Contd. from 1) OS: Ghodi ka zulm (http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3308987) and 2) OS: Aapko bura to nahin laga na? (http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3312221#70350046)
(reading "Ghodi ka zulm" and "Aapko bura to nahin laga na?" is essential before you proceed)
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Seeing the one eye peeking out from behind the pillow, Shiv mumbled "Anandiji? I am truly sorry." Sitting up slowly, Anandi gave her hand to him. "Kyon, Collector Sahib? Aap kyon sharminda ho rahein hain? Isme toh hum dono ki galti hai' hamne darwaza kyon nahin band kiya?" Enclosing her hand tenderly in both his, Shiv helped Anandi stand up. Smoothing her tumbled hair off from her face, "Anandiji, aaj jo kiya, bahut hi accha aur pyara tha, lekin aage jo hoga, who main aapke haath mein chodta hoon. Jab bhi ishara karengi, tab hi main agla kadam loonga." Smiling gently, Anandi returned the pressure of his fingers and said, "Tayyaar ho jayein? Pata nahin dewarjee ne kya kya keh diya hoga'"
Standing behind her, Shiv watched as Anandi set her lehenga straight. He watched awestruck as she slid her comb through her hair, the blue-black sparks catching and ensnaring his eyes. This was the first time he could watch her so openly. As she started draping her dupatta over her hair, he hesitated and said, "Anandiji, aapke baal bahut hi khoobsoorat hain. Dil karta hai ki main unhein kabhi din bhar khule hue dekhoon." Without replying, Anandi just turned, letting her dupatta slide off once again, and handed over the sindoor dibiya to him. Standing as close as he could, he adorned her maang with the red streak that proclaimed her taken, by him! Slowly covering her head again, Anandi blushed profusely. Looking deep into each other's eyes, Shiv suddenly felt his hair being brushed away from his forehead, a touch that set off shivers deep within him. "Aap bhi tayyaar ho jaaiye, Collector Sahib. Sab intezaar kar rahe honge." As he took the brush from her, he was aware that she watched him throughout, just as he had done.
Walking down the passage together, they exchanged chagrined looks as they heard deep roars of laughter coming from the drawing room. Shiv reached out and took his brides hand in his, reassuring her that there was nothing to fear. As they entered, everybody turned to look at them. "Aao, aao, mere jawaan! Theek se soye, ki nahin." Shiv glared over at a smirking Mahi. "Mahi'" "Maine kya kiya, bhaiyya? Maine toh sirf yahi aake bataya ki aap bahut gehri khwab mein khoye hue the'" As Shiv took a threatening step towards his nemesis, Anandi firmly pressed his fingers, keeping him anchored by her side. Ira smiled at the nok-jhok and called out to Anandi to come sit beside her.
After a light nashta of samose, pakode, and halwa, they all started to get ready to set out for Kesar Bagh. The jeep and the Scorpio were ready and waiting. "Bhaiiya, ek kaam karte hain, main Scorpio mein ma, badi ma, daddu, aur bhabhi ko le jata hoon. Aap apne khatare jeep mein Sanchi aur Bade papa ko le aayen. Ab bhabhi thodi hi khule hue jeep mein baith sakti hain'" Shiv glared helplessly since he couldn't argue with that logic. Seeing his crestfallen face, choti ma smiled and said, "Nahin beta, naye dulha dulhan ko ek saath hi baithna chahiye. Aaj tum jeep chalana." Smiling with relief, Shiv quickly picked up the keys to the Scorpio and pocketed them.
After loading their luggage, Shiv opened the front door and asked daddu to get in. "Main? Marwana hai kya?? Pichli baar to in dono ke nain-mattake mein to hum sab log shaheed hi ho jaate. Main peeche wali seat mein baithoonga. Anandi ko hi apne saath baithao." Smiling shyly, Anandi took her rightful place, while the others got into the rear seat.
Seeing Sanchi standing morosely to the side, Shiv walked up to her and took her elbow. "Ab chalo bhi, der ho rahi hai." Seeing her and Alok into the car, Shiv leaned on the fender of the car, staring daggers at Mahi. Smirking even more, Mahi walked toward him, "What's up bro? Sab theek to hai na??"
Kersplash, thump!! Everybody turned to see what had happened. Poor Mahi had landed with a splash in the geeli mitti near the front of the car. He had failed to see Shiv's outstretched foot on time!
"Arre beta, kya kar diya," screamed Minu. Mahi slowly staggered to his feet, holding on to his aching rear. Looking ruefully at his ruined seat, he said "Kuch nahin ma, bina dekhe-sune chalne ka sila mila, bas!"
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