BA SS: An Evening w/ Bharat & Aditi Last Prt PG 12 - Page 3

Aditi fell back on the bed, just trying to get her brain to function and her body to calm. Her husband is a very potent combination of tenderness, sensuality and wickedness. A very satisfying grin slowly spread across her face as she thinks: how can one woman be so lucky! Think of him indeed! How could she not think of him; every moment. Aditi finally hauls herself off the bed, heads to the bath to make herself presentable, before going downstairs to start breakfast for the family. It is still quite early and it seems no one else is up and starting their day, yet. As she passes the settee, she sees Bharat's briefcase. Obviously, he has forgotten it, it's propped up against one of the cushions. A small smile of delight curves her mouth as she thinks: so, I am not the only one who is so affected by sensual kisses in the morning. Aditi grabs the briefcase and turns for the bedroom door; hoping she can catch Bharat before he leaves the grounds. Aditi is almost to the door, when it opens abruptly. Bharat is standing there, looking a bit disheveled. Aditi frowns, then realizes he probably ran in from the car and all the way up the stairs. Aditi smiles and holds up his briefcase, "I was just coming to see if I could catch you". "No need to chase after me sweetheart, you definitely already caught me", Bharat says with grin. Aditi blushes as a happy laugh escapes from behind the hand she has covered her face with, at Bharat's teasing. Bharat closes the door quietly and leans back against it. He really needs to get to the office, but he just can't seem to make himself care about Mr. Patel at the moment. Not when his wife is looking all mussed, and happy, and gorgeous. Aditi's face is glowing, a smile of delight curves her plump, delectable mouth, her dark chocolate eyes are still alight with a mix of bashfulness and lingering passion. How can a mere man resist such a combination of innocence and temptation? Bharat shook his head at the thought. He certainly can't, if this morning is any judge. He never would have guessed, that one small, shy, innocent woman, could pack such a huge punch of grace, tenderness and love. And, knock him flat on his ass so quickly; with just a simple, lovely smile. Bharat would have given away his fortune, before he believed he could, or would ever, fall in love. And, fall as hard, as fast and as deep, as he has with Aditi. Everyday he is constantly amazed at how much his love for Aditi grows, expands, and then, overwhelms him again. Bharat smiles slowly, lovingly, a bit of a naughty gleam appears in his eyes as he watches Aditi walk to him; carrying his briefcase.

As he bends to pick up his briefcase, so does Aditi. They bump heads, both laugh as they raise up, holding a hand to their heads. Aditi reaches up and straightens the knot in Bharat's tie. Then she runs a teasing finger down the front of his tie and stops when she reaches his belt buckle. As Bharat's stomach muscles contract, her fingers rub slowly back and forth, just above the buckle. Saucily she says "now you will think of me all day, meri Raja". She winks and slowly grins at him. Bharat grabs her, presses his face to her neck and growls loudly as she squeals. When he lets go of her, she is giggling; he busses her nose. He reaches for the doorknob, opens the door part way, then stops. He turns back towards her, he gives her a saucy wink of his own as he says in slightly threatening tone. "Sweetheart, keep calling me "Raja" and I will never make it to the office". Aditi eyes are filled with mirth as she puts her hands on her hips. She tries to make her face look stern and in a serious tone, like a principal scolding a late student, "well then, Mr. Singh, I suggest you stop dawdling and get - to - work!". Then she giggles again, spoiling her act of trying to reprimand Bharat. Bharat laughs at his wife's teasing, clears his throat and in what he hopes is a contrite sounding voice says, "yes, Ma'am!". He turns back to the door, opens it a bit more and stops again. This time because Aditi says his name, "Bharat!", in a somewhat raised voice, as she comes up beside him. He looks at her and sees Aditi's hand holding something aloft. A slight red stain steals over his cheekbones; she's holding his briefcase. Bharat shakes his head, takes the briefcase from his grinning patni; and once again, leaves their bedroom. Only to be brought up short at seeing Amar and Divya. Their eyes are wide, filled with laughter, and they are grinning like two crazy loons. Bharat turns a deep red as he stutters "g-good m-morning b-bhaiyya, b-b-bhabhi". Aditi is standing just inside the room and turns completely scarlet. But, she can't leave her pati out there, to suffer. So she bravely steps out to stand beside Bharat. In a quiet, slightly embarrassed voice she says, "good morning". Bharat puts his hand around Aditi's waist, bringing her closer to his side. He is being both comforting and protective. He knows how shy Aditi can be, even with Amar and Divya.

