Mil Jaate Hai Jo Bane, Ek Duje Ke Vaaste- Alternate ending - Completed - Page 49

Originally posted by: 0Bella0

@zoya that's like a good gal

Originally posted by: -Mrinalini-

Tell me, yes? 😳

Originally posted by: orion23

Hell yeh!

I'm writing the last part..

Give me an hour max!

😃

@Parts.. Part 4 then epilogue - the end...

But ShraMan story will continue on Mrs. And Mr. Malhotra thread 😃

@Mrina I'm glad to hear that. I haven't commented in a while, sorry. It's just all the time I get I dedicate to writing. I will read it and get back to you on that! And let it continue forever please! I would like that..

Originally posted by: orion23

@Mrina I'm glad to hear that. I haven't commented in a while, sorry. It's just all the time I get I dedicate to writing. I will read it and get back to you on that! And let it continue forever please! I would like that..

Okay got to go..

I'll finish the update and be back😛

Originally posted by: -Mrinalini-

Haha, I understand. Yes, go on and give us one dhamakedar update.

ah, who would have the patience I'm wondering. 🤔

Bonjour!

How are we?

Firstly, thank you guys for having left such wonderful comments on the previous part. It really makes me very happy and I do re-read the comments on days that are not so great. So thank you, dil se!❤️

Secondly, apologies. This part took longer than expected. Blame my schedule.

Anyway I'm here now, and as promised this one is mammoth too! I just don't know how to make it small XD

But, this is not all fluff, I had anticipated untying all the knots and undoing all the wrongs in the previous chapter, but that didn't quite happen. I have a few things to tackle before we go full throttle ahead into the fluff zone. Having said that, this is not a heavy or intense update. Long it may be, but it's breezy from the tear duct point of view :) You'll see. And so to compensate, I will add an epilogue of bliss. Knowing me, it will not be standard epilogue length. It's my update, it will be large 😃

Okay enough said, for this one I suggest you hear "Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha" By Sanam. It's one of my favourite renditions by him. Do tell me what you think about it!

https://youtu.be/BWLYFc9MDFI?list=PLcm_sbf1ZgNkBd--g7r0Ihlo65M90DSLf

Let's get on with this shall we!!!

P. S. I dedicate this chapter to my amazing besties! Now no offence meant to anyone, I love you all! But I do love these 4 a little more Prii, Flibb, Mahi and Resh! I love you guys! And why so, I will share in the epilogue! 🤗

Chapter 4:

Part 4 A

(Scroll down for part 4B)

The next morning, Shravan had called for the entire Malhtora and Tiwari clan, including Nirmala. As they all awaited Shravan's entry, they sat in the living room of Malhotra Masion silently contemplating what this impromptu meeting was all about. Some worried if Shravan had decided to return to London, while some thought their fates were to be discussed, one person sat happy as she thought the coast was now clear for her son while most were gloomy, for knowing Shravan, his decision would be extreme. And they could all but pray that they weren't on the Shravan wrath list.

Shravan descended the stairs, holding Suman's hand firmly in his. To everyone, one thing was clear, Suman would be a constant in Shravan's life. No matter what he had to speak of or what he had decided, he would have his wife by his side. And that suddenly spread a sense of calm in the room. Shravan came to a stop right in the centre of the living, asking Suman to grab a seat. She nodded smiling and sat next to Nanaji. Shravan began, "Morning..." His greeting was met with confused but silent faces. "Okay, umm... clearly everyone is in no mood for pleasantries. You all are probably wonderning what the deal is. What am I planning to drop.. Isn't it...?"

A few nods affirmed his thoughts. "So without any delay, let me tell you why you all are here. I've been thinking, all those days back at the hospital, I had a chance to think without any hinderences and with an open mind. It's made a lot of things very clear to me. From where I stand now, I have two options, to hate or to love. Hating seems easier at this point, for all I was subjected to, it wouldn't be uncalled for." Nirmala and Ramnath's faces fell. They were going to loose their only blood born. "And I assure you that is exactly what I would have done had Sumo not been with me. Had I been alone, like I had been forever, I would have fallen back into the cycle of hate and alcohol. My wife here; hates alcohol. I swore by her never to drink again. Last night I promised her I would never hurt again. And if I am to ever find peace, hate is not an option." Faces around the room started to light up. All except one.

"I have hated or tried to hate a lot many people over the past decade and a half of my life. See where that got me. I would gladly go back into the hell, cause it's familiar, it's home. And God knows that familiarity, home, is something I've missed the most. But now, I have another life attached to me. And her life, her happiness is way more to me than anything else in this world, that's not a fate I would ever subject her to. So, for her sake, for my peace, for what it's worth, Ma and Papa, I forgive you. For your lies, deceptions, abandonment and neglet, I forgive you. It will never be as it was when I was a kid. I will take ages to completely wipe all of it out, if that's ever even possible. Mujhe nahi pata agar mai kabhi bhi aap dono ko poori tarha se apna paaonga ya nahi, par mai koshish poore dil se karoonga. I will try my very best. Kya aap dono mujhe waqt de sakte hai?" He asked his parents. With tears of resentment and a smile of joy they both looked at each other then looked at Shravan, got up, hugged him tight and as if in sync for the first time in years they said, "Beta, tum jitna waqt chahe le lo. Poori zindagi bhi tumhari maafi ka intezaar karna pade toh karenge."

They both stepped away, Ramnath wiped Shravan's tears while Nirmala pecked his forehead showing him all the love she had for him. "Beta tumne bas baat ki mujhe maaf karneki, meri saari khwaishen poori ho gayi." She voiced holding his face between her palms. Shravan felt all his pain gone. It's surprising how your heart just forgives all the wrongdoings of the people that it yearns for. "Maa.. aap..." Nirmala couldn't contain her happiness. "Maa kaha tu ne! Maa kaha mujhe.." She hugged him, kissed his cheek, and caressed his hair. All that felt like the void was now filling up. "Maa I know you have Aditya, you have a business back in Mumbai, I can't expect you to leave all of that and move here, that would be wrong on my part. All I ask of you is to be here on and off, as a part of our lives. I know you and Papa can't get along. It's just not possible. You can live here in the guestroom if you're comfortable or I'll book off a hotel whenever you're here. I just, I don't want to loose you again." Nirmala smiled through her tears, their son did have a very big heart, one that both she and her husband never possessed. "Never beta, you will never loose me again, ever. Promise."

