My dearest firends.. thank you ll for your wonderful response.. love you all... Here is the enxt part..Enjoy...
Thanks to all who dropped to bless the ethereal duo... Dr. Shantanu Khandelwal and Mrs. Khanak Khandelwal on the aupicious occassion of their wedding... 😉😛😆😳
They have conveyed their thanks... 😳😳
Part 21...
Khanak felt his firm yet gentle touch around her shoulders... blinking her eyes hard as he gently led her towards the exit of the shamiana... the Khandelwaal's had already moved into the house to welcome the new bahu and then her feet faltered as she felt Manu's eyes on her.. She turned and he stood there with her parents a little aloof... a nostalgic smile on his face yet there was something distinct there.. a sheen like he had tears in his eyes... with a choked sob she moved towards him but forgot that she was still tied to Shantanu... His long pink cloth almost slipped from his shoulders which had been knotted with her saree pallu... she stopped and turned just a bit as he grimly moved hanging on to the long sarong at his chest... his jaws gritting in an unfathomable rush of ire... But Manu sighed and approached her, gently cupping her face and chiding.. whispering for her ears only.. "Hey hey... sob sob sponge... you know we are just a phone call away right?" She bit her lip unable to control the flow as she hugged him sobbing softly... Frowning as he felt a heat from behind her.. the glowering ire of her husband..
Manu dragged her face out, cupping it and spoke chiding ehr gruffly... "Hey Kanks.. ab rulaaogi kya? Dammit, just stop crying will you?!!" and then lowering his voice for her benefit only said with a teasing lilt to his voise "Kanks.. I know you don't like burnt barbecue... it is not only burnt but it is also scorched... and sizzling.. smoking actually" that made her tears stop and a strange gnawing rose again within as she looked for a second in Manu's gentle gaze and she bit her lip as she turned slightly to look into her husband's glowering dark eyes... She liked the sound of that.. a thrill passed within too... a myriad of emotions making their place... -Her husband- It definitely sounded blissful...
One look at her tear streaked face was enough to pull those strings... he sighed nevertheless knowing that here she was married to him, tied down to him when all she wanted was to be with the one she loved.. Of course she must have told that buffoon who had an obnoxious and conceited smile on his face.. His fist was itching to connect with that buffoon's jaw!!! But he moved forward and heard Mehra speak to him.. "Needless to say.. you will take care of her..." Gritting his teeth he merely raised his brow in acquiescence and again encircled her with his arm marking his possession and spoke softly to her... "Chalein? Daadi and all are waiting..." She nodded biting her lip suddenly realising that he gesture towards Manu might seem otherwise to him but throwing caution to the wind, wanting to give him back for his snide at the time of eating, she turned slipping out of his hold and smiling at Manu hugged him...
Manu softly snickered near her ear asking her in a whisper "So Kanks wnat me to kiss you.. nice strategy way to go" But she poked her tongue at him, her back feeling the blazing eyes as if burning her back... She spoke in a little loud voice "Am going to miss you so much love..take care of yourself okay.. and don't nick yourself when you shave!!!" She winked at him as her Ma approached with a chiding look in her eyes.. "Ha haan nahin kare.. haveh tu ja, Shaan raah juve che taari.." ( Okay okay he will take care that he doesn't.. now you should go as Shaan is waiting for you) She smiled feeling much better and turning, head held high she walked and he was forced to stay with her as they were still tied down together...
Madhavi stood at the entrance when they reached there with the aarti thaali...and amidst a lot of giggling and chattering the Khandelwal family welcomed Mrs. Khanak Shantanu Khandelwal into the house... there after a series of rituals took a little time. They were made to dip their palms into wet kumkum mixture and both of them left their palm prints at the wall inside the mandir... there were two other pairs and daadi nostalgic informed that they belonged to Sunil-Madhavi and Akshay-Khushboo... A few close femily of the khandelwal's surrounded them as they took blessings from all... and then came the short pooja in the mandir where the knots were officially untied...
