She walks in Beauty (story) - Page 5

Chapter 39

"Weighing heavily on the heart is the season of quotidian concerns

It is the season for testing the beauty of the beloved..."

What happened?" asked Nidhi bewildered and concerned at the sudden turn of events.

Ashutosh still in trappings of the state he was in, was trying to soothe and brave himself for the upcoming task...he wiped his face and uttered, "Two trains have collided at lucknow station...I need to go"

Nidhi gets up quickly and asks, "What?"

"Yes lot of people are injured" Ashutosh quickly puts off his shirt and moves to rest room. He splashed some cold water on his face...it wasn't easy for him to come out of the state he was in. Nidhi stuffing her jewelery in closet asks, "Wait for a minute...I'll change...I'll accompany you"

He emerges from restroom and gives her a quick fond glance...feeling proud for the considerate person she is and winks at her in acceptance. Suddenly Nidhi realises she hasn't unpacked and don't have any casuals in her cupboard. Ashutosh was changing...when his eyes caught her wife lost in something, "Quick Nidhi".

He smiles the way she kept her eyes away from him and answered, "I have got nothing to wear...haven't unpacked". Tucking his shirt in his trousers he asks, "Which bag?" She answers, "The fourth one". He quickly throws the first three bags on the couch and she moves to get her casuals. Ashutosh takes his jacket and sprints out saying, "Come quickly...I'll get the car"

After a minute...Nidhi was locking the door of her house and Ashutosh was waiting for her to get on the car...the moment she got in he raced the car, "Please drive carefully"

"Don't worry Nidhi...every moment is important...we can save a life"

"Yes only if we reach there"

He gives her a sidelong glance and notices her wearing her sandals...her dupatta and her mangalsutra on the dashboard...keeping his eyes on the road and on her wife intermittently...his heart swells with pride...in spite of being on leave and so zonked after their reception party... his wife didn't take a minute to prompt to help the injured.

Within moments they reach hospital...Ashutosh and Nidhi meet Dr. Rangnath at reception...waiting with some ward boys and gurney...the moment he saw Ashutosh he explains, "Sir whole hospital has been put on alert...doctors have been informed...the injured are being treated at medical camp near the accident site...we have sent our doctors as well.

Ashutosh nods and Rangnath adds, "injured after necessary first aid are being referred to City Hospital and nearby hospitals...mayor of the city has asked us to be ready...we are expecting some injured as the near by hospitals are already crammed."

Ashutosh asks,"Hope emergency is sufficiently staffed"

"Yes sir"

"I'll talk to the Mayor...we shouldn't wait here...I think we should offer our help...and save some lives"

Dr. Rangnath nods in acceptance and just then the siren of ambulances were heard...whole hospital went into alert...ambulances rushed in bringing many injured...and all the staff and doctors get engaged with their treatment.

Thankfully the hospital didn't receive many children and those who were admitted had very minor injuries...at 7 in the morning Nidhi at Dr. Behl's insistence left hospital. Before leaving for home she went to check Dr. Ashutosh but as expected he was in the OT...she hired a cab and left car for him.

Dr. Mathur was having his morning tea and reading his morning newspaper when he saw Nidhi entering the entrance of the house. Surprised to see Nidhi so early morning coming from outside...looking very tired out...he stood up and took a few steps towards her, "Nidhi! Where were you beta? Why are you looking so tired?"

"Baba I was in hospital...last night moments after our return from party we came to know about the train collision and we had to go...lot of people have lost their lives and lot are injured"

"Oh! yes I was just reading about the collision when I saw you coming...come, have a cup of coffee...you'll feel better...then take some rest"

Hiraman Kaka overhears their conversation and butts in, "No beta you go freshen up...I'll bring your coffee"

Nidhi nods and moves to her room...after taking a few sips of coffee...fatigued she throws herself on the bed and within moments she was in deep sleep.

At breakfast Arman who got up very late with Riya in her arms asks Sneha, "Where is our bride and groom...and winking at Sneha mumbles...Still sleeping?"

Sneha who was serving breakfast to Baba glares at him taking Riya from his arms she answers, "Ashutosh is in hospital and Nidhi is having rest...there has been a train collision last night...lot of people are injured and scores have lost their lives"

Arman responds, "Oh! Sorry... didn't know that" he closes his eyes feeling sad for all the causalities and for his friend...whose desirous face displays before his eyes and he sighs deeply.

"When did Nidhi come back?"

Baba answers, "Just two hours before"

"And Ashu is still there"

Before Sneha could answer... Riya yells, "Achu" all turn to see Ashutosh who was walking in looking dead tired...sneha offers him coffee but he refuses saying he would like to take shower first as he had to move back to hospital. Giving a peck at Riya's cheek he moves to his room and Arman asks Sneha to keep his breakfast ready.

Fatigued when Ashutosh enters his room...he finds Nidhi sleeping on the bed in middle...her feet on floor...head resting on small bolster...hair sprawled on the bed...her hands folded on her stomach. The sight before Ashutosh's eyes makes the fatigue to vanish in thin air...first a big grin and later after taking in the sight completely, a chuckle crumples his face. He walks up to her...slowly kneels on the bed and moves very close to her...watches her for a few seconds...tucks the strand of hair on her face, behind her ear, and pecks her forehead very softly and carefully not to wake her up.

His state was...the winds teased (her) tresses, and it is my breaths that tie themselves in knots

He very carefully takes off her sandals...pulls her softly up on the bed...smiling at the way she was in deep slumber not feeling any disturbance. He replaces the bolster beneath her head with a pillow and tucks her under a duvet...and grins the way she snuggles down the duvet feeling the warmth...watching her for a few moments...he softly touches her head...takes a deep breath and moves to take his shower...before drawing all the curtains of the room to block the sunlight and not allow sun to disturb her beauty sleep.

Ashutosh all dressed up emerges from the dressing room...his heart was thumping and his body was aching to be with her in that duvet but that was like will-O'-the- wisp that time. Staring at her for a few moments he moves out on the balcony and comes back with a rose...placing the rose and her morning medicines at her side...he slowly caresses her hair taking utmost care not to wake her up... pecks her head and sprints out of the room without turning and looking back at her.

Sneha and Arman forces him to have his breakfast...while having breakfast he advises Riya and makes her understand that she can't go to Achi's room. Sneha smiles and assures him that she will take care of her and he leaves for the hospital.

After an hour of sleep Nidhi opens her eyes and turns to her side snuggling down into the warm duvet...the warmth of duvet makes her realise that someone has tucked her up. She quickly gets up...the ambience of room makes her sense that no someone but Ashutosh has tucked her in...She caresses the comforter softly...hugs herself as if feeling his presence and then suddenly her mind turns to him...She mumbles...where is he?...she turns to move out of bed and her eyes catch the medicine and the rose...taking the smell of rose...she slowly caresses the petals...sways the rose on her cheek...and picks her phone to call him.

Ashutosh was ready to move to OT...stuffing his phone in the drawer he checks his phone final time...he was craving to talk to her...he was going for a complicated surgery and was expecting the surgery to take long...sighing deeply he was about to lock his drawer when he hears his phone buzz...he quickly opens the drawer and his face lights up, "Good Morning Love"... "Good Morning! Where are you?"

He chuckles "So you are still in sleep...I'm in hospital"... "You came here"... "hmn...to take shower".

She grumbles "when? And why didn't you wake me up?"

"Ah! How I wished...but didn't have heart to do that"... "You should have"...she pouts...he smiles ruefully visualising her pout... "Okay! I've an important surgery to perform...got to go".

She asks "You had your breakfast"...he smiles again, "Yes I had"...she takes a deep breath and answers, "Okay! All the best for your surgery"... "Thank you! Love you"... Nidhi turns emotional she feels lonely and Ashutosh waits for his answer calls her, "Love!"...she gulps and answers, "Love you too" he responds with "bye" and adds quickly "don't forget to have your medicine" and hangs up the phone.

