Note: This story is a continuation of my OSs: 1) Ghodi ka zulm, 2) Aapko bura to nahin laga?, 3) Palat vaar, and 4) A new home.
Subnote: I hope I have now satisfied all those who had a complaint about the length of the individual parts. Bura nahin manna yaaron, thodi si masti, thoda sa mazaak chal raha tha.
PS: Although this was part of the Birthday Thread, I have taken it outside that thread too, so more people can read it.
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OS: Twelve Steps in Time
1) December 9, 2012, 7 am:
THE wedding was fast approaching. The haldi ceremony and its attendant problems had been sailed through. The day of the mehendi had arrived. While Shiv plotted and planned his next peek at his beloved, Daddu entered his room at a fast clip, "Arre jawan, apni ghodi select nahi karega kya?" "Ghodi, daddu?? Main ghodi ka kya karoonga?" "Tu na Shiv, nikhattoo ka nikhattoo hi rahega!" Kya fauji ka pota gaadi mein baithkar apni dulhan lene jaayega??!"
Looking sheepish, Shiv quickly donned his favorite blue jeans and teal blue T-shirt and drove off with Daddu and Mahi to the nearest ghodiwala. They scouted around, but no ghodi caught Shiv's fancy. Some were too tiny, some too thin, some too short ' none matched his stature. Then finally, at the last ghodiwalas', a huge white mare, albino actually, with bluish-white eyes stared down at him. Standing 16 hands tall, broad in the withers, with solid haunches, and a rapidly flicking tail, the mare was absolutely beautiful. As the mare bared her teeth in a greeting, a weaker man might have turned tail, but Shiv grinned back and reached up to softly pat the mares' muzzle and tickle its ears. The mare butted her head against his chest, and Shiv turned triumphantly to Daddu. "Yahi final hai, Daddu!" The saeez (groom) spoke up nervously, "Collector Saheb, yeh ghodi thodi si bigdail hai. Aap ek baar soch lein." Shiv laughed out loud, "Maine toh acche acche ghodon ko sambhaal liya hai! Ek baar toh, maine aapke Sarpanch ko'" As he lost himself in pleasant thoughts, Daddu and Mahi exchanged a "Not Again" look, and went ahead to finalize the details.
2) December 10, 2012, 7 am:
The morning of the wedding arrived after 300 years in Shiv's mind. The women of the house buzzed around him like annoying wasps, getting him ready for the big day. The early morning pooja, the facial done by Sanchi, and the annoying dressing up did not let him call Anandi even once. He was quite miffed. Finally, the ladies were done and they led him to the huge mirror in choti ma's room. He blushed deep red on spotting himself in the mirror ' maroon achkan, gold silk dhoti, gold turban, and large sword strapped to his side. All he could think of was, would Anandiji like him.
3) December 10, 2012, 7 pm:
To the sounds of dhol nagara, he stepped out of Circuit House to be greeted by the ghodi, decked up like a bride herself, in flowers and gold braid. A local band, playing the latest songs, waited at the main gate. With barely contained eagerness, Shiv almost jumped aboard the mare, who shifted uneasily at the strange weight. The rest of the family and all his friends who had finally arrived yesterday started their dancing and antics, barely moving an inch a minute. Shiv sighed impatiently and settled in for the long wait. The horse was prancing a bit uneasily at the loud noise and jostling, but Shiv noticed that her ears were stuffed with cotton. He kept consoling her with soothing pats.
As they wound their way through the streets of Jaitsar, it seemed as if the entire city was on the roads. Their Sarpanch and their Collector. What a day it was!!! To the mare, the mobs must have seemed like a threatening mass, intruding on her personal space. She started skittering and sidestepping, only the saeezs' tight hold on her reins keeping her in place.
Shiv soon started feeling a level of discomfort ' the silk material of his dhoti was rubbing against the sides of the horse and consequently, scratching his tender skin. He kept shifting in his seat to avoid the sensation. The more he shifted, the more it seemed as if the dhoti was embedding itself. As the pace slowed even further, his awkward posture seemed to affect his lower back and a soft, throbbing pain started to add to his misery. The broadness of the mare only added to his discomfort.
