Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Episode Discussion Thread - 24
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 07 Aug 2025 EDT
SHIFTING BACK 6.8
GRUHA🏠PRAVESH 7.8
Dharma..what a downfall!!
Anupamaa 07 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
She Ijj Bekkkkk?
War 2 shows in New Zealand removed due to ZERO bookings on 1st Day
100 Days of Shivansh Randhawa💞🔥...
What went wrong with Dhadak 2 in context with Anti-Nepo Supporters?
Dil Se or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
Which mihir you prefer
Legacy and Longing: Inspiring Leaders/Heroes You Want to See Back!
will kareena ever win natiinal award?
Ahaan's incredibly sweet insta post on the love he has gotten!!
Originally posted by: CheerlessIM
Amazing ❤
Lovely chapter 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Flashback scenes were so beautiful 😍
Waiting for next part ❤
Thank you hun!❤️
I'm finally going to update the last part in a few minutes!
Originally posted by: Pottermeow
Shyna, good one!!! Food is really such a personal thing, isn't it? As a certified Shiva level foodie myself, this update was like finally reaching home base....
Sadly, my fate has my hostel's chole poori written in its fate right now, so off I go🤗!!!
Hehe thank you Sathii!🤗
Yes, food is indeed the way to all of our hearts
Sorry for the late reply, I forgot all about this one until a week or so ago 😆
But I'm finally going to update :P
Thanks hun!❤️
Going to update the last part soon!
Part 4: Yahin Hota Pyaar Hai Kya, Mere Dil-E-Bekaraar
Raavi smiled as she opened her closet to pull out her nightclothes. She couldn't stop the curve from appearing on her face ever since she had returned home after dropping off the tiffin for Shiva. Her life finally seemed to have some clarity in it and she could see exactly what she wanted, or rather, who she wanted. Her thoughts, her feelings, her soul, and her entire being were consumed with Shiva, and only Shiva. She couldn't wait for a new day to begin because it would mark a new beginning for her and her bhootnath. She couldn't wait to see him again, and this time, she vowed to make things better. She missed him and she wanted to be with him. She would not let denial overcome her again when it came to him.
As she was pulling out her silk shirt and matching pants, a fabric fell out from amongst them. She picked it up only to notice that it was one of Shiva's vests. Her lips parted in surprise before she slowly lifted the material up to her nose. His scent was fading; the same scent which she once used to have a problem with, but now one which was a necessity of her life. Her heart pained at the thought of not having the comfort of his signature cardamom scent mixed with a touch of amber and teakwood surrounding her. Her fingers instantly clutched onto his vest tightly. She didn't want to let go. She would never let go.
She then did something she had never thought of before. She changed into her pants and Shiva's vest instead of her own shirt. She stood in front of the mirror and pulled at the vest. It looked huge on her form but she loved the feel of it. It made her feel warm and secure. She felt like she was wrapped up in her own personal blanket. She wondered what it would feel like to have Shiva's arms wrap around her. It would probably feel a hundred times cozier than what she felt by just wearing his clothes. Her skin erupted into goosebumps at the thought. Warmness seeped into her cheeks and she felt her cheeks tinge with a pink hue. She stared at her reflection when a thought made its way across her mind. She looked good in his clothes. She chuckled at her thought and wondered what Shiva would think.
Making her way over to her bed, she got under the covers and pulled them up over her. She let out a breath of relief and felt exhaustion pulling her under. For the first time in a few weeks, she felt peaceful as she fell asleep.
*****
Shiva looked at the time as it read 11:06 pm on his phone. It had already been 15 minutes since he had first come and stood outside the balcony of Raavi's room. He hid in the shadows to make sure he wasn't seen. Her lights had turned off five minutes ago and he wondered if it was too late.
He had been fidgeting in apprehension for the last few minutes. His hands went clammy at the thought of facing her. He was afraid. Afraid of facing rejection even when he thought otherwise during the day. As time waned, he had felt his confidence shrinking back down.
Din mein toh badi badi baatein kar raha tha. Yeh karega, woh karega. Ab kya hogaya? Kahan gayi teri bahaduri? Kahan gaya woh confidence? Raavi se milne aaya tha aur ab yahan kone mein dubak ke baitha hai. Tu kabse itna darpok hogaya, Shiva? Tune toh thaan liya tha ki Raavi se baat karega, usse maafi maangega, usse poochhega ki woh kya chahti hai...toh aise peechhe kyun hatt raha hai?
Shiva's inner voice taunted him as he stared up Raavi's window. Only he knew how terribly he wanted to see her again. He hadn't been able to stop his mind from getting lost in her thoughts. Every waking moment, she ruled over his entire being. He wondered how she was doing, what she was up to, whether she was happy, whether she missed him just as much as he did her. The list went on and on and after having the food made by her, his heart refused to settle for anything less than having the vision that she was, in front of him, hopefully in his arms if things went well.