Chaand did the honours there as well as she with affection hugged Shantanu and with a naughty whisper welcomed Khanak... "Oye.. Khanakdi kahoon ke bhabhiji.. Vaise Bhai ka dil zorr zorr se dhadak rahaa hain.. " She bit her lip shyly and looked down as her heart seemed to make a thundering sound... but feeling a streak of pain as she realised that this was after all a farce she was going to start living.. But the rest of t he family that had gathered there around them where they were seated in the main hall did not leave her any time to dwell on her malady...
Chaand along with Shantanu's few cousins, and friends surrounded them as daadi retired to ehr room to rest for a bit, Madhavi too went off to the kitchen to follow up with the caterers to supervise to proceedings of the evening dinner which they had hosted as Khanak's family had been invited... Akshay indolently lazed on the arm of Khusboo's chair as she a little aloof looked at the crowd that teased and poked fun at the married duo... Ravi guffawed as someone cracked a joke and there was general fun and happiness... She fidgeted as at every joke or teasing question, she felt his burning blaze... He realised her discomfort and decided that it was time for some respite murmured.. "You.. okay?" She merely looked sideways at his hands that were folded neatly as ever at their favourite spot.. wondering if ever her head will be able to enjoy the same pleasure... jerking at her wild thoughts, she merely nodded assuring him and Chaand caught that as she smiled nudging Ravi..
But before she could say anything, Mum arrived saying.. "Chalo ab bahut ho gayaa.. Shaan, Khanak ko upar le jaao.. you two should rest a bit before they all arrive for dinner... Chalo..." The young group groaned but dispersed as Shantanu rose... Sunil returned as he smiled endearingly at the couple... feeling that they suited each other perfectly... Akshay then rose and said.. "Hey chote... tradition bhool gayaa kya?" Shantanu stopped and looked at his brother feeling his heart thud... as Khanak wondered what tradition was he supposed to follow... her trepidation telling her that her poor heart was about to bear another beating onslaught!!!
Daadi was wheeled out at that very moment and she too had heard and her lips quirked too as Shantanu groaned inwardly knowing that he will not be spared.. He remembered how he had riled Bhai after his marriage... and knew that bhai was having his sweet revenge... Sunil guffawed as Khusboo bhabhi for the first time showed some emotion as her lips quirked too in memory of her time... and she spoke in her husky voice.. "Yes Shaan.. how can you forget tradition? Let us too have the pleasure of what you did to us years ago!!" She lookd now in askance at him and he simply avoided her eyes as he sighed as Chaand too clueless of this Khandelwal tradition and too bubbly of character mumbled... "Bhai.. humbhi to sune yeh kaunse tradition ki baat ho rahi hain Madhavi Mom?" Madhavi smiled but blushed too and spoke "Sunil... come now.. Khanak must be tired.. tradition to hote rahenge.. let them be..."
Sunil murmured.. throwing his hands up... "Tradition is tradition Madhavi, you know the rules... so roll up your sleeves Dr. Khandelwal... " And Shantanu protested.. "Dad!!!" But Sunil simply shook his head and daadi murmured in a soft voice a hint of a smile echoing there... "Chalo Shaan.. this I am sure will not be the first time..." As Khanak stilled.. 'Gosh what are they talking about?' Clueless of this strange Khandelwal tradition.. and was about to try to figure when she saw his turn and hearing his soft relenting sigh saw him lean down in front of her making her step a little behind in surprise but gasped as he scooped her effortlessly into his arms...
