She walks in Beauty...Th 2 chap-31 pg-140 - Page 30

Originally posted by: achdata3

Not a problem...

Take care of your health.

Don't worry we will wait for you chapter...

Originally posted by: hemaa27

Take care sweetheart. We can wait...

Get well soon.

Originally posted by: jayasree.rao

Pansy,

Take care of your health first. We will wait. Surprising that the doctor of the week has fallen ill. wish you a speedy recovery.

Originally posted by: Anjani9

No problem...don't worry...take rest and have lots of water...

Originally posted by: bc123456

Really sorry to hear

Would u like

Sending

Chapter 22

Decked up in anarkali dress, combination of creamy white chiffon and velvety blue, bodice exhibiting gorgeous and colourful zari along with resham embroidery embellished with stones and pearls, head clad with sprawled dupatta, ears flaunting diamond dangles.

"There is no need to put dupatta on your head...let me tie your hair then" that's how Anji protested when she took the loose end of her dupatta and put on her head.

The gleam in his eyes every time he saw her clad with dupatta... flaunted before her eyes...looking at her reflection in the mirror one final time... "He used to visualise me this way always!...what else could the gleam in his eyes mean then...Oh God!...little blush graces her cheeks"

"You can't understand Anji...let it be here"

Anji frowns and shakes her head in dismay... "Okay let us move"

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

All heads turns towards the stair...it seemed an epitome of elegance and beauty descending from the heavens above only for him...some eyes turn in awe and envy, some gleamed in yearning...

Arman shaking Ashutosh, "Ashu release your breath buddy" hearing Arman's words everyone turn to look at him...who in his daze gave a tentative look to Arman and turn his gaze back to the object of his fascination...the eyes remain locked and everyone's giggle break his reverie.

Ashutosh lowers his eyes only to raise them back to meet the Nidhi's eyes... still watching him unblinkingly deeply in the trance since her eyes caught him...obviously he was the first person her eyes looked for, the moment she stepped down the first step towards the hall. Her eyes smouldered devouring the sight...tall dark handsome prince charming she used to fantasise in her childhood...but this prince was way ahead the princely image of her fantasy.

"Nidhi I know Jejaji is looking charmingly handsome but stop devouring him so unabashedly" Anji's words break Nidhi's trance staining her cheeks with red and making her to lower her eyes.

Ashutosh'a heart leaps out to the sight...blushing cheeks, eyes lowered and head clad in dupatta some where it concurs with his fantasies, and yearning grips his heart and mind.

Dadi bua and shyama aunty getting in the way of his gaze throng Nidhi taking Kajal from their eyes and marking a speck behind her ear to protect her from anything unpleasant, making Ashutosh to frown. But the frown gets erased instantly the moment she becomes visible to his eyes again. Dadi Bua helps her walk up to him and blesses the couple placing hands softly on their heads in blessing.

Dadi bua makes them to sit in the three seater couch and asks for pandith ji's permission to start the shagun. Pandith ji nods and begins to recite some mantras while Dadi bua and sneha do the tilak of Ashutosh and Nidhi respectively and exchanging some gifts. All clap when pandith ji declares the shagun is done.

Nidhi steals a chance to look at him and he returns the glance looking through the corner of his eyes while playing with Riya who was enjoying seeing her Achu and Mashi together. Sneha takes a piece of sweet and makes Ashutosh to bite...when he opens his mouth she retreats her hand a bit saying "Don't eat whole leave some for her" and offers him the sweet again.

Ashutosh grabs her hand and takes towards the Nidhi's lips, "let her take the first bite then"

Sneha looks at him with wide eyes and turns to Baba, "Baba is he the same Ashu we knew" making all laugh and Baba giving a fond look to his son.

Nidhi takes a small bite timidly and then sneha stuffs the whole piece in Ashutosh's mouth every body laugh at that and start exchanging sweets with one another. Ashutosh seeing every one busy glides his hand slowly towards Nidhi's hand, caressing her hand for a while he entwines his fingers with her then gives a small squeeze making her to look towards him. Looking fondly and contentedly at each other...they savoured a private moment...in everyone's presence. Baba's voice catches their attention and they turn to look towards him.

"Pandith ji as I talked to you early morning can they exchange their rings this time...we still have good mahurat?"

"Pandith ji nods...yes Dr. Sahib they can exchange their rings but I suggest after 15 minutes"

"Good! Till then why don't you find a suitable mahurat for their wedding?"

