Enter at your own Risk 2 (..::AnSh AT 100::..) - Page 2

Dilemma galore - (khusi)

Seeing her lost in her world...shiv asked her whether she forgot...today is dadijee's birthday...she was supposed to go to haveli for preparation...Anandi snapped out from her thought and went to haveli denying shiv's offer to drop her there.

At the haveli, anandi was still lil bit of absent minded picked a not so good conditioned stool to climb on to decorates some glitter paper on the wall. Due to the bad condition of stool n her imbalance, she fell from it. She closed her eyes in fear but felt a familiar comfort n warmth filled grip. She opened her eyes slowly n saw two intense eyes were looking at her with the familiar care, love but with lil bit of anger. A small smile appeared on the curve of her lips knowing shiv saved her from falling.☺️

Aap has kya rahi hai...yeh kya baat hai...ese kese careless hosakti hai aap...gir jati toh kitni chot lagta pata hai aapko...Shiv yelled at her out of concern. Ananadi was lil bit of taken aback of her hubby's yelling, the sarpanch inside her emerged out "maine jan bhuj ke thode naa kiya...aap toh ese bol rahe hai jese main jan bhuj k giri"...Shiv restored back "kya matlab iska...girne k baad akal aati aapko"...anandi replied back "giri toh nehin naa'"

While busy with their verbal volleys, they heard a click. They looked at that direction n confused to see mahi was clicking their picture. Shiv yelled at him too "kya kar raha hai tu ...hamari pic click q kara raha hai" . mahi while giggling replied "kya classic yashraj shot hai bhai...how romantic"😉. AnSh were more confused n saw rest who were present there were laughing too. AnSh looked at each other n realized Shiv was still carrying anandi, anandi was still in shiv's arm and they were busy in their verbal volleys like that.🤣 Both turned beetroot red. Shiv brought down anandi to her feet in hurry. Anandi rushed to kitchen in the excuse to see the cooking arrangements. Shiv rushed outside on excuse of an imp office meeting and he came here to drop ashi.

At the birthday party, all were on full on masti, dance, food. Anandi danced like spellbound on shiv' dhol beats. Ds was super happy seeing them like this. While chatting she shared with everyone how she got that AnSh were made of each other at their 1^st meet n in the CM's function...anandi was dancing in the sameway like today on his dhol beats. Bhiron told that "maasa ka baas chalta toh wohi uski CM k function k liye jo stage bana tha wohi shiv aur anandi ka phere karwa deti". All laughed hard.

Basant told "badi muskil se humne maasa ko roka varna sayad yeh dono yeh sunke bhaag jatey stage chhod ke" mahi "haan but alag alag"🤣. Menu told "aap shiv se yeh baat boltey toh nehin shiv ka famous line sunne ko milta jo hum sab ko bolta that jab ki saadi ki baat hoti thi...mujhe thoda aur time chahiye'or I am not ready yet".😆 All laughed hard except AnSh who were 😳. Ashi told while laughing "haan aur anandi ko pata chalta toh desi boy ka sar wohi fod deti sayad'jesa office main phode wali thi...when by mistake I informed her abt it". 😆 Hearing her line Shiv muttered "how true". anandi glared at him n pouted.😆

Next morning, shiv woke up lil late due to last night late night masti at party. He tried to get up but felt lil weight on his left side. His wife was peacefully sleeping, cuddling him as if holding her life.😲 Her face was half buried near his nape of neck, her right hand was clutching his kurta around his waist. His heart skipped many beats. He felt her breathing, her soft skin near his neck. He was totally mesmerized .Thinking of how to get up, he recalled his wife is a khumvkaran while sleeping😆, wont wake up that easily, tried to wiggled out but to worsen his situation, anandi had tighten her grip more . She ran her hand to his chest n clutched the collar of the kurta tight again, buried her face completely near his neck, put almost all her weight on him.☺️ He cudnt move now. Shiv's heart started doing high jump in the miserable condition. He was feeling her aroma, her breath, her soft skin so close like never before BUT he had no option.🤣 He moved his face to opposite direction n tried to hold his wit n thought...he was in good condition or bad😕...and he knew his this dilemma will continue till anandi was sleeping like that🤣...he took a deep breath n kept thinking...🤣

JUST THE BIGINNING

Our Miracle (By Supriya)

"A daughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous...full of beauty and forever beautiful...loving and caring and truly amazing."

How beautiful the atmosphere is today...like every atom in nature is aware of my happiness and is celebrating with me.

I never thought I will be this pleased by just a shower of the rain...with the sweet sounds that it is making and the heavenly fragrance it is spreading. What music for the ears and a treat to the nostrils!

You all must be wondering, what is this I right? Am I going mad?!

Well I am mad...delirious actually...that too with sheer joy! And why shouldn't I be? I had never believed that this day would ever come! That there will be a day, when I will experience nature's highest form of bliss and divinity which only a woman is lucky enough to feel in her womb. The marvel of motherhood! Motherhood...which brings a glow and sparkle to a woman's life...which you have brought me, my dearest child.