Amar and Divya take mercy on the two, and just say "good morning"; the laughter evident in their voices. As Amar passes Bharat, he teasingly whispers "Raja", causing Bharat's cheeks to flush again. Amar stops, turns, and says "Bharat". When Bharat turns to face Amar, he says "I'm taking Divya to the doctor this morning, so I'll be late getting to the office. Call me if you need anything before I get there". Bharat just nods and says "I'll take care of everything bhaiyya, you just concentrate on Divya". Amar nods as he and Divya continue walking down the hall to the stairs. As they finally reach the stairs, both look at each other and start laughing. Aditi eyes are on the floor and Bharat's raised towards the ceiling. As they hear them laugh, they start laughing themselves. Their laughter is a mix of embarrassment, at being caught by Amar and Divya and a release of some the intimate tension they are feeling. Bharat looks at Aditi, knowing both of their faces are still a bit flushed. But, trying to make Aditi smile before he leaves. He teasingly says, "now they will be thinking of us all day" and winks. Aditi bats his arms as she says "Bharat!, you are so bad!", but smiles, as he intended.

Bharat placed his palm on Aditi's warm cheek and said softly, "I'll see you tonight Aditi". Then he quickly walked down the hall to the stairs and out of Aditi's line of vision. With a very contented smile gracing her face, Aditi reached behind her, pulled the door to their room closed; and headed downstairs to start the day. As Bharat pulled out of the driveway, he takes out his phone and calls Bhumika. "Bharat Singh's office, this is Bhumika, how may I assist you?". Bharat wastes no time getting to the point. "Bhumika, it's Bharat, has Mr. Patel arrived yet?". Bhumika answers "yes Sir, he just arrived, about two minutes ago". Bharat grimaced slightly and said "please offer him coffee, tea, etc., if you haven't already. Convey my apologies to him. I am going to be a few minutes late". Bharat ended the call with "thanks Bhumika" and closed his phone. All the way to the office he had a smile that just wouldn't leave his face, no matter how many times he tried. As he parked his car in the building garage, Bharat began to talk to himself. He is giving himself a stern talking to, telling himself to wipe that tell-tell smile off his face. Otherwise, Mr. Patel is going to think he is dealing with a love-sick fool. Then Bharat grins and thinks, well, this morning, he is; and laughs as he opens the door from the garage to the lobby. Then he finally composes himself, and his face, and waits for the next elevator.

Aditi putters around in the kitchen getting everything readly. Once she puts the kettle on, she pulls out dishes for the table and goes out to set it. As she re-enters the kitchen the kettle shrieks like a banshee. Aditi quickly takes it off the flame and pours the hot water over the tea leaves she had put in the teapot. She leaves it to steep, as she assembles everything beside the cook top. Since this is a routine she preforms daily, Aditi is on auto-pilot, as she gets breakfast ready. Which leaves her mind free to wander. And wander it does, straight to Bharat. She giggles as she thinks: well, I am only doing as my husband asked; "think of me". A hot blush fires up her cheeks, as the image of Bharat, so sexy in just that towel crowds her head. It is so clear Aditi almost reaches out a hand, as if to touch him. His shoulders broad and straight; his chest tanned and muscled; his stomach flat and defined. She sighs, her fingers trembling slightly, as she presses them against her heart, as it heart skips a beat. In her head she can hear the teasing in Bharat's voice as he tell her to "take notes", as he shaved. Which of course, brings back memories of that weekend a few months ago. When she had so grandly decided she would try to give him a haircut and shave him. Aditi shakes her head at her audaciousness. She smiles softly at how brave and game Bharat had been at the idea too. Especially, when she admitted she had never even considered the idea of "playing barber" before. Imagine, a sharp razor in her completely ignorant hand, about to run it up her husband's throat. No wonder the Bharat looked as if he had swallowed a bundle of bees hyped up on caffeine and nerves. Aditi grinned just the same and thought: one of these days. Aditi had thoroughly enjoyed pampering her "Raja". Then, with a very shy smile curving her mouth, she nods slowly and decides, I want to surprise Bharat again. I want to "pamper" him with a quiet evening at home; tonight.

As she thinks about it more and more, an idea and a plan, of sorts, forms. With that in mind, and before her innate shyness can change her mind; she decides to call Bharat at work. She turns off the flame under the oil. She heads down the hall to where the phone sits on a small table. She dials Bharat's cell number, feeling a shimmy of excitement flutter in her stomach. Then she remembers Bharat is probably in his meeting with Mr. Patel. She quickly disconnects the call and decides to call him after everyone has finished breakfast and the kitchen is clean. As she replaces the receiver in the cradle and turns to head back to the kitchen, Karuna comes downstairs; and sees her. She says in a reproving tone, "you should be preparing breakfast, not gossiping with your friends on the phone". Aditi sighs inwardly, knowing that even though breakfast is almost ready, Karuna will still find fault with her in someway. "Good morning Choti Maa. Breakfast is almost ready, I was just waiting for everyone to come down". "If it's almost ready, then you should have come upstairs to tell us Aditi; instead of standing around wasting time", Karuna snaps. As Karuna spots Aniket and Sagar's mom coming into the dining room area, she stops berating Aditi abruptly. Her tone completely changes as she greets them pleasantly, "good morning, breakfast is almost ready, please sit down". Giving them the impression that she is the one who has done all the work in preparing breakfast, rather than Aditi. She says "I'm going to check on everything and get it plated. Aditi, make yourself useful, come into the kitchen with me". Then in a snide smile at Aditi and in a tone that belies her intentions says "I'll have Aditi make herself useful and serve you". Aditi eyes become moist and she flushes dully at the implications Karuna in trying to suggest in her statement to Aniket and Sagar's mom. Aniket frowns and Sagar's mom just looks puzzled. She knows Karuna is trying to imply that she is a very lazy bahu, as she let her saas prepare breakfast. And that she is little more than a servant; rather than a bahu to be proud of. But, Aditi doesn't defend herself in front of them. She doesn't want to embarrass Karuna, nor does she want to incur her wrath later, either.

