FF~Human After All #11~Imp NOTE on 144:) - Page 66

Shaan muttered checking his phone for the nth time; as he and Rahul went around the site for the hospital with the surveyor.

Shaan glared at his close friend who always remembered everybody's birthdays, but he too was playing truant. Nothing!

His phone rang, it was home; he answered with a bright smile.

It was Mom.

What do you mean Mom? puzzled.

Shaan counted 1-10 under his breath. He wanted to hang up. Can you text it to me??

So they had forgotten about his birthday, well, Dadi ma's health was more important.

He let himself in through the side door, he still had the keys. It was strange but everything seemed terribly quiet. Was she really that ill..breathing her last? Oh no!

Dadi ma? He whispered entering her room as quietly as possible. He found Dad, Akki, sitting on the side of her bed. And his Mom was standing there too all decked up! Was she going to a movie or a wedding?

Oh Shaan! Here is my baccha, my baby! Her face broke into a big smile, she didn't look upset.

There was a moan from the bed..Shantanu? My son? Tum kahan thei ab tak? Dadi ma ki yaad nahin aayi kya? ( Where were you so long, didn't you remember Grand ma?)

I am here now Dadi ma, He went swiftly to her side and took her cool soft hands in his. I was out surveying the site for the charity hospital, don't get time on weekdays.

( I still wouldn't have if Khanak had cooperated, but good impressions are hard to create.) He just smiled; so what's wrong Dadi ma? I thought there you were as strong as a horse!

Just not feeling good at all beta! I think that my last days are near! Nobody cares for me here after you left, even Megha is coming home late from school. She eyes showed her pain and regret.

Dadi ma no! Don't you dare say that! You are going to outlive all of us! He glared accusingly at Akki and his Mom. He didn't meet Sunil's eyes.

Shaan was surprised to see Dadi ma sit up at the sound of Megha's voice, she suddenly didn't seem ill.

The little angel bedecked in a sparkling blue ghagra ran like a hurricane into his surprised arms!

Where were you, we all have been waiting all day!! Isn't that right Grand Dadi?

Dadi had the grace of looking abashed, but her eyes sparkled. Kaisa laga hamara natak, laat saab?? ( How did you like our drama?)

Phew!!! At last! I was holding my breath all the time! I could never act! Happy Birthday my boy! You have become a man so soon! Mads kissed him on the forehead.

Akki burst out laughing; I think we did a fairly good job! His face when he entered the room was worth a million bucks!! Khanak's idea wasn't too bad!

Khanak's idea? ( That little she devil, I should have guessed.) Is she here? Shaan glanced around.

She's here, she's here! Megha screamed jumping in his lap.

Aaye haaye! Kitni betaabi hai in ankhon mein dekho! You haven't even been apart that long! Here devarji, apni dulhan ko sambhalo! ( Take care of your bride.) Boo grinned leading into the room his Khanak, looking like an like a seductive Apsara in a sea green choli on a deep maroon ghagra and dupatta, all elaborately embroidered in gold and silver set off with simple but very becoming white gold necklace and jhumkas studded with emeralds and rubies. Her arms tinkled with silver, gold, green and red bangles.

He stared dumbfounded at the vision, who was blushing so much that the color of her cheeks blended with her dupatta.

Isn't she just stunning? Wish I could blush like that, natural color is so much better! Boo was wistful.

You are the one who makes people blush Boo! Akki grinned making everyone laugh except Shaan who couldn't take his eyes off his wife.

Bacchon! Aao mere paas! ( Come here,) let me hug you! Dadi ma called Shaan and Khanak to her. Tum dono ne mujhe apne shaadi ke pehle din yaad dila diye. Dada ji ki nazrein mujh par se hathti hi nahin thi! (You remind me of when I was a new bride, Granpa's eyes would always be on me.)

Jeete raho! May your love multiply every day, every hour and every minute! She said blessing them both as they touched her feet.

Now take the blessings of your elders and go downstairs! It's getting late for the party! My bahu has worked very hard on it.

