Kashmakash -thread 2-Epilogue(pg 99) - Page 9

OMG...i never saw the new thread was up!

Originally posted by: Binat

Waiting for 10am IST and hoping you post earlier😉

Originally posted by: Libra

Loved the last two chaps turags.

Excellent work.😳

Originally posted by: ruchshah

OMG...i never saw the new thread was up!

yup...opened it yesterday...😳

👏Congrats for the new thread!!! the story is awesome n i hope...it goes to the next thread too...

Goodluck n keep up the good stories!!😃

thank you so much for your wishes 🤗

Originally posted by: turags

chapter 18 will be posted again...having issues with the copy paste thing...please wait for a few mins while i figure it out...

Chapter 18:

Maansi: Ashu bhaiya that's it right? Mein yeh shaadi ka joda Nidhi ko dekar aau? She has to get ready too na.

Armaan: I knew it! I just knew it! you are still here with the shagun. When is Nidhi going to get ready Maansi? Kuch toh time sense rakha karo yaar!

Maansi: don't shout. And don't get tensed. I am going now and there is still plenty of time. but what are YOU doing here? Changed party again?

Armaan: oye, I am a dependable guy. I don't change parties. And my sis is not like you. see, she has already sent Ashu's sherwani well ahead of time. isse kehte hain punctuality. Kuch seekho Maansi. Seekho! Aur Anjali kahaan hain? she is ready or not?

Ashu: agar aap miya biwi ka jhagda khatm hua ho toh can I have my dress please? (Armaan hands over the sherwani to Ashu who goes inside to change. Maansi selected Nidhi's shaadi ka joda with Ashu deciding on the color combinations and Rohan making sure the design is latest ongoing one. Armaan helped Nidhi in choosing Ashu's shaadi ka sherwani and realizes that Nidhi is very picky choosy in this dept. Nidhi's joda is a maroon red, cream and gold one with the lehenga filled with gold coloured beads and the ghoonghat a delightful mixture of cream, maroon red and gold. Ashu selects a complete ruby set of necklace, ear rings and bangles to go with it along with a pair of silver anklets which have red beads hanging all around but don't make any sound. Nidhi's maang tika is chosen by Anjali with Maansi's guidance. AShu's sherwani is a mixture of cream and skin colour with dark brown embroidery along with dark red beads around the collar, neck and arms as the top and a dark red pyjama and dark red pagdi with brown embroidery in between)

Armaan shouts at the closed door of Ashu's room: arre o dulhe miya, Nidhi ka selection baad mein admire karna. Pehle taiyyar hojao. Aur madam aap abhi tak yahi hain?

BB: Maansi beti, woh Nidhi ka gruhapravesh ki taiyari bhi karni hain. panditji aaye hain.

Maansi: par uncle….

Rohan: Maansiji, aap yeh mujhe dedeejiye. I will give it at Nidhi's place. You take care of that one. and Armaanji, Anjali is calling you.

Armaan: ruko ROhan. I will also come with you. saath chalenge. Aur Baba, make sure the baraat is on time ok? CV ka tension abhi se shuru hogaya hain. see you everyone and Maansi, make sure Ashu doesn't bolt at the last minute.

Maansi: shub shub bolo Armaan! And my bhaiya is not like you to stand on the stage for varmala and then start thinking of postponing the wedding.

BB: there is no time to chat now. come on, move everyone. And I will go and see whats taking Ashu so long. (he gives a cursory knock on Ashu's door and goes inside. Ashu is wearing the sherwani top and buttoning it up. He looks at the smiling BB)

Ashu: what Baba? Why are you smiling?

BB: nothing Ashutosh. You are looking really good in that one. Nidhi's choice is really great.

Ashu smiles wryly: yeah, but I sometimes wonder if she is being short changed where her life partner is concerned.

BB: why do you think like that? arre mera beta toh heera hain heera! Laakho mein ek! And Ashu, i can't imagine one of you without the other. What you guys feel for each other is almost tangible. Aise pyaar ke liye log umr bhar taraste hain. Both of you will make each other very happy. Bekaar ki baaten mat soch. sit down and I will tie the pagdi.

CV's house:

CV: Solanki, are you sure the caterer is going to get everything ready on time? the refreshments for all the baraatis and later on the dinner….kahi koi kami nahi honi chaahiye. Dr Mathur and Ashutosh never asked for anything. If had got them married in a temple, they would still have been ok with it. but it's the marriage of my only child and I want to go all out with it. duniya chaahe job hi kahe, I am with my daughter in this. Agar Nandini hoti toh woh bhi….(his throat closes up with emotion)

Solani lays a consoling hand over his shoulder: Verma, don't worry. Everything is in place. Nidhi is my daughter too na. woh jitna tere ghar mein rahi hain usse zyaada mere ghar mein pali hain. aur yeh kya beti ke shaadi ke din aise maayoos nahi hote. Bhabhi wouldn't want you to be like that right? Shyama, shaadi ka joda aaya ki nahi? Nidhi ko taiyar hone mein time lagega na.

