SS PhAb: New Beginnings Last Part Pg 16 Updtd - Page 9

I can't even begin on detailed comments coz I just read 3 parts at one shot, but I loved every single one of them, each one so good and so perfect in it's own accord. I'll try to make do with more general comments I suppose, you know like how when you're discussing great writers you usually comment on them and their skills in general rather than their individual works? Something like that.

@Characterisation: Brilliant, beyond brilliant. I love it - everyone done to just perfection. The way Abhay has changed his own point of view, his own stride is just marvelous. From the party scene he finally admitted he's smitten and head over heels for her - and of course the best part was to realise in the next part that she does all of this to help people. I love love love reading him, could read him 10 times over and still keep falling in love with him. He's so good, nice and kind and yet so sizzlingly attractive, the way he entices her entraps her, ensnares her; and yet hugs her and loves her - you've just downgraded like almost every other man on earth lol. I can seriously see him laughing, chuckling, his eyes twinkling - I imagine all of it and it's just so good.

Phulwa: What do I say? I think with this piece, you've truly done the character justice - you've brought her back to the pedestal she was supposed to be on. I'm not saying her bahu avatar on the show was annoying (ok actually it was like half the time) but there's no doubt the person I was waving the flags for was dacoitjee. And I am so damn glad you brought her in like this. The way she feels so messed up - oof! Love it love it!! And wow - the last part of part 8; the beginning of something new for sure. So she's noticed his shirt too?

Just a, well, just really a request from a humble fan - is possible to perhaps, just please maybe have her stunned by his gait with his belt slung over his hips? It really depends on how you want to develop the plot, but it's just something I think could make a girl smittenXD

@Scenes: Where do I begin?

@Party: The party was magnificent. And I am so damn bloody glad you brought her in a dress. It's really something worth seeing, and there is no doubt Abhay wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of her like that. And of course, the epitome of girlification. She's got loads of occasions to wear sarees and pretty salwar kameezes in the future, but of all things throwing a dress onto a dacoit like that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Of course, their interaction was too good. I have no words for that, all I can say is that the scene played out so fantastically in my head - you've got really smooth writing and it's awesome.

@Jungle kiss: Dear Lord, kid I'm sure you've got to have some sort of experience here. That was just unimaginably realistic and unrealistically hot!! Seriously I was just rereading every single line word-for-word hoping to pick up some pointers on how to spice up the moment in the future lol. It's a really good step-by-step procedure on how to make the moment laaast *dreamy sigh*

Why Ami why - now I'm so sad I have noone to practice onXD

@Plot: The plot is so smooth, it's very well-crafted with no random loopholes or strange unexplainably weird actions/reactions from the characters and so on. Basically it's a very, VERY good read - I mean I'm just waiting to see how this book develops.

You should put it up on more platforms, it's very well done:)

Well, my apologies for my skimpy outlook. Your work is just fantastic and no amount of whatever I write could fully justify just how much I enjoy. Really please do keep writing, it's too good to resist:)

U know when Abhay was smooching ,nibbling, pulling , spreading his warmth😃, biting...wagera wagera...phulwa didnt protest much...😉,,i mean she did try to break herself free at times bt that also ...half heartedly😉...bt the moment Abhay told her to do some work...u have to sew the button next time...phulwa immediatly rememberd one imp point...I am nt your wife...😆😆😆...hai hai...all this time she couldnt say this😉...kamchoor😛

Oh Mimi, trust me you do justice😉 I guess it's long so it's normal to get lost. Actually it's all my chaal to make you read it again and again😆

Oh, that analysis is perfect😆You are right, Phulwa just likes to play and do no work😳😆 But Abhay will be making her do work very soon and guess what...she might just do it happily because there'll be rewards afterwards😉😆