Me too! Me too! Piped in Megha as she ran dowwnstairs accompanied by the rest of the family.

Now where are you going sweetheart? Are you planning to kill me tonight? Shaan grabbed Khanak's wrist and pulled her to him.

Chodo na! Let me go! I have to still take care of a lot of stuff! Khanak said nervously, trying to ease her hand out of his grip.

Damn! What a torturer you are! How can I even think straight after seeing you this way! Are you for real? He said huskily his lips brushing her neck and his fingers caressing the small of her back.

She quivered, As real as you want me to be, then nipping his chin with her teeth; Remember Ms Vampire?

Shhh! Itezaar ka phal meetha hota hai, birthday boy! She winked before flying down the steps.

Birthday to you!

Shaan was stunned to be greeted by loud applause as he stepped in the big living room hall. He was surprised to find a bunch of his old friends who apparently had been quietly waiting for his arrival.

He was greeted by Ramzz who had just arrived from Chennai, Pooja who had made a special trip from Delhi, Kash Boo's younger sis who had come on her holidays, Jay who was almost done with his law school, Jyo his college friend from Hyderabad who couldn't stop beaming leaning on the arm of Rahul who winked at him.

Well I really don't mind. This is all worth the wait. Shaan griined ( Yes, it had been.)

Now who is the lucky guy?? Happy birthday Shaan, one of my brother's success stories! HT who was a lookalike of Pundit Sim Sim Swami, who Shaan remembered seeing at his bachelor's party, clapped him hard on the shoulder and pumped his hand up and down. He was not bad looking, quite handsome in a certain way. He wondered who had invited him?

He's with me Shaan! Said Poo grinning widely holding on to HT's arm.

As long as he's as nice as he looks, I am happy for you Poo! Shaan said smiling feeling in a generous mood tonight, before Khanak pulled him away to meet with her family.

Papaji hugged him before giving him a small gift wrapped box. Sorry but this is a very small gift beta!

Shaan smiled at Khanak and then at her parents; You have already given me your most precious possession sir! I can't ask for anything more!

Then may I call you Bhaiya, Jiju?? Palak asked shyly, she was glowing in a peacock blue suit.

C'mon bro cut the special cake! Poo exclaimed winking at Khanak, who was keeping her fingers crossed.

Yes we really are longing for the home made taste! Ramzz said grinning as well.

Home made??

Shaan blew the candle which announced the number 30, and holding Khanak's hand in his cut the beautifully decorated chocolate cake.

This is really good! He exclaimed when Khanak put the first piece in his mouth, Don't you think so? He making her take the next bite.

Our darling Bhabhi made it with my assistance just for you bro! Pooja cheered.

He looked at his blushing wife; Morning mein Gulab Jamun aur evening mein cake! You are becoming more and more valuable to me everyday!

Chaachu here's something for you from Kash, chaachi and me! Megha said dancing onto the makeshift stage.

Shaan grinned and watched curious and Kash picked up her blue guitar and Khanak shyly picked up the microphone..then she started singing looking at him from under her long eyelashes;

Shaan watched spell bound as his wife drew him unerringly into her spell, with her sweet and melodious voice as Megha skipped and danced to the tune.

He couldn't help but join in and he pulled her into his arms, and slowly led her into a waltz, she was lost as she stared into his gold flecked brown irises; He meant each and every word he sang;

There was a hush when the song ended, all eyes focused on the gorgeous pair on stage.

OMG!! Look at them...My 2 RLBs..Muaaahhh!! Oh Sunil, get some pointers from your own son for God's sake! Mads shouted startling Shaan and Khanak.

Khanak at once blushed and moved away while Shaan smiled feeling quite embarassed.

Rahul shouted; It's our turn now, let's party yaar!

So followed a night of merriment, masti, food and drink though Khanak had limited Shaan just to two that night and he was mindful enough to follow her orders to the T. It was not only a celebration of Shaan's birthday but it was also a celebration of his having come into his own..and becoming a more mature and responsible human being.

