Christmas Eve Treat - J Weds A!!!

Love was made

for you and me…😳

The EniDee Joint Venture Pvt Ltd

PRESENTS

The Grandest Wedding of the Year!

JASSI WEDS ARMAAN!

Spl attraction: Honeymoon at Venice; the gateway to romance!😳

😳

Eni(gma) hopes you will enjoy our little handiwork! Dee(pa) knows you will!😉

So, guys let's just take the plunge in to JandA world, without more ado!😛

(Note: For the convenience of those who have trouble following Hindi dialogues, English translation maybe found in the brackets)

**********

With Armaan and Jassi's family consenting to the marriage, with all the confusions cleared, with all the misunderstandings driven away, it was finally time to celebrate.

The wedding preparations were in full swing and with full vigor and excitement.

Both for Armaan and Jassi, it was about to be a deeply sensuous experience creating a heady cocktail of hedonistic delight, and a kaleidoscope of emotions…In her room, Jassi sat, overwhelmed, with intoxicating happiness and joy keeping her company.. Almost in a trance, she moved towards the window and looked outside...

The moon had risen and stars were merrily twinkling in the night sky… As a cool breeze brushed gently across her face, she felt wonder, hope and beauty…

The world seemed so exquisite…

She felt an element of symmetry, elegance, and symphony in everything…

She looked up at the night sky and marveled at its vastness. For the first time in her life she felt the power of being in love and being loved…So longingly belonging…

About her colors whirled, form enticed, texture beckoned… Buoyed by joyousness, she whispered a silent 'Thank You' to the heavens above… As she thought about Armaan a warm thrill ran through her… In the darkness, a contented smile played on her lips and her face flushed with happiness...

Moving towards her bed she lay down on it and fell into a deep and pleasant slumber reveling in the warmth and coziness…

"I love you Jassi"

She woke up with a start and was about to scream when a strong, masculine hand hushed her. As her eyes slowly got accustomed to the darkness, she realized that it was Armaan…

"Armaa! Tum?!"

("Armaan, you??!")

"Haan…main"

("Yes...Me.")

"Armaan tum yahaan kya kar rahe ho? Tumhain apne ghar par hona chahiye!" ("What are you doing here?? You should be in your house!")

"Jassi, main tumhaare khwaabonme tha. Tumne mujhe pukaara aur main haazir ho gaya…" ("I was in your dreams…You called me. So, here I am...")

"Lekin… tum yahaan kaise?" ("But…how did you come here??")

"Main Armaan Suri hoon Jassi!" ("I am Armaan Suri Jassi...")

"Armaan tum mere kamreme kaise ghus aaye?" ("How did you enter my room Armaan?")

"Jassi...woh…pipe hai na tumhaare ghar ke peeche…" ("You know…that pipe at the back of your house...")

"Armaan, tumhaara dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai kya?? Ab jaao Armaan…koi sun lega tho?" ("Are you crazy?? Now leave Armaan...what if anybody hears us?")

"Oho…uski chintha mat karo…" ("Oh... don't you worry...")

"Armaan jaao…zyaada hushyaar banne ki zarurat nahin hai…"

("Armaan leave…Stop acting smart.")

"Jassi, of course main hushyaar hoon! Businessme shayad tum mujhse ek kadam aage ho sakthi ho lekin jahaan dil ka maamla hai, wahaan Armaan Suri ki tulna koi nahin kar saktha!"

("Of course I am smart Jass! When it comes to business you may score more points. But in love I am waaaaay ahead…you are speaking to the master here Jassi!")

"Bas karo Armaan!" ("Cut it Armaan!")

But Armaan was in no mood of giving up and grinning devilishly, he threw Jassi onto his back in one powerfully fluid motion…He walked downstairs stealthily, but enjoying Jassi's fury, royally…Opening the front door he walked out and turning back he drawled out, "Thanks Nandu! Ek ghanteme hum waapas aa jaayenge…" ("Nandu, thanks yaar. Will be back in an hour...")

"Teek hai Armaan! Waise Jassi, tum is haalme kaafi manmohak lag rahi ho!"

("Anytime buddy… and by the way Jassi, you make a very pretty picture up there!")

Jassi went wild with rage and she started kicking with renewed vigor, furious at Armaan's arrogance and Nandu's impudence. Outraged she yelled out, "Nanduuuu! Namakharam…" ("Nanduuuu.. you traitor…" )

Throwing jassi into the car, Armaan switched to top gear and drove away enjoying himself immensely.

Jassi by now had managed to control her rage and turning towards Armaan she mumbled out through her clenched lips, "Armaan, tum yon bachchon ki tarah nahin behave kar sakthe. Tumhain aur maturity dikhaani chahiye!"

("Armaan. You need to show more maturity.")

"Jaise ki, Jassi? " ("Like what Jassi?")

"Armaan main waakehi bahut gussa hoon." ("I am really furious Armaan..")

"Teek hai" ("okay")

"Teekh hai? Tum aur kuch nahin kehna chaahoge?" ("Don't you have anything to say at all?")

"No"

"Kuch bhi nahin?" ("Really, you don't have anything to say??")

"No"

"Sure?'

"No"

"Nahin?? Tho tum kuch kehna chaahthe ho."

("No?? So, you have something to say.")

"No"

"Kya? Samajh nahin aa raha– Haan ya na?"

("What?? I don't understand-yes or no?")

"No"

By now Jassi was really confused and completely fed up she closed her eyes, trying desperately to understand Armaan's no's. She never thought that the word 'no' can confuse a person to this extent. The irritated look on Jassi's face was priceless and Armaan threw back his head and broke into a hearty laugh…

Enraged at his arrogance, Jassi started yelling, "Armaan, tumhain ho kya gaya hai? Seedhe seedhe kyon nahin baat karthe? Aur ye tum kar kya rahe ho? Kisiko patha chal gaya tho? Papaji? Aur agar aisa hua tho tum soch bhi nahin sakthe kya ho saktha hai…kab sudhroge?

("Armaan, what's with the no's? Can't u talk straight like normal people do? Why are you being so childish? What if anybody finds out? Papaji? Do you have any idea of what would happen? Wont you ever grow up?" )

She was about to continue with her angry tirade when Armaan abruptly stopped the car and turned towards her…

With an almost dishonorable look in his eyes he said, "Jassi, tum baut zyada bolti ho" ("You talk tooooo much Jassi..")

In a flash he pulled her towards him passionately and with a groan captured her lips…Rough. Demanding. Intense.

Her entire body was on fire as she reveled in the passion unleashed by Armaan. Holding her close to him, Armaan trailed gentle teasing kisses along her neck. Jassi's senses numbed and she lost track of time, space and identity.

An alien warmth and hunger was threatening to overwhelm her as she fought desperately to control her baser urges…Sensing her innocent impatience, Armaan pulled away from her with a ragged sigh…holding her face tenderly with his hands, he looked deep into her eyes and said, "Jassi, I love you".

Jassi sat there still. Mesmerized and still in a trance…

Armaan said, "Kuch bolne ka abhi sahi waqt hai Jassi…" ("Now would be the time to say something Jassi…")

"No"

"Kuch bhi nahin kehna chaahohe?"

("You don't have anything to say?")

"No"

"Sure?"

"No"

"So you have something to say?"

"No"

"Yes or No?"

"Mujhe nahin patha. Poori tarah confused hoon. Hum kiske baareme baat kar rahein hain?"

("I don't know…I am totally confused…what are we talking about?")

"Abhi tum sahi raastepe aayi ho! Dekho na. Sirf ek 'na' kaafi hai seedi tarah baatcheeth badane ke liye!"

("Good…now you talk perfect sense…See.. A single 'no' is sufficient to have a decent and straight conversation.")

Unable to meet the intensity of his eyes, Jassi turned away blushing furiously…and Armaan with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, let go of her face and started driving again.. After a while he stopped. Bewildered, jassi said, "Armaan, hum hain kahaan?" ("Armaan, where are we?")

"Ssssshhh"

And blindfolding her he carefully walked her to some place…

And there he removed the fold…

It was an isolated place, with a tiny stream flowing gently and trees swaying majestically to the wind.

The whole place was awash with the gentle brilliance of the moonlight…

Darkly glowing and regal…

There was a deep goodness and tenderness about this mild night and the woods bent under a rustling that passed through them sweet and heavy.

The soft sound of the river flowing, sometimes sounding together with the occasional twitter of a bird, sounded exotic as though there were a meaning in it- a pattern of tones, rapture…

And rapture, too, to see all the blades of grass and the tiny flowers and plants.

(A deeply stirring romantic number in the background)

Jassi felt invigorated…Armaan with infinite love and tenderness held her face and said, "Jassi, kal humaari shaadi hone waali hai. Lekin usse pehele main tumse kuch kehna chaahtha hoon…

("Jassi, we would be getting married tomorrow...But before that I want to say something to you….")

Jassi looked at him…

"Jassi, shaayad maine bahut gunaa kiye hain. Tumhain kahin ka nahin chhoda. Tum par vishwaas na karke, tumhaara dil thoda.. Tumhain bahut hurt kiya hai Jassi, lekin main kabhi bhi tumhaare alaava kisi aur ke saath rehne ke baareme soch bhi nahin saktha hoon.Main sirf aur sirf tumse pyar kartha hoon! Agar tum waapas mere paas nahin lauthi, tho main tumhain dosh nahin deta. Main usi laayak hota. Lekin main tumhaare bina nahin jee saktha Jassi…Hum ek doosre ke liye hi bane hain…hamesha hamesha ke liye…"

(I may have made mistakes. I may have disappointed you. I may have let you down by not trusting you. I may have behaved like a silly fool. But, I don't think that I could ever be with anyone else but you…I love you and only you. If you had not returned, I would not have blamed you. I treated you horribly before. But I just cannot live without you…we were meant to be. For Always...")

Jassi closed her eyes and cuddled her cheek on his brawny chest. "Armaan, un galtiyon ke liye maine kabka tumhain baksh diya. Main do hafthe ke liye bhi tumhaare bina nahin jee paa rahi thi, tho apni poori zindagi tumhaare bina kaise jee paathi?" Tum nahin tho ye zindagi bhi nahin Armaan!"

("But I forgave you for that long ago, Armaan. I could barely get through two weeks without you, how could I live a lifetime without you? It would be no life at all.")

Gently he lifted her face to his and he caressed her mouth with a soft gentle kiss that made her heart ache with love.

Jassi laced her hands through his silky hair and responded to his caress with her own demands… slowly they moved apart and walked hand in hand… as their hearts and thoughts mingled together, they let the quiet peace and soft strains of love descend into them.

The night was filled with music and the restless pulse of care and excitement exhilarated their senses.

Loneliness and pain stole away giving way to love, beauty and togetherness...

As they stood there, hidden from the world, Armaan held her hand and softly said, "Jassi…ye tohfa haamaari pyaar ki nishaani hai…" ("Jassi…This gift is a seal of our love for each other.") And he slid a beautiful diamond ring onto her slender finger…

Its brilliance took her breath away and tears of love and joy welled up in Jassi's eyes...