"Shravan", Spoke Ramnath, "Thank you beta... mai, I don't know what to say to you. Thank you."

"Don't thank me Papa. It's okay. I just, I'm so close to finally having my family, I don't want to loose it again. Don't put me back in that spot again, ever, please."

"Nahi beta kabhi nahi.." He turned to Niramala, apologized to her and told her that she could live in Malhotra Mansion whenever she wished. She was still his wife and Shravan's mother and the bahu of this house; she had the same rights as Kamini. Kamini tried to protest as all her dreams were getting brutally crushed but Lalaji stopped her by a blazing glare. "Sab khush hai, apne rang dikha kar sabki khushian mat cheeno."

Shravan flashed his geeky happy grin, asked his parents to have a seat and asked Suman to stand by him. He put his arm around her waist, pulled her close and spoke, "Aap sab ne bharat milaap toh dekh liya.." He said on a lighter note, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. "Par ab another very very important announcement, Sumo aur mai shaadi kar rahe hai.." One statement and content faces became confused. Mamiji spoke, "Par beta tum dono toh shaadi kar chuke ho..."

"Haan beta.." Spoke Nanaji.

Shravan looked at all of them, Pushkar was smiling his smile that could put toothpaste models to shame, and he had inkling what his brother was about to say.

"Haan, kar chuke hai." Shravan clarified. "Court marriage. But that's not what Suman wanted. She wanted a happy, intimate wedding with all the rituals. And I have denied her that. In my spite, my ego, I have hurt her far too many times than I can number." Suman looked at him. She held his hand that rested on her waist tight and when he looked at her she nodded in the negative. She didn't want him to take the fall, or loose his "Izzat" in the eyes of the people they both held so dear. "My wife doesn't want me to admit my faults it seems. Why do you love me so?" He asked gazing at her. She merely looked away and blushed. "Anyhow, that is between me and my wife." He winked. "For all of you here, we are getting married and you all have a marriage to plan. Get on with it. Pushkar and Preeti, both of us have worked way to hard on your's, it's time to repay the favour." He smiled. "If you have questions about how it is to be, Suman is the person you're looking for. Cause to me, as far as my wife is awaiting me at the mandap, I can get married in a pair of tracks at a Mandir!"

Sounds of tinkiling laughter echoed in Malhotra Mansion. Congratulations were in order. A lot that was lost was found. Merriment ensued. Towards the evening when the Tiwari's were headed back to their home, Nanaji spoke and Shravan felt like Nanu was trying to punish him for all his doings. "Shaadi tak Suman humare saath rahegi. Theek se Kanyadaan aur Bidai karenge hum apni bacchi ki."

"Lekin Nanu yeh aap kya bol rahe ho? Suman aur mai legally married hai, aap aaise thodi leke jaa sakte ho usko.. Mai.." Spoke a highly flustered Shravan. He couldn't get what everyone found so amusing. It wasn't.

"Beta, shaadi ki rasmon mai ladka aur ladki saath nahi rehte."

"Ladka ladki na, hum husband aur wife hai."

With a lot of explanation and coaxing he defeatedly gave in. He felt like he was trapped. He just hoped that the wedding date the Pandit was to hand out would be soon. Heck he could get married today, right now if he had his way, but this was for Sumo and if he had to stay away from her for a bit he would. He just didn't know how he would survive it.

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

Suman was packing her stuff when Shravan entered. Very sulkily he spoke, "Sab kyun pack kar rahi ho? Yahin wapas aana hai tum ne."

"Pata hai chashmish, sirf wohi le rahi hoon jiski zaroorat hogi.."

"Jhooti!!"

"Jhooti kaise?"

"Tumne kaha na, sirf wohi sab le rahi ho jiski zaroorat hogi"

"Haan.."

"Mujhe kaha le jaa rahi ho" He sat on the bed pouting.

"Aww.. Poor baby.." Said Sumo in a teasing voice. She kept her hand on his shoulder and he jerked it off. "Arey! Shravan, kya tum aaise.."

"Jhooti nahi ho tum, bas dhokebaaz ho."

"Ab dhokebaaz ho gayi?"

"Haan. Sach kaha when you said you're taking everything you'll need. You wouldn't need me, toh you're happily going away." He finished hands crossed against his chest, face turned away from hers, pout becoming poutier.

"Uffo Shravan!" Suman forcefully uncrossed his hands, sat on his lap, and wrapped his arms around her while he willfully nuzzled his face in her neck.

"I can get used to this.." Whispered Shravan.

"Me too. This is the softest and warmest chair I can ever find."

"Accha toh I'm just a chair haan?"

"Nahi baba! Tum toh jaan ho meri.."

"Tabhi ja rai ho?"

"Taki hamesha ke liye wapas aa sakoon..."

"Sumo kaise rahoonga mai tumhare bina.." He said looking into her eyes.

"Mai kab tumhare saath nahi hoti Shravan? Tum office mai raho, court mai raho, ghar mai raho, mai toh yahan, tumhare dil mai rehti hoon na.." She said drawing patterns on his chest above his heart.

"Sumo yaar, nahi reh sakta mai..."

"Shravan, you'll be fine.. Trust me!"

They sat there, lost in each other. Shravan was trying to gain all the confort he could, he knew it was only the matter of a few days but he felt like even a day away from her could kill him. Suman rubbed his back, played with his hair and whispered sweet nothings into his ear. Pushkar knocked on the door and cheekily said, "Aap dono ka ho gaya ho toh sab Sumo ka wait kar rahe hai..."

"Shut up Pushkar!" Yelled Shravan. "Ja tu, aa rahe hai hum.."

"Mere cute se husband, gusse mai aur cute ho jaate ho!"

"Maza aa raha hai na tumko!"

"Nahiii... I will miss you too na!"

"You'd better!"

"Budhhu! Chalo..."

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It had been exactly 17 hours 35 minutes and irate seconds since Suman left and Shravan had had enough. He hadn't slept a wink last night and had been in a fowl mood the whole morning.