Abhay was restless, a feeling till now unknown to him. Why did he feel that something had changed? He had known he loved Phulwa for some time, but now he almost felt the love growing stronger, more fervent. How could that be when he had thought it could not go beyond what he already felt? When she had told him she did not know how to read, he realised he could never tolerate her to be sad or feel inferior. He wondered if someone had ever made fun of her over that. His jaw tightened automatically at the thought. He would kill that person if ever he existed. He looked at his living room, its emptiness getting to him. He wanted Phulwa there, he realised. In his house, on his sofa, at his table and…..in his bed. Yes, he wanted her to be there when he went to sleep and when he woke up. A thought made him smile. He wanted her in his kitchen also. He tried to imagine her there. Phulwa at the stove in her totally unfeminine kurta, a gun within easy reach. He laughed out loud, his grim mood dissipating a little. She would be a sight, he thought, his heart heavy with love again. His feelings had shifted, he could feel it. He wanted her all to himself but more importantly he wanted to know her story because he felt something must have pushed her to this path. He frowned at the thought. Phulwa was not a criminal. She helped people, she was strong, she was righteous and she fought for the weak. How could they have tagged her as a criminal? Suddenly, he was angry. Nobody called his woman like that.

****

Abhay walked through the small lanes of the village. Shops lined both sides with people bustling in and out. He was deep in thought and only snapped out of his reverie when he heard someone address him.

"ACP Saab. What an honor to have you here." the plump man said cheerfully calling his assistant to bring a cold drink. Abhay shook his head, then looked around. He was in a jewellery shop. What the hell was he doing there, he asked himself feeling disoriented.

He cleared his throat and focused on the man across the counter.

"No, I was just passing by. How's business?" he asked casually, his eyes falling unexpectedly on the rings.

He looked away quickly but his gaze was drawn back there. He sighed. Since morning he had been thinking of Phulwa and now this. He wondered if he was going mad. True, the thought of marriage had crossed his mind the other day but that did not mean he had to start looking for rings for God's sake!

The jeweller looked at him strangely as if sensing the battle going on inside Abhay. He decided he could not let a potential customer get away. He opened the top of the glass table revealing a whole range of sparkling rings. There were so many, they blinded you. Abhay almost laughed. A man who hardly cared to do his own shopping was now in a shop looking at rings!

"Saab all these are genuine and the gems of the best quality. You won't get them anywhere but here." The jeweller said slyly watching Abhay.

Abhay looked at them for a moment. There was one which captured his attention. Delicate, it was a thin band of white gold with a rounded diamond at the top. The diamond was a flawless white. Pure like Phulwa, his mind sighed. It reflected light off its edges, the facets blinding you with their brilliance.

"No, I'm not interested in buying anything. I was just checking if everything is alright around here." He nodded to him then quickly walked out.

As he walked away from the shop, he felt a whirl of emotions. Would a Dacait, who's only ornament was a gun, wear his ring? Why would she? He kept thinking of that till he got to his jeep. Then suddenly, he could no longer push it away. He marched back to the shop. Yes, she would wear it, he thought determinedly. It was time he told her he loved her. She would be angry, confused, upset maybe but he did not care. Once she realised it, she'll know this was meant to be. Till then, he'll have to bear her wrath, but nothing would make him back down now. He clenched his jaw. For the first time in his life, he was scared of rejection.

The jeweller looked up at him in surprise as he walked in, his face set.

"Show me that ring." His tone was brusque as he pointed to the ring he had seen.

The jeweller complied, scared to even suggest other rings. It was quite surprising to see a man buying a ring look like that. Abhay's face was closed off. He quickly unlocked the glass top and removed the ring, placing it on the counter.

Abhay looked at it, a strange emotion taking over him. Yes, this was what she would wear, he thought, his heart lifting a little. He forgot his apprehensions.

"Pack it." He told the man, a cheerful smile on his face.

He did not even bargain, just paid in full to the jeweller's utmost regret. He felt if he had told him double the price, Abhay would still have bought it.

Abhay walked in the street, the ring bulging from his pocket. He smiled up at the clear sky thinking his life was finally on the right track. His world was where Phulwa was.

****

Phulwa looked at herself in the mirror. The mark where he had bit her on her shoulder was still there. She felt turned upside down. He was leaving his marks everywhere in her life and it was unsettling. She could hardly concentrate on the conversations of the kabila nowadays. His voice was a constant flutter in her mind. He was there when she went to sleep and when she woke up. She sighed. She hated the feeling of not knowing what it was. This man made her weak and defenceless. She hardly knew where all this was heading to and this was dangerous. Phulwa could not venture in waters whose depths were unknown and this man was so deep. She could not push the thought that if she lost balance, she'll be falling endlessly away. She straightened her kurta back then walked out in the sun, avoiding the kabila and going into the woods. She walked for while before coming to sit on a rock looking in the distance. Then she saw him. He was walking towards her, dodging a rock on his way. His hair fell into his eyes, the light rays reflecting off the red tinges in it. He was as if surrounded by a halo of light. Her heart did a flip. His gait could make any woman's heart beat faster. His belt was slung a little low on his waist and Phulwa forgot about everything for a moment. She forgot his face, her eyes dropping low. How could he look this good by just walking? She felt warm and giddy suddenly then blushed thinking, she must be mad looking at him there but since he was just in her imagination, she brushed it aside. Then the vision was directly in front of her and she was forced to look into its face.

