SS: Aru Ki Sapney ~~ Chap- 7 Updated pg - 13 ~~ - Page 7

Chapter-5

Mukhi carefully tried to extract himself from his wife's octopus hold on him which was proving to be difficult to do without waking her up. More he tried to unwind her hand and leg from around him, her hold became tighter. He paused for a bit and looked at her sleeping face. So beautiful, so innocent. And all mine. Mukhi couldn't help but put a chaste kiss on her forehead. They both had a really late night and it took her forever to fall asleep afterwards, he knew it because he was also awake observing her breathing patterns discreetly. Though it was already 6:30 am, he didn't want to disturb her today, let her sleep.

Finally after ages he succeeded to get out of her hold and quickly gave her the pillow to hug in his place. She hugged the pillow to her chest and went back to her sleep murmuring gibberish. Mukhi smiled at her cuteness and went to freshen up.

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As he entered the kitchen to have breakfast sometime later, Mukhi grimaced seeing who was in there.

"Mukhiji I have made your favourite halwa for you." Dharmi chirped, smiling brightly.

He gave a quick nod and looked around to see where the hell everyone died. He didn't want to be alone with her. He sat grudgingly seeing no other way to leave this room without being rude. Dharmi pranced towards him, invading his personal space, helping him turn over his plate, glass before he could do it.

"I can do it for myself. Thanks." Mukhi said gruffly, leaning backwards to avoid her invasion.

"Waise toh, Aru should be doing all these for you. But pagal ladki has no interest in you nor does she know how to behave like a wife...see how late it is and she is still sleeping?? She has always been like this, lazy. Kher, no worries, she is not here so what? I am here na? I will take care of you" Dharmi said with a smile, batting her eyelashes at him.

This girl's shamelessness was increasing day by day. Yesterday she said something to Aru to make her upset. Mukhi couldn't keep quiet after all these could he??

"Looks like I know your sister better than you Dharmi. As Aru keeps saying you are recuperating from the recent unfortunate events of your life, maybe those events led you to have short term memory loss as well? Because it has always been Aru, who had supported your family financially since she was a teenager working up to 3 jobs to keep your family going. If you still call her lazy after that, I don't know what to make of you. She definitely knows how to be a better daughter and sister than you. Thats for sure. And leave me to be the judge of what kind of wife she is..."

Never in her dreams had Dharmi imagined Mukhiji could be so rude to her. She had been flirting with him, saying suggestive things to him since last few weeks but he had always ignored her, never had he been so impolite.

"Mukhiji, I didn't...I didn't mean to--" Dharmi tried to explain, instant tears running down her cheeks. What hurt most was his look of revulsion at her.

Rami had been keeping an eye on her pawn from afar, and seeing things go out of her plan she decided to intervene. "Arey Raje, why are you chastising this girl? What has she said after all?? The truth?? And she has full right to say things about Aru because she is her sister. And what wrong did she say? You are Mukhiya of this village, head of this house, but did Aru ever take any responsibility as your wife?? Does she have any responsibility towards this house?? You know about today's festival, you have already declared we will be hosting the garba night, but has Aru even asked about its arrangements?? Leave about food, this girl doesn't care about this house--"

"Rami, there are lots of people to take care of the arrangements and food, why would Aru waste time here...you are here to take care of those aren't you?"

"haan Raje, I am ---"

"Are you saying you don't want to, anymore?"

"No I haven't said that--"

"If you don't want to take any responsibility anymore, then give it to someone else, pay them. But don't nag."

"Arey Raje, you are misunderstanding me, all I am saying, Aru is a married girl now, and she should be more involved in this house and you instead of spending time outside."

"I married Aru not to make her my maid or slave; she can do as she pleases. She is still a young girl, if she wants to work outside she will, if she doesn't, she won't. I don't want her to change in any way. When the time will come, she will take over this house from you, Rami, don't worry about it. But if you want to do it now, I am sure I can appoint someone and relieve your duties---"

"Raje, I didn't mean to say this--"

"Aru is my wife, Mukhiyani of this village, next time think twice before passing any taunting remarks at her, especially in front of me." Mukhi got up and left, shooting Dharmi another of his look of pure loathing.

