SS PhAb: New Beginnings Last Part Pg 16 Updtd - Page 12

Really this update had such an imp part of the story...something which we missed in the serial...i loved the way u described the whole scene bet AP...first anger disbelief and then the outburst of emotions...excellent job as usual👏👏...I had always imagined this scene as somewhat similar...with Abhay really loosing his cool and composure at knowing Phulwas story...in my imagination ...i went to the extent of thinking that Abhay would gt sooo livid and hurt at knowing his fathers truth and his own stupidity that he would really loose it...probably going to the extent of hurting himself or simply shooting the thakur...that Phulwa would have to deliberatly hide some of thakurs misdeeds from Abhay and calm him down...and tell him later maybe...and dont know why in my imagination the revelation always came at a point when Phulwa would b expecting...and she would always feel that she was carrying a child...whose father was trying to kill his grandfather...and this thought would make her stop Abhay from taking any drastic step...my silly imagination...sorry fr writing it here😊...

The realisation sapped the last of her strength from her and she threw herself in his arms, her sobs an anguished sound which vibrated in Abhay's heart. He closed his arms tight around her, frustrated at not knowing how to ease her pain. He pressed her close, placing his chin on her head, letting her shed her tears unrestrained. He ran his hands up and down her back, offering comfort as one would to a child. He hated this feeling of helplessness.

Excellent lines...👏👏👏...could actually see AP do this scene...u r trully gifted😊

He pressed her close, placing his chin on her head, letting her shed her tears unrestrained.

This was actually the way he was hugging her after she fainted being bitten by a snake...I love it when Abhay hugs like this...dont like it when he bends and puts his head onher shoulders...but he does the latter one more often😕

Abhay! Please don't be like that. I swear the man never did wrong to me. He…masterji was the kindest person and he supported and protected me against Thakur." She tried to grab Abhay's bleeding hand but he wrenched it away.

I dont know if Abhay here was only angry on thakur or both thakur and the man who married her...but I guess Abhay would have reacted exactly this way if phulwa had told him this in the serial...and he would b really angry with the husband also thinking he must have mistreated her...bt later ofcourse would believe that he was good when phulwa would convince him...really would have loved to see this part in the serial...abhay getting to know abt Shankar and then his reaction...

Excellent lines...

. He almost wished he had taken her home last night. Having her on the bed next to him would have helped ease his tension. The kabila and Phulwa would not have been too happy when they woke up though, he thought, a smile tugging at his lips

Even i wish the same...😉

I can jst go on and on...bt really thanks again ...loved the cute scene of aarti and Arjun too😊

waiting fr the next one...all the best fr your exam...i hope time flies and thursday comes soon😊

And thanks fr agreeing with me abt the hug...I dont think CVs have any hand here...Ajay only probanly hugs like that...😭...sigh...ok when he comes to whisk u away pls tell him how u want himto hug u...😃

Phulwa clenched her fists. The sight of Thakur Daroga Singh standing there made her blood boil. Thakur laughed at her.

"Phulwa," he spit the words out in the way he always did when he called her. Hearing her name on his lips always made her feel soiled. "You got the note and came running to meet your love, is it?" he roared with laughter at that.

Phulwa stared back at him calmly. Thakur did not scare her, he never had but he always managed to bring the bad memories rushing back. She should have known he would play such a trick.

"I'm glad to see you came walking to me yourself, Thakur," her voice held no fear as she faced him. "Very few people get the chance of inviting their own death." She smirked.

Thakur stopped laughing, his face twisting in a look of hatred as he surveyed Phulwa. This was what had always bothered him. Every single person was scared of his wrath except Phulwa. Even as a child she had fought him without blinking in fear. It infuriated him more than anything else. He scowled at her.

"Oh Phulwa Phulwa Phulwa," he said in a pitying voice. "How nave you are! Your destiny has been written the same way as your family." He watched her reaction, searching for the look of pain in Phulwa's eyes but it did not come. A flicker of annoyance lit his reptilian eyes. Talking about her family's death had always brought pleasure to Thakur because he knew it was the thing that hurt Phulwa the most. He clenched his jaw. Why was she standing there with her smile in place?

Phulwa looked at him. She knew he had been expecting her to weaken again at those words and she herself was startled that the pain she used to feel at the memory was no longer as strong. Then she knew. Abhay. He had given her back the strength and taken away all her weaknesses. She crossed her arms and stared at Thakur dead in the eye.

"And your destiny has been written the same way as your son." She smiled mockingly.

The storm that crossed Thakur's face would have scared anyone else. He rushed to her, lifting his hand to slap her but Phulwa caught it in time, twisting it to one side making Thakur grimace in pain. The gust of wind became strong around them as if matching the gravity of the moment. Then Thakur smiled and jerked his head to one side looking beyond her. Phulwa turned and saw them. Three men stood in the distance, in a semi circle, surrounding her and Thakur. Their guns pointed directly at Phulwa. Phulwa turned back to Thakur.

"I see you haven't changed, Thakur. You are still the coward you were." She said coolly.

Thakur boiled at that. He wrenched his hand from Phulwa's grip and smashed it on her face, sending blood spurting from her lips. Phulwa staggered in surprise as Thakur stood over her.

"You little b*tch, you thought you could defeat Thakur Daroga Singh?" his scream echoed in the open space. He kicked her on the ground making her double over in pain. "Nobody wins against me, NOBODY. Do you hear?" he bent down to her level. "NOBODY."

Phulwa lifted her eyes to look at him from where she lay on the ground.

"

Thakur's evil laugh rang through the air then he grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her to look into his eyes.

