Last Part
Abhay rubbed a hand across his tired eyes. Who knew getting married took so much work? He had been running around for the past days, looking at houses while trying to hide it form Phulwa and the Kabila then deciding on wedding cards, answering questions of the press on his wedding, calling up people in his previous place to invite them. Sarla Aunty had already put down her bags in Chambal in record time and to Abhay's utter surprise, she had taken an instant liking to Phulwa. Now she hardly left her side and together with Gunta Ma, they both tortured her with shopping sprees. Abhay chuckled. Phulwa was finding it hard to fight against two very determined wedding planners. He sighed. He hardly had time to talk to her. They were practically never alone, people coming in and out of his house all the time. But today he was determined to see her. He pressed the bell to his own house then smiled as Sarla Aunty opened. She looked happy to see him.
"Abhay," she exclaimed. "Come in." she waved a plump hand to indicate the hall.
Abhay walked in, looking around. The whole house was strewn with baskets of flowers meant for the decorations. He looked down at the bouquet of roses in his hands. Maybe he should have brought something else, he grinned then saw Phulwa sitting in the hall, she was making a 'Please Save Me' face. Abhay frowned and lifted his head as if to ask what happened. Sarla Aunty noticed and looked sternly at her.
"She's trying to escape her lessons." She said, hands on her hips.
Abhay's eyes widened as he looked from her to Phulwa.
"Lessons?" he asked, confused.
"Yes, I'm teaching her how to read and write. But I'll give her a break now that you are here." She said winking at Abhay then walked to the kitchen where a loud buzz could be heard. Seemed the whole Kabila was there. Phulwa sighed with relief then smiled broadly at him. Abhay flashed her a grin then swooped down a kiss on her open mouth. She remained seated but slid her hands around his neck . She already felt better, having him near. Everyone in the house seemed determined to persecute her these days. She was glad he had come. Then she realised someone could enter the room at anytime and pushed him away quickly.
"So how are the lessons?" Abhay teased.
Phulwa glared at him making him laugh. He pulled her up for a hug then released her, her scent soothing his tiredness away.
"Sarla Aunty has a plan to make me the next president." She grumbled then she noticed the bouquet. "Are those for me?" she perked up.
Abhay shot out the bouquet to offer it to her and she grabbed it. She had never been a flower person but anything Abhay brought for her was precious. He never did things halfway. The bouquet was overflowing with pink and white roses and instantly lifted her mood. She smiled at him gratefully.
"How are you doing at Arjun's?" she asked burying her face in the roses.
Abhay thought of the crazy nights he was having. Watching old movies, cricket and playing chess all night. It felt surprisingly good.
"Great," he smiled broadly then could contain himself no longer, "I bought a house for the kabila."
Phulwa felt confusion for a moment then realised what he had just said. She felt her heart do a cartwheel then she shot up from the sofa and grabbed him, smacking a kiss on his mouth.
"Why are you so damn good?" she asked, then pulled him down for another kiss.
Abhay laughed then pushed a strand of hair from her face, gazing into her sparkling eyes.
"I love you too much, that's why maybe." He grinned.
Suddenly, he heard a whoop of joy behind him. The whole kabila stood there minus the men who were probably out due to the madness going on in the house. Gunta Ma grabbed him in a tight hug. He hugged her back. Abhay had already told them he wanted nobody from his family to say the word 'thank you' to him
"It was supposed to be a surprise." He said chuckling. "I did not know you were eavesdropping." He winked at her.
They gushed over it with Abhay promising to show them the house in the evening. He walked to his room to retrieve some clothes and was surprised to see it closed. He glanced at Phulwa who had accompanied him up the stairs.
"Why is it locked? Nobody staying in there?" he asked frowning.
Phulwa blushed and looked away.
"We thought it should be kept the way it is until….the wedding." She mumbled.
Suddenly Abhay understood and grinned widely.
"Good Idea. You can't stay here until the D-day or should I say D-night?" he said wickedly.
"Shut up."
Phulwa swatted him on the arm then walked off. She had a feeling she did not want to be in there alone with him right now. In fact, she had steered clear of the room out of nervousness since she came to stay. Abhay looked at her back then laughed. A few more days and he would not let her go even if she wanted to, he thought.
****
They waited for the men to come back before setting out to look at the house. The kabila were stunned by it. It was a spacious, white house, standing sturdy and solid, which looked like it could accommodate twice their number. Gayatri glanced at Abhay.
"We can't accept this. It must have been expensive."
Abhay shook his head.
"The owners live abroad and wanted to sell it the earliest possible. I stumbled on it by chance. Believe me, I got it at a very good price." The he grinned. "Anyway, I already bought it so you can't refuse."
Gayatri sighed then smiled. He continuously suprised them. Phulwa was going to be kept on her toes all her life, she thought affectionately. And he was as stubborn, if not more, than Phulwa which meant he rarely accepted defeat in any argument.
Abhay felt happiness engulf him. For a man who had always craved for a family after his grandmother, he felt he was being pampered by God. He had never thought one day he would be surrounded by so many people he could call his own. He stared at Phulwa tenderly. It was all because of her.
They drove back in three cars with Phulwa sitting next to him in his jeep, her left hand tightly clasped in his right as he drove.
****
Aarti was getting drilled by her mom. She had just arrived to Chambal without informing her and by the most unpleasant of coincidences had stumbled on her getting out of Arjun's car. Now she was firing questions away. Aarti sighed.
"Stop it, Ma. He's just friend." She was suddenly irritated, not at her mom but at her own words.
He was not just a friend. How could she tell her mom she loved him when this was going no where anyway? Her mom scrutinised her. She knew Aarti was lying. She was one of those girls who never mingled out of work and she already knew the man was a doctor. Then how come she seemed so close to him?