With her heart brimming with happiness she whispered, "Armaan…It's so beautiful. Thank you. I love you Armaan…"

And Armaan took her in his arms and embracing her with all his love and passion he whispered into her ears, "Jassi, mujhe abhi ehsaas hua hai ki deneme hi zindagi ki sabse badi khushi hai aur is pal se main apne zindagi ke sabse haseen pal tumhaare naam karta hoon…aaj se main sirf tumhara hoon...hamesha hamesha ke liye…"

("Jassi…I had realized that the best part of life is in giving and from this moment on I am giving you the best part of my life…I am yours forever…")

As they stood there lost in their own world, in their own thoughts the piercing ringing of the Armaan's mobile intruded the calmness…

It was Nandu and they had to go home...Unwillingly, they turned back and Armaan dropped Jassi at her home with the promises of the days to come engulfing their whole being…

Night went and morning came…The silky pallor of the morning refreshed Armaan; in a long blue haze over the wide world a slow dawn was breaking out...

Armaan did not immediately open his eyes but lay in the bed savoring the warmth of last night's memory. He could feel Jassi's face tantalizingly close to his...he only had to put his hands forward and he would touch her…he smiled and set to touch his smiling moon…'Jassi…mmmm…meri Jassi…'

He suddenly realized that he was flapping empty air! With a resigned smile, he opened his eyes, shook himself off the bed covers, strode towards the window in quick strides and threw open the drapes.

A few stars were still twinkling and a hazy specter of the moon winked at him. Armaan felt a fond tingle pass through his spine and energize him. He rubbed his hands gleefully and sucked in the sweet scented air. The air was deliciously warm though there was no sign of the sun yet. The chirping birds…the hedges full of white flowers…the sky gradually warming in to a glorious day…Armaan felt an odd tepidity spread through his body like warmed honey…

*********

Jassi held her head in her hands and chewed her lips pensively 'Aaj meri zindagi ka sabse bada din hai phir bhi manme ek ajeeb sa dar hai, dilme ek hulchul hai ki kahin is baar bhi kuch gadbad na ho jaaye.'

('Today's the greatest day of my life. And yet there's a strange fear, a morbid thought gnawing at my mind and heart that lest something goes wrong this time too.')

Bebe and Amrit bustled in with Shagun trays and Amrit walked up to her daughter and kissed her forehead"Aaj meri beti kitni sundar lag rahi hai. Kisiki nazar na lage. Beta, jaldi se neeche aa jana. Tumhaare Papaji aur Nandu Taxi lene gaye hain. Aate hi honge."

(My daughter's looking so very beautiful today. Hope all evil eyes keep away from her. Child, make haste and come downstairs. Your father and Nandu will be back with the Taxi soon.")

And with that she left them.

Bebe looked at Jassi's worried face and enquired "Kya baat hai beta? Itna chinthaame kyon ho? Aaj tumhaara sapna sach ho raha hai. Tumhain tho khush hona chahiye."

("What's the matter child? Today all your dreams are getting translated in to reality and you ought to dance with happiness. Why the worry then?")

Jassi hugged Bebe and vented out her fears "Bebe, mujhe dar lag raha hai ki kahin is baar bhi Armaan aur meri khushiyonme koi rukaavat na aa jaaye. Bebe, agar is baar main Armaan se alag ho gayi tho main ji nahin paaungi! Main mar..."

("Bebe, I am deathly scared that this time too something is going to intervene between Armaan's and mine happiness. And this time, I wouldn't be able to endure it. I would die…)

Bebe hushed her with a finger on her lips "Aise nahin kehthe hain. Abshagun hota hai. Beta, Tumne aur Armaanne bahut uthaar chadaav dekhe hain. Lekin tumhaara pyaar hamesha mazboot raha hai; har kasauti par khara uthra hai. Bichde zaroor ho, lekin phir se milne ke liye aur har baar tum donon ka pyaar bada hai, ghata nahin. Kyonki tumhaara pyaar sachcha hai, niswaarth hai. Mujha poora yakeen hai beta ki is baar tum dono hamesha ke liye ek ho rahe ho. Babaji par bharosa rakh."

("Don't say such things, dear. It is inauspicious. You and Armaan have been through lots of ups and downs but your love has never faltered and has in fact conquered every difficulty, every obstacle and has proved itself beyond doubt. You have been estranged; yes but only to meet again and each time you both have drifted apart, your love has only grown stronger and fonder. And that's because your love is true and selfless. I have this strong feeling child, that this time around you are going to get together forever.")

Jassi smiled at her gratefully. She felt slightly reassured.

"Beta, ek aas thi ki tumhaari shaadi dhum dhaam se ho lekin tumne aur Armaan ne mandirme shaadi karne ki zidd ki tho…teekh hai. Bachchon ki khushiyonme hi hamaari khushi hai."

("Child, I wanted your wedding to be a grand affair. But you and Armaan insisted on a temple marriage, keeping it as simple as possible. Well! We just want our children to be happy.")

Jassi took Bebe's hands in hers and said "Bebe, kadi tapasya ke baad, ye din hamaare zindagime aa raha hai. Is liye Armaan aur main chaahthe the ki hum hamaari sabse badi khushi, bhagwaan ke gharme manaayen, hamaare apnon ke beech. Aap samajh rahi hain na Bebe? Aur waise bhi, aaj shaam ko reception tho hai hi. Suris ne organize kiya hai, tho dhoom dhaam hi hoga aur aapka sapna bhi poora ho jaayega."

("Bebe, it is only after grave difficulties that this day has finally arrived in our lives. That is why Armaan and I wanted to celebrate the happiest day of our lives in the house of God, amidst our well-wishers. Hope you understand. Anyway, the wedding will be followed by the reception in the evening which will be a grand affair as the Suris are organising it. Your dreams will get fulfilled too Bebe.")

Bebe patted her hands "Haan beta. Main samajhthi hoon. Mera aashirwaad tum donon ke saath hain. Ab main chalthi hoon. Tum jaldi se neeche aa jaao."

("Yes angel. I understand. My blessings are with you both. I'll get going now and you better hurry up.")

Still in jitters, Jassi went across to the window and perceived the great golden ball of the sun smiling at her benevolently; like it were her guardian angel. Jassi felt a calming sense of peace envelope her…everything would go well…

*****

Armaan had not even an iota of doubt that everything would go well. Therefore, he had no reason whatsoever to be nervous or upset. With blithe unconcern, he perched himself against a beam in the temple and allowed Raj to engage his attentions even as his parents and the Gulmohur staff obediently followed the priest's orders.

Thus favorably engaged, Armaan didn't realize that seconds had passed, minutes had passed, an hour had passed and yet there was no Jassi.

It was only when the Punditji announced that the muhurat was fast approaching that Armaan felt a mild anxiety sweep over him.

On Puru's orders, Raj tried calling up Jassi's cell, without success. He made a face and ventured to try again. A vague feeling of dread settled over Armaan. He felt a sense of dj vu. Could it be possible that…?"Nahin!" his heart screamed harshly. It couldn't be. Jassi wouldn't.

The Punditji again reminded them that it was time for the ceremonies to begin. The Suris stared at each other helplessly. Drops of sweat stood on Armaan's forehead. His mouth had gone dry and a biting chill gnawed at the innermost recesses of his heart "Jassi! Jassi, please aa jaao. Kahaan ho tum? Please is baar mat..."

(Jassi! Jassi, please don't fail me this time. Where on earth are you? Please this time don't…")

"Jassi aa gayi! Jassi aa gayi!"

(Jassi has arrived! Jassi has arrived!)

Armaan could have almost kissed Raj.

He heaved a great sigh of relief and noted that his parents looked like they had just woken up from the dead.

Whew! That had been close!

He turned to admonish Jassi but his words remained frozen on his lips. The gloriously smiling goddess, accompanied by her flustered arch-angels, hurrying towards him, simply took his breath away. He gasped and wondered how anyone could look so enchantingly beautiful yet supremely innocent at one and the same time!

Their eyes locked with each other. For a brief second they became oblivious to everything else before the priest beckoned them to hurry up lest the auspicious time waltzed away.

As the ceremony commenced and everybody sat around the sacred fire, Armaan felt an odd brotherhood with the fire that would bear witness to his holy union with Jassi…it reminded him of the eternal pit of fire he had burned in every time he had hurt Jassi…reminded him of the fire his body writhed in every time Jassi went away from him and he pined for her…reminded him of the fire that set his heart ablaze every time he had desired, longed for Jassi…it strengthened him…burnt his faults…purged him of his sins…purified him…made him worthy of the angel beside him…

"Ab var, vadhu ke haathonme akshath, theerth daalen…"

(Now the groom is required to put holy water and akshath (Raw rice grains coated with turmeric) in to the bride's hands…")

As the Punditji chanted mantra after mantra with a practiced glib, as ritual after ritual succeeded one another, as each moment succeeded another hastening their sacred union, a surrealistic atmosphere surrounded Jassi…the fragrant smoke sent her brain in to eddies…a pleasant humming filled her ears...her heart pulsated wildly, performed a rope dance…her maiden nerves quivered with anticipation and excitement…her eyes went agog with never before perceived delight…her mouth involuntarily curved in to an unbidden smile…a piquant tingle caressed her body…a secret thrill shot through her veins and she suddenly felt herself transported to a new level of consciousness; she felt mirthful bliss…unadulterated ecstasy of the highest order…an addictive fulfillment that felt like she had partaken of an aphrodisiac…her body, mind, heart and soul united in a primeval rhythm that sent her reeling with giddy happiness…

Armaan stole a glance at his bride…admiration burning in his eyes, he discovered that the reflection from the blazing fire imparted a radiant glow to her lambent skin and perked up her laughing eyes; an aura of warmth and strength surrounded her…in her flaming red shaadi ka jhoda she looked like a desert rose in its first bloom; innocent and divine…the silver bindi sparkled like a tiny moon…the Suri family heirloom jewels on her ears, neck and hands glittered like a thousand diamonds, dazzling the onlooker…and the hand woven chunari, embedded with sequins and embellishments graced her graceful head like a tiara; a sovereign queen basking in all her glory!

Armaan knew he was a very lucky guy indeed…

It was now time for kanyaadaan…mixed feelings assailed Jassi's heart…her relationship of more than twenty five years with her parents was going to be replaced by another…with another person, another family...that would become her destiny here afterwards…she looked at Armaan solemnly performing the rituals in his crisp Maroon Sherwaani and Cream Duppatta…

Her mind drifted far far away…'Armaan…' her heart whispered 'Armaan…'…at last, she was reaching the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…now she too would understand the happiness her parents, the Suris, in fact the rapture every couple in this world felt with one other, the stars that danced in Puru's eyes when he looked at his wife…at last…bilking happiness would be hers…at last…'

The priest's shrill voice penetrated Jassi's consciousness and she started.