Aditi has all the breakfast dishes done and is putting them away, when Divya comes into the kitchen. "Aditi, you don't have to do everything yourself, let me help". As Divya reaches for the dishes, Aditi stops her. "Divya, you know Amar does not want you to tax yourself. Besides, it won't take me long to finish up here". Why don't you take a rest. Divya sighs, she is tired of resting all the time. "Maybe I will go to the mandir for a bit, I think Gauri is there now". Aditi smiles and shoos Divya on her way, "good, good". Once Aditi is finished making sure the kitchen has been restored to it's usual pristine condition, she walks to the phone. Bharat is engrossed in working up the contract he and Mr. Patel hashed out at their meeting, when his cell rings. So, when he reaches for it, he doesn't bother to look at the number as he answers with a distracted "hello?". Aditi feels a very feminine thrill pulse inside her when she hears Bharat's very masculine voice. A dreamy look softly drifts into her eyes. Aditi snaps out of her daydreaming when she hears Bharat saying "hello?, Hel-loo!?", in a slightly irritated tone. A faint pink colors her Aditi's as she tells herself to pay attention! She rolls her eyes at herself as she stutters out "Oh, ummm, oh, uh sorry". She takes a soft breath, begins again and bashfully says "hello, Bharat. Am I, am I disturbing you?". Bharat's voice completely changes, losing it's irritated tone, when he hears Aditi's soft, shy voice. His own voice deepens and takes on a very intimate, suggestive tone as he says "you always disturb me love". The light pink on Aditi's cheeks, blooms to a hot red, with Bharat's provocative words and tone. When Aditi doesn't say anything, Bharat grins knowingly and says "I love when you blush so prettily meri patni. I'm just sorry I'm not there to see it". At Bharat saying that, Aditi takes the phone away from her ear and stares at it for a second. She quickly puts the phone back her ear, without thinking stutters out "how, how did". Bharat interrupts with "how did I know? Sweetheart, you always blush so adorably when I tease you. Why do you think I enjoy it; and you, so much meri patni?", his tone again, suggestive and full of intimacy. "B-B-Bha-rat", Aditi admonished him in a very flustered tone.

Bharat's laugh is very male, one that definitely indicates he is enjoying teasing his bashful bride; again. Bharat tries to be more serious as he asks "what do you need sweetheart?". Aditi still flustered, has to pause for a second to remember why she called him. "Oh, ummm, I was just wondering if you are going to be home very late tonight Bharat?". Bharat grimaces, he knows he hasn't been home much lately. Right now, Singh Industries has several complicated projects in Delhi going on at the same time and several more coming up soon. Bharat has been staying later and later in the past few weeks trying to keep up with everything. Especially as Amar needs to be with Divya. He needs to spend time with her while they are going through this difficult time. So, he has been trying to take as much of the work load as he can. Which means he very busy and occupied with work. Then Bharat thinks of how delightfully he was occupied this morning, with Aditi. He instantly decides that just this once, maybe he won't stay at the office so late tonight. "I shouldn't be too late, probably around seven o'clock; hopefully. Did you want me to stop somewhere. Do you need something?" "Oh, oh no, I just wanted to have your dinner ready for you. You didn't eat this morning, so I want to make sure to have something ready when you get home. And Bharat, eat some lunch, please?" Bharat smiles broadly, thinking what a lucky man he is to have a wife who worries so about him. "Don't go to any trouble, Aditi. A sandwich, or anything simple, easy, will be fine. Okay?". Aditi grimaces at the thought of Bharat having just a sandwich, after working so hard all day. But, she didn't want to give anything away, so all she did say was "if you're sure Bharat. I'll see you later then." "That'll be fine Aditi, don't go to any trouble. I'll see you tonight". As he hangs up the phone, Bharat frowns. He hasn't had a chance to be alone, really spend some time with Aditi for weeks. Bharat thinks back to that weekend they did spend together, alone. His frown swiftly becomes a very intimate smile as his eyes deepen and take on a sensual gleam. Time alone with his patni is definitely something he needs to arrange, and soon. As Aditi hangs up the phone, she decides she needs to get busy, if she wants to pamper her "Raja" the minute he comes in the door. Aditi's face begins to heat as she thinks of having an evening alone with Bharat. No interruptions, just the two of them, enjoying each other.