I just can't believe it! I, Anandi Shivraj Shekhar, am 6 weeks pregnant. The results just came out and they are positive. And Shiv'. your daddy! He was just beyond ecstatic and if given a way, he would definitely have put a loudspeaker in the middle of the village and announce it to everyone.

I can't forget the look on his face when the doctor told him that he is going to become a father. That moment gave me my life back! It was the re-birth to the original Anandi, full of so many simple dreams and love and all the other good things...untainted by the harshness of what is called life.

Thank you my sweet one. Just the news of your arrival has bought so much of joy to our lives, and I know that when you come you will bring with you many more unlimited happiness and joys! You will be the apple of our eyes.

But I think I need to control your dad! I am one hundred percent sure he will be an overindulgent father. Too much of indulgence is not good for you my sweetheart.

Few days later after the scan

When I first saw you on the monitor, I was bowled over and I kept staring at you. I could just make out the soft contours of yours... the life that was growing within me. I couldn't help but cry with sheer joy along with your dad. Your dad was transported just out of this world, and given a chance he shows the scan photos of yours to everyone with lot of pride and emotion.

I can't even begin to tell you what joy, what bliss you have given us.

Few months later in Circuit House

Ahh...that soft fluttering of yours, which just speeds up my heartbeat. I still remember when you made your first movement. The world had stopped for me in that moment, as for the first time I actually felt, that yes there is someone, more precious than Shiv's or my life, within me.

The joy of motherhood which I was waiting for so long, sigh. Your dad is so crazy and loves you so so much, that every night he has to feel those movements at least once, before he sleeps off. You know he is already bought the name book and reading up all the child care books because he wants to be the best father.

But you know what, I am just mad at your dad. Wont you ask me, why I am mad? It is just that he has lost it! I know it must be hard for you to believe that how can a Collector Sahab who has been the most khadoos all his career has lost it. But he has just lost it. He thinks I am some invalid patient and does not allow me to work at all. He treats me as if I am a delicate doll and will break at any moment. What he doesn't realize that I will not break because I have double support. One is he himself and other is you! You who are my very heart and soul... as you are the soul born out of that pure love, which I never thought I will ever feel until your Papa came into my life.

And to top it all he is supported by your ever doting grandparents who don't let me pick up a pin even! I am telling you, this will not do at all!

Let me also warn you; don't think that you will have a great pampered life, as you will not. Since I will safeguard you and at the same time will give you strength to stand up for yourself.

Okay, okay stop kicking me so hard, don't worry, you will have all the love and care that you so deserve...you know you are indeed our precious doll!

Nine months later

mere ghar aayi ek nanhi pari...ek nanhi pari

A little fairy came to my house,

chaandani ke hasin rath pe savaar

Mounted on a beautiful chariot of moonlight.

mere ghar aayi

She came to my house.

uski baaton mein shahad jaisi mithaas

There was a sweetness like honey in her words

uski saanson mein itr ki mehakaas

And the scent of perfume on her breath

honth jaise ke bheege bheege gulaab

Her lips were like wet, wet roses

gaal jaise ke dehke dehke anaar

Her cheeks were like ripe pomegranates.

uske aane se mere aangan mein

From her arrival, in my courtyard,

khil uthe phool gungunaayi bahaar

Flowers blossomed and spring sang.

dekhkar usko jee nahin bharta

Having seen her, I cannot have my fill of her

chaahe dekhuun use hazaaron baar...

Even if I see her a thousand times.

main ne puuchha use ki kaun hai tu

I asked her, "Who are you?"

Hans ke boli ki main hoon tera pyaar

With a laugh, she said, "I am your love

main tere dil mein thi hamesha se

I have lived in your heart since forever

ghar mein aayi huun aaj pahali baar

But this is the first time I've come to your house."

mere ghar aayi

She came to my house

mere ghar aayi ek nanhi pari ek nanhi pari

a little fairy came to my house

chaandani ke hasin rath pe savaar

mounted on a beautiful chariot of moonlight.

ek nanhi pari...

A little fairy...

You...my little fairy...my little princess...apple of our eyes, are just the spitting image of your Papa. You have those same big eyes, in which I drown myself so often. When, with the softest hands, you curl yourself around my finger my heart goes flip flop! Funny isn't it?!

But you my princess should pat yourself on the back, as you have done the impossible...you've made our khadak Collector Sahab go weak in his knees and faint!

Now you must be wondering what this is...how can my dad who is so strong, and has come like a knight in the shining armor for my mother, vanquishing all her demons, faint? It is just next to impossible, you must be kidding me right!

But my sweet child, I am not kidding! It is just so very true. Your dad fainted at the last minute when he could not see me groaning in labor pain anymore. It was too much for him to bear. He was anyway behaving weird since my labor pains started. First he drove off, without taking me, and when he remembered he came back with full speed and lifted heavy 'ol me into his arms, sat me safely in the car and drove us to the hospital.