"Ab var vadhu saath pheron ke liye khade ho jaayen."

("Now the bride and groom will stand up for the seven pheraas.")

Everyone stood up and Armaan flashed a dazzling smile in her favor, as his sister; Angel linked up Armaan's Duppatta with Jassi's chunari.

Amidst the chanting of the seven vows, the couple gravely took the seven pheraas.

For anybody else, it was just a ritual.

But for Armaan and Jassi, it was the beginning of their lives together…a victory of their love…

A journey of pain, hunger, hurt, uncertainty, happiness, joy, love, passion that was now culminating in harmony, peace and togetherness, for life…

Each vow was a declaration of life-long commitment and dedication to each other…each phera was a confirmation of the fact that they were meant for each other, sealing a relationship that would transcend seasons, clime, time, boundaries and motions of physical love…

Jassi felt a flare of excitement as the sindoordaan and mangalasutra ceremony approached.

How many times had she dreamt of this moment and how many times had her dreams, her hopes been cruelly dashed to the ground…but now her dreams would come true; they would…

Armaan tied the mangalasutra around her neck and their well-wishers sprinkled bits of flowers and akshath on them in the form of heart felt blessings…as Armaan pushed her maangtika to one side and applied sindoor to her forehead, Jassi looked in to his damp eyes and realized just how much she meant to him…

Vivaah Sampann!" ("Marriage complete!") the Punditji concluded. "Ab var vadhu badon se aashirwaad len."

('Now, the bride and groom will seek blessings from their elders.")

The Walias and the Suris were the happiest progenitors in the world that day. Puru declared that it was a very lucky day for the Suris when Armaan employed Jassi as his secretary at Gulmohur.

An emotional Billu begged his samdhis and dhamaad to take care of his precious Queen Victoria…

After a tearful farewell, the Walias handed Armaan and Jassi in to the car that was specially decorated for this occasion.

*********

On their journey back home to the Suri mansion, the newly weds maintained a companionable silence. There was hardly a need to say anything. They simply held hands…allowed tears of happiness to drip from their eyes, basking and reveling in their joy…

*******

Jassi crossed the threshold of the Suri mansion, after displacing the tumbler of rice and sank her legs in to the thaali filled with kumkum water and walked across to her enraptured in-laws, to seek their blessings, making red auspicious footprints on the ground.

After mukh dikhaayi (A ceremony where neighbors and guests are invited to have a peek at the new bride, but only after they honor her with gifts), the ring ceremony commenced.

Jassi won easily as Armaan never once took his eyes off her face.

When the ladies declared that Jassi would rule the roost, Armaan leaned over and whispered in to his wife's ears "Har cheezme aapka hukum chalegaa, begum saahiba, sevaaye ekme! Mujhe bachche foran chaahiya! Ek beta, ek beti aur teesra, jo bhi tum chaaho!"

("My love, your wish will be my command. But where kids are concerned, I will have the say entirely. I want kids immediately! One boy, one girl and the third you can decide on!")

Jassi's cheeks resembled the petals of Gulmohur in color.

*******

*****

"Congratulations Armaan! Jassi Bhabhi kahaan hain? Tumhain chhod diya kya? Hahaha…"

("Congrats Armaan! Where's Jassi bhabhi? Has she left you already? Hahaha…")

"Thanks buddy! Jassi poori paltan ke saath beauty parlour gayi hai. Tum tho in auraton ko jaanthe hi ho...Hahahaha…."

("Thanks buddy! Jassi is gone to the beauty parlor with her bandwagon. And you know how it is with women…hahahaha…")

"Hahahaha..."

"Raj, ye kya kar rahe ho…idhar aao tho…" ("Raj, what are you up to….come here…")

Jassi entered the reception hall and her eyes fell on Armaan…for a second she wondered if this was the same haughty, insensitive Armaan Suri she had fallen in love with, once strived to destroy…it was like she had married an entirely new person...

The arrogance and haughtiness had vanished and in its place were grace and warmth…the arrogant foolish, spoilt rich brat of yester years was now a sensible, loving, understanding man; her man!

Her very being glowed with pride, for she knew that the credit for this remarkable change went to her…as did the credit go to him for changing her from a silly slip of a girl to a woman; his woman…

Just then Armaan happened to look at his wife and he mentally whistled.

If she was a goddess in the morning, she was a diva now.

She was dressed in a daring creation of white and black, interspersed with delicate veins of gold that set off her pristine white complexion. Discreet diamonds glittered in her earlobes, while her carefully curled and set hair fell to her shoulders in tumbling cascades, Mesmerized, he just gazed at Jassi. Totally hypnotized and bedazzled by her bewitching persona and winning smile, he wondered how many more facets there were to his lovely Jassi and his toes curled up in pleasurable anticipation…

Raj, who had been exchanging an animated chat with Armaan, turned to see what had caused the interruption. One glance at Jassi and his friend's befuddled state and he knew his time was up.

Well aware of the effect she had on him, Jassi smiled a tempting smile and advanced towards Armaan at a slow, leisurely pace, extending a gloved hand.

He took her hand, bent low over it and placing a lingering kiss on her palm said huskily"Mrs.Suri, your humble servant at your service…"

With delighted pride, Ila Suri surveyed her arrangements.

Everything was exactly as she had wanted. Nobody was likely to forget this reception party in a hurry. Most importantly, her son was happy. She had nothing more to ask for. Beaming at the pair of her son and daughter-in-law, she set off to attend to her guests, like a magnificent ship in full sail.

Billu was too overwhelmed to be his usual noisy self but allowed his wife and Puru to gently indulge him in polite talk with their guests.

Bebe sat gorging on the special treats Armaan, Jassi or Nandu put in her hands, from time to time. She felt Jassi's happiness and sent a silent prayer to god 'Babaji, aapka laakh laakh shukra hai ki aapne meri laaj rakh li. Bas Jassi aur Armaan ki khushi banaaye rakhna. Ab mauth bhi aa jaaye, tho gam nahin…'

('Babaji, you have answered my prayers and I am most grateful for it. Continue gracing Jassi and Armaan with your blessings. Now, I am even ready for death…')

Raj, who had entertained hopes of spending the evening in the arms of voluptuous damsels, found himself stuck with an old gentle lady who made him her object of attention for reeling off anecdotes from her distant past.

Nandu and Angel were engrossed in a serious discussion on how best to let Raj know that he had been chosen as Angel's fourth prospective husband.

Jassi was thoroughly enjoying herself. Bur her groom was not. It would not have been an exaggeration to say that Armaan's face looked like he was attending his own funeral. The simple fact was that Mr.Suri was vexed. The insensitive guests, the insipid noise and the lack of privacy were testing his patience to the hilt.

He grimaced 'Damn!'

The delightful and infinitely tempting package seated next to him was not making matters easy at all…he ran an expert eye over her ample charms; delicately modeled bones, large sparkling eyes, scarlet kissable mouth, delicious legs…He ran a tongue over his dry lips with excitable expectation…it was getting difficult to keep his passions under check…he had to do something soon…

He felt his wife nudge at his ribs urgently and say gleefully "Kareena Modi! Woh yahin aa rahi hai."

("Kareena Modi!" She is coming right here.")

Smiling mischievously, she said with a cruel relish "Armaan, tumhain yaad hai?"

("Armaan, do you remember?")

Armaan said through clenched teeth "Damn Jassi! Mujhe tho yaad hai. Lekin lagtha hai aur kisiko yaad nahin ki aaj hamaari suhaag raat hai, tumhain bhi nahin!"

("Damn Jassi. I seem to be the only one who remembers that it's our wedding night. Not even you seem to remember this fact!")

As Kareena Modi and a string of his ex-flames made their way towards them, Armaan scowled and decided it was time for some action…

*******

"Jassi, please mere saath chalo. Mujhe tumhain kuch dikhaana hai." It was Raj.

("Jassi, please accompany me. I have got to show you something.")

Curious, Jassi followed him and found herself in an obscure road just behind the reception venue "Raj, ye hum kahaan aaye hain?"

("Raj, where are we?")

A car screeched to a stop before them and she was bundled in to it.

"Armaan! Ye sab kyaa hai?"

("Armaan! What's happening?")

"Thanks Raj!"

"It's okay dude! Sweet dreams!"

As the car sped away, Jassi demanded of Armaan "Armaan! Ye sab kya hai? Saare mehmaan kya soch rahe honge? Mom, Dad..."

("Armaan! What can you mean by this? What opinion will the guests have about us? Mom, Dad…")

Armaan threw up his hands in exaggerated style and said in a tilted accent "Ssssshhh Jassi! Kuch mat kaho. Love is in the air…use mehsoos karoooooo…mmmmmmmmmm…"

("Ssssshhh Jassi! Say not a word. Love is in the air…feeeeel it…mmmmmmmmmm…")

Jassi shook her head. Her husband was insufferable.

Back in to the Suri mansion, Jassi was about to step in to their bedroom when Armaan stopped her. Praying his back would not break, he swung her in to his arms and gently deposited her on the bed.

Jassi looked around in amazement.

It was as if a magic wand had been waved…the draperies, the furnishings, even the bedclothes had undergone a magical change…everything was in a hue of pale blue and baby pink…strands of jasmines and rose petals graced every inch of the bed…tiny rose buds peeped innocently from the mirror and the walls…a pleasingly sweet perfume from incense sticks wafted up to her…a huge heart shaped balloon afloat the ceiling read 'I LOVE YOU JASSI!'

Armaan smiled to himself. His lady's astonishment was just what he had hoped.

(A sensuous erotic number in the bg)

Tying a jasmine strand across his wrist, Armaan sat beside Jassi and grinned at her rakishly. Pulling her close to him, his long fingers drew her hair free from the pins and sampled her silken strands promptly sending her in to a trance…he traced a long finger across her face, her lips, her neck…he rubbed his face against hers….and tilted her chin to face him…Jassi gazed in to those smoldering eyes that knew black magic…

"Jassi…mmm…Jassi…" Passion and desire vibrated in his voice that reverberated through every fiber of her being…

A swirl of passion ebbed inside her…her heart beat wildly …her lips quivered…her hands went clammy…she was getting sucked in to a sea of sensuous pleasure…her body ached for more heat…wrapped in the clouds of love, she vaguely realized that his face was close to hers…very…her body flew in to a languid, floating state when she found a package thrust under her nose!

Jassi blinked "Armaan? Ye kya hai?"

("Armaan? What's this?")

Armaan's slow, sexy, dimpled smile imparted a devilish handsomeness to his delicate and regal features. Jassi found her breath catch and mused that it was no wonder women all over swooned over him like drugged pigeons! Little wonder then that she had fallen head over heels in love with him…little wonder indeed!

