Kashmakash -thread 2-Epilogue(pg 99) - Page 24

Some one is having fun at our expense... 😡...This week MIL visiting.. I will be back with a vengence... dhyan rakhana...

Divya, i am not scared of you...you have your hands full till December...

Great!! Waiting ...👏

we just want our next chapter😃

oooh waiting , waiting waitng

Chapter 19:

AShu's lips travel all over her neck as he tries to get his heartbeat to a semblance of normalcy: Nidhi?

Nidhi's only response in arching of her neck and a tired: hhmmm?

Ashu: I think (a kiss on her shoulder) we should (another one on her cheek) really (another one on her chin) get up (another one on her second cheek) now'

Nidhi: whats the time? (her hand blindly reaches for her phone that's on the side table and she clicks it: 5.45am) what time do we have to leave for the airport?

Ashu's hands are still running over her body when she holds his wrist to stop him. he finally raises his head and looks at her drowsy satiated eyes: the cab will be here at 7.

Nidhi snuggles deeper into the bed, turns her back towards him and pulls his arm around her so that it rests between her cheek and the pillow: 5 minutes. Please?

Ashu throws his leg over her pulling her even closer: look at it this way. The faster we leave, the faster we reach and the faster we reach'..

Nidhi: hhmmm that's a thought! but how do I get up if you don't let me?

Ashu starts rubbing is face in her spread out tangled hair: but I am not stopping you. and frankly, I don't think I am in a position to do anything after this 3^rd time. this itself might be considered a medical miracle. (Nidhi's giggle turns into an outright laugh) tumhe hasi aarahi hain madam? You DO know that I am 42 yrs old, right? Nidhi bites her lip to control her giggle, looks at his face and starts giggling again: so we are going on this trip so that you can relax over there?

Ashu grins: now you are talking of extremes. You think I need one week to recover? Amidst mutual laughter, both get up and Nidhi wraps her night gown and goes to freshen up and shower. In the act of searching for his glasses, Ashu pulls away the tangled blanket only to stop short at the obvious stain on the bed sheet. Nidhi rushes through her morning routine and shower and comes out in her bathrobe to find Ashu still sitting on the bed.

Nidhi: the bathroom is all yours si'I mean chweetu'.so better make it fast. (Ashu silently extends his hand asking her to come closer. Seeing his smile missing from his face, Nidhi frowns and sits beside him) what? What happened?

Ashu: Nidhi, did I hurt you last night? I mean was it too painful?

Nidhi: aap aisa kyon poochrahe hain? (he gestures towards the sheet and her face turns pink) you know medically why that happens and you also know that its normal na. don't think so much. I am fine. Its more of an ache now than pain. I swear. Now get up. Its getting late and I don't want to miss the flight. (with a sweet kiss on her forehead and a soft thank you, AShu gets up to get ready. Nidhi quickly changes and puts fresh sheets on the bed, takes the soiled ones to the washing machine. After a quick cup of coffee and a final farewell to BB and HK, they leave for the airport.)

Kerala: Kumarkaum Lake Resort: (for those of you interested in actually seeing the resort where AshNi stayed, here is the web site http://www.kumarakomlakeresort.in/heritage_lake_villas.html)

Nidhi: arre suniye, idhar dekhiye, yahaan toh pool bhi hain. par yeh kya? Open bathroom?

Ashu laughs: its not an open bathroom Nidhi. the walls are almost 15 ft high on all 4 sides. No one can see you.

Nidhi: haan par roof toh nahi hain. kissi ne chadke dekhliya toh?

Ashu rolls his eyes: I think they have better things to do than climb a 15ft wall with no support. Now, come on, want to go around and explore some more?

Nidhi hugs him from behind and rests her head on his back: jaana zaroori hain?

Ashu turns and wraps his arms around her: zaroori toh nahi hain'.hey, whats this? (his fingers touch a red mark on the juncture of her shoulder and neck) yeh mark kahan se aaya? Kisi keede ne kaata kya?