Nidhi takes her shower and quickly dresses up in a beautiful pink chiffon saree having silver laces at borders with pink and silver brocade top...wore a silver bindi and diamond dangles. Sneha on first look exclaims, "Wow Nidhi you are looking so pretty"

"Thank you Bhabi"

"Have your breakfast quickly before our doll comes with her Barie doll"

Nidhi chuckles, "Where is she?"

"She is in lawn... playing with Baba"

Nidhi having her breakfast asks, "Bhabi where is Arman bhaya"

"He has gone to his fashion house...he'll be back by 3...you have your breakfast...I'll cook lunch"

"Let me help you"

"No not so soon...but you'll have to make a sweet dish... as a ritual... to mark the beginning to be the cordon bleu of the kitchen"

Nidhi chuckles in response, "Sure Bhabi...I'll do that...but I'll never be able to cook so good to be called as cordon bleu"

"Oh! You'll be a one soon...don't worry...practice makes a man perfect and I'm sure Ashutosh is going to relish whatever you cook"

Nidhi smiles in response and Sneha moves to cook the lunch.

After playing with Riya for sometime Nidhi makes sweet dish...She tries to call Ashutosh to find whether he can come for lunch or not but her call was not answered...she sends a sms, "Waiting for lunch" just then Arman arrives and Nidhi forces all to have their lunch...she serves and makes everyone including Hiraman Kaka to have lunch...when she serves sweet dish Sneha reveals, "The sweet dish is made by Nidhi"

Baba's eyes gleam, "Nidhi you made your first dish in this house...let me taste beta" then as if he suddenly remembered something he stands up saying, "You serve in my bowl...I'm coming" Nidhi frowns she looks at Sneha who shrugs her shoulders in response.

Arman tastes the dish, "Hmn..Paediatrician special" Nidhi was waiting for his reaction he takes his time to relish and then asks, "Is this some special dish Nidhi?" She frowns, "No! I'm asking just for my knowledge ...I'm sure this must be called Sweet less...sweet dish"

Nidhi's face falls...she mumbles... "But I added Sugar"

By that time Baba comes back and asks, "Okay! Let me taste the dish...hmn...must taste good"

Nidhi tries to stop him, "No Baba don't have this...I'll bring another one"

"Why? What is wrong with this? I'll have this one...the one prepared by you first time in this kitchen"

Baba tastes a bit and tries to hide his grimace...Nidhi notices that and mutters, "Baba I'm sorry". Sneha noticing smirk on Arman's face takes a spoonful from his bowl and tests. Her eyes pop out, "Nidhi this tastes so good...they are lying"

Nidhi smiles and pouts, "Baba!"...Baba chuckles and pats her cheek, "Even sugarless dish cooked by my Nidhi is going to taste like honey for me". Nidhi looks affectionately at her grandfather and he blesses her and hands over a box to her...she frowns and asks, "What is this Baba?"

"These are bangles...I bought long ago for my Ashu's bride...I didn't give to you...thought they are old fashioned but now I had nothing to give in shagun...if you wish you can change them with whatever is in these days"

She opens the box and finds beautiful pair of gold bangles and exclaims, "WOW! Baba...they are so beautiful"...Baba smiles in response feeling contented with the joy that filled his heart and home.

Nidhi sulks looking at Arman...he gets up and side hugs her...offering her an envelope...she was about to open when he stops her saying, "Open when Ashu is here" . Nidhi gives a questioning look to Sneha but she shrugs her shoulders.

After having lunch they sat together enjoying Riya's frolics...her antics while she was trying to tie laces of her shoes...Nidhi teaches her but her fingers too little fail to do what she was all fascinated to do...Arman watches them keenly...he gets lost thinking about the fears he had...how much he feared about the girl he wished in his friend's life...what if she wont be able to get well with him and his family was constantly hounding him...he always had fear to loose the family, Baba, his brother like friend...he always used to rest those fears at bay for his friend...but talking to Nidhi on the very first day when he came to know about her...made his fears to vanish into thin air...and now seeing her daughter so attached to her another fear sprouts in his mind and he voices that, "Nidhi don't pamper her so much...she will have hard time in your absence"

Nidhi hugs Riya and rocks her in her arms "She is my cutie pie...why shouldn't I pamper her...and why is she going to miss me...I'm always with her"

"I have booked tickets for tomorrow"

Nidhi and Baba utter at same time, "What?"...Baba adds "How can you Arman? Not so early...you are going to stay here"

"Baba I would love to...but my business needs me...we need to go now"

Nidhi protests, "No you can't go! Atleast stay for some more days' bhaya"

He gets up and holds her in a side hug "No cutie pie...I have an important fashion week to attend at Mumbai...but you have to promise me...you all including Kaka are going to visit us soon" he adds mumbling... "I know you can take care of heart stone"

She frowns and sulks, "how am I going to live here...you know he is working 24X7"

Sneha butts in, "Don't worry you are not going to miss us...you'll be flying soon to your honeymoon"

She purses her lips and mumbles " yes to KGH" and all laugh out loud.

Nidhi missed Ashutosh a lot...the house she stepped in only two days ago seemed so lonesome...everyone was present but just for him a feel of loneliness lingered with her all day...while waiting for him she thought to unpack her bags... she arranged all his clothes in part of the closet and the other was occupied by her belongings...as the whole wall was filled with closets from floor to ceiling...she had enough space to stuff all her things.

Sneha also got busy with her packing and when she came to see what Nidhi is doing... she also helped her and tried to persuade her to have something to eat but she denied. At about 7 in the evening she received a call from him and she came to know that he was done with surgery but can't come home this evening as well...her face fell...to spent a night without him seemed so horrifying. She wished away her thoughts and went to seek Baba's permission to take dinner for him. Baba consented and at about 8 she left with dinner for Ashutosh.

Ashutosh was dead tired after a long surgery...his head on the back of couch and eyes closed he was having some rest...Nidhi enquiring from his secretary came to know that he is in his cabin and she tiptoed to his cabin opening door softly...her heart wrenched seeing him resting that way...his mug of coffee intact was on the table. She placed her bag softly on the floor...gently walking upto him... she slowly leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

Ashutosh opens his eyes alarmed...Nidhi chuckles...watching her in stun for a while he pulls her and she looses her balance and falls in his lap... he kisses her on her cheek and pulls her in a tight embrace...her face sunk in the crook of his neck and his check caressing hers he asks, "What are you doing here?"

She comes out and garlands his neck with her arms and answers, "Just came to see my husband...who is so busy that he forgot her wife"

He stares her for a long minute...hugs her tightly saying, "I'm sorry...squeezing her in... I missed you"

And she answers breathing him in...enjoying to be in his arms after so many hours, "I missed you too" After a while she stirs but he holds her tightly saying, "Stay here"...She smiles, "this is not our bedroom...this is your cabin" he loosens his hold and mumbles, "So what?" She chuckles looking at him but her expression turns to grim, "you look so tired"

"Yes I was a lot... but now I'm superb...my Barie doll is in my arms"

She giggles and repeats, "Barie doll"

Ashutosh nuzzling her neck asks, "Howz she?"

"She is fine...but they are going back"

"What?"

"Yes Arman Bhaya has booked his tickets for tomorrow...please tell him to stay for some more days"

Nidhi stands up and gets her bag and he watches him fondly answering her, "Can't do that Nidhi...his business needs him...he has already neglected his business a lot...can't be so selfish...his eyes catch her bag he asks...what's this?"