She grabbed Aarti's shoulder and forced her to look into her eyes.
"Don't lie. You like this man." She insisted.
Aarti could hold it no more. She felt tears brim her eyes then starting to fall down her cheeks. Her mom looked at her in alarm.
"What happened?" she asked, worried. It was so unlike Aarti to cry.
Aarti swallowed painfully then tried to speak.
"I….I love him." It felt surprisingly good to say that aloud but it broke her heart that she could not say it to the person concerned. "But he is not the type to settle down." She said quietly.
Her mom frowned at her, unsure whether to be happy or concerned.
"Did you tell him?" she asked tentatively.
Aarti shook her head, unable to speak. How could she when she was scared to death of his reaction? She knew she was hurting herself by continuing to see him, knowing it would end anyway. But she could not bring herself to push him away. She had never felt as weak as she did now.
Her mother glared at her, angry.
"I thought I brought you up to be honest with yourself and others. So what if he does not love you? At least then you'll know where you stand." She said seriously. She hoped for Aarti's sake that he did love her otherwise along with Aarti getting her heart broken, she would feel guit at having pushed her to do that.
Aarti looked at her in surprise. She had expected her mother to comfort her but she was doing the exact opposite. And it is just what I need, she realised. Her mom was right. What if he told her no? She would be hurt, broken but she would get out of this feeling of uncertainty. She squared her shoulders.
"You are right Ma. I'll tell him next time." Aarti hardened her resolve. She was going to do more than tell him, she thought.
****
Arjun surveyed Abhay as he rummaged through the fridge then decided to tell him.
"Abhay." He said slowly
"Hmmm?" the mumble came from inside the fridge.
"I planned your bachelor party."
Abhay's head shot out and hit against the door. He growled in pain then stared at Arjun in disbelief.
"WHAT?" he asked.
Arjun sneered. He knew that would be Abhay's reaction.
"Yeah, you heard right. And you can't say no. I already booked everything." His cocked his brow at the last word hinting at what 'everything' meant.
They argued the whole day over it. Abhay protested saying it was his wedding and he had say in these matters while Arjun retorted that as his friend, he had some rights too. And what was the harm in some innocent fun? Abhay glared at him at the word 'innocent'. Arjun grinned but in the end he won. Abhay already felt he had done a mistake by agreeing. Arjun's ideas were never simple and far from being innocent as he claimed.
****
Two nights before the wedding, Abhay got a double surprise. The kabila announced their decision to shift to their new house on the next day without bringing any changes to the plans. The baarat would still leave from Arjun's house and the wedding would take place at Abhay's house but Phulwa would first leave from the new house to make it look like a proper send off.
The second shock came with the bachelor party. When he entered the house, he instantly got suspicious. Arjun's place had been transformed. The sofa set and furniture in the hall pushed to the corner and a huge rug covering the floor. He had been thinking of not coming back almost but Arjun would just have hunted him down. He sighed. He and Phulwa were both getting crushed in all this, he suddenly chuckled. Arjun came from the kitchen, a wide smile on his face.
"Perfect timing. You have one hour before the party begins so get out of those clothes." Arjun said cheerfully.
Abhay laughed, Arjun's excitement rubbing off him. He nodded then walked up the stairs.
Arjun glanced around with a wicked glint. A friend at the hospital had suggested some dancers who usually did bachelor party's also. He recently got married and apparently had enjoyed himself a lot on the day.
****
The girls came at around ten. It was the first time Arjun was organising something like this. Usually he attended them, he thought chuckling. He motioned for the stunning- looking women to come in then took the steps two at a time, to drag Abhay down. Abhay grinned. He decided since he could hardly stop it now, he might as well enjoy it. Boys will be boys,he thought. They had drinks and music on. Just as the girls started to dance with them pressing close, Abhay thought of Phulwa. She would hate this. Not only that, he was hating it himself. The feel of another woman's body near to him like that made him uncomfortable. He stopped dancing. Only Phulwa felt right next to him. He wanted her to be here right now. He whispered her name making the girl looked at him in puzzlement.
"I'm sorry." He said as he excused himself.
It had been a very bad idea. Now, not only he felt guilty but he was missing Phulwa like mad. His eyes ached to see her but he could hardly drop there at this hour.
****
Arjun saw Abhay move away and sighed. He could not blame him, he was feeling no fun at all himself. The girl in front him clasped his hand and he felt a jolt of something close to……disgust. Why was it so when she was beautiful? There was nothing wrong with her. Then it hit him. She was not Aarti. He gulped and pulled his hand away. Only Aarti's hand felt right in his. He had been thinking of her all night long. In fact he she was always at the back of his mind, irrespective of the time of the day and what he was doing. He backed away. This could not be happening to him. He was a guy who had believed lasting relationships with women were not his cup of tea. Then when had his mind changed? Right now, he saw her, glaring at him when he made a joke then smiling broadly when she thought he was not looking. The way she looked at him with tenderness. He realised now it was not tenderness but love. He had refused to see it, comforting himself with the knowledge that Aarti knew what she was getting into with a man like him. But she changed him. Now he fitted his lunch time to when she got out of the station and did not have dinner until he had her across him. He talked to her on the phone when he got up and before he went to sleep. When he was worried about something, she soothed it away with words and kisses. He would continuously take her hand in his, just because it felt good and right. And he hated it when she had to face criminals. He insisted she call him up every fifteen minutes when she was on patrol or went to investigate on something. He loved her, the words were a bolt out of the blue. No one else had aroused that level of protectiveness out of him. Since the day he met her, he had stopped flirting. He put it down to being tired but it was not true. He did not want to flirt. All his attention was captivated by Aarti.