Shyama: aap tension mat leejiye. Rohan wahaan se nikaal chukka hain. aata hi hoga.

Rohan: Rohan aagaya. Leejiye uncle. Nidhi ke shaadi ka shagun aur joda. (Shyama opens the Jewellery box and everyone give an exclamation of surprise and delight) wow!

CV: yeh toh! I mean inn sab ki kya zaroorat thi? I have enough to give my daughter na. I will call Dr Mathur…..

Shyama: bhai saab, yeh shagun hain. aap inkaar nahi karsakte. Ab Nidhi unki ghar ki bahu hain na. aur meine toh suna hain ki yeh ruby set toh jamai babu ka selection hain. give that to me Rohan. I will get Nidhi ready and we should leave for the marriage hall before the baraat leaves from there.

In Nidhi's room:

Anji: Nidhi, packing sab hogaya na. dekh toh kuch choot toh nahi gaya.

Nidhi: not to worry. Just make sure my tooth brush and other toileteries are there. baaki ka even if something is left out, I will come for the pag phera tomorrow na.

Anji: take care once you go there. ok? you will be the only female in that house. no mother in law either. Kuch problem aaya toh kya karogi? I mean tere periods ke time toh you have back ache na aur tere payr bhi dukhte hain. yaar I am worried now…

Nidhi: Anji, why do you get tensed for everything yaar? I am not going to the US. I am not even going to leave this city. If I have a problem, I will call aunty or you. aur woh bhi toh doctor hain. he will understand.

Anji: agreed that he is a doctor. Medically you guys know everything. But yeh sab na tabhi pata chalta hain when there is a female at home. Aur wahaan toh….

Nidhi hugs Anji: stop fretting Anji. Sometimes you think too much. If he doesn't understand I will explain. Simple. (then suddenly her eyes tear up and she wipes them with the back of her hand) mom always used to say there is nothing that we can't solve if we just sit and talk it out.

Anji wipes her own eyes and Nidhi's too: I miss aunty so much.

Shyama watches this, then with a determined smile forges ahead: arre yeh kya, marriage hall jaane ka time horaha hain and you two are still chatting? Chalo chalo. Nidhi, see, your joda is here. (both Anji and Nidhi wipe off their eyes and Anji opens the dress full length with a huge exclamation of delight)

Anji: WOW! NIDHI! kitna sundar hain yeh! You will look like a princess in this one. HAAA! And the necklace! Oh my! Now come on wear them fast. I want to see the final result. And mom, Nidhi doesn't have any pre wedding jitters at all. Ulta she is reassuring me you know?

Shyama: aur honi bhi nahi chahiye Anji. Her trust in her choice is absolute. Now you also relax and go and get ready. We have to leave in 15 minutes. Ok?

At the Marriage Hall: In Nidhi's dressing room:

Armaan: Nidhi, baraat aagayi. Tum ready ho na? you need anything else? Aur haan, yeh lo yeh juice peelo.

Nidhi: juice? Why? I am ok Bhaiya.

Armaan rolls his eyes: you won't get to eat until after the marriage aur aap ke "woh" chahte hain kit um yeh juice peelo.

Nidhi's face starts glowing more than before: he told you to give this? Really?

Armaan: yes really. I think he is scared that you will faint off during the pheras or something.

Nidhi pouts: no. I will not faint off. Aur aap mera mazaak mat banayiye haan. Aap ke shaadi ke din ke saare secrets mujhe pata hain. Bhabhi ne bataya. Aap uss din thoda….

Armaan loudly clears his throat: I don't think we should talk about all that now. aur iss Maansi ka toh mein dekh loonga. Jahaan jao meri izzat ki waat lagadeti hain.

Nidhi laughs: don't worry. Your secrets are safe with me. (she takes the juice glass and gulps it down in one go) yeee aap ne toh iss mein glucose bhi dala hain….yeee I don't like it….

Armaan: aap ke "unhonne" kaha hain. so don't complain. And neeche all your friends are fidgeting right now. they don't know whether to stop Ashu at the dwaar for their toll tax because he is their honewala jeeja or just let him go because he is their boss. Spineless females!

Nidhi laughs: they are still stuck with the Dr Heartstone image. Don't worry. Anji will be there and she will handle the situation. Rohan has come?