She answers pouting "Dinner...you didn't come for lunch"

He asks, "But you had your lunch"

She starts serving dinner and answers, "I was waiting for you"

"You had your lunch or not"

She stuffs a spoon full of rice in his mouth and after swallowing the food he takes spoon from her hand and feeds her saying, "if you are going to do this every time you are only going to make things hard for me...you know how I work...like kaka and Baba you needn't wait for me"

She answers pouting, "I'm not Kaka and Baba...I'll wait for you"

"And you'll starve yourself day in and day out...you better move to your Baba's house back"

"That's not my Baba's house that's mine...you have your dinner...I'm going back"

He pulls her up from his seat and makes her to sit next to him...holding her close...pecking her pout he answers, "You have only one home...and that's Mathur Niwas"

"Whatever... I'm going back now...you have your dinner"

"Nidhi...jaan...why don't you understand...you can't starve yourself like that...please...your health is improving...don't hurt yourself... seeing her unrelenting he gives up...Okay! fine I don't want to have my dinner"

"Don't have...I'm leaving" she extends her hand to take the plate and he holds her hand...glaring at her and exclaiming, "Nidhi!"

She pouts, "Don't glare at me like this...I'm not your junior...I'm your wife"

He holds his tongue in cheek and continues staring at her...She takes a spoonful again and offers him...waiting...holding spoon near his lips...he lowers his eyes holds her hand and turns spoon towards her mouth...she turns her face...and he waits saying, "You'll have to have this...the lunch and dinner together"

After waiting for a while she turns her face pouting...looks at him...and leans forward to take the food but she takes a nibble and turns his hand towards him...how Ashutosh could have said no to that...he smiles and takes food left on spoon. They have food on the plate feeding each other and the last spoon was shared equally with Ashutosh taking the first nibble and Nidhi the last.

She pecks his lips and he raises his eyebrows asking, "you think all done...I need sweet dish now"

"Yes here is one...she offers him the bowl...firni"

"Who said I want this...you know I don't like sugary dish...smacking his lips and leaning forward... I like honey dipped..."

Nidhi places her hand on his lips and turns her eyes towards the bowl...he shakes his head and removes her hand...Nidhi turns her face away uttering, "You taste this first...please... looking at him...please"

He gives up and takes a spoonful and offering her first but she declines saying, "you first" he nibbles a bit and savours the taste, "Hmn...nice...the aroma of roses...really good...gulping down he turns to her...now my favourite"

She asks, "You really liked that"

He frowns and asks, "Yes this is delicious...but why are you asking"

She smiles and displays her bangles, "Baba gifted me this in shagun...for this sweet dish"

He frowns again and asks, "You made this?"

She smiles and nods her head, "My first cooking in your house"

Understanding dawns on him...he closes his eyes in dismay and mumbles, "And I missed that" and after a few minutes he turns and asks, "And what was that...what did you say...in your house?...repeat those words"

She smiles sheepishly and he sulks. She holds her ears and mumbles; "Sorry"... he looks at her and averts his eyes. Nidhi repeats, "Please!" he didn't relent and she takes deep breath saying, "Okay! I'm leaving...now where do I go from here...to my house or tooo.... he gives her a squint look...waiting for her to complete but she didn't...she mumbles... I can decide that on the way" and she tries to stand up but he pins her against the back of couch...looking at her... "You know you have no where else to go now...except to your home and raising his eyebrows...and where is that?" pecking at her lips... "Where is your home?...Dr. Nidhi"...his hands were caressing her curves and his lips were savouring her face...she was feeling mesmerised by his touch...after missing him past twenty four hours...she wraps her arms around his waist...and clings to him caressing his chest and tightening her hold...she mumbles, "this is my home...this is where I belong to"

Ashutosh stunned hearing her words squeezes her in his arms. After a while Ashutosh caresses her head and mumbles, "I think you should leave now...it's getting late now"

She snuggles to him and he mumbles again, "You know how much I love to hold you like this...but sweetheart you have to go back...and it's already 9.30...and this chauffer of yours can't come to drop you home"

She mock punches, "Don't call my husband chauffer" she comes out and he kisses her to his heart's content...sighing deeply he mutters, "hopefully from tomorrow life will come back to normal...come I'll drop you off at entrance"

"No you stay here...I'll go on my own...take some rest till your next surgery...you'll feel better"

"I'm already feeling better...pecking her lips...thank you for coming...and leave this firni here I'm going to taste that later"

She winks and stands up...Ashustosh calls the ward boy and orders, "Take this bag and ask driver to drop Dr. Nidhi home"

Ward boy takes the bag and leaves. Nidhi protests, "I can go on my own"

Ashutosh takes her in an embrace...squeezes her and answers, "I know but for me please...let the driver drop you"

She raises her head to look at him and winks in response. He pecks her forehead and holds her close to his heart, "I was missing you...this dinner will help me to go through this night...thank you...have your medicine and text me when you reach home...she nods her head and he mumbles...and miss me will you"

Nidhi pecks his cheek and mumbles "NO" and he chuckles and responds looking deep in her eyes, "I'll see"...their eyes locked Nidhi moves towards the door...mumbles bye and leaves. Ashutosh closes his eyes...takes in a deep breath and plops in couch...he keep on cherishing the moments he spent with her till he receives her sms, "Reached...GN"

"Happy is the moment of sighting the Beloved's face

Happy is the season that brings relief to the agitated heart"

Nidhi woke up to the alarm on her mobile...snuggling down the comforter she hugged herself...the extra layer on her body make her to open her eyes...she smiled caressing the jacket she wore in the wee hours to feel him around and to get some sleep after tossing and turning on the bed whole night...she remembered how the bed, the room in these wintry nights seemed more frosty...and how after snuggling to his jacket she found a bit solace and fell into a deep sleep...hoping the morning brings in a wonderful day and she gets to see her husband she moves to get ready.

After wearing his favourite colour saree...all decked up she takes her phone to text him Good Morning' and finds a message from him...smile of contentment graces her face and she turns to have her medicines...his care and concern even in his busy schedule...makes her emotional...she kisses her fingers and touches his picture...watching his picture for sometime...she mumbles, "Love you".

Arman and his family leave after having their breakfast...their flight was at 8 am and Baba accompanies them to see them off at airport. The house turns quiet...Riya being the apple of everyone's eyes was missed so much that Baba on his return moved to JS...even walls rendered aloofness...her chirpiness all these days kept the house lively.

"These heart's wounds used to ache even otherwise but (with) lesser (intensity)

This time, the season of separation from the beloved is something else"

Chapter 40

"He loves my heart for once it was his own,

I cherish his because in me it bides" (Philip Sidney)

Nidhi sprints out from kitchen towards the door hearing the doorbell ring. Her eyes gleam and face crumples with a big grin the moment she opens the door. Her husband staring her in an equally ensnared state...kept her rooted at the place she was standing...with their eyes locked.

For Ashutosh the sight was a dream of lifetime to come true...all his weariness disappears...he was totally mesmerised...his house was smelling like a home...and he was feeling homecoming...redefining the meaning of the whole feeling...as the moment was holding affinity to the instance he experienced long before, for the first time, when Baba gave him refuge in his shelter and that shelter slowly grew into his abode.

Baba smiles sitting on couch reading a book and waiting for his son to arrive. He came back halfway to JS when he thought of Nidhi and how lonely she must be feeling in absence of his husband and Arman's family. He cleared his throat and asked, "Nidhi who's there?"

Their trance breaks and she lowers her eyes exchanging a shy smile with Ashutosh. Ashutosh walks in and Baba exclaims, "Oh! Ashu...how are you?"

Ashutosh seeks blessings of Baba touching his feet and Baba placing a loving hand on his head, continues, "You must be very tired beta...I hope you can take some rest now"

"Yes Baba I'm here till lunch...have a lecture to deliver at 3... so need to go at that time"

"You should have postponed that...anyways go take some rest...I'll also leave for JS...I came back thought Nidhi will feel lonely here...she too was missing Riya...Ashutosh pursed his lips...you couldn't meet them"

"No Baba I met them at Airport...I reached there the moment you had left"

"That's good...go and take some rest...I'll leave in a moment...see you at lunch"

Ashutosh nods his head and moves to his room...giving an expressive glance to Nidhi...who lowers her eyes in understanding.