He was suddenly tormented. Why hadn't she made any demands on him? Usually when a girl fell in love they pushed the guy to think in the direction of marriage. But Aarti hardly said a word about those things. She never talked about the future. Maybe she did not love him. The thought brought fresh pain. Whatever it was, he would have to find out. And if she did not want to marry him, well then…….he would have to force her. Because there was no way he was seeing her in someone else's arms. Not now, not ever. He politely thanked the girls and told them the party was over. He shut the door behind them, their faces bewildered. It was the first time they got paid for doing nothing.
Arjun walked to the kitchen to see Abhay slumped on a chair.
"That was bad." He said and plopped down next to him.
Abhay looked at him in surprise.
"Yes, for me it was. I just kept thinking of Phulwa. I think I'll call her up otherwise I'm not getting any sleep." He sighed then realised what Arjun had just said. "But why was it bad for you?" he asked frowning.
"Aarti." Arjun muttered simply.
Abhay's eyes widened.
"I knew it. I knew you were hooked." He felt his dark mood lift as he thumped Arjun on the back.
Arjun was in love. That was the most amazing thing he could have heard.
Arjun nodded.
"You contaminated me with your love fever." He joked.
Abhay laughed then placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Will you tell her?" he asked.
"I'm thinking of it. But I'm scared she'll say no. Why would she want a guy like me?" he asked gloomily.
"Oh shut up. What do you mean a guy like you? You are the best that exists after me." Abhay grinned at him. "Trust me, she won't say no. She loves you too."
Arjun grinned back. Abhay was as always there for him. He felt lighter but he still would not rest in peace before he told her. He decided he would go to ask for her hand the next day itself. He might be slow in understanding his feelings but he was one who acted fast. And now that he knew, he would not be wasting time mopping around.
"Come on, let's call them up." Abhay said happily.
"Yeah but first let's clear one thing." Abhay raised his eyebrows. "I'm the best ok? Then you." Arjun said.
Abhay glared at him. They argued like when they were boys. Arjun grabbed the salt and threw it on him while Abhay seized a bottle of water and drenched Arjun. They finally settled on a compromise. They were both best.
*****
Aarti made up her mind. She was not only going to confess her love but she was going to propose also. She knew it was a crazy idea but Arjun was not the only one who could have them, she thought grittily as she strode in the hospital in her uniform. Since the next day was Abhay's wedding, she had started calling him Abhay in private on his request, Arjun would be taking half day off. She did not want to miss him.
"Is Dr Arjun here?" she asked the woman in the reception area.
The woman looked up and down at her then nodded slowly. Aarti strode in direction of his cabin. The receptionist called out to her.
"Ma'am, you are not allowed to go in without appointment. Please Ma'am."
She ran after Aarti who ignored her and opened Arjun's door which slammed against the wall. Arjun looked up from the X-Ray results in front of him, his eyes widening as he saw her.
"Sir, I tried to stop her but she barged in. Should I call security." She asked thinking Arjun would say yes.
Aarti glared at her as if to say 'seems like you did not notice my uniform', the woman gulped in fear at the stare, making Arjun laugh softly.
"No need for that, Rita. Close the door behind you please." He said calmly.
He then turned to Aarti, looking at her with interest as he swivelled on the chair.
"I'm glad to see you here though I was not expecting you."
He was more than glad to see her. He wondered if now would be the right time to propose. He flashed her a smile.
Aarti did not return it making Arjun frown. She looked strange. She took a deep breath. This was going to be difficult, she thought.
"Marry me." She said, looking straight into his eyes.
Arjun stopped swivelling instantly, the expression on his face freezing. Surely he had heard wrongly there. Had she read his thoughts and was just saying what he wanted to say? He shook his head to clear the confusion taking over him. Aarti continued to stare at him. For once Arjun was speechless. She was serious. Then he felt happiness flood him. He laughed. He, of all people, was getting proposed by a woman and it felt……..damn good. It should have hurt his ego but with Aarti everything was different. He got up slowly coming around the table to stand in front of her. He could see the uncertainty behind her tough exterior.
"If I say no, what will you do?" he asked gently.
Aarti felt an unbearable ache at those words. Tears brimmed her eyes as she turned to go but Arjun grabbed her arm, twisting her to him again.
"Wait! I did not say no yet. I just asked what would you do if I did." He asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
Suddenly Aarti knew. He was teasing her. The look in his eyes had nothing even close to rejection, in fact he looked happy and more than ever…mischievous. He was playing with her. Her face broke into a smile. Arjun grinned at her, then brought up a finger to wipe the single tear away. Aarti removed her gun from its holster and pressed it to his belly.
"That's what I would do." She said, a smile working its way into her eyes.
Arjun feigned a look of horror.
"You police officers are really overbearing, do you know that? First Abhay forcing Phulwa for marriage now you with me."
Aarti laughed. Arjun gazed at her, he loved it when she did that. She looked beautiful. In fact, he plain loved her. He sighed in contentment, grabbed the gun and placed it on the table behind them then removed her cap and threw it away. He pulled her close and leaned down for a long long kiss. Aarti wound her arms around his neck.
When they pulled away, she was glowing.
"So what's your answer?" she asked happily.
"After that kiss, you still need an answer?" he joked then more seriously, "I will."
He hoped nobody who knew him came to know about how he proposed…….or rather how Aarti proposed to him. He would never hear the end of it.
Aarti flashed him a million dollar smile. Arjun grinned.
"So where's my ring?" he asked.
Aarti frowned.
"Ring? You are supposed to do give me that." She said slowly.
Arjun shook his head vigorously.
"You are the one who came to propose so you should have brought a ring." He bestowed a gaze full of mirth on her.
Aarti felt laughter bubble up again. He never stopped making her laugh. She hugged him then slyly took out her handcuffs and clamped it shut on his wrist. Arjun drew back and looked at his hand.