"Jassi..." Armaan's sonorous voice broke her reverie "Ye nupur hain jo shaadhi shudha auraten apne pairon ke angliyonme pehanthi hain. Jab tum ise pehanke chalogi, tho meethisi cham cham ki aawaaz aayegi. Mujhe ye bahut pasand hai Jassi. Tum pehenoginaa?"

(Jassi, these are nupurs that are worn by married women on their toes. I want you to wear them so when you walk, it will give out a musical chime that would delight me. Will you?")

Jassi smiled her acquiescence.

Armaan slipped the rings around her toes and tickled her soles.

Jassi giggled "Armaan, aur bhi surprises baakhi hain?" ("Armaan, are there any more surprises left?")

Armaan said nonchalantly "Haan hai na. Mujhe ek ladki se pyaar ho gaya hai jiska naam Jannat hai. Jassi, maine tho sochatha ki tumhaare alavaa kisi aur ke baareme sochunga bhi nahin lekin…ye kambaqt dil, jab chaahe jis par chaahe aa jaata hai. I am sorry Jassi…"

(Of course there is, sweet. I have fallen in love with a girl called Jannat. I used to think that I could never love anybody other than you. I was wrong…you see, this traitorous heart has absolutely no control…I am sorry Jassi…")

The color fled from Jassi's face and cold emptiness swamped her being, as she stared at him blankly.

Arman spread his hands in supplication and said "Jassi, galthi meri nahin hai. Woh hai hi aisi ki usse kisi ko bhi pyaar ho jaayega. Tum use dekhogina tho tumhain bhi usse pyaar ho jaayega..."

("It's not entirely my fault Jassi. She is such a wonderful creature that anybody can fall in love with her. I am sure that once you set eyes on her, you too will love her as much as I do.")

The color returned to her face and she said acidly "Tumhain lagtha hai ki main apni sauthan se pyar kar sakthi hoon? Kabhi nah…"

("How dare you think I will entertain love for your mistress? Never in...")

"Sautan?" ("Mistress?")

Armaan turned perplexed eyes at her ""Sautan nahin sweetheart. Beti!"

(Not mistress sweetheart. Daughter!")

Jassi gawked "Be…b...b…Kya?"

Slipping an arm around her, Armaan said casually "Haan Jassi. Beti. Hamaari beti! Naam achcha laga?"

("Yes Jassi. Daughter. Our daughter! Did you like her name?")

Jassi didn't know whether to scream with rage or laugh in relief "Armaan!"

She grabbed him and beat his chest with her hands as Armaan grinned wickedly.

But as the panic and tension she had felt a moment ago dispelled, Jassi broke in to sobs of relief.

A distressed Armaan gathered her in to his arms and tried to pacify her "I am sorry Jassi. Please mat ro. Please, tumhain daraane ka iraada nahin tha. Jassi..."

("I am sorry Jassi. Please don't cry. Please, I never meant to scare you. Jassi…")

"Armaan phir aisa mazaak kabhi mat karna."

("Armaan, that wasn't funny. Never do that again.")

"Jassi woh mazaak nahin tha."

("Jassi, that wasn't a joke.")

Caressing her cheek with his forefinger, he whispered hoarsely "Jassi mera ek sapna hai ki neeche hallme hamaara ek family photo ho jisme honge Mr.Purushottum Suri, Mrs.Ila Suri, Mr.Armaan Suri, Mrs.Jasmeet Suri aur…"He paused and looked straight in to her eyes "Master Aashish Suri aur Miss Jannat Suri! Jassi, mera sapna poora karneme mera saath dogi?"

("Jassi, I have this dream. I want a family photo in the hall below, featuring Mr.Purushottum Suri, Mrs.Ila Suri, Mr.Armaan Suri, Mrs.Jasmeet Suri and…"He paused and looked straight in to her eyes "Master Aashish Suri and Miss Jannat Suri! Jassi, will you help me in translating my dream in to reality?")

(He he he in the bg)

Tears rained down their cheeks and they sat looking at each other for a long time…Jassi kissed his tear strained face and said in a soft broken voice "Haan Armaan. Abse tumhaara har sapna hamaara sapna hai. I love you Armaan."

("Yes Armaan. From this moment onwards, every dream of yours is our dream. I love you Armaan.")

Armaan kissed her eyes and drew her close to him "Tho sapna sach karne ki koshish karen?"

("Then shall we make a start towards realizing our dream?")

"Khushi se Armaan sir…!"

(Willingly, Armaan Sir…!")

His left arm gripped her tightly while his right turned the lights off…

*******

Good morning Mamma."

Ila turned to greet her bahu but stopped in mid-sentence "Good mo…"

Jassi, slightly uncomfortable "Kya hua? Aap mujhe aise kyun dekh rahin hain?"

("What's wrong? Why are looking at me in that strange way?")

Ila kissed Jassi's forehead and said "Tho aur kya karoon Jessi. Maine aaj tak tumhain itna khoobsurat nahin dekha. Chehrepe ek nayi raunak aa gayi hai. Beta tum bahut sundar lag rahi ho. Har lihaasme Suri khaandhaan ki bahu lag rahi ho."

"What else can I do Jessi? I have never before seen you look this radiant. There's a wonderful sheen on your face and you are looking absolutely stunning. Only, you are 'the' daughter-in-law of the Suri family.")

Jassi smiled shyly "Thank you Mamma."

"Armaan uth gaya?"

("Is Armaan up?")

"Ji nahin.. Abhi tak so rahein hain."

"Not yet. He's still asleep.")

Glancing at Jassi, Ila said mischievously "Of course Jessi! Kal raat kuch zyada hi lamba tha!"

"Of course Jessi! The night was rather too long!")

To cover her momentary confusion and flaming cheeks, Jassi busied herself in assisting Ila with the Puja preparations.

******

"Jassi! Jassi"

A harried Jassi swept in to their bedroom"Armaan chilla kyon rahe ho?

("Why are you shouting Armaan?")

"Jassi, main towel andar leke jaana bhool gaya. Dona please?"

(I forgot the towel. Give it me, please?")

Jassi took one from his wardrobe and was about to put it in to his hands when they grabbed her inside and Armaan; dressed in a white Pyjama Kurta, playfully dragged her under the shower, ignoring Jassi's screams.

Silence reigned for sometime as Mrs.Jasmeet Suri swallowed a lungful of water and tried to catch her breath while Mr.Suri choked with silent laughter.

A furious Mrs.Suri tried to escape his clutches but with a swift movement, he pulled her in to the bath tub with him and tightly wrapped her in his arms.

Jassi flailed her arms in vain"Armaan! Chhodo mujhe! Koi aa jaayega!"

(Armaan! Leave me. Somebody might pop in.")

Armaan's grip over her only tightened.

Defeated, she looked in to his eyes and sighed.

The black magic had worked and she knew he knew it.

(A slow sensuous number in the background)

She smiled at him weakly.

With a dimpled smile, his eyes looked in to hers amorously….his hands roved about her face, her neck, her lips…As she was about to surrender her lips to his, a voice in their room arrested them "Armaan? Jessi? Kahaan ho tum dono?"

("Armaan? Jessi? Where are you both?")

Instinctively both of them answered "Yahaan Mom!" ("Here Mom!")

Armaan and Jassi froze.

Jassi gasped.

Armaan gulped.

Ila frowned and wondered if she had actually heard two voices? She tried again 'Jessi? Armaan?"

This time Armaan answered " Mom, main yahaan hoon. Nahaa raha hoon"

(Mom, I am here taking a bath.")

"Armaan, Jessi kahaan hai?"

("Armaan, where is Jessi?")

Armaan, confused "Ji woh…Woh…woh…woh Palak lene gayi hai, garden se!"

("She…she...she is gone to get spinach, from the garden!")

Ila surprised "Palak? Garden se? Kyon?"

("Spinach? From the garden? Why?")

Jassi crouched in Armaan's lap, slapped her forehead.

Armaan suddenly getting a brainwave "Ji woh…Palak?? Nahin Mom! Aapne kya suna? Maine tho phool kaha tha! Haan woh shayad Phool lene gayi hai garden se, puja ke liye!"

(Spinach? No mom! You have heard wrongly. I said that she is perhaps gone to get flowers from the garden, for the Puja!")

"Lekin phool tho humne pehle se hi mangwa ke rakha hai. Tho phir...? Khair! Armaan, Jessi aayegi tho use mere paas neeche bhej dena. Aur beta, tum bhi jaldise taiyyar hoke neeche aa jana. Puja thodi hi dherme shuru ho jaayegi aur tumhaare sasuraalwaale bhi aate hi honge. Der mat karna kyonki shaadi ke baad, ye tum dono ki pehli puja hai, ek saath."

(But, the flowers have already arrived. Well! If you meet her, send her downstairs Armaan. And do hurry up. The Puja will commence shortly and the Walias will be here any moment. Don't be late as this is your first Puja together, after marriage."

"Ji mom!"

With that Ila gracefully glided away and the newly weds heaved an audible sigh of relief.

Jassi hoisting herself off the tub and giggling "Armaan tum bhi na! Palak? Kuch aur nahin soch sakthe the?"

("Armaan! You are impossible! Spinach? Couldn't you think of something better?")

Armaan grinning sheepishly "Ye mom ko bhi abhi aana tha!"

("Mom's timing is perfect!")

Just then Jassi happened to notice her state and she groaned 'Armaan! Poori sari kharab ho gayi. Tumhaare Mom ne diya tha, pujeme pehanne ke liye! Ab kuch bahaana banana padega!"

(God! My Sari is ruined. Your Mom had specially given it to me for the Puja. Now, I'll have to think of excuses!")

Armaan said with a crooked grin "Tho use uthar dete hain Jassi!"

"(Then why don't we get rid of it, Jassi?")

As he was about to grab her, she pushed him back in to the tub, thrust her tongue out at him and disappeared.

Armaan sighed and hoped his patience would be amply awarded…maybe sometime later in the night…

******

Two hours later, Mr.Armaan Suri was yawning in the Puja room and exchanging glares with the Punditji who was irked that Armaan found Jassi more interesting than his mantras.

After failing to catch Jassi's eye for the umpteenth time, Armaan gave up. He wearily hoped lunch would be more favorable to his romantic instincts…

********

Lunchtime saw Jassi sandwiched between Mr.Walia and Mrs.Suri and Armaan between Mr.Verma and Mr.Malhotra.

What made it intolerable for Armaan was the fact that apart from the suicidal pair flanking him, Jassi studiously avoided his gaze and devoted her attention to her in-laws and guests.

Chagrined, he decided to try one last time.

He sank a bit lower in his chair and found Jassi's leg. Then slowly but deliberately, tickled hers with his, from toes to calf and back….at last Jassi looked up and smiled at him.

Thrilled at his triumph, he repeated his success.

Billu suddenly looked up at Armaan with a worried face and said sympathetically "Beta, Armaan, pairme khujli ho rahi hai kya?"

("Armaan, son, are your legs itching?")

Rudely distracted from his pastime, Armaan looked at Billu bewildered "Ji?"