"Who will save you now Phulwa? Your Abhay?" he snickered. "Don't worry about him. I'll take care of him just after I kill you. That way you will not be alone up there. Your whole family will be with you." He sneered at her.

Phulwa felt anger mounting up at hearing Abhay's name from his mouth. That was something she would never let Thakur take away from her.

"You should not have said that, Thakur," she smiled wryly then lifted her earth filled hand to smack it in Thakur's eyes.

Thakur released her, screaming as his eyes burned. He could not see. Phulwa used him to push herself back to her feet then kicked him in the gut, making him growl.

"PHULWA, you will pay dearly for this." He turned blindly to where he thought his men were then hollered. "SHOOT HER." He writhed on the floor trying to get the dirt out of his eyes.

The three men pointed their guns to Phulwa as she stood, her shoulders squared, looking at them fearlessly. She felt tears in her eyes. She was not afraid of dying. Her only thought was Abhay was she waited for the shot.

****

Abhay sat at his table, his heart a little lighter. He had sent a warrant on Thakur's name and all his land would be seized by tomorrow. The scandal that would follow would have the effect of a bomb, he thought as he stretched on his chair. MLA Thakur Daroga Singh had stolen for years from poor farmers and had his hand in several shady activities. His party was responsible for killing opponent supporters during a raid in the previous elections. All this had been hushed but now Abhay would no longer let it go unnoticed. He was planning of uncovering every single misdeed of Thakur so that he would not have a place to hide his face when Abhay finished with him. Abhay smiled wryly.

In less than one hour, he expected a call from the Chief Minister. The news would have reached him by now. He would himself sack Thakur Daroga Singh before the matter blew out. Abhay had been smiling since the morning but suddenly as he sat there, he had a strange feeling. He felt his heart constrict. He knew not what had caused it but he felt all the light feeling ebb away as something darker took its place. He got up quickly, his heart thudding painfully against his ribs. He had an inexplicable urge to see Phulwa right that moment. He strode out, his thoughts in turmoil and bumped into Chotu, sending tea splashing to the floor. He did not even excuse himself as he started walking past him but Chotu spoke up.

"Saab, are you still here? Phulwa didi must be waiting for you since long already." He said this quietly looking around to see if any police officer were near.

Abhay felt his blood freeze as he slowly turned to face Chotu.

"Why is she waiting for me?" He tried to keep his voice calm.

Chotu looked at him strangely.

"You sent her the note, didn't you Saab? The one telling her to come meet you at the waterfall." He said confused.

Abhay's breath stopped. He tried to push the horrible thoughts away from his mind and grabbed Chotu, shaking the boy.

"Who gave the note?" he yelled making the whole station hush down to look at him. "Who gave you that note?" He repeated as Chotu remained silent with shock.

Chotu turned his face around to search for the constable who had given him the letter.

"Sa..Saab, there was a…a constable," Chotu stumbled on his words, scared at the expression on Abhay's face. "He is not here, he ga…gave me the note saying you had sent it for Phulwa didi."

Abhay felt cold. Thakur. He must have laid a trap for Phulwa. He let Chotu go, reeling from the thought that Thakur would do something to her. Please let me be there in time, he prayed as his eyes filled with pain. He dashed out of the station leaving everyone looking after him in shock.

****

Thakur got up slowly, opening his eyes with difficulty. He yanked Phulwa's hair from behind then hissed in her ear.

"I'll kill you in such a way that Abhay will die by just seeing your body."

Phulwa struggled but one of the men came forward, holding his gun to her temple. Thakur laughed then frowned as his phone rang. He took it, pulling Phulwa's hair even more so that unwanted tears brimmed her eyes.

"CM Saab, I'll call you later. I'm in the middle of something." His tone changed instantly reverting back to the phony affable voice he reserved for the world.

"MLA mahoday, there is no need for you to call back. You are officially fired from the party. The wheels of your political destruction have already started turning and we don't want your scandals to affect the party." The curt voice came back.

Thakur could not believe his ears. He could have roared with rage but he kept his sickly sweet voice in place.

"Surely you are joking with me, CM Saab," he had a small laugh. "Who would dare to go against Thakur Daroga Singh?"

"ACP Abhay." the answer came then the phone went dead.

Thakur threw the phone in anger sending it crashing against a rock.

"NO!" he twisted Phulwa around shaking her violently, causing the man holding the gun at Phulwa to step back. "I'll kill him. I'll kill him" his eyes went wild as he looked at Phulwa.

Suddenly Phulwa knew. Abhay must have done something to put Thakur in that state. She lifted her head in pride and looked at Thakur then smiled mockingly.

"You are already finished Thakur," she spit into his face then kicked him, her knee colliding with his making it vibrate with the shock. Thakur staggered back then lifted his head to charge at her. The man to Phulwa's right pulled the trigger.

****

Abhay drove like a mad man, his breathing hatched. The jeep skidded on the ground sending dirt flying in the air. The sight in front of made his blood run cold. The man was pointing his gun at Phulwa, ready to shoot. Abhay drew his gun from its holster lighting fast and fired from afar. The man looked at his bloody hand in surprised, the gun falling to the ground. Phulwa turned her head and saw him. Thakur took advantage of her momentary distraction to pull his own gun out of his pocket, he lifted it to Phulwa.

"PHULWA," Abhay screamed as he noticed it, he ran but he knew he would not be there soon enough.

Phulwa twisted in time then threw her body down as Thakur fired the shot. He roared with uncontrollable rage as he realised he had missed her. He drew the trigger again but Phulwa was fast, she shot a hand out and brought Thakur down with her. They rolled on the ground as each tried to get hold of the gun.