Thinking out loud Aditi says, "the first thing, I need to do is speak with Divya". Aditi goes the mandir, hoping to find Divya. As she stops to remove her sandals and enter, she sees Divya isn't there; just Gauri. Gauri smiles as Aditi asks "have you seen Divya, Gauri?". Gauri explains that Divya was there earlier, but left. Aditi thanks her and begins to look for Divya. She goes upstairs, thinking that Divya is resting, but she isn't in her room. Aditi checks the rest of the house; still no Divya. Aditi decides to check outside, Divya likes to walk in the garden sometimes. That's where she finds Divya, sitting quietly on a bench in the garden, enjoying the morning sun. "Divya?" Divya turns slightly at the sound of Aditi's voice. "Aditi, come sit with me, the sun feels wonderful". As Aditi approaches the bench, she smiles softly seeing Divya tip her head back to feel the sun's warmth on her face. Divya smiles mischievously as Aditi sits down beside her. "We can be lazy together, and with a twinkle in her eyes, she says, "then I won't have to feel so guilty doing nothing". Aditi giggles at Divya's joking. She knows no one in the house has worked harder or more than Divya. Aditi's face becomes serious as she says "Divya, I'm sorry to bother you". Before she can continue, Divya gently admonishes her, "Aditi, we're sisters, you could never bother me. Now tell me, what is wrong". Aditi grimaces slightly, "oh, nothing is ... wrong. Aditi hesitates, then rushes into her explanation. "I was hoping you would help me. I would like to spend some time with Bharat this evening", Aditi cheeks warm to a soft pink, "ahhh, alone". "And I well, want it to be a surprise. But, I can't really do that since ...". Divya interrupts quickly, "since ... Choti Maa is always around?". Aditi winces as Divya continues, "Aditi, I know that Choti Maa, can be, hmmm, a bit ... possessive of Bharat sometimes". Aditi grimaces slightly, starts to explain; Divya touches her shoulder to stop her. "I know you aren't trying to be rude or mean Aditi. But, all of us have noticed that you and Bharat don't seem to have much time together, since Karuna has come to Delhi. So, what shall we do to give you and your pati some time alone, hmmm?". Aditi smiles shyly, and says, "wellll, I was thinking maybe you could convince everyone to go out to dinner, and then to a movie?". Divya grins, then frowns, "but how does that give you and Bharat time alone?" "Well, Bharat will be late this evening, he won't be home until around seven o'clock. So if all of you go to dinner and a movie ...". Divya grins again, "aacha, that might just work. "Hmmm, but how do we stop Choti Maa from wanting to stay back, when she finds out you and Bharat will not be going with us". Aditi's smile fades as she says "that's the part I haven't figured out yet".

As a plan forms in Divya's head, she snaps her fingers, smiles shrewdly and says, "I know how!". Aditi face lights up, "really bhabhi? What have you come up with; tell me!", she says excitedly. Divya grins softly at Aditi's excitement. "I'll call Amar at work, and explain the plan. He will get Bharat to come along, telling him they are going to meet us at the restaurant. Aditi is confused and asks "but how will that get Bharat home with me?" Divya grins conspiratorially and says, "because you my dear Aditi, at the last minute, are going to have a headache and a stomach ache! That will excuse you from dinner, and the movie. We will tell Karuna you are staying behind, and Bharat and Amar will meet us at the restaurant. If she thinks Bharat will be waiting at the restaurant for us", Diyva grins, "and, you won't be coming us. That will surely get her out of the house. After we have left, I'll call Amar to "tell him" that you are ill and won't be coming. Then Amar will tell Bharat you're ill and convince him that he needs to go home to check on his patni. I don't think it will take much convincing, Divya grins widely at Aditi. Divya laughs merrily and hugs Aditi as her cheeks warm to a pretty pink. Aditi returns the hug and smiles very shyly. "After we arrive at the restaurant, Amar will explain that Bharat won't be coming after all. That he has gone home instead, to make sure you are all right. If Karuna objects, or asks to go home; under the pretense of taking care of you. We will tell her it wouldn't be fair to spoil everyone else fun, just because Bharat won't be there. And besides, Bharat will be home, he will take care of you". Aditi exhales on a sigh of pent up relief. She is thrilled Divya is so willing to help her; and have Amar help too. Divya is enjoying seeing the happy glow on Aditi's face, excitement lighting up her eyes for a change. Divya thinks: it hasn't been easy for Aditi since Karuna arrived. Or since her marriage to Bharat. Nor has it been easy for Bharat. He always ends up in the middle, trying to please Karuna; and make sure Aditi isn't hurt. Divya claps her hands and asks happily, "so, what else can I do to help?". Then she smiles naughtily and says "if you and your pati don't have time alone soon, how am I going to get a little Bhatiji (niece) or Bhatija (nephew), to spoil ... hmmm, Aditi?". Aditi face turns bright red with embarrassment, as she stutters "D-D-ivya!". Though embarrassed, she does smile softly at Divya's enjoyment in teasing her.