To his relief, they could see the huge mandap constructed in the Singh's khets to host the samuhik vivaah. Thanking God, he waited for an end to his torture. His requests for his baraat to move faster only resulted in more laughter, as everyone misconstrued his interests! Just as they approached the entrance, the ladkiwale's drums also started rolling. At the increased noise level, the mare started shivering and tossing her head. As she did that, one of the cotton buds slipped out. At the same time, some kids lit some patakas in the distance. That did it. The mare tossed her head back, and whinnying loudly, reared up, trying desperately to get away! Poor Shiv had to use all his severely tested horsemanship to hold on for dear life. Only the combined efforts of the saeez, Mahi, and Alok prevented the mare from taking off into the wide blue yonder.
Heaving a deep sigh, Shiv slipped slowly of the mare, patted her, and started limping toward the entrance. "Tum theek toh ho na, Shiv," Ira asked in concern. "Haan ma, mujhe kya ho sakta hai'," mumbled Shiv, not reassuring anyone except himself. Anyhow, the Singhs, and he, were eager to get started, and so the rituals began. The sight of his beauteous bride allayed the bruises and the muscular aches somewhat, but they were a niggling distraction throughout. "Come on Shiv, be a man," was the only thought that pulled him through the rituals.
4) December 10, 2012, 11 pm:
When the wedding was over, and the bidaii too, the baraat returned to CH. They would relax for a few hours there before they left for Kesar Bagh. The rest of the rasams would take place there. Ira and CM shooed the profusely blushing groom and his bride off to their room to rest. As Shiv limped in, Anandi turned to stare at him imperiously. "Ab bataenge kahan dard ho raha hai?? Maine itni baar pucha, lekin aap hain jo, apne aapko itna mahaan dekhatein hain. Mard ko dard nahin hota, huh!!!" "Nahin Anandiji, main bilkul'" Giggling, Anandi said, "Waise Mahi ne main mujhe sab kuch bata diya hai. Aap ek kaam kariye, apne sone ke kapde pehen lijiye. Main dekhti hoon'" Cursing Mahi to the high heavens, Shiv started blustering ' but who could argue with his wife? His wife? The thought brought a goofy smile to his face. Taking advantage, Anandi quickly pushed him into the bathroom, with an "Or-else" look.
Shiv slowly limped back out of the bathroom in his baby blue jammies and sleeveless T. Staring at him in shock, Anandi had to almost shake herself out of her blood-in-the-ears stupor to point him in the direction of the bed. "Ulte let jaaiye." Shiv snuck a glance at her and quickly crawled into bed. Seeing him in that position made Anandi almost swoon away, but duty beckoned. She sat cross-legged on the bed next to him and ran her fingers gently across his back, testing where he really hurt. Seeing that the maximum pain was in the lower body area, she gently started kneading his spine, moving slowly downward towards his caudal bone. As she pressed each nub and depression, the tension seemed to dissipate from Shiv's body. Lost in a trance, she moved her fingers in light circles at the base of his spine, pressing deeper and deeper into his resilient flesh.
Forgetting for a moment who he was, she moved still lower, pressing deep into his gluteus maximus. At the resultant "OUCH," she almost fell backward off the bed in shock. Seeing his grimace of pain, she could not restrain her giggles any longer, "Accha, toh YAHAN dard ho raha hai, Collector Sahib! Rukiye, mein abhi garma garam aate ka gola bana ke laati hoon. Sekne se bilkul theek ho jaayega." A massive hand shot out and stopped her in her tracks. "Marwana hai kya, Anandiji? Shaadi ke din mazaak bana ke rakh dogi," he glared! Taking pity on him, but still laughing, she gently made him lie down again, "Accha theek hai, toh aapko meri maalish se hi kaam chalana padega." Leaning down, she gave him a surprise peck on the cheek, "Bechaare, itna dard ho raha tha aur kisi se keh bhi na paaye." Almost fondling his soft and downy skin, she continued her kneading until the silence was interrupted by a deep snore.