"You have to make do with this one."
Arjun cocked his brow.
"Why am I getting the feeling I'm getting imprisoned for life?" He asked mischievously.
Aarti punched him playfully on the arm then made him chuckle with her next words.
"Because you are."
****
Abhay was glad the kabila decided to move out as he got the idea. He entered the now empty house. The place was already decorated, string of flowers lining the staircase with the wedding dais in the middle of the hall. He went up to his room then took out the candles out of the bag. He was going to fill the place with them for his wedding night, he thought wickedly happy. The bed would be sprinkled with red roses the next day by Sarla Aunty probably but he wanted his own touch. He doubted he would get the time with the craziness that would surely accompany the wedding the next day.
He looked around. This room would no longer be his but theirs, he thought. He imagined Phulwa getting out of the shower every day, her hair damp and him lying on the bed, admiring her. On second thoughts, maybe he would do just more than admire. He chuckled at that and suddenly wanted tomorrow to come quickly. He almost could not believe all this was actually happening. His life was showering endless joys on him. He removed the silver anklet from his pocket and placed it in the drawer of his bedside table. He had a very distinct idea of what he wanted to do with it. He finished what he had come to do then closed the door softly behind him. The next time, he came in, he won't be alone, his eyes smoldered at the image he had in mind.
****
The buzz on the day on the wedding was so strong that it shocked the skin. The happiness in the air was palpable. The hall in Abhay's house vibrated with people and movement, the whole room smelling deliciously of flowers. They had gone slightly against tradition by using masses of richly hued flowers instead of marigold. Everyone was busy getting the last of the work done to make the day perfect. Every single inch of the hall glittered with pillar vases at the base of the staircase, wreath of flowers hanging on the handrail, white ribbons trailing from them.
Phulwa was already present there, getting ready in the guest room. For the first time, she realised why some women said their wedding day was the best day of their lives. Because it was. She might not have liked decking up but today she wanted to look like the most beautiful woman on earth. She felt excitement, mingled with nervousness. It was as if butterflies were fluttering in her belly. She would be married after today, belonging to one man entirely. Her happiness and sorrows no longer for herself only but shared with someone else and she knew Abhay would shower her with love. She thought back at who she had been and what she was now. She was still the same Phulwa at the core, Abhay had not tried to change her but he had showed her that she was a woman along with being a dacait. She had the right to love and be loved.
"He's going to need help breathing when he sees you." The woman doing her hair said.
Phulwa smiled at her in the mirror. That would serve him right. After going to so much trouble herself, the least he could suffer was a temporary lack of air in his lungs, she thought feeling amusement take over. Gunta Ma adjusted the maantika which outlined her hairline and pulled the drape of her straight cut lehenga over her head. It was a dark red satin with gold wire embroidery. As the woman look at her, she remarked how Phulwa looked every inch the perfect bride. Phulwa thought of what was under it and blushed. Gunta Ma had requested Aarti to bring her to buy some….special clothes. In a short time, Aarti had become a friend. Phulwa could not deny that she had started feeling much warmer towards her when she saw with Arjun. The sight of those garments had made her want to run but she realised that she was never going to win this battle against three determined women. She was glad although she did not admit it to the others. She had grumbled constantly but thanks to them she now could recognise words by the letters, was in the process of learning to write, was wearing a beautiful lehenga and the last one…..well she would know after the wedding. She got up, the heavy yet simple gold jewellery shimmering on her neck. Gunta Ma had tears in her eyes as she looked at Phulwa.
"Time to go." She said hoarsely, feeling emotional.
Phulwa dropped a kiss on her cheek then nodded. She was going to Abhay.
****
Abhay could not believe he would be getting late for his own wedding. He glared at Arjun who was at the wheels. He had misplaced his sherwani and he had been running around the house in vest and pants looking for it. He finally saw it in Arjun's room. The baraat consisting of his friends and colleagues followed them as Arjun drove. Aarti sat in front with Arjun and she felt a little dazed. The sight of these two men in sherwanis were enough to make any woman swoon. Abhay was looking like a prince with his white sherwani, bordered with black. Silver threads ran throughout the cloth. She turned away quickly but her gaze fell on Arjun. He was wearing a golden sherwani, with a red touch at the collar. Her heart tripped a little, she had nowhere to look. Why on earth did they both have to look so handsome? She almost wished she had gone on her own instead of dropping at Arjun's. At least she would not be having such thoughts. Right now, she wanted to drag Arjun's attention from the road and kiss him senseless to show him her appreciation. Good thing Abhay was there. Actually, he was not helping much either. She sighed.
****
Abhay fidgeted. If Phulwa arrived in the wedding dais before him, that would very comical indeed. Their wedding would be just as unique as their love story, he thought. He wanted to get there and be married. It was strange how some men got wedding jitters. It was the exact contrary with him. He felt happy, impatient to be joined in an unbreakable bond to the woman he loved. There was no nervousness; in fact he knew this was going to be just perfect.
****
The groom was not yet there. For the first time in their lives, the guests heard the priest call for the groom instead of the bride. A good-humored laugh went across the hall. The sound of the baraatis announced the groom's arrival. Abhay looked sheepish as he walked in. He could not have known it but most of the women present were glad he came late. They could admire him better standing up than already sitting at the dais. His elegant swagger dazzled while he himself was a sight to behold. Now they had to just wait to see if Phulwa could beat him in the looks department. He sat down crossed legged then lost the thread of his thoughts as Phulwa descended the stairs. He blinked. The guests' eyes shifted to the bride and got stuck there. She looked stunning. Phulwa kept her eyes down. Abhay suddenly felt out of oxygen. He could not believe that it was her getting down the stairs to be married to him. Phulwa just got better and better at taking his breath away, he thought. His gaze followed her until she sat next to him and lifted her eyes to smile at him. He could only stare at her, the look in his eyes conveying his emotions.