"Thank you for helping me Divya; you and Amar. You are doing so much already, just by distracting Karuna. Now I want to go clean and straighten our room; everything should be perfect". A soft pink blooms in Aditi's cheeks as she adds shyly, "I want to decorate it too. I just want Bharat to be feel pampered and relaxed; catered to and indulged". Divya's eyes have a very distinct gleam in them as she jokes. "Hmmm, I better not let Amar find out about that part of the plan. Otherwise, he will want to know why he isn't receiving the same royal treatment, from his patni too". The image of Bharat pretending to be a wicked Maharaja, twirling his moustache flashes when Divya says "royal treatment". Divya notices the change in Aditi's face. A wisp of delight is shimmering in her eyes, her cheeks, once again, are rosy, a flirty, girlish smile is curving her lips; as her attention seems to slide away. Divya snaps her fingers in front of Aditi to bring her back. Aditi quickly brings her hands up to her suddenly warm cheeks, her eyes still bright, not knowing what to say to Divya. Divya however, has a pretty good idea of what caused Aditi to drift away for and murmurs to herself, "Bharat is going to be a very happy pati tonight". Then Divya takes pity on Aditi. "You better get to it then, it'll be evening before you know it. And I'll call Amar. Then I'll figure out the right time to let everyone know we'll be going out later". Aditi hugs Divya one more time, and whispers "shukriya, bahut shukriya". Divya returns the hug with happy smile, and winks as she walks away. Aditi turns towards the staircase, she wants to get up to the room quickly. She has a lot to do before Bharat gets home. As she runs up the stairs, the smile on her face is dreamy; she hums softly, happily. Just as she reaches their room, Karuna comes down the hallway. When Karuna sees the happy smile on Aditi's face, she rolls her eyes. Karuna's mouth draws up in a nasty sneer, she bunches up her nose making her face look very unattractive. Her eyes darken with dislike as they narrow and thinks: I'll take that smile from your face today; and soon, maybe permanently.

With an imperious gesture of her hand she stops Aditi. In a condescending tone she demands "Aditi, go to my room and take the sari's on the bed to the washroom. I want you to wash them. They are expensive and must be handled very, very delicately. I don't want any of the beading disturbed. Make sure you are extremely careful when you hand-wash them. I don't want you to ruin them. And do it now. My friends and I may go to lunch this weekend, so I might want to wear one of them. She raises a brow and in a patronizing tone asks "do you understand Aditi?". As if Aditi is too backward to comprehend. Aditi's eyes lost their sparkle as Karuna began to speak so rudely to her. Her happy smile had faded immediately as well. Not at Karuna's order, she is only to happy to offer her assistance, or help with whatever Karuna may need. It is Karuna's tone and explicit disrespect that wiped the sparkle from her eyes and the smile from her face; like an eraser being passed quickly over a chalk board. Aditi feels the sting and bite of Karuna's dislike sorely. With a slight rise of her eyebrow, she answers in a calm, quiet, but empathic voice. "Yes, Choti Maa, I understand what you are saying ... very well". Karuna's face wrinkles with a nasty look at Aditi's tone of voice; but doesn't say anything. She isn't quite certain, if Aditi is being sarcastic or not. But, of course, Karuna has to have the last word. In a nasty tone, to accompany her nasty look, she snaps "and do it now, Aditi! Don't wait until later or lay about lazily all day." Aditi flushes scarlet, a sudden flash of pain darkens her large chocolate eyes at the clearly intended insult. But she still refrains from saying anything. Karuna huffs in irritation, she was hoping Aditi would say something back to her. Then she would be able to complain to Bharat when he got home. With the nasty sneer twisting her face even more, Karuna tromps past Aditi, and goes down stairs.