"Bhiayya. Aapko koi bhi unnecessary stress lene se mana kia hai doctor ne aur aap subha se choti choti baaton par gussa ho rahe ho..."

"Unnecessary stress toh tum sab ne de diya hai, shadi se pehle ladka ladi alag rehte hai! What the hell! Hadd ho gayi hai!"

"Accha na! Shaam ko mil lena apni biwi se, Paditji date dene waale hai shaadi ki.."

"Jaldi ki date de toh unke liye hi better hai, warna jaan le loonga mai!"

Pushkar laughed at his brother's predicament and hoped the evening came sooner. Else it would be a massicare in his bhaiyaa's "Raaj"

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Shravan was the first to reach Tiwari Killa. He had run out of patience. To his annoyance, Suman hadn't returned from PCT. Nanu kept him company. They played a game of chess and Shravan lost happily. He said something about the fact that he had won Nanu's beloved grand child, the least he could do was loose a baazi. Nanaji couldn't be happier.

The Pandit would get to live another day, for he had declared the mahurat in week was highly auspicious. Before anyone could object about the lack of time for preparation, Shravan assured that everything would be done as required and he would make sure of that. This was the Mahurat they would get married on. No discussions would be entertained. The clan decided it was in everyone's best interest to agree with Shravan. Suman smiled at her husband's antics.

Dinner was a vibrant affair much like Preeti bhoj. Only this time both the new couples were involved with more PDA. Pushkar and Preeti exchanged sly glance, Achaar bottles and smiles. Shravan and Suman were on another tangent. He had cornered her in the kitchen much like she was earlier. "Shravan! Koi aa jayega!"

"Toh?"

"Toh matlab kya? Aaise dekh liya toh?"

"Kaise Sumo?" He whispered hoarsely, while peppering soft kisses on the column of her neck. Gosh she was soft.

"Ai...Aise... Yeh... Tum... Mai..." managed Suman, breath hitched, face flush.

"I love it when you stutter! Aur dekha toh kya? Don't forget, tum biwi ho meri aur phir ban jaoogi in a week. I've missed you hon." Shravan spoke kissing her ear lobe.

"I've... miss.. missed... you moreee.." She moaned as he bit the base of her neck and placed open mouth kisses to reduce the pain.

*Clank* *Crash* *Thud*

Shravan looked up irritated and saw broken glasses, spilled water and a very lost very flustered Mamiji gaping at them. He was sure if she dropped her jaw any further it would hit the floor. Suman pushed Shravan away and tried to make amends. "Wohi Mamiji waise nahi hai jaisa aap soch rahe ho!"

Shravan was now highly amused. He couldn't wait to see how Sumo was going to pass off their brilliantly passionate moment as something otherwise.

"Beta koi baat nahi. Ho jata hai, woh toh bas hum keh rahe the ke Babuji ya koi aur dekh leta toh? Thoda lihaaz kar lo bas.."

"Nahi nahi Mamiji, woh baat yeh hai ki .. ki.. woh haan! Mujhe kuch kata tha, toh Shravan check kar raha tha.. kata tha .. haan.."

Shravan let out a chuckle, when he saw Suman's annoyed face, he confirmed. "Ji ji Mammiji, kuch kata tha Suman ko.."

"Kya kata tha jo tum aaise dekh rahe the, aaise" Mamiji gestured with her hands, bringing them very close. "Rai barabar dikha nahi hoga itne kareeb se.." She said a bit jealous and a lot more sarcastic than she would generally be.

"Mai.. Maine kata tha" Said Shravan unabashedly.

It was now turn for Suman's mouth to hit the floor, while Mamiji got hues darker. Bent down to pick the cutlery while saying, "Beta, ek hafta zara intezzar kar lo. Aur Suman beta, zara duppate se dhaank lena warna sab sawal karenge..."

"Toh karne do na Mamiji.. Sawal" Shravan teased. "Bata dena aap, kata tha kisi ne..." Saying Shravan left smirking. While Suman thought this was a good time the earth would open and swallow her up alive. Mamiji saw her and tried to help, "Beta jawan khoon hai, pyaar karta hai tum se, yeh toh hota rehta hai, bas dhyaan rahe koi aa na jaye.." She smiled reassuring and left.

"I will kill you Shravan!" Muttered Suman uner her breath.

"I can't wait Sumo.." Quipped a peeping from the window Shravan.

Post dinner they gathered in the veranda, Shravan popped himself on the cot as always while stealing sly glances at his wife. "Bhaiya, kamal hai ha, subha se bhadak rahe the, mujhe laga maar denge kisi ko, kaccha chaba jaoge mujhe, aur ab dekho, khushi ka thikana nahi hai!"

"Haan, kaat jo liya kisi aur ko..." Whispered Mamiji.

Thankfully only Shravan and Suman caught that, as the others were busy laughing at Pushkar's statement. "Hahaha very funny Pushkar!"

They played antakshri. Song after song after song. They danced and enjoyed. Only Shravan wanted Suman, not high pitched out of tune songs.

"Sumo, mujhe back mai thoda pain ho raha hai, please check kar do na.." He requested seriously, pointing to his upper back. So much that everyone including Suman fell for it.

"Achanak? Jao beta check karo. Phir koi complication na hui ho. Kuch serious hai toh batao hum doctor ko bula lete hai." Stated Ramnath.

"Nahi Papa, bas thoda balm laga degi Sumo toh theek ho jayega, aap log stress mat lo.. Continue antakshri. We'll be back in a bit."

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

They entered Suman's room and Shravan shut the door behind him. Suman was crossed at him, she fetched the first aid box and asked him to take the shirt off.

"Whoa Mrs. Malhotra, easy!"

"Kya matlab easy? Dhyaan nahi rakhte ho khud ka! Ab achanak yeh dard kyun ho raha hai? Phir ladai ki kisi se? Chakkar aa gaye the? Gir toh nahi gaye tum kahin? Ab bolo chup kyun ho.."

Shravan looked at her bemused, she still hadn't called his bluff. Damn she was too cute.

"Mat bolo, kuch mat bolo! Shirt utaro mai khud hi check kar leti hoon.."

