Clang! Clatter!...Clang!
He shot up in bed, his eyes wide open; what kind of disaster had struck? It sounded like Khanak was waging a war with the house hold utensils; and soon they'll be raining down on him? What had he done now?
He jumped out of bed and quietly padded in the direction from where the sound had emanated and was confronted with a strange scene..and he watched with much interest; his wife was cooking!!!
Oh no mama! I am fine! It's just a stupid plate which decided to roll off the counter! Aap ko toh pata hai ke jab mein rasoi ka kaam karti hoon, zameen aasman ban jaata hai?
That statement seemed quite true as he surveyed the scene..it looked like a mini disaster zone; tomatoes and onions shared counter space with journals and unopened letters; green and red bangles apparently discarded in haste lay scattered near the sink; a juice can with a half empty glass were sitting on top of the microwave oven along with a tea cup; in the midst of all of which his wife of 2 months stood gesticulating with a knife at a cordless phone perched innocently on the kitchen island.
She looked adorable, more than usual, dressed in a starched dark pink cotton sari with the pallu tucked securely at the waist. Her thick dark hair was casually secured in a top knot giving a clear view of a gazelle like long neck continuing down her smooth back exposed by the low cut blouse as she stood facing away from him; his fingers itched to touch her soft skin.
But beta, tumhein dhyaan rakhna chahiye, ab tum dono akele rehne lage ho, aage jaake bacche bhi honge toh kaise sambhaloge? Bacchon ko kahin rakhkar bhool jaoge kya?
Shaan chuckled quietly at the thought, imagining his wife searching all over for their misplaced baby; his mother in law definitely had a point there.
But mama! This happens only when I am in the kitchen, not when I am at work or doing other stuff! I think it's because I usually don't know where to find anything. Aur kal unhonein groceries ko idhar udhar rakh diya mujhe kuch bina bataye; he is the root cause of all this confusion!
I take all the trouble and still get to reap the blame?! Wah bacchu wait and see what I will do to you! He thought malevolently taking a step towards her, when his MIL interjected.
Nice, ab Shaantanu bte ko unhonein kehne ki aadat bhi padh gayi, very nice! Lagta hai ke tum dono ki khoob jamti hai! Honeymoon ke baad tum bahut khush lag rahi ho, kya baat hai?
He could sense her blushing, as she looked down and struck with the knife at the already sliced veggies. Kya mama aap bhi na? Palak ki beemari aapko bhi lag gayi hai kya?
Alright beta! I won't ask or tease but I am very pleased that Shantanu and you are so happy together. What more can a mother want?
Shantanu nodded agreeing wholeheartedly with her;
Aur batao, aaj kya special hai, that you want to cook a proper Indian breakfast for damaadji? As far as I know he is a very laid back, easy going young man, completely undemanding!
Khanak giggled muttering something under her breath; You really don't know your damaadji that well mama! But the reason for cooking is because today is his first day at the new work place and I want to make sure that he goes with a happy stomach! So I am making him some upma! She scooped up the onions and tossed them into the hot pan which resulted in a sizzling sound and a mouthwatering aroma filled the air.
Dhyaan se beta, the oil is hot!
I am okay mama! Your daughter can take care of herself! She is a doc after all! Khanak stated matter of fact.
Shantanu felt overcome with affection for his wife; she cares for me so much, that she wants to cook breakfast even when she is herself so busy with work? Damn am I lucky!
Very good beta! I am so proud of you! But be sure you don't use maida instead of sooji! Shantanu is so nice that he won't even complain! Sunita laughed.
Mama please!! Khanak protested as she stir fried the onions.
EEEKS!!!!
(She shuddered as he placed the lightest of kisses on the nape of her neck.)
Kya hua??
Wrapping his arms tightly around her, he silently mouthed the same; and watched delighted as her cheeks slowly turned deep red.
Beta?? His Mother in law persisted.
Khanak closed her eyes, nibbling her lower lip, willing herself to calm down;
Chuuhaa!!!
What!! You have rats there?!!
Shantanu decided to chip in when Khanak didn't answer; Mummiji! Good morning! How are you, Papaji and Palak?
Ohhh!!!... Pause on the other end of the line...(Her mom appeared to be weighing the situation.)
We are all fine beta. How are you?? Uhhhmm, Looks like there is someone at the door, I have to go now. Do come home for dinner tonight. Bye Khanak!
Click! (The sound confirming the end of the conversation.)
So I look like a rat to you?
Then what else are you? Creeping up on me so suddenly, I couldn't speak! Khanak appearing to have recovered some composure struggled to get out of his grip.
Chodo! I need to cook!
Aww! How sweet of you to cook for your hubby! I love this caring side of my girl. Just be sure not to use maida instead of sooji though!! He teased laughing softly.
You too!??! Go I won't cook; ask your chef friend instead! She turned away in a huff.
Itni jaldi rooth gayi? My Angel! Even if you serve me water with your sweet hands it would taste like manna from heaven.
She smiled turning back ruffling his hair; Makkhan lagaana koi aapse seekhe! Now go and shower. At least you should be on time.
Na, first I need to work, (she raised her eyebrows,) I mean talk with you! He grinned lifting her up and carried her to the couch where he seated her on his lap.
Farmaiye pati dev! Jaldi! She said casting an anxious glance at the stove.
He hugged her in both arms and admired her clear complexion; the only adornment being a tiny black bindi and the dot of sindoor on her maang, even her full lips were naturally pink except for a touch of nude gloss and she still managed to look utterly delectable;
He closed his eyes, Concentrate Shantanu concentrate, or you'll never get to work!
Kahaan kho gaye?
He took a deep breath; Alright do you want me to drop you off at your clinic? Your little beetle is almost completely totaled according to the work shop.
Guess what mahashay? Today is my day off! Dr Jain was nice enough to take some of my patients so I could get some rest. I am just on call by pager. She smiled sweetly indicating the device sitting on the coffee table.
Day off and you didn't tell me? What will you do all alone in this house? He sounded disappointed.
I will enjoy myself without your constant interference; watch TV, laze around, call my old boyfriends ( winking coyly stroking his cheek,) maybe check out your new friend and scare her away; and just be my usual nasty self! Got it mister? She grinned mischievously flicking the tip of his nose with a finger.
He rolled his eyes and grinned back; Then I'll be free to have fun with my new secretary!
If you dare try any hanky panky behind my back, you'd wish you were dead! Now go before I decide to serve you a burnt breakfast! Her eyes flashed a warning as she smiled and kissed him lovingly on the cheek.
Later:
Rahul Malhotra Enterprises:
When Shaan caught a glimpse of himself in the streak free exterior of his friend's shiny new office, he smiled thinking about how his wife had taken his arati and wished him the best after placing a red teeka on his forehead. He had seen pride and love shining in her eyes.
Don't you worry sweetheart, with you by my side, nothing can be impossible; he thought confidently before striding into the lobby.
~~~~~
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