****
As they walked around the fire and took the seven vows, Phulwa and Abhay felt their connection strengthen. Abhay walked not only with the wrap of his sherwani attached to her the drape of her lehenga, but also her hand in his. They were no longer two different person, they were one. Whatever happiness or sorrow came their way, they would face it together. Abhay tightened his grip on the last round. She was his forever and he was hers. He filled the parting of her hair with vermilion then leaned to clasp the mangalsutra around her neck, murmuring 'I love you' in her ear as he did so. Phulwa eyes glistened with a sheen of happy tears. She breathed deeply, storing this moment in her heart as the most beautiful one.
They took the blessings of the elders of the kabila and took part in the celebration that followed. Music and lighting changed to fit the party mood. The room full of guests brimmed with laughter and happy voices as they danced.
Abhay had a crazy time twirling Phulwa around making her giggle with delight. He barely noticed the mass of people around them. He had eyes only for his bride.
They all enjoyed till late, the atmosphere genuinely worth the celebrations. Guests then started trickling out, congratulating the most captivating couple they had met again. Abhay lifted Phulwa's hand and kissed it then placed it on his heart. Only the kabila remained. Gunta Ma came to drag Phulwa away, warning Abhay to stay down until they called him. Abhay watched her go with longing then got down to some buddy talks with Arjun. His mind was elsewhere though…….perhaps in the room upstairs.
***
Phulwa felt a slight shiver go through her body. She gripped the bedsheets in nervousness. She was sitting on the middle of bed, her face covered by the ghungat. Abhay had not come yet. Then she heard the door click open and her whole body tensed. How could it be that she was so edgy today? After all he had kissed her before but she gulped as she thought that he would not just kiss her today. She suddenly had trouble breathing.
****
Abhay walked into the room and saw her sitting on the bed. His eyes went dark as he surveyed her. He walked slowly to the bed and sat down on the edge making Phulwa move a little away. Abhay smiled. She was not going anywhere today. He looked at the glass of warm milk on the bedside table and smiled at the clich. He turned slightly and placed his hand on phulwa's. She was clenching the bedsheets and on his touch her hands went slack. He lifted it, kissing each finger in turn, feeling the quiver that went through her body then slowly uncovered her face, her eyes were almost scared as she gazed at him.
Abhay got up and lit up the candles in the room one by one bathing the room in a soft glow then he returned back to her side.
"It's customary for the wife to give the milk to her husband." He told her softly, his gaze intense almost burning her skin.
Phulwa swallowed unable to believe that she, of all people, was feeling nervous. She started to reach across him to get the glass but he stopped her arm.
"No, get down first."
Phulwa glanced at him in surprise but saw he was serious. In fact there was no trace of humor on his face, he looked…….determined. She got up slowly going round the bed to his side but before she could reach there, he stood up, blocking her way. His eyes were liquid pools of brown. His hand came forward to slowly remove each piece of jewellery from her body while keeping his eyes on her.
He pulled her close making her heart race, then kissed her. The world around them faded away so that there was only the two of them and nothing else.
*****
Abhay had on a short as he sat in the kitchen, his muscular chest bare, gazing at Phulwa bustling around. She was clad only in a white shirt of his, looking sexy with her long legs visible. She had lied to him, he thought. She knew how to cook.
"So you lied about not knowing how to cook, did you? You are so going to pay for that." He told her, munching on an apple.
Phulwa glanced at him. Actually, she had forgotten how to but it all came back with the hours of practice she got at Sarla Maasi's and Gunta Ma's hands in the weeks prior to the wedding. She smiled mischievously at him. She would not tell him just so she could taste the punishment.
"Yeah, I lied." She put on a serious face.
Abhay laughed. He knew exactly what was going on in her mind. Sarla Aunty had given him a detailed update on all their activities.
"Really? Why are you looking so happy about it then?" he cocked his head to one side.
Phulwa grinned. He knew her too well. She came round the kitchen counter then flopped down on his lap. He buried his face into her hair, rubbing his nose against her soft cheek. His arms went around her as he hugged her close. Phulwa basked in the feeling of love that emanated from his warm body.
"Why do I love you so much?" she asked sighing.
"Because I'm too good." He told her, biting her earlobe. "Now give me some food before I eat you." He chuckled into her ear.
Phulwa reluctantly got up and went to make breakfast.
Abhay stretched back on the chair feeling like the most satisfied man on earth.
****
After last night's fun, it had to happen. They both dozed off in each other's arm on the sofa, the TV forgotten. The door bell rang, making Abhay grumble in annoyance. Phulwa opened drowsy eyes to frown. He detached himself gently then went to see who it was. Arjun stood at the door. Abhay scowled at him. He looked at Abhay's short and concluded the party was not over yet. He chuckled.
"Arjun, what are you doing here at this hour?" he asked grumpily.
Phulwa got up from the sofa quickly. She was still wearing Abhay's shirt and nothing else. She scrambled up the stairs before he could come in.
Abhay checked if she was out of sight before opening the door wide.
"This hour? It's after noon, buddy!" he laughed. "Um, by the way, I think you should change. Aarti is on the way."
Abhay's eyes widened then he cursed and rushed up the stairs. You could not even get privacy in your own house these days, he thought. He saw Phulwa rummaging through the closet and grabbed her. Phulwa gasped and looked at him in shock.
"Abhay!" she admonished. "Arjun is here and you still….." she glared at him.
Abhay realised what she had thought and laughed.
"I just want my shirt back." He told her unbuttoning it quickly.
Phulwa blushed then had a soft laugh.