"Hello, waiting for me?" he asked roguishly.

Phulwa gaped at him then her mouth fell open in shock.

*****

Arjun was uncomfortable. It had been days since he had flirted with any of the lady doctors or nurses. It was so unlike him that they all looked at him in shock as he passed without making a cheeky comment. He felt irritated with himself. It was all Aarti's fault. If she had given in to his dinner invitation, he would have gone back to his usual self, or so he thought. As he stretched on his office chair, he got an idea which made him smile wickedly.

****

Aarti was coming out of the police station. Her shift had just ended and she wanted to be at home as soon as possible. All the police jeeps were gone. Only two cars stood in the parking lot. One was her own Volkswagen and the other was a black shiny Bentley she did not recognise. She got into her car, starting the ignition but frowned as the car sputtered to life then died down. The car had been fine this morning, she thought confused. She got down and opened the hood, looking the array of engine and pipes in dismay. It all meant nothing to her. She sighed closing the lid then jumped in fright as she saw Dr Arjun smiling at her, leaning on her side of the car. She shook her head to see if he was really there. Yes, he was. He straightened up then grinned at her.

"Having some car problems?" he asked innocently.

Aarti glared at him. What was he doing there?

"Yeah." She said without emotion.

Arjun's smile broadened.

"Oh, that's too bad." He did not look a bit sorry, Aarti thought. "Come on, I'll give you a lift."

Aarti noticed his casual clothes and was for the second time struck by his handsomeness. He was out his formal suits and his denim pants and ash grey shirt did nothing to help matters. He looked striking.

"No thanks. I'll get someone to drop me." She snapped.

Arjun looked around as if scanning the area for the first time.

"Yes, I can see lots of cars here to drop you." He said, his eyes laughing at her.

"I don't need your help. Move please." She said angrily.

Arjun turned to go, shrugging.

"I never knew lady officers could be such cowards. Scared of taking a lift from a totally harmless doctor." He droned as he walked back to his car.

Aarti was suddenly fuming. What did he think of himself? She marched up to him, stopping his path.

"Let's go." She was not scared of him, she thought as she looked furiously at his serious face.

Arjun innocently opened the passenger door of his Bentley and chuckled low as she sat down in a huff. He got in the car and drove off, glancing momentarily at the carrot lodged in Aarti's car's exhaust pipe.

In the car, Aarti calmly took out her gun making as if she was polishing it. Then she placed it in front of her on the dashboard. Arjun grinned. She really could shoot him at the slightest wrong move. He felt inexplicably glad to have her in his car. He stopped the car making Aarti look at him suspisciously. They were outside a restaurant.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot to tell you I'm taking my dinner early today." He patted his belly. "I'm so hungry."

Aarti glared at him.

"Ok that's it! I'm getting out of here." She opened the door violently and got off.

Arjun stooped and looked at her from inside the car, holding her gun in his hand.

"You forgot this. And I'm not giving it back." He told her maliciously.

Aarti exploded.

"Give me that back right now or I'll arrest you."

People turned around to look at them.

Arjun shrugged.

"That will not be as embarrassing as having to explain how your gun was lying in my car." He looked around. "I have witnesses to say you were sitting very comfortably in the car so I did not force you." He chuckled then looked at her sweetly. "One dinner and you won't see me again."

Aarti wanted to bash him up but she saw the curious looks they were getting from passersby. There was no use creating a scene. She vowed she would arrest him on the first opportunity she got. She was sure this man would continue with his circus if she did not agree.

"Come on then!!" she snapped angrily already walking to the restaurant door.

Arjun smiled broadly then locked all the doors and put the gun in his pocket.