Armaan sits on the chair: yeah. Woh naach naach ke thak gaya hain. he is gulping down soft drinks like crazy. (he passes on the digi cam to Nidhi) go ahead and see how your groom is looking. (Nidhi snatches the camera and looks at the various shots of Ashu – one with his baba, one with Anjali and Maansi, one when he is getting out of the car at the marriage hall, one Shyama doing aarti and welcoming him)

Nidhi: kitne handsome lag rahe hain na.

Armaan huffs out a laugh: smitten! Absolutely smitten with him huh!

Shyama: Nidhi, chalo chalo beta. Jaimala ka waqt hogaya hain. Panditji bularahe hain aur Jamai Babu bhi wait kar rahe hain chalo.

Priyanka, Jyothika and Anji pile in. Anji rushes to Nidhi, adjusts her ghoonghat properly, reapplies a bit of lips gloss and gives her a hug. Everyone move towards the steps which will take them to the ground floor and the mandap. Almost near the steps Anji gives a startled exclamation: Nidhi, dekh! Jeejaji last step pe tera wait kar rahe hain! dekh dekh

Jyothika: oh how romantic is that! Dr Heartstone toh ek dum Dr Sweetheart bangaye hain. oh my!

Nidhi raises her eyes and looks at Ashu who is standing, staring at the vision of loveliness before him with intense unblinking eyes, with one leg on the last step and the other one on the floor with Rohan right behind him with a smug grin and comically wriggling eyebrows. But for Nidhi nothing else registers except her groom and the look in his eyes as he extends his palm towards her. each step she takes brings her one step closer to that hand. Anji gives her a slight pinch and whispers: Nidhi, thoda toh sharmao yaar. You can't lock eyes at him like that. a dulhan is supposed to feel shy and all that!

Nidhi bites her lip as a blush steels her cheeks and lowers her eyes a bit. One step above the last step she extends her own hand and places it in his.

Aaye ho meri zindagi mein tum bahaar banke

Mere dil mein yu hi rehna tum pyaar pyaar banke

Aankhon mein tum basse ho sapne hazaar banke

Mere dil mein yu hi rehna tum pyaar pyaar banke

Armaan shouts down from the first floor: arre o Rohan, kahi aisa na ho yeh dono aisa haath pakadke apne honeymoon keliye nakal jaaye. Better close the hall doors. Everyone erupts into peals of laughter and the bride and groom make their way to the stage that's set for the Jaimala. Shyama gets both the garlands in a tray and the couple take them into their hands. Armaan sees Rohan and Ranga literally rolling up their sleeves: you guys really think you can lift this 6ft guy?

Rohan: kya baat kar rahe hain Armaanji! Agar yeh 6 ft ke hain toh hum bhi 6 packs se kam nahi hain. aap buss apne behen ko sambhaliye.

Ashu takes a step back and bumps into Ranga: Rohan, you really think this is necessary? Ajeeb lagega yaar.

Rohan: you forget about all that and just think about how to put the garland.

Armaan looks at Ashu: dekh Ashu, abhi toh mein Nidhi ko uta raha hoon. aur iske baad suhaag raat mein isse toh tujhe hi utana hain apni baahon mein. Kyon? Sahi bolana Nidhi?

Nidhi's face turns red and everyone on the stage laughs out loud. Ashu gives his friend a mock glare while fighting his own blush. Panditji asks Nidhi to put the varmala first which is to be followed by Ashu. Amongst uproarious laughter and loud counting of 1 2 3 from both parties, Armaan lifts up Nidhi and Rohan and Ranga lift up Ashu. Nidhi's giggle delays the process by a few moments but finally, both of them exchange the garlands and are back on solid ground. CV, with a big happy smile on his face, gets on stage while clapping heartily and hugs his daughter and son in law. Rohan comes over and hugs Nidhi and Armaan hugs Ashu.