"But Raje, sun tu...at least have your breakfast---Raje---" Rami called out and saw him leave without even a backward glance.

"Maharani jaisi kismet le ker paida huyi hai teri behen, dekha??? this could be all you Dharmi, but your little sister took your fate from you.tsk tsk tsk" Rami stated, once her brother was out of earshot.

"I don't know what else to do, I have been trying forever to be in his good graces, to make him see me as a desirable woman, but he is so---" Dharmi cried.

"Don't give up so soon, Dharmi, keep trying but maybe a little more subtly ? Focus more on your sister and creating distance between her and Raje instead of focusing solely on Raje."

Dharmi nodded wiping her tears. She would work harder and won his affections back which were hers by right.

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*cring* *cring* *cring*

Aru was just entering her factory when her mobile rang. She looked at the unknown number with irritation as she was already super late, still had so much to do and also she wanted to leave early as well. She didn't have time to waste.

"Yes, kaun hai? Aru asked irately.

"Ms. Aru, How are you?"

"I am fine. Who is this?? state your business quick."

"I am Vijay"

"kaun Vijay?"

"Vijay Singh Rathode---was just calling to see whether you are free today? I have something important to discuss with you."

"Oh Mr. Rathode, how are you? Do you plan to come over to Amboli again today?" Aru asked surprised.

"I am well thank you and I am still at Amboli, staying at the Panchayat Guest house...after you left yesterday, Mukhi of this village came and offered us to stay... as our car broke down."

Aru berated herself for not thinking of this herself yesterday that her client might be in need of help. But she smiled thinking of her guardian angel, her Mukhiji always there to protect her, clear up her mess.

"Oh, I totally forgot about that, I should have thought about it, sorry."

"Don't be-- Mukhiji was very nice and made us feel welcome."

"Yes, he is too good to be true."

"So I was thinking do you have time for me today?"

"Actually today I have a tight schedule. But still why don't you come to the factory and we will talk."

"Not in the factory, I want to meet you outside, maybe you can show me around this beautiful village."

"Oh ho I don't have time for that today, but don't worry I will send someone to your guesthouse to show you around."

"No don't bother." Vijay said a bit dejectedly, he wanted to have her alone why didn't she get it.

"It is okay, I will sent someo---"

"No---Don't---Mukhiji was saying there is a festival in the village today?" Vijay tried to change subject.

"Yes, this year harvest was very good, so all the farmers and villagers are celebrating."

"I heard there will be a garba night tonight?? Will you be there?"

"Offcourse I will be there. You must attend too. You will like it. "

"See you then." Vijay cut his call. Tonight. He couldn't wait for tonight.

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Aru hurried back home, her head full of ideas and excitement. However as usual, she was running late and didn't have much time to get ready for what she planned. She wanted tonight to be special, she wanted something spectacular.

She hadn't met Mukhiji whole day and was missing him terribly. She wanted to go and look for him but didn't want to waste time. She had so much to do. She did call him from the factory to tell him that she was missing him but he was in one of his meetings that time surrounded with people and pretended she was some kind of merchant while answering her back. She smiled remembering her conversation,

"Hello Mukhiji, my hero, what are you doing?"

"In a meeting. What are you up to?"

"Nothing. I was missing you."

"okay."

"What okay? Are you missing me?"

"Yes...---Jai Shri Krishna Kaka, please have a seat----"

"Then why didn't you call me?? You didn't even wake me up from sleep. It's been ages since I last saw you."

"Yes, yes...----ask Ramesh bhai, he will show you the documents--"

"Do you know I haven't been able to concentrate on anything...because of what happened last night. I can't think of anything else."

*dead silence*

"Mukhiji are you listening to me??"

"Yes"

"Don't you have anything to say to me?"

"Yes. I will discuss with you later. Fix a meeting?"

"Are you feeling shy to talk to your wife in front of your peers?"

"No. It is not a problem."

"Then say you love me."

"Yes. Yes. I agree."

"What agree?? Tell me that you love me. Now"

"I will discuss this when we meet. I have to hang up now."

"You don't have any time for me do you?"

"I have...just not now"

"Then tell me you love me. I dare you. I will hang up after that."

Aru knew she was being childish but she loved to rile him up. She heard him sigh...

"Next time we meet, I will do the same thing we did last time we met if you continue behaving this way."