***

Abhay saw the shot miss Phulwa and his heart sighed in relief. The other two man turned to Abhay as he charged on them. He punched one in the face, making him slump to the ground, growling. The other pushed Abhay on the back then raised his gun. Abhay twisted around, his eyes filling with rage. The man fired, the bullet grazing his Abhay's forearm. He grunted in pain but grabbed the man, lifting him in the air, making him drop his gun as his legs flailed in vain.

"You should have practiced your aim." Abhay snarled then sent the man flying through the air.

He walked to him, pulling him up again. The man could not stand straight, his eyes glazing with the impact of the fall. Abhay drew his arm up then smashed his elbow into the man's face. The latter moaned in pain before falling unconscious on the ground.

****

Phulwa struggled to get the gun. She was trying both to keep Thakur away from it and to grab it herself. Then she heard the shot and her heart stilled. She looked up to see blood smeared on Abhay. She choked on a breath. Thakur grabbed the gun and got up, his face twisted in look of victory. He dragged Phulwa up until they were face to face then sneered at her.

"Enjoy your last moment alive, Phulwa."

Thakur pulled the trigger but at the last moment moved his hand so that he was pointing it at Abhay who was running to them. NO, Phulwa's mind screamed as the shot went out. She did not turn to look, just smashed her hand against Thakur so the the gun flew out of his hand. She bent down quickly, grabbing the gun and holding it tightly. She did not dare look back as tears coursed down her cheeks. Then she pointed the gun to Thakur as he backed away recognizing the frenzied look in Phulwa's eyes. She would not stop now that she thought he had shot Abhay down. He felt fear for the first time of his life.

"No Phulwa. Don't do this." He backed away more unaware of the ravine behind him. Phulwa hardened her gaze on him before releasing the trigger. Thakur stumbled down the edge of the waterfall a second after the bullet hit him between the eyes.

***

Phulwa sobbed, the gun dropping down from her hands to the ground. She did not feel any sense of victory. How could she when she had lost the most precious thing she had? Abhay, her whole body cried with the pain. Then a hand came to her shoulder surprising her into lifting her bloodshot eyes. She thought she might be dreaming but Abhay was smiling down at her. She scrambled up, then gripped him tightly, her tears running uninhibited. She had thought he was dead, that she had lost him. Abhay smiled as he hugged her close. Thakur had missed him by inches. Blood ran down his arm where Thakur's man's gun had grazed him.

"It's over Phulwa." he said softly, he brought a hand to her chin, lifting her face so that she was looking into his eyes. "He deserved that for all the atrocities he made innocents bear."

He knew the guilt must be there in Phulwa. However much sorrow thakur had given her, Phulwa was not a cold-blooded murderer. Killing him, even if he deserved to die, would be a scar on Phulwa's heart. But I'm here to erase it, he thought as he kissed her forehead.

"All the families who have suffered at his hands will be always grateful to you for this Phulwa. No one would have been brave enough to do this. Only you are." He told her, the intense expression in his eyes forcing her to see the truth. "You've given a new life to the villagers…." He paused, "and yourself"

Phulwa stared at him, searching for the comfort she knew she would find in his eyes then nodded slowly before burying her head back on the nook of his shoulder.

****

Three days later, Abhay went to Thakur's house. He was not sad that Thakur had died but he felt anguished at the thought that because of him the Thakurain was a widow. He took a deep breath then rang the door bell. He was announced by the servant then ushered inside. The haveli was opulent but the smell that accompanied funerals still lingered. The place smelled of sickly sweet flowers making Abhay uncomfortable. Then he saw her. The woman who had been almost like a mother to him. She was sitting in a rocking chair looking in the distance. He walked to her slowly then knelt at her feet.

"Maaji, I'm sorry for the pain I caused you." He felt tears mount up. "But I will be lying if I say, I regret Thakur Saab's death." He could only be honest with her.

He did not know if Thakurain was aware of her husband's deeds but if not, then his death would cause her to hate him forever. He took her hand in his and looked up.

"For what he did to Phulwa, he deserved that but if you don't forgive me, the grief of having repaid you for your kindness in the most horrible manner, will stay with me forever."

Thakurain turned kind eyes to him. He was a good boy and he had always been most honest even when he had been a kid. He could never do wrong. In fact the only one who was to blame in all this was Thakur himself. He had played with all their lives and tortured countless innocents. Their curses had to strike him someday. She put her hand on Abhay's head, unable to speak the words but showing she had forgiven him with the gesture. Abhay grabbed the hand and kissed it in gratitude then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Badi Thakurain standing behind him. He slowly got to his feet.

"You love her, don't you?" she asked, wise eyes scrutinising him knowingly.

Abhay realised she was talking about Phulwa and nodded slowly. Badi thakurain smiled then patted him on the shoulder.

"She's a great girl." Abhay's eyes widened at that and Badi thakurain giggled like a little girl. "I know her since she waa little and I can say that you have got yourself the most fiery and brave girl that can exist. You are very lucky." She said nodding him in approval.

Abhay smiled.

"I know." He said softly. "I'm grateful to you both for being so kind and forgiving to me." He glanced back at thakurain.

Badi Thakurain became serious.

"Bade had crossed all limits of evilness. He could not feel pity for others so why should you ask for forgiveness?" then she added lightly. "Phulwa is lucky too, she has the most honest, loyal, strong and handsome man she could have gotten." At the last trait, her eyes twinkled mischievously making Abhay laugh low. "I'm happy for you both and I hope you stay together like this forever."

Abhay nodded, feeling a weight lift off his chest. He stooped to take the blessings of Thakurain and Badi Thakurain, happy that he and Phulwa also, would not be the target of their hate as he had feared.