Pandith ji starts finding a mahurat and all watch him impatiently...Ashutosh's heart jumps with joy hearing Baba's words...he gives a gentle squeeze to Nidhi's hand...Nidhi now draping her dupatta on one side was hiding their hands perfectly under it... making her to lower her head suppressing her smile.

"There are three mahurats in coming six months one is exactly after one month another after two and half months and third one is on 15^th in the sixth month"

"I think mahurat after one month is okay, what say?" Baba turns to look at all and especially to his son who seemed happy with the proposal...Col. Verma looks at her daughter but couldn't read much behind her shy expression...every one turns to see what Col. was looking at, and wait for Nidhi's answer.

She shyly asks "Can't we decide that later, Nanu?"

"Sure! Beta why not?" Ashutosh frowns looking at Nidhi but smiles after sometime thinking he will talk to her later.

All get up to begin preparations for the engagement ceremony. And within minutes Sneha and Anji come with their respective rings. Ashutosh was the first one to present the ring when he takes the ring from Sneha who was holding the box amidst flowers on a tray...he gets surprised, eyes popped he looks at sneha and then at Arman who winks in response and gestures him to put the ring in her finger. He turns makes her wear the ring looking adorably at her...Nidhi who had also taken the ring from a similar tray from Anji makes him to wear hers...All clap in jubilation...They seek everyone's blessings together first time as a couple and that seemed heartening to Ashutosh after last nights turmoil she was finally his. Finally their relation was able to gain the credence he wished for.

After done with the rituals...Arman started yelling with the hunger pangs and Dadi bua and shyma hurry to set the table.

Arman gets a scold from sneha, "Who can say you are Riya's father? She is more patient in hunger than you"

"Sneha you know when I'm happy no quantity of meal is enough to satisfy my hunger"

"And what quantity satisfies you when you are not so happy?" rebuts Ashutosh.

"Come on, why are you all hell-bent to pull my sons leg?" speaks Baba

Arman finds a rescue, "Just see Baba...how great my friend and wife are?"

"Come on! Stop your drama and have your lunch and don't forget you are to be slaughtered very soon."

"Ah! What a slaughter it would be! Slaughter by the great neurosurgeon!"

Ashutosh throws Riya's ball at him...and Riya giggles in amusement...all were enjoying their banter when col. verma spoke up in a serious tone.

"I sincerely want to apologise Dr. Ashutosh...I should have told you...but I was bound by their promise...you may not be knowing your Baba was a party in all this"

"I was a party but It was all Arman's doing...he wanted to see your reaction on Yog's refusal...since yog didn't agree to that he played the drama"

Arman receives a glare from Ashutosh and Col. Verma continues, "there was no chance of saying no to the proposal...I trusted my daughter's decision...I had more trust on my upbringing...the way I brought her up there was no question having doubt on her selection...Nidhi's eyes shine and turn moist looking fondly at her Baba...I won't deny that still there was a father in me that had some qualms but whatever doubts I had all vanished during Mahesh's hospitalisation... I met Ashutosh in Hospital and got to know him...It was purely due to the father in me that hold me up otherwise I had full trust on Baba's upbringing...if I loved Nandni for all the great values Baba had inculcated in her...and how come Ashutosh's upbringing would have been any different...definitely that were Baba's values that spoke in him...turning to Arman... when he said he will wait for our acceptance...when I came to know that...even father in me couldn't say no to the proposal...turning towards Ashutosh and Nidhi...I'm proud of my daughter's decision"

Nidhi couldn't hold herself she gets up and leaps towards her father who held her in side hug. Ashutosh seeing the daughter and father turning emotional moves forward and speaks, "Sir I want to thank you for the trust you reposed in me and I assure you I would never let you down."

Col. Verma pulls him also in hug saying, "I trust you my Boy...don't think this Col. missed the joy my daughter beamed in past few months"...that surprises Nidhi she comes out of the hug to look at her father... "You forgot your father is a retired Col."...that makes them to laugh...and speaking to Ashutosh... "And what is this Sir? Dr. Ashutosh...you are soon to be life partner of my daughter"...seeing hesitation in Ashutosh's eyes... " Ashutosh... beta! In our country we respect relations...love and affection derives how we value persons around us...according to Indian philosophy...One human needs to respect another human irrespective of their age...no wonder we respect and treat our elder brother as our father...the elder sister- in- law becomes our bhabi ma...such things happens only in our country"

Ashutosh smiles and responds in a very soft tone, "Thank you..Papa!"...Nidhi's eyes glitter with happiness...Col. Verma holds him in a hug... "I'm happy to have a son like you" and pats him at his back. Ashutosh's eyes gleaming with inexpressible joy look at Nidhi...and seeing the joy reflecting on her face he kisses at her in air...her eyes wide open she turns to look around and when her eyes meet Arman's eyes who was smiling at them...she blushes and lowers her gaze.