Shravan did as asked. Unbuttoned his shirt and took it off in a swift motion, depositied it on the bed and stood in front of her. The lust the appeared in her eyes for a moment wasn't lost to him. It gave him such pleasure that his wife loved the way he looked.

"Turn!"

"Why?"

"Cause Shravan your back is in the back!" She said surprised at how this man passed the BAR exam.

Shravan turned and Suman started examining. "Yahan kuch dikh nahi raha.."

"Androoni chot hai.." Shravan butt in melodramatically.

Suman placed the first aid box on the bed and began to examine his back with her hands. Her hands felt very soft against the hard muscles of his back. She was trying to find the source of his pain but he felt something absolutely else. "Shravan kahna dard ho raha hai bataoge?"

"Yahan.." He whispered, ponting to his heart.

"Ab yahan dard ho raha hai? Pehle kaha ke back mai pain hai.." She felt his torso but finding no anomaly she looked at him, he was looking at her. His eyes dark, his breath short and his lips slightly parted. She could see a bit of sweat on his forehead. "SHRAVAN! You're having a heart attack!! Pushkar! Pushkar gaadi..." She ran to the door to get help.

Shravan stopped her before anyone could hear her. He shut her mouth by placing his palm securely on it. Pushing her agaist the wall he spoke, bemused and flustered, "Tum pagal ho? You want me to get a heart attack? Shaadi ke din se you're on withyou're having a heart attack crap of your's" Suman nodded vehemently. "Wh wo I wa ou to ha a atk?" She mumbeled.

"Haan? Oh sorry! Mai haath hata raha hoon, chillana mat!"

She nodded in the positive and he moved his hand away slowly. "Why would I want you to have an attack? Tumne kaha na back mai pain tha, phir dil mai pain tha, paseena bhi aa raha tha tumko aur saas lene mai bhi takleef ho rahi thi."

"I lied about the back pain.." He confessed

"Kyun? Matlab dil mai dard ho raha hai! Mai abhi Pushkar ko.."

"Arey chup kar meri maa! Yeh pagal mere hi hisse likhi thi!" He grumbled looking upwards!

"Oopar kisko bol rahe ho?"

"Ooparwale ko Pushpa!"

"Shravan tum bol kya rahe ho? Mere kuch samjh nahi aa raha!"

"Dimag bech aayi ho kya? I lied about the backache cause I wanted to spend time with you. I was missing you. Dil mai dard hai cause I hadn't seen you since last night and breathlessness and sweat was all your doing."

"Haw! Jhoot! Jhoot bola toh bola, meri wajhe se kaise hai? Maine kya kia?"

Shravan looked at her suggestively, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh! Oh.. I see.. Maine tumko shirt utarne bola aur phir.. but Shravan I only touched you. I just wanted to see kahin swelling toh nahi hai.."

Shravan laughed histerically. "Tum has kyun rahe ho? Joke nahi mara maine.."

"Tumko bilkul apni baate samjh nahi aati na!"

"But what did I say?"

"Okay for starters you asked me to take the shirt off, then you took your own sweet time checking for "Swelling" all over my back and torso. Sumo, that does things to me. Just looking so ravishing is enough for my undoing, all of that was..."

"Par that wasn't my intention and why did you laugh?"

"The fact that you so easily said you Touched me and checked if I had Swellinganywhere."

"Haan toh?"

"Swelling toh hai Sumo..."

"Kahan? Dikhao!"

"Nahi dikha sakta, shaadi nahi hui hai na abhi.." He fell on the bed laughing.

"Kya? Tum? Oh.. Wait.. Oh! Wow! Okay.. Mai..." Suman now understood what he meant.

"Shravan tum! Besharam!"

"Arey besharam kya hai? You're a woman I'm a man. This was bound to happen. What is funny is that I'm laughing in such a state."

"Good for you, pade raho aaise hi State mai. Besharam Nalayak Jhoote Aadmi!"

"Arey! Accha sorry! I missed you ya!"

"I didn't.."

"Sumo, sorry na." He got up and pulled her into him.

"Tum aaise kyun ho?"

"Kaisa?"

"Tumhe maza aata hai na mujhe pareshan karne mai?" she said looking at his torso, feeling each muscle under her palms.

"Arey ya! Mujhe laga you'll catch it par tum toh ekdam hi dhakkan ho."

"Dhakkan hoon mai?"

"Meri dhakkan..."

"Much better."

"Sumo?"

"Hmm..."

"Stop with the hands please, swelling badh jayegi."

His statement earned his a crisp whack on his chest. "Oh! You'll punch me a heart attack!"

"Shut up and Shirt up! Let's go.."

"Arey thodi der aur na please..."

"Nahi.. Wear your shirt now! And go home."

"You want me to leave?"

"No, but you should, cause sab bahar stress le rahe honge."

"Only cause you want me to.." Said Shravan sadly. "Jaata hoon.."

She pecked his cheek and hugged him good night.

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The next day onwards, wedding preparations began. The wedding was in 7 days, they had a haldi and mehndi coming up in 6 days, a sangeet in 5 and and engagement in 4. Everyone was up and running. Sharavan was wearing a scrowl yet again, for he didn't sleep a wink last night, although the wedding festivities did pump his mood up a little bit.

He had decided that he would go sneak into Tiwari Killa tonight and that got him through the day. He had selected his outfits for all the functions and Vandy bhabhi informed him that Suman had selected her's. But he wouldn't get to see them until the day of the function. He didn't care much. Suman to him would look pretty even in oversized PJs. He was sure she would look no less than a princess.

After dinner he informed everyone that he wanted to sleep early, as he was tired. He got back to his room and a sudden memory sliced his heart. Just less than a month ago Suman had fought him for what he had told Aditya. And he hadn't apologized for it. He was so preoccupied by his feelings, his thoughts, his hurt that he didn't regard her's. He was to go to Tiwari Killa cause he missed her, and he needed sleep. But that was all about him, not anymore. He had to make amends.

