Anandi and Shiv sat nestled against each other on the sofa.Though the television was on,both their thoughts were far away.Shiv rested his chin on Anandi's head, tucking the occasional stray strands of her lustrous hair behind her ear dropping a gentle kiss now and then.He was thanking Godfor being so kind to him… sending Anandi into his life.No doubt she had initial reservations in expressing her love,but once she overcame her inner demons,she had loved him the true Anandi way.As she put her heart and soul into everything,so too did she love Shiv…wholeheartedly,unconditionally,giving more than she received.Shiv smiled.He had never felt this loved or pampered in his life,and the fact that it was for a lifetime made it double sweeter.
Anandi, on her part was absentmindedly drawing patterns on Shiv's chest.She could not have been luckier in life.And her biggest blessing was sitting next to her.His kind,she had thought ,existed only in the perfect world…handsome in both mind and body.And to think he loved her, and her only ,with no eyes for anyone else.There were moments when she regretted she took so long to acknowledge her love for him.But then,she had ,hadn't she?With him by her side ,patiently egging her on,she had fought her demons,driven away her ghosts and made the final move.And from then on her life had been sheer bliss and a voyage of discovery.She blushed as she thought of their lovemaking.To begin with,he had been the tender lover ,ever watchful,taking care not to frighten her.Just like evterything else,so too even in this matter,Shiv had realized that she was very inexperienced without her voicing it.He had patiently helped her in her journey initially.As she got her bearings,their love life had shifted to a different plane altogether.Now he was the passionate husband letting his desires flow freely,not holding back.And,on her part,she had begun to match him step for step. She had even begun to take the initiative.Anandi was surprised at how brazen she could be at times.These days,it was not rare to see love bites on her or scratch marks on him.
The peaceful silence was disturbed by the shrill ringing of the phone.it was dadisa calling them over for lunch and thereafter to discuss the new project at the hospital.
Lunch was an enjoyable affair with much noise and bantering.Anandi and Shiv playfully teased each other ,oblivious of the surprised glances others threw their way.They were stunned to see Anandi being so free with Shiv.But alongside was the happiness that she had found her true love….for their love shone like a beacon illuminating them and wrapping them in a protective cocoon.Finally it was time for dessert.Imagine the look on their faces when dadisa asked Gehna to place juicy ripe mangoes on the table.Everybody thought back to Shiv's first visit and had a hearty laugh.Shiv,being the sport he was accepted the good natured teasing.And this time too ,it was the same story.
Anandi led Shiv to the bathroom .She was constanly chattering away,reprimanding him on being such a kid as far as eating mangoes were concerned.She looked so cute as she talked non stop,shaking her head.All thoughts of decorum fled from Shiv's mind.He swooped down and crushed her lips.Anandi was too startled at first.Soon passion filled every fibre of her being,as was always the case when he kissed her.She deepened the kiss and moved closer to him trying to fuse their bodies into one.Her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they ran up his back finally settling to unbutton his shirt.Shiv felt charged as he ran his fingers up her body.All rational thought eluded both of them.
" Anandi,Shiv",the jarring voice forcefully landed them with a thud in the real world.Both were gasping for breath and flushed."Let's go home right away,Anandi'''pleaded Shiv.Anandi could read the desperation in his voice.'But dadisa and her hospital project",she thought.Anandi ran a hand lovingly against Shiv's cheek and went out.
As Shiv came out,Dadisa looked up."So sorry Shiv beta that you have to go so urgently.It must be very important for bhim Singh to bring it over on a Sunday.Anandi,why Don't you stay back.Will ask Makhan to drop you back later.""oh no dadisa! It is absolutely imperative that I be there with him.It involves certain matters that the sarpanch also has to deal with."
The drive to CH was made in silence.As they got down,Shiv extended his arms and Anandi willingly went into its comfort.As they walked inside,she felt his chest shaking.As she looked up,he stopped and stared long and hard at her.Anandi lifted her eyebrows questioningly.Shiv pointed to her nose.She could not make out what was wrong with it.
'Remind me ,Anandi,never to make light of any of your thoughts.I never believed you…but aapki naak ab sach me phul gayi Sarpanch ji",Shiv chuckled in mirth.As she plummeled his chest affectionately and ineffectively ,Shiv hooted and hoisted her in his arms.Their laughter died down and was replaced by a look so fired with passion.And with their lips fusing ,he carried her across the threshold to enter a world where they would be one yet again.
Seher Hone Ko Hai