Ashutosh come out of hug and looks smilingly at Col.verma...who in return place hands on their heads saying, "Gold bless you and may you live a long happy life"

"Can we have lunch now...or you have planed to make me die starving Ashu"

Ashutosh shakes his head exasperated and all get up to move towards the table...Arman comes forward and hold his friend in a hug...then gives a side hug to Nidhi and Congratulates them saying, "I'm sorry Ashu...I couldn't help... I got a chance after a long time to rag you...how could I've missed the chance...then I got the chance to see immense joy on your face...which I longed to see all these years...how could I've missed that"

"I'll teach you a lesson...don't worry Arman"

"You can't do a thing now... she is here to protect me" placing arm around Nidhi and raising eyebrows to Ashutosh.

Who in return gives a Dr. Heartstone glare that he slips away from there.

Then Dr. Rangnath and Anji comes forward to congratulate them...Dr. Rangnath had been watching Ashutosh dumbstruck...the reserved, reticent boss enjoying his life's greatest moment...he was truly feeling happy for him...his eyes conveyed much more than he managed to utter , "Congratulations on your engagement, Sir" and Ashutosh understanding the sentiments of love pulls him into a hug. Anji comes forward and hugs Nidhi.

"If all of you are done... let me remind you sir you still owe the treat"

"How can I forget Rohan? You never visited Lucknow since that day" answered Ashutosh.

"I know Sir! Just joking!...Congratulations Sir!"

"Thank you Rohan."

After lunch elders settled themselves in couches discussing marriage plans...Sneha helped Hiraman Kaka in clearing the table...Riya was playing with Rohan...Anji, Rangnath and Nidhi were watching the greenery outside through the open window...Arman and Ashutosh were still on dining table discussing something:

"Arman how come you got that ring?"

"It's your engagement Ashu...how I could have bought any other ring for Nidhi! Obviously that had to be of your choice...and what better option I had than that?...you know on that day in Mumbai when you bought that anklet for Nidhi...I heard you talking to that sales girl...I saw the disappointment in your eyes when she told you the ring is sold out...next day early morning I gave them the order to make another one...and here I got that for your Nidhi!"

Ashutosh turns his gaze to look at Nidhi...My Nidhi!... "Thank you Arman!"...Nidhi in her antics was pointing towards something outside window while talking to Dr. Rangnath and that was enough to distract Ashutosh. He gets up saying, "Arman come lets move out"...he walks up to the window and makes them to turn and look at him when he asks, "What is going on?"

"Nothing serious Sir... just were enjoying the view outside"

"Lets us move out then...and enjoy better"

Dr. Rangnath: "Sure sir!"

Sneha and Arman were already moving out...Anji gestured Rohan as she saw Baba napping...and all turn to move out...Nidhi stopped Anji saying, "you guys carry on I'll join you in a minute...I'll change this dress" Ashutosh who was ahead walking with Arman and Sneha, heard her talking to Anji. They were waiting for her on the pathway...when she joined them back within moments still in the same dress...Anji asks:

"You said you want to change but you are in the same dress"

Stealing a look at Ashutosh, "Yes I thought why to keep you all waiting...I'll change later"

Anji didn't miss the gleam in her eyes while she said that...as all started their walk towards the lake... she pulled her to the side and asked, "What is going on?"

"What?"

"Why didn't you change?"

"Because your Jiju didn't want me to"

She looks in surprise towards Ashutosh...and he watching them returned her glance with a smile.