"Bete phir baar baar apne pair kyun mere pair se khujlaa rahe ho?"

("Then why are you continuously rubbing your legs against mine?")

Jassi bit her lip and looked on with great amusement as her husband's face rapidly changed color from a pale pink to a shocking crimson.

It was only by dint of sheer will power that she contained herself from exploding in to laughter.

Armaan stammered "Ji…ji…woh actually Papaji...woh main...main Olive oil lagana bhool gaya. Main roz Olive oil lagatha hoon. Tabhi tho...tho...thwacha swasth aur mulaayam rehthi hai…aur...aur khujli bhi nahin hoti!"

("Well…I...actually Papaji…really…I...I forgot to apply Olive oil in the morning! I apply Olive oil to my skin every day so that it remains healthy and smooth. And so that it doesn't itch!")

The Suris, Bebe, Amrit and Raj stared at Armaan, quite at a loss. Nandu found the contents of his plate more interesting.

Billu snorted" Hurmpph! Olive oil! Beta, ye videshi cheejonse kuch nahin ban ne waala. Tum bhi meri tarah desi sarson ka tel se maalish kiya karo. Maaspeshiyon ke liye bahut achcha hai aur khujli bhi nahin hogi."

(Hurmph! Olive oil! Son, you keep away from all these foreign products. They are going to do you no good. Use indigenous mustard oil like me. A good massage is very beneficial for your muscles and will prevent itching too.")

A chastised Armaan replied meekly "Ji Papaji!"

Jassi looked pointedly at her husband, mouthed a 'Becharaa Armaan!' ('Poor Armaan') and made a surreptitious 'thumbs down' sign.

'Damn!'

Inflamed, Armaan unceremoniously slapped a helping of Alu Bhaaji onto his plate and secretly vowed that before night fell, he would let Jassi know what he was about!

Unfortunately, man can only propose.

Back in his bedroom, Armaan sat in stunned silence as Jassi explained the significance of the ceremony called pugkh phere according to which, the bride had to go to her maternal home on the second day of her marriage and could go back to her husband's house, only on the next day, when the husband would come to fetch her "Is liye Armaan, mujhe abhi Mamma, Papaji aur Bebe ke saath ghar jaana hoga. Tum kal mujhe lene zaroor aana. Bhool mat jaana. Ab main jaaon?"

(Therefore Armaan, it's imperative that I leave immediately for my maternal home, along with my family. Don't forget to collect me tomorrow. Shall I leave now?")

Jassi felt a sudden chill creep over her.

She looked at Armaan and recoiled. The once warm chocolate brown eyes were as chilly as the arctic.

"Armaan?"

"Jassi, tum kahin nahin jaaogi." He stated simply.

("Jassi you are going nowhere.")

"Armaan! Tum jaante ho mujhe jaana hi padega. Rasam hai…"

"(Armaan! I have to go. It's a ritual…")

"Rasam! Reeti riwaaz!" ("Rituals! My foot!")

He thundered! "Mujhe in sab cheezon ki koi parwaah nahin Jassi. Humaari kal hi shaadi huyi hai. Maine tumhain teekhse dekha tak nahin. Tum kahin nahin jaaogi. That's final!"

("I don't give a dime about these. Our marriage is hardly a day old. You are going nowhere Jassi. That's final!")

Jassi slung her overnight bag across her shoulders and said calmly "Armaan, main jaa rahi hoon. Kal mujhe lene aa jaana."

("Armaan, I am leaving. Come and pick me up tomorrow.")

His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and with a growl of frustration he yelled savagely at her "TUM KAHIN NAHIN JAAOGI! Suna tumne? I don't believe this Jassi. Tum mujhse door jaana chaahthi ho? Paagalon ki tarah main tumhaare aasme baitha hoon aur tum ho ki..."

("YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE!" Did you hear that? I don't believe this Jassi. How can you willingly agree to go away from me? Here I am, pining for you...but you don't care…")

"Kyonki mujhe tumse door rehneme bahut mazaa aata hai!" Jassi spat back.

("That's because I delight in staying away from you!")

The two glared at each other for a few moments.

"Jassi!" Armaan relinquished his vice-like grip on her shoulders and pleaded "I am sorry Jassi. Main tum pe chillana nahin chahtha tha. Lekin tum samajh thi kyon nahin ki main tumhaare bina ek pal ke liye bhi nahin reh saktha? Please mat jaao Jassi."

("I am sorry Jassi. I didn't mean to shout at you. But why don't you try and understand that every second without you is a punishment? Please don't go.")

Jassi squeezed his hands and said cajolingly "Armaan! Tum kyon nahin samajhthe ki main nahin jaaungi tho sabka dil toot jaayega. Please Armaan. main poori zindagi tumhaare paas hi tho rehne waali hoon. Ek din ki hi tho baat hai. Please jaane do?"

("Armaan! Why don't you try and understand my difficulty? I cannot hurt the rest of our family. I am going to stay with you for the rest of my life. It's just a matter of one day. Let me go. Please?")

Armaan sighed "Teekh hai Jassi. Lekin, mujhe miss karna.Main kal subah tumhain lene aa jaaonga."

("Alright Jassi. As you wish. Do miss me. I'll pick you tomorrow morning.")

"Subaah nahin shaam ko. Aur tumhain dinner ke liye bhi rukna padega."

("Not so soon Armaan. Come for me in the evening. You will have to dine with us.")

Armaan groaned "Oh Jassi! Tumhaare bina ek ek pal mere liye bhaari padega."

("God Jassi! I don't know how I'm going to endure this separation.")

Jassi smilingly ruffled his hair and kissed his cheeks "Ab main jaaon?"

("Shall I get going now?")

Armaan nodded his head reluctantly and whispered"Kal shaam tak Jassi! I Love you!'

("Until tomorrow Jassi! I love you!")

********

Needless to say that the Walias had left no stone unturned to pamper their daughter and make the most of her one night stay. Bebe and Nandu had teased her so much so that she felt her cheeks had acquired a permanent red color.

Back in her old haven; her room, Jassi felt that nothing had changed. She looked around and smiled. Everything was the same; only its occupant had changed…she had changed from a sorry, miserable little ugly duckling to a confident, successful, happily married woman!

She went to the window and smiled at the moon that had been her companion on so many lonely and desolate nights.

Suddenly, a whimsical buoyancy assailed her spirits and she pirouetted till she was ready to faint.

Drunk with happiness and giggling uncontrollably, she opened a drawer and whipped out her diary; her confidante of so many untold secrets and so many bespoken feelings and thoughts.

She turned the pages 'Armaan Sir par Blue bahut achcha lagtha hai. Lekin main unse kaise kahoon?'…'Kaash Mallika ma'am ke jagah main hothi.'…'I love you Armaan Sir. Sir nahin. Aaj ke baad, main apne diaryme main aapko sirf Armaan bulaaungi. I love you Armaan!'…'Aaj main mar gayi aur mujhe us insaan ne maar daala jis par maine sabse zyaada bharosa kiya tha aur jisse maine sabse zyada pyar kiya tha…'…'Ye aakhri baar hoga jab hum ek doosre ke baahonme the. Kal ke baad, Armaan sir aur Gulmohur ke saath mera koi rishtha nahin rahega...'…'Mujhe mera pyar mil gaya hai. Armaan Sir bhi mujhse utna hi pyar karthe hain jitna ki main unse. Ab hamaare beech koi nahin aa saktha…'…'…Main Armaan ko barbaad kar doongi…'...'Mujhe yakeen nahin aata ki Armaan aur main phirse ek hain. Maine sochatha ki Goame main Armaan ke khwaabon ka anthim sanskaar kar doongi. Mujhe kya patha tha ki yahaan hamaari zindagi ki ek haseen shuruvaat hogi…'…'Kal hamaari shaadi hai. Ajeeb sa dar lag raha hai…'

(These are the various diary entries of Jassi back from her dreary Gulmohur days to the joyful present.)

Jassi sat motionless, as the wind whipped loose tendrils of hair about her face and caused the blood to rush to her temples. The soft beams of the moon fell on her, radiating her face with an exquisite unearthliness making her look strangely girlish.

As the wind howled away and rain splattered against the window panes, a slow triumphant smile spread across her face.

Still smiling, Jassi turned the page to the current date and wrote just one sentence 'Mera naam Mrs.Jasmeet Armaan Suri hai!'

('My name is Mrs.Jasmeet Armaan Suri!')

Her face then broke in to a huge smile.

********

********

"Armaan beta. Itna kam khaathe ho. Tabhi itne duble lag rahe ho."

("Armaan, you eat too little. Have some more.")

"Nahin Bebe. Main already paanch paranthe kha chuka hoon. Ye gulab jamun main bilkul bhi nahin kha saktha….aah..."

("No Bebe. I'm stuffed. I've aready taken five Paranthas. My stomach has no place for this Gulab Jamun…aah…")

As Billu got ready to stuff an unusually large looking Samosa in to his mouth, Armaan turned his eyes piteously at Jassi with a long suffering look and silently begged her to rescue him. Jassi shrugged her shoulders. He was their damaad after all and he had to endure their khaathirdhaari!

"Tum log honeymoon ke liye kahaan jaa rahe ho?" Amrit enquired of her son-in-law.

("Where are you both going for your honeymoon?")

Armaan said excitedly "Venice! Dad aur Mom ne bhi apna honeymoon wahinpe manaaya tha."

("Venice! My parents' too had honeymooned at Venice. In their time.")

Billu thundered "Venice? Tum donon Venice nahin jaaoge! Sunaa hai ki vahaan paani hi paani hai. Jassi ko paani se dar lagtha hai. Woh paanime gir gayi tho? Use thairna tak nahin aatha. Nahin! Venice koi nahin jaayega."

("Venice? Out of the question! I have heard that Venice is full of water. What if Jassi slipped and fell? She doesn't even know how to swim. Nobody is going to Venice!")

Armaan was taken aback. He stared at Billu in numb disbelief "Ji?"

"Nahin ka matlab nahin. Koi Venice nahin jaayega!"

("It's final! Nobody is going to Venice.")

A shocked silence cloyed the room.

Bebe broke the silence "Chup kar Billu! Armaan beta, tum iski chintha mat kar. Ye bachpan se hi aisa hai."

("Enough Billu! Armaan, don't bother your head about him. He has never grown up.")

"Lekin Bebe…Teek hai. Tho fir, main bhi inke sath jaaunga."Billu declared.

("But Bebe…Fine! In that case I will accompany them." Billu declared.)

Armaan and Jassi exchanged horrified glances.

"Billu, tumhaara dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai kya? Tu inke saath honeymoon pe jaayega? Arrey, is umarme bachche ghoomenge phirenge nahin, mauj masti nahin karengen tho kya tum aur main karenge? Armaan Jassi Venice jaa rahen hain, bas! Aur khabardaar Billu agar phirse aisi ulti seedhi baat ki tho."