She fiddled about with the magazines on the table...trying to find a chance to move to their room...she was about to dash avoiding Baba's eyes...when Baba called her, "Nidhi...give me the sweets beta...I'll leave" Dr. Mathur was visiting JS for the first time after their wedding so had decided to take sweets for the inmates... to share the joy of his son's wedding.

Nidhi turns and answers, "Yes Baba...I'll get the boxes"

The moment she takes boxes from fridge...H. Kaka grabs them asking, "Give that to me beta...you make tea for Ashu"

Nidhi nods her head...her joy knew no bounds...she quickly dashes to their room...but her bubble bursts when she didn't find him in room...he was in the restroom taking shower.

She thought to return to kitchen and make tea for him...her face was glowing with joy... Hiraman Kaka's old eyes couldn't miss her glow... he smiled affectionately at her and helped her with his breakfast...pouring tea in the mug Nidhi in all excitement takes tea and breakfast for him...the moment she walks in her eyes catch her husband lying prone on the bed...her heart wrenches...looking weary he had his eyes closed ...placing his breakfast on the side table...she gently ruffled his hair...and he sensing her touch grabbed her hand and pulled her to himself...she alighted on him and he exclaimed, "Wow! This is so soothing"... she tries to move to his side but he stops her. Kissing her hand...he pleads, "Stay like that...this is so relaxing"

Her torso on his back...she moves slightly to peck his cheek, "Very tired!"

Placing his hand on her head and pressing her face to his, he mumbles, "hmn"

"I have got tea for you...have some you'll feel better...you should have taken a hot water bath"

"I don't want tea...stay like this...I want to feel you"

He pulls her and she slid down to his side...snagging her quickly...he kisses at her cheek and pulls her in an embrace...the embrace that filled the hollowness of so many hours...both get the needed solace...he squeezed her in his arms and mumbled... "I missed you"

Nidhi pulls herself out...and looks at her husband, "Have your breakfast now...get up"

Staring at her and speaking in a nagging voice, "Your husband returned home after two days and you didn't ask him...what he wishes to have in breakfast"

Touching his cheek "You want to have anything special...tell me I'll make that for you"

"Promise"

She nods her head determinedly and he looks at her lips...trailing her lips with his thumb he utters huskily, "you think there can be anything else in this whole world that your husband would like to relish...how long it has been since I tasted this wine"

His words, smouldering eyes and the ravenous voice makes her go in a spell and he inches forward to savour her...slowly and softly...nipping and sucking her lips...he tasted her taking all the time...her toes curl but she allowed him to quench his thirst...quite willingly turning his poodle... and dousing her own...her unresponsiveness makes him to break the kiss and look at her...the dazed yet gleamed eyes make him to groan and twirl a bit and pin her under him... he looks at her... gnawing yet robust...and murmurs, "seems my wife really didn't miss me" ...she chuckles and he gives a soft bite at her chin... "So you are teasing your husband"...she smiles and mumbles "no...I'm allowing him to relish as much as he can"...nuzzling and caressing her neck he asks, "really" and she forgets to respond...sensations flood her and she moans...and he goes on relentlessly tasting all the delights his heart yearned for...he pulls the end of her saree and flings off...staring at the treasure that was unveiled for sometime...he leans forward to pay his homage...Nidhi's elongated moans made her sorely tempting...nuzzling her softness he slowly raises her a bit to get access to the opening of her top...but she quickly grabs his arms and stops him...eyes darkened with passion he gives her a questioning look...she slowly moves her hands up...cupping his head she tugs him softly and pecks at his lips saying, "I think you need rest".

He nibbles her lower lip and grumbles, "No!"

She responds nipping his lip and mumbles yes'.

Ashutosh smiles holding his tongue in cheek and asks, "So you want a tug-of-war".

She chuckles and responds, "tug of love"...looking intensely in his eyes she raps her tongue in between his lips... opening his mouth he takes a gasp...giving a soft nibble to his tongue...she looks at him in a look that said, how was that' he pursed his lips and returning a look I'll show you' he smirks and takes her lips robustly...to which she responds greedily and together they experienced and tasted the magic potion of their love.

Satiated they spring apart...he plops himself onto the bed, panting on her side he pulls her in his arms and asks, "So Dr. Nidhi! How was that?" she miles and snuggles to him biting softly at the crook of his neck and mumbles, "very bad"

Ashutosh chuckles and answers, "Okay let me try again"...she tries to move out, "Noo! Please have some sleep now"...tightening his grab he answers in a pleading voice, "No! I don't want to sleep".

Nidhi raises her head and asks looking into his eyes, "why?" He answers with all the love in his eyes, "You know"... pecking him at his eyes she responds, "No I don't"... irritant he grumbles, "Nidhi!" She smiles!...again pecking at his eyes she repeats, "Sleep"

His eyes closed he warns her, "You'll have to pay for this".

Suppressing her chuckle she pecks his lips and shushes him, "Shush! Sleep like a good boy". He couldn't help his grin...looking fondly at her he pulls her nose and proffers, "I'm not going to sleep alone...to answer her questioning look...he shrugs his shoulders...I can't actually"

Nidhi's questioning glance turns doting...snuggling to him...she kisses his cheek and rests her head on his shoulder muttering, "I'm here". Digging her fingers in his hair she ruffles his hair softly and asks "sleep now".

Basking in her warmth Ashutosh felt lulled to sleep... like a kid cuddled in the warmth of mother's lap...which he had never known and never experienced...his eyes turn moist...but he gulps his tears...he didn't wish to sadden the most affectionate and loving person he was ultimately blessed to have in his life...he finally was grasping the meaning of love and experiencing the love in all its endearing forms...the all encompassing love that has cocooned him in. Shelving his past...he closes his eyes and within moments he was embraced by deep and sound sleep.

Nidhi who was draped all over him...sensing him in deep sleep...very gently moves out of his arms...affectionately and gently ruffling his hair...she pulls up covers and moves out of bed. She drew curtains and took his phone along to allow him to have undisturbed and needed rest.

Descending down the stairs she straightens her saree and her hair, and moves to kitchen. Hiraman Kaka who was preparing for lunch asks, "Ashutosh didn't have his breakfast".

"No Kaka! He is sleeping...he needs sleep more than food"

"Strange! No matter how tired he's he never slept during day time...he must be awake"

Nidhi smiles recalling how she made him to sleep and answers, "No Kaka! He was very weary...he fell into a deep sleep"

"Good! That's good beta...he really was looking very tired"

Nidhi asks "Kaka...I want to cook his favourite food"

Kaka smiles, "yes beta...you tell me...I'll cook that for him"

"No Kaka...I want to cook myself"

Kaka grins and asks, "You need my help"

She shakes her head smilingly and answers, "I'll manage" H.Kaka looks sceptical and Nidhi sensing his concern utters, "Don't worry Kaka...I won't starve your Dr. Sahib and your son"

Kaka altering the expression on his face and hiding his concern manages to smile back and moves out saying, "do let me know if you need any help" Nidhi smiles and answers, "Sure Kaka"

Nidhi cooks Ashutosh's favourite dishes, attends all his phone calls and after watching TV for sometime...and when clock strikes 1...she decides to wake him up.

Seeing him sleeping so soundly... she sighed... not having heart to wake him up...she sat on bed with her legs tucked under her and watched him sleeping for sometime...then reluctantly she leans forward and pecks his eyes...he stirs and turns to his side...extending his hand to feel her...but she cringes and sensing his empty arms he opens his eyes and finds her smiling and staring at him...he blinks his eyes and pulls her in his arms asking, "what're you doing there?"