Anji, Rangnath and Rohan were seeing the house and its surroundings for the first time so they were mesmerised by the beauty surrounding the house...when they walked near the well maintained lush green garden area...Anji exclaimed in joy, "This so beautiful Jiju" he smiled in response saying "there is lot more to explore"

Nidhi walking upto the stream, "Just see Anji how the waterfall in this stream pierces the serene atmosphere here...it seems like a lullaby"

Anji treads on the pebble and touches the water...Riya yells in excitement...Nidhi takes little water and sprinkles on Riya...that excites her more...and she moves forward to touch the water herself...Nidhi pulls her up and makes her to sit on the pebble...first she gets scared and yells "Mashi" but when her feet touch the water she loves it...she tries to get up and paddle along...sneha gets scared "No Riya" and she sits back on the pebble...Rohan takes a few pics of her and Nidhi pulls her back and she yells "Mashi No"...Sneha grabs her in her arms saying, "No lets us play here...here is your ball"...Riya got miffed she took the ball and threw into the water. Arman quickly jumps into the stream and grabs the ball...Riya was jumping in joy!...My ball! My ball!

When Arman handed her the ball she tried to push that back into the water...Rohan stops her and kicks her ball faraway... "Go get your ball"... "No...sea!"...Rohan frowns... "What is this sea Arman ji?"... "Oh! She means this stream...we live near the sea beach...so she calls it sea"...when she again tries to go near the stream...Arman says, "I think it's better to move from here...let us move towards the backyard".

All agree and Ashutosh asks, "When are we going back?"

Arman: Back? We are staying here for the night Ashu...we'll leave tomorrow from here...We've our flight in the morning"

Ashutosh's heart did a jig in joy...A night with Nidhi! "I'll have to leave then...you guys enjoy!"

"Leave?" ... "yes Arman...I'll have to go...I need to check my patients...I'll be back soon" he added the last sentence intentionally seeing disappointment on Nidhi's face.

All move towards the backyard and he turns to leave giving one final look to Nidhi.

When he was moving out of the house after changing the clothes he saw Nidhi waiting for him near the car... "You here!"... "Hmn"... "I'm sorry...you know how much I want to be with you and enjoy and celebrate this moment of ours...but love I operated upon the patients in the morning...I need to check them...but I promise I'll come back soon"

"I understand...but promise me you'll drive slowly" he was touched...only I know how much I pinned to have a lonely moment with you...but now when we are alone...I can't talk to you if I get swayed...there is no way out for my return...I have to be at hospital...he nods his head and without a word he turns his gaze away from her and gets into the car...driving away looking at her through his rear view mirror till she is out of his gaze.

Nidhi move to the backyard and joined the others...after exploring some area for an hour as it wasn't possible to delve into those woods spread on acres of land...they turned back. Dadi bua and shyama had already made some snacks for evening tea and were waiting for them to return. The moment they returned and freshened up tea was served...sipping tea together and hearing Col. verma's acts of valour during his span of service in Army was all fun.

Dadi bua turned to all and asked "what are you going to have for dinner...if there is any special wish let me know...every one's favourite dish will be prepared...It's very special day for my grand daughter"

Col. verma: Bua can I suggest something for your grand daughter's special day...I mean if all agree we can have a bonfire party...what say?

Baba exclaimed... "Wow that will be great... if we can do that" and everyone joined Baba in chorus "yes"

"Yes we can do that...all we need is to gather tinder, kindling and small, medium and large logs."

"But we'll still need something to eat or you think bonfire is enough for dinner tonight"

"You don't worry bua...we'll prepare our dinner there...there is nothing more comforting and delicious...than cooking in the glow of dancing bonfire"

"Okay! As you wish"

"Now I want Dr. Rangnath, Arman and Rohan to get all the material required for bonfire...Anji, Nidhi and Sneha...you get aluminium foil, water-soaked wooden skewers, cheese, honey, rosemary, chilli soup, potatoes, butter and sour cream if we have any, bread, fresh and dried fruits"

All get to their jobs and soon the backyard was glowing with bonfire...mattresses were laid around the bonfire...music player was placed at one corner and everything was looking great... as there was enough time for dinner all enjoyed music, jokes and pranks played by Rohan and Arman and waited for Ashutosh to return...Riya and her antics also remained centre of attention for some time as she too was enjoying the glittering fire though Sneha had hard time protecting and taking care of her till she finally fell into a deep sleep after having her dinner.

Nidhi was little down missing Ashutosh immensely but she managed to hide her inner discontent. Arman sensing her displeasure called Ashutosh, "He is on his way back to home...I think we shall start preparations for dinner". The glow on Nidhi's face was obvious hearing the news.

All agree and Col. Verma begins the process...he gets excited "wow camembert and sweetened ricotta...we had this?"