"Achcha?? You don't have guts to say you love me, you are threatening me with a kiss?"

"Don't doubt that."

"Huh, I know how far you can go. Bas baatein banana aaty hain aur kuch nehi."

"Really?

"Haan...and it is just my fate to be saddled with such an unromantic person for life. Kher, main hi keh deti huun. I love you bohuuutt saraa..."

"Mujhse thoda kum."

"Is that so?"

"Haan. Rakhta huun. Jai shri Krishna."

Aru realised she was blushing remembering their phone conversation. Mukhiji could be so sweet and oddly romantic in the queerest of ways. Aru skipped to the bathroom singing to herself.

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It was a rush all through the afternoon. Mukhi was late coming home from panchayat office dealing with all the happy tidings of the harvest as well as few other issues. When he came, Aru was already busy outside seeing over the things and helping wherever she could for the big night. He wanted to meet Aru alone to kiss her like he promised and also see how Aru was looking tonight. She must be looking breath taking as always. He quickly started to wash up and get ready.

He came out of washroom to see Dharmi waiting in the room. His mood deteriorated.

"What do you want here?" he asked gruffly.

"I came to see whether Aru is here. I need help binding my doris." Dharmi pretended to be shy but showed him her bared back nonetheless.

Mukhi rolled his eyes inwardly. There was a limit to which a person can be shameless. He really needed to talk to Aru about her. "She is not here."

"Oh" Dharmi batted her eyelashes prettily. "Maybe you should help me bind these?" She turned her bared back towards him, coming close.

"No, I can't... I am busy. Find someone else to bind your doris and next time before making such requests think who I am to you?? Your sister's husband."

"But you were almost mine."

"Thank god I am not" Mukhi said and became busy dismissing her rudely.

Dharmi huffed and stomped outside tears springing to her eyes, she would make Aru pay, she promised. She never let anyone have what was rightfully hers. And Mukhiji was hers.

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When Mukhi finally saw his wife he came to a halt, dumbfounded looking at her. Just as he thought she was looking breathtakingly, heart breaking-ly beautiful and soo young...soo damn young...that he wanted to kill himself. He sometimes felt like a bloody cradle snatcher. He shook his head trying to overcome this thought. He promised her he wouldn't think about this age gap between them.

She was looking like a princess in her baby pink lahenga, though she hadn't put much make up on, still she outshone everyone in their finest glory. She was talking to that client of hers who came from abroad and was yet to see him. They both looked so good together Mukhi admitted to himself painfully. Beautiful, handsome, both young, smart, educated, they complemented each other in every way. Aru laughed at something funny that guy said. It was her fake laugh he knew it well.

He continued to look at her as she pretended to laugh and looked around her restlessly. Her wandering eyes finally found what she was looking for and locked with his. Her face split into her beautiful smile and she winked at him.

She freaking winked in front of god knew how many people. Mukhi hid his smile as she excused herself and started to come towards him.

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Vijay was surprised when suddenly Aru excused herself in the middle of their conversation and left. He finally thought he was going somewhere with her, getting her to himself alone at last. She was so busy, everyone seemed to be wanting her opinion on everything, wanted a piece of her. God she was a vision, so beautiful, she took his breath away. Though she looked a bit distracted but she gave him time and was talking to him when suddenly she left. Just like that. Vijay looked over to see where she was heading. She was going over to that Mukhi of this village. Maybe he was her uncle or some relative. Vijay pondered.

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"Hmmm, at last... Is this any time to come home? Especially when you are the host?" Aru asked as she sidled up to her husband's side.

"Sorry, it was a crush at the office."

"Hmmm, I thought you were supposed to give me something next time we meet." Aru asked cheekily while they both greeted an elderly couple with a smile.

"You are being very brave amidst such crowd."

"I just thought you might have forgotten..."

"Don't worry, you will get your dues." He said while they greet someone else.

"Promises, promises." Aru tsked tsked playfully.

"Kahin najar na lag jaye tum dono ki jodi ko." Hansa ben came over and waved her hands around their head warding off evil eye. "Sada suhaagan raho aur jug jug jiyo. Mukhi why don't you take the lovely child to the dance floor?"

"No Hansa ben, no dancing for me tonight." Mukhi stated.