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

He reached Tiwari Killa a little passed 11. He saw the lights of her room were still switched on. He thought he'd do their knock but he wanted to see what it was that she was doing at this hour. So he used the secret path she had showed him all those years ago. It was a bit difficult now, given he was a very tall man. He reached inside the house and noticed she had left one of the internal windows unlocked. He sneaked towards it and nudged it open.

She was seated on the floor, a box next to her, papers and cards and a lot many things spewed across the floor around her. She was holding a sheet of paper, it looked old, had a hole or two. She smiled reading it. Caressed the writing on it. Shravan was now highly inquisitive. He came here to apologise but his wife's antics now, made him go all James Bond. He came in through the window and shut it silently. He came and kneeled behind her. She was so engrossed in the piece of paper that she didn't notice him. He peeked in and saw Dear Shravan written in Suman's handwriting. But the one she had when they were in school. He now needed to know the entire contents of the letter. She had written it back when they were kids. And she still had it with her. He looked around and noticed there were pictures, of them as kids, there were cards, and there were momentos from when they had been friends, movie ticktes, and little trinkets. Shravan was now impatiently curious. Why did she have all of this? Like it was some kind of a treasure. By now Suman felt someone behind her. She turned and almost screamed but she realized it was Shravan and calmed down. "Kya Shravan! Dara diya mujhko.."

One look at his face and she knew he hadn't been sleeping. One look in his eyes and she knew something was troubing him. She turned to face him while he kept peering at all of those memories on the floor. "Shravan, kya hua?"

He didn't reply. She put her finger under his chin and made him look at her, "Bolo na kya baat hai?"

"Yeh sab kya hai?" He asked dazed.

"Yeh sab yaaden hai, ab tak inhi yaadon ke sahare zindagi guzar rahi thi, ab tum ho, toh yeh sab acche se rakh rahi thi, taaki humare ghar la saku, tumhe dikha saku, par dekho, tumse toh raha hi nahi gaya. Aa gaye..."

"Mai dekhoon?" he asked innocently.

"Of course, aa jao I'll show you."

She started handing him things one by one. "Yeh hum pehli baar saath movie dekhne gaye the. Yeh woh dress jo tum ne prom pe gift kia tha. Yeh photo tab ki hai jab mai cycle se gir gayi thi aur mera mood accha karne tum mujhe ice-cream khilane le gaye the. Yeh yaad hai? Yeh card tumne birthday pe diya tha mujhe, iss teddy bear ke saath. Aur yeh rose, tum sorry bolneke liye laye the, aur maine kaha tha rose nahi tulip pasand hai mujhe. Aur yeh book, tumhari favourite thi, tum chahte the mai padhoon, tab toh nahi padhi par picchle itne saalon mai itni baar padhi hai ke ab sab yaad hai. Tum pooch lo kis page pe kya hai, mai by heart suna doongi..."

Shravan nodded, smiling, tears brimming in his eyes.

"Yeh kya hai?" He pointed at a stack of cards.

"Yeh? Yeh cards maine tumhe likhe the..."

"Kab?"

"Kab? Kaafi saalon mai.."

"Diye kyun nahi?"

"Kaise deti? Tum naraaz the na mujh se. Aur phir yeh card bhejke sorry bolna, galat laga mujhe. Milkar bolna chahti thi..."

"Yeh sab sorry cards hai?"

"Nahi.. Sorry, Happy Birthday, Friendship day, Diwali, New year, sab pe maine cards likhe the tumhe. Socha tha kisi din milenge toh doongi."

Shravan took each card and read it keenly. He felt pain making a comeback. Suman never forgot him or his friendship. She hadn't taken him for granted. She awaited his return. What had he done! He had thrown it all away and left. When he came back he was so terrible with her. And this girl. . . . His thoughts were halted when Suman spoke.

"Tumse kabhi contact karne ki himmat nahi hui. Pushkar se poochti rehti thi, kaise ho, kya kar rahe ho? Woh batata tha tumhari achievements ke baare mai, itni khushi hoti thi mujhe. Dikhte kaise ho woh toh facebook se pata chal hi jata tha, tum akele stalk nahi kar rahe the mujhe." She said beaming. She saw Shravan weeping silently and she got worried.

"Kya hua? Tum ro kyun rahe ho?"

"Tumne yeh sab likha, mere liye, kyun?"

"Ab bhi pooch rahe ho kyun?"

"Haan..."

She handed him out the letter in reply. "Yeh padh lo, samjh jaoge."

He took the letter with shaky hands and read it's contents. It hurt him but at the same time he felt incandescent happiness. She loved him, she loved him since he loved her, she missed him, she waited for him. He had gotten her all wrong.

"Shravan, please rona band karo, tum aaise rote ho toh mujhe bohot bura lagta hai."

"Kyun Sumo?"

"Kya Kyun?"

"Kyun pyaar karti ho mujhse? I'm a terrible person. Tumhari ek galti pe maine hum dono ko 12 saal ki saza de di, wapas aakar bhi kuch khaas khushi nahi di tumhe, all I've ever done, is to hurt you. I told Aditya so much I tainted our friendship. I don't deserve you Suman. I just don't."

"Aur tum kaun hote ho yeh decide karne wale?"

Shravan looked at her blankly.

"Tumhe lagta hai sirf tum pyaar kar sakte ho? Tumne kaha tha mere pyaar karne ka tareeka alag hai, naam hi Sumo hai, toh ab yeh sawal kyun?"

"Cause I don't deserve you.." he looked down not being able to look her in the eye anymore.

"Tum nahi jaante mere Shravan ko, iss liye aaisa keh rahe ho. Sach yeh hai, ke usne hamesha pyaar kia, sirf pyaar kia, maine, sirf dard diya. Par phir bhi woh pyaar karta raha, iska ehsaas mujhe kabhi nahi hota agar woh mujhse har rishta todh kar chala nahi jaata. Uska meri zindagi mai na hona, zaroori tha mujhe yeh ehsaas dilane, ke woh aakhir tha kya mere liye. Ke pyaar karti thi mai usse."

Shravan looked at her with immense love in his eyes, what was she made of he tought.