A gasp escaped from her shocked lips.. "DOC!!!" She squeaked out and he merely looked into her eyes and she could just only stupendously look into his blaze lost... out of automation her arms circled the strong column of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin there... the silk tickling her palms as she suddenly felt this urge to run her fingers through them... She could feel the hard drumming of his heart against her side as all cheered and clapped, Akshay and Ravi gave out loud wolf whistles... and Khushboo too giggled saying a soft.. "Yaayyy way to go Shaan!!!" He walked the rest of the way carrying her, his blaze speaking of something unfathomable as she shyly managed to lower her eyes away from the magnetic hold of the burning browns... Just outside his suite he stopped and Chaand opened the door for him but did not let him enter... "Uhhh.. mmm nek de do, phie entry milegi.. Kyun Madhavi Mom, sahi kahaa na maine?" Madhavi smiled and nodded and Shantanu looked with an amused look murmured.. "Sigh, yeh.. baadmein nahin ho sakta..."
Looking pointedly that she was in his arms, how could he delve into his pocket? So Chaan simply lifted her shoulders.. as if saying.. I don't care.. but no nek, no entry... Akshay taking pity on his younger brother, took out a wad of 500 rupee notes and fished out a few handing them to Chaand... and then only did she move out to let them in... the rest appeared in ablaze as the others left snickering in knowing giggles and sighs as he turned and placing her onto the floor, kicking the shut the door behind him, finally locking it...
The whole room had changed... A partition had come up into the huge room where the outer side acted as a sitting room and a door leading beyond... she walked slowly towards the door and was stunned to see a huge king sized bed decorated with beautiful white lines of mogra flowers and the white satin covered bed spread had a layer of red rose petals... Her feet stilled as she gasped softly, the beauty of the whole room entrancing her... her heart raced as what this all implied and in shock she turned to see him lounge against the door knob his arms crossed across the broad expanse of his chest... as he eyed her slowly and spoke in a husky gruff baritone which sent millions of tingles skivvying down the length of her spine... "Welcome home... Mrs. Jingles Khandelwal..." Her breath got caught at the sound of his addressing her... her heart not able to contend the pleasure that she felt... knowing that it would be short lived yet basking in the warmth at the sound of that... She mumbled... "Thanks..."
But she was not in the least prepared for him to move towards her and grasping her chin tipping it up and murmuring... "Remember we decided that no sorry and no thanks... So... feel free.. this is your room... and if it makes you comfortable, i can just as easily get all this down..." He moved away, his heart thudding and he was soon feeling a loss of control over his feelings.. her beauty was doing strange things to him... He moved as if wanting to do something useful with his hands lest he lost control and pulled her into his arms to kiss her senseless, so he moved towards the bed to take off the floral decorations as she held his arm.. "Doc.. I.. I mean Shantanu... its.. its okay... Please I am fine..."
He gazed at her mehendi bedecked hands on the sleeve of his cream silk kurta and another nervous thrill jerked through him... but he swallowed hard and smiled nodding at her.. she dropped his arm instantly and looked around, needing to use the washroom as he murmured.. "Your stuff is probably in the walk-in closet right there through that door.. freshen up.. and rest for a bit.. I.. I am outside in the sitting room.. shout if you need anything okay?" She nodded again biting her lip... but could not help the pleasure from entering her eyes.. the last time she had seen the room, this change was a far cry and much better too.. wondering who had done it... and his lips quirked as he saw her professional interest perk up and he neared her and murmured softly against her ear...
"Like what you see Mrs. Khandelwal?" She jerked at his close proximity but shyly looked down nodding and he laughed softly.. amused yet feeling a thrill and she smiled too as he spoke softly.. "Chaand's sister is an interior designer.. you might want to meet her. She had to fly to Delhi today.. urgent business matter and hence could not attend our wedding.." Feeling happy she smiled at him and he sighed and moved away before his poor heart would give way and he lose his control... he walked out wordlessly leaving her to do what she needed to and she sighed as she moved towards the door he had pointed that would take her to the walk-in and en suite...