Nidhi looks sheepishly at Col. verma... "Baba Rohan bought that from nearby mall"

"I knew it!...you and your weakness for cheese"

He removes the Camembert round from its wooden package and wrapping. Soaks the wooden package in water; replace the cheese and top with honey and rosemary. Cooked the cheese-filled package in the fire.

He also wrapped microwaved soft potatoes individually in foils and puts on a grate to cook in the fire.

He also kept ready the chilly soup to heat before serving.

They all were waiting for the food to cook when the soft music on the music player changes playing a beautiful song...all turn to look and check who changed the music...but there was no one...Rohan answered, "I changed the music...I thought the wait for the food will turn sweet"

All nod and turn back their attention to the food when Rohan gestured Nidhi towards the tree...She turns to look and finds Ashutosh watching her in dark leaning against the tree. The moment her eyes catch him he blew a kiss to her...her heart thumped she looked around seeing everyone busy she raises her eyes back to him...So he played the song...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPD3H1AZqhE

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda, Juda, Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Aaj Se Yeh Kaise Ansuni Se Jaise
Choome Andheron Ko Koi Noor..
Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Wu..Sirf Keh Jaaun Yaar...Aasmaan Pe Likh Doon
Teri Taareefon Mein...Chashme Baddoor.. O..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai...Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda Juda Juda Hai...Kahin Door..O..

Bhoori Bhoori Aanhein Teri
Kankhiyon Se Tezz Kitne Chhode
Dhaani Dhaani Baatein Teri
Udte Phirte Panchiyonke Rukh Bhi Mode

Adhoori Thi Zara Si...Main Poori Ho Rahi Hoon
Tere Saadgi Mein...Hoke Choor..O..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda Juda Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Raatein Ginke, Neendein Bun Ke
Cheez Kya Hai Khwaabdaari Hum Ne Jaani
Tere Sur Ka, Saaz Ban Ke
Hoti Kya Hai Raagdaari Hum Ne Jaani

Jo Dil Ko Bhaa Rahi Hai
Woh Teri Shaayari Hai
Ya Koi Shaarayaana Hai Fitoor..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda, Juda, Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Aaj Se Yeh Kaise Ansuni Se Jaise
Choome Andheron Ko Koi Noor..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Wu..Sirf Keh Jaaun Yaar Aasmaan Pe Likh Doon
Teri Taareefon Mein Chashme Baddoor..O..

When the song ends he comes forward and makes himself visible to everyone's eyesNidhi was almost in a tranceRohan was first one to notice, "Ah! Dr. Ashutosh is here"

Baba: "Come beta we were waiting for youand when he noticesgood you have changed and freshened up already"

Anji who was sitting next to Nidhi gets up to offer him the place next to herhe murmurs a thank you in response.

When everyone's attention turns back to cooking she steals a chance and asks in a murmur, "What was that song for?"

"To express the pent-up feelings I have been waiting to express all dayand I couldn't control myself when I saw you still wearing the same dressthank you"

She looks at him eyes wide open "What are you doing?"

"Trying to hold your hand"

"Everyone is around!"

He shrugs his shoulders, "Put your dupatta to some use"

She gives a squint look in response and hides their hands under her dupattaAshutosh suppressed his smile.

Col. Verma declares "I think dinner is ready"

The Camembert was cooked until the box started to char; he carefully removed the box from the fire and served the delicious, gooey contents with crusty bread and sliced fresh and dried fruit. The reheated chilly soup was also served. He served the potatoes with melted butter and sour cream. The food was delicious and every one was relishing.

Ashutosh: "Papa I didn't knowyou know cooking"

"I'm army man betawe are trained to know everything"

"And whose idea was this bonfire party"

Nidhi answers, "This was Baba's ideaour lori's always turned to be like thisand turns to her fatherBaba my ricotta?"

"Almost done Beta.I've already placed some apples in foil"Col. Verma had cored the apple filled with butter and sweetened ricotta"

After done with dinner elders retire to their rooms and rest chatted for a while...then Arman, Sneha and Rohan took their leave saying that they have a flight to board early morning...and after some time Anji and Rangnath also thought it fit to leave the to be bride and groom alone.