Anandi stared fondly at her sleeping husband. As she sought to remove her hand, Shiv stirred restlessly in his sleep. Heaving a deep sigh, she continued her ministrations. This time, she had the freedom to stare. At the concave depression where his spine ended. At the tiny whorls of hair that ensnared her fingers. At the satiny skin that was as smooth as a baby's butt. Lost in her world of sensory delights, she did not realize when her eyes closed and she nodded off to sleep. Slipping slowly sideways, she ended up with her head on his shoulder, her hand still unconsciously massaging his soreness. And that is how they rested for a few hours.
5) December 11, 2012, 7 am:
As Shiv's eyes slowly opened, he was conscious of a pleasant weight holding him down. And of a sweet, succulent aroma surrounding him. Turning his head slightly, he saw Anandi's sweet profile, relaxed in sleep, cuddled close to him. Savoring the moment, he felt soft puffs of air blowing over his forearm, causing a familiar, yet unfamiliar, feeling deep within him. Cursing his inability to do anything about it right now, he counted to 10, imagining cold buckets of water being thrown on him. Perhaps sensing his tension, Anandi stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and gazed right into a pair of deep chocolate eyes that were trying to delve into her very being. Realizing that her hand had somehow slipped below the elastic of his pyjama, she jumped up in awkward befuddlement.
"Ouch!" Her odhni was stuck under his shoulder, pulling her back toward him. He half sat up, till she and he were nose to nose. "Sorry Anandiji, aapko chot to nahin lagi?" Fumbling slightly, Anandi started disentangling her odhni, but could not move away. His charisma ensnared her completely. Sharing a deep, deep look, Shiv started helping her untangle herself. Fingers touched, breaths deepened, the sound of silence reigned.
Shiv leaned forward slightly and brushed his lips on her nose. "Aapko bura to nahi laga na, Anandiji?" At her whispered "Nahin," he brushed his lips over her right cheek and then her left. "Aapko bura to nahi laga na, Anandiji?" At the vehement shake of her head, he proceeded to brush his lips over the softly quivering corners of her lips. "Aapko bura to nahi laga na, Anandiji?" Taking her silence for assent, he dipped his head further and pressed a kiss as soft as a star on her pouting lips. Feeling the hesitant response, his lips hardened over hers and his arms came up to sweep her closer. Her hands hesitantly crept up to his shoulder, taking a fresh new step into the bright future.
"Bhaiyya, bhabhi!!! Uthe ki nahin??!" Mahi burst into the room, slamming open the unlocked door in his excitement! Teetering to a halt at the sight that met him, "Oops! Sorry!! abhi tak to rasme bhi khatam nahin hooyee, bhaiyya ' aur aap.! Aur aapko to chot lagi thi..." "Nikal jao yahan se, Mahi!!," Shiv roared. "Tameez hi nahin hai. Ek newly married couple ke kamre mein aise ghuste hain kya?" The grin quickly dropping off his face, Mahi said "Magar bhaiyya, main to sirf'" Shiv shot out of bed to grab hold of him. Quickly backtracking, Mahi almost tripped over his own feet in an effort to get away. Skidding down the hallway at a fast trot, Shiv could hear "Ma, pata hai kya hua'" Grimacing, Shiv turned to look apprehensively at Anandi, who had buried her head into a pillow. "Anandiji, I am sorry."
6) December 11, 2012, 8 am:
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.
7) December 11, 2012, 11 am:
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!"
8) December 11, 2012, 3 pm:
As the people in the back seat dropped off to sleep, Shiv relaxed his guard a bit. Shifting lower in his seat, he tried to catch his brides' eye. His bride ' radiant of face, glowing of nature, and as pure as a drop of dew. He surreptitiously pinched his own hand. His breathed out "Ouch" succeeded in gaining her attention. "Kya hua, Collector Sahib?" Snaring her eyes with his, he shook his head gently, "Aap jab mere saath hain, toh kya ho sakta hai, Anandiji?" Looking over at the tender pink spot on his wrist, she smiled back, losing herself in his eyes. A cane suddenly tapped Shiv on the head, "Jawan, dhyan kidhar hai? Na aage baithane se sukoon, na peeche baithane se. Itni jaldi kya hai marne ki bhai?? Abhi toh zindagi shuru hui hai." At the muffled giggles coming from Ira and Meenu, both Shiv and Anandi righted themselves in their seats and looked to the front. However, nothing could stop them stealing glances at each other. The brushing of hands, the rustle of clothes, and the constant static electricity that ran between the two only added to their desperation to be alone.