He closed his eyes, imagining the softness of her laughter surrounding him; the way her eyes twinkled with mischief whenever she was up to no good; the faith she showed in him whenever she came to him when she was in trouble; the way she grinned at, and clashed with, him all at once. He missed the vibrancy she brought into his life. He wanted her back not only for himself but also for her; to give her the life she deserved, this time, with him.
Steeling a resolve within, he decided it's now or never and finally mustered up the courage to climb up her balcony. Thankfully, her window was left open. Peeking through her window, he squinted his eyes to adjust to the dimly lit surroundings.
"Raavi," he whispered.
No response. He whispered again but didn't hear an answer. He climbed in and noticed her lying on her bed fast asleep. He shook his head in disappointment, knowing he would have to wait to talk to her now. Taking a few, unsure steps closer to her bed, he observed her outfit and his eyes dilated in surprise. Having a closer look, it was confirmed that she was indeed wearing a vest of his, the same vest he had been looking for, for quite a few days. He let out a laugh in amusement, wondering what it was doing with her and why she chose to wear it. He had to admit she looked stunning in his clothes. He could not peel his eyes off of her. The way her skin glowed under the moonlight glaring through the window; the way her soft tresses lay against the pillow, fanning her face; the way her lips had parted into an 'o' shape, letting out a few soft snores in the process. He smiled at the cuteness she was exuding at the moment. He wished he could capture this moment forever. His onyx orbs gleamed with adoration as he pulled up the blanket to cover her properly. Placing a chaste kiss on her temple, he walked out of her room and went back home.
He prayed for the new day to come quickly.
*****
The next day, Shiva woke up with a pounding headache. He had not slept as much as he would have liked. He stayed up for most of the time, lost in his thoughts which were largely consumed by Raavi. Clutching his head, he got up slowly and made his way over to the bathroom to get freshened up. When he got out of the shower and approached the kitchen, Dhara gave him a smile and handed him a cup of tea. Taking a sip, he felt much better instantly. He noticed his bhabhi giving him fleeting looks as if she was up to something, but he didn't have the energy to decode her actions currently.
As Shiva was scarfing down his food, he saw Dhara approach Gaumbi in the courtyard.
"Gaumbi, tumhe pata hai Anita ka call aaya tha? Keh rahi thi ki Raavi aaj bahot khush hai. Subah se poore ghar mein shor machayi hai ussne. Usski Master's ki application accept hogayi! Kitni khushi ki baat hai na? Hummein bhi humari bacchi ko kuch dena chahiye taufe ke taur pe, nahi? Humare saath nahi hai toh kya? Humare hisse mein toh hamesha hi rahegi." Dhara spoke fondly, and a bit loudly, as if she wanted someone in particular to hear her words.
"Yeh toh sach mein bahot acchi baat hai. Humari bacchi iss khushi ki haqdaar hai. Main shaam ko lautte hue kuch zaroor lekar aaunga usske liye. Phir hum dono usse milkar badhaai denge." Gaumbi smiled.
Shiva looked up mid-bite as he heard the conversation unfold. Gaumbi and Dhara walked away, leaving him all alone. He couldn't stop the proud smile from spreading across his face. He knew how much this must have meant to Raavi. Although she was known for getting distracted rather quickly, she prided herself for everything she partook in, whether it was her dance lessons or her education. To continue her education must have taken up a lot of courage for she had always been doubted by some. Some of her friends used to tell her she would never be able to make it back when they were younger and she would come crying to Dev. But Dev was usually missing from the picture, it was then Shiva who consoled her in his own twisted ways. He always believed in her.
After having breakfast, he pursed his lips in contemplation and walked out of the house, a clear path of what he was going to do painted in his mind.
*****
Raavi hummed as she cleaned up after the kids had left their dancing lesson. She was feeling as light as a butterfly and as hopeful as the summer sky. After receiving the good news of her master's application being accepted, she felt like a new beginning was in motion. When she was done cleaning, she trudged her way upstairs, a cold and refreshing shower the first thing on her mind.
As Raavi entered her room, she noticed something colorful sitting upon her desk, right beside her diary. She squinted her eyes and walked closer, furrowing her brows in curiosity. She clearly remembered nothing of this sort being on her desk when she had left her room previously. Taking a closer look at the items, her eyes widened before her lips curved into a blinding smile. On her desk were her favorite flowers: anemones, present in various shades.
Raavi lightly skimmed her fingers over the flowers, picking them up one by one: red, yellow, purple, blue, and pink. There was a note on the desk, lying beside the spot where the flowers previously lay. She gripped the note with shaky hands, feeling overwhelmed with varying emotions. She opened the note and read its content.