They scrambled out and into their clothes, Abhay helping Phulwa pull the Kurta over her head and Phulwa buttoning his shirt up for him.
****
Arjun and Aarti sat across Abhay and Phulwa. Arjun spoke up first.
"We have a gift for you two." He smiled at both then turned to Aarti who placed what looked like air tickets in his palms.
He handed it to Abhay who looked at both of them.
"Tickets to Seychelles?" he asked in disbelief.
Arjun grinned then nodded. Abhay's face broke into a smile.
"God, you really love me, don't you?" Abhay joked then more seriously. "Thank you to you both." He sent a warm glance at Aarti.
Phulwa understood what it meant. Sarla Aunty had been hinting for a honeymoon to Abhay. He had been going to take tickets himself today but Arjun always surprised him. Phulwa thanked them, smiling at them broadly while Aarti came to sit next to her.
"We don't want any thanks. Just pack your bags as quickly as possible."
Suddenly Abhay felt buddy love engulf him, he shot out from the sofa and grabbed Arjun in a bear hug. The women laughed at that.
"Stop embarrassing me in front of my girl, will you?" Arjun said but he hugged him back.
Abhay was more than a brother to him and the closeness they shared would always be there no matter what. Giving him the tickets was just a way to please his buddy.
"So when am I gifting you tickets?" Abhay asked wickedly.
Arjun glared at him. He was already scared as it was. Aarti looked at him sweetly.
"Very soon, Abhay." Aarti said, without looking away from Arjun. Arjun feigned a look of horror then grinned and took her hand. His ring was soon going to be on her finger.
They chatted for more than an hour before Aarti and Arjun got up. Aarti hugged Phulwa and then she and Abhay walked the two of them to the door. Just as Arjun stepped over the threshold, he turned and looked at Abhay mischievously.
"I can conclude it was better than the bachelor party." Abhay's eyes widened in shock a second before Arjun's as he realised what he had just said.
Aarti looked from one to the other, suddenly fuming.
"You had a bachelor party?" she asked Arjun, her eyes chipped ice.
Arjun swallowed hard and could have kicked himself for saying that.
"Not me. Abhay." He said quickly.
Abhay scowled at him.
"You are the one who organised it." He told him, annoyed.
Arjun looked pleadingly at him. Phulwa spoke up, not understanding what was going on.
"What's a bachelor party?" she asked, frowning.
Aarti glared at both men. It was Abhay's turn to look pleadingly at her.
"It's a party held before the wedding by some men and…..girls are usually present." Aarti was feeling too angry to be kind to Abhay.
Phulwa's mouth opened then shut again. She turned to Abhay who made a tortured face.
"I swear we did not do anything." He said quickly.
"Yeah Phulwa, he just kept mumbling Phulwa all the time. Nothing happened." Arjun said coming to the rescue.
It was the least he could do after his goof up though he knew he was going to get grilled himself in a while.
Phulwa ignored him.
"Girls?" her eyes narrowed. "I should have brought my gun with me." She told him then punched his arm.
"Aww," he growled in pain. "Believe me Phulwa. We sent the girls away when we realised what we were doing was not right." His voice was beseeching.
"And if you had not realised it?" It was Aarti's turn to question Arjun.
Arjun gulped.
"I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I organised the whole thing but you have to believe us. I love only you and Abhay loves only Phulwa." he sounded like he was buttering them up even if he meant what he had said. He was in a fix and he did not know how to get out of it. He ran a hand through his hair, unsure of how to smooth Aarti's feathers.
Aarti marched to the car, furious with Arjun following her muttering pleas.
"Aarti, come on yaar. Please listen to me." He ran after her.
Abhay turned to Phulwa. She looked stormy. She went inside in a huff. Abhay closed the door and quickly followed her.
"Phulwa. Listen!"
She grabbed a cushion and threw it at him, teeth clenched.
"I can't believe you would do that." She circled round the sofa as he tried to grab her then took the phone and sent it flying at him. Abhay caught it in time.
"I'm sorry. Please don't be like that." He suddenly wanted to kill Arjun.
Phulwa threw the remote control and lifted the vase then put it down again and sat down on the sofa, surprising Abhay. He walked tentatively to her. Who knew? She might have a gun hidden somewhere and was just waiting for him to come close.
She glared at him then some unreadable expression came into her eyes. Abhay sat on the egde and glanced at her.
"So you really were saying my name in the midst of those girls?" she asked him suddenly.
Abhay thought he must have heard wrongly then his face broke into a smile as she grinned at him.
"What did you think? Only your name was on my lips and your face in mind." He said huskily then pushed her back against the cushion.
Phulwa enjoyed the kiss and kissed him back with equal zeal. She knew nothing must have happened because Abhay loved her too much for that. She had just been feigning anger. It was just one of the crazy ideas boys got but it still felt good to know that other women had no effect on her man. But yes, one thing was for sure. If another woman even dared to touch him, she would kill her with her bare hands. She wound her arms around his neck and got lost in the moment.
****
One week later, their bags were backed and they were ready to go. Abhay lifted the heavy suitcases, placing them on the steps outside.
"Phulwa, where are you?" he called out. Babu would be arriving any minute now.
Phulwa bounded down the steps, smiling happily. He opened his arms wide and she fell into them giggling at the filmy style in which he did it.
"Come on now. You did not forget anything, did you?"
She shook her head just as Babu drove to the house. He honked waving at them then got down to help Abhay load the suitcases.
Phulwa looked at the house. She was going to miss it. But three weeks later she would be back, she thought comfortingly. She fingered her mangalsutra then remembered something. She bounded up the stairs again.