Nidhi: haan. Hain ek 6 ft lamba daadi wala keeda. Kal raat bhar mujhe kaat ta hi raha.

Understanding dawns in his eyes and a blush steals his cheeks: Nidhi'.tum bhi na. but seriously, don't you think its high time this beard went off?

Nidhi: but why? You look great with it. what if you don't look that great without it?

Ashu: Nidhi, I am not talking about amputation here. Its just a beard. It will grow back again. But for now I am going to shave it off.

Nidhi: arre par we are supposed to go around and explore'.

Ashu: later. This won't take long.

Nidhi: mein karoon?

Ashu: what?

Nidhi: I want to shave your beard. (Ashu doesn't know how to answer that and Nidhi gets a disappointed look on her face) ok. you do it yourself. I will'.

Ashu: ok you do it. (her face immediately lights up and she starts jumping up and down) ever did something like this before?

Nidhi gets a naughty look: are you asking me if I am experienced, Dr Ashutosh?

Ashu gives his lopsided smile: well, after last night, I could call you experienced.

Nidhi grins despite her blush: actually, once my baba fell and fractured his wrist. I helped him shave then. chaliye chaliye. Lets do this. (both go to the bathroom. Nidhi seats herself on the counter beside the sink and waits until Ashu applies the shaving cream and extends the razor to her after repeated warnings to her to be careful. Nidhi wraps both her legs around his waist and pulls him closer)

Ashu: arre par'

Nidhi: sshhh'. No talking or moving. Or this one will cut your cheek. Hold still. I said hold still. (her tongue pokes out of her mouth as she concentrates on her task and Ashu's attention fixes on the changing expressions on her face. The slight frown while she is concentrating, the tiny smile of achievement when she removes a small patch without hurting him, the movement of her tongue from one side of the lip to the other and the slight squirting of her nose. His hands slowly go to her waist before trying to go under her kurta top) you better stop that if you don't want me to slice off your face. Oh please! Stop it Dr Ashutosh!

Ashu turns his other cheek towards her: I thought you said you won't call me that any more.

Nidhi: almost done chweetuji. Yeh raha aur yeh. Lo! Hogaya! Come on come on wash your face. I want to see. Jaldi jaldi. (she jumps down from the counter and keeps looking at the mirror. He splashes water from the sink tap and cleans off the rest of the shaving cream. Nidhi picks a hand towel from the counter, wipes off the excess water. Ashu sees the spark of pure desire lighting her eyes before she lowers her eyes and starts folding the towel back into a square)

Ashu: so'..??

Nidhi swallows and her cheeks turn pink: its'.its very nice. I mean you look very nice. (Ashu moves closer, crowding her in between the sink counter and his body. She puts her hands on his chest) hatiye. We'.you wanted to go out'.(his kiss cuts off the rest of her words)

Receptionist: there is a nice village surrounding this resort sir. If you want to explore, you can hire a car or we can provide you with a couple of bicycles. Most of the tourists enjoy that.

AShu looks at the wide grin on his wife's face then back at the receptionist: I guess the decision has been made. Where do we get these cycles?

Receptionist: at the main entrance. Just go straight and turn left. I will call and inform them. have a nice day sir, ma'am.

Both of them make their way out and one of the hotel employee brings a couple of bicycles near the gate. Nidhi: why do we need 2? Ek hi mein chalte hain na. bahut mazaa aayega.

Ashu: you want me to sit behind you while you peddle?

Nidhi: very funny! Does anyone at KGH know that you have a sense of humour?

Ashu gives her a soft look: before you entered my life, I don't think even I knew I had a sense of humour Nidhi. (both look at each other for a few moments before Ashu continues) ab chale? (he gets on one of the bicycle and with a happy bounce Nidhi sits on the front rod. She waves happily at the employee and both take off)

Nidhi: when did you learn to ride a cycle?