Ashutosh and Nidhi are seated in the mandap and Panditji begins the puja. CV is called in for the kanyadaan. CV never thought he would be doing this without his wife standing and smiling beside him. his eyes fill up at the thought but he sternly controls himself and takes Nidhi's hand to put it in his son in law's. Pandit recites the mantra and CV pours the holy water on Nidhi's hand which is now held by Ashu. A drop of tear joins the water and AShu feels the slight jerk of Nidhi's hand. He instinctively tightens his grip in silent understanding at the same time giving the father and daughter their privacy to grieve amidst all the joy of the wedding. Soon its time for the pheras. Maansi and Armaan do the gatbandhan. Pheras begin with a huge shower of flowers from the staff and doctors of KGH, family and friends. Ashu feels Nidhi's gaze on his back all through the first 4 pheraas and when its time for Nidhi to go ahead for the rest of the 3, he takes a step back, looks into her eyes and gestures her to go ahead with his hand. Anji jumps and hugs Nidhi at the end of it. both get seated again and Panditji extends the sindoor to Ashu along with the sikka. A very slight tremble of his fingers is the only indication of Ashu's state of mind at the enormity of the step that's being taken by him. from this day fwd, he is solely responsible for keeping this child woman safe, happy and content. She is going to literally put her whole self into his hands and is trusting her body, heart and her life to him. he takes the sindoor onto the sikka and turns towards his bride. Her eyes hold a mixture of love, adoration, reassurance and contentment that goes beyond the description of words. Her lips stretch into a tiny smile and she lowers her eyes and her head. Anji moves her maang tika aside and Ashu puts the sindoor. Another round of applause goes around. Rohan is busy clicking away snaps with his camera and Ranga, who is in charge of the receiving and dekhrekh of everyone related to KGH, also leaves the reception committee for a minute to witness the final step – mangalsutra. Panditji extends the thali and AShu picks up the mangalsutra. It's a thin double stranded chain with black beads and a small locket in the centre. As soon as he puts it around her neck and places the hook, loud cheer, hoots, whistles and claps follow. BB comes from behind and blesses the couple with an ear splitting grin on his face and tears in his eyes. Armaan and Mansi hug each other tightly. Rohan extends a thumbs up sign to Nidhi and Ashu. Anji hugs Nidhi from behind, looks at Ashu and says, "congratulations jeejaji!" the newly wedded couple get up to take blessings from all the elders around. CV blesses them and hugs Nidhi: sada suhaagan raho beta

Nidhi: baba, ab toh shaadi hogayi na. DB waapas kab aayegi?

CV: I don't know Nidhi. you know your DB. We just have to wait until she cools down.

Ashu: I am sorry sir. Mere wajah se aapki bua…..

CV: it was not your fault Ashutosh and I thought I told you not to call me sir?

AShu smiles a little: thoda waqt lagega. Please, give me some time.

CV nods with a smile. Then Nidhi goes to Armaan and Maansi and is about to touch their feet when Armaan stops her and hugs her instead. He puts a hand around her shoulders in a one armed hug: Nidhi, yeh jo mera dost hain na, dil ka bahut sachcha hain. he will take real good care of you. I know that. be with him. always. That's all he needs. Aur tu Ashu, yeh mat bhool ki Nidhi ka ab ek bhai bhi hain. make sure she is always smiling like this.

Maansi: Nidhi, welcome to the family! (both of them hug)

BB comes to CV: Samdhiji, ab hume ijaazat deejiye. Buss ek baat mein aap se kehna chaahta hoon. bahu nahi, beti lejarahaa hoon. aap chinta na karen.

CV folds his hands: thank you Dr Mathur. Nidhi mein uski maa ke saare sanskaar hain. woh aap ke ghar ko apna ghar banaakar savaaregi. Aap koi shikaayat ka mauka nahi degi meri beti (and he goes to where Nidhi and Ashu are standing) Ashutosh, I wanted to tell you something for a long time now. I wanted to say sorry for all the pain I put you and Nidhi through. (both Nidhi and Ashu try to interfere but CV continues) you had won me over when you offered to quit KGH so that Nidhi can finish her internship free of ridicule. And Nidhi, you had gained my full fledged approval when you so confidently said he would come back for you. par beta, mein darr gaya tha. Issi pyaar ki wajah se teri maa ek achchi doctor bante bante rehgayi. I didn't want that happening to our daughter too. she never once complained about the choices she had made but I could see that having choosen a life with me over the profession that she loved always remained a kind of sadness within her. your career was both yours and your mom's dream. It was one of her last wishes. And I didn't want to….if you had known where he was, then you would have gone to him leaving your….

Nidhi: buss baba. Aap ko kuch kehne ki zaroorat nahi. aur aap mere baba hain. you should never apologise to me.

Ashu: I promise you sir, career wise, Nidhi can become whatever she wants. I will help her in any way I can. Yeh mera vaada hain aap se.

CV looks at Nidhi: jaa beta. apne ghar. Apni nayi duniya basaale. May God bless both of you with a long and happy marriage.

CV and Nidhi hug. Anji starts sniffling and wiping her tears with the back of her hand and Nidhi although has tears in her eyes, goes to her friend with a smile on her face: hey Anji, yeh kya yaar…where am I going? Yahi par rahoongi na. you can come whenever you want. And call whenever you feel like talking. Anji, sunn yaar, tu aise ro mat please. Nahi toh mujhe bhi rona aajayega. And I don't want tears smudging my make up.