Congratulations, you know exactly what for. I'm not good with words and you won't catch me doing this again...maybe...? But you deserve this, and what better way than to present you with your favorite flowers.
Yellow - This color brings positivity and joy into the receiver's life and that is my wish for you.
Purple - Because you have a new journey beginning in your life and this color wards off anything remotely evil around you.
Blue - Because I admire you and I always believed in you. I am proud of you.
Red - Signifies death, and I can only hope that it marks the end of the misunderstandings between us and gives us a chance to reconcile.
Pink - You tell me 'why'? You know more about these flowers than me...
Raavi teared up as she read the note over and over again. Simple words yet laden with many emotions. She knew exactly who had sent them to her as well. Shiva. There was only one person who knew she preferred these flowers over all others. While growing up, she had received many bouquets, most of which always contained roses. Flowers used to excite her at one point, but when she got the same ones over and over again, she lost interest. Nobody seemed to notice her lack of excitement towards her once favorite flowers except for one person. Despite them being nemeses, Raavi would always find herself venting to an almost bored Shiva. In a fit of rage during her 15th birthday party, she had blurted out to him how nobody cared for her likes anymore. While ranting, she mentioned her love for anemones, their various shades, and the significance each color held. Never had she thought that he would actually retain any information when it came to her, but he seemed to be proving her wrong a lot these days.
Raavi clutched the note to her chest and sobbed. It must have been hard for him to even churn out these words yet he did it. It touched her heart that he would do this for her. Shiva had iron walls built around him in such a manner that he would never let anyone in; he would never verbalize his feelings or his thoughts. He was someone who would internalize his emotions and his pain. To have him write this note to her was a big achievement. She felt herself being transported back to their unsightly fight in front of the mandir. All the bitter words suddenly didn't have the same effect. She didn't feel the piercing pain, for now, she was filled with eternal hope and awakening feelings. Carefully tracing the petals of the flowers as if they were made of glass, Raavi gently put them in a vase filled with water. She observed the flowers, feeling the color they exuded being sucked back into her own life. For the past few weeks, everything felt hopeless and colorless. She felt an unshakeable void in her life. With the current happenings, she knew she could put together her broken pieces and mend her relationship with Shiva. She couldn't...no, she wouldn't have it any other way.
Caressing the note in her hands like it was a sanctified treasure, she neatly folded it and kept it on the latest page of her diary. The page had Shiva drawn as the devil, but there were hearts floating around him. Raavi kissed the page and closed the diary, placing it back in her cupboard. She took out some clothes and went to freshen up. She had someone to meet after.
*****
It was rush hour at Pandya Store and there were many people lined up to buy their needed products. Shiva was shuffling about trying to cater to everyone's needs to the best of his possibilities. He was all alone for now as kaka had to leave for a little while to attend to a family emergency. Shiva had a routine going on: he would ask the customer what they wanted and quickly grab it for them and pack it up without paying much attention to them.
As such, when the final customer, for now, stepped up to him, he was arranging all the bills he had been given neatly into the cash register.
"Kahiye, aapko kya chahiye?" Shiva asked without looking up.
"Tera waqt." The person replied.
Shiva's head snapped up instantly at the familiar voice and he gawked at Raavi standing in front of him. His eyes hungrily feasted upon her beauty. She was wearing a light pink kurti with leggings and a matching pastel-colored dupatta. Shiva couldn't help but notice that her kurti matched the color of the pink anemone he gave her. His breath got caught in his throat when he remembered the question he asked her in the note and its mere implication.
"R-R-Raavi tu? Yahan?" Shiva sputtered, at a loss for words. He had been wanting to talk to her, but now that she was here, he felt his hands get clammy in anticipation.
"Haan. Nahi aana chahiye tha mujhe?" Raavi asked.
"Maine aisa kab kaha? Bas tujhe dekh kar thoda shock lag gaya." Shiva responded sheepishly, running his hands through his hair nervously.
"Toh milega kya?" Raavi asked again.
"Kya?"
"Tera waqt!"
"Oh." Shiva muttered. He looked around seeing a few more customers entering the store. He sighed in exasperation.
"Abhi nahi ho payega. Woh main dukaan mein akele hoon aur inn sab logon ko serve karna hai..." Shiva mumbled apologetically.
Raavi's face sunk as disappointment shone heavily in her eyes. Shiva felt his heart sink at her expression. He felt helpless. He wondered why whenever one of them decided to talk to the other, fate seemed to have another path in mind for them by not letting it happen.
Shiva watched Raavi step back to let the other customers through. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and stop her and as if the fates were suddenly feeling merciful, he heard kaka walk in and call out to Raavi.