As their journey drew to a close, Daddu excitedly pointed out landmarks to his new grand-bahu. Seeing the banter between his beloved family and the love of his life brought a soft smile to Shiv's lips. Everything was turning out just as he could have wished for. Only Sanchi was the barrier; but he was sure that things would work out. His stern warning a couple of days ago and Anandi's gentle treatment and determination would do the trick.
9) December 11, 2012, 7 pm:
As they drove through a huge wrought iron gate, down a grand driveway lined with date trees, Anandi could only stare in wonder. Her new home, a place where her hopes and dreams resided. A place where her love dwelt. A place where she would form new bonds and rishtas ' Kesar Bagh. A palatial residence loomed up ahead. Palanquin shaped windows were lit up from within in a warm glow of yellow lights; it beckoned her heart as never before. As the car drew up, Shiv stared at his rapt brides' eyes in fascination. Unable to help himself, he put out his hand and squeezed one of hers gently. She returned the pressure, turning to beam into his eyes. Daddu, who had got off first, held the door open for Anandi, "Aao beti." Another father figure in her life.
Shiv handed his mother and choti ma out of the car and scooted toward his bride. Just in time too, as Mahi had drawn up behind them. Anandi stood bathed in the soft light emanating from the front door. A huge crowd of people stood to greet them. Dhol nagara, girls with garlands and diyas, scores of beaming people, all eager to meet the new dulhan. Ira and Alok proudly took their places on either side of the couple, ushering them into the house. As Anandi put her right foot over the threshold, she gently pushed the kalash over, ensuring happiness and fertility. Her next step into her new life.
Blinking against the flash of cameras, she turned to look around bemused at the ancient haveli. The old structure was set off by the ethnic, yet modern, art so favored by Ira and Meenu. She tried to imbibe the flavor. Feeling Shiv's hand at her elbow, she moved forward to the center of the room, where an ancient, regal throne waited for them. Ira started introducing her to all the new family and friends who had not made it to Jaitsar. Mahi kept giving vishesh tippani, squatting down to sit at his bhabhi's feet. Shiv kept nudging him with his feet.
The rasams started. The search for the ring ' which Shiv found but pushed into her hand. The looking at each other's faces in the mirror, under cover of a red brocade dupatta. Shiv's mouthing of "I love you" under that cover. The kheer being smeared on their hands ' kheer chatayee. The licking of Shiv's palm by Anandi, leaving him stupefied. The licking of Anandi's palm by Shiv ' leaving her breathless and flushed. The blessings. The muh dikhayee. The endless rounds of cocktails and snacks. The sleepiness.
10) December 11, 2012, 11 pm:
Watching Shiv yawn for the umpteenth time, Mahi said loudly "Kyon bhaiyya, badi neend aa rahi hai? Kya baat hai? Kal soye nahin the kya?" "Mahi, kisi din Shiv ke haaton tumhara khoon pakka hai," laughed Alok. "Nahin Alok, Mahi sahi keh raha hai, Shiv aur Anandi bahut thak chuke honge. Sone dein unko," said Ira. "Jao Sanchi, tum aur tumhare dost Anandi ko apne kamre mein le jao."
Grimacing madly, Sanchi complied. To her chagrin, her friends were gushing over Anandi. "Gosh Sanchi, your brother is one lucky man. Your bhabhi is absolutely gorgeous, and so sweet too. And to top that, she's a sarpanch, runs her own school, and still so down to earth. Wow! I wish we had a bhabhi like her" Smiling gently, Anandi said, "Lucky to main hoon, ki itna accha parivar aur itni acchi nanad mili mujhe." Almost snarling in her frustration, Sanchi took Anandi's hand and led her to the bed, royally covered in a canopy of red roses. Sitting down at the edge of the bed, Anandi took Sanchi's hand, "Sanchi, hum dono itne alag bhi nahin hai. Hum dono tumhare bhai se bahut pyar karte hain, hai na?" Nodding abashedly, all Sanchi could do was accept the inevitable for the very first time.