Aap ki nazron ne samjha, pyaar ke qaabil mujhe
Dil ki aye dhadkan theher jaa, mil gayi manzil mujhe
Aap ki nazron ne samjha

"Tum na bas apni nazar se khud ko dekhte ho Shravan, iss liye sirf galatian dikhti hai tumko, tumhari keemat tum nahi jaante. Tum doosron ki zindagi mai kya ehmeyat rakhte ho, jis din yeh jaan gaye na, guroor aa jayega tumko khud par."

"Mujhe doosron ki koi parvah nahi Sumo, bas tum kya sochti ho, tum kya mehsoons karti ho, tumhari nazron mai, MAI kya hoon, yeh maeene rakhta hai mere liye. Maine jo sab kar diya hai, keh diya hai, mai usko badal nahi sakta, par uss wajhe se tumhari nazron mai girna bhi nahi chahta mai Sumo. I won't be able to live with that."

"Shravan kaise samjhaoon mai tumhe? Hum kab tak ek doosre se apni galatio ke liye maafi maangte rahenge? Kyun tum apne andar ke guilt ko nikal nahi pa rahe ho? Tum ne Aditya se jo kaha, kyun kaha I know. Yeh mat socho ke mere saath jo hua woh tumhari uss baat ki wajhe se hua. Aditya was a freak he would have done something like that eventually. You saved me Shravan. Saved me every step of the way. Mujhe girne nahi doge, vaada kia tha na. Nahi girne diya tumne kabhi. Hamesha bacha liya mujhe. Aur hamesha bachate rahoge, yeh mera yakeen hai. Why don't you see Shravan, had I gotten married that day kya hota? Tumhara? Mera? Tumne jo sab kia hai mere liye, mai kabhi chuka nahi paoongi, aur mai jaanti hoon tum kabhi nahi chahoge ke jo tumne kia usko mai ehsaan samjhoon." Shravan nodded in the negative. "Woh pyaar tha tumhara, yeh pyaar hai mera. Tumne hazron wajhe di hai mujhe tumse pyaar karneki, par ek bhi wajhe nahi di ke mai tumse pyaar na karoon. Aur ab doobara kabhi bhi yeh kaha ke tum kaabil nahi mere toh mujhe mere pyaar par shaq hone lagega."

Ji humein manzoor hai, aap ka yeh faisla
Keh rahi hai, har nazar banda parvar shukriya
Do jahan ki aaj khushiyaan, ho gayi haasil mujhe
Aap ki nazron ne samjha

"Sumo, I love you!" his voice barely audible to himself.

"I know.. Shravan tum theek se so nahi rahe na?"

"Neend nahi aa rahi thi tumhare bina, aadat ho gayi thi na..."

"Chalo.. aa jao, yeh letter rakh do.."

"Nahi.."

"Shravan itne saalon se sambhala hai, rakh do, kuch nahi hoga.."

"Mera hai, mai kyun rakhoon.." He folded it neatly and kept it in his pocked cautiously.

Suman was beyond touch. This man, he was a raging bull in court, he was death himself for anyone that hurt her, but for a letter, for her, he was a child. Her man-child. "Rakh liya, ab chale sone, mujhe bhi tumhare bina neend nahi aati."

He lay down and she lay down with him. He propped himself using his hand and looked at her. "Aaise kya dekh rahe ho tum."

"Apni biwi ko dekh raha hoon, koi problem?"

"Nahi. Par tum aaise dekhte ho toh I feel things, I don't .. I ..."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I'm sleepy, bohot saalon ki thakan hai..."

He stretched his arm out, she used it as a pillow. He pulled her into him and placed his other hand on her waist while she placed her hand on his torso. She placed her head in the crook of his neck while he nuzzled into her hair. She placed a soft kiss on his neck while he placed a kiss on her hair. And before they knew it, they were engulfed in sweet slumber.

Aap ki manzil hoon main, meri manzil aap hain
Kyun main toofan se daroon, mera saahil aap hain
Koi toofaanon se keh de, mil gaya saahil mujhe
Aap ki nazron ne samjha, pyaar ke qaabil mujhe
Aap ki nazron ne samjha...

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

Shravan had woken up to a sleeping Suman, not having the heart to wake her up, he simply pecked her cheek and left her a note. He had to get going cause if he didn't and someone found him here it would cause unnecessary drama. Unwillingly he left.

He entered Malhotra Mansion and saw his parents sipping tea together. Had anyone told him a month back this was to happen he would gotten that person a bed in the best mental facility of the country. But it had happened. He felt contentment like he had never before. "Arey Shravan, aao join us for breakfast."

"Ji Papa.."

"Itni subha subha kahan gaye the?"

"Walk pe.."

Nirmala and Ramnath exchanged knowing glances, but kept mum.

For the first time in years, their family felt like a normal family, it felt complete. They had a lot to be thankful for.

Elsewhere a groggy Suman woke up for the lack of warmth. "Shravan?" She used her hands to check if he was on the extreme side of the bed. When she couldn't find him she opened her eyes. "Shravan?" Her voice broke. She saw a piece of paper on the side table. She grabbed it and tore it after reading. It said, sorry jana pada, koi dekh leta toh bekaar mai tamasha hota. Tum so rahi thi toh maine jagaya nahi. I'll see you soon! "Samjhta kya hai khud ko. Marzi se aya marzi se chala gaya. Mera kya? Mai baat hi nahi karoongi kabhi!"

Her phone buzzed, the caller ID read Shravan and she forgot her word in a moment. "Shravan! I missed you.."

"Me too..."

The conversation continued for the better part of the morning. They had so much to talk about...

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

Scroll down for the next part. Something about size limit 🤣

Part 4 B (Scroll up for Part 4 A)

Sangeet day had finally arrived. Shravan and Suman were quite merry and well rested, all thanks to Shravan and his panache in sneaking in and out of a house without ever being caught. Not a day apart they had promised. They had met for practice too and had gone shopping together. They loved this courtship period. It gave them back years of their life. They were able to fill all the blanks. Suman was very much the blushing bride to be and Shravan was very much the doting husband to be.