In the hospital as well, he was fussing like a child and holding my hand so tightly, that I got so irritated and just hit him there. Can you believe this, I am going through the pain and your dad is actually groaning more than me! The final coup of the day was, when you just came in to this world, he fainted away. For a while doctors and the nurses thought, that they may have to give the CPR to him, as he seemed dead to the world. But the sweet cry of yours, immediately acted like a tonic and he became conscious.

I know you are not amused by all this, as you still upset with your dad, for not holding and cuddling you close to his heart. But don't be mad at him, as he is just a bhondu. He is so scared that he will drop you, as if he will ever drop you... our sweet precious princess!

But don't worry I have a plan. I am not the Collector Sahab's wife for nothing! I know how to bring him around and remove his fear. For that I will have to leave you unattended for a while and warn your grandparents and great grandparents not to hold you. I know it will be painful, but to gain some you have to lose some. And look at this way, your dad will get over his fear and hold you close to his heart. As you are our heart and soul...Anshika...yes Anshika...that will be your name! You are our ansh, the symbol of our love which started out with the beautiful bond friendship and slowly but surely developed to what it is today.

This is not the end of our mother-daughter conversation Anshika, but the beginning, where I want to be the best friend whom you can confide in...your dreams, fears and aspirations without any hesitations!

Sleep well little one...your Papa and Mama love you a lot!

-The End-

_______

Shiv was in his office busy flipping through the files...He was in a good mood and he was humming a romantic tune.Its been 6 months since their marriage.Their relationship had reached the next level.After departure of CM and Saanchi they had settled into a peaceful conjugal life.

His afternoon meetings had been cancelled so he was free for rest of the day.
Shiv relaxed in his chair n thought..."well I am free for rest of the day.lets see wats Anandi doing?"
He called up Anandi she picked up after several ring
He heard her busy voice "Hello CS...kuch kaam tha aapko?"
He said "No just called to know..."
She said "CS aaj mere school mein exams hai n school inspection bhi I am kind of busy can we talk later..I might be late in coming back too"
Shiv said "Ok no problem Anandi I will call later"

He cut the call n looked thoughtfully at his phone...Hmmm so Anandi will be busy today..Wat will I do at home then...He suddenly got an idea.His lips curved in a slow smile.
He left for home.After freshening up he went into the kitchen.Looking around like a clueless kid he started tampering with vegetables, pot and pans...After some searching for the ingredients he finally figured out wat to cook...He had not cooked since his UK stay and it was not his area of expertise but he wanted to do something special for anandi today.It would be nice to see her smile after her busy n tiring day...but tht depended on wether he could whip up a proper meal.For now he was struggling to pound the sticky atta into a decent dough.

Anandi ran towards the Circuit House.She had a hectic day and it was already late.She wanted to prepare dinner before Shiv arrived.She put her keys in the door and slowly entered the house...She could smell cooking of spices and heard noise in the kitchen.She peeped into the kitchen.
For a minute she stood transfixed.
She saw a pressure cooker, a bubbling wok on the gas chula and Shiv smeared in aata and spices wiping his eyes near the kitchen counter.He was cutting something on the chopping board and sobbing.

He jumped towards it turning off the knob he said "Oh no my daal wld hav burned"
Anandi laughed again n held his hand "Chaliya ab yahan se.I will manage everything"
She litrally dragged protesting Shiv to their room n said "wash ur face...did u see u face how funny ur looking?"
Shiv looked in the mirror and saw his atta and spice covered face and T shirt.
He said grumpily "Well I am not looking tht bad"
Anandi laughed "Well ur looking quite cute with this makeup...U shld do this more often" She started laughing hard
Shiv peered at her with narrowed eyes "Aapko bahut hasi aa rahi hai...abhi karta hoon aapka makeup"
Before Anandi could stop him he had grabbed her n pulled her towards himself held her wrists tightly..

She struggled to free it "Shiv wat r u doing...this is not the right time...we hav to hav our dinner"
Shiv smirked n said "Kyun? abhi to bahut hasi aa rahi thi" He trailed a fingure on her cheeks making a searing trail over it.She stopped breating..He was too close and his closness always affected her sanity.
She said "I am sorry now plz lets have dinner" and tried to wriggle out of his grip which was an impossible task.

He didnt respond but just looked at her darkly.He bent his head and rubbed his cheeks on hers.His stubble scraped her cheeks and she moaned.She could feel his breath near her ears.He smelled of spices.
He always affected her this way...even after so many months it always felt like first time.
Anandi said "Ouch ur hurting me"
He stood straight n grinned at her "Now ur looking perfect"
Anandi looked in the mirror..her cheeks n saari was smudged with atta.She said "Shiv ! this is so childish"
Shiv grinned wickedly...Anandi said "Btw I guess ur forgetting something aapki sabzi jal jayegi"
Shiv's smirk was replaced with a horrifying look he said "Oh ! Shit !" and ran towards the kitchen

Anandi laughed n after freshening up joinned him in kitchen.He had saved the curry n was trying to make chapatis which ended up in diff shaped maps.
Anandi came behind him.She looked at him n thought..."He is so sweet..my husband cooking for me!"
He looked huge and out of place in the kitchen.But there was something very appealing and sensous watching him deftly handle the cooking.After he rolled out his third map of probably australia.
She said "Rehne dijiye mein ker lungi" then she muttered to herself "U hav already caused enough mess"
Shiv gladly gave up and asked "U said something"
Anandi said "No nothing..U go n change I will join u"

Later on when they were having dinner together.Shiv looked at her expectently.