As Aditi watches Karuna leave, she starts to feels despondent. There's a tight ache in her throat and chest, as sadness, pain and regret cloud her eyes. Because she knows, no matter what she does, or is willing to do for Karuna, she will probably never make Bharat's Choti Maa happy. Aditi knows she should, needs, to stand up for herself. Especially, when Karuna insults and treats her so badly. But, then, she sees Bharat's face, and remembers how much Bharat loves Karuna; and it stops her, every time. She closes her eyes, pushing the pain of Karuna's anger and rejection into a dark corner of her heart. Aditi can't help but think: after what Bharat went through with Sindoora, he will never have to choose between his Choti Maa and his patni. I would rather just quietly go about all the tasks Karuna gives me, than have her make an issue out of anything. Or have another reason to complain to Bharat about me. Aditi exhales a sad, almost weary sigh, opens her eyes and walks down the hall to Karuna's room. She shrugs to relieve some of the tension that has settled in her shoulders. Aditi opens the door slowly, almost as if she expects a saanp to slither out. She steps into the room, walks to the bed and gathers up the sari's. Aditi always feels uncomfortable in Karuna's room. She feels a childish need to check over her shoulder; to make sure there are no monsters sneaking up from behind. She quickly scoops up the sari's and leaves. She transfers all the sari's to one arm, reaches for the doorknob, and pulls the door closed behind her with a quick snap. She shifts the bundle to rest in both her arms and runs down the stairs. She wants to get the sari's washed and hung up to dry as soon as she can. Then she can get back upstairs and get started on getting the room ready. Hopefully, before Karuna finds another task for her. Aditi rushes into the washroom, puts the sari's on the folding table, beside the large wash sink. She reaches for the cold water tap, opens it all the way so a fast stream of cold water gushes out. She reaches to the shelf above, takes down a the box of laundry powder, the kind used for delicate clothing. She sprinkles a very small amount into the water that is quickly filling up the sink. As the powder hits the cold water, Aditi uses her hand to swish the water around. She gasps in reaction to how cold the water is on her skin. She shivers as goose bumps rush up her arm.

Between the movement of her hand, and the stream of water from the tap, small iridescent bubbles begin froth and pop. Aditi gently immerses the first sari into the cold water. As she carefully begins to wash it, she ticks off things in her head that still need to be done. First: while the sari's are drying, run up and get started on the room. Second: try to get into the kitchen to as least prep for a few of Bharat's favorite finger foods. Third: check the sari's and hope they have dried without too many wrinkles. Fourth: decorate the room, which means going back out to the garden to cut flowers; putting candles out everywhere; setting up the disc player with soft, romantic music. Aditi sighs, she hopes she will be able to get all of it finished by the time everyone leaves for dinner. Then she will have time, to at last, get herself ready. She smiles shyly as she thinks of the new sari she had bought at the bazaar when she went to do the marketing. It was terribly expensive. But, it had been so very beautiful that she just had not been able to resist it. Especially, as it was a soft orange; Bharat's favorite color. It was a very trendy, fashionably stylish sari. More trendy really, than she had ever worn. When she brought it home she had hidden it in the back of the wardrobe. Not because Bharat would object to her buying it; he was always urging her to buy something for herself. But, because she wanted to keep it a secret. She wanted to surprise Bharat and wear it for him on a special occasion. And tonight, it seems the wait is over for just that special occasion. But, as she thinks about the design of the sari, Aditi begins to worry. Maybe it was too trendy. It is certainly a more daring and revealing sari than she had ever dared to wear before. A slight frown creases her face as she bites the corner of her bottom lip. The frown fades as she consoles herself with the thought that no one, but Bharat, will see her in it. She sighs and thinks: just once, I would like Bharat to really be at a loss for words; unable to tease or look away from me. As if I am a mystical creature he has never seen before. Aditi lets go of her lip, blushes softly and chuckles at the thought of Bharat standing with his mouth open, gaping at her. She shakes her head at that bit of silliness and the idea of it actually happening. Bharat is rarely at a loss for words, and he is hardly going to stare at his wife as if he has never seen her before. But, she grinned, it is kind of fun just to think it might happen.

Aditi tells herself to get busy, she still has three other sari's to wash and hang out to dry; before she can get to all her other tasks. But, as she sinks the second sari into the water, she begins thinking about how she will pamper Bharat tonight. A slow, secretive smile causes Aditi's lips to curve upward. She looks like a sultry imp for a moment as her eyes glow gleefully and she laughs seductively. Divya pauses in the doorway of the washroom, wondering what Aditi is laughing about as she pulls a long, embellished sari out of the soapy water. Divya says "Aditi" quietly, hoping not to startle her; she is so lost in her thoughts. But Aditi jumps guiltily and exclaims "ohhh!", as the heavy sari drops back into the water. It splashes with a loud "plop" and soaks the front of her sari. Divya wrinkles her nose as she quickly apologizes, "sorry Aditi, I didn't mean to startle you". Aditi just smiles as she brushes at the water, "it's my own fault Divya, for not paying attention to what I am doing". Divya nods and asks, "so exactly what are you doing?". Aditi looks down at the soapy water, where the sari is now submerged. Then at the piles of dry and wet sari's on the table and explains. "Karuna asked me to wash some of her sari's. They're very delicate and expensive. She wanted to make sure they were handled properly". Divya's eyes narrow a bit. She knows Karuna usually sends her sari's out to be washed. So why would she ask Aditi to wash them? Her mouth turns down at the corners, when the reason becomes quite obvious. Karuna wants Aditi to feel like a servant, a maid; and to know it as well. Divya is not happy that Karuna treats Aditi so poorly, so often. But, she hesitates to say anything, as it might make matters worse for Aditi; not better. "Would you like me to ask Gauri to help you?". Aditi's eyes widen as a look of surprise, then worry, crosses her face. "Oh. Oh no, Divya, that's not necessary. Please don't bother Gauri", she rushes to say. "Karuna asked me, specifically, to do this her. I don't mind", Aditi smiles gamely. Divya frowns, then sighs, and shakes her head okay. She understands what Aditi was saying only too well.