He strode behind her looking at her back drawn straight in anger, in amusement. Aarti turned, shooting him a deadly look. She had left her cap in the car and looked cute in the uniform, he thought.

"By the way, what are you planning to order." He asked her innocently as she started pushing the door open.

Aarti turned then very sweetly said:

"I don't know about me. But I will order poison for you." She turned back to the door, going inside.

Arjun's laugh boomed out in the streets. He had been expecting that answer.

***

Abhay looked at Phulwa and felt a strange sense of satisfaction wash over him. She had really been looking at him with some interest there, he thought chuckling. He saw her look at him in shock when he spoke, her lips parting a little and he realised she had thought she was dreaming. He took advantage of her surprise and crushed her lips beneath his own, taking in her sweetness.

Phulwa pushed him finally getting out of her shock. He drew back smiling at her tenderly. He was going to tell her today and even if she said no, he would keep asking until he got that yes. The ring was soothingly cool against his chest. Phulwa scrambled down from the rock, color darkening her cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" her eyes darted around.

He was dressed in uniform, what if someone from the kabila saw him? None of them were there but she was suddenly scared.

Abhay kept his eyes fixed on her and when she continued to look around, he grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to focus on him.

"Will you be still for a while?" he asked exasperated. "I'm here to tell you something."

Phulwa looked at him in confusion. There was not a trace of humor on his face. He was completely serious. She nodded slowly, feeling it was important.

Abhay took a deep breath then he cupped her neck and drew her in for a long kiss, his arm going around her waist hugging her close. Phulwa had the strange feeling he was comforting himself and could not push him away.

****

Abhay was scared. He had never been this scared in his whole life before. When Phulwa let him kiss her, he felt some of his anxiousness seeping away. He knew she was not ready to hear what he was going to say but he had to. He drew back and looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you." At those words Phulwa took a step back. She could not believe this. Why was he saying that? She wanted to close her ears and block his voice. He did not try to yank her back just continued in his calm voice. "Will you marry me?"

Phulwa felt out of breath. Something went soft inside her but she fought it. Love and marriage were not for her. Her aim was something else.

Abhay saw the refusal in her eyes and anguish took over his heart. He waited for her to speak.

"I don't think you know what you are saying." She retreated further increasing the distance between them. "Please go away before someone sees you." Her voice was unsteady.

Abhay's determination hardened and he took a step forward.

"I am in my senses and what I know what I'm saying." He felt his frustration mounting. How could he make her understand her place was with him?

"What do I have to do to make you believe me?" he asked, his face grim.

Phulwa was angry. He landed in her life without invitation and was now shaking its very foundation. She could not let him do that. She preferred to think he was making fun of her.

"How about coming to ask for my hand in front of everybody ACP Saab? Can you do that? Oh, I know what this is. You want to capture me but first by humiliating me, right? How about fooling poor little Phulwa with a proposal then make her surrender gladly?" She said with a sarcastic laugh. She wanted to cry. She was being cruel but that was the only way to make him go away. If she did not hurt him, he would not let her go.

Abhay narrowed his eyes. She was trying to push him away but he was not going anywhere.

"If that's what you want, why not?"

ACP Abhay Rai Singh was not scared of anything, even less so when it came to asking the hand of the woman he loved.

Phulwa did not hear him. Why did she so want to say yes? She was not an ordinary girl. She had no right to these things. A marriage proposal from an officer! She thought he had gone away when she did not hear him behind her. She walked to the camp, dazed.

Gunta Ma noticed the lost look in her eye.

"Phulwa, what happened?" she asked gently.

Phulwa shook her head unable to speak and walked past her to her room. It was only when she heard Babu's enraged voice that she got up from the bed quickly, rushing outside. What she saw made her heart still.

Abhay was standing in the middle of the camp, a fearless and defiant look in his eyes. The whole kabila was shocked to see an officer there. No one could move with the totally unbelievable sight unfolding in front of them.

Phulwa could not believe it. What was he doing? He was surrounded by Dacoits and he looked completely unruffled. In fact, he looked quite at home. Phulwa looked at the kabila. They did not appear to know what to do.

Abhay looked around calmly then his eyes settled on Phulwa, softening.

"So to whom should I address myself for your hand?"

