Anandi was upset.Ever since Saanchi had mocked her for not knowing about the hurt on Shiv's leg,her relationship with CM had taken a step back.She was getting glimpses of the initial CM who first visited Jaitser.And why wouldn't she behave so?After all,all that she was afraid about seemed to be happening.Anandi was still unable to cast away the memories of her first relationship.
Unknown to all of them,this little exchange had also been heard by Shiv.He was worried for Anandi.It was bad enough that she was going the extra mile trying to win his sister over.If ,to that list, CM and his mother were added,her task would be mammoth.She had just started taking hesitant steps in the right direction.She was trying her best to cross the bridge wasn't she?He thought of the way she had shrunk when he had hugged her soon after their wedding.Now ,she did not hesitate to find solace in his arms.Nor was she repulsed when they occasionally made contact.He felt that she was under considerable strain trying her best to take their relationship to the next plane.At such a moment,the least she needed was the added baggage of trying to win all the ladies of his family over.So,he thought of a solution.After much consideration and with considerable trepidation,he placed it front of her.
"Anandi,I am aware of what transpired between you,Saanchi and CM.Things might become difficult if we do not find a solution .What I am about to tell you might be distasteful to you…I might even fall in your esteem.But trust me,I have only your interests at heart.I have thought long and hard.Till such time that I send CM and Saanchi back to Udaipur,we must show some public display of affection to make them believe we are leading a normal life.CM is getting suspicious.I had told them that I wanted to go on a honeymoon,so we were returning to Jaitser earlier than planned.She was asking me when we were going on the same.Now that she has started smelling something fishy,things could get messy .So please Anandi…agree to this.And I am truly very sorry for placing you in this situation.
Anandi was taken aback,not so much at Shiv's proposal but at how selfless a person could be.How many times had he surprised her and he was continuing to do so.Here too,he had thought of her feelings,her comfort and her well being….placed her first.She knew that it would be much more difficult for him in trying to suppress his urges.Still,here he was looking so concernedly and apologetically at her.Words failed her.She just smiled and shook her head.Shiv was relieved.
So operation deception was launched the very next day.Anandi was in the kitchen when she felt a pair of arms around her waist.Shiv felt her give a slight jerk ."Anandi,CM is is coming this way,so please put up with me."Anandi was confused.She was not startled by Shiv touching her but by her reaction.Unlike the first time,she was not scared.Instead,she felt a hitherto indescribable sensation course through her body.Without her realizing,she arched her neck backward.Shiv was surprised.Not only did Anandi seem pliable in his arms,she seemed to be playing her part very well.He was sorely tempted to kiss that swan like neck before the harsh reality that it was an act struck him.So he just blew gently on her neck.The combination of his act ,the strength of his arms and the smell of his cologne was too potent a combination.She closed her eyes in ecstasy.No sooner than she had shut her eyes,she lost the warmth.Shiv hadbroken apart.CM had entered the kitchen.shiv was mumbling incoherently.Only Anandi's blush was genuine.CM looked at the two of them.After what she had witnessed,she wondered whether she had been too hasty.As soon as she left,Shiv started apologizing.He promised Anandi that they would soon be alone.
Over the next few days,there were few more such acts.Everytime,much as Shiv was sorely tempted ,he kept a tight rein over his emotions.Each time,a little more of his heart would break when he went away from Anandi.At times he would hope that there was just a figment of truth in Anandi's reactions,but he felt he was getting his hopes too high.He decided the sooner CM and saanchi left,the better .And if it was torture for him,God only knew what Anandi was going through.These days she seemd very silent.
Anandi,on her part,was in a muddle.She had expected to be repulsed and was afraid she would shrink everytime he touched her causing him more grief.But ,it was not happening.She found herself assailed by new emotions everytime he was in close proximity.In fact she felt lonely and empty when he broke contact.She closed her eyes.Only images of Shiv filled her mind.She touched the bangles lovingly….
Shiv broke free.Thank God CM had gone.Today was the final day of their performance.Anymore and he felt he would die of pneumonia and frustration.He lost count of the cold showers he had taken over the last week.As he turned to go,a soft hand pulled him back.When he faced Anandi,he was enveloped tightly by her.As he looked down at her,one hand snaked up his back and ruffled his hair."Anandi,"he said'"she has left.You no longer have to do this.'"No,Shiv,"she said,"its something I should have done long ago."She smiled and before he could comprehend,placed her lips on his and kissed him.After only a moment's hesitation,Shiv took over.It was a long time before there was any more talk…"Shiv,I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for all that I have put you through.Thank you for being so patient and so understanding .I really don't know what to say ,I never have had such feelings run through me as I have now.I don't seem to understand myself anymore.I am so confused that I can't think straight.But one thing,I can tell you is that when you are around me I feel alive,I laugh more ,I am filled with a joy and peace that just goes away when you walk away from me.i would have felt ashamed to tell you this before, but the person I have become ,makes me shamelessly admit that I enjoy the physical part of it so much and just can't stop wanting more. I wish it was all true and not just an act for somebody else's sake because on my part I don't know when it stopped being a drama."
'It was never a drama for me,Anandi,never for me," said Shiv and gave a laughter of joy .Tears flooded both their eyes and they held each other so tightly that even the air could not pass through
Two weeks later…..
Shiv and Anandi had come for a holiday to Udaipur.Childhood skirmishes was the topic of discussion.Saanchi wanted to prove she was smarter than her Bhabhi and mentioned an imaginary hurt on Shiv's chest.She was sure that Anandi would rise upto the bait and cut a sorry picture once more."Saanchi",Anandi's calm voice rung out,"I am well aware that he has no such scar over there'"But I do have one ," said Shiv walking in.Saanchi was joyous and Anandi was confused."Saanchi ,it is not a scar but a fresh wound.And Mom I think that answers your question as to why Anandi has trimmed her nails."Both ladies laughed aloud.Saanchi felt like she had been slapped yet another time.And Anandi hid her face in Shiv's chest as he hugged her and placed a gentle kiss on her hair
