I called Mukku, she didn't pick up neither did you or Bhabhi so called GK 10 minutes back, he explained the situation. I wanted to see her. How is Bhabhi?"

"She is sleeping now."

"What happened?"

"Sit"

"Bhai? What really happened?"

He told in a few short words what Anu had told and all three of them looked disgusted. Aarav started.

"How dare he? I am not going to leave that man alone... he had the audacity to treat a woman so badly... and that too my Bhabhi... he will pay for it."

"Exactly... I won't leave him alone... my Anu has already had enough of him over the 26 years... Mukku... enough of your plans... we are doing it my way... he is getting what he deserves."

"Bhai.. no don't..."

"What don't... I have some friends who have friends in the underworld. They would teach him a lesson... he would never see the light of the day again..."

"See... see Aarav, this was exactly what I was scared off... he is still the same when it comes to Bhabhi... keeps his brains shut down..."

"Mukku is right, Anuj... you need to think..."

"What think, Mummy? He violated my Anu... If I am quiet, I am the worst lover in the world..."

"Coach... listen... it's the kids... we need to take care of that..."

"Exactly Bhai... think of the kids state in the world if their father is jailed or killed...?"

"I can provide for them..."

"It's not about providing, Bhai... but how will they feel? How will they accept you? Bhabhi will spiral down with guilt if something happens to the kids... No we need to be careful... you cannot just do something and think about the consequences later like you usually do..."

Anuj sighed as he realized his sister was right.

"So what did you plan?"

"My plan was to send him off to Mauritius with a hotel in his hand so that he won't be able to come back... but he refused."

"Aren't you rewarding him?"

"I don't care... I don't want him to bother our family again... especially you both... I can't bear it.... and it's for the kids sake... Anu's kids... who are also part of our family... Pakhi is still in school, Toshu has just now got a job, Samar is still making his place... they can tell everyone their father is abroad... don't you think it's better than in jail or murdered?"

Anuj stood up not very satisfied when his phone rang.

"Samar.."

"Papa, is Mummy alright? I heard the entire thing from Toshu Bhai"

"She is sleeping, son."

"Ok... And you?"

"I am... I will be fine... son."

"Ok, Papa... Take rest, bye."

He took in a deep breath.

"I am going to go and meet that man."

"Anuj... don't do anything in haste..."

"I am not, Mummy. Trust me... I won't let my anger spoil my son's future. Let me go and make him accept Mukku's offer."

Aarav walked to the door and took the car keys hanging on the wall.

"Where are you going, kid?"

"I don't trust you enough to drive in this state. I drive, you come. I will stay in the car."

***

As Anuj reached the Shah house, he saw that the lights were still on. The sight of the police vehicle outside made him quicken his step, his brain alerting him his son was inside. As he reached the door, he heard a loud voice, Toshu's to be specific.

"Inspector, this is the man. He harassed my mother. I saw it with my own eyes."

"You are willing to give a written complaint."

"Yes sir..."

"Ok come with us... You too..."

The constable put handcuffs on Vanraj and led him out. As the inspector saw Anuj at the door, he stopped.

"Mr. Kapadia, sir...."

Anuj nodded at him. As they started to lead Vanraj away, Anuj stopped them.

"One minute, sir..."

He walked towards Vanraj.

"You dared to hurt my Anu today...."

He punched him squarely at his face. His nose started to bleed at the impact.

"Next time, you dare even think her name, you won't have a face... Take him away..."

***

~57~

As the first rays of sun peaked through the curtains, Anu squinted her eyes and opened them. She looked around the surroundings and realized she was in Anuj's room. This was not the first time, yet she felt her heart speed up just as it did before. The thrill of being in his bed early in the morning was something she just couldn't get over. She sat up and leaned against the headboard recollecting the events of the night before. He had been gentle, kind, firm and shown her the power of love. She wondered if she would be this happy, today had he listened to her and fulfilled her request. She would have definitely regretted that their first time would always bring memories of pain. He knew her better than herself... and she loved him so much for that. She wondered if there was anything as blissful as being in his arms. She concluded there wasn't... she longed for the day to come soon when she would wake up every day in his arms. As the sound of the water running in the washroom hit her ears, she wondered if he had gone to take a shower. Had he taken his clothes? She bit her tongue as soon as the thought crossed her mind, her cheeks reddening at the memory. Clothes or no clothes, she could always dream. Her eyes fixed on the bathroom door, she let her fantasies run wild.