Phulwa's eyes widened. He was completely mad! Babu's voice slashed through the air.

"What did you say?" he asked his voice full of controlled anger.

He felt rage consume him. A police man was standing in the camp asking for his sister's hand unabashed. He was making fun of her.

Abhay did not take his eyes off Phulwa.

"You heard me right."

Phulwa could look at no one but Abhay. She started down the stairs walking towards him.

Babu felt his anger explode. The flames of rage ate at him. How dare he! He lifted his gun and fired.

Phulwa did not hear it so much as saw it. Abhay's grin froze then the red stain near his heart grew darker, spreading. Abhay looked down at the wound almost surprised himself.

Phulwa remained motionless then something broke inside her. She felt pain rip through her. It was as if someone was shredding her apart, tearing her heart out, crushing her body. The pain was unbearable. Babu cried out to her as she ran. She hardly knew she was running. The roar in her ears were too loud and she could feel her heart breaking. She fell on her knees where Abhay lay sprawled, a strained smile on his face.

"Ab… Abhay." Phulwa smiled at him, unaware of the tears coursing down her cheeks, refusing to take in what was in front of her. "Come on, get up." She tried pulling him up. "Come on. GET UP!" she was hysterical now. She shook him, her hands running over his face. "Ab...Abhay please, get up." She spoke in between sobs, her words were unintelligible, her hand on his wound desperately trying to stop the flow of blood.

Abhay only smiled serenely at her then closed his eyes.

No. No. NO, her mind screamed.

"ABHAY" Phulwa's scream resounded in the woods, birds flying away at its sound. The anguish of the sound shook everyone. Her pain was so great that they felt it vibrate inside them. Phulwa was crying hysterically now, holding his head in her lap, alternately cajoling him then shouting at him to get up when he did not open his eyes. Her clothes were stained with his blood.

Babu ran to her.

"Jijia, Jijia." He tried to pull her up but she pushed him away violently, her eyes full of hatred. Babu staggered back at the force of it. He had never seen her like that. She looked like she would kill anybody who approached her. Her eyes were filled with frenzied pain. She looked back at Abhay, rocking him.

"Ab..Abhay, I'll do whatever you say. Whatever you say. Don't do this to me." She wailed burying his face against her. "Get up, please get up." Her voice shook with sobs.

The kabila rushed to her, ready to lift Abhay up but Phulwa recoiled, hugging his body close.

"D….Don't come near him." She hissed. She looked like a wounded animal.

Gunta Ma swallowed feeling the intensity of her pain then she stepped forward.

"Phulwa." Phulwa pushed her hand aside, her eyes filled with anguish. "Phulwa we can save him. Let us help please."

Gunta Ma started crying, seeing the way Phulwa looked. Her eyes were darting to each of them as if they were her enemies.

"No! He's alright. There's no need for you to touch him."

They would only hurt him further, Phulwa thought, a wail escaping her. She tightened her hold on his body.

Gayatri came behind her.

"If you don't let us help him. He'll die. Do you hear? He'll DIE." She said it harshly.

The word die hit Phulwa. She whimpered but undid her tight embrace, letting them lift him up quickly.

Phulwa stayed on the ground, her racking sobs ringing through the air.

***

For the first time Babu felt like he had lost everything. Even when his parents had died, he had not felt this lonely. His Jijia was the only thing he had and now she hated him. The look in her eyes had said she wanted to kill him almost. He felt tears course down his cheeks. Gunta Ma had taken Phulwa away to change her clothes. She looked unaware of what was happening around her. She had not spoken since Abhay had been taken away. He wanted to kill himself for doing this to his sister. But how could he have known she loved him? Because he could not see what else had caused his sister to be like that. He had shot Abhay in rage without knowing that Phulwa would be the one bearing the pain. Then he saw her. She was sitting on the ground outside her room where Abhay was being kept, her eyes staring blankly ahead. She was no longer crying, no emotion written on her face but this made Babu more scared. He knew exactly how she looked. She looked dead. He walked to her, kneeling on the floor and placing his hand on hers. She did not react.

"Jijia, Jijia, I'm sorry. Forgive me, Jijia. Please." His tone was anguished and he was crying but still she did not move. She did not even glance at him.

Babu got up, looking at her one last time then fled to the woods.