****

Phulwa's trial lasted a whole week. Abhay insisted on taking the blame knowing he would not face trial but Phulwa refused, causing him to be anguished and in the foul mood during the whole deal. He hardly slept in those days, spending all his looking for ways of consolidating Phulwa's case. He could not objectively do his duty while the woman he loved faced trial. He tried to keep out of the limelight but he was grateful when Phulwa was allowed to remain in the camp under police surveillance instead of being locked up. Abhay doubted he could have borne that sight. As it was, he hated seeing her in the witness box but finally Phulwa won.

Abhay terrorised constable Hirani into admitting that Thakur had lured Phulwa to the waterfall with the intention of killing her off. The gun was also found to be Thakur's and the jury concluded that Phulwa shot him in self-defense. On the testimony if the villagers, the charges against her for what was considered to be her crimes as a dacait were dropped. Abhay placed an appeal in court to abandon the charges against the Kabila also and it was accepted to the delight of the villagers and the whole of the Kabila.

Everything was falling in line, Abhay thought satisfied.

****

Arjun honked making Aarti drop the remote control she had been holding in disbelief. She pulled the drapes to see him grinning at the wheel. She had told him so many times not to honk in the neighbourhood. It attracted attention but the pig-headed person that he was always did what he liked, she thought fuming as she opened the door. They had spent practically every free moment in each other's company for the past two weeks. They had lunch and dinner together everyday except when Arjun was on night duty and he had recently joked they should start having breakfast together also, earning him a glare from Aarti.

"What is it?" she hissed through the car window, annoyed.

Arjun grinned.

"Hop in. I'm going to do some shopping." He said cheerfully.

Aarti scowled. He was totally mad!

"Then why do you need me with you for?"

Arjun sighed then looked at her. It was her day off. She was in a light blue salwar kameez looking cute as always. He liked her both in uniform and out of it. Suddenly, he imagined her out of it with….nothing on, and coughed.

"I'm going to buy clothes for Abhay's wedding and I need your opinion," he said sweetly.

Arjun was surprised at himself. He liked his own space and usually never looked for opinion but lately he had been finding excuses to meet her. He brushed it as a reaction to missing his buddy talks with Abhay. He was currently busy with wedding plans, Arjun thought amused.

Aarti's eyes widened. She had not known ACP Abhay was getting married. Arjun grinned at her expression. He loved surprising her. He had deliberately said that knowing Abhay had not told anyone at the station yet.

"ACP Abhay is getting married?" she asked dazed.

"Yup, now stop wasting time, will you?" he opened the passenger door staring at her until she dropped in the seat. He smiled then drove off.

Aarti looked at him as he concentrated on driving. Before Arjun had come, she would have felt a pang at that news. She had always thought she had a thing for ACP Abhay. But now she just felt surprised, nothing more. It was unsettling that Arjun had erased the thought of every other man from her mind. She turned her head back to look at the road, scared to recognise her own feelings. What had started as something simple was now getting complicated. Her day felt incomplete without seeing him. She clenched her fists at her side. It might be something casual for Arjun but it was no longer the case for her and she knew she was going to end up hurt.

****

Abhay was going mad. They were sitting in a circle around the fire but it was far fom being a peaceful setting. The kabila were arguing among themselves, words shooting from one side to the other. He doubted the discussion would end anytime soon. He looked across at Phulwa who made a grimace of exasperation. Abhay chuckled. Gunta Ma wanted the engagement to be on the following week but Gayatri thought it was too early and insisted that they needed more time to prepare. Gunta screeched her disapproval at this while Gayatri calmly retorted back. Some member of the kabila would interfere at regular intervals then just sit back and enjoy the fight.

Suddenly Gayatri turned to Abhay. Since the incident with Thakur and the trial, her opinion of Abhay had changed. How could you doubt a man who worked day and night to get them justice, saving both Phulwa and the kabila? She was sorry for her previous behaviour because now she knew that no one could be as deserving as he was for Phulwa. The way he stood by her, pushing back anyone who could harm her commanded Gayatri's respect.

"What do you think, Abhay? This matter is never going to be resolved if left upon us." She glared at Gunta Ma who scowled back.

Abhay grinned at them. In such a short time, they had become his family. He loved being near them but especially Phulwa. He glanced at her to see she was waiting for his answer with interest. He had come here straight from work and the sight of him sitting in uniform surrounded by Dacoits was an exceptional one.

"I think we should keep the engagement for next week, " Gunta Ma beamed at him on those words, "and the wedding in three weeks time." His face broke into a smile.

Everyone laughed at that. They had a feeling Abhay would not have minded having both the engagement and the wedding the next day itself. Phulwa grinned at him, feeling the familiar wave of tenderness swamp her. He winked at her then turned back to the others.

Gayatri sighed. It seemed she was overruled. She nodded making Gunta Ma jump in joy and drop a kiss on Abhay's cheek.

The buzz started over again as Gunta ma gushed over the outfit she wanted Phulwa to wear. Phulwa had a horrified look on her face as she took in the details.

"You were not planning on getting engaged in those clothes, were you?" Gunta asked her exasperated.

Phulwa gulped then glared at Abhay. It was all his fault. Now Gunta Ma would drag her for shopping everyday until she found the right dress. Abhay read her thoughts and grinned.

"Gunta Ma, I would not mind it even if she is in those clothes for the engagement." He said, looking at Phulwa up and down mischievously then added, "for the wedding also, as long as she is there."

Phulwa did not know whether to kill him or to hug him. In the end, she settled for smiling at him with a twinkle in her eyes. Gunta Ma looked from one to the other.

"Silly boy, stop taking her side," she swatted him on the head affectionately, "You are just concerned about whisking her off so your opinion does not count." She laughed softly.