Closing the door behind them, leaving Anandi in a soft rose-scented haze, the giggling girls went to fetch Shiv. Taking a deep breath, Anandi looked up as Shiv was pushed through the door by the girls. Shiv turned to bolt the door. Almost trembling in his nervousness, he turned to look at the wondrous sight ' Anandi waiting for him, on his bed ' the place he wanted her most. Shaking his head slightly, he said "Anandiji, aap so jaaieye. Main toh kahin bhi so jaoonga."
11) December 11, 2012, 11.30 pm:
Quirking her eyebrow at him, "Sahi keh rahe hai Collector Sahib. Saachi mein, Kesar Bagh to bahut hi bada hai. Kahin bhi so sakte hai. Shayad Mahi ko aapki zarooroat bhi hogi ' maalish ke liye'" "Anandi!" growled Shiv, "Tum bhi buri sangat mein reh ke buri ban rahi ho'" Giggling softly, Anandi said, "Aap yahaan so sakte hain, Collector Sahib. Bistar bahut hi bada hai, aur hum chote bacche nahin hai'" "Chote bacche nahin hain, isiliye to problem hai '" Shiv muttered to himself. "Kuch kaha aapne, Collector Sahib?" smirked his naughty bride. "No, no, do you want to use the washroom first, Anandi? Aap bhi toh thaki hui hongi." "Nahin, nahin, mujhe kuch apna saaman nikalna hai, phir jaaoongi. Aap pehle jaaiye."
Shiv took a glance of sheer frustration around the room, and then went to open a huge wardrobe in the corner. "I have made space for your clothes here, Anandi. Zyaada jagah ki zaroorat hogi toh kal parso mein kahin chalkar kuch intezaam karte hain." At the shake of her head, he picked up a towel and his favorite blue jammies and T and headed for a cold, cold shower.
As he switched on the light, he strained to hear the unfamiliar sounds emanating from the bedroom. The chan chan of her payals. The soft scuffing sounds of her mojris as she traversed the room. He could even imagine the soft sounds of her skin rubbing against her clothes. Heaving a mighty sigh, he collapsed against the door, with his forehead thudding against the door. "Shiv! Theek toh hai na aap??", came the worried voice from the other side of the door." "Ji, ji! Main theek hoon. Bas sabun haath se phisal kar nikal gaya tha."
Turning on the shower, he sent up a prayer to the almighty for deliverance. Feeling the ice-cold water stinging his fevered skin, thoughts of Anandi temporarily abated. Scrubbing shampoo into his hair, he paused once again, remembering how Anandi had cleaned his ear, not so innocently at that! Was this shower ever going to take effect?
In the bedroom, Anandi was turning and twisting, taking in the glorious room. It was fit for a king! She was used to grand, but this was way beyond. Deep midnight-blue walls, highlighted with jharokas that had pictures of a baby Shiv and a not-so-baby Shiv. Smiling tenderly at a round blob of a baby, she ran her finger caressingly over his cheeks' perhaps they would have one of these cuties soon. One just like him. Pivoting, she let her gaze dwell on the huge four-poster bed. Canopied in heavy emerald-blue satin, trimmed with gold, it looked like something out of her dreams. She walked around the room, busy working on her plan.
12) December 12, 2012, 12.01 am:
Turning the shower off, Shiv toweled himself off vigorously, checked his ears for foam, and then, checking to see if everything was in place, gently opened the door. The room was pitch dark. Except for a single candle burning feebly near the bed, every single light was off. "Anandiji! Kya hua? Bijli chali gayi kya?" Receiving no response, he moved carefully, yet quickly, toward the light. Stopping short, almost teetering over, his jaw almost dropped to the ground as he saw what awaited him. Anandi. She sat demurely on the side of the bed, legs not quite reaching the ground, eyes downcast, soft blush suffusing her cheeks, and long hair open in a cascade. Looking coyly upward, she said, "Aapne kaha than na, age jo hoga, woh mere haathon mein hain' Kya mera yeh ishaara kaafi hai?"
Drawn toward her like a moth to the flame, he moved forward. As he neared her, Anandi stood up, putting herself more on par with him. As he probed deep into her eyes and found the truth shimmering there, he put out his hands. Sliding her hands into his, she cast her eyes downward, suddenly shy. Pulling her inexorably closer, he closed the gap between them forever. Folding his arms around her, he held her gently first, content just to feel the warmth emanating from her. As her head rested on his chest, she could feel his skittering heartbeat and wildly beating pulse. As her own heartbeat revved up, the prison of his arms tightened further, promising never to let go.