****

Phulwa was numb on the outside. She could feel nothing around her. She was scared if she started crying, she might never stop. Why did it feel like it was she who had been shot? But now she knew. All the whys which had been unanswered were suddenly clear. She loved him. She could never have killed him because that would have meant dying herself. The doctor had said the bullet had missed his heart but he had lost too much blood. He would only be declared stable if he held through the night. Phulwa suddenly whimpered. She knew it in her bones that if he was not there, she could not exist. She thought back at all the times she had tried to fight it and realised how futile it was. He had already made her his only she had refused to see it. She belonged to him. He had stamped his name of her heart permanently. She lifted her hands looking at them. Gunta Ma had washed them clean but she could still see his blood there. She swallowed trying to contain the pain. Never had she felt pain so strong since the day her parents had been killed. She got up slowly opening the door then looked at his still form. She looked at his mouth which had kissed her so many times, smiled at her, teased her, at his hands which had held her sometimes softly with love and sometimes hard with possessiveness. His eyes, now closed, which could make her heart thump away with a single look. His breathing was irregular. If he stopped breathing, her heart would stop too. She dropped to the floor next to the bed placing her head next to his. She could not bear to see the wound. His shirt had been removed, a white bandage going around his chest. She moved her head closer to his neck, placing her hand on his heart, her cool palm against his feverish skin. She felt him sigh making her glance at him to see if he had woken up but his eyes were still closed. She felt soothed by the rise and fall of his chest. Then she let her sobs out. Please God, do not take him away from me, she prayed ardently. She had been wrong to think he was her weakness. He was her strength, she realised. If he left her, only then would she become weak. She fell to sleep at his side, one hand on his heart and the other clasping his hand.

***

She was still asleep when Gunta Ma shook her gently.

"Phulwa, get up." She said softly. "The doctor is here."

Phulwa opened her eyes quickly, then got up. She was surprised to see Abhay had grasped her hand back. He must have done that in sleep but now it was preventing her from moving. She gently pried his fingers away.

The doctor examined him. He was still alive and breathing, that meant he was alright, Phulwa thought refusing to believe otherwise. She just badly wished he would open his eyes and say something to annoy her.

The doctor turned to her, a kind smile on his face.

"He's fine, Phulwa. He'll wake up when the effect of the drugs wear off but the pain in his ribs will remain for a while."

Phulwa thanked him, feeling relieved. It was as if she had been holding her breath all this time and could finally release it. Gunta Ma accompanied the doctor outside. She saw Abhay's stained shirt on the ground and lifted it, hugging it close then frowned when she felt something bulging out of the pocket. She pushed her fingers inside, a little red box coming into her hand. It opened with a snap revealing a ring. Phulwa kept looking at it. She had never seen something so simple and beautiful before. She glanced at him on the bed. He really had come prepared for the proposal, she thought smiling softly. He was not scared of anything and only did what he liked. She came close to him, settling back to her place at his side, then burrowed her hand in his hair while rubbing her cheeks comfortingly against his own.

****

Abhay felt as if someone had dismounted him part by part. It hurt to breathe. Then he felt something soft and warm against his cheek. Phulwa, he thought, her name a sigh. He turned his face and kissed her on the forehead surprising her into looking up at him. She started to lift her head but Abhay pressed it back. It was actually good he had been shot, he thought smiling into her hair. How else would he have seen that look of total love and desperation in her eyes as he lay on the ground? She would never have been there with him in this way, if it had not been for that gunshot. He sighed, feeling happy and fulfilled. At last, she had to accept she loved him. They remained like that in silence, just enjoying the feel of being close to the other.

****

The whole kabila was still stunned from yesterday's events. They hardly spoke even among themselves. No one had seen Phulwa like that before. Who was the man? They knew he was a police man but how did Phulwa know him? The state she had been in had shaken everyone. Babu was nowhere to be seen from yesterday and Gauri had gone to look for him.

Gayatri unable to bear the silence, spoke up.

"We need to know who this man is and what he means to Phulwa." She asked uneasy.

Gunta Ma shook her head. She already knew what had happened. Her little girl had fallen in love and she was glad. The look she had seen in the man's eye spoke of boundless love for Phulwa. He was meant for her. She sighed.

"No, we should not press her with questions right now. Let her be alone for a while." She said knowing Phulwa. She doubted she had known of her feelings for long herself. They had to give her time to get used to it.