Babu suddenly spoke up.

"But where will be the engagement? Here?" he frowned.

They all looked at each other in confusion.

"Let's have it here," Abhay said then thought of Arjun, he would be shocked to hear his words were coming true, he grinned already anticipating his reaction when he announced that. "and the wedding….." he trailed off.

"My house." He said as he got an idea.

Every head turned to him in surprise.

"I don't think you want Phulwa to tread through the woods in her bridal outfit, do you?" he chuckled at the image. His dacait Rani, marching through the forest in her lehnga.

"I want you all to stay in my house till the wedding. This will make things easier."

"Where will you stay?" Phulwa had been silent till that point, awed by talks of her own marriage going on.

Abhay was tempted to say they could share a room but he was not sure he would escape alive from there after saying that. He smiled at her tenderly, thinking she would be his in every sense of the word soon.

"I'll put up with Arjun." He said cheerfully, he had not asked Arjun yet and he was sure Arjun would make a fuss but he would make him come around.

It was 1 am in the morning when they finished discussing the details. They all agreed that the engagement would be held on next Sunday at the camp and the wedding would follow three weeks later with the baraat coming from Arjun's place. Abhay did not tell them he was looking for a permanent house for the kabila. He would gift that to them on his wedding day, he thought.

He got up, stretching his cramped muscles and made to leave. Babu thumped him on the back feeling like Abhay was an old friend. Seeing his sister happy and glowing every day was a totally new and delightful sight and all that was because of the man next to him.

Phulwa looked at Abhay, feeling she did not want him to go yet. Abhay smiled softly at her. Gunta Ma noticed the look and called to her.

"Walk him a small distance at least Phulwa." she said innocently.

Phulwa jumped up a little bit too enthusiastically triggering chuckles amongst the kabila and causing her to blush crimson. She pushed an inexistent strand of hair from her face to cover her embarrassment then walked alongside Abhay. He waited for them to be out of the kabila's view then grabbed her hand, swinging their joined hands like they were kids. Phulwa glanced up at him, grinning then her breath got sucked out as Abhay backed her against a tree. He leaned close, the wicked glint in his eyes making her heart race.

"Abhay!" she hissed trying to sound angry but failing.

He pressed her back then kissed her whole face stopping at the corner of her lips. He teased her by just sweeping a light kiss on them and moving back to his less satisfying explorations according to Phulwa. He propped one hand behind her then seeing Phulwa had closed her eyes, he cupped the back of her neck to draw her mouth to his. Her fingers twined with his and curled tight as she leaned to take more of him. Phulwa had so many contrasts and complexities but it was what he loved most about her, Abhay thought as he broke the kiss to nip at her lower lip then deepened the kiss again. Phulwa brought a hand to his chest, letting it rest there for a while then used it to ease him back. Abhay grinned at her thinking he would have trouble keeping his eyes and hands off her till the wedding. Good thing it was not too far off. Phulwa smiled softly, heart still racing like always when he kissed her. Abhay hooked a finger to the collar of her kurta making her eyes widen in surprise then yanked her for another kiss. This one was less gentle, more hungry and…….over before she wanted it to be. Abhay chuckled at her expression while Phulwa glared at him. He always had to have the last word……or last kiss rather and leave her wanting more. She brought her hand up and pushed the hair falling into his eyes back. She loved doing that. His hair was so soft that it practically never stayed in place and she was glad. It gave her the excuse of running her hands in it every time.

"You should go now before they all think I've taken you with me." He flashed her a wicked grin.

Phulwa kissed him on his grinning mouth and scooted out of reach before he could yank her to him again. She laughed. She was not letting him have the last kiss this time. Abhay scowled at her mock angrily but let her go, watching her walk away with a sigh.

*****

Abhay was in high spirits as he walked in the police station the next day. He looked around then spoke loudly making everyone glance up from their work.

"I'm getting engaged on Sunday and you are all invited!" he said cheerfully.

A hush went through the room as they all surveyed him, mouths open. Abhay grinned then raised his eyebrows at Aarti. She was the only one not looking surprised. Arjun must have told her, Abhay thought amused. He doubted Arjun knew it himself but if he had started sharing things with Aarti then he had it bad. Arjun might look like the most easy-going guy but he never shared his personal life with people who weren't close to him. Abhay felt wicked suddenly. He would be surprised if someone else did not get sacrificed soon too.

Aarti realised her reaction might be deemed strange and quickly got up to congratulate Abhay. Arjun had dropped another bomb yesterday which she had refused to believe, making him chuckle mysteriously. Apparently ACP Abhay was getting married to Dacait Phulwa. She felt annoyance at Arjun again. He could never get out of his jokes for enough time to be serious.

"I'm very happy for you Sir. Do we know the girl?" she asked out of politeness not really expecting Abhay to say yes.

Abhay nodded, thinking of his Phulwa. Who did not know her? He chuckled inwardly.

"You do."

Aarti and the others looked at him surprise.

"Phulwa." he said, his eyes twinkling.

Jitendra who had been walking with a file, tripped on the leg of his table and fell down, papers flying in the air. Aarti opened her mouth to say something then shut it again. All the other officers looked like fishes with their mouths open. Abhay laughed at their expressions.

"So Sunday be present at the jungle. I'll give you the road map." He teased, feeling happier than ever.

Everyone gulped. The Jungle? Was ACP Abhay serious? How would they protect themselves against a bunch of Dacaits.

"Sir, should we bring our guns?" Jitendra asked tentatively.

Abhay roared with laughter at that.

"If you think it can save you, do bring it but yes no showing it to my in-laws." He said then laughed again as Jitendra and the others looked horrified.