The fire was not so bright... under the dim light Nidhi straightened her dupatta feeling his gaze... Ashutosh was lying on the mattress with his head on a bolster...he extended his hand asking for her and when she offered her hand he pulled her to himself...she was now on his side...leaning forward with her elbows on his chest...he gave her a soft pull making her softness to touch against his hard chest and that laid bare to his eyes the velvety soft cleavage...his eyes darted to cherish...the desire made his body to stiffen...the cringe in him makes her to look in to his eyes and when she notices what his eyes were gazing...she snuggles to him and burrows her head in his chest...Ashutosh pulled her atop and held her in a bear hug...he realised both their hearts were thumping...after some time he twirls her to his side with her head lying on his strong arm...she was flushing and the cold breeze touching their hot skins was tickling their senses...kissing her flushed cheeks he called her... "Nidhi! Open your eyes please"... "Please"... "Love"...seeing her not responding he continues... "Okay! I'm sorry" she promptly opens her eyes making him smile and kiss her forehead...she burrows her head in his chest saying "let us go to our rooms now"... "Why? You don't want to be with me?...I've pinning all day for this moment"

"This is not Mumbai if you have forgotten we have all our elders around us"

"What has Mumbai and Lucknow got to do with that...and if you have forgotten let me remind you...early morning you were found in your own bedroom on that day"

"And what if some one finds us here before that"

"First No one can come here so late in the night...and second if someone sees us like this...tightening his hug... I don't care now...you are now mine"

"Now?"

"I mean to say officially...he pulls her arm out and grabbing her hand he smacks a kiss on her engagement ring"

"So shameless"

"I haven't done anything yet that I should be ashamed of"...with that he starts nuzzling her neck...the sensations make her to curl her toes...Ashutosh placing his leg on hers starts kissing her neckline and Nidhi twirls herself that only gave Ashutosh better access...he frantically starts caressing her neck again holding her gripped under him...nipping the sides of her neck...tasting the crook...moving up to her jaw line...the way she was twisting under him was turning a turn on...when he removes her earrings and takes her earlobe...she moans and manages to puff out "Ashutosh!" ...that pulls him out of his frenzied state...realising she was gasping holding him at his shoulders...her nails digging in his arms...he chides himself and pulls her into a hug...holding her tightly to himself...giving her intermittent kisses at her head...till they both calm themselves...Nidhi wasn't unaware of his state and the way he holds himself back makes her to fall for him all over again.

After holding each other in embrace for a long time... Nidhi stirs and comes out of the hug...her head lying on his arm...she looks at him mesmerizingly...he wasn't asleep but kept his eyes closed...finding difficult to resist she kisses him at his lips and his lips curl in to a grin seeing him smiling she hides her head in the crook of his neck.

"What was that?" she shakes her head in response and snuggles more to him.

Burying his fingers in her hair...he starts caressing her head... "I'm Sorry"

"Sorry for loving me"

Taking a deep breath... "Can I ever feel sorry for that?...just this wasn't the right time and it disturbs me...adds to my pain...but I can't resist"

"Disturbs you?"

"Hmn...You know after that night in Mumbai...how I spent my nights... how I missed holding you in my arms...how empty I felt"

She kisses him in response at the place where her lips were touching his chest...he digs his fingers in her head and she closes her eyes tightly...feeling her body stiffen he pulls her out and asks distracting her or rather them... "Hey! I forgot to ask...you liked the ring?

She looks at him surprised... "Yes I loved it but why are you asking?"

"You know when I saw the ring in that jewellery store in Mumbai...your delicate finger wearing the ring flaunted before my eyes...at that very moment I thought to buy this for you... not knowing this is going to be your engagement ring... but the ring was already sold out...she frowns hearing that...next day Arman had ordered the ring and bought that for me. Nidhi places a kiss on her ring "thank you for selecting my engagement ring"...he could see the happiness in her eyes hearing that her engagement ring is of his choice.

"And how you find the one I chose for you?"

"You chose it?...he pouts...so you were knowing all this"

"No I didn't know...when I returned from hospital...Baba told me to select one ring as they were selecting the ring that time...I resisted and that compelled them to reveal the truth...Baba had on purpose called the jeweller home at that time"

"And you didn't find it fit to inform me...you knew what I was going through"

"You think I can see you in pain...I was left with no choice when Arman Bhaya made me to swear upon you that I'll hold my tongue"

He kissed her lips...then both the rings on their hands...she raised her hand and softly fondled his eye lashes making him to close his eyes... "Have some sleep...you couldn't sleep well last night"...He cuddles her closing his eyes and she ruffled his hair softly till he fell into a deep sleep.