After dinner Anandi was cleaning up the kitchen She had just done the final touch up.When she felt Shiv hugging her frm behind his chin resting on her shoulders.His hands were caressing her bare midriff.
Anandi felt the room temperature suddenly shooting up...She turned back n said "Chodiye bhi I hav work"
He said "wat work?? everything is done" n nibbled her ears.He turned her arnd and before she could react his lips were on hers...She leaned back on the counter to give him access.His lips doing their gentle assult.
With fireworks inside her head Anandi felt herself being hauled up and seated on the kitchen counter.She was too busy to realise wat was hapening around.Shiv increased the intensity of his kiss parting her lips and exploring her mouth.
Their tongues began to wrestle and anandi's fingures went automatically in his hairs.Shiv's hands were roaming on her body.He reached for her bouse dori and tugged it loose.He left her lips n kissed his way down her throat.Slipping off her pallu and sleeve he grazed her shoulders with his mouth.Anandi's nails were digging in shoulders.Their clothes seemed like a barrier now.
He bent forward nibbling her neckline...pushing her further on the counter..They were so lost in each other tht he didnt realise he had placed his hands on the utensil stand for support.

Suddenly the stand came crashing down all utensils noisily bouncing off the floor.
They sprang apart.Anandi looked distressed at the mess then back at Shiv.
He looked sheepish n said "Sorry I got little carried away"
Anandi rolled up her eyes adjusted her dress "chodiye mujhe now I have to arrange all this"
Shiv held her more tightly n said "leave it...I'll fix it later...right now there r other things on priority"
He started to bend towards her again.
Anandi leaned back stopping his advances and said "But I have a condition"
Shiv raised his eyebrows quizzingly
Anandi said "Promise me u will stay away frm kitchen"
Shiv laughed "Anything for u dear..btw why shld I stay away?
Anandi gave a mischivious smile "whenever u come here u create havoc"
Shiv said "acchaji maine kya kiya...tht stand was at wrong place"
Anandi said "no we r at wrong place...for God ! sake we r in kitchen !"
Shiv said thoughtfully "ur right this is not very comfortable I know of a better place to create havoc"

He carried her in his arms gazing deeply in her eyes...she was lost in his gaze.He kicked open their bedroom door and gently laid her on their bed.He tucked a strand of hair n gazed at her with his half smile.
Anandi turned crimson n said "wat r u looking at?"
He said "I m just thinking I m so lucky to hav u"
Anandi smiled "well ur not as lucky as me...I hav a perfect husband who loves me.cares for me..n even cooks for me...yeah he does wrecks the kitchen occasionally but I can live with that"
Shiv laughed n took her in his arms.He whispered is her ears "I love u"
Anandi replied "I love u too"
He asked "So shall we proceed?"
Anandi asked dreamily "with wat?"
He said "creating havoc"
Anandi answerd by nipping his neck.He groaned and captured her lips again...everything else was forgotten for now.

Her Love (By adi)

Does she know him?

She doesn't know what his most favourite colour is.

She doesn't know much about his family.

She does not know the vague details about his life.

And yet…and yet…

She knows that he likes sitting in the early morning sunlight., reading his newspaper., quietly sipping his tea., while she is watering the garden. She knows he likes reading one of his favourite books when she is curled up with her own book in a comfortable distance to him.,against the other end of the couch in the leisure hours of the late evening. She knows., that even though he likes everything sweet., still he prefers precisely one and a half teaspoons of sugar in his tea.

She knows he prefers to sleep at the end of the bed that is close to the open bedroom window., giving her a sense of protection., that whatever evil may come towards her., should first pass through him. She knows., when he sleeps., his face reflects his inner peace., a trait only a being with a clear conscience can exude. She knows that when he gets angry, he rages and lightning flashes in his eyes.

She knows that he feels more deeply, more passionately than an average person. It's his biggest weakness, and his greatest strength. It's also one of the things she likes most about him.

She knows he likes comfortable silences the most, and animated bantering at times.

She knows he loves and forever because he has never been taught otherwise.

And as she looks in to his eyes –such bright, such warm, such beautiful eyes- Her heart can't help but skip a beat.

But Does she love him…Can those feelings termed as LOVE..?

She is aware that he has overpowered all her senses.