Ashu: in school. And Armaan was lazy even then. more than half the days he used to sit behind me. Even now, I keep insisting him to do regular work out of some kind but',(he shrugs) and then later I had a cycle during my college days in London too. used to go for real long distances. That was my favourite before I discovered squash.

Nidhi: aap squash khelte hain?

Ashu: yup. Weekly thrice at least. And that game saved my sanity when I was in Delhi. Rohan used to play along with me.

Nidhi: you made any good friends in London?

Ashu thinks for a moment: Nidhi, I am not very comfortable with people. I talk but'.Armaan is a kind of exception. He barged his way and hounded and didn't care even if I was silent for most of the time. like you. I didn't have a choice where you were concerned either.

Nidhi: hhmmm'I guess no girl friends either then. what did they do? Ran in the other direction when they saw you or ogled you from afar?

Ashu grins: you know, now that you mention it, there WAS one girl in London who neither ran away nor ogled me from afar. Usne toh mujhe propose bhi kiya tha. Baba also met her on his trip to London during my final year.

Nidhi loses her smile: who was it? whats her name? where is she now?

Ashu continues to tease her: hain koi. Anyway, its all in the past.

Nidhi: nahi. mujhe jaanna hain. kaun hain woh?

Ashu: my classmate during MBBS and then later on in London too. her name is Mallika.

Nidhi: was she good looking?

Ashu pretends to think: hhmmm'.i guess so. Kahi se mujhe jalne ki boo aarahi hain. I wonder where its coming from.

Nidhi: I am not jealous. No. I am not. Why should I be? Waise, where is she now?

Ashu: welll now that you ask''

Nidhi: what? You are trying to say she is in Lucknow? You meet her?

Ashu: would you object if I said yes?

Nidhi: nnooo'.why why would i? she is your classmate. Your friend'.do you'.did you ever'..

Ashu stops the cycle and turns her to face him: Nidhi, look into my eyes and ask that question again. (Nidhi's pout dissolves at the intense look in his unblinking eyes)

Nidhi: zaroorat nahi hain. chaliye chalte hain. (they continue their cycle ride around the village with Nidhi waving at the kids on the street and giggling away at the animals blocking the narrow streets and both of them admiring the fresh crisp air and the scenery. Suddenly a couple of street dogs come running and the result trips the cycle making him lose his balance. Both of them fall down on the road in a helpless tangle of arms, legs and cycle. Neither is hurt but neither can move without a third person helping them. they see a villager walking by.

Ashu: arre bhai saab thoda madad kardenge please? (that guy looks at them in an uncomprehending way. Deciding that he doesn't understand hindi, Ashu asks him in English) can you please help us get up? (he still gives a confused look and calls out to someone else on the other side of the road)

Nidhi: looks like he doesn't understand English either.

Ashu gives her an exasperated look: but can't he even see? I mean its obvious we have fallen down na. or do people fall in a different way in Kerala? (Nidhi dissolves into peels of laughter at that. but thankfully another person comes in, takes one look at them and helps them up. Both of them thank the villager and start their way back to the resort. Its evening by the time they make their way back to their cottage and Ashu collapses on the bed.

Ashu: Nidhi, I am too old for this. And you are not light weight either.

Nidhi gets a horrified angry look on her face. She puts her fists on her waist: matlab kya hain aap ka? I am overweight? You are saying I am fat?

Ashu adjusts his glasses as if trying to look at her properly: no but'.

Nidhi: but what? You said I am not light weight. That means you think I am fat. You don't find me attractive any more? (she goes in front of the mirror and looks this way and that at herself, then gives a startled squeak as Ashu comes from behind and lifts her in both his arms)

Ashu: no Dr Nidhi, you are not over weight. See, I can even lift you up like a baby. And even rock you like a baby and even throw you like'

Nidhi screams: oh nonono (too late, he literally throws her like a sack onto the bed and before she can roll away, he pounces on her, lifts both her hands over her head and holds her wrists with both his hands)

Ashu: jo ladki mere dil mein suraag banane mein maahir hain woh aaj itni choti si baat par pareshaan hain? you really think I would even care about something like that? hhmmm? (he gently touches his lips to hers)

Nidhi: ek baat bolu? I feel strange kissing you without your beard.