Abhay frowned but finished the loading first. When Phulwa came back, she had a map and guide in her hands. Abhay laughed. Nowadays, she was always bringing something she could read around. During the time they had free, he continued with the lessons. Sarla Aunty regularly called to speak in English to Phulwa. At first Phulwa had been dejected at not understanding a single word but she was getting better at it. Her favourite words were currently, 'you are such a hunk'. But she deliberately said that anticipating what would follow. Those words and the way she said it always got a very interesting reaction from Abhay. He bestowed a look of pure love on her.
"I see you got the guide. Good idea. Now unless you want to miss the flight please get in, my Dacait Rani." He gestured to the back seat of the car.
She nodded, dropping a kiss on his cheek before getting in the car.
****
The plane ride became one of Abhay's fondest memories of the honeymoon. He deliberately scared Phulwa by telling her planes crashed every day. As her eyes darted around the closed space, Abhay kept his face serious.
"Then why did you bring me here?" she asked twisting to see if she could find an open door.
"You promised to live and die together, didn't you? So why are you scared?"
Phulwa glared at him.
"That doesn't mean we have to die now." She hissed. "Did you have to test the vows on the honeymoon itself?"
Abhay chuckled.
"There's a way we can save ourselves." He told her.
Phulwa looked at him in interest.
"What?" she asked.
"By………" He trailed off, his eyes twinkling clearly showing his intentions. "I'm sure we'll be the first ones to try it on a plane."
Phulwa looked at him disbelievingly. He was again teasing her.
"Abhay, I'll kill you. Stop this. Why are you being so moronic? You can't think of anything else. There are people around and still you are joking about this. Are you mad? I should……." She ranted on and on.
Abhay sighed. He was going to have to shut her up. He clamped his mouth on hers and kept it there until she forgot what she had to say. One hour later, she was sitting back dazed and quiet, her mouth swollen feeling like someone had opened the door of the plane and thrown her out. She was still flying. The man had a mouth to kill. Abhay glanced at her then closed his eyes and went to sleep contentedly.
*****
Seychelles was a heavenly place. The beaches looked straight out of a painting. It was perfect. They had long walks on the beach, holding hands, the water lapping at their feet soothingly. They shopped, Phulwa picking up exotic little things to gift the family when they got home. Abhay pushed Phulwa to try paragliding and she was glad because it was a most unforgettable experience. As she flew in the air, she laughed. The sensation was exquisite. Abhay looked at her laughing face and was awed by it. The free, unabashed and totally feminine sound of it was enough to make him feel that the most beautiful thing on earth belonged to him. He could get drunk on the sound. He could hardly concentrate on anything else when she was near. As they walked, shoes in hand back to the hotel after a fishing trip, he pulled her down on the beach. She glanced at him in surprise as he dropped next to her. He put a hand behind his head and looked at the starry sky. Millions of stars brimmed in the clear night. Phulwa looked at him with love then snuggled, placing her head on his shoulders feeling the peace that accompanied the moment. Abhay dropped a kiss on her forehead and sighed.
****
On their last night in the place, Abhay went full on romantic. He arranged for candlelight dinner in the room then dragged Phulwa to the beach. She laughed as she trailed along. There was nobody on the beach at midnight and she felt like they were the only people in the whole place. Abhay pulled her in the water, the warm water soaking her to the knee.
"Abhay, what are you doing? We are not dressed for swimming." She said confused.
She had been wearing light kurtas and jeans since she arrived for convenience's sake and Abhay was dressed in white shirt opened at the front and blue jeans but he seemed not to care as he went deeper into the water.
"I've wanted to do this ever since I saw this place." He told her huskily. Only moonlight lit the beach, and danced on the surface of the water.
Phulwa frowned.
"What did you want to do?" she asked softly.
He did not tell her but showed her. He swooped down a kiss on her mouth then pulled her down so they were completely immersed in the water except for their heads. It had an amazing feeling. Waves gently lapping against her skin while Abhay kissed her. He always felt like he was drowning when he kissed her, so the feel of the sea around them only intensified the feeling. Abhay pulled back and grinned at her. He scooped up water in his palm then splashed it on her face making her scream and giggle. She swam after him as he started moving out, determined to win this water fight.
*****
Their reunion with everyone was a noisy and totally heart-warming affair. Abhay and Phulwa lost count of how many hugs they got. Abhay planned a dinner for his family. They were no longer the kabila now, they were part of Phulwa and so a part of him. Arjun and Aarti came late with Aarti looking happy, the stone on her finger glittering in the light. Abhay had to throw his dinner table away to buy a huge oak one chosen by Phulwa. They would be having regularly dinners now so he deemed it wise to be prepared, he smiled at that. Now they all sat around the table, passing on bowls of food, occasionally either Babu or Arjun making everyone laugh with a joke.
As they all chatted, Abhay clasped Phulwa's hand under the table. She glanced at him and smiled. They completed each other and they knew they would never exchange what they had for anything. Babu and Gauri were getting married in two months time, just like Arjun and Aarti. Aarti grinned at Arjun. Her mother had fallen in love with him since their first meeting and now it seemed he flirted more with her mom, showering praises on her and being a total gentlemen. She was glad, as long as it meant he was not flirting with anyone else.
Abhay looked at his plate. He had eaten all the chicken and his stomach rumbled for more. He glanced mischievously at Phulwa's plate and stole hers with his fork, eating it deliberately slowly.
"Hey! That's rude and you are greedy." She swatted him on the arm making everyone laugh. "You'll be getting fat in no time at all, if you continue gulping down food like that."
Abhay looked innocently at Gunta Ma.
"Gunta Ma, what can I do if she cooks deliciously? It's your fault, you are the one who taught her." He flashed her a boyish grin.
Just like he expected, Gunta Ma took his side.
"Men have to eat so let him, Phulwa." she scolded. "He's not getting at all fat." She sent her a stern look.