Anji gives a hiccupping laugh at that and both friends smile and hug each other. Shyama and Solanki also bless and hug Nidhi and Shyama repeats her instructions to take proper care of herself. After saying her bye to a teary CS, Nidhi gets into AShu's car with him holding her hand and guiding her in before getting inside himself. Rohan takes the front seat with Armaan driving the car. BB and Maansi along with Anjali left a few minutes ahead to take care of the Gruhapravesh arrangements. Nidhi leans her head back in the car with a tired sigh.

Ashu: tired?

Nidhi: don't ask! Nightouts before my exam and marriage arrangements after my exam. I am afraid to close my eyes in case I slide off to sleep right he...(then as if suddenly remembering the upcoming events, she bites her tongue) sorry….I…didn't mean….

Ashu entwines his fingers with hers: no apology needed. I understand. We still have time before we reach home. Relax and I will wake you when we get there.

Armaan: haan Nidhi. I am going to go slow. So relax and take a breather. Rohan, pass her the bottle of water na. Maansi has something for you eat once you guys get there.

Rohan gives her the water bottle which she first gestures Ashu and when he shakes his head as in a no, gulps down the whole thing in one go, adjusts her varmala that's got tangled with her long gold chain and mangalsutra. Ashu turns a little to the side and helps her out. Armaan catches a glimpse of it in the rare view mirror: oh no no no Dr & Mrs Ashutosh, not in the car. You need to wait at least until we get home. (Rohan smothers his laughter behind his hand while Ashu and Nidhi stare at each other in a kind of surprised wonder at being called Dr & Mrs for the first time)

At Ashu's residence:

HK: Maansi beti, yeh thaali kahan rakhni hain?

Maansi: wahan main door ke paas table par rakhdeejiye kaka.

BB: Maansi sab taiyyar hain na? Ashu ka kamra and all that?

Maansi: yes uncle. Buss ab aap ke bahu ki aane ki deeri hain. (right on cue Ashu's car stops at the portico and Rohan gets down first to open the door for the newly wedded couple. Maansi gets the rice bowl and places it at the entrance) Nidhi, you remember what I told you right?

Nidhi: ji bhabhi. Right foot. (then she softly kicks the rice bowl with her right foot and enters her sasural for the first time and touches BB's feet)

BB: buss buss Nidhi! khush raho. Sada suhaagan raho. (then she goes and touches the feet of HK)

HK: arre arre yeh kya kar rahi ho bahu?

Nidhi: aapne abhi abhi mujhe bahu bulaaya na kaka. Toh bahu ko aashirwaad nahi denge?

HK's face glows and he his hand on her hair: jeeti raho bahu.

Maansi: Nidhi, chalo andar chalo. You must be practically suffocating in all that. freshen up and change into something comfortable. All your bags are here. I have put them in your room.

Rohan: Nidhi, I will go now. have to catch my flight too. tomorrow there is a meeting with my boss in delhi. Ashutoshji, congratulations once again and take care.

Both Nidhi and AShu come and hug Rohan. Nidhi: Rohan, I have no words to thank you for everything that you have done so far.

Ashu: Nidhi and I are lucky to have a friend like you. you too take care. And keep in touch. And talk to your parents about Aanchal. Don't delay it any more. (with a final wave at everyone Rohan collects his carryone from the guest room and leaves. Maansi takes Nidhi inside to get changed. BB approaches Ashu and hugs him: Beta, you don't know how happy I am today. You fulfilled my deepest wish. Ab yeh ghar meri bahu ki hasi khushi se goonj utega.

Armaan: haan baba. You are right. Nidhi will be the light of this house. Ashu, great choice my friend. Really great choice I tell you.

Ashu smiles at that and takes off his pagdi and varmala and unbuttons the top 2 buttons of his sherwani.

Armaan gives a evil wink: saving time my friend? He he he….(BB smothers his laugh and excuses himself) achcha sunn, we are also leaving tomorrow morning. Anjali ka school bhi hain and I have to see whats happening at that Fashion House of mine.

Inside Ashu's room: Nidhi comes out after a quick refreshing shower. Maansi gets her dressed up in a cream coloured sari with light pink flowers on it. all the wedding finery is also removed except her mangalsutra, Ashu's mom's kangan and the ever present bracelet. After pleating and pinning up the sari, Mansi says: you know Nidhi, Ashu bhaiya got this whole room remodelled a few days back just for you. got the bed, wardrobes and everything changed. you like it? (Nidhi nods her head with a shy smile) now that whole wardrobe to your right is empty. You can put all your things there. ok? aur dekho, I have put only one pin over here. Kholne mein aasaani hogi. and no tearing off the sari ok? I will check it out in the morning. (Nidhi's face turns pink with a blush and Maansi starts giggling.) chalo now I will go and send your husband in. no kapde phadna. Ok? good night.