Ashu grins: you just have to get used to it I guess.

That day and the next couple of days pass on the same note with the couple spending most of their time either in the bed on a voyage of discovery or as tourists exploring the resort and the surroundings. One morning they visit a huge Mahadeva temple near Kumarakom after watching the spectacular sunrise over the backwaters of Kerala. Nidhi took pictures of them both at all and every opportunity and clung to his hand or arm whenever they went out. after his initial hesitation at the public display of her affection, Ashu even started to enjoy her brand of possessiveness. They even booked a houseboat for an evening and night and went around on a backwater ride. The constant rocking motion of the boat drove Nidhi crazy with laughter because whenever he tried to get up from the bed, the boat rocked and he ended up falling back on it. they loved late into the night and talked about anything and everything under the sun. the only topic that was forbidden was Ashu's childhood with his parents. no matter which way Nidhi started the topic, he ended up either walking away or closing himself off completely. She decides to give him as much time as he wanted and prays that one day he would share his pain like the way he is now sharing his pleasure. Just then her thoughts get interrupted by the sound of rain. She runs to the glass doors to see the falling rain drops into the pool and gets a naughty idea. Could she really do it? is she brave enough? Would he think her crazy? Well, its not her fault completely, was it? he was the one mainly responsible if she is turning out to be some kind of nymphomaniac. Ashu had switched on the tv a few minutes back as a way to avoid another round of Nidhi's inquisitive and intrusive questions about his childhood. What is wrong with that girl anyway? Why can't she leave it alone? Its over and done with. Talking about it is not going to change it. its as if she wants to know and dissect his every thought, voiced or unvoiced. Women! His channel surfing gets interrupted at the sound of the glass door being opened.

Ashu: "Nidhi, its raining outside. Where are you going now?" Nidhi turns towards him with a challenging smiley look and starts walking backwards into the rain while slowly unbuttoning her shirt. The tv is forgotten and the remote falls away from his hand as he takes in the scene unfolding before him. Within seconds, the rain soaks his wife through and through and her shirt is off. Her fingers go to the waist band of her skirt with her eyes still locked onto him. he gets up from the bed and walks towards the sliding doors. The skirt also comes off and is literally thrown at him, which he dodges, catches it with one hand and leaves it on the floor of the room. When she feels her feet almost at the edge of the pool, she stretches her arms wide, closes her eyes towards the rain and falls backwards into the pool. Nidhi comes out from under the water only to find her husband missing. Confused, she looks around when a strong pair of arms wraps themselves around her from behind and turns her towards him. he had just come into the waist length pool with all his clothes on. He pushes her damp hair away from her face and rubs his thumb over her lips as if asking her not to talk any more. talking is done for the day. The falling rain and the cold water in the swimming pool fail to dampen the fires that have raged within them.

The next day early morning they checked out and left for Munnar, which is a hill station. Nidhi wanted a combination of both the waters of Kerala and the mountain region. Around noon they check in into Windy Hills resort. (here are the pictures, just for you: http://www.windyhillsmunnar.com/gallery.html) the drive to the resort is one to remember for both of them and they stop at multiple places just to gaze at the sprawling tea estates, fresh vibrant streams, waterfalls and lush green forest areas. After a quick lunch, both leave for Thekkady, an elephant habitat, where Nidhi clings, cribs and pleads and threatens until Ashu relents enough to let her go and touch a baby elephant with the supervision of a guard. On their way back,

Ashu: you know, with all the ruckus you were making over there, it's a wonder the mother of the baby elephant didn't trample us all. Honestly Nidhi, I mean, I always end up wondering how can one person end up making enough noise to wake the dead. You don't get tired?