He stood in the shower reminiscing the night. He had talked to Samar and Toshu and they had been determined that their father get the necessary punishment legally. He knew it would have been a difficult decision for the kids, yet they had taken it and he was proud of them. He had told them so. He knew his connections would keep him in jail long enough. He had arranged for a vehicle to send Baa and Bapuji to Baa's mother's place knowing it would be difficult to live in the street again. As he had turned to leave, he had wondered where Kavya was when Kinjal had told him in a sarcastic tone that she had run away the minute Toshu had mentioned the police. He had promised the kids they were his now and he would be there for them. Samar had hugged him tightly while Toshu had looked at him with grateful eyes. As the water washed away the last of the soap from his body, his mind wandered to the woman on his bed. She had slept through the night oblivious to the entire situation, he wondered what would be her reaction to the news. He sighed knowing she would definitely worry for the kids. Turning around, he took the towel and rubbed vigorously drying himself his mind thinking of ways to break the news to her gently. Once done, he looked around for the bathrobe but he couldn't find it. Hitting his head with his palm, he guessed he had forgotten to take the bathrobe as he had been so preoccupied. He had to use the towel to wrap himself and walk out. Though not the first time, he felt nervous at the thought of her eyes on him. He would love it... but the fight to keep control would be hard work. He shook his head as he tried to convince himself that she must be asleep given the events of the evening and opened the door.

As he stepped out, he stopped still at the door as he felt her eyes fixed on him. She slowly lifted her hand and bade him to come to her. As a moth drawn to the fire, he walked to her. As he reached closer, she let out a sigh of ecstasy...

"Finally..."

Smirking he sat in front of her meaning to tease her when she reached out and trailed her finger slowly and deliberately on his toned chest muscles. His breath hitched. He hadn't expected her to be this bold. He leaned forward as with each touch of hers, his body burned as on fire. Unable to control any longer he moaned

"Annnuuu..."

At the sound of his voice she stopped and took back her hand, her face reddening up in shock.

"You... you really... I mean... you came... uh... woh... you... real.."

The sight of her blabbering at a loss of words made him realize that she had been imagining him and had thought he was her fantasy. He leaned forward and placed his lips on hers making her shut up. As the kiss deepened, her hands found its way around his neck and she clutched his hair. After what seemed like a very long time, they pulled apart and rested their foreheads on each other. He looked at her and whispered

"Mohatarma... is it clear now how real it is?"

She blushed and hid her face on his chest. Few moments of blissful silence passed and Anu realized she needed to talk. She knew after what happened yesterday, her man wouldn't have sat still.

"Anuj..."

"Mmmm..."

"Did you use your hockey stick again?"

He smiled softly and said

"No..."

He hugged her close to him and explained her the events of the evening. He took a deep breath at the end and said

"Anu... the kids..."

"They were right, Anuj..."

"Don't..."

"No... I won't worry... we will take care of them together... you and me... they won't need anything more... they stood for what was right... nothing bad will happen to them. I have faith and I have you..."

She place a soft kiss on his chest and stood up.

"Get dressed... I will go make breakfast..."

"Let me also come..."

"You need to sleep..."

"Mmmm..."

"What? You don't go to office today... that's an order not a request..."

"As you wish Mohatarma... but I will come to help for breakfast... Oh by the way, don't be too angry on Samar... the little girl Pooja fell down while dancing yesterday and he had to take her to the hospital... that's why he was late yesterday..."

"Is she alright?"

"She is... talk to him... let me change and come..."

"I want to see him... you want to come?"

"Yes... but I think it would be better if you talk to him alone first."

"Ok..."

She reached on her toes and gave him a small peck.

"Thank you... for everything... I love you."

"I love you too... my girl... I love you too..."

***

As she stepped out of the door, her eyes fell on her baby Mukku standing outside and staring at the door. It looked like she had been waiting for a long time. As soon she she saw Anu, she whispered

"Bhabhi..."

Anu said nothing, just opened her arms wide and Mukku ran into her arms.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry... I..."

"Shhh shhh... it's over... whatever happened is for the good... Now... go to bed... I know you didn't sleep the night... I will bring some warm milk."

"I love you so much... please don't leave us..."

She patted her head.

"Who told you I am leaving? Love you too... now go... I will come with some milk..."

Mukku nodded and left her. Anu walked towards the kitchen when her eyes saw the two men sitting on the living room couch.

"Aarav? Kaka?"

"Anu..."

"Bhabhi..."

She sighed.

"You guys didn't sleep too... Kaka... let me warm some milk and then you go off to bed and Aarav this couch can be converted to bed too... so you sleep after you finish your glass..."

"Bhabhi... are you...?"

"Your coach is with me... your Mukku is with me... your GK is with me... you are with me... with so many people around... how can I not be alright? Thank you... thank you..."

***

She made her way to the kitchen and took out the vessel to boil milk. As she turned to take the milk from the fridge, she found a hand in front of her offering her what she wanted. She smiled

"I love you too..."