The ability to smell, to see, to hear, to feel and to taste. Each brings a new way to experience life and to fully understand. Each sense is useful in it's own special way and is very unique. The lack of one may make us surrender certain joys of life. Without even one, she realized, she wouldn't be able to fully appreciate him.

She Smells him.,

She is reminded of him., each time she smells roses….like some heavenly scent.

Cologne - It's purely his scent. It's what she smells, even before she sees him. The scent that lifts her spirits, and her heart . The smell that., when she's in their room and she catches a whiff, she'll turn to see if it's him.

She Sees him.

She began to see him in the mirror he gave her…but that's just his reflection.

Handsome, Precious, Angelic. Delightful, - Light.

In reality., Just a glance of him is all she needs to fill her empty heart.

His beautiful, warm, inviting, captivating, chocolate brown eyes, that she never wants to look away from. The eyes that don't just glance into , but pierce hers. The eyes, that see her heart and soul and show all of his love for her. The wonderful eyes, that see the beauty of life.

And she sees his adorable, loving, warm, friendly smile. The smile, that lights up his whole face. The smile that makes others smile too, the smile that she'll never get tired of seeing, the one that plays at his precious lips.

She sees him do all the things he does best.

The way he reacts, to different things that excite him.

The way he is glad when - She is Herself.

She Hears him.

"What does he sound like?" She asks herself….looking at the wind chime he gave her…saying her laughter sounds like its jingle.

His laughter to her is like Joy, like Innocence.

Its like the melodious sound the green bangles he gifted her make on her wrists .

And at night, as he lays in bed and falls asleep, his breathing is deep and rhythmic. Each exhaled breath carries a bit of him. The sound of his deep even breathing, reminds her of a light, beautiful breeze on a nice, spring day. Her sleeping next to him ., listening to the sound is safety and comfort to her, and reassurance.

His voice is full of love and warmth when he speaks, The sound that's lighter than the breeze, warmer than a bonfire and brighter than the Sun.

She Feels him.

She feels everything about him… even his deep, passionate love for her.

She feels the sensation the 'paayal' he gifted her leave around her ankles…still remembers the sensations that he left imprinted., when his finger tips gently caressed her soft skin on her feet when he clasped them around her ankles.

She remembers the touch that made her heart sour with ecstasy whenever he encased her palms in his.

She feels his deep, and true love for her with only a glance. In his eyes he holds all of his love for her.

But what really makes her feel completely at home, and completely at peace, is the pure solace and bliss that he will always bring her when she falls into his arms and when he holds her close.

She Tastes him.

In every bite of a Jalebi and in every tit bit of Halwa.

Sweet, and enticing. Something almost addicting….

She tastes him in the nip of the early morning air ., with scent so fresh and invigorating.

She tastes him in the silvery light of the moon on a calm cloudless night.

Yes…Indeed She Loves him.

She loves his simplicity, and his extravagance. His inner and his outer beauty.

His fiery temper, and gentle, loving side. His energy, and his calm demeanor. Every tiny piece of him is very important to her, for it makes him..HIM.

She loves the way she can be yelling at him for something he's not quite sure of and in the very next moment., she can be humbling and cannot lift her eyes., realizing her fallacy.

She loves the way he doesn't let other people sway her for who she is, and respects her when she stands up for what she believes in.

She loves the way he introduces her to people with such a pleasure in his voice. It makes her feel on top of the world when she hears him emphasize the words 'My' and 'Wife Anandi'. He sounds so proud, and it makes her wonder why he feels that way, when it's obvious that she's the one who's lucky to have him for a Husband.

She looks forward to the end of an evening when she's out with him. Sure, spending time out is nice, but her favourite part of the night is the way he turns to her in the middle of the street and just says, 'Let's go home.' In that moment, she always feels so unexplainably happy – He's - Hers., She's - His, and They 're together, and They have a home That's - Theirs.

Most Importantly., She Loves the ring of her new identity – 'Anandi ShivRaj Shekhar'

She Loves him. There are not many other ways to explain her feelings. She tries and tries to think of another word, another phrase, another sentence, but once she's thought long and hard, she comes to the same conclusion she had before. A reason that she has begun to understand, by having him in her life.

The full, calming, peaceful, grateful, overwhelming feeling that comes deep within your soul is called Love. And it's called love because no other words can fit the feeling right.

And suddenly she feels all this is just not enough…!!!

Her heart gallops at some thoughts that are clouding her mind…If only Wishes were Horses – She sighs.

She wishes to run her hand through his hair, She wishes to experience the way her lips feel as he brushes them with his own.

She wishes to know the way his rough yet tender skin feels against her own soft and delicate skin.

She wishes to place a hand on his chest and feel his steady, rhythmic heart beat, assuring her that he's real and he's really there.

She wishes to find her feet and legs wrap around his own at night in bed. She wishes to be wrapped and intertwined with him as they sleep in each other's arms.

And when she wakes in the morning, She wishes to have her delicate head rested on his chest, and her heart swelling with pride.

And She knows., she is still empty and in complete without fulfillment of these wishes.