Nidhi pouts: I wasn't that bad. You are just not used to having young energetic people around you.

Ashu: so you are calling me a budda?

Nidhi: ab budde ko budda kehne mein kya sharm? Sach kadvi cheez hoti hainji.

Ashu: oh really? Then how come you went ahead and got married to one?

Nidhi: kismet ko kaun taal sakta hain Dr Ashutosh?!

Nidhi, who is still in the fun mood says all this in a completely jovial tone and misses the shadow that crosses Ashu's face. They return to the resort, have dinner and come back to their room. Nidhi freshens up, changes and comes out of the bathroom to find Ashu sitting on the bed with his back to the headboard and legs stretched out before him, staring into space. She goes and sits before him: kya hua? Shaam se chup chup se hain? tired?

Ashu: agar kismet ne saath nahi diya hota toh? Agar tumhaare baba na mane hote toh? May be he should just have'.(Nidhi closes his mouth with her lips)

Nidhi: aap aisa kyon soch rahe hain? aap mere saath khush nahi hain?

Ashu: I am not talking about me. I am talking about YOU marrying someone like ME who is so much older than you and also comes with a huge baggage of his past around his neck.

Nidhi becomes quiet for a while, sits beside him mimicking his position: I don't know what I would have done or how either of us would have survived if baba hadn't accepted our relationship. I am even scared to think about it now. and I married you because I love you and could not imagine my life with anyone other than you. I don't know why or how it happened. I only know that for me, there is only YOU. agar aap hain toh hum hain aur agar hum hain toh sab kuch hain. warna kuch nahi. kuch BHI nahi.

Ashu looks at Nidhi, his wife, his partner, his better half. And that's what she is now. his BETTER half. He gives a tired sigh and leans his head back against the headboard only to find her palm stopping and pulling his head softly until its lying in her lap. A moment later he hears her soft voice singing a stanza from an old song:

aapki manzil hun mai,

aapki nazro ne samjha pyaar ke kaabil mujhe

and that's how he goes off to sleep that night. With his head in her lap, her fingers running softly in his hair and her song reverberating in his ears.

Back at Ashu's residence a couple of days later:

Anji: HI NIDHI!

Nidhi: arre Anji, itni subah subah? (both friends hug with Ashu and BB looking on with a smile on their faces)

Anji: haan. I called Dr Mathur and found out your flight timing. How are you? how was the honeymoon?

Nidhi: I am great and the honeymoon was great too. Munaar was too cold though.

Anji winks naughtily: kyon? Jeejaji was there na to warm you up'(Nidhi pinches Anji on her arm and takes her inside into the kitchen before she could say anything else) so how is everything else? Hey you know, uncle, I mean your baba went to delhi yesterday.

Nidhi: Delhi? why?

Anji: Rohan spoke to his parents about Aanchal and uncle is there as a back up plan. He said he will also talk and make sure they understand Rohan's feelings in this. After your marriage na, your dad is all into supporting the younger generation and their firm modern ideas. (both give a highfive and hug)

Nidhi: wow! Awesome! I will talk to Rohan later this evening to get the latest info. I still have to unpack and stuff. (she starts making tea and coffee for everyone) chai peeyogi?

Anji: haan lekin HKji kahan hain? you just came na. why are you already in the kitchen?

Nidhi: one of his close relatives is not well. So he went to his village. You want coffee or tea?

Anji: tea. then who will help you out in the cooking stuff?

Nidhi rolls her eyes: we are just 3 people here. I think I can manage Anji. Aur waise bhi, I am free now until I get the exam results. So no problem at all.

Anji: aur uske baad? Don't push yourself too much once you join your PG ok? ask Jeejaji to help you out.

Nidhi: tab tak HK waapas aajayenge. Yaar, why do you think so much all the time? relax. Itna tension sehad keliye teek nahi hain.

Anji: yeah yeah ok. but seriously, start training him from now on. Don't become the chai cup type of wife.