"Waking you up...now get up...and have lunch"...she comes out and waits for him but he pulls her again "No come...let us sleep"

She chuckles "you're not ready to sleep...you forgot".

"hmn..I slept the most sound sleep of my life...come let us sleep together"

Nidhi chuckles again, "Okay! As my husband wishes...but let me call your secretary and cancel all your appointments first"

He gives her a sidelong glance...gets up and snuggles to her resting his head in her lap...she looks fondly at him...gently ruffling his hair she pecks his forehead, "Please get up now...go hospital on time and come home early tonight"

His eyes wide open...her words sparked a gleam in his eyes pulling her head near his...he whispers near her ear, "tonight...hmn...that's the only hope now"

Nidhi's eyes pop out...he smirks... takes the duvet and flings on her.

She giggles and he moves to restroom...extricating herself out...she makes the bed and moves to kitchen to lay the table for lunch...after sometime she hears him call and she had to ascend back to the room.

He was in towel waiting for her...looking at him she lowers her eyes and asks, "What?"

Ashutosh grumbles, "Where are you? You forgot your duties Nidhi?"

Nidhi walks up to him and asks, "What duties?" He back hugs her and nuzzling her neck he makes her walk upto the closet, "Get my clothes...you have to help your husband dress up...you forgot"

"As if I've no other job to do"

He raises his eyebrows, lifts her up to make her sit in the shelf saying, "Yes you have no other job to do" but finding no space in the cupboard he frowns and grounds her back, "What is this? Why is this so loaded?"

She chuckles and offers him the shirt and answers raising her eyebrows, "This part is stuffed with all your clothes...I needed more space"

He quickly wears his shirt and moves to check other parts of the cupboard all packed with Nidhi's belongings...he looks at her amazed and tries to suppress his chuckle...after clearing his throat he asks, "You shopped all these things...this is the shopping you did"

She nods her head, "Yes". Gulping down the revelation...he raises his one eyebrow...he takes another look of the cupboard and coming back to his part...he clenches a fistful of hangers and throws on the couch.

Nidhi exclaims, "What are you doing?"

Pointing to the parts of closet packed with her clothes...he replies "There is enough space...there... you stuff them there... I need space for my wife here"

Picking her up in his arms...he settles her in the cupboard...pecks her lips...and quite close to her lips he mumbles, "No yours and No mine...only ours...just in two days you singled me out"

Nidhi's eyes widened, "Noo! I thought the clothes will remain arranged better this way"

Raising and throwing his arms to his sides...he signals "your" and "mine"...giving her a resigned look...he sulks and continues dressing himself.

Seeing him brooding...she mumbles "I'm sorry"

Ashutosh didn't relent...but after a while...leaving his shirt buttons undone...his necktie hanging on his shoulders...giving her a sidelong look...he waits for her.

Nidhi smiles...coiling her arms around his neck she climbs down... buttons up his shirt...looking into his eyes she makes knot of his tie...he couldn't avert his eyes and she finds hard to suppress her chuckle...glaring at her for sometime he takes her lips and gives her a searing kiss...releasing her he mutters, "didn't know Doc... you love to tease your husband so much"

She rests her head on his chest and he winds his arms around her...pecking at her head...he cuddles her in his arms and utters, "I missed you so much...and missed so many things...I wasn't here when you're settling yourself here...I'm sorry Nidhi"

She comes out and looks at him and he continues, "At least I should have seen you throwing me out" she mock punches him and he chuckles... rocking her in his arms he mumbles, "Love you so much"

Pouting she moves out and collects his suits...she couldn't pick all the hangers as he picked them in one hand and he chuckles...walking up to her he helps her and stores his clothes in her part of cupboard. Caging her there he nuzzles her neck and asks, "We are going out...if you want to change you can...and mumbling near her ear huskily he adds...I can help you"

She turns to look at him still in her pout, "No I don't need your help and where are we going?"

Shrugging his shoulders, "I needn't explain...I can take you anywhere I wish" raising his eyebrow in his typical style and looking questioningly at her...waiting for her response.

She stomps her feet and pouts...and turns to move out...he chuckles and catches her arm...pulling her back he rests his arms on her shoulders and stares her...she didn't raise her eyes...he nuzzles her nose and utters, "This's not fair Dr. Nidhi...I think I should be pouting here...for the way I was singled out...turning his voice husky he whispers...but I don't mind your pouting...you know how much I like that"

Very gently taking her pout in his lips he smothers her pout...after releasing her lips he looks at her and sees her eyes emanating love...pecking her forehead...he takes her in embrace and she responds holding him tightly.

Baba took a spoonful of curry and tasted a bit...savouring the taste he muttered hmn...and in a raised voice Hiraman today you have marvelled in preparing this dish"

Hiraman takes a breath of relief and his face displays a contented smile.

Baba turns to Ashutosh and Nidhi who were coming in to join him, "Come Ashu today Hiraman has made your favourite dish but the dish tastes delicious...like never before"

Nidhi notices a relieved look on Kaka's face she turns happy and waits for Ashutosh's reaction. The moment he takes a nibble...he too relishes the taste and Hiraman kaka divulges that the dish has been prepared by Nidhi. Baba looks stunned and exclaims, "I'm so lucky to have a daughter in law...who cooks so lip-smacking...Hiraman you can't revel in your cooking now"

Hiraman smiles and Nidhi responds, "Baba you know Kaka was very tense...he thought I'll starve you all...he wasn't ready to move out of kitchen"

Nidhi noticed Ashutosh's glance on her...he was looking fondly at her while she responded to Baba. Baba smiled hearing Nidhi's words and turned to H.K, " Hiraman you doubted my daughter's capabilities"

Hiraman Kaka was embarrassed, "No I thought she may not be having much practice with cooking"

Nidhi smiles and answers, "You are right kaka...I didn't have but my stay in US gave me the expertise" Baba notices Ashutosh watching her with gleam in his eyes. He intrupts him, "Ashu you are tasting lunch cooked by your wife for the first time...you should gift her something"

Ashutosh grins, "You have given her a gift already"

Baba exclaims, "What do you mean? That was a gift from father to his daughter-in-law ...you should also gift her something...you are lucky enough... all your life you are going to taste such tasty food"

Ashutosh smiles and giving a squint look to Nidhi he responds, "Whatever she wants Baba...she can have that?"

Nidhi didn't miss the glow on his face every time Baba called her as his daughter-in-law. Feeling contented that she has been able to give that sense of belonging to him she butts in, "Baba that reminds me Arman ji gave me an envelope...he didn't allow me to check that"

Ashutosh smiles, "That contains tickets for our honeymoon"

"You know that"

"Yes he asked me in our reception... whether I can expend sometime going abroad...I knew why he was asking...I said no and I'm sure he must have arranged tickets somewhere in India"

Nidhi answers excitedly, "I can guess that place"

Baba asks: What is that?

Nidhi answers: Kashmir

Baba exclaims, "the heaven on earth...that is a great place to visit beta"

Nidhi and Ashutosh exchange knowing glances and seeing his smouldering gaze she lowers her eyes and Baba suppresses his smile.

After having lunch Nidhi helps Kaka to clear the table and Ashutosh finds chance to ask Baba, "Baba I'll take Nidhi along...I'll drop her at Papa's place and on my way back...I'll also pay a visit."

Baba agrees, "Of course beta...take her...she'll feel bored here...and now that your tickets are already arranged...you are going tomorrow...you should meet them before leaving" He stands up to move to his room saying, "Okay I'll take a nap"

Ashutosh smiles and nods in response.

The moment Ashutosh turns his car towards Col. Verma's house Nidhi's eyes glittered...she turns to look at him...and he winks at her...she smiles and he gives a fond stare. He drops her at the entrance and she waits for him to turn his car and wave him bye.