"Arey aise kaise? You dance so well. Why will you not dance with your wife?" She persisted.

"She can dance, I am not stopping her.But I won't." Mukhi smiled at Hansa ben moving quickly to the next set of guests before allowing her to pester him further. He could feel Aru's grip on his arm turn vicious while they both smiled and greeted the guests.

"Aise kaise main kisi aur k saath nachu?? Main kya aisi waisi ladki huun?? Mere bhi ek pati hain. Agar main nachungi to sirf uske saath hi nachungi or toh nehi." She said bitingly only for him to hear.

"Aru zid maat kar."

"Khud to mucho wala uncle ho, mujhe bhi aunty bana rahay ho...Why don't you want to dance with me? Aisi kya kharabi hai mujh mein?" Aru said, the smile she was greeting the guests with dropped from her face and she turned towards him looking hurt.

Mukhi sighed and dragged his wife to some secluded corner.

"Aru, what's wrong?"

"You are again thinking about our age gap. You are ashamed to be seen with me." Aru said looking shattered.

"That is not true." Mukhi lied feeling like a heel seeing Aru's anguish.

"Yes that is the truth. You are so much conscious of us being together that you haven't even looked at me properly tonight."

"I have and you are looking beautiful as always." He said looking at her.

"No...you are still not looking at me...if you had then you would have seen that---" Aru shook her head, no point discussing this with her husband here...one could never reason with someone who didn't want to see a reason. She turned to leave. But Mukhi held her hand and pulled her back to him. She collided into him flushed into his body.

"Ei, Aru why are you behaving like this? What do you want?"

"You can't give me what I want. So leave it."

"What is that? Let me hear it."

"I want you to accept me as your wife. I want you to not be mortified of our relationship as if marrying me was some kind of sin you committed and now you need to hide it. I want you to be proud of me. I want to be seen with you, live with you, laugh with you." Aru said sadly.

" I am...I am proud of you Aru. I want to show you off to everyone. I want to shout to the whole world that you are my wife. But---"

"But what?" Aru asked in despair.

"But nothing. I love you and you love me. We are husband and wife and now we are going to dance the night away. Come." Mukhi said dragging her to the dance floor.

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Vijay had been monitoring Aru the whole evening, not a single second did his eyes left her. From the moment he saw Aru went up to meet Mukhiji and then stick by his side, he began to feel uncomfortable seeing her behaviour. She was practically clinging to his arm, hanging on to his every word and smiling at him adoringly. All the people around went up to them and they greeted them together as if they were a couple. Some woman even warded off evil eye from them both and Aru smiled looking at Mukhiji as if he was her world.

Vijay couldn't believe his eyes. He knew Mukhiji was a married man. Because he had heard that Mukhi and Mukhiyani were the one hosting this party tonight. Was Aru having an affair with this middle aged man? That too so openly?

She couldn't be married to this man...she was not wearing any mangalsutra yesterday and...sindoor...her head was covered in colour from the accident...but..anyway... and today...he couldn't see her forehead because of her mang tikka ...he didn't really look for a mangalsutra on her neck but her beautiful necklace was covering most of it. Heck their business contract said she was a miss and not a mrs. And this guy was ancient...he was definitely almost twice her age...she couldn't be married to him. NO WAY!

He looked around when suddenly Mukhi and Aru went out of sight. He kept looking until he found them again standing in a dark corridor hidden from everyone. They were standing flushed against each other against a wall, his hands on her bare waist and her hands on his chest. They were having some kind of serious discussion lost in their own world. Vijay felt his heart broke into pieces and he faltered backwards to the open space where the party was taking place. He bumped into someone who looked at him concerned.

"The girl who was greeting everyone with Mukhiji over there, who is she?" he asked somehow although he already knew.

"Our Mukhiyani ji. Aur kaun?"

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Mukhi had to admit it was fun dancing like this. Both of them tried to outperform each other with outrageous moves and when the dance ended both of them collided into each other laughing at their own antics.

Mukhi's laughter stopped abruptly. Aru looked at him concerned what happened and saw what he was looking at finally. She hid her smile suddenly feeling shy.

Mukhi kept looking at her earrings...THE EARRINGS. Shit!

Next Chapter : 6