("Billu, have you lost it? How can you even think of wanting to accompany them on their honeymoon? By jove, let the children enjoy. Armaan and Jassi are going to Venice and that's it. And don't you dare come up with such nonsense ever again!")

The relief was obvious in Armaan's face and he smiled at Bebe gratefully.

Stung by the rebuff, Billu launched in to a long offensive against his damaad.

Assuming an attitude of polite attention, Armaan listened to Mr.Walia lecture on how a man ought to treat his wife and warn him in no uncertain terms that if he ever dared hurt his Queen Victoria in any way, that would certainly be the last of him.

With solemn earnestness, Armaan allayed his father-in law's fears "Papaji, Jassi meri zingdagi hai. Aur main apni zindagi par kisi bhi tarah ka aanch tak nahin aane dunga. Ye mera aapse vaada raha Papaji ki main mar jaaunga lekin apki Queen Victoria ko kuch nahin hone donga…"

("Papaji, Jassi is my life. I promise you that as long as I live, no harm will ever befall your Queen Victoria and my life…"

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

In the car, Armaan said with reluctant admiration"You know Jassi, pehle muje tumhaare Papaji ka tumhaare or possessive honese bahut chid hothi thi. Lekin aaj jab maine apne aapko unki jagah rakha, tho samajhme aaya ki ve tumse bahut zyada pyar karthe hain aur tumhain har dar, dukh aur takleef se bachaana chaahthe hain. Woh sakth nazar aathe hain lekin hain nahin. Kaash main bhi unhin ki tarah ek achcha papa ban paaun."

("You know Jassi, I used to find your father's possessiveness towards you highly annoying. But, today I put myself in his shoes and I realized that his possessiveness is actually his excessive love for you. He wants to shelter you from every hurt, every pain in this world. He looks tough but in reality he is an extremely loving father. How I wish I could be like him.")

Jassi looked at him surprised.

Armaan nodded and said wistfully"Haan Jassi main Papaji ki tarah ek achcha pita banna chaahtha hoon. Lekin chaah kar bhi unki tarah nahin ban saktha. Tum bahut lucky ho Jassi."

("Yes Jassi. I would like to be as good a father as Papaji. But I know that try what I may, I can never equal him in this respect. You are very lucky jassi.")

Jassi took his hands in hers and whispered "Haan Armaan. Main bahut lucky hoon. Lekin hamaari beti aur bhi lucky hogi kyonki tum uske papa hoge…"

(Yes Armaan. I am lucky. But our daughter will be even luckier because she will have you as her father…")

********

Jassi was in the kitchen speaking to Billu on the phone, when Armaan stealthily crept up behind her and tightly wound his arm around her wasit.

A squeal escaped Jassi as he gently stroked her arms and turned her to face him…his hands cradled her face…his lips brushed hers…soft and undemanding, pure and tentative…his very touch was magical…a joyful sensation gripped her…Armaan's left hand tipped her face towards him and his lips sought hers urgently…

The heady taste of the early morning kiss made her tipsy and anxious for more…

"Jassi beta? Kya hua?"

("Jassi? Child, are you there? Is everything ok?")

Jassi's eyelids flew open and she pushed Armaan away and said contritely"Ji woh...main…kuch nahin Papaji. Ek cockroach thang kar raha hai."

("Well….I...actually...nothing Papaji. There's a cockroach that's bothering me.")

Armaan gave her a cheeky grin and kissed the softness of her face and neck "Mmmmm…."

Billu, disturbed by the squirming noises said anxiously"Beta, tho us cockroach ka kuch karthi kyon nahin?"

("Jassi, why don't you do something about that cockroach?")

Jassi glared at her husband "Haan papaji. Lagtha hai is cockroack ka kuch karna hi padega! Bahut zyada thang kar raha hai! Bye Papaji."

("You are right papaji. I better do something about him. I'll catch you later. Bye Papaji.")

"Armaan!"

He looked at her innocently "Kya hua Jassi? Itna gussa? Waise kya kisine tumse kaha hai ki gusseme tum aur bhi zyada khoobsurat lagthi ho?"

("What's wrong Jassi? And why are you so angry? By the way, has anybody told you before that you look ever better when angry?")

"Armaan, tum tho bas jahaan chaho shuru ho jaate ho! Papaji kya soch rahe honge?"

("Armaan! You are incorrigible! I wonder what papaji must be thinking.")

Armaan mumbled incoherently "Woh in sab cheezon ke baareme sochthe kahaan hain!"

("If only he thought about such things.")

Jassi demanded "Kya kaha?"

("Did you say something?")

Armaan kissed the nape of her neck and said accusingly "Jassi jab bhi tumhaare saath hota hoon tho tum aise behave karthi ho jaiseki main apni padosi ki patni ko chhed raha hoon!"

(Jassi, whenever I am with you, you give me the feeling that I'm flirting with my neighbor's wife!")

Jassi roughly pushed him in to a kitchen chair and ordered "Ab chup chaap chaai piyo aur mujhe kaam karne do. Samjhe?"

("Now drink up your tea quietly and allow me to do my chores.")

"Jassi, chaai kadwi hai. Shayad cheeni daalna bhool gayi ho."

("Jassi, the tea is bitter. You have perhaps forgotten the sugar."

Jassi frowned "Lekin maine tho cheeni daala tha."

("But I did put in sugar.")

Armaan offered her his cup so she could check for herself.

She sipped and exclaimed "Meethi hi tho hai!"

("It is sweet.")

Armaan took back his cup, sipped and said "Hmmm...ab meethi hai!"

(Hmmmm…Now, it's sweet!")

Jassi blushed a rosy red.

**********

Armaan was buried in a heap of Gulmohur files when his wife walked in and settled herself before the dressing table, in front of the mirror.

As she applied sindoor and made up her lips, eyes and face, she found a pair of warm chocolate brown eyes laced with lazy laughter, watching her from across the bed.

Abandoning her make-up, she walked over to her husband and pronounced "Armaan tumhain sazaa milegi!"

("Armaan it's paytime for your sins. Get ready for punishment.")

"Sazaa? Kis liye?"

("Excuse me? Punishment for what?")

"Armaan, tumne aaj tak mujhe bahut sataaya hai, bahut dukh diya hai. Un sab ke liye praashchith karne ka waqt aa gaya!"

("Till date, you have given me innumerable trouble. The time has come to atone for your sins!")

With that she brandished her fists and made as if to hit him. Armaan squeezed his eyes shut.

Jassi gently punched his face.

Armaan gingerly opened his eyes and found bright teasing eyes gazing at him. She smiled coquettishly and slowly pulled him towards her by his tie…and kissed him softly; on the mouth…

Moments later she drew back and wondered at the source of her boldness. But then she was with Armaan…

Shyly, she glanced at him from beneath her lowered lashes.

Eyes closed, Armaan whispered, "Can you do that again please?"

Jassi blushed furiously but nevertheless complied with her husband's wishes…this time with more intensity, more passion…and with more than just a kiss…

*********

"Armaan, tum galath ho. Gujrals ke reputation tho dekho. Nahin Armaan. I think tumhain ye contract Maans ko hi dena chaahiye."

(Armaan, I think you are wrong about giving this contract to the Gujrals. Their reputation stinks. I think the Maans deserve this contract.")

"Mom, aapke business sense ko kya ho gaya hai? You know Maans are pathetic, phir bhi unhain favor kar rahin hain? Agar humne ye contract unhain de diya, tho samjh lijiye Gulmohur ki ho chuki…"

(Mom, what's happened to your business acumen? How can you favor the Maans who are absolutely pathetic? They will be a blight on Gulmohur's future.")

"Armaan, main kisiko favor nahin kar rahi aur please tum mujhe business mat sikhaao. Pichle board meetingme tumne hi tho kaha tha …"

("Armaan, I am not favoring anybody. And don't you dare teach me business. Weren't you the one who suggested at the last board meeting that…"?)

Jassi and Puru, sipping tea were content to be silent spectators to this heated argument.

When the argument turned particularly violent, father-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a conspiratorial smile. The bickering pair before them could not possibly know that Puru and Jassi had already signed the contract with the Mehtas.

An amused smile crossed Jassi's face as she wondered how the other two would react when the fact became known to them, if it did, that is…

Puru stood up "Bas karo tum donon. Armaan Jassi, tum donon ke liye Ila aur mere tarafse ek surprise hai."

("Enough both of you! Armaan and Jassi, Ila and I have a surprise for the two of you.")

Ila and Puru smiled at each other as the newly weds looked at Puru expectantly.

With the air of a conjurer, Puru fished out an envelope and handed it to Jassi "Jassi beta, ye rahe tum donon ke honeymoon tickets. Venice ke liye do dinme nikalnaa hoga."

(Jassi, here are your honeymoon tickets. You wil have to leave for Venice in two days.")

Jassi turned a dismayed face to him "Do din? Lekin Dad, itni jaldi...packing bhi tho karni hai..."

(Just two days? But Dad, we have the packing too to attend to…")

"Packing kar lenge Jassi!" (We will manage Jassi!") Armaan said quickly but at the bemused chuckles from his parents, he said red-faced "I mean, thanks Dad! Thanks Mom. I love you!"

Ila kissed theem and sent them upstairs to pack.

Looking after them Ila sighed with satisfaction"Puru, aaj kal main mandir jaati hoon tho kuch bhi maangne ki ichcha nahin hothi. Bhagwaan ne itni khushi dedi hai ki sametne ke liye do haath kam pad rahain hain. Jessi hamaare bete aur hamaare liye ek vardaan banke aayi hai,"

(Puru, these days whenever I visit the temple, I find no need to ask for anything. God has given us so much happiness that I am filled to the brim. Jessi is a boon to us and our son.")

Puru patted her hand "Ila, ye kya keh rahi ho? Abhi tho khushiyon ne dastak deni shuru ki hai. Sabse zyaada khushi tho tab hogi jab hamaari Jassi hamain hamaare potha pothi degi."

("Ila, this is only the beginning. The greatest happiness will be when our Jassi will gift us our grandchildren.")

"Oh Puru! Main us din ke liye besabri se intezaar kar rahi hoon. Bas woh din jaldi se aa jaaye…"

(Oh Puru! I'm awaiting that day with the utmost eagerness. Wish that day will hurry up…")

**********

Upstairs, her heart beating a happy tattoo, Jassi hummed away a merry tune and chocked up their suitcases with clothes and other necessities.

Her husband gave her all the help he could by propping up on the bed on an elbow and distracting her by his dimpled smile and smouldering glances.

Exasperated, with hands on her hips, she turned and fixed him with a steely glare "Kya saahabzaade mujhe yun dekhthe hi rahenge ya phir honeymoon ke liye kapde bhi pack karenge?"

(Will his highness stop staring and do me a favor by packing up his clothes for the honeymoon?")

Armaan said in a throaty voice "Jassi, hum honeymoon par jaa rahain hain. Kapdon ki zaroorat hai?"(Sorry. Cannot translate.)😳

Scandalized, Jassi whacked him with a pillow "Armaan! Itne besharam ho!"