****

The day finally came. The atmosphere in the camp was hectic. The whole place was buzzing with activity as they decorated and turned it into a fairy tale venue. The spot in the middle of the woods were freshly strewn with gravels and a path was created in the middle, lined with pink and white flowers they had requested Abhay to find and which he had sent in the morning. The whole place was awashed with light and they made arrangements so that the setting would look as good at night as it was looking now. A team of men came with hundreds of delicate lamps placing strategically on the trees around. The camp looked more like an exotic wedding venue than the dingy place it had been. Each wooden block of the camp had been washed and scrubbed clean before painting the walls white. As Babu stretched his muscles, he surveyed the place. It was simply beautiful. The path of gravel and flowers had white cloth-covered chairs on either side and it led straight to the podium which was right now getting decorated. When they would finish with it, there will be two high back velvet swathed chairs for Phulwa and Abhay and a center table for the cake. Gauri walked by Babu, noticing his blissful expression.

"Babu!" she tapped him on the arm. "Stop day dreaming. You need to go get the cake too so finish placing the flowers on the podium otherwise you'll be late." She scolded.

Phulwa was safely confined inside. She was not allowed to see anything until the time of the engagement so it would be a surprise both to her and Abhay. Gauri was running around making sure Phulwa's clothes and accessories had arrived. Babu also had to make sure that the path in the forest through which the guests would come to the camp had been cleared till the road.

"Ok Meri Ma, I'm going." He pecked Gauri on the cheek and got back to work.

****

Abhay grabbed his shirt from the bed. He was covered from waist-down in a towel and his hair was damp from the shower. He glanced at the clock. He still had one hour before the engagement and he absolutely did not want to be late. Arjun and he had gone to buy his clothes. Arjun was the reference when it concerned suits. They had finally settled on a three piece Calvin Klein model dress suit which fit Abhay to perfection. He shrugged on the light purple shirt then pulled on his shiny designer-cut charcoal grey suit.

Arjun barged into the room without knocking then whistled.

"I have never seen you look this good dude. I'm already feeling jealous." He joked then came to help him with the tie.

As he made the knot in a dark purple tie, Arjun grinned at Abhay feeling a rush of affection. His best friend was going to be a married man soon. He felt it was a milestone in their lives.

"Phulwa will be doing that in some time now." He said as he let the tie fall.

He was himself dressed in a glamorous deep-chocolate coloured suit that Aarti had chosen and a burgundy tie against his white shirt. He usually did not wear that colour. In fact, he hated it when someone had a say in his clothes but strangely when Aarti had looked at the suit and commented that it would highlight the colour of his eyes, he had not hesitated a moment to buy it. Aarti had protested saying they could look around before deciding but the look in her eyes when she saw him in this one, had decided it for him.

Abhay smiled dreamily at the image forming in his mind.

"Yeah" he paused. "But I'll have to teach her how to first." He chuckled.

"Arjun, I forgot to tell you something." Abhay said suddenly.

Arjun raised his eyebrows.

"What? That you love me more than Phulwa?" he guffawed.

Abhay laughed.

"No, not that. I'm coming to stay with you tomorrow till the wedding." Abhay enjoyed the look of shock on Arjun's face.

"What? You kidding? What happened dude? Before marrying, Phulwa is already making you leave the house?" he joked.

"No, I'm thinking of letting the house to the kabila for the wedding so that it eases things out and since I knew my best buddy Arjun had an empty house just for me, I made up my mind on it." He said happily.

Arjun glared at him, feigning anger. In truth, he was glad. It would be the first time they would stay together after college and it would be fun to have some all-guys nights again. He thumped Abhay on the back.

"Ok done but you owe me one," he said.

"No, I don't. Who told you when Aarti's shift ends?" Abhay smirked.

Arjun sighed.

"Yeah yeah, you did. It evens out then." He grinned.

They both grabbed their coats and and left in Arjun's car. Arjun had joked that since it was Abhay's day, he would be the driver. Arjun made a stop at Aarti's to pick her up then grumbled all the way about the choice of venue. Aarti and Abhay both stared at him until he shut up.

*****

Gunta Ma, fastened the string at the back of Phulwa's dress then came in front to survey her work. She almost lost her breath at the beauty of Phulwa who still refused to lift her eyes. She was blushing, the colour competing with the dark purple of her churidar. She looked like a princess in it. The cap sleeves and dark colour accentuating the whiteness of her slender arms. Her delicate neck exposed by the slightly plunging neckline of the kameez. Gunta Ma placed the dupatta with little bells hanging at the end, on her left shoulder then dragged the mass of dark hair so that it hanged on the same side. Phulwa had protested at keeping her hair open but every one present in the room was glad they had forced her to.

"Stand up now, Phulwa." Gunta Ma told her.

Phulwa took a deep breath and got up, the tightly-fitted churidar pants making small folds on her slender legs. The long kameez was delicately embroidered and fell in a swish, almost near her ankles. She wore silver coloured high heels and the pearl drop earrings Abhay had gifted her this morning shone at her ears. Gunta Ma turned her towards the mirror and urged her to see for herself. Phulwa thought she was seeing someone else for a moment. Surely, that could not be her. She blinked. It was.

Gunta Ma smiled. Phulwa hardly needed make-up, the natural colour on her cheeks were more than enough to dazzle Abhay, she thought. Phulwa's eyes were no longer filled with kohl like it used to be. Instead her eyes were lined thinly with just a touch of kohl making her gaze smouldering. If Abhay had thought she was beautiful before, well he was going to be knocked out by the sight of Phulwa.