"Arreh Raavi bitiya! Tu yahan itne dinon baad? Kaisi hai tu?"
Raavi looked up with a smile. "Main theek hoon kaka. Aap bataiyye, aap kaise hai?"
"Main toh theek hi hoon. Tujhe yahan dekh kar bahut accha laga bitiya. Aate rehna, tere bina bahut suna suna lag raha tha."
"Mujhe bhi yahan aakar bahut accha laga. Bahot miss kiya maine iss jagah ko." Raavi replied wistfully, looking around at her surrounding.
"Sirf jagah ko miss kiya? Logon ko nahi?" Kaka asked, moving his eyes to stare at Shiva pointedly, who immediately turned around to pretend as if he wasn't listening in on their conversation.
Raavi blushed at Kaka's obvious attempt at gesturing towards Shiva. She laughed and nervously replied. "Kiya na. Sab ko miss kiya. Gaumbi ko, Dhara di ko, aapko, Krish, Rishita...sab ko!" Her voice turned pitchy at her apparent cover-up.
"Accha, lekin unnmein se koi toh yahan hai hi nahi? Kuch aur...ya phir koi aur chahiye tha tujhe?"
Raavi cleared her throat at his question. "Woh..kaka...main actually Shiva se milne aayi thi. Mujhe usska kuch waqt chahiye tha par woh busy hai issliye main bas wapas ja rahi thi."
"Aisi baat hai?" Kaka asked and turned his head towards Shiva. "Shiva beta, tu kaam chhod aur Raavi ke saath chala ja. Yahan kaam main sambhal lunga."
Shiva tried to protest but Kaka cut him off. "Meri baat maan le. Jitna busy hona tha, hogaya aur tune saara kaam nipta liya. Ab baaki ka kaam main dekh lunga. Tu fikr mat kar. Bejhijhak hokar ja." Kaka coaxed and Shiva gave in.
Shiva went and stood with Raavi and noticed the sullenness dissipating from her face; in fact, she was glowing again. His heart beat erratically against his chest, taking note of the glow that just might be because of him. He couldn't fathom it properly but when Raavi shot him a small smile, all of his worries vanished in an instant.
"Toh bata, kyun waqt chahiye tujhe?" Shiva asked.
"Jaise tujhe pata nahi hai. Tune hi mujhe woh phool diye the haina?" Raavi questioned him back.
"Haan."
"Aur tune mujhse ek sawaal bhi poocha tha? Ussi ka jawab dene aayi hoon. Toh phir chale?"
"Kahan?" Shiva asked with furrowed brows.
"Bahar kahi. Yahan par hum baat nahi kar sakte."
"Theek hai." Shiva nodded along.
*****
Shiva and Raavi walked along a trail constructed beside the park they had driven to. The park was located on the outskirts of Somnath and the place was barely populated.
As they walked, Raavi finally built up the courage to speak up since Shiva wasn't. She huffed thinking he was making her do the heavy-duty work.
"Shiva. Thank you." Raavi managed to finally blurt out.
"Kis liye?"
"Woh phoolon ke liye. Maine yeh kabhi nahi socha tha ki tujhe mere baare mein itna kuch yaad rahega." Raavi spoke in wonder.
Shiva stopped in his tracks and looked over at her. "Tujhse judi har baat mujhe yaad hai, chahe main woh kabhi dikhata tha ya nahi. Aakhir tu mere kaanon mein aakar apna loudspeaker jo phaadti thi."
"Accha? Toh phir woh chocolates bhi tune hi diye the?" Raavi replied, scrutinizing his every expression.
Shiva shuffled from one foot to another under her gaze before replying. "Haan."
Raavi beamed at him. "Aur jab main behosh hogayi thi aur meri tabiyat theek nahi thi, tab bhi mere kamre mein tu hi tha na? Mere uthne ke baad tu wahan se bhaag gaya."
"Haan main hi tha."
"Toh phir bataya kyun nahi?"
"Tu kyun chori chhupe woh halwa puri ki tiffin dukaan mein rakh kar chali gayi? Mujhe pata hai woh tune hi banaya tha. Sab yaad hai mujhe, aur toh aur mere pasand ke mutabik hi banaya, jaise pehle banaya karti thi mujhe bribe karne ke liye."
"Jab tujhe pata hai toh mere sawalon ke jawaab tu apne sawalon se kyun de raha hai? Seedha seedha bol na." Raavi huffed.
"Aaya toh tha raat mein seedha seedha baat karne pann tu hi ghode bech kar so rahi thi." Shiva scoffed.
"K-k-kya? Tu raat me mujhse milne aaya tha? Kab?!" Raavi yelled.
"Haan main raat mein aaya tha tere balcony par se kood kar. Par tu so gayi thi. Lekin inn sab mein mujhe ek baat pata toh chal gayi, ki tune meri ganji churayi thi." Shiva accused her.