Nidhi giggles while pouring the tea into the cups: and whats this chai cup type exactly?

Anji: the one who serves the tea cup to her husband and waits until he finishes and carries it back to the kitchen herself.

Nidhi; oh I see. Here, have your tea. I will go and give these'.(she takes BB's tea and AShu's coffee cup to the hall without realizing the fact that Anji's voice was loud enough to be heard by Ashu who was sitting there) arre, where is baba?

Ashu: he just went inside for something. Leave the cup here. I need to go to KGH in a few mins. So I will go and get ready as soon as I finish this ok?

Nidhi smiles: ok. lunch pack kardoo?

AShu seems a bit taken aback at that: what? No. I never do that.

Nidhi pouts: but today I am going to be cooking in my sasural for the first time. (then she brightens immediately) I'll do one thing. I will bring the lunch box there and we'll have it together. Both me and baba will come. Mazaa aayega.

Ashu: ok. up to you. but if you want to relax for today, that's also ok with me.

Nidhi: no. I am fine. Don't be ridiculous. Now go and get ready. (Anji speaks up from behind Nidhi)

Anji: aur jeejaji, wear something jhakas type. Ok? shaadi ke baad I think you need to change your wardrobe. You have taken off the beard and now make things more stylish, you know! (and grins giving him a wink. AShu gives them both an awkward smile and leaves to get ready)

After a few minutes, Nidhi comes into the bedroom to find Ashu all dressed up in his dark grey suit, searching for his tie. "Anji left?" "ji. aap ko tie chahiye? Move move, I will select one. arre move na." she selects on dark grey and black striped one which would blend in with suit without standing out. Ashu would have selected the same thing too. "mein baandoo?" Ashu obediently bows his head a bit and Nidhi starts tying the knot of the tie. He sees her tongue poking out of the corner of her lip while tying the knot and he suddenly wraps his arms around her: you know, I find this one really cute.

Nidhi: what? Me tying your tie?

Ashu: no. the way your tongue peeks out of your lips when you are concentrating on something. Makes me want to bend like' this and bite it like' this! (the small love bite turns into an open exploration making Nidhi grip his hair and Ashu dig his fingers into her waist)

Nidhi: I think'.i think Dr Heartstone is going to be late now. (Ashu gives a hurried look at the time, exclaims and hurries off with Nidhi literally stuffing the sandwich in his mouth)

Since BB had taken off for a couple of days, Nidhi and BB spend the day getting to know each other in a better way. After she finishes unpacking and starting the washing machine with the clothes from their trip, he pulls up a chair near the kitchen so that they can talk while Nidhi does her cooking. She tells him all kinds of stories about her childhood and her mom. "aap ko pata hain baba, my mom used to make super delicious paneer pakodas. I swear, they were the best! (then suddenly gets an idea) aaj mein banau?"

BB: sure beta. I love them anyway. And Ashu also likes them. you are taking him lunch right?

Nidhi: ji. I told both of us would come and all 3 can have lunch together.

Bb: what will I do there Nidhi? you go ahead.

Nidhi: we can sit and chat. Mazaa aayega baba. Chaliye na please. Aap apni bahu ki baat nahi maanenge? (baba gives her a helpless look and finally nods with a smile)

At KGH:

Ashu: hello Dr Ranganath! How are things?

Ranga: fine sir. No problems in your absence. How was your, uh, trip sir?

Ashu: fine. Good. Get me the case files of the post operative patients please. I will go through them before starting my rounds.

Ranga nods and leaves. The news of Ashu's face minus the beard has become the current hot topic the minute he stepped out of the car. Some of the staff failed to recognize him and the rest speculated and giggled as to why he shaved it off in the first place. Around 12 noon, Ashu gets a call from Armaan: oye honeymooner, kaisa hain yaar tu? How was the trip?

Ashu smiles: hi Armaan. The trip was good. And we came back this morning.