Dadi Bua was elated to see Nidhi the moment she answered door bell. She almost yelled taking her in a hug, "Nidhi! You here...come...come beta...where is doctor?"

Nidhi smiles, "Take a breath...dadi bua"

She asks again, "Where is doctor?"

"Dadi bua you know how busy he is...he dropped me here...he had to go hospital"

"And when did he come? I heard past two days he was in hospital...how can he?...how can he leave his newly wed wife alone"

Nidhi gulps, "Dadi Bua...who told you...I wasn't alone...he came home every day and you know your son-in-law is a doctor...he saved many lives past few days...you should be proud of him"

Dadi bua's anger smoothers, "That I'm...I feel very proud of him but I can't see you lonely beta"

"No dadi Bua..I'm not...he cares for me a lot"

Dadi bua's eyes gleam in pride...she touches her head gently and utters, "God bless you both" and Nidhi takes a breath of relief.

Nidhi talks to Rohan and Anji on phone. She also calls Arman and Sneha and thanks them for the wonderful wedding gift. Soon Col. verma and Solanki's arrive hearing about Nidhi's arrival. Dadi Bua coming to know about Nidhi's honeymoon trip bundles all the woollens for her. After spending sometime chatting and hearing Dadi Bua's do's and dont's for Nidhi...family sits together to have tea. The tea was being served when Ashutosh knocks at the door. Col. verma gets up to welcome his son-in-law. Ashutosh enters quite relieved finally Dadi Bua's rituals were over. Nidhi holds her tongue in her cheek seeing first his discomfiture and later the relieved look. But the look of contentment didn't last long...he was subjected to all her attention...showering all the love by offering and insisting him to have everything that's on table...Ashutosh gives a frustrated look to Nidhi and she holds her tongue in her cheek. He mock glares her and she suppresses her chuckle...but coming to his rescue she stops Dadi Bua saying they have had a very heavy lunch and he gives her glance of gratitude.

After having tea...they get up to move and taking everyone's blessings they bid them good bye.

Back home Nidhi packs her and Ashutosh's bags...receiving help from Ashutosh...the help that hindered and prolonged her every job...Ashutosh enjoyed and loved to tease and tickle her Barbie doll.

After having dinner she moves to her room...this was her second night with her husband and after living two lonely nights in string she was feeling relieved to have him around...myriad of emotions flood her...she opens the door of her room...her husband was talking to someone on phone...the moment she enters their eyes meet...not able to stand his passion filled gaze she lowers her eyes and moves to dressing room...the moment she comes out wearing a cream colour satin night gown...looking ethereal...he forgets what he was doing...his Em...yes I'm here...I'm sorry" makes Nidhi to bite her lower lip. She switches off the lights of the room...leaving night lamps glowing she settles in the bed and that was enough for Ashutosh to cut off his call.

Chapter 42

"Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like running brook that sings its melody to the night."(K.G)

Quenching the thirst of past few days he looks at her in veneration...his eyes offering the homage like the votive offerings of a worshiper...he straightens her raven locks spread on pillow and pecks the swollen lips...Nidhi pecks him back...he smiles and leans to caress her neck...her fingers ruffle his hair bearing the maddening sensations his touch was provoking in her and he goes on exploring the heavens that was forbidden to him after having a taster few nights ago. His hands reach the fastening of her top and she gasps out, "Ashutosh!"

In a husky breathy voice...his hands tugging the string of her knot he asks, "Yes my love"

She mutters, "Lights"

He whispers nibbling her earlobe, "not tonight"

Nidhi grabs his hands and pleads, "Please"

Looking intensely deep into her eyes he asks, "Why do you want to hide my wife...he extends his arm and switches off the night lamp...I'm not going to do this every time"

She mumbles, "I can do that myself"

"What? Come again...what did you say?"

Asking the question repeatedly that gets dissipated in her moans.

"Hmn...Let me sleep"

Ashutosh smiles and whispers near her ear "Wake up! the sun is already up"

In sleepy drowsy voice she replies, "Sun was up when we slept"

Ashutosh giggles...he holds her snugly...his mornings were never so amazing...he tries to ponder, "when was the last time his morning began with a hearty smile or a laugh...like he has been doing past few days...the joy he's feeling has no match...he never knew such a beautiful feeling"

Tucking her in, he holds her closely...allowing her to sleep...softly caressing her hair...after a while Nidhi gets aware of their stark bodies...she opens her eyes disturbingly but tries not to make any movement...her head resting on his chest...the melody of his soft thumps...resounding the moments of their tryst...her cheeks brightened recalling how he was all over her... the showers of love she received...like a dam burst...inundating her to the levels of brim over...and like a cascade that made her to revel in its currents.

Nidhi tries to disentangle herself from his arms...the moment he feels her movement...he tightens his hold...she mumbles, "Please!"

He turns to left holding her in his arms so that he can have a look at her face but she embraces him tight. Ashutosh easing his grip tries to pull her out, "please look at me"

Nidhi holds the top of duvet and flits in between them as soon as she moves out to look at him. Ashutosh looks at her in smirk...he kisses her forehead and gives a slight tug to the duvet...Nidhi quickly leaps back to him saying, "You are bad". He chuckles, "What a deference to show to your husband early morning"

She mock punches him, "What do you expect for your mischief"

He exclaims "Mischief!...hmn...I won't mind mischief for a mischief'

She retorts, "Hmn...I know"

After a moment she feels his fondle...his hands wandering on her body...She gasps, "Ashutosh!"

He twirls and crushes her softly under him... groaning, "Hmn"

"Please not this time"

Nuzzling her neck "Why?...hmn" She moans "Please"

Her please' makes him to raise himself on his elbows to look at her...she quickly places her one hand on his eyes and pulls the duvet using other... Ashutosh chuckles, "What's this Nidhi?"

"Please...let me go...we are very late"

"Take your hand away...you know what I can do"

"No! You won't...you are my sweet hubby"

Ashutosh chuckles again, "So my sweet wifey is allowing me to see"

"I'll if my hubby promises he won't turn naughty"

"Naughty?...he bends his head and removes her hand from his eyes... her hand in his he pecks her hand...what do you mean by naughty...if you mean this...then I can't help"...sinking his teeth into duvet he pulls the duvet but Nidhi was holding the duvet tightly she pleads... "please"

He raises his eyebrow and she narrows her eyes pleadingly...Ashutosh gives up...he always loved the way she narrowed her eyes asking for something...he can give his life for that one look...he cups her face and pecks at her eyes...then he closes his eyes and Nidhi stares at him amazingly... he gives a soft tug to duvet...Nidhi didn't know when her grip loosened on the duvet...she watches duvet slide from her chest...he had his eyes closed...he embraces her and lifts her up...he gets off the bed holding her in his arms and wraps them in a duvet...Nidhi looks stunningly at him...his eyes were gleaming with love when he looked at her...he walks upto the restroom door and releases her...shutting his eyes he utters "go"

Nidhi looks at him in wonder and reverence...she pecks his eyes and slips into restroom. Ashutosh opens his eyes and looks longingly at the restroom door...feeling the emptiness he hugs himself and moves to look out through window...taking the picturesque morning view of Dal lake...he smiles brightly at the morning sun...the wounds of loneliness were feeling salved... healing gradually he was feeling renewed.

He comes back to bed and takes his cell phone and makes a call to lucknow... that was answered by Hiraman Kaka.

"Hello Beta...How is Nidhi?"

Ashutosh looks at his phone with frown and answers him, "Kaka I'm on the phone...you don't want to know about me...and you are asking about Nidhi"

"No Beta you can take care of yourself...I want to know whether you're taking care of her or not"

Ashutosh smiles, "Great! In few days...just in few days...you are saying I can take care of myself and all you are concerned about is Nidhi...and why she can't take care of herself"

Hiraman Kaka: "I don't know...where is she?"