Raavi spluttered for words as the mortification of him seeing her sleeping in his vest settled within her being. She blushed bright red and averted her gaze. "W-woh maine churayi nahi thi! Mujhe khud kal hi mili mere kapdon mein se. Shayad packing karte waqt mere samaan mein aagaya hoga."
"Main nahi maanta. Chipkali toh tu thi hi, ab ganji chor bhi bann gayi." Shiva spoke in an amused tone, loving the red hue coating Raavi's cheeks.
Raavi gaped back at him.
"Pann tujhpe accha lag raha tha." Shiva added, his eyes twinkling with mirth and affection.
Raavi's heart thumped harder at his declaration but she didn't let it sway her...much. Composing herself, she decided to get to the point, otherwise, they could go on forever with their beating-around-the-bush habits.
"Shiva jab tujhe meri itni fikar hai, toh mujhse mila kyun nahi? Mujhse baat kyun nahi ki? Ek baar bol kar dekhta."
Shiva straightened up upon hearing her words. His lips turned down into a frown. "Bol toh phir bhi deta, pann woh darr jo mere dil mein baith chuka tha, usse kaise mita ta? Darr lagta tha ki tu mujhe dur kar degi. Darr lagta tha ki tujhe mera chehra tak dekhna manzoor nahi hoga. Darr lagta tha ki tu meri fikar ko nazarandaz kar degi kyunki main tere layak nahi hoon."
"Dur toh pehle tune mujhe kiya nahi? Mujhe alag nahi hona tha. Abhi bhi nahi hona." Raavi declared as tears pooled up in her eyes. She felt his pain as he spoke those words but she wanted to know why the fight which started their separation had occurred.
"Uss din mandir ke saamne humne aisa kyun kiya, Shiva?" Raavi whispered.
"Gusse mein aakar maine sab kuch bhang kar diya, Raavi. I'm so sorry. Mujhe maaf karde. Maine tujhe jo kuch bhi bola woh nahi bolna chahiye tha. Main tere baare mein aisa kabhi nahi soch sakta hoon. Tu waisi bilkul bhi nahi hai. Tere saath ladhte jhagadte haste khelte bada hua hoon. Itna toh andaza mujhe hai hi ki tu kitni masoom aur saaf dil ki hai." Shiva pleaded to her as his own tears started collecting at the rims of his eyes. He gulped and pushed back his tears as he stared at Raavi as if she was the most fragile thing in the world.
Raavi melted at the look he was giving her. She felt the guilt laced through his words and her own guilt surfaced its way up to her lips. "Bola toh maine bhi bahot kuch tha tujhe, Shiva. Nahi bolna chahiye tha. Bahot galat kiya maine. Kitni kadwi baatein maine tujhse keh di. Tera dil kitna dukha hoga. I'm sorry, Shiva. Mujhe maaf karde. Galati sirf teri nahi hai, meri bhi hai."
Shiva grabbed Raavi's hands into his own. His thumb drew small circles upon her palm as he spoke. "Pann phir bhi, mujhe Somnath ke logon ko tujh par keechad ucchaalne ka mauka nahi dena chahiye tha. Iss guilt mein ki tujhe meri wajah se kitni baatein sunne ko milegi, meri raaton ke neend aur dinon ke chain, sab udd gayi thi. Tujhe khud se dur karne ke chakkar mein pata nahi kya kuch bol baitha aur kar baitha."
Raavi withdrew her hands from his hold and Shiva looked at her apprehensively. He started thinking of the worst possible scenarios but when Raavi cupped his cheeks, he relaxed visibly and leaned into her touch.
"Tujhe uss din kis baat par itna gussa aaya tha?" Raavi asked gently.
Shiva stiffened at her question and gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Dekh, Raavi ab uss din ke baare mein hum koi baat nahi karenge. Uss din ne waise hi bahot raita phaila diya tha humare zindagi mein. Ab usske baare mein soch kar koi faayda nahi."
Raavi felt like he was hiding something but if he didn't want to talk about it, she didn't want to press him further, but she still needed to clarify something. "Ek aakhri baat bata de, tune kuch der pehle kaha ki tu mere layak nahi hai? Yeh kisne bola tujhse? Tu aisa kyun sochta hai, Shiva?"