****

Abhay sat on the podium, feeling nervous suddenly. The shadows of the trees were pushed back by the infinite quantity of lamps hanging on them. The whole place was glowing but he could not concentrate on his surroundings. He was impatiently waiting for Phulwa. Then he shot up from the chair as he saw her coming through the constructed alley. The breath was knocked out of him as he surveyed her. She was walking towards him, her eyes down then she looked up as if aware of the power of his wish for her to do so. Their eyes locked and Abhay suddenly felt like he was dreaming. She looked like an angel. For the first time, he was seeing her hair open and even if he had imagined it like that many times, nothing had prepared him for the real thing. It was a shimmery black mass draped on her left shoulder. She smiled a little tremulously at him and his heart soared. Nobody could look as beautiful as his Phulwa. He had always thought that but the sight of her like this made the thought stronger. She looked at him with love in her eyes making his whole body sigh.

****

Phulwa felt awkward. She kept her eyes down as Babu escorted her to the podium. It was the first time, she would be the focal point of so many people and that too dressed up like that. Everyone had told her she looked beautiful but she was so unsure. Then she felt his gaze on her and instinctively looked up, directly into his eyes. She did not need to look around to search for him, her heart knew where he was exactly. The expression in his eyes made all her awkwardness and doubts disappear. It was as if he had washed her with love with his gaze. Suddenly she felt beautiful. He took her breath away. He was looking so dashing in that suit that she doubted any other men in the place could compete with him. She did not get time to check whether she was right because she had eyes only for him. She smiled at him, tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. Then she was next to him. Abhay smiled tenderly at her then bent to place a kiss filled with gentleness on her cheek.

"I love you." He told her softly.

"I love you too." Phulwa said, blushing crimson as she basked in the warmth she felt by just being near him.

The gesture made Arjun clap and whistle, earning him a kick in the shin from Aarti. He growled in pain then scowled at Aarti. Arjun got up and walked to the podium, handing Abhay the box containing the ring then took his seat again.

Babu positioned himself to capture the moment with the camera and as he looked in the lenses, he saw two people completely in love and lost in each other.

Abhay took Phulwa's left hand in his then slowly slid the ring in her finger while looking deep into her eyes. Phulwa felt her insides melt with tenderness and love as the diamond blinked in the light, its brilliance matching that of the smile she bestowed on him.

Babu pressed the shutter at that exact moment capturing his most memorable sight till date.

Abhay cut a piece of cake then broke it in two. On Gunta Ma's direction, they each took a piece then crossed their arms together to feed each other. Phulwa bit Abhay's finger as he started pulling it back making him laugh, his eyes twinkling.

The camera flashed again.

****

As Abhay slipped the ring on Phulwa's finger, Aarti slanted a glance at Arjun. Her hand was tightly clasped in his but she doubted he knew that he had taken it himself. He looked absorbed by the sight unfolding in front of him, his chest a little wide with pride as he looked at his friend. He had been doing that a lot lately. Holding her hand without being aware of it. It made her heart flip each time he did that. Just that morning, he had insisted on buying her a dress. They had argued vehemently with Aarti refusing to accept but in the end he had won. Like he always did. Now she was dressed in the salwar kameez he had chosen and she felt that along with winning against her in everything, he had won her heart despite her inward battle to stop it. She was suddenly scared. What would she do when he went away? She felt anguish rip across her at the thought and as if sensing it, his hand tightened around hers and he turned to smile at her.

****

The background music along with the low buzz of the guests made the atmosphere festive. The police officers and constable looked relaxed now, Abhay thought. When they had just come, they looked like scared rabbits without their guns. They had jumped every time someone from the kabila came near. It had been a most amusing sight and Babu had taken advantage of the situation very well, Abhay thought chuckling.

Abhay grabbed Phulwa's hand making her eyes widen, she tried to pull it away but he refused to let go.

"It's ok. Everyone is busy with the refreshments right now. No one is paying attention to us." He grinned wickedly.

Phulwa smiled and squeezed his hand. Abhay continued to look at her intensely.

"What is it?" she asked thinking maybe cake was smudged on her face.

"Do you know how beautiful you are looking? Right now, I want to bury my head in your hair." He said huskily.

The sight of her lush hair and…….he could not help notice, the creamy skin at the neckline of the kameez was making him heady.

"Abhay!" she admonished, laughing a little.

"What? I'm not even allowed to admire my wife-to be's features now?" he replied mischievously.

At wife-to-be, Phulwa glowed. Yes, she was going to be just that in three weeks time. She looked back at him with interest. Abhay grinned. He knew she was returning the gesture. He cocked his head to one side, looking both adorable and manly. How could that be? Only Abhay could make those two words be said together, Phulwa thought.

"So what's your verdict?" he asked.

Phulwa pretended to frown.

"Oh you are looking fine." She said.

Abhay straightened up and made a sulking face.

Phulwa laughed then her voice turned silky.

"You are looking so good that I don't want to let you go back." She smiled naughtily.

Abhay flashed his dimple at her. A man needed his woman to think he looked great, he thought as his chest swelled in pride. He winked at her.

Suddenly a light wind blew across the camp, making Phulwa's hair flutter on her face. She lifted her hand to push the strands back but her dupatta fell down in the process. She sighed as she bent down to retrieve it. She needed more practice wearing those, she thought. She gasped as she felt a light touch on her back and straightened up quickly to see Abhay looking at her innocently.

"What did you do?" she hissed, looking around to see if anyone was watching.

Abhay shrugged acting ignorant.

"Me? I didn't do anything."

Phulwa glared at him. He had flicked open the string at the back of her dress while she was bending down. She turned her back at an angle it was not visible to anyone.