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Radha smiled as she set her eyes on her daughter a pride lurking in those warm brown eyes... draped now in a beautiful silk saree.. the brightest of haldi yellow with a bright leaf green border... embroidered with jhari... her hands adorned in beautiful matching jade jewellery along with the wedding chuda which consisted of a red and white bangle of faux haathi daant... she had to come to her peehar the next day, for the chudo Vado (remvoing of the chuda) ceremony which was something like the pag phera rasam in Punjabis... But presently she looked beautiful and Shantanu looked pretty comfortable in his plain cream silk kurta and chudidaar... He was chatting with his doctor friends and she was seated near daadi... making sure daadi ate well... the day was long for her and was telling on her face.. she did appear a little wan and tired and despite her protests, Shantanu had laid out strict instructions that this was it fro daadi and she should eat and then retire to sleep... Daadi spoke softly looking at Khanak who looked beautiful "Laado.. mere pote ne pareshaan to nahin kiya na?" Sab theek hain? Kamra accha lagaa? Shaan ne khud design suggest ki thi.. "
Khanak could only nod her head, tongue tied she was with a bout of shyness hitting her... rendering her speechless... Shantanu approached and squatted down at daadi's front and murmured.. "Hey beautiful time for bed... " Daadi tucked his lock of hair back with the rest and tenderly cupped his jaw and spoke.. "Aaj bahut khush hoon main.. bas yaad rakhna.. woh maine tumhe sindoor diya tha na..." Something jerked in his heart but he merely nodded in assent... as Khanak bit her lip... she had not disturbed anything in her hair yet.. she had her hair done in a simple yet elegant french roll covered partially with beautiful orchids... of pale cream and red... she had somply wahed her make up off, freshening up to don this saree...
Manu was chatting with Ravi and the others as Shantanu wheeled daadi to her room and Khanak moved ahead of them as daadi had wanted them both to bid he good night tonight... Khanak straightened daadi's bed before Shantanu gently lifted her and laid her down on the bed... the nurse had already made sure she was in comfortable sleep wear... adjusting the pillows as she handed daadi her medication... daadi then made Khanak sit at her side and Shantanu behind Khanak and she had her fill... "Sita Ram... Radhe-Shyaam" was all she said as Khanak felt the quickening of her pulses and the strong beating of his heart against her back.. Shantanu sighed as he rose and leaning forward kissed daadi's forehead and murmured.. "Night night beautiful.. sweet dreams..." And daadi murmured in a surprisingly naughty voice... "You too Shaan... " She coloured a deep crimson and heard his amused baritone... "Haan haan... shall tell you in details tomorrow morning.. ab so jao..."
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She had eaten sparingly.. not able to get much now the day's toll showing as she felt a little warm and sauntered out into the garden through he french windows... He was in deep conversation with Ravi at his side as another doctor had called on his cell... She breathed in deeply for some reason feeling a little nervous as the hour passed... a bit if fresh air should help.. but the night was quite balmy and she felt restless... as she paced around in the small patch which was full of rose bushes, her favourite, she inhaled deeply their fragrant sweet smell.. a step behind her made her whirl... and a smile of relief appeared as Manu spoke... "Kanks, everything okay?" She nodded as he joined her and he fell in step beside her till they reached a small bench.. where she sat down and smiled... "Manu, daadi is so happy... seeing her it makes me even more glad... "
Manu looked his hazels very tentative... knowing the nervous jumpiness within her... he knew her well... but only tenderly held her hand which was nervously fidgeting with the ring that her Doc had put in her finger stilling her, making her look sideways as she marauded her lower lip... and suddenly she leaned against his chest and spoke softly... "Manu.. I.. I am scared... darn it.. " Her fingers clutching his shirt front as he smiled and whispered.. "Ahem... now don't tell me you need me to help you for your suhaag raat..." She slapped him glaring at him and her heart raced even more harder at Manu's mention of that... A feeling of guilt prevailed for hiding facts from her best friend... but she knew that this dark secret need not be revealed... He laughed and hugged her hard and said softly... "Silly girl.. everything will be alright... believe me.. I know.. in the end it will work out exactly how you had dreamt... and remember after everything I will always love you.. I am there for you always... trust me Kanks..."