("Armaan! You are shockingly shameless!")

"Well Jassi! Kal raat ko tho tumhain mere harqathon se, mere baaton se koi problem nahin thi? In fact tum tho…"He winked at her.

(Sorry. Cannot translate.)😳

Jassi turned her back to him abruptly, hoping to conceal from him her blazing cheeks.

Her reaction only extracted a wicked grin from him.

Suddenly, a great wave of tiredness hit him and to Jassi's great wonderment, Armaan promptly went in to a deep sleep, as innocently and blissfully as a child. She watched his chest go up and down in rhythmic contentment.

Unable to resist, she passed her hands over the muscled expanse of his manly chest and caressed his rippling biceps "Armaan Sir!" She whispered "Yakeen nahin aata ki ab aap mere hain…sirf mere….sirf Jassi ke!"

("Armaan Sir! I cannot believe that finally you are mine… only mine…only Jassi's…")

She kissed his shoulders softly and went back to her packing, a faint smile hovering on her lips 'Who says life is not a bed of roses?'

'Venice here we come!'

********

Venice!!!

However much one has read or heard about the visual impact of Venice, it never fails to take one by surprise and it is difficult not to be romantic about the place...It isn't just the palaces, the architecture, the bridges…

It is the ethereal combination of light and water, of spaces and voices, of footsteps and sounds from a bygone era…

Especially, the element of water is its essence.

Back in their cottage, Jassi stirred as the gentle morning light contrasting with chillness pricked at her eyelids.

Her first impression of Venice was acoustic as normal sensations subliminally ceased and new ones took their place- sounds different from the land she and Armaan had left…

Suddenly she felt another sensation, only this time it wasn't the misty chillness.

It was definitely male, and he was holding her from the back.

Upon further investigation, she saw Armaan's arm wrapped across her middle.

Think! She urged herself. But how was a gal supposed to think with all this body heat?

She should try to get out of the bed. Yes.

That was definitely the first thing she should do. So…she wiggled a little trying to inch her way towards the edge of the bed, but the arm began to tighten and she found herself closer to him than before!

Okay, she thought, Plan. Did she really want a Plan?

A little voice seemed to chirp in her ear.

Well, no…YES. She HAD to get out of this bed before…well…before IT happened! It was early morning! It called for a plan of action. She would simply remove his arm and get out of the bed. It would wake him up, but so what. So, she picked his arm up but it clamped right back down. She tried again. Same thing. She tried a third time, and she couldn't even move it.

She sighed "Tum jago ho. Hai na?"

("You're awake, aren't you.")

"Yes."

Great! "Uh…Zara apna haath hataaoge? Mujhe uthna hai."

("Uh…Can you move your arm? I need to get up.")

"No."

A man of flowery words, he was not.

"Armaan mujhe bathroom jaana hai." she said, trying a different tactic.

("Armaan, I have to go to the bathroom." )

"Woh kya hota hai?"he asked, lazily as he began to kiss her shoulder.

("What is a bath room?")

"Well, it's a room you bathe in and…you know…go to," she answered feebly.

The lips were getting to her.

"Hmmmmm," he grunted and took her ear between his teeth.

She took a deep breath and tried to breathe normally"Armaan…um…mujh jaana hai…samjha karo!"

("Well…um…as I was saying…I need to get up to…you know…go!")

"Hmmmmm." His hand began to creep up in dangerous territories!

Panic made her push against his arm again.

This time, she caught him off guard and was able to slide off the bed. Quickly she readjusted her gown with a sly grin.

He sighed and rolled on his back "Jassi, itni berukhi kyon ho? Tum meri patni ho!"

("Jassi, you cannot be so cruel! You are my wife!")

"Amaan, tum mujhe jaanbujh ke behkaane ki koshish kar rahe the!"

("You were deliberately trying to seduce me!")

He sat up and ran a hand through his dark tresses "Jassi, mujhe tumhain behkaane ki zarurat nahin. Tum meri patni ho. Mera tum par haq bantha hai…"

("I don't have to seduce my own wife! I can have my own way, at will...")

She opened her mouth to retort, but then closed it. With a smile she asked,"Phir haq kyon nahin jamaathe?"

("Then why didn't you?")

Armaan frowned "Main koshish hi tho kar raha tha."

("I was trying")

"Tho kya hua? Mujhe jagaake apna haq kyun nahin aazmaaya, hmmmm?"

("What stopped you from just waking me up and having your wicked way, hmmmm?")

"Main sochtha tha ki auraten kuch zyada hi sochthi hain."

("I have always surmised that women think too much.")

But he didn't look so irritated anymore. He'd relaxed against the pillows.

"So," (Tho") she began,"Aaj kya karne ka iraada hai?" ("What can we do, today?")

He lifted an eyebrow "Kuch bhi nahin." ("We are doing nothing.")

She didn't even turn around. "Yeah, sure. Whatever."

And she left the room…

Yawning, Armaan got up from the bed with a smile on his face, which nowadays appeared to be a permanent fixture...

Outside, he found the clouds darkening.. It was misty and it was starting to drizzle…

It almost seemed like Netherworld…

Breaking himself from his reverie, he left the room.

He saw Jassi on the telephone talking to the Walia's…He turned the speaker on, and he spoke with them too.

But, having Jassi near him, all to himself, was tooooo tempting and he playfully started playing with her hair…Jassi kept resisting him, but Armaan just ignored her and continued with his intense and focused exploration of her face…

Just when things were getting a bit too dangerous, Nandu came on the phone and DAMN!!

Jassi and Nandu had to do that atti-batti thing.. And Nandu started talking to Armaan about Gulmohur and stuff…

Armaan desperately wished that Nandu would stop…

But he just kept droning on and on and on…Armaan was fast reaching the limits of impatience and he really wanted to hit Nandu's head with a 1000 tonne hammer..

But, Nandu blissfully continued with his pompous speech…

Finally, Armaan said "Nandu..yaar..kuch suna nahin de raha…Bye…" ("Nandu…it's getting static…I am not able to hear anything...Bye...")

And he slammed down the receiver, relieved…

The expression on Armaan's face was priceless and Jassi burst out laughing at his predicament…

Armaan glared at her but but jassi was enjoying herself immensely and with bored voice said, "Armaan, aaj kal tumhaare nazarmain woh pehle wali baat nahin rahi. Mujh par unka koi asar nahin ho raha…"and she ran off laughing gaily…

(Armaan…Your stares just refuse to work with me…Not at all impressive!!")

A few moments later, both of them were dressed and were ready to explore the city... But by them it had started to rain heavily.. And Jassi with excitement ran out into the rain…

Out in the rain, the world seemed mellower…

With gay abandon, she started prancing about and jumping in and out of a huge puddle of water…It had been a real long time since she let go of herself, her prim dignity…

The feeling of being free, in love, being loved and experiencing all that is beautiful overwhelmed her and she continued enjoying herself with childish innocence…

Her infectious laugh caught Armaan's ears and he rushed out into the rain…He pulled her towards him playfully and whispered into her ears,"Jassi, paasme ek sundar jheel hai…wahaan chalthe hain…" (" Jassi, there is a beautiful pond nearby... Come let's go…")

Jassi was all smiles and expressing her consent, both of them rushed out and ran through the one-way street at the back of their cottage…

The regular sound of rain dropping on the ground, almost seemed musical…

Few kids were playing in the rain and Jassi and Armaan joined them…Wading into the huge pool of water, the almost ridiculous group of grown ups and kids, jumped in and out, pulling and pushing each other…

Bidding goodbye, Jassi and Armaan, left the kids…

A few moments later they reached the pond…

The area was quiet around the pond.

It was serene.

There in the area enhanced by the many low bushes and few tall trees Jassi felt vulnerable for the first time...But Armaan just dint seemed to notice…

Quickly stripping himself he waded into the cool water...Jassi unashamedly watched the muscles in his broad back flex and ripple.

The water did look so cool and inviting.

The water was relaxing to her over wrought over heated body, as she aloowed its gentleness to kiss her feet...

She stood there letting it claim her body and enjoyed the feel of it.

Jassi turned to see that he was treading in the water only a few feet from her, he was watching her and he smiled. She didn't know what he was thinking but that smile made her senses reel.

He was positively grinning mischievously from ear to ear, before he turned away again.

When she looked back at where Armaan had been swimming he was gone.

He hadn't passed her on his way back to the shore so where was he?

Panicking, Jassi stood up in the shallows baring herself from the waist up to search for him.

Where was he?

She jumped and caught her breath as Armaan surfaced abruptly from under the surface of the water in front of her.

He shook the water from his hair in one powerful movement.

Jassi turned, attempting to scramble for shore to get away from him, suddenly vulnerable and shy.

Armaan reached out and grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her struggling body close to his effortlessly.

The force nearly knocking the wind completely out of her.

Armaan wouldn't release her and she struggled in vain.

Using one strong hand he captured her face, turning her so that he could fully possess her lips with his own.

One hand slipped to the small of her bare back and he held her more loosely. It wasn't a gentle kiss "Put your arms around me Jassi." Armaan demanded when she had not made a single effort to move.

But Jassi was too stunned at the feel of his very male body pressed against hers.

Jassi could feel every inch of him against her and she wondered how his very presence converted her in to less than strawberry crush; everytime!

Armaan stared intently into Jassi's nervous eyes, holding her with the very essence of him.

Then very slowly as if drawn he brought his warm mouth down on hers again.

This time the kiss was gentle, almost reverent.

She noticed that Armaan's kiss was turning even gentler and coaxing His eyes were closed to her. He kissed her, willing her to part her lips to his warmth. She was being drawn to him like a moth to a flame, one that would consume.

She was vitally aware of him as he drew his hand lingeringly up her back in one sweeping caress.

Jassi became aware of his burning desire as he drew her lips to his, molding her to him at the same time she became aware of her own smoldering desires.

Her senses were swamped with sparks, heightened by the coolness of the water against her body and his male warmth…

With a ragged sigh Armaan opened his glazed blue eyes and released her, gathering his stability quickly. "Sorry I forgot myself."

He cleared his throat; his voice was low and husky…

Armaan and Jassi decided to leave for their cottage, with Jassi feeling so conscious…

But Armaan managed to humor and comfort her innocent trembling and holding her against him they finally reached their place…And they spent the entire day inside, laughing and talking sweet nothings and just enjoying the companionship of each other…Night went and morning came…

Jassi woke up to the early morning smells filled with the redolent fragrance of flowers and autumn air...

Jassi stretched herself and looked at Armaan sleeping peacefully, with innocence radiating, beside her…

Placing a gentle kiss on his lips as she ruffled his hair, she rushed outside with her skirts rustling…

With sheer exultation she fell onto the grass wondering at the sparkling morning.. Laughing delightedly she lay on her back and stretched herself in languid enjoyment…

"People will think that u are silly, if they watch you smiling to yourself?? Or, is it me, Jassi??"