Shiva rubbed his forehead and looked away. When he got the courage to look at Raavi, he found her gazing at him patiently. He sighed before continuing in a shaky voice. "Raavi, tu khud soch. Tujhe kaisa ladka chahiye tha aur tujhe mila kaun...main? Ek junglee, jahil, gawaar insaan. Jo kuch tujhe pasand hai usska bilkul opposite hoon main. Koi gentleman nahi hoon. Tere sapnon ka rajkumar nahi hoon. Tera mera koi mel hi nahi tha. Yeh baat mujhe aur chubne lagi jab uss Sneha se teri baat hui. Pata hai tujhe, uss se milne se pehle, mujhe finally ehsaas hogaya ki tu mujhe pasand aane lagi hai. Tere muskurane se mujhe sukoon milta tha. Sapne dekhne lag gaya tha jo phir toot kar bikhar gaya. Isse pehle main tujhse baat kar sakta, woh Sneha aagayi picture mein. Phir mujhe yeh laga ki tu mere saath kabhi khush nahi rahegi. Tujhe mere saath compromise karna padega issliye tujhse rudely behave kiya aur ladh kar tujhe dur kar diya. Lekin yeh sab karne ke baad bhi mujhe chain nahi mila. Main khush nahi tha aur teri buri halat dekh kar mujhe yeh lagne laga ki shayad maine galati kar di..."
Raavi stared back at him with a tearful gaze before anger took over. "Haan ki tune galati! Bahot badi galati! Ek baar baat karke dekh leta na toh yeh naubat nahi aati! Ek number ka gadheda hai tu!" She fisted his shirt and drew him closer to her. Shivering uncontrollably, her hands moved on their own accord and made their way over to the nape of his neck. She stood as close to him as possible, feeling him breathe unevenly.
"Bhootnath kahinka! Hum dono ko kitni takleef hui tere aisa sochne ke karan, lekin main tujhe dosh bhi nahi de sakti. Mujhe pata hai ki kahi na kahi teri yeh soch ki wajah main hoon. Maine aur na jaane kitne logon ne tujhe kayi baar aisa bhala bura bol diya jaane anjane mein. Pann Shiva, tujhe ab samajhna hoga ki meri soch ab waisi nahi hai. Koi gentleman nahi chahiye mujhe. Tu jaisa hai mujhe waise hi pasand hai. Tere saath reh kar main khush thi. Tere saath aage badhna tha...aur ab bhi badhna hai. Haan, thoda bahot compromise karna padega, hum dono ko karna padega lekin yeh sab shaadi mein hota rehta hai. Yeh buri baat nahi hai. Please samajh na, tu meri aadat toh bahot pehle hi bann gaya tha. Bachpan se lekar aaj tak tu meri duniya ka hissa raha hai. Shayad pehle ehsaas nahi tha, par ab hai aur ab tu aadat nahi, meri zarurat ban gaya hai, Shiva. Tere bina meri zindagi adhuri hai. Mujhe humari shaadi ko mauka dena hai. Kya tujhe nahi dena?" Raavi sobbed, feeling all of her pent-up emotions catching up to her. She leaned against him for support and felt his arms wrap around her immediately.
"Of course mauka dena hai chipkali! Tu bhi meri zarurat bann chuki hai. Zindagi tere bina suni lagti hai." Shiva murmured softly as he tucked his head above hers, his hands stroking her back gently. He felt her relax against him and an involuntary smile graced his lips.
"Iss din ka intezaar mujhe pata nahi kab se tha. Ab jab aagaya hai, toh pata nahi kya karun." Shiva mumbled.
"Tu bas mujhe aise apne baahon mein tight se pakad. Varna tu koi aur kaand kar baithega." Raavi replied, her voice muffled as she snuggled against his chest. She heard him scoff at her words, but nonetheless, his arms moved down from her back and wrapped tightly around her waist, making her suck in her breath. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks and hid her face further into his chest, taking in his signature scent. She missed it so much. She finally felt like she was home in all senses.
Shiva felt her nuzzle her face against him and rub her hands across his back in a soothing motion. The action made his heart skip a beat. He pulled her closer to him, leaving no gap in between them. He would never let another such aperture come in between them, neither physically nor emotionally. Now that she was with him, he would never let her go. He vowed to keep her safe and happy for as long as he lived. Closing his eyes and basking in her presence, he breathed in the fresh afternoon breeze as all of his burdens evaporated into thin air.
"By the way, Shiva, pink is for love and romance aur mujhe dher saara chahiye." Raavi whispered.
Shiva chuckled in response when he realized she was giving him an answer for the open-ended question he left her on the note.
A comfortable silence followed and they stayed wrapped up in each other's arms for a while. When they broke apart after seeing the dusky sky, they set off for Pandya Niwas. They had news for everybody.
*****
One month later, Raavi was returning back home after her college class when she saw Rishita calling her. She answered the call and heard Rishita talking gibberish because of how fast she was speaking.
"Rishita, dheere dheere bol na. Mujhe kuch samajh mein hi nahi aaya."