****

It was so long that they remained in the same position that Phulwa began thinking he had gone to sleep. She lifted her head then saw he was awake. The ring was still in her hand. Abhay noticed it.

"You can't steal that. This time I'll really put you behind bars. That's for someone in particular." He told her.

Phulwa felt herself soften inside. Only he could make her feel this way. Her previous fears came back. She looked at the ring a last time then placed it on his chest. Abhay frowned, he had thought she would keep it. He looked at her questioningly.

"Why are you giving it back? Don't you dare give me that 'I don't love you' line again. This time I won't take it." He was angry, confused.

Phulwa's eyes were suddenly tender on him but he could see there was something else lurking in their depths. She shook her head.

"I can't take this." She said softly.

Abhay was suddenly annoyed. Why was she still refusing to see it? They belonged together.

"Why the hell can't you?" he said loudly then gave a cry of pain as he felt his wound stretch.

Phulwa quickly placed her hand on his bare chest, looking at him in alarm.

"Would you shut up? There is no need opening that wound with your tantrums." She said anxiously then sighed. He would continue to eat her head with his questions until she told him the truth.

"I...I have to do something first before I can move on." She said seriously.

Abhay looked confused.

"And you can't do that after we get married?" he asked exasperated.

At the word married, Phulwa felt a glow. She had never thought she would one day be hearing that word apply to her but now she was no longer scared of it. She recognised her feelings. And if I don't agree, he'll just hound me till I say yes, she thought a smile on her face. But her aim was something else. She could not move on to a new life until she achieved it otherwise it would always pursue her. She wanted to be with Abhay, still she could not forget the reason for which she has been living all these years. Now that she had Abhay, she could look forward to a different life but not before she closed that dark chapter of her life.

"No I can't. I can't explain what it is but I need time." She said.

He noticed the plea in her eyes and decided to let it go. He breathed out in resignation. He wanted her to share everything with him but until she was ready, he would not force her. He turned his face away from Phulwa, pretending to be angry.

Phulwa got annoyed. She grabbed his face in her hands then turned it back to her.

"What? I can't even be angry now?" he said, laughing softly.

She glared at him.

"No, you can't." then she was serious again. "What took you to do that, Abhay?"

It had been eating at her that she was the reason he had come back. She should have known he would take her to her word. Abhay suddenly felt elated at the feel of his name on her lips. He wanted to sweep her off her feet and plant a smoking kiss on her mouth.

"Oh well, it's traditional to ask for the girl's hand from her family. Since you refused my offer for a love marriage, I decided to make you go for an arranged one." His eyes twinkled in mischief then he feigned a frown. "Maybe, I should have worn some other clothes though." He chuckled.

Phulwa suddenly wanted to laugh but she kept her face serious. He was impossible! She pulled his ear making him cry out.

"If you had not been hurt, I would have hit you harder." She said mock-angrily.

"I know. That's why I'm glad right now." He grinned. "But since I'm wounded, can I get a kiss please?" he inclined his head to one side making soft eyes at her.

She shook her head, laughing then got up.

"No, you are not getting one." His face fell." I'm going to see to the food."

Phulwa started to walk away when Abhay stopped her.

"I was thinking, you know how to cook, right?" he asked innocently.

Phulwa glowered at him.

"No, I don't know how to." She lied. It was not exactly true but it had been ages since she had cooked anything. "So think well. You still have time to reconsider that offer." She smirked at him.

Abhay sighed.

"No, I won't reconsider. That's what happens when you fall in love with a Dacait. No chance of having either your buttons sewed or your stomach full." He said comically then grinned.

He was looking up at the ceiling as Phulwa walked away. Phulwa stopped at the doorway, watched him for a few seconds then rushed back to his side, planting her mouth on his. He tilted his head to get a better taste of her. Phulwa kept her mouth there for a full five minutes until she got scared he might have stopped breathing and got up. Abhay was looking stunned, he felt like he was floating. Phulwa laughed at his expression then went out.

****

Abhay felt a curious sense of peace. He was lying in bed with the woman he loved at his side feeding him. What more did he want? On second thoughts, her on the bed next to him would be nice also, he thought grinning.

Phulwa narrowed her eyes at him. He glanced back innocently.