There she is. Same spot. Every time…. because it's her favourite. The faint evening light that comes through the window is lighting her flushed cheeks. He's tired of seeing the tears over them. She's more. He's tired of waiting to lock his arms around her body. She's more.

She's tired of making him wait. He's more. She's tired of just looking at those lips. He's more.

So, they're even.

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She bites her lips, strongly. Her tears won't fall down again, she wonders. That would be something that she was sure she was feeling, something she was sure it was… The right thing to do?! Had it been? Couldn't she just continue to ignore it, as he had done, hiding his eyes from her, once he understood she was able to read them? She just thinks it all over again and again. This subject is so stepped, so thought about, so known…

Out of nothing, she feels a sudden urge to look to her side. Incapable of ignoring that numbness inside her heart, flowing though her veins, she turns her head gracefully, trying to remain unknown to the rest of the world. Her mouth opens slightly and her heart misses one (maybe even two) beats. He is here.

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Then, she notices him.

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He's standing at the door frame, uncertain of what to do. She can get it from the shine that fills his eyes. His searching look stops when their eyes meet. She doesn't know if she wants them to. Unsure and uncomfortable with the silence, she does one thing she just can't resist when she's around him. .. smiles with her soul on her lips.

---

Her lips form slowly a soft smile. One that's one of a kind. Just for him.

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She waits, as she sees his standing figure.

---

After all the time she has concealed that feeling that consumes her slowly, it's strange how she is so anxious. Her palms sweat.

----------------------------------------------------

Eyes focused on her, he takes a step forward, finally. Just one. Quietly but effectively. Slowly but firmly. But it changes everything and that's all she needed to see. To know, to feel and to love.

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As his right foot moves, her sight gets all blurry around his body. Actually his body is the brightest thing in the room. She feels like she is the moth, running blindly to the flame.

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The next moment, she's on air. Just as her cheeks starts brushing his cheeks.. and her lips his lips, everything is blur around them. Just as he puts his arms around her waist, everything stops. Just as their foreheads press against each other, everything is THEM.

Finally, all is forgotten and yet remembered. Memories flash past their closed eyes. Everything he sees, she foresees exactly . And all she notices, he examines closely. Their bond is stronger now. The kiss is more vibrant as she remembers their chance meeting in the seclusion. The kiss is more passionate as he remembers he's the Man she was waiting for. The kiss is more real as they know of their love.

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She takes his hand. Without looking at where he puts his feet, he follows, half amazed, half hypnotized. Everything she exhales, everything she says, everything she looks at, everything she feels, makes his heart jump and his lips tremble. In this precise moment, she doesn't speak but she's still that fantastic girl. And that's all he sees and needs to see.

**********************

Suddenly, after all the rushed walking, he is finally tempted to look around him. They are in the garden of their Own Home. Tonight, the clouds that remain after the bath of sunset that happened only few minutes ago form the most beautiful images. They mix rose, orange, yellow and all the colours he can associate to this moment. Between those masterpieces, there are many sparkling stars, concealing from the undesired eyes. They play hide-and-seek, teasing him, but he's not very interested. He has eyes only for her , his Wife.

Now, that the part that he was destined to do is achieved, he senses his heart, mind and soul are… colourful perhaps? Like the game of different coloured shadows that plays in front of them, taking their breaths away. He clasps her soft hand harder, not letting her go, when she indicates a bench that he hardly noticed before.

Turning around, she beams at him, thinking of the sweetness of his move. As they walk to their seat, everything stops, the world isn't turning anymore and the rest of the universe isn't breathing. Their eyes are locked, their bodies move in unison.

As he takes his place, she is immediately on top of him, making him widen his eyes with something he wasn't expecting. Once again, she smiles at his surprise. She is amazed too with all she is doing, for practically the first time. Then she leans on him without a doubt. Their lips meet again, after such time parted. For many a days, this gesture has been all that has filled their heads, all that has haunted their dreams. And it is a relief to be doing it now without any fears, without hesitations. In this moment, it is a sign of commitment, of love and of a lifetime.

She stops to breathe and sighs when he moans with disappointment, although a mischievous smile lingers on her lips. Slowly, she strokes his cheek with her thumb. His cheeks are hot and he's breathing heavily.

"So…" he responds, same mysterious tone…. apparently victorious, although not at all wanting to win anything more than her.

She, at least, isn't very fond of letting go of this entire advance. So, she says carefully and in a calm voice whispers at his burning ear, - " I Love You….

"….Shiv !!!" - This time, she completes it confidently, a knowing beam on her lips.

Her eyes sparkle with the profound darkness that's normally called the sky. A star shines, reflected in the middle of her black pupil. A tear comes down her cheek, slowly after such a long privacy of love.

He has promised himself he won't ever let anyone make her cry. But, this time, he lets her and cries with his beloved.

Two figures sobbing silently in the night….But with a Joy in their Souls.

Finish..