Armaan: I know that. Nidhi already sent your clean shaven wala snap through mms. yaar ek baat bata, you went somewhere other than the resort bedroom?

Ashu: Armaan'!!!

Armaan: he he he blushing ha! oye hoye. Kya baat hain! and how is Nidhi?

Ashu: she is fine. At home. She said she would bring me lunch though

Armaan: ooo'.and she must be wanting to catch up with Anji and Rohan too na.

Ashu's smile gets replaced by a tiny frown: yeah. I guess so.

Armaan: what? Something happened?

Ashu: no. nothing...its just that'.Anji was there at our house this morning. I understand that she and Nidhi are childhood friends and they share anything and everything and that Anji is a great person. but yaar Armaan, why does she have to interfere in everything? Starting from how I should be doing some domestic help to how my wardrobe should be changed. I mean, that's my private business na. why does she have to'

Armaan: hota hain boss hota hain. friends some times forget that our life changes quite a bit once we get married. We have new boundaries and new relationships. But why are you so worried about such a small thing? I mean, people asked and said a bunch of things when you married Nidhi. you didn't pay any heed to any of those.

Ashu: yeah but'

Armaan: achcha tell me one thing. How did Nidhi react to Anji's comments? Did she agree with her?

Ashu ponders: nnooo'.she didn't even give her a straight answer. And didn't raise that topic with me at all.

Armaan: toh buss problem solved. Ashu, I saw Nidhi and spoke with her for 5 months almost everyday. I know her. she is a really mature and level headed person. she knows her friend frets for anything and everything but just indulges her. she also knows Anji doesn't mean anything bad. She is just too possessive where Nidhi is concerned. Don't think so much.

Ashu sighs and smiles: yeah, I guess you are right. This is all so new to me Armaan. So many relationships and all this'

Armaan: don't worry. You will get used to it. you lived like some kind of island for all these years. Now got merged into a whole continent. (both laugh and say bye, after which, AShu makes an impulsive decision, informs the receptionist to hold his appointments as he is going home for lunch and will be back in an hour or so)

Anji's house:

Shyama: so, Anji beta, how is Nidhi?

Anji: she is fine. Doing great actually. I saw some of their snaps on her phone. Mom, she seems so happy. Ek ajeeb sa contentment hain uske chehre pe.

Shyama: aur honi bhi chahiye Anji. And it should stay with her always. Aaj Nandini hoti toh kitna khush hoti!

Anji: I know. But you know, mom, today I saw a lot of Nandini aunty in Nidhi. the way she was handling the kitchen and her father in law and all that. I told her she better take some help from Jeejaji once she starts her PG. otherwise, she will end up juggling too many things.

Shyama: Anji, how Nidhi handles her household is up to her. leave it to her na.

Anji: but mama, I was only trying to'.

Shyama: no Anji. Look beta, I understand that you are just worried about Nidhi. you have been this way ever since she told you about Dr Ashutosh. but beta, you need to relax and trust your friend to handle her relationship the way she sees it fit. Its her personal life. And Dr Ashutosh's too. let them figure out how they want to live it. ok?

(Anji pouts a bit but nods after thinking it over)

Ashu's house:

Nidhi: baba, the lunch is ready. Hum log chale? Woh wait kar rahe honge na.

Ashu: wait karne ka mann nahi kiya toh woh khud chale aaye. Aap ko koi problem toh nahi?

Nidhi's face lights up and BB also gives a happy grin: arre wah beta, tut oh sudhar gaya. Come on then, freshen up and we can start our lunch. Nidhi, you want me set the plates?

Nidhi: no baba. Aap buss baitiye. I will get everything on the table. (Ashu comes to the dining table after washing his hands and finds only two places set)

Ashu: whats this? Nidhi, you are not going to eat now?

Nidhi: nahi. first both of you eat. I will eat later.