Ashutosh chuckles, "She is getting ready...where is Baba?"

Hiraman Kaka passes the phone to Baba and he answers, "How are you Ashu? How's Nidhi?"

"Baba I'm fine...but I understand...you also want to know about Nidhi"

Baba chuckles, "You remember what you used to say whenever we're concerned about you...Baba imitates him I can take care of myself'... now are you feeling jealous"

"Why would I be jealous of your daughter-in-law?"

Baba chuckles, "Hmn...I can smell"

Ashutosh enquires about Baba's health and hangs up the phone. He then calls Col. Verma...after a brief chat his eyes catch Nidhi in a bath robe taking her clothes from the closet...his eyes get stuck...he ends the call...forgetting about the duvet that was covering him...he gets up...the duvet slips off his shoulders and he gets aware and catches duvet at his torso...his eyes glued on Nidhi he walks upto her and takes her in a back hug...wrapping the duvet around her.

"What is this?"

He takes in a deep breath...taking in her fresh fragrance, "You smell tasty" and starts nuzzling her neck.

"Stop it! Go and get ready"

"Hmn...let me taste you first"

She retorts, "No!" extricating herself she pushes him towards restroom and asks, "Go and get ready"

He plops on couch, "I'm not going...till I get something that can help me spend ten minutes without you...you know shrugging his shoulders"

Nidhi shakes her head resignedly and comes near him and pecks at his lips and flees from there saying, "Now go"

He holds his tongue in cheek and giving her a sidelong look he moves to take his shower.

After a while he comes out...as usual in his towel...if Nidhi lost herself seeing the smashing form of her husband...Ashutosh was dazed to see the Nidhi in jeans and a top...her hair tied in a ponytail. Nidhi was first to break their eye lock...she turns to do what she was busy with...searching for her mangalsutra...she picks her earrings, rings but couldn't find that...she turns to ask him about mangalsutra but finds him rooted where he was standing...looking at her he gestures her to come near him and she assents...resting his arms on her shoulders he tickles her with his wet hair and asks, "Why have you tied your hair?"

Goosing her he pulls her to himself and she stifles and gives a wide eyed expression, "Leave me!" he brushes his lips to her and mutters, "Can't stay a minute without you...and what can I do when you look so beautiful...I'm bound to loose my senses"

"I know...leave me now...we are getting late...we have to leave" while she spoke his mouth was on her.

"Can't we stay here...motioning towards bed...there that's the best place to be...I swear"

In a smirk Nidhi answers, "Yes" he was puzzled to hear her yes but his face falls when she continues, "You can stay here" she pushes him and flees to search her mangalsutra. He gives her a sidelong look and answers, "you think I can stay alive"

Nidhi gets angry and throws pillow at him, "How many times I told you not to say such words"

He whispers looking at her, "Sorry"

In a huff she turns and gets back to her job. He walks up to her...back hugs her and mumbles a sorry again...she doesn't relent in same angry tone she asks, "Where is my mangalsutra?"

Giving an innocent look "How do I know?"

She turns and looks at him...still in huff, "who took that off?"

"I don't know...I mean...I don't remember" She gives him a resigned look and turns to move...but he grabs her arm...in a breathy voice he continues, "If you can help me remember...may be... I can recall if I do that again...you know"

"No I don't...and don't worry I've another one...I can wear that"...giving him a determined look... "Are you going to stay in towel whole day?"

He shrugs his shoulders, "What can I do...my wife is not helping me"

She turns and moves towards closet and he follows her...she offers him clothes and he wears...his tee...jeans and a warm sweater...then he grabs her in his arms...she was still in huff...trying to smooth her anger he whispers, "I said I'm sorry...please hug me Nidhi...please!...don't blame me if I repeat those words" she takes a deep breath and raises her hands and hugs him tightly...after a while he pulls her out and takes her lips...when he releases her lips...Nidhi feels her hair open...she gives a stunned look to him and he winks in response...tweaking her cheek he utters, "let us have our breakfast we are getting late"

"What? Now we are getting late?" She looks at him baffled but he moves to living room and straightening her hair she follows him...when she passes him...he pulls her and she slumps into his lap...caging her in, he smirks and she pouts...raising his one eyebrow he smoothers her pout with his smooch and then feeds her breakfast... and in same stance they have breakfast feeding each other.

After having breakfast Ashutosh pecks her lips and asks, "Where are we going now?" his hands slip inside her sweater...she arches her neck at his touch and Ashutosh's eyes catch the mark on her neck...he quickly takes his one hand out and softly caresses the mark.

"Jaan did I hurt you?"

Nidhi gives him a questioning look...noticing what he was caressing she shakes her head shyly and answers, "Can love hurt?"

He pulls her to him...flings the top of her dress and pecks the mark followed by a slobbery kiss. Their eyes were passionately gleaming when they looked at each other. Ashutosh trails her lips and mutters in a breathy voice, "I love you"

Nidhi mumbles, "Love you too...shall we move now?"

He shakes his head...looking intensely at her...their eyes locked... he asks, "You don't want your mangalsutra"

Her eyes gleaming in love...responding to his intense stare...she shakes her head and utters, "I've another one"

He raises his eyebrow, "Really?"

She flaunts the pendant he gave her on morning after their wedding night...he smiles and pecks the pendant on her chest bone...she gasps...he looks at her and fastens her mangalsutra around her neck, "Love both your mangalsutras" he kisses the another one too...and she hugs him tightly.

They were in cab moving towards the Cheshmashahi garden...Nidhi in child like innocence was watching the scenic beauty on the way...and Ashutosh's eyes were on her face...feeling his eyes she asks in a whisper, "Why don't you look at the beauty outside?"

He returns a meaningful glance and she turns her face towards the window...he smiles...snaking his arm around her he asks... "These chinars (sycamore) look beautiful".

Nidhi answers, "Hmn...You feel so cool under their shade during scorching heat...they offer the solace who ever sits under their shade"

You know there is proverb here that says... "Some have wives like a shady chinar, let us go under it and cool ourselves"

Ashutosh: "I don't know about chinars but wives are shady and soothing to the soul"

Nidhi smiles at him in love...when they reach near the move that turns towards Cheshmashahi garden...driver asks them, "would you like to visit Botonical garden here"

Nidhi answers, "No! On our way back" and driver moves ahead.

Nidhi exclaims, "These gardens are a bliss in summers...I wish we could come here during summers"

Ashutosh answers, "Why not?"

She responds excitedly, "Really?"

Ashutosh nods, "Yes I want to see whole world with you...anew"

She knew what he meant by anew" she winks in understanding.

The moment they got off the cab...Ashutosh holds her hand...she smiles feeling protected in her husband's presence...they climb the flight of stairs that takes them to the garden area... the design of the garden, similar to other Kashmiri gardens, is a version of a traditional Persian garden that has been modified to fit the steep site. Because of the site's topography and the limited options for flowing water...its water only run in one direction...from top to bottom...instead of a flat ground plane, the garden is composed of three terraced planes. An axial water channel runs the length of the garden, from the spring source on the third terrace to a five-fountain-pool on the first terrace.

Chashma Shahi ("Royal Spring") received its name from its water source...a spring located on its uppermost terrace. The garden, one of the smaller Kashmiri gardens around Dal Lake, is found on the southeastern side of the lake. Chashma Shahi is found just to the north of Pari Mahal...a garden palace...and south of the Nishat Bagh...another Mughal garden.