Abhay smirked at Phulwa and smiled gratefully at Gunta Ma. Phulwa sighed. No one was going to take her side against him here, least of all Gunta Ma. He knew where to look for support. She glared at him making him chuckle.
Abhay leaned close.
"Don't worry. I'm not ever getting fat with all the exercises you make me do." He whispered.
Phulwa blushed. Gunta Ma made a comment just then which almost caused her to fall off the chair.
"I think you two should start thinking about having a family."
Phulwa looked at her, eyes widening. Surely she could not have heard what Abhay had said to her. Gunta stared at them with twinkling eyes.
Abhay frowned.
"But we already have a family."
Every woman in the room turned to stare at him with exasperation. Men, they thought, could never get anything right. Phulwa felt a laugh bubbling up as she looked at him with deep affection and love. Abhay gazed at the faces then realised what Gunta Ma meant.
"Oh that." He said finally.
That sent a ripple of laughter around. He grinned. Phulwa grinned back then pinched his arm playfully.
"My Dacait Rani, We've got a baby order" He winked at her. In fact they had been thinking about it.
Phulwa went red but nodded. Their love was so potent and powerful that she knew instinctively that a child would only strengthen it. It was time to bring another another life into this world, to experience something new. She was suddenly grateful for the boons the skies showered on her. First by making her a wife to the most wonderful man ever and now by hopefully making her a mother. The child would be a product of their undying love, their faith and loyalty to each other. Abhay looked around and saw that their child would be the luckiest because he would have a whole bunch of people to love him not to forget him and Phulwa.
"I want a fiery, totally beautiful daughter like you." He said huskily.
Phulwa shook her head vehemently.
"No, I want a brave and stubborn son like you." Her eyes challenged him to disagree.
He chuckled.
"I was thinking we could have both." He thought for a second. "In fact, I think we should have a whole bunch of them."
Phulwa's eyes widened though her heart swelled with happiness at those words.
"I hope you will volunteer to look after them otherwise it's not happening." She grinned.
"We'll have them then we can decide." He told her a wicked glint in his eyes.
"Forget about it. I already know what your decision is going to be." She stared at him, perkily.
Abhay pretended to be hurt.
"Good wives should trust their husbands." He told her self-righteously.
Phulwa laughed.
"I know you too well for that. Let's keep it at two for now." She said, squeezing his hand under the table.
"Okay." He said happily before sealing the deal with a kiss with sent applause ringing through the room.
*****
As Abhay got ready for work, the door bell rang. Phulwa stopped rubbing her wet hair dry and looked at him in quizzically, then went down to open the door.
A thin old man stood there.
"Namastey Phulwaji. Is ACP Abhay here?" he asked.
Phulwa nodded then took in his appearance. He was without any doubt a villager but he looked harassed at the moment. Abhay came up behind her, frowning. The man noticed him.
"Saab, my land was mortgaged with Thakur Balwant but now I heard he is selling it." The man's voice was anguished. "Please help me stop him ACP Saab."
Abhay looked at him then spoke up.
"I can't help you there."
Phulwa looked at him in shock. Abhay glanced at her then turned back to the man.
"If you need my help, you should come to the station. Here, only Phulwa can help."
He smiled at her lovingly. Phulwa gazed into his eyes and understood. He was giving her the chance to do what she had always done. Helping the villagers get justice. She smiled tremulously at him.
"But how can I help now?" she asked quietly forgetting the man at the door.
"Phulwa, I married you. That does not mean I took your identity away. You have every right to be the villagers' strength like you have always been." He said softly, looking deep into her eyes.
She nodded. Abhay grinned at her.
"It'll always be like that from now on. If someone come home, you handle him and well if he comes to the station, I will." He winked at her.
Phulwa felt love for him swamp her. He never let a chance of giving her happiness get away. She continued to look at him intensely as he turned to the man.
"I'll drop you there with him." He pointed to the man. "And you can deal with Thakur Balwant the way you wish to." He winked at her making her laugh. "If there's any problem, you call me, ok?" he asked, tilting his head to one side.
He drove them there, feeling suddenly anxious. Phulwa sensed it and gave him a knowing look. She pressed her lips on his cheek then drew back.
"I was a Dacait remember?" she teased him.
"You sure you won't need a gun?"
Phulwa shook her head vehemently.
He smiled then drove off.
*****
The story of the encounter came to him. He roared with laughter as Jitendra told him what happened. He had been about to call Phulwa but now he thought he would let her enjoy her success. Apparently Thakur had run like a scared rabbit on the sight of Phulwa. He probably did not know she did not have a gun. He had given the land back to the man without a protest when Phulwa ordered him to. After Thakur Daroga Singh's death, every one who had revered him was now scared of Phulwa. If Thakur Daroga Singh had failed in front of her, who were they to fight back?
Abhay grinned, his chest swelling with pride.
****
Phulwa felt good. More than good, actually. Having a Thakur bow down to her demands was always a satisfying experience. She felt powerful. She giggled in happiness as she worked in the kitchen. She could not deny that being the wife of ACP Abhay had an added benefit. Nobody had dared to hurt her knowing they would not remain alive if Abhay got news of it. She heard Abhay's jeep and rushed to the door, flinging it open and throwing her body in his arms. He staggered back with the impact, laughing. She looked up at him then stood on tiptoes and kissed him. Abhay lifted her up.
"Someone is very happy today." He said softly, knocking his head against hers playfully.
She laughed.
"I am. And guess it's because of who?" she asked teasingly.
Abhay feigned ignorance then his face broke into a smile as she drilled a finger into his belly.
She kissed his jaw then they walked inside hand in hand, the house they had made a home waiting for them.
Thank you all loads for reading till here!😃
And ofcourse special thanks to my two fav people, Anu and mimi🤗
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