"Oh, sorry Raavi. Woh kya hai na, main aaj kaam par se ghar jaldi aagayi, ab maa hai ki mera peecha nahi chhodh rahi hai. Upar se unnhe dinner mein kuch specific khaana hai jiska ingredients humare paas nahi hai. Ghar pe aur koi nahi hai toh kya tum woh sab cheezein la dogi? Please, Raavi! Maa ko akele nahi chhodh sakti."
"Of course, Rishita, main la dungi! Iss mein puchne ki kya baat hai? Tu fatafat mujhe list bhej, main waise bhi bas ghar hi aarahi thi. Raaste mein sab kuch khareed lungi."
Rishita thanked her and hung up. A minute later, Raavi got a message with all the needed ingredients and vegetables listed and set out to buy them.
While Raavi was in the process of buying some vegetables, a voice called out to her.
"Hi Raavi!"
Raavi turned around and was surprised to see her old classmate Kavya. "Kavya?! Tu? Hii!!" Raavi hugged her and squealed. "Kitne dinon baad mili hai! Kaisi hai tu?"
"Main toh theek hi hoon. Tu bata, kya haal chaal hai?"
"Main toh bahot khush hoon. Zindagi bahot khoobsurat hai." Raavi replied sincerely, thinking of the blissful past month which she had had.
"I'm so happy for you, Raavi. Sach mein. Tujhse milne ka mann bahot dinon se kar raha tha, lekin mauka hi nahi mil raha tha. I heard about what happened two months ago, woh mandir ke saamne jo kuch bhi hua..."
Raavi's smile dimmed. "Oh. Toh tujhe bhi pata hai?"
"Raavi tension mat le. I'm not judging anyone. Lekin yeh sab na uss Rahul aur Rohan ke wajah se hua hai. Unnhone humare friends circle mein poora dhindora peet diya. But you know mujhe woh dono kabhi pasand nahi the. Tu hi hamesha unnhe accha maan leti thi."
"I don't care log kya sochenge. Mujhe inn sab cheezon se farak padhna bahot pehle band hogaya. Main abhi jahan hoon aur jaisi hoon, bahot khush hoon."
"Yeh sunn kar bahot accha laga." Kavya smiled at Raavi, genuinely happy for her growth.
"Par Raavi, ek baat puchhu? Kya tujhe pata hai uss din ladai kyun hui thi?"
Raavi shook her head no and looked at Kavya curiously.
Kavya sighed. "Main do hafte pehle ek party mein gayi thi. Wahan humare saare friends the, aur unnhe paas karte waqt maine unnki conversation sunn li. Woh Rahul sab ladkon se yeh bol kar hans raha tha ki ussne tere pati ke saamne tujhe apne saath bhagane ki baat ki aur woh kuch nahi kar paya. Phir tere pati ke baare mein pata nahi kya anap shanap bak raha tha. Ladai ka saara ilzaam uss par hi thop diya lekin mujhe nahi lagta aisa hua tha...woh log shayad usse instigate kar rahe the, nahi?"
Raavi's temper flared on hearing Kavya's words.
"Tujhe pata hai kaise log hai woh? Kya baatein kar rahe the?"
Her lips quivered as Shiva's words echoed in her mind. She realized why he was so angry that day.
"Nahi Kavya. Mujhe isske baare mein kuch nahi pata tha. Thank you mujhe batane ke liye. I really appreciate it." Raavi uttered as tears pooled up in her eyes.
"Iss mein thank you ki kya baat hai? I just wanted you to know the truth, Raavi, kyunki tu bahot bholi hai. Sab mein sirf acchai dikhti hai tujhe lekin sab log acche nahi hote. Waise, tujhe khush dekh kar, mujhe khushi hui. I'm glad ki tumhare aur tumhare pati ke beech sab kuch theek hogaya. Kabhi usse mujhe bhi milwa dena. Mujhe bhi apne jija ji se milna hai." Kavya said, making Raavi laugh a little.
After a few minutes, Kavya bid Raavi goodbye and went on her way. Raavi finished her shopping and went back home, the truth of that day finally unveiled, and piercing her heart like an arrow. It finally dawned on her why Shiva didn't want to talk about that day. She felt a sob bubbling up within her chest but pulled it back, not wanting to cry in public. She vowed to never have any connection with the likes of Rahul ever again.
*****
Raavi looked at the door entrance for the fifth time in the past 3 minutes, awaiting Shiva's arrival with bated breath. Her newfound truth had made her restless and she couldn't sit still until she saw Shiva in front of her. When he finally arrived home 15 minutes later, without caring about her surroundings, Raavi ran towards him and flung her arms around him, capturing him in a hug.
Shiva stood shocked as he flushed under the watchful gaze of his family members.
"Ae chipkali! Kya kar rahi hai? Sab log dekh rahe hai." Shiva whispered, trying to remove her arms from around him, but her hold on him only tightened.