A few minutes later Ashu enters the room after a cursory knock to find Nidhi sitting on the bed that's liberally sprinkled with rose petals, nervously fidgeting with her finger nails. She gets up as soon as she sees him and as if doens;t know what to do after that, starts looking around, then back at him and then at the floor. He seems equally hesitant to enter the room but slowly walks in and closes the door, clears his throat: uh, you like the room? You are comfortable here right?

Nidhi: ji. Its….its very nice.

Ashu: let me…I will have a quick shower and come. Ok?

Nidhi shyly looks away: ji. Shall I leave? I mean….

Ashu: no. no that's ok. just relax. I'll just…

He opens his wardrobe, pulls out his clothes, goes into the bath room and closes the door. A few moments later the sound of the shower running is heard. Nidhi exhales, collapses back into a sitting position on the bed. And that's absolutely the last thing she remembers.

AShu steps out of the bathroom and stops. Nidhi still has her feet on the floor but her upper body is tilted and fallen on the bed. Her head is resting on her arm and she is completely deeply asleep. For a moment he doesn't know how to react. Then he slowly makes his way to the bed and gets down on his hunches near her. his eyes devour the fresh innocent looking face of his sleeping wife. his fingers trace her maang where he had placed the sindoor a few hours ago. "is she really mine? Forever?" his fingers stop about a centimetre away from her lips and he slowly pulls his hand back, locks his jaw, closes his eyes for a moment, adjusts her softly and properly on the bed, covers her with a blanket and switches off the bedside light.

Nidhi snuggles deeper under the blanket and pulls the pillow over her head. A few rose petals fall over her eyes at that and she impatiently pushes them away, squints and suddenly opens her eyes to day light. She gets up from the bed with a soft exclamation and looks around with a first dazed and then horrified expression. "Holy hell!" she covers her mouth with both hands when her gaze falls on the sleeping form of Ashu on the bed a little away from her. he is lying flat on his back with one hand covering his eyes. "I don't believe this! I slept off? I really slept off? But how why? What must he be thinking! Oh God! Why didn't he just wake me? Jeez! Married only a few hours and already disappointed my husband big time! what do I NOW? do I wake him up? No! that would be even worse than falling asleep before he came out of the shower. (tears rush into her eyes and she angrily brushes them away) no point in crying now. whats the time anyway?" her gaze falls on the clock. 6.30am. she'd better get up and get dressed. See if kaka needs any help in the kitchen. As quietly as she can, she pulls out a fresh sari and her toileteries bag from her luggage and goes to the bathroom. After getting dressed hurriedly, she comes out of the room, softly closes the door behind her and makes her way down. BB, Maansi and Armaan are sitting in the hall. Armaan is still rubbing his eyes in a sleepy gesture. Nidhi goes to BB and touches his feet: Good Morning baba.

BB: arre Nidhi beta, why did you get up so early? You must be tired na.

Nidhi: nahi baba. I am fine now. aap keliye chai banaadoo? Ya coffee?

Maansi: Nidhi, sit down. Kaka will take care of all that for today. You start your duties after you come back from your pagpheras.

Nidhi: ji ok. I will just inform kaka then. (she goes towards the kitchen and gestures silently to Armaan to send Maansi inside. Armaan signs Maansi to go to Nidhi)

Maansi walks into the empty kitchen: what happened Nidhi?

Nidhi's face closes up: bhabhi, woh….kal raat ko….

Maansi: you sure you want to give me those details?

Nidhi: bhabhi, I went off to sleep last night. I mean he went to take a shower and that's all I remember. Never even knew when I slide off to sleep. bhabhi ab kya karoon?

Maansi gets a horrified look on her face: sogayi? Oh how could you? my poor bhaiya! I mean tum aise kaise (then she sees Nidhi's bent head and a tear rolling down her cheek) hey Nidhi, don't be silly. I was just teasing you. its not a big deal at all. You were just too tired. Armaan and me slept during most of our honeymoon you know? Kal raat sogayi toh kya hua? Aaj ki raat hain aur aane wale na jaane kitni raaten hongi.

Armaan: kya hua? Nidhi? why are you upset? Ashu ne kuch bola kya?

Maansi: nothing like that. you go and wake Anjali up. We have to leave right after bfast na. (she gestures with her eyes not to ask Nidhi anything else. Armaan gets the hint, nods his head and leaves) ok. now cheer up and tell HK to make some tea for everyone.