Armaan, looking boyish, with his unkempt hair, roguish look, and an annoyingly overbearing attitude, was grinning at her devilishly…Jassi knew that Armaan was up to something, and she turned towards him and with an absolutely unimpressive seriousness said, "Armaan, I know what you are thinking and don't you dare.." Her eyes widened as Armaan stealthily yet purposedly moved towards her..

" ARMAAN!! Don't..."

And momentarily forgetting her prim dignity, she scrambled away hurriedly…

But with her long skirt impeding her progress and Armaan pulling her towards him, she tumbled back into the grass along with him, with her on her back and Armaan on top of her…And in a seducing voice Armaan said, "Mmmmmm…Delicious. Inviting. And temptingly luscious…Flaming red…I just can't resist myself from enjoying the pleasure of tasting..."

Hearing Armaan's words, Jassi blushed a crimson red and nervously running her tongue over her lips she said, "Armaaaan…Stop."

Sensing her shyness, Armaan with mock seriousness said, "Oh no Jassi…you have got it all wrong…Whatever made you think that I was describing you…I was admiring that tiny little red berry on the shrub..."

On hearing him, her eyes widened with fury and her mouth drew into a tight little pout and she defiantly avoided meeting his eyes…

Her furious look amused Armaan to a great extent and he threw back his head laughing and moving away from top of her, rolled on the grass beside her unable to control himself... Furiously pulling herself up, Jassi went inside with a huff, and she thought to herself, "Armaan... How dare you???…."

Armaan followed her and went about dressing himself, whistling and singing gaily…

In a few minutes he was ready and after what seemed an eternity Jassi came down… Seeing her walking towards him, took his breath away…

Radiantly glowing, almost ethereal, she looked like a nymph.. Graceful, slender and delicate…

There was a certain warmth and comfort emanating from her that he felt complete…Armaan knew that he was a lucky man indeed. But Jassi refused to meet his eyes and walked past him without a glance…Abstractedly contemplating, he moved towards Jassi and with an apologetic look he said,"Jassi…I am sorry..."

"Not accepted..."

"Please Jassi…I'd like to put an end to this verbal jostling..."

He advanced and falling to one knee looked at her with soulful eyes and said, "Jassi…Please…" Jassi hid a smile of her own.

The man had a most endearing lack of control when it came to his dealings with her. She smiled fully now. The mood had now turned jovial and familiar and both Armaan and Jassi walked hand in hand, making their way past the crowd.

The excitement of the city was infecting her own mood and she found herself falling under the spell and charm of the city…

Since it was off season, there were no crowds…

It was the Venetians everyday city.. Armaan took Jassi's hand and they rounded the corner of the incredible St.Mark's Basilica, and taking in all the sights and spectacles of Venice, the shops full of expensive junk, museums and galleries, they were forming a Venice of their own…

They sat warmly in a caf while outside the hardy musicians performed nostalgic palm-court pieces…

As the afternoon shadows lengthened, they enthusiastically continued exploring the place... They turned up a narrow side street and ambled before peaceful gardens surrounded by iron fences.

A small stone house stood in the center of one garden and was framed by long-stemmed, luxuriant, early-blooming iris. They stopped, and Armaan placed his arm around Jassi's shoulders as a pair of young children tumbled around the side of the house.

Their youthful laughter was unrestrained as they roughhoused unabashedly and disappeared behind the other end of the house.

Armaan's arm moved down to Jassi's waist, and they continued their walk. The gesture seemed completely natural to both.

They spoke easily and touched with spontaneous intimacy as one or the other of them pointed out a sight of interest or a particularly curious happening.

The early twilight had faded to a soft blue-black evening before they entered a small restaurant where they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.

The pleasant strains of a small consort of stringed instruments wafted through the golden warmth of the cozy dining room.

Jassi abstractedly hummed along while Armaan watched her and listened to her lovely voice with tender regard.

When the familiar coda began, Armaan took up the song in his own clear baritone.

The two harmonized the sweet melody and laughed, as they sang, over the impossibly romantic lyrics and did not realize that all eyes in the room had turned to watch the tall, handsome gentleman and the fair, jewel-like gentlewoman sing together in spontaneous joy.

Finally, ending the song with a flourish of complex harmony, Armaan and Jassi noticed the approving gazes of the other diners.

With smiles and unselfconscious delight, they accepted the light applause that complimented their performance.

The other diners, who, without pressing the songsters for another one, went back to their own conversations and food, respected the couple's obvious bliss in each other's company.

They then left the place and quietly, almost afraid to disturb the stillness of the night, walked along the Bridge of Sighs...The sheer visual goodness and aural sublimity amazed them immensely…

The black water, the calling of bargemen, wild sea-bird noises, as every now and then a laden vessel passed…The palaces were almost in darkness and the late autumn air, with its mellow tone and rich colors was tinged with glad content.. With their hearts brimming with quiet happiness, they slowly turned and left for the cottage…

Starlight shimmered in the wide arch of the night sky as they walked slowly to the entrance.

They stopped before the gate.

Jassi turned to him and looked up into his gleaming dark eyes.

Silver moonlight played on the planes of his sculpted face, and his dark hair shimmered in the star-frosted night.

From somewhere a small light gleamed yellow and caught Jassi's face as she gazed, with liquid eyes, at Armaan.

He looked down at her for a long moment. They were slowly losing themselves to the intensity of the moment…

And Armaan said, "Jassi…I may not be the perfect husband.. I have my own vulnerabilities and frailities... But you make me perfect.. I love you.."

And he gently traced the curves on her face, wondering at the fleck of gold in her eyes.. Unable to meet the burning passion and gentle love, Jassi ran inside as Armaan followed her

He closed the door softly and advanced slowly until he stood directly in front of her and looked down into her great limpid eyes.

Her perfect face shimmered, her almond shaped eyes were downcast and her luscious hair lay like velvet upon her white shoulders. He did not touch her, but she could feel the warmth of his body upon hers.

At last he touched her cheek so lightly that she wondered if she only imagined the touch.

She looked up into his eyes that were hooded and filled with a glowing tenderness. "Beautiful," he breathed.. And holding her gently, Armaan said,"Jassi, I want you to wear this tonight..."

Saying so, he placed a packet in her hands…

With childlike curiosity, she opened the wrapper, but to to her disappointment, she found the parcel empty.."

Armaan.. it's empty…There's nothing.." And Armaan in a very low voice said, "Jassi.. That is what I want you to wear tonight.. Nothing..."

The seductive voice, the eroticism, the night air, the chillness, the all male warmth-everything mesmerized Jassi and the thought of wearing "the exotic dress-nothing" affected her and she turned away from him shyly…

Seeing her stand there, looking so feminine and innocent and virginal, took Armaan's breath away and he drew her to his lean length.

His lips took hers in a soft exploring kiss. This was the beginning. Armaan groaned softly as he looked down into her shimmering eyes"I love you with all my heart", he said huskily.

They stood that way for a long moment.

She felt his hands tenderly caressing her whole body and his lips kissing her hair. Then lifting her face with one large hand, he trailed kisses along her forehead and eyes and cheeks, and finally, his mouth found hers.

The embrace of his lips was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Warm swells of excitement began to flow through her body and, without understanding what was happening to her, or caring, Jassi felt her arms encircling his neck. Her fingers entwined at the nape of his neck.

The room swam, and she closed her eyes to receive him in whatever way he wished.

She felt herself swept easily from her feet and carried to the great bed. As he lay her on her back, she felt his weight follow her. She did not know what to expect, but at this moment she did not care. She only knew that he was touching her body and his touches were somehow detached from the two of them and were part of a universal and all consuming pleasure.

Jassi reached up and brushed her fingertips over the taut flesh on his cheekbones. She found that her hands wanted to touch every part of him, and she trailed her fingers down his neck and shoulders. She felt him stiffen at her touch and wondered once again if she had been too bold.

His breathing was ragged, and he framed her face with his big hands.

The fires of passion consumed them and their world exploded in a dizzying turbulence of stars and suns and pulsing torrents of flame.

Then, as suddenly, she sank deep into a soft enveloping darkness, and her body relaxed with a trembling joy.

When she opened her eyes, Armaan was gazing down at her.

She felt his love as a palpable presence and knew that he was, to her, the heart of her life.

In the quiet stillness of the night, soft strains of a romantic song wafted gently through the cold, night air 'You fill up my senses, like the light in the forest, like the mountains in spring time, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like the sleepy blue ocean…You fill up my senses. Come fill me again…Come let me love you, let me give my love to you, let me drown in your laughter, let me die in your arms, let me lie down beside you; let me always be with you. Come let me love you. Come love me again...'

And they did fall in love all over again, reveling in the beauty, innocence and blissfulness of love, of their togetherness...

***********

Liked our humble Christmas present?😳

The major credit must go to Eni, for, this project is her brainchild. She is also responsible for the fantafabulous nocturnal adventure scene and the Venice scenes!👏

You rock partner Eni and thanks for the honor.

The EniDee wishes all a merry Christmas and a Bright Peppy New Year!🤗

May all your dreams come true!

Also prays for the victims of natural and induced calamities.

God be with them.

Amen

Thank you for your time guys and God Bless

Cheers!

Mary (Enigma)

Deepa Iyer

😃

P.s: And guys, do tell us which are your favorite scenes and why?

😃

deepa that was amazing and i havnt read all parts yet
but i hope its not edited
i want to read whole bt my time is up here
wud chek on u tomm
and comment more
this all cant be read fast
so please excuse me for my lack of commentsn ow
i want to cherish this

Originally posted by: buff

1)increase the font size
2)it'll take me half n hour to read this

I am sorry Buffy!

Been trying for the alst 15minutes to increase the font size, in vain! And it's all getting crowded. Esp the last part.😭

😭

Please save it in word and increase font size and read.

Sorry for the inconvinience. maybe some mod can help?😕

Originally posted by: chatterbox

deepa that was amazing and i havnt read all parts yet
but i hope its not edited
i want to read whole bt my time is up here
wud chek on u tomm
and comment more
this all cant be read fast
so please excuse me for my lack of commentsn ow
i want to cherish this

Thanks Chatty!

Enigma wrote all the Venice and the first scene!

We are glad you like the few scenes you have read. Eagerly awaiting your comments tomorrow.

😃

deepa i hv saved all of this on my comp and wud u belive it has 33 pages and it wud take me time to read all that
wud get bck to u when i m done with
how did u manage to write so much
and btw if u know 2nd jan janda is gettin married
so dont miss that episode

OMIGOSH.....duniya paagal hai...yaa phir mein hi deewani...!!i have gone bonkers deepa..it will take time for me to settle after reading this "epic"..love you ..armaan and jassi forever..!!

Love-Hema
(P.S. Mods..pleae spare me..sorry but i am really devoid of words and gone insane with happiness after reading deepas story..so exzcuse me and dont give me warning.. )