Besides, she has seen for herself, how Karuna takes every opportunity to taunt Aditi, when Bharat was not around. So, if Karuna even thinks Aditi had asked for, or accepted help, she would waste no time running to tell Bharat that his patni fells she was above doing small, minor tasks for her saas. Divya asks "is there anything I can do to help you with getting things ready for tonight?". Aditi just smiles shyly, "no, I think I have everything covered Divya, but thank you anyway". Divya mock frowns and wags her finger at her, "well, if you run into any problems and get behind, you had better come find me. Or I will be very angry with you Aditi", she ends with a grin. Aditi just wants to hug Divya, she is so kind and sweet. Divya turns and leaves the washroom, reluctantly leaving Aditi to her laborious task. As she walks away, she decides she will discuss what is happening between Aditi and Karuna, with Amar. She knows if she tries to talk to Aditi about any of it; she will just deny that anything is wrong. And Aditi probably won't mention Karuna's behavior to anyone either. Divya's mouth curves downward, and she is absolutely certain she will never say anything to Bharat; unless she is absolutely forced. But, maybe Amar will have some ideas about what to do to fix these problems. It just isn't right, or fair, of Karuna to harass Aditi this way. Divya is determined she is going to find a way to help Aditi.

Aditi would have been mortified if she had any inkling of what Divya had been thinking and decided. Aditi just hoped Karuna's attitude was something she could change; eventually. If not, she would just live with it and deal with whatever she had to, in order to keep Bharat happiness. Never, would she jeopardize his happiness, with her unhappiness; never. Aditi finished washing the last sari. Emptied out the wash sink, cleaned it, and then turned on the cold tap again. She ran another full sink of water, only this time without soap. Very carefully, she rinsed the first sari. She placed a towel in the basket she pulled from under the folding table. With the towel in place, Aditi put the dripping wet sari in a laundry basket. She ran outside quickly. She didn't want the water from the sari to drip all over the floor through the towel. Aditi carefully, but quickly, hung the sari on it's own separate line to dry. She smoothed out the sari, making certain that all the beading and crystals were laying properly. This way, none would not be out of place as the sari dried. Once she had completed that task, she very carefully inspected the sari. She wanted to be completely certain that none of the crystals and beads had come off, or chipped, or broken, when she washed it. She breathed a huge sigh of relief after inspecting the sari; all the beading and crystals were intact and none were missing. While it would take longer for the sari to dry, Aditi knew if she hung the silk sari up dripping wet; it would help it from wrinkling as it dried. Aditi went back to the washroom and repeated the entire process again, with each separate sari. Once she had all the sari's hung and inspected, she hung up the soaking towel, that she lined the basket with, so it could dry as well. By the time she finished her hands were red and aching from the cold water. Her arms, shoulders amd back were stiff and knotted from washing, rinsing and hanging up the long, heavy sari's. Aditi sighed and put the basket back under the table in the washroom. Then she quickly mopped the floor, just to make sure she hadn't trailed water all over it each time she took a sari outside. She took a last look around as she made sure everything was neat and tidy before she left.

Aditi headed upstairs to attend to her room. Not that there was really that much that needed to be done. But she wanted to make sure everything was spotless and shined. When Aditi finished in her room, she pressed her hands to her back as she rolled her shoulders and neck; hoping to relieve some of the stiffness. She was glad that she had gone up to upstairs to tidy up, otherwise, she never would have found Bharat's empty mug from early this morning. She found it when she changed the sheets and coverlet on the bed.She smiled as the memories from early that morning flooded back quickly and vividly. Her heart thudded and her stomach did a shimmy. She laughed quietly, shaking her head at herself. She was always surprised at how easily just the thought of Bharat could speed up her pluse. She picked up the sheets she had taken off the bed, and the coverlet she had removed, and took them downstairs to the washroom. She would take care of them tomorrow. Just as she was coming out of the washroom she spotted Karuna coming down the hall towards her. Before Karuna had a chance to speak, Aditi said "I am on my way to the kitchen to start lunch, is there anything special you would like to have Choti Maa?". Karuna stopped, waiting for Aditi to reach her. When she did, Karuna wrinkled her nose up and said snottily "I was wondering if you were planning on starving all of us. No, there isn't anything special I want to eat. I just want you to get on with making lunch". Aditi forced a smile on her face as she started past Karuna. She quickly said, "then if you will excuse me, I'll get started immediately", before Karuna could say anything else. Aditi entered the kitchen with a sigh of relief. She had been afraid that Karuna would follow her, taunting her all the way to the kitchen. Luckily, lunch would be easy today. Chandra and Mahua had let Aditi know that they were going to go out for lunch and then shop afterwards, when she was in the washroom. That meant only Aniket, Sagar's mom, Karuna, Divya and Gauri would be eating. She knew Bharat would not be home for lunch and she figured neither would Aamr. They were both so busy with work right now. Aditi was in the kitchen preparing the food, everyone else was sitting in the living room talking, or reading, while waiting for lunch. Chandra and Mahua stopped in the living room, to let everyone know they were on their way out. Divya decided that this was the perfect time to put her part of the plan in motion, since everyone was together. She asked Chandra and Mahua to wait and said she had an announcement.

