New Beginning
Komal Bhabhi was going away for a conference the next morning. Jhanvi went over to the kitchen sink to finish cleaning up. She thought of the past and how things were much different this time around. Her first marriage was filled with fear and never enough tender moments to erase it. In her old life she would wince upon being touched. However this time as she felt strong, firm yet warm hands tickle her waist, she had to laugh and smile genuinely.
"Bas karo. Mujhe bauth kam hai!," she squealed.
She found herself suddenly twirled and her head was now leaning towards the ground. A strong hold prevented her expression from changing to fear. Her grip was on his shirt tightly. He lifted her up again and steadied. He knew of her past and caressed her cheek and moved a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Tum theek toh ho?," he inquired softly.
She raised her eyes and looked at him surprised. It was not that she was shocked about his concern, it was just taking time to get used to a man who actually got concerned for her without going into psycho mode.
She nodded. She looked back towards the mobile faucet. She grinned slightly and grabbed it. She aimed it at him. It hit him square in the chest. Before she knew it he had grabbed it from her lingering grip and squirted her back. He shut off the water in a matter of a few moments. They shared an eyelock.
He was close enough that she could feel his breath on her face. Suddenly she snapped out of it. Her baby pink sari was matted against her skin. His white shirt was now pretty much transparent. She blushed slightly and turned away from him.
He decided to tease her. He came up behind her. He moved her hair aside and blew air into her ear. She leaned her head to the side. He smiled and gave her a quick peck behind her ear.
He then backed up and disappeared from the room. She had closed her eyes and expected more. When no more interaction occurred she opened her eyes and frowned. She turned to look around. He was no longer there. She shook her head.
"Jhanvi it's best not to expect anything. You used to expect a lot and you along with your loved ones suffered for it," she thought to herself.
She went towards the bedroom. She stopped short to hear him talking on the phone.
"Jee Bhabhi. We'll drop you at the station tomorrow and Krish we will take care of Krish while you are away," Raghav assured her.
Jhanvi smiled. Krish had fallen asleep an hour before. She had read him a bedtime story until he agreed to sleep. Her mother-in-law had gone with Tannu to meet her fiance's family. They would return after Komal's departure the next day.
For now they pretty much could have time together. She entered the room as he had hung up the phone. She was startled to see him shirtless.
He acted ignorant of her surprise.
"Where is your shirt?," she stammered.
He looked at her nonchantly.
"Jhanvi tumhe yaad nahin? You are the one who got me drenched.," he quipped.
She shook her head and opened a drawer and pulled out a kurta . She handed it to him but he did not let go of her hand.
"Choro na!," she said.
"I didn't take your hand just to leave it," he said softly.
He slipped the kurta on. He put his hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him.
She smiled and straightened his collar. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
When she finished her task. He ushered towards her dresser.
"Now you should go change. You can't be sick if we have to take care of Krish," he insisted.
She smiled at his concern. She knew it was deeper than his words. She pulled out a nightgown and went to change. When she returned she was surprised to see he was fast asleep. She put their things in the laundry room. She returned and caressed his head softly. They both finally had a peaceful night to sleep. She would not disturb his rest. She covered him up properly and then settled down beside him.
A few hours later, she was trembling in her sleep. Images of her past tended to come back and haunt her at the oddest times. The nightmares lessened over time but still came up. She stiffened when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes. Soft brown pools greeted her, then she realized she was safe. She sprang up and embraced him tightly. He soothed her with soft words and rubbing her back. He let go of her to hand her a glass of water. The look of desperation left her face when he returned to sit in front of her. He helped her drink some water. She clung to him one more time. He pressed a feather kiss to her shoulder. Her breathing returned to normal. She slowly laid down. He pulled her close and covered her up. He patted her head softly until she fell asleep.
The morning greeted them with a nice ray of sunshine. He awakened first. He looked down at her and smiled. She was now laying on his chest. He caressed her hair. He silently prayed that she would always be safe and happy. It would even be nice to wake up with her beside him every morning.
She woke up and was surprised to see the other side empty. Their eyes met when he got out of the washroom. She could smell his aftershave. She must have had a nightmare last night. He was looking at her gravely.
"I am sorry about last night. I bother you too much, don't I?," she inquired. Ruefully.
He shook his head. He took her hand his.
He caressed her hair. She gazed at him solemnly.
"Have I told you how much I love you?," he asked.
Her eyes turned moist.
"I never want to see you cry because of pain or fear. Main baas tuhme woh pyaar dena chahta hoon iska tumara haq hai. You deserve the best Jhanvi," he assured her.
She embraced him.
"I love you Raghav," she exclaimed.
Krish came in and hugged them both. They looked down at him.
" Krish get ready fast. Then we have to take your Mom to the station." Jhanvi told him.
"Theek hai Chachi. Hum saab baad mein masti karenge," he chirped.
Raghav smiled at him.
"Of course. We'll have lots of fun with Chachi while your Mom is away," he assured him.
Jhanvi raised her eyebrows at him.
"What kind of masti are we talking about?," she inquired.
Raghav simply smiled and started to whistle. She walked up behind him and stood up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. She ran off, and he rushed after her for a short game of tag before she went to get ready.
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