Khanak took off her sandals and let her soles come in contact with the cool flagstones on the terrace. It was dark except for light from the new moon and the stars in the cloudless sky. She had been feeling claustrophobic downstairs, not being used to the crowds which were a common feature of the Khandelwal house parties, even though today it was limited to family and friends only. Therefore after saying goodbye to her family, she had offered to put Megha to sleep in her room; after which she had directly come to the terrace to get some fresh air.

It was pleasantly cool and quiet. She closed her eyes and immediately saw Shaan's smiling face; I want you to have everything that you ever wish for my dear, including me..I am hopelessly devoted to you.

She was also getting nervous about Shaan leaving for Chennai in the morning.

She lifted her hair and let the cool breeze touch her neck and back, she was not into wearing heavy jewellery and elaborate clothes, that's why this dress had laid untouched in the cupboard for the past 4 months, it had been part of her bridal trousseau presented to her by Shaan's mom who had requested her to wear it today, she hadn't been able to refuse.

Oh how I wish I could take them off! She thought as she tried to loosen the waist band of the heavy skirt which was digging into her skin.

She looked at the dark waters of the swimming pool and tentatively put her foot in the water.

She come up in shock spluttering for air...

She couldn't see anybody around, somebody had pushed her from behind.

She made a scramble for the side but her progress was hampered by her skirt which was getting heavier by the minute as it soaked up the water. She had to get out! She didn't want to drown!

But she found that she could't move when her feet were locked tight. She panicked and kicked feeling a thrill of satisfaction when she connected and the grip loosened, but only for a fraction of a second.

You are not going to get me you idiot, whoever you may be, mere pati ko pata chalega toh teri khair nahin! ( If my husband finds out he won't leave you alone!) She shouted gasping as she was pulled down again. Those hands had started to move up her legs touching her in the most knowing manner, strangely it was a very sensual feeling.

Shut up unless you want the whole house here as an audience! I'm so happy that you have chosen me as your guardian knight! But who will guard you against me? His voice growled in her ear.

Shantanu, what are you doing? She whispered back, trembling with a thrill of anticipation and danger. Her pulse had started to race uncontrollably.

Damn I hate this skirt though it looked beautiful on you! He unhooked the material and tossed it on to the pool side, There that's better, don't you think so my sweets? Less is always better. He crowded her into a corner.

But darling you can't... She couldn't speak anymore as he pulled her head back and licked her lips, making her moan and kiss him back hard. He then forced her mouth open and intimately explored it with his tongue.

She gasped as she felt the doris loosen and his hand slipped under her blouse.

I can't?!! What do you expect after making me so hot under the collar? Darn you made me sweat like a pig! I need to have you and have you now! He said biting her lower lip.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, he was irresistible; But what if someone sees us?

To hell with them, anyway we are married aren't we? Just lose yourself in me and forget about everything else.

She felt her fears dissolve in the cool water, replaced by a burning desire as he held her eyes in his gaze.

God I can't wait any longer, may I? She felt the pressure of his hands on her thighs.

Gosh you are weird! She exclaimed then drew a sharp breath as he claimed his price.

Later as he carried her into his room all wrapped up in a large bath towel; You are coming with me tomorrow.

But I can't, my schedule... She protested pulling out a saree from the cupboard, fortunately she had left some behind.

Damn your schedule! Remember that I am your first and only patient and my health and sanity depends on you! Say yes! He asked her anxiously while holding her firmly by the shoulders.

I can try, but can't promise! Please be reasonable Shaan! She was apologetic, for the first time she wished that she was not bound by her profession.

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Please do comment😃

Please spare a little time to consider and answer the following..

I cannot believe that HAA had continued uninterrupted for almost 7 whole months now..perhaps that will give you a hint abt me...once Simi starts she finds it hard to quit😆

I was thinking of continuing the story and hv a few scenarios in my mind..I wud also like to know what you guys think and what you'd like to see in the story in the future. Has it been an interesting journey so far??

Thank you so much for yr support!!!🤗