Sangeet was in the garden of Malhotra Masion. The home looked marvelous. The garden had fairy lights; diyas and lanterns all over, just the way Suman liked it. Shravan was dressed in a black pathani with deep maroon embroidery. He looked nothing less than a Prince. Suman walked in looking like a much worthy Princess. The guests couldn't get enough of the beautiful couple. They both looked a million bucks and the smiles on their faces could put anyone to envy. Their couple dance was in order and no one could wait for them to set the stage on fire. And they did not disappoint. They performed a medly on the chartbusters of Bollywood. The audience was left yearning for more.

Dil mera har baar ye sunne ko bekarar hai
Kaho na pyaar hai
Kaho na pyaar hai
Haan tumse pyaar hai
Ki tumse pyaar hai

Inpyaari baaton mein anjaana ikraar hai
Kaho na pyaar hai
Kaho na pyaar hai
Kaha na pyaar hai
Kaha na pyaar hai

Hai apna dil to awara
Naa jaane kis pe aayega
Hai apna dil to awara
Naa jaane kis pe aayega

Haseeno ne bulaya
Gale se bhi lagaya
Bohat samjhaya, yehi na samjha

Bohat bhola hai bechara
Na jaane kis pe aayega
Hai apna dil toh aawara
Naa jaane kis pe aayega

Gal mitthi mitthi bol, ras kaano vich ghol
Bajne de taashe dhol, masti mein tu vi dol
Mann de naina tu khol
Chahat ke moti rol
Dil hunda ae anmol, ke daulat se na tol
Aa sohni tenu chaand ki main choodi pehrawa
Mainu kar de ishaara te main doli lai aanwa

Tujhse Log Kahenge
Na Kar Pyaar Mujhe
Mein To Lakh Bura Hoon
Need Chura Loon Hosh Uda Doon
Main To Baahon Mein Le Ke
Raah Bhula Doon Baat Bana Doon

Chahe Jahaan Dil Ko Chupaa
Baaton Hi Baaton Main
Do Mulaqaton Mein Le Loon

Bachna Ae Haseena
Lo Mein Aa Gaya
Ae Bachna Ae Haseeno
Lo Mein Aa Gaya
Husn Ka Aashiq
Husn Ka Dushman

Apni Ada Hai Yaaron Se Juda
Hai Ho

Jhumka gira de
Jo milale agar woh nazar se nazar mein taale
Nachke dikade,
Sabki dhadkan mein kadam se kadam milale
Lehron si chaal pe chaal bichade
Dil ko yun behaal bana de
Par deewane mane
Na dekhi koi aisi girl

Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl
Ain't nobody like my desi girl
Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl
Sab toh soni saadi desi girl

Who's the hottest girl in the world?
My desi girl
My desi girl

Thumka lagaike she'll rock your world
My desi girl
My desi girl

Jadu hai nasha hai madhoshiya hai,

Tujhko bhulake aab jaau kahan

Dekhati hai jis tarah se tere nazare mujhe,

Mai khud ko chupau kahan

Jadu hai nasha hai madhoshiya hai,

Tujhko bhulake aab jaau kahan

Yeh pal hai apna, toh iss pal ko jee le

Sholo ki tarah jarah chal ke jee le,

Pal jhapakte kho na jana

Chhuke karlo yakin,

Na jane yeh pal paye kaha

Jadu hai nasha hai madhoshiya hai,

Tujhko bhulake aab jaau kahan...

The sizzling performance ended to a thundering applause, hooting and whistling. Either they were imagining it or the weather had suddenly turned hotter. Shravan and Suman stayed lost in each other for many moments after the music stopped. "Sumo, I love you!"

"I love you more Shravan."

"You look ravishing tonight."

"You look no less delicious yourself."

The rest of the night passed in dancing their hearts out. Their families put a lot of performances together. The night indeed was an amazing one.

"Sumo, ghar jao, I'll see you in a bit" winked Shravan.

"Don't keep me waiting too long Husband." She winked.

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

"Shravan! Utho!!" Suman was going berserk trying to wake this man who loved his beauty sleep more than she did.

"SHRAVAN!"

"Kya hai Sumo? Itna naache kal, I'm tired. Don't you remember the doctor said no unneccesary stress."

"Accha! Toh yeh baat kal nahi yaad aayi? Who told you to dance like your life depended on it!"

"Arey I was happy..."

"Very good, ab taake iss khushi ko nazar na lage, utho aur jao yahan se! Aj Mehndi aur haldi hai.."

"Haan toh tum mehndi lagana start karo, mai baad mai aake haldi lagata hoon."

"Uff! Tum haldi nahi laga sakte mujhe!"

"Kyun?"

"Kyunki tum hone wale husband ho! Aur aj raat ana mat! Cause haldi aur mehndi lagne ke baad nahi mil sakte, apshagun hota hai."

Shravan was now wide awake, "Sumo yaar, yeh shagun apshagun mai nahi maanta."

"Mai toh maanti hoon na! Itna nahi karoge mere liye?" She pouted.

"Ab aaise bologi toh mai kaise mana karoonga? Theek hai, I'll manage tonight phir tum kal raat manage kar lena.." He grinned suggestively.

"Shravan! Besharam!"

"Accha ek kaam kar do, then I'll leave."

"Bolo?"

"Ghar se tumhari haldi aa gayi hogi ab tak. Chachi ne kaha tha ke 9 baje bhijwa dengi, ab 9.45 ho rahe hai."

"Haan toh?"

"Toh yeh ke haldi tum yahan le aao.."

"Kyun?"

"Arey le aao na please.."

"Theek hai!"

She got back 10 minutes later with a bowl of haldi in her hands. "Lo.."

Shravan dipped his fingers in the paste and smeared Suman's cheeks with it. "Laga li maine haldi, ab chadd gaya mera rang tum par.." He smiled lovingly.

"Par maine nahi lagayi..."

"Toh laga lo, roka kisne hai?"

Suman went on her tiptoes, holding his t-shirt collar in her hands she rubbed her right cheek against his right cheek and left against his left slowly. His beard left a beautiful sensation on her cheeks and her soft cheeks left warmth in him that made him feel like the most blessed man on earth.

"Laga di.."

"Tumhara tareeka better tha.."

"I know.."

He hugged her and said, "Kal aaonga Sumo, tumhe hamesha ke liye apne saath le jaane..."

"Mujhe zyada interzaar mat karvana.."

"Never.."

Saying he left.