As everyone looked at her in curiosity, she explained about dinner and the movie. Initially, no one really wanted to go, but she convinced them that it would be fun, since they hadn't been out as a family together, in a while. Plus, with her pregnancy advancing, she won't feel like going out as much later. And she wouldn't be able to go out to the movies, at least not for a while, after the baby was born. After a long, puppy dog look and making them feel guilty, they all finally agreed to go out. Divya was glad she had the trump card of guilt. She used it by saying she had already called Amar, he had agreed it was a great idea. And Amar was going tell Bharat of their plans. And, Divya reinforced it, so one would try to back out later, by saying it would be a really nice way for Amar and Bharat to relax as well. Since they both have been working so hard these last few months, right? And of course, they couldn't say couldn't change their minds and back out once they knew it was really for Amar and Bharat. Gauri was the most stubborn, but Divya finally convinced her too, by saying she might need her, while they were out. Gauri could not say no, after that. Divya smiled broadly, thanked them all and said she was going into the kitchen to let Aditi know about it too. Chandra and Mahua left for lunch, promising to be home early. Everyone else settled back to what they had been doing before Divya came in to talk to them. Gauri followed Divya into the kitchen and told Aditi she would set the table; Aditi thanked her. Gauri had her back to Aditi and Divya, as she was pulled dishes from the cabinet. So, Divya put a finger to her lips, raised her hand and made the thumb's up motion at Aditi and winked. Aditi looked puzzled for a moment, until Divya said "Aditi, we are all going out to dinner tonight, so you won't need to cook. Amar and Bharat will meet us at the restaurant and then we are all going to the movies afterwards. Divya poked her tongue out at Aditi, crossed her eyes, grinned broadly and said in a teasing tone "won't that be so much fun!". Aditi to cover her mouth with her hand quickly in order to muffle her laugh as Divya hammed it up. Aditi coughed loudly, as Gauri turned, to clear her throat of the laughter and said, "it does sound fun bhabhi!", as a wide smile took over her mouth. Gauri looked at them as if they both were a just a wee bit strange, when she saw the goofy smiles of excitement on their faces.

Aditi was hungry, but she didn't want to waste time eating. So she told everyone she wasn't that hungry and she wanted to have an appetite for dinner. Especially, since this would be a special treat with everyone going. When, actually, she just wanted to get lunch over and done with, and get the kitchen cleaned up as quickly as possible. Once lunch was over with, everyone just sort of wandered away to do their own thing. Aniket decided to take a drive. Sagar's mom decided she would read in her room. Divya said she wanted to rest before dinner. Gauri decided to do the same, plus, she wanted to be close by if Divya needed her for anything. And finally, the gods were smiling on Aditi, when a couple of the temple ladies stopped by to see if Karuna wanted to go to the bazaar for tea and just look around for bit. With everyone in their rooms or gone, Aditi was able to get out to the gardens and cut all the flowers that took her fancy. She collected several large bunches and quickly took them upstairs. She rummaged, quietly, through the hall closet, and pulled out several vases and some extra candles. Aditi went back to the room and arranged the flowers in the vase and placed them around the room. Then she pulled out all the candles she could find and put them all over the room. She wanted the room to be inviting, romantic, Aditi blushed as she thought ..., seductive; when she finished decorating. She pulled the table from behind the settee and put it next to it. She was gong to use the table to set up the platter of finger foods, dips, etc. And for dessert, a fondue pot of warm, melted chocolate, with assorted fruits for dipping. Then she would need to go back downstairs and see about prepping for the food she planned as part of the surprise for Bharat. She had been concerned that Karuna would either find some more chores for her, or she would come in the kitchen and ask what Aditi was doing. But that was no longer a worry since Karuna had gone out with the ladies from the temple; and wouldn't be back until later in the afternoon. Once Aditi was done making certain the room was perfect, she went downstairs to get started prepping the food. She so wanted Bharat to be pleased and happy when he finally come home and found out about her suprise evening for him.

{{ please excuse my <many> mistakes. I zipped through the proof-reading as I wanted to get the update posted. 😊 }}