After a heartbeat (or was it a lifetime?), Shiv moved a step backward, prompting her to look up. Sliding a hand into the mass of hair at the nape of her neck, he tilted her head further up using his thumb. Bending down, he pressed a kiss onto her forehead, parting them slightly to taste the sweet saltiness that he had tasted earlier. Unable to resist the taste any more, he drew his lips over her eyebrows, her cheekbones, her cheeks, pausing to take small sips as he meandered over the as-yet unfamiliar territory. As her breath hitched, he paused' "Aap jab chahein mujhe rok sakti hain'" In response, he felt Anandi's small hands travelling up his shoulders. One hand buried itself in the short hair at the nape of his neck, sending shudders coursing through his body. Anandi stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck to cover the last couple of inches, and brushed a kiss of her own over the corner of his mouth. "Anandi," groaned Shiv, slamming his lips down on hers. Feeling the gentle give of her lips, he gentled his own, using his tongue to gently explore the seam of her lips. As they parted slightly, he dipped in, moaning under his breath at paradise found. His arms and hands lost control, going every which way possible, criss-crossing her back repeatedly.
Still holding on tight to his treasure, he sank down on the bed, taking her with him. Settling the featherweight gently on his lap, he continued the assault, which she had started to return in full force. Her hands held his face in place, savoring the slight stubble, moved into his hair, caressed his shoulder, his arms, moving with a will of their own. Unable to stand the torture any longer, he pulled back, resting his forehead on hers, breathing deeply. As they exchanged sweet-smelling breaths, they stared into each other's eyes. "Main aapse bahut pyaar karti hoon, Shiv. Aapne mujhse itni baar kaha, magar na mauka tha, na dastoor. Aapne mere jeevan ko rangon se is tarah bhar diya hai ki mujhe aapke ilava aur kuch nahin dikhta." "God Anandi, mujhe to laga tha ki I will never be able to hear these words from you. Kaan taras gaye the. Kaise samjhaoon'"
"Shh," she reached up and sealed his lips with a kiss once again. Nuzzling her lips aside, he bent further to kiss her chin, moving up and down her jawline, bestowing tiny nibbles on the way. She arched backward in an attempt to get closer to his lips, disbalancing them, so she was lying on the bed and he was looming over her. Putting a shaky hand out, he brushed her hair of her face and then tried to shift the two of them so they were not dangling off the side of the bed. Half sitting up, he gently moved his hands up and down her sides. Getting impatient with the voluminous ghagra, he looked up enquiringly at her. At her bashful, yet teasing, nod, he started unpinning the dupatta from her blouse, the feel of her smooth skin sending shivers of excitement through his body. Starting to help him disrobe her, she quickly found all the right buttons and zips, until she lay in all her natural glory in front of him, only her long, long hair forming a sort of veil. Abashed, she covered her face with her hands, unable to meet his eyes.
Staring, almost scanning her, with his eyes, he sat up, pulling his T-shirt over his head, almost strangling himself in his hurry. "Thank God, I had changed earlier. Shervani toh meri jaan hi le leti! Magar shayad, aapko is cheez ka afsos rahega. Aap itni khubsoorat lag rahi thi ' dulhan ki tarah, aur main T-shirt mein aa gaya!" Anandi smiled, "Accha kiya aapne, Collector Saheb. Aap toh mujhe neele rang main hi pasand aate hain. Aur ye T-shirt toh'"
Smiling at his bride's not-so-innocent compliment, he lay down on his side next to her, admiring the softly curving terrain. Propping himself up on his elbow, he ran a tender finger from her forehead, down her nose, down her neck, and still further. Following the unseen trail with his lips, he dipped further and further, drowning them both in ecstasy. Feeling urgent hands pulling his head back up, he came back to base camp, taking her trembling lips with his own and wrapping her deep in the cloak of his love.
As the candle petered out, the glow of love surrounding Shiv and Anandi intensified, punctuated by soft moans, throaty words of love, and promises for the future.
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