The rest of the day went past in a blink. At Malhotra Mansion, Haldi was with flare. Shravan sat in the living wearing a black vest and blue jeans, Pushkar told him, he wouldn't know what was about to hit him. He would be yellow by the end of the day. And yellow he was. Smeared in haldi from hair to toe. It was as though he had been bathed in it. Thankfully he ditched his contacts today and wore glasses, his eyes were safe from the yellow onslaught. His thoughts immediately went back to the morning. "Sumo" He whispered. "Mil jayegi kal bhaiyya chill." Joked Pushkar. Kalhe couldn't wait anymore.

At Tiwari killa, Haldi was done with and Mehndi had begun. The mehndiwali asked Suman the Dulha's name. She shyly replied "Shravan" savouring his name. She looked everybit the quintessential bride that Shravan had claimed she would look like. She had asked the mehndiwlai to write letters of his name hidden separately on her palm so he would have a tough time finding it.

The respective functions were complete and both the houses had wound up the work. It was Wedding day tomorrow, they all wanted to look their very best.

Neither Shravan nor Suman got any sleep. The entire night all they thought of were memories. All their moments. Beautiful moments. Intimate on both a physical and spiritual level. Neither could wait to be finally linked in holy matrimony. With huge grins plastered on their faces, they spent the remainder of the night chatting.

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

The day had arrived. The day they had both awaited for the most part of their lives. They couldn't contain their happiness or their nerves. Shravan was literally pacing the whole house. The mahurat was in the evening and they had performed some pujas. Now he didn't know what to do with himself. He was so lost. He needed to see her, now!

Suman on the other hand was blushing so hard she resembled a tomato. She was so hyper. She couldn't contain her excitement. She was going to marry Shravan! Her chashmish! Her Qutub Minaar! This was so surreal. She looked at the mehndi, the letters of his name evoked such feelings of attachment she never thought herself capable of. She went up to the mirror. One look at her face and she hid her face from herself. She was glowing, even to herself she looked gorgeous. She looked at herself again and saw the hickey he had given her. She turned hues darker. When she thought of what he said about tonight she couldn't stop her emotions. She was going to loose it if she didn't see him soon enough.

Shravan was dressed to the nines. Wearing an offwhite shalwar kurta with self-embroidery. He wore a deep red pagdi. He let out a deep breath. He was all set, was Sumo? He picked his phone and texted her a picture of his turban with a caption, Mehndi laga ke rakhna, doli saja ke rakhna, lene tujhe oh gori aayenge tere sajnaa. Puhskar walked in and whistled. "Bhaiya Sumo toh Sumo aur bohot si ladkion ke katal ho jayenge aj, kya lag rahe ho."

"Chup kar, katal nahi karne, bas Shaadi karni hai, Sumo se.. Chal ab!"

"Bhaiya se ab intezaar nahi ho raha he exclaimed as he stepped down, sab log jaldi karo.."

Shravan walked down from his room. Everyone was spellbound. He looked like a very very charming groom. Nirmala took a little kajal on her finger and put it behind his ear. "Nazar na lage mere bacche ko. Dekho Ram, kitna accha lag raha hai."

"Shravan! My God! Beta all I will say to you is, you're starting a new life. Suman ko hamesha khush rakhna, aur tum bhi hamesha khush rehna."

"Ji Papa, ab chale please?"

Everyone laughed at his impatience, but obliged. Truth being told, none of them could wait to bring Suman home as their bahu.

Shravan sat in the car and his phone pinged. It was from Sumo. It was a picture of her earrings with her hickey on show, the caption read, Sajanji ghar aaye, dulhan kyun sharmaye, sajanji ghar aaye. He smiled. Just a little longer.

They got off a little farther away from Tiwari Killa. A ghodi was waiting for Shravan and an entire band was in play. Shravan got on to the horse and dabboo sat with him. The entire Malhotra clan danced their hearts out. Shravan took a picture of the horse and the family dancing and captioned it as Baarat aa chuki.

She replied with a picture of her bangles and captioned it as Dulhan bhi tayyar hai.

They reached Tiwari Killa the aarti was performed. The baraatis were welcomed. Shravan waited with baited breath at the mandap. When Suman finally arrived his breath hitched. She looked stunning in the peach lehnga with red embroidery. She wore her mother's jewellery. He had never seen a woman as graceful and as gorgeous as she looked right now. Unknown to him a tear made its way down his face as he smiled content. Suman looked up at him, dreamy is the first thing that caught her mind. She knew a lot of hearts were to be broken today. She caught the tear making its way down his cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes too. This, their dream, their only dream was on the way to being fulfilled. She took her place next to him. They exchanged garlands with much flare. Shravan being tall enough, it wasn't necessary to lift him. Suman however was hoisted in the air, but Shravan without any difficulty put the mala around her neck. As they sat in front of the fire, Shravan whispered into her ear, "Planning to kill me Motu?"

"Not yet Lambu." She whispered back coyly.

The pandit began the mantras. The Kanyadaan was performed. They took pheras and with each phera their bond grew deeper. With each phera they promised themselves to be there for each other. To love each other. To be each other's best friends. To raise their kids with the love they were deprived of. To make each other happy. To take care of each other's family and finally to grow old together.

The pandit asked Shravan to put the Mangalsutra around Suman's neck and fill her maang with sindoor. He did as asked with as much conviction as possible. As Shravan filled her maang with vermillion, her happiness knew no bounds. She wept happily like never before. Shravan wiped her tears, "Sumo, ab rona nahi, ab sirf khushian, bohot bohot saari khushian."

They both smiled without any baggage and laughed without any pretence. They were finally one. Husband and wife. The world seemed like a way brighter and way better place. This was their new beginning and life was only getting better from this day forward.

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

That's all from me folks, for now! I know you all wanted a certain night, epilogue it is. I will conclude in there. So please let me know what you think of this one. Was this good enough or lacked somewhere? Tell me which was your favourite part. Did you like Sanam's rendition? If there are requests to what you wanna read in the epilogue do let me know, I will see what can be done. If you're happy to let me decide how it should be do let me know!

Also, like and comment for PMs for the epilogue.

Love!

Zoya😳

RES...