He placed a soft kiss on her cheek and she took the packet of milk from his hand. As she poured the milk into the vessel, he wrapped his hand around her waist and she leant back on him.

"You know today is Valentine's day..."

"Mm hmmm..."

"I love you..."

"Hmmm..."

The milk boiled and she poured them into three cups.

"Let me go give the milk to Aarav and GK... you give to Mukku... Let's eat out today and the others can eat out too..."

"But..."

"No buts... you look tired too..."

"I'll go see the kids. You sleep. I will be back for lunch."

He nodded and left.

***

~58~

Anu knocked the door to her apartment and stood waiting as her son came to open it.

"Samar..."

"Mummy... mummy are you alright I am so..."

"I am sorry, son.."

"Mummy, I shouldn't have been late... all this wouldn't have happened... I won't ever..."

"You were never late till now... I know you won't... I am sorry Bakhuda... I love you..."

"I love you too my Rockstar..."

"Who is it, Samar.... Mummy?"

In front of her stood her eldest son. She shut her eyes remembering the punch her son had given.

"Mummy..."

"Toshu..."

"Sorry, I was late..."

"Toshu... it's ok you..."

"I was 25 years too late... from the time I was born, I have been his son... never once thought of your feelings... not even when he went away with another woman... I am sorry... sorry Mummy... sorry I am a fool just like him... had I seen the truth earlier... whatever happened yesterday wouldn't have happened..."

"Son... let bygones be bygones... let's start afresh... yesterday's gone... it's over... don't blame yourself too much... you were brave enough to do the right thing yesterday... you stood up for me and my nightmare is gone far away from me life... all because you were brave... you are not like him at all son... oh no... that man was a coward... you my son are a good man... just like..."

"Anuj?"

"Mmmm"

"I wish I become more like him..."

A thrill of joy filled her heart. Her children loved him too and her motherly heart was finally satisfied. Samar came forward

"Mummy... you look different... is there something... oh... are you going to...?"

"Yes.. I wanted to tell you that... I just visited the register office... We will get married tomorrow..."

Samar gave a hoot of joy

"Really, Mummy... this is the happiest day of my life..."

He hugged her tight and she smiled as Kinjal came forward too. A few minutes later, she looked up to see her eldest son standing afar.

"Toshu..."

"Mummy..."

"Son..."

"I love you... I know your happiness lies with him... he is a good man... you both deserve every happiness."

She untangled herself from her kids and walked towards him. She cupped his cheeks and raised her eyebrow.

"What is bothering you son?"

"You know... I really wish I had been like Samar and not made enemies with Anuj... I don't know if he would like me..."

"He definitely would... he sent you a post birthday gift..."

Anu took out a small gift wrapped box from her bag. She handed it over to him.

"Here..."

Toshu opened to see a cup which had an inscription 'best son in the word'. A little note inside it read

'Whatever happened yesterday was not easy. I am really proud of your courage. You proved yesterday you are the best son in the world. Happiest birthday.'

Toshu looked at his mom with tears in his eyes and she nodded.

"You started off on the wrong foot son but you corrected a lot of wrongs by the single deed you did yesterday. You still have a lifetime to go... keep making the right choices and I would be proud of you... and so would Anuj..."

Toshu wrapped his hand around her and hugged her tight. She was about to comfort him when her phone rang. She took it out to see it was a video call from Pakhi.

"Sweety..."

"Mummy... I know..."

"I am sorry, child..."

"Don't be... he deserves it... Toshu Bhai did the right thing..."

"Mmmm..."

"Are you ok?"

"Yes... uh Sweety..."

"Yes, Mummy..."

"I have booked tickets for you to come back today..."

"Today...?"

"Yes... my Sweetudi... I am getting married tomorrow and I want you there..."

***

Anu walked to her room feeling excited that Aarav and Gopi Kaaka had been elated at her announcement. Now she was on her way to tell her baby. She opened the door and as expected, she saw Mukku curled up on the bed fast asleep. She walked in and sat beside her. Gently she shook her

"Mukkudi..."

"Bhabhiiiii.... 5 more minutes please..."

She smiled.

"I'll give you another half an hour to sleep. Just listen to what I want to say now..."

"Mmmm"

"I am marrying Anuj tomorrow..."

"What?"

Mukku sat up straight on the bed and looked at her.

"It's not a dream is it?"

"Nope..."

She threw herself into her arms and held her tight.

"I am so so so happy... Now I can call you Bhabhi anytime I want..."

"Aren't you doing the same now?"

"Oh... am I? Well I'll continue..."

She hit her head slightly.

"Mukku..."

"Mmm?"

"I need a favor..."

***