BB: par beta, kyon? We are just 3 people here. No formalities in this house please. Aaja. Tu bhi bait. And AShu, Nidhi made paneer pakodas today. I tasted a couple. Mazaa aagaya.

Ashu: menu mein aur kya kya hain madamji?

Nidhi smiles: Gobi mattur sabzi, dal makhni and roti and raita.

Ashu gives her an astonished look: you want me to eat all this, go to KGH and work or sleep off at my desk?

BB laughs: ek din keliye woh bhi chalega. And don't you dare comment on my bahu. Kitni mehnat se aur pyaar se banaya hain usne. Jaanta hain? (BB sits in the middle, AShu to his left and waits for Nidhi to come and sit beside him. but Nidhi puts her plate opposite to him, seating herself to the right side of BB, serves all 3 and they start eating)

BB: Nidhi, this is superb. Oh, aaj toh teri pehli rasoi hain and I didn't even get anything for you. I am sorry beta. mera dhyaan hi nahi raha.

Nidhi laughs: meri pehli rasoi toh kab ki hochuki baba, yaad hain, I made rasam for you one day?

Bb laughs: so true. But still'.ok. this one is pending from my side. Ok?

Ashu: what about me? Am I supposed to give something too?

BB gives a mock glare: oye, of course you have to. So take her out somewhere in the evening and buy her whatever she wants.

Ashu glances at Nidhi who is fidgeting with her food and biting her lip: ji baba. Nidhi, you ok?

Nidhi gives him a startled glance: yeah. I am fine. Fine. Aap khaana shuru keejiye.

Ashu gives a frowning look at her bent head and once again look at the hand trying to dip the roti into the daal. He silently gets up from the table, goes to the kitchen cupboard, brings the burnol ointment and sits beside her. he takes her right hand in his and looks at the middle finger which has gone red. Then silently looks back at her guilty expression while applying the ointment.

BB: arre what happened?

Ashu: she burnt her finger while cooking baba. And is trying to hide it from us.

BB: Nidhi, I was sitting right here na, why didn't you tell me when it happened?

Nidhi: nahi aisa kuch nahi hain. its just a little blister that's all.

Ashu: yeah little blister. I can see that. (he shifts his plate so that he is sitting beside her and starts feeding her from his plate)

BB: Nidhi, this is your house beta. you should not be so hesitant. And there are no formalities here. So relax. Ok? and don't hide things like this again. Aur Ashu, make sure she eats properly beta.

Ashu continues to feed her from his plate while eating an alternate bite himself: ji baba. (Nidhi gives him a look as if saying sorry with her eyes and after a few moments of looking back at her with anger at hiding this from him, he smiles back a little)

Nidhi: this'.is broad daylight ji'.what are you doing? Oh please! Chodiye na.

Ashu's lips are making a path on her neck and his hands are busy tracing her body, pushing away her sari pallu: what am I doing? I am congratulating my wife. and'.and also'.telling her that I am proud of her'..its not'..not everyday that she clears her PG test with'.great scores and gets'..into MD Paediatrics'.that too'.that too in CSM college in Lucknow itself!

Nidhi closes her eyes and arches her neck: and this is the way to congratulate?

Ashu: can you think of a better way? (finally he lifts his head after giving a soft bite to her lips) so, what gift do you want for this achievement? Shall we go out for some shopping or dinner or drive?

Nidhi: we'll do all that but pehle mein apne baba ke ghar jaau? I want to give him the news in person.

he instinctively tightens his grip on her waist: you want to go now? (she nods) ok. you will come back soon? (she happily nods again, gives a smacking kiss on his cheek and after adjusting her sari, leaves in a rush)

loved the chapter...it was sooo romantic

i loved the part where nidhi burns her finger and ashu applies the cream... that was sooo sweet..and even the way arman explained ashu the whole anji-nidhi scene was really nice

and even the rest...really written well...

in short a super fantastic update.👍🏼

So...di... how is the story gonna progress...???

give some clue na...plzzz... i cant wait to read the next update...