Abhay smiled devislishly. He could not help himself there. The sight of her bare back had forced him to touch her. How could he resist if she wore clothes that made him to go mad? He thought self-righteously. He had been wanting to do that since she walked through the alley.

"How will I tie it back now?" she asked exasperated.

"That's easy." Phulwa narrowed her eyes at that, waiting for him to continue. "Let me do it." He said helpfully, seeing his own gain in doing that.

"You are not serious, are you?" she whispered crossly.

"Nobody is looking." Abhay whispered back. "Come on, turn around." He told her.

Phulwa looked at him for a moment, unsure of what to do then she sighed irritably and turned.

Abhay took his time. He brushed his palm on the soft skin pretending to push away stray strand of hairs. Phulwa sucked in a breath at his touch and closed her eyes. Abhay grabbed each of the string then tied them together in a knot before glancing around quickly. Nobody was had their eyes on them at the moment. He leaned forward and dropped an open-mouthed kiss on her back. Phulwa gasped and…….the camera flashed again.

Abhay let go of her hastily and they both twisted around to see Babu grinning at them. Color creeped up Phulwa's neck to her face while Abhay just laughed. Babu grinned then walked away.

Abhay glanced at Phulwa. Her head was bent down a little as she tried to hide her embarrassment. He felt love swamp him and he moved his hand towards her flicking his finger at her earring. She looked up instantly as the pearl drop hit her cheek. Abhay's gaze went soft on her as he once again took in her beauty. The earrings looked beautiful on her, he thought. He had been looking for an engagement gift when his eyes fell on those yesterday. He had known instantly that it was what he wanted for her, just like when he had chosen the ring. He clasped her hand again, drawing it up to press a kiss at the center of her palm. She sighed then pulled their joined hands towards her and kissed his knuckles. She was the luckiest girl alive, she thought suddenly.

The night was engraved in the mind of everyone as one which celebrated Abhay and Phulwa's love. They were all almost reluctant to go, so beautiful was the feeling that emanated from the place and that particular moment. It was as if stars had crossed and produced a firework of emotions. As they looked at each other, the spark in Abhay's and Phulwa's eyes were proof enough.

Mimi and Anu, thank you for the ideas🤗

And here come the rest of the words. 😆

Wow wow WOW!! That was a real action-packed-maha-episode! Awesome! 👏👏👏

Thakur and Phulwa confrontation. Amazing.

Abhay coming to rescue, even better.

Phulwa picking up the gun and getting the last shot. Perfect! Just the way I had imagined.

Though I didn't like Abhay getting hit but it was needed perhaps to push her forward. And glad he wasn't much.

Phulwa trial track; well thought. Whatever she had done but she had broken a law and for that going through the trial was right. For once and for all she was proven innocent.

@Wedding preparation- Woohooo! Wedding time! 🥳

Haha, I'm just too excited for them. 😆

Aw, Abhay is going to get a house for Kabila people? How sweet. He is the best man ever.

@Aarti-Arjun- I love how you are developing their story along and in such a good way that I can actually see it happening. You are brilliant!

@Phulwa dress- WOW! You made it even better that what I had thought. Dark purple, loved the color and description. I can imagine it-she is looking beautiful.

@Bent- Omg! 🤣

When I read that word I thought...but glad it was only the string case.

But liked how you incorporated it. Just too too GOOD! 😉

My fav lines 😛:

Abhay. He had given her back the strength and taken away all her weaknesses.

Wow line. That's so true. He really had become her strength and given her new courage to face the ordeals. :)

moving back to his less satisfying explorations according to Phulwa.

Which areas exactly? Kindly be specific! 🤣

This one was less gentle, more hungry and''.over before she wanted it to be.

Gosh! JB already making moves.🤣

He was covered from waist-down in a towel

Thank God for that! Otherwise...humein yeh update na milti. 🤣

We go searching for update, pata chala Ami fainted after writing the towel off scene. 🤣🤣

Calvin Klein model dress suit which fit Abhay to perfection

Omg! You...haha I love you! 😆

Btw, only the suit was of CK or...🤣

UFF! This part was brilliant! Seriously it feels like I just watched a short movie. it had everything; emotions, action, love, humor, romance. Just perfect! 👏👏👏

Really stop underestimating yourself because you are one heck of a writer and have got beautiful vivid imagination. Honestly autograph de do abhi se, cause when later you become a famous writer then you may not remember me. 😆

Love you sweetie, thanks for this literary delight! Muah! ;)

First things first...

Sorry..???? I mean we should be sorry fr bullying u to write such lloonnggg pieces with so much of details...and ofcourse because of us u have to make it hot also even if it is nt needed...😃...and I love the fact that u wrote...mahaepisode...trully we r very filmy...😉

phulwa thakur confrontation...WOW...it must b super difficult writing such Action oriented thing and u really did a marvellous job...👏👏👏👏...and thanks fr bringing my Abhay on time...😊

Like i said earlier...i love the fact that u made Abhay visit thakurs house and spek to thakurain...

He tried to keep out of the limelight but he was grateful when Phulwa was allowed to remain in the camp under police surveillance instead of being locked up. Abhay doubted he could have borne that sight. As it was, he hated seeing her in the witness box but finally Phulwa won.

Loved this part...u jst give little touches here and there u bring out the charecteristics of the charecters...😊

Love the kabila scene where evry one has an opinion and everyone is jst delaying matters and how Abhay is reacting to it...😊

Wow both r quite impatient ...I see😛

They swinging their hands is a lovely visual...thanks fr that...and how do u manage to describe one simple kisss ...in sooo many diff ways...👏👏

As usual fabulous piece of work... I wanted to add a pic but failed to do that its fine... 👏 👏 👏 👏 Great Job... 👏 👏 👏 👏