Shiv on the other hand in his office realizes VD is fast approaching and wants to surprise Anandi too. He decides to surprise her this time with his cooking. He calls his mother and gets some simple recipes from her. On her insistence he tells her about the surprise that he is planning for Anandi but warns her to keep it a secret. Ira decides to call back CM and Sanchi on some pretext so that Shiv could plan his surprise and giving the couple some privacy also.

On VD with both CM and Sanchi gone, Anandi and Shiv behave normal as if they didn't know about the day. They are busy in their work the whole day. Anandi comes back early from school and goes into the garden and plucks all the red roses. She is decorating the room and trying to get herself ready for the evening before Shiv returned, that she gets a call from DS asking her to come to haveli immidiately. She tries to reason out but she knew there was no use arguing with DS. She is extremely disappointed at the turn of events and texts Shiv and tells him that she is urgently leaving for haveli and will be home soon. On seeing the message, Shiv is extremely elated that his plan worked as it was his idea to send Anandi to haveli so that he could plan his surprise dinner.

On reaching home Shiv starts to cook, trying hard to make his dishes perfect. When he is done cooking he goes to the garden to pick the roses to make a bouquet and he is shocked to see that the garden had no roses left ! 😆 He remembered seeing the garden full of them in the morning though ! 😆Anandi in the haveli finished the work that she was called to do but was constantly looking at the clock waiting to go home. DS happy seeing her so restless but didn't allow her to go till she got a confirmation from Shiv that Anandi could get back home.

Finally after being let go, Anandi on reaching CH, sees Shiv is busy working on the laptop.. She immidiately leaves to the bedroom which she had locked since she didn't want Shiv to see her decorations.😆 She soon realizes that she really didn't have to lock since Shiv had never bothered to venture out to the bedroom as he was busy cooking unknowing to her !! Seeing her run to the room, Shiv gets a bit concerned and he tries to follow her but she says she is fine and will be with him soon.

Not hearing from her in a while, Shiv calls her asking her to come out for dinner. But, instead Anandi calls him to their room. Surprised and worried at the same time, he opens the door and to his shock and amazement, he sees the room beautifully lit with candles, fresh rose petals decorated in a heart shape on their bed, just like their first night in KB.

He feels out of this world, having waited for this moment from a long time, bends reaching close to her quivering lips, almost stopping both their breaths. He pauses, still searching for a yes in her eyes. Seeing him hesistant she moves her lips closer to his giving him the nod. Getting the needed affirmation, he instantly lets his lips on hers. What starts off as a soft gentle kiss gradually turns into a deep passionate lip-lock, sending a rush of heat spreading in both their bodies..

Sharing the same plate, tasting his first cooking, feeling the warmth in each other's company, they spend the rest of the night full of love and passion feeling the complete bliss of their life together.☺️

Anandi ShivRaj Shekhar. It sounded good. Anandi Shivraj Shekhar, Sarpanch, Jaitsar. That sounded even better. Shiv sat at his office table, smiling dreamily off into space. His wife of six months. How much they had undergone in that time. How they had struggled to establish some sort of footing in their marital life. And what a revelation each day had been, as he unraveled the complexity named Anandi.

He had seen the way in which Anandi had been pulled in two – between her fears and her desire to be a "good" wife, between her attachment towards her ex-in-laws and her new ones, between her old life and her new. She faltered several times, but she balanced it all out in the end. She now had a foot in both boats, perhaps like every girl who gets married. She had learned the fine art of pleasing her new relationships and her old, while finally keeping an eye out for herself. Circumstances had taught her that.

Leaning back in his chair, Shiv smirked to himself as he recalled the initial glitches in their married life. How he had gone overboard a few times, right in the beginning, scaring her into her shell. How he had vowed to wait for her to initiate. He guffawed out loud as he remembered how much she had fumbled while trying to indicate to him that she was ready for me. Her awkward attempts at hugs and touches, her pouty episodes, her foot stomping at his not shouting at her. "Aww, my sweet baby! She didn't see what the whole world saw – she loved me."

Closing his eyes, he bit into the tip of his pen as her recalled how finally, he came home one night to a darkened house. Heaving a deep sigh, he remembered his disappointment at not seeing her smiling face at the door. He had trudged into the bedroom slowly, only to receive the shock of his life, to see "his" Anandi, dressed like a bride once again, sitting on the bed, waiting to restart their life. And what a start it had been. He shuddered as he re-experienced the first touch of her lips on his, the first run of her hands through his hair, the first desperate clutch of her fingers on his shoulder, dragging him down to heaven, and the first merging of two bodies into one and of two souls into one.

"Sir, here is some mail for you…" Frowning at the interruption, Shiv put his spectacles aside to glare at Bheem Singh. "What's wrong, Bheem Singh? I had told you I was busy working out the logistics of the railway project. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I think you were waiting for these papers." Scowling at the rude awakening, Shiv grabbed the envelop from Bheem Singh; his scowl quickly dissipating as he saw the return address. Quickly tearing the envelop open, he slammed his fist into the table in jubilation! Seeing Bheem Singh's smile, he quickly jumped up, shouldering on his jacket. "Bheem Singh, I am going home early. Disturb me only if it is absolutely urgent."