At the top of the stairs...they reach a gate that controls the access to the garden. Passing through the gate they enter the first terrace...Ashutosh watches mesmerizingly ...a square five-fountain-pool receiving water from the second terrace by means of a steep water ramp that transfers water between garden terraces. (The fountain-pool is centered... a base for a Kashmiri baradari on the third terrace that encloses the spring..."baradari" literally means "twelve doors," from the Persian summerhouses with twelve archways to let in breezes, it also indicates a garden pavilion)

Nidhi exclaims, "Isn't that beautiful"

Ashutosh having his eyes on the flowing water nods his head.

They take another flight of stairs to reach the second terrace...they stroll the garden area and watch the city from that height...on the second terrace...the water channel carrying the water from the spring on the third terrace...to the fountain pool...looks equally mesmerizing...they lock a few moments in their camera.

At the end of second terrace...two flights of stairs...take them to the third terrace...where the water spring is surrounded by a two-story baradari. They enter the baradari and taste the most delicious spring water with medicinal values...where the spring sprouts...and flows water down to the terraces. Ashutosh sprinkles some water on Nidhi's face...but regrets when seeing the water on her face resemble a rose showered in oasis...the oasis he so wished to taste...but can't.

Nishi seeing him mesmerized looks at him questioningly and he silently shakes his head.

They hand in hand, walk the garden area of third terrace...watch the beautiful dal lake...and the dargah they visited together yesterday from the heights of Cheshmashahi garden. After clicking lot of pictures they turn to see the Pari Mahal'..."The Palace of Fairies".

After five minutes they reach the Pari Mahal garden...nestled in the bosom of Zabarwan mountain and majestically over looking the Dal Lake this beautiful Fairy Palace of Kashmir in Srinagar was a place worth enjoying and experiencing. Once dotted with numerous springs, which have dried up now, Ashutosh and nidhi love to visit the seven terraced garden.

Ashutosh observes, "One needs lot of time to visit this place".

Nidhi answers, "Hmn...a day for one garden...and you have to see the gardens changing colours in every season...presenting different views in summer, autumn, winter and spring... and at evening...the Pari Mahal looks bedazzling with radiant lights at night."

Ashutosh smiles, "Your nose has frozen...you think you can come here at night"

He holds her snugly offering her the warmth and they leave the garden. On the way Ashutosh asks her, "Would you like to have some coffee"

She nods and he smiles, "So you are feeling cold"

She touches the cold fingers to his cheek...and he looks fondly at her...he grabs her hands and places at his midriff under his jacket...she gives him a pop eyed look gesturing towards the driver and he winks and straightens his jacket having her hands beneath.

They stopped near a restaurant to have some coffee...but as it was lunch time Ashutosh thought it fit to order lunch...Nidhi agreed readily...Ashutosh smiles and asks, "feeling hungry?"

She shrugs her shoulders and he responds, "I feel a lot hungry...but alas my food can't be served here"

She gives him a pop eyed look, "Don't you think...you are turning more and more shameless day by day"

He shrugs his shoulders and mumbles, "Who's to blame?"

Nidhi shakes her head and the waiter comes to take their order. Nidhi asks, "So what would you like to have?"

He looks at her in a meaningful glint...she lowers her eyes...and orders their lunch without waiting for his answer...he holds tongue in his cheek but Nidhi concentrates on ordering lunch...for starters she orders... Nadur Churma' and for main course... Dum Aaloo'... Nadur Yakhini' and Rajma' with rice, nan, curd and veg raita...and for dessert she ordered shufta'...and the waiter left.

Ashutosh chuckles, "What did you order Nidhi?...do you even know what the dishes are"

Nidhi smiles and answers, "You forgot...I've been here and rest assured you would love to have your lunch"

Ashutosh raises his eyebrows...she shakes her head and pouts. Ashutosh chuckles and mumbles, "Okay I'm sorry...now explain what you have ordered...what this Nadur means?"

"The lotus stems"

"Okay! And what you ordered in dessert... Shufta"

"Dry fruits cooked in sugary syrup with added saffron"

"Hmn...good for winter cold"

They have lunch...talking about the kashmiri food...the kashmiri spices. They stole chances to feed each other. Ashutosh loved Nadur yakhini' and the dessert...and Nidhi made a point to ask someone about the recipe...so that she can make for him in lucknow.

After having lunch...Nidhi asks Ashutosh, "Where are we going now?"

"Any where you wish...you can take me... my love"

She stares him and he asks, "What? I really mean?" she smiles and locks her arm in his...walking arm in arm they move towards the cab to see the Nishat (Garden of Bliss) and Shalimar gardens (Abode of Love).

Nishat Bagh an adaptation of the traditional Persian four gardens. The four gardens take its inspiration from the Quranic description of heaven as having four rivers, of wine, honey, milk, and water. The traditional four gardens are uniformly shaped, with a water source in its center and four radiating streams which divide the garden into four sections. Similar to other gardens in the Dal Lake region, Nishat Bagh is not located on flat ground. The typical four gardens design had to be altered to fit the site's topography, as the source of water shifted from the traditional center of the square garden to the highest point of the garden. In this manner, one axial stream is emphasized and the other streams are minimized.

Ashutosh exclaims, "Truly this is called heaven...Nidhi we'll come to see this heaven in summer"

The central water stream flows down from the top of the garden through a channel decorated with fountains and occasionally divided into fountain pools.

Nidhi excitedly responds, "Yes I would love to take picture in this water fountain...how beautifully these stone ramps are engraved with wave patterns"

Ashutosh answers, "Hmn...they make the flowing water more beautiful...and they also help transfer water between the various terraces"

Nidhi yells, "Look at the stone benches crossing the water stream near the ramp...let us sit on them and click some snaps"

Ashutosh agrees and they take the help of photographer in the garden. Nidhi takes pictures wearing the kashmiri head cover...Ashutosh was lost in her antics and her fervent lively attitude towards everything around her.

By the time they explored twelve terraced garden...it was four in the evening...Ashutosh makes her to hurry, "Let us move Nidhi...we have to see the Shalimar garden as well...we are getting late"

"What's the fun of coming here...if you come and leave without enjoying being here"

"I won't mind if you give up seeing other places"

"No! I can't"

Ashutosh chuckles shaking his head, "Okay let us move then"

Nidhi enters the garden and exclaims, "Shalimar...the abode of love"

Ashutosh grabs her arm and locks in his and answers, "You need to know love to understand this beauty" he silently watches the garden and his heart continues this would have been meaningless without you Nidhi.

The garden rectangular in shape...is not located directly on the lake shore, it is connected to Lake Dal by a long canal, and the formal approach to the garden is through this canal. Similar to other mughal gardens it adapts four gardens to the mountainous topography by emphasizing the central water channel; and the source of water shifts from the center of the garden to its highest point. Thus the central water canal of the garden forms its main axis, uniting the three terraces with their regularly placed fountains and chinar (sycamore) tree-lined vistas. Beginning at the top of the garden, the canal runs through each of the pavilions in the garden.

A black marble throne surrounded by water cascades forms the central feature of the garden where the emperor held his daily court.

Ashutosh and Nidhi after strolling the garden sit near the cascades...Nidhi rests her head on his shoulder...and he steals a chance to peck at her head...silently watching the cascades falling against a low fall with small niches...Nidhi enlightens him, "Earlier these niches held oil lamps...now they hold these pots of flowers...so that their colors reflect behind the flowing water"

Nidhi recites words aptly described by a chronicler glowingly:

"A subtle air of leisure and repose, a romantic indefinable spell, pervades the royal Shalimar: this leafy garden of dim vistas, shallow terraces, smooth sheets of falling water, and wide canals, with calm reflections broken only by the stepping stones across the streams."

Ashutosh holds her snugly...feeling the presence of his love...in the Abode of love.

Zubin Mehta and Abhay Sopori concert in Shalimar Garden

Nidhi feels chill as the day was nearing dusk...he wraps his arm around her and makes her to stand up and together they move out of the garden and take the cab.