"Dekhne do, I don't care." Raavi sniffled.
Hearing her quiet tone, Shiva's arms wrapped around her in concern. His family members promptly looked away.
"Kya hua? Tu..tu ro rahi hai?"
Raavi choked out a no in an attempt to lie, but Shiva saw through it.
"Accha chal, room mein chalte hai. Jo bhi baat hai, mujhe wahi bata dena." Shiva offered and Raavi reluctantly agreed as she disentangled herself from him.
Once they were back within the confines of their room, Shiva pulled Raavi onto his lap and cupped her cheeks.
"Ab bata, kya baat hai?"
"Mujhe aaj meri dost Kavya mili thi. Ussne mujhe bataya ki woh stupid Rahul ne tujhe ukksaya tha mujhe bhagane ki baat kar ke. Kya yeh sach hai Shiva?" Raavi asked, hiccupping in the process.
Realization dawned upon Shiva as he finally understood why his chipkali was so upset. She was feeling guilty and he could, in turn, feel it radiating off of her.
"Haan, Raavi yeh sach hai. Lekin iss baat ko ab khod kar koi faayda nahi. Tu kyun apna dil jala rahi hai? Bhool ja yeh baat." Shiva said as he lovingly traced her soft cheeks with his thumbs.
"Nahi bhool sakti! Unn logon ne tera mazaak udaya aur main chup rahi. Aur toh aur unnki wajah se tujhe maine thappad bhi maar di. Kaise bhuloon Shiva? Mujhe thappad nahi maarni chahiye thi. I'm-" Raavi cried in his arms, feeling guilt coursing through every fiber of her being.
Shiva placed his fingers upon her lips. "Sssh. Woh thappad main deserve karta tha. Humne pehle hi ek dusre ko maaf kar diya hai na? Toh ab iss baat mein kuch nahi rakha. Tujhe bura maanne ki koi zarurat nahi hai."
Raavi pouted as her eyes zeroed in on his cheeks. She cupped the left side of his face and leaned forward to place a kiss on his other cheek. "Phir bhi, nahi maarni chahiye thi." She said cutely as she kissed him again and again on the same cheek.
Shiva felt warmth emanating from his cheek as a heady sensation made its way through his veins. Her touch felt like a drug and he wanted more. He leaned into her hand which was still cupping his other cheek.
When he finally got a hold of himself, he looked up at her with mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Agar tujhe yeh sab karna hi hai, toh ek baat bolun?"
Raavi nodded a yes while staring at him with her doe-eyes.
"Galat gaal hai." Shiva chuckled.
"Kya?" Raavi asked for clarification.
"Galat gaal pe kiss kar rahi ho. Thappad right wale pe nahi, left waale pe maara tha." Shiva smirked before turning his left cheek towards her.
Raavi blushed and hit his shoulders before complying. She peppered kisses all over his left cheek as her arms wrapped around his neck. All the while, her heart banged against her ribcage as if it was about to fly out of her chest.
Shiva pulled away from her, making her pout. However, the pout didn't last long as it was wiped off as soon as his lips slammed against hers. A gasp escaped Raavi's lips but before she even knew it, she was kissing him back with equal fervor. She felt his arms snake around her waist while her own fingers played with the hairs curling at the nape of his neck.
When Raavi felt his fingers tickling her waist, she giggled against his lips and pulled away.
"Ae bhootnath! Band kar yeh harkatein." Raavi pleaded, pushing against his chest to make him let go of her.
It didn't work. Shiva had no intention of letting her go as his fingers danced up her back and entangled within her hair. He gently twirled the soft curls with his fingers while she relaxed in his hold and laid her head against his shoulder. Raavi hummed in satisfaction and closed her eyes, calmness washing over her in deep waves.
Without a care for what was happening outside, they both lost themselves within their own little world, which was a cocoon of safe haven for them, and an everlasting corner of solace.
*****
The End.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Ahhhh, finally it's over! This was long and it refused to finish as I kept writing and writing - approx 6,500 words but I didn't want to stretch it into another part. I can't believe I started writing this when ShiVi's mandir showdown happened and I'm only just now finishing it. There were several times when I got stuck and I just didn't know how to finish it. It almost brought me to tears but I don't like leaving my pieces incomplete. I tried my hardest to give my version of Shiva and Raavi their share of happiness, god knows how much they deserve it.<3
Apologies in advance if it didn't meet your expectations.
Yes, it's not proofread, so ignore the mistakes :)
Another thing: Shiva's note to Raavi was in English because I just couldn't do it justice in Hindi due to my limited vocabulary.
Hopefully, you guys enjoyed it. Sorry, for the long wait!
CID
Bigg Boss 19