Drawing his jeep up in front of Anandi's school, he stood on the horn; for once forgetting about protocol. As the peon came running to see what the problem was, Shiv signaled to him to fetch Anandi. Wearing a thunderous scowl, Anandi came charging out, "Why are you making all this racket, Shiv?" "Arre, ghar chalo Anandi, I have some urgent work!" Huffing prettily to herself, Anandi went in to inform Guli, while Shiv tapped impatiently on the steering wheel.

On the way home, Shiv detoured through the chowk. "Anandi, bada jalebi khaane ka dil ho raha hai. Let's pick some up." "Shiv, you are getting fat. Kitna khaate hain aap. Ab to love handles bhi aa gaye hain!" Smirking at her, Shiv winked, "And don't you just love it, meri jaan?" Blushing and pouting at him, she couldn't help giggling… he was so right! They were her favorite place to hold on to while sleeping curled up against him like a kitten seeking warmth.

As they drew up to Circuit House, Shiv hopped out of the car, ran around to Anandi's side to drop his files and the hot bag of jalebi into her hands. Bending low, he swooped her up and out of the car, ignoring her shrieks of horror. "Shiv! The servants will see us!" "Na, I called and sent them all home." Smirking wryly at her perplexed expression, he strode towards the main door. "Jaanu, the keys are in my pocket, nikaal lo." Groaning softly at the exquisite torture, he kicked the door open, walking straight to the diwan in the lobby. Dropping her like a bag of potatoes, he walked back and locked the door. Rubbing his hand gleefully, he used his best imitation of Dilip Kumar to ask "And now, jaanu… where were we?" Clambering backwards, in a fit of giggles, Anandi made one last attempt to save herself from the despo in front of her. "Shiv, what's wrong with you?"

Grabbing both her hands to keep her in place, Shiv crouched over her and poured a stream of kisses over her upturned, glowing face. Slanting his lips over hers, he silenced her giggles effectively. As she quietened, he let go of her hands, and still kissing passionately, pulled off his sweatshirt, pausing only for her to draw it over his head. Seeing the heated passion in her eyes, he twisted her around to pull at her doris, dropping kisses wherever each loop came undone. Unable to bear the sweet torment any longer, she twisted around, using her puny strength to pull him down on herself, reveling in the familiar weight. Wrapping his arms tight around her, trying to merge their bodies, he ravished her lips, her cheeks, her chin, her neck… moving slowly downward to his ultimate goal. As they became one, the dust motes illuminated the lost couple in a golden aura, making them almost into a beautiful statue in motion.

Panting heavily, Shiv collapsed next to her, propping her drowsy head on his shoulder to make place for both of them on the narrow diwan. Running idle hands over and over her body, he waited patiently for her questions. And they didn't take long in coming. "Shiv, aaj hua kya hai aapko? What made you do this in the midst of a work day?" Turning towards her slightly, he pushed her tousled hair away from her eyes. "I have some news for you, Anandi. I don't know if it will make you happy or sad, but I am very excited." Sitting up in all her natural splendor, Anandi exclaimed, "Tell me quick, Shiv… is it about the railway project, the nehar, the school…" Shutting her up with a hand over her lips, Shiv reached across to where he had dropped his papers on the table. Extracting the envelop, he handed it over and sat back to wait.

Quickly skimming through the letter, Anandi looked at him in shock. "Yeh kya hai? What is this, Shiv? What are you trying to tell me? What did you do?" Smiling softly, Shiv said, "Jaanu, I cheated on you a bit. I took your signatures without you knowing what you were signing on. That is your penalty for trusting me so much. All I had to do was slip in the nomination papers, declaration form, and financial statements into the daily bundle of papers you sign, and you were none the wiser! Congratulations, Mrs Anandi ShivRaj Shekhar, your application to contest for the Legislative Assembly has been accepted by the Election Commissioner!"

"Shiv! But why? I am happy with my current work. And that Heth Singh…" "Yes, Anandi, I know that you are, but I have also seen your capabilities and abilities. You are destined for bigger things. The zeal in your eyes and your desire to help others is so far restricted to Jaitsar. As an MLA, you will have a wider reach and the rutba to help so many more. Your direct contest against Heth Singh is already won by you. People know you and your honesty. He doesn't stand a chance." "But Shiv, I am scared. I had never imagined something like this… Perhaps I will fail in my duties."

Lifting her downfallen head up with a forefinger, he stroked her soft cheeks gently as he said. "My darling, you don't need to tell me your wishes, aspirations, and fears. I know you, don't I? And you WILL win. I will support you in every fight, just as do in mine. The first step has been taken, my love. I am now just waiting for the day that I, ShivRaj Shekhar, Collector of Jaitsar, report to you, Mrs. Anandi ShivRaj Shekhar, Member of the Legislative Assembly!"

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