About 20 minutes later everyone is seated around the table and Nidhi passes the tea cups that HK brought to everyone along with the glass of milk for Anjali when Ashu walks into the hall. He pulls a chair that's in front of Armaan and seats himself. Nidhi hands him the tea cup. Ashu: good morning.

Nidhi: good morning sir (as soon as the words are out of her mouth, Armaan sprews out his tea on the table and over Ashu too. Ashu gets up in a hurry, glares at his friend and rubs at his t shirt)

Armaan coughs and laughs: sir? Nidhi, sir? Tum apne pati ko "sir" kehke bulaati ho?

Ashu: shut up Armaan. And look what you have done. Now I have to change my shirt again. Yaar you are worse than a 5 yr old I tell you. (and he leaves to go and change his shirt)

Armaan is about to add something but Maansi pinches him: chup. Ek dum chup. Don't interfere between husband and wife. drink your tea and get ready.

Armaan: bossy woman!

Maansi: interfering busybody!

Nidhi excuses herself and follows Ashu, knocks softly on the bedroom door and goes inside. She sees that Ashu has changed into a fresh shirt and picks up the discarded one from the floor.

Ashu: leave it. I will put in the basket later.

Nidhi turns to go but stops: I am sorry.

Ashu: why?

Nidhi: last night i…I don't know how…I mean

Ashu goes and stands in front of her, puts his fingers under her chin and raises her eyes to his: Nidhi, you were tired. Its ok. there is nothing to apologize for.

Nidhi puts her head on his chest and hugs him: phir bhi, I am sorry.

Ashu: why did you call me sir downstairs? You still see me as your Dean?

Nidhi: no. its not that. habit I guess. Itne din aap ko wahi bulaya hain. sir ya Dr Ashutosh. I'll try not to call you sir again. At least when we are at home. Ok?

Ashu smiles and hugs her back: ok. so whats today's program?

Nidhi: I am leaving in a few mins.

Ashu gets startled and instinctively tightens his arms around her: leaving? Why?

Nidhi: aaj pagphere hain na. I have to go to my baba's house. will be back my evening.

Ashu: but you came only last night. (Nidhi shrugs as if to say what can I do) you will come back in the evening?

Nidhi: some time after lunch. Will surely be here for dinner.

Ashu: ok. i will go to KGH for a while then. and pick you up on my way back. Is that ok?

Nidhi nods with a happy grin on her face. Shortly after that her baba comes and with an emotional farewell to Armaan and Maansi because they are leaving to Mumbai and a tiny sad wave to Ashu, she leaves. The rest of the day passes with Nidhi chatting with her baba, Anji, Shyama aunty and CS. Ashu goes to KGH for a while. His eyes widen in surprise at the flowers waiting for him in his cabin flower vase. He sends an sms: now how did these come here?

Nidhi's reply: through a secret messenger.

Ashu: and what are they doing here?

Nidhi: they have come to say that your wife loves you very much.

Ashu smiles at that. its going to take time for him to get used to the word wife: see you in the evening my wife.

Night Nidhi is back at her sasural again and dinner is done. Last minute packing is also complete since the flight to Kerala is in the morning. Everyone retires for the night. Ashu walks into the room to find Nidhi sitting in the 2 seater sofa and looking lost in her thoughts. The moonlight is falling on her through the window giving her a silvery glow. He comes and sits beside her: kya soch rahi ho?

Nidhi: kuch khaas nahi. aap batayiye KGH mein din kaisa raha?

Ashu: everyone was a bit surprised to see me and Dr K asked if I was passing my time until you come back from your pagphera.

Nidhi giggles: she is an awesome lady!

Ashu rolls his eyes: at least she doesn't see me as the villain any more. (more giggles erupt from her) Anji would have been happy to see you na.

Nidhi: hmmm she is a worry wart. Har choti si choti baat usse pareshaan kardeti hain.

Ashu: I am actually very surprised. I heard that all girls cry buckets during their bidai.

Nidhi: I don't know. I have never been much of a cry type I guess.

Ashu rubs his thumb over her cheek: no. you don't cry out but your silence also screams out your pain. And I am just glad I didn't get to see that yesterday. Packing sab hogaya? (Nidhi nods) itni jaldi? I thought girls take hours to pack?