"Phulwa, whose room is this?" he asked.

Phulwa was a little suspicious at the question.

"Mine." She replied hesitatingly.

Abhay smiled wickedly at her.

"So this is your bed, right?" he inclined his face to one side, looking like a naughty boy. "Well, since you didn't slept well last night, I can hardly prevent you from doing so today. Come on." He said patting the space next to him. "I can't move otherwise I would have let you have the bed all to yourself"

Phulwa doubted that very much.

"Oh, I'm in no hurry to sleep. You are going home soon anyway so I can sleep peacefully then." She said sweetly.

Abhay laughed, wincing a little at the pain.

"You are right. I should be going before the baraatis come to look for me." He chuckled.

Phulwa was suddenly wrenched at the thought that he'll be going away. But he had to otherwise the police might come looking for him. His jeep was still parked at the edge of the forest. She helped him up, her hands on his bare torso. When he was upright, Abhay looked down at her then pulled her close.

"You still haven't said the words." Abhay told her softly.

"What words?" Phulwa asked looking at his mouth. It seemed she had gotten his bad habit, she thought.

Abhay leaned forward so that his legs were pressed against her. Then his mouth moved on hers punishing her for not giving him the answer he wanted. Phulwa gripped his shoulders feeling giddy and light at the pressure of his mouth, her lips parting of their own accord. She could feel the muscles of his thighs. They were so taut and strong and suddenly warmth spread in her whole body. She blushed and shivered at the same time, the powerful muscles of his chest beneath her palms sending waves of awareness through her. His hand moved the length of her upper body coming to rest at her hip.

"Remember now?" he asked her, his eyes dark pools.

Phulwa took a breath then very softly let it out.

"I love you." She kissed him on his dimple. She had wanted to do that for so long that it felt strangely good to finally press her lips there.

Abhay smiled down at her then looked around. The setting was giving him too many unsettling thoughts. He wanted more but he controlled himself.

"We should go now." He said it almost brusquely covering up the thoughts up.

Phulwa nodded, and helped him out, her arm around him. The kabila was gathered outside. Banwa Kaka was going to drop him at his place. They already knew this man had not come to arrest any of them. Abhay saw Babu standing at the very far end, almost out of sight. He turned to Phulwa.

"What is your brother's name?" he asked this softly.

Phulwa looked at him in apprehension. She had not been able to face Babu herself yesterday. It was not that she hated her brother. She could never do that but seeing Abhay like that had unhinged something inside her. She did not want Abhay and Babu to be enemies. It would tear her in two.

"Babu." She replied, trying not to feel hurt at what was going to follow.

Abhay turned back to the Kabila then spoke loudly enough for his voice to reach Babu.

"I think Babu should come to drop me."

Everyone appeared shocked, watching Abhay strangely. Phulwa looked up at him in surprise then understood what he was doing as she saw his eyes. She smiled tremulously at him. How could she not love this man? She thought, her heart heavy with love.

Babu walked to them slowly, stopping in front of Abhay. He did not dare look at his jijia.

"I'm sorry." He wanted to say more but he could not find the words. He gulped.

Abhay grinned at him.

"I think I deserved that for banging your head in the lock-up the other day." He held out his free hand in a gesture of truce. Babu startled but he could see no sarcasm in Abhay's voice. In fact, the man looked happy. He shook the hand feeling slightly disoriented. Phulwa could understand him. Abhay was what could be called unpredictable, she thought smiling wryly while tears glistened in her eyes.

"Now stop looking at me and help me to the car, will you?" Abhay said looking at Babu.

Babu nodded at him, grateful and relieved. He went to the other side of Abhay, placing his arm around him. Phulwa's hand brushed against his own and he looked at his Jijia over Abhay's shoulder. She smiled at him and Babu felt his guilt wash away. She was no longer angry at him. He grinned happily then they both hefted Abhay up in unison.

****

Abhay was lying at home in bed. He had called the police station to say he would not be in. He sighed looking at the empty space next to him. He tried to imagine Phulwa there, hair sprawled on his pillow… and felt the familiar discomfort. What did Phulwa need to accomplish before she could accept his proposal? He had to find out because he wanted her there the earliest possible, he thought looking at the ring in his palm. He had to uncover the mystery surrounding her………..