Shantanu frowned as he ended the call and searched for her.. He had seen her saunter out towards the rose bushes.. and walked in that direction... he had just reached the patch where the rose bushes started when he saw her lean against that bloke's chest and he smiled into her eyes.. his fingers curled into a ball.. wanting to connect it with his jaw... his teeth grinding against each other and moved towards them... the three lines making a deep furrow in the centre of his forehead... thinking of giving him a piece of his mind.. the cheek of him to sit like this with his wife, in his house!!!! But his feet braked suddenly as she hugged the bloke.. and he heard the touching admission... 'I will always love you...' Pain sluiced through him... like an axe hacking the thick trunk in a swish...
His step faltered and he shut his eyes... fighting the pain as well as the urge to rush and pull them apart... he tried and succeeded in calming his anger and was about to turn when she rose suddenly having heard his tread and gasped loudly... "Doc!!!" Manu rose a frown appearing on his forehead too but he merely stood up and walked up to to SK and murmured.. "SK... I did not get a chance to extend my wishes.. congrats.. remember.. take care of... my Kanks..." With that parting shot, he turned winking at Khanak and left to go inside... leaving behind him an eerie silence...
She bit her lip hard... knowing that he must have heard Manu and definitely misinterpreted it... but her brains warred with her heart.. 'You are not going to clarify!!! Hahahaha... good that he heard Manu... ' She almost swore at her second track when he turned and spoke in a soft deadly whisper.. "I know it Jingles that you wish this did not happen... but I give you more credit than such.. such careless display from you... Anyone could have walked out and heard... I I hope the next time you will take little more care... and.. I.. I am truly sorry for the predicament that I have you in... But then I have also promised you... that you shall get your freedom soon... trust me Jingles... It will soon end.. you need not worry and convey that to.. to your.. boy friend... that is my promise to you... I came out to tell you that I have to go for an emergency... I tried to avoid it, but alas I am a doctor... and i am sure.. you will be more comfortable without my presence especially tonight... " He did not turn to so much as even look at her.. bidding her a soft good night he left...
She stood there for long seconds... trembling and quivering as his words echoed emptily in her heart.. the tears streaming down heedlessly... had he turned he might not have gone... leaving her in the grieving misery as her heart spoke... "Nooo.. it is not what you see... I love you.. you Doc.. you.. my heart and soul.. belongs to you... ' she suddenly collapsed onto the bench her fist into her mouth as she soundlessly gave vent to her pain... deep shudders racking through her slender frame... she hugged her arms around her self as if to ward off the pain that she felt... rocking herself, so that she stops crying.. but they fell...
Deciding that this was getting out of hand and then also scared upon being discovered like this, she rose and walked towards the back side where she knew was another door which led into the back of the house, and a stairway which led her directly to his room... now her's too... She entered inside and locked the door and flinging herself onto the couch sobbed softly...
Shantanu apologised to Ma and Papa and then only did he leave for the emergency... Dad and Mom were extremely displeased as Manu looked with deep displeasure writ on his face.. but he knew that the emergency had been genuine as Ravi did speak of that... He knew that outside in the garden he must have told her and she would soon return here.. He left as Madhavi sighed and Radha assured her that it will be fine... as Radha moved to look for Khanak deciding that they should leave as well.. It had indeed been a long and tiring day for all... Madhavi was about to look for Khanak when she appeared calm and collected now... her deluge well hidden by a smart application of make up... But her Ma's eyes were not fooled... she frowned at Khanak and whispered.. "Khanakdi, tu rad hat ke?"
Khanak bit her lip and looked down but Ma mistook her expression and sighed chiding her daughter.. "Come on.. you know he is a doctor.. first and foremost.. you should be proud of him.. and what is this.. taari saasu shu kehshe taaru aavu radtu modhu joyine!!! Cheer up have okay??!!" (What will your MIL think when she sees your saddened face.. ) Khanak took a deep breath and nodded and smiled at her Ma hugging her... and Papa and Mahi and all before they all left...
Edited by jparker - 14 years ago
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