Nidhi grins: Anji packed separately for the trip so that I don't have to start over as soon as I come here. (she smilingly looks at her palsm and a thought strikes her) aap ko pata hain? meine aap ka naam likhwaya hain mere haathon ki mehendi mein. Dhoondiye kahaan hain (she moves a bit closer to him and extends her palms. He takes her palm in his hand and searches, tries to see it from another angle and in the process puts a hand around her shoulder to pull her closer to his chest and her palm in the correct side. He finds his name written in hindi on her right palm)

Ashu: here it is!

his index finger traces the name on her palm and he places a soft kiss where she has his name inscribed. Nidhi's fingers softly rub his beard and she raises her smiling eyes to his and slowly her smile slips off as they take fill of each other throught their eyes. His face takes on a flushed look and the grip of his fingers on her palm tightens. she gets up and tries to move away only to have him hold her wrist. He gets up from the sofa and comes in front of her: Nidhi, you are ok with all this right? I mean do you need more time? (Nidhi shyly bows her head and shakes her head as in a no) are you…..did you….did you visit the Gynac?

Nidhi: ji. Dr K has put me on pill.

Ashu: Nidhi, you need to tell me if… if you don't like something. Ok?

Nidhi nods her head: aur aap bhi boliye agar aap ko kuch achcha na lage toh

Ashu cups her cheeks and tilts her head up: Nidhi, you do know, don't you? that's its going to hurt the first time? I will be as careful and slow as I can but….

Nidhi stops his words by closing his mouth with her palm. He holds the wrist of that hand and kisses that palm in the centre, then slowly each of her fingers. Goosebumps raise all over her body at the subtle act of love and seduction. She snatches her hand away and turns. His hands hold her shoulders from behind and slowly drift down her arms to her hands to her wrists to her palms. He entwines their fingers and brings both their hands around her and hugs her from behind before pulling her closer still to his body. His lips touch the pt where her neck and shoulder meet and she rolls her head back over his shoulder and her eyes drift shut. His soft kiss on her neck turns into an erotic one as he starts tasting her with his tongue and nips her softly with her teeth. The hands at her waist untie the knot of her night gown before sliding up her arms once again to push the night gown down and away until it falls into a useless puddle on the floor. Now all she is left with is a pale pink sleeveless nightie with thin shoulder straps. He comes around until he is standing in front of her, pushes his hands into her hair, pulls her closer until they are touching everywhere from thighs to chest and kisses every single inch of her face before joining his lips to hers. At the first touch of his lips on hers, she parts them and grips his waist with both her hands. His kiss deepens at that gesture and both lose themselves to it. time has no meaning for either of them as they drink in their fill of each other. Finally ashu pulls his lips away from hers and her moan of protest changes into a sigh of delight as he bows her backward and drags his lips over her neck and shoulders. One of his hands holds her head steady while the other begins its journey of discovery of her body. she shudders at the sensations bombarding her from all sides and grips his shoulders for support. Every touch and glide of his fingers is setting new fires in her body. She tries hiding her face in his neck but he pulls her back and starts kissing her lips again. Without breaking the kiss he walks her backwards towards the bed and once her calves touch the bed frame, he gently pushes her onto it. she lies back diagonally over the bed with hair all tangled and spread out around her, looks into his eyes and opens her arms. He literally falls on her with a groan, pulls away his eyesglasses, throws them somewhere near the side table and starts dragging away the straps of her nightie. Her pale shoulders gleam in the darkened room where the dim glow of the moonlight is the only light filtering through. He makes sure she is not being smothered by his weight and puts her hands over his shirt buttons. "Touch me please Nidhi!" her fingers tremble while unbuttoning his shirt. He holds himself perfectly still and gives her all the time that she needs to complete the task. Finally she spreads her shirt over her shoulders slowly with shy tentative hands and he moves away a little to pull it off and let it join Nidhi's night gown on the floor. What follows next is a mutual journey of discovery for them. her shyness gives way to curious fingers and in turn they give way to tentative lips. The only sound that he is capable of making is her name. "Nidhi" "Nidhi" "Nidhi" "Nidhi". his searching hands become restless and then turn desperate. Their breathing becomes heavy and rapid until finally Ashu raises himself over her: "Nidhi….Nidhi look at me. Look at me Nidhi!" (she opens eyes that are drugged with passion and looks at him) you ready for this? (she nods a yes) you sure? (another nod) tell me if it hurts too much and I will stop (he makes that promise even though every tiny cell in his body is screaming in protest at the thought of stopping. Again she shakes her head as in a no) you won't tell? (another tiny shake of her head no) why? Nidhi, come on! Don't do this to me.

She swallows, wets her lips and answers: because I don't want you to stop.

Ashu gives a despairing groan: Nidhi….

She just tightens her grip on his waist in answer and raises her lips to his. The thin thread of control he had been hanging to snaps at that gesture. Her neck arches back at the first feel of him and his mouth smothers her small cry of pain along with his own groan. The moments that follow take them both into a world of their own where they lose themselves in each other for the first time and their sweat slicked bodies find peace in each other for the first time.