It had been two months since Soumya's surgery, after her initial stay at the hospital her surgical incisions had healed rapidly and she had been allowed to go home. For Harman however Soumya was still very much weak and needed his attention and care. He could not forget her pallid form on the hospital bed and deemed it necessary for her to take complete rest. He had not allowed her to step in the kitchen and had with Suhana's help learnt to make palatable food. Soumya with his selfless love and care had recovered rapidly, she had tried to explain to Harman countless times that she felt fine but Harman would take no heed. Bored and listless she would watch tv and fret over Harman's increased responsibilities. One such evening when Harman burnt his hand while making chapatis she had lost her cool. "Aap maan kyun nahin letey meri baat haath jala liya apna" her face had grown pink in consternation. She had taken his hand in her own blowing on it gently and had later dragged him to the sink opening the faucet she ran cold water on his burns. Harman had smiled watching her fuss over his minor injury, this was the Soumya he had wanted back hail and hearty. He noticed she had become more expressive in her emotions towards him, be it anger or admiration or love he could see the hue of each sentiment on her face painting a beautiful kaleidoscope for him. Observing him standing mutely gazing at her had made Soumya tongue tied, ever since her surgery she had dreamed of their unification body and soul but had been perturbed when Harman had maintained his distance.
True he took her out for walks and grocery shopping to keep her busy but he did not let her venture far on her own neither had he allowed her freedom in the bedroom which had her agitated. She did not understand his restrain and found it hard to avoid his endearing gazes that set her heart on fire. She was upset and he had a fair idea why, it had been no picnic for him to control his raging desires but he feared he might hurt her and that sole thought would extinguish any passion ignited by her. That weekend Aryan and Suhana had invited them for dinner to celebrate Soumya's successful recovery and their wedding anniversary. It had been a small gathering of select friends, the dinner had been arranged at a nearby restaurant and the evening had passed in pleasant conversation. While sipping on drinks Aryan had noticed Harman steal glances at his gorgeous wife, Soumya had decided on an orange and black saree with thread work and zari. She was the center of attention at the party reaping compliments on her beauty and excellent fashion sense. "Ab kyun chori chupey dekh raha hai bhabhi ko?" Aryan had taunted a lovelorn Harman. "Nahin to" Harman had refuted immediately knowing full well that Soumya stood within earshot distance. "Mama tuu kisi aur ko banana tujhey to main bachpan sey jaanta huun" Aryan had laughed heartily the alcohol ruling his senses. Harman had sipped his Martini in silence, the conversation though had reached Soumya's ears who had smiled at the knowledge that she was not alone on the path of scorching desires.
Much later when the guests had started filing out and Harman and a drunk Aryan were bickering on who got to pay the bill Suhana had settled on a love seat in the restaurant's lounge making Soumya join her while they waited for their husbands. Soumya's indolence that evening had not escaped Suhana's trained eyes and she had inquired about the same. Soumya though was reluctant to divulge into any details regarding her bedroom activities and had stayed mum causing Suhana to investigate. She had noticed the strained silence between Harman and Soumya but had decided to turn a blind eye to the matter. She of course had a better plan in mind. That night as Harman slept a restless Soumya had taken to the windows crying her heart out, she wondered if Harman had lost all interest in her and that what she had seen at the restaurant was just a mirage, a trick of the lights or the effect of alcohol. If Harman did desire her he would have made it clear as he had in the past. Her tears had dripped on her hands while she stifled her sobs unaware of the fact that Harman indeed was witness to her woes. He had sighed then getting up he had silently padded on the thick carpet standing beside her, the wind had blown in gently yet the iciness wasn't amiss. He could smell the jasmine scent of her freshly shampooed hair, the earthen smell that was her own. He observed her unaware of his presence sharing her pain with the stars part of him wanted to kiss her wet plump lips insane and to own her in that very moment but the other more rational part disallowed any such actions.
His hand had pushed her curtain of hair away exposing her milky neck to him and he had given in to his primal need for her, dipping his head he had placed his hot lips on her smooth skin making her sigh. He had felt her relax in his hold her hands had reached for his entwining their fingers, she was so giving so pure he shuddered at the thought of hurting her, that was never an option. She had sensed the warring thoughts running through his mind and had turned to him her eyes glazed lips sealed, her hazel pools complaining and he had closed his own in misery. It was pure torture to be near her yet not own her, every inch of that smooth skin belonged to him... him alone. He had wanted to leave yet he noticed her hand still held his, "Aur kitna intezaar kerna hoga mujhey?" she had whispered and the tears had settled on her pink cheeks. "Soumya main tumhain dard..." his words were left unspoken when she had hiccuped hiding her face in her palms she had cried. There was nothing left to say, he was disillusioned by fear and she could do nothing to abate it. He had tried to pry away her hands yet she had not allowed him and had exited the room breathing in the same space as him was torment and she did not have the heart to bear any more of it.
Harman had walked to the bed throwing himself on the mattress he wanted to go after her, call her and make her sleep in his arms yet he understood if he did do that he wouldn't be able to stop himself from making her his in every possible way. Making up his mind to get a final verdict from the doctor on her health he had closed his eyes again in an attempt to sleep, impossible he knew since Soumya was very much awake and in pain. The next morning he had taken an appointment with Dr. Baker and they had proceeded to meet her that afternoon, Soumya had complied with a thudding heart. She too wanted to get rid of the grim cloud of separation that hung low on them, thankfully for her the doctor had deemed her completely healthy. Soumya had been overjoyed with her clean bill of health making Harman smile at her happiness. That evening after treating her to Turkish coffee and sweets he had gifted her a diamond ring slipping it on her finger at the cafe. She had looked at him startled by his touch, the warmth of his body seeping in her. "Yeh!" she had asked confused "Terey liye hai... socha tha tujhey kisi buhut achey mouqey per duunga aur aaj woh hai" he had smiled watching her lovingly and Soumya had lowered her eyes overcome by a sudden wave of shyness.
Aryan and Suhana had been informed of the good news who had then given Harman a surprise of his own. "Meet us at the Hyatt sharp at 7:00pm" Aryan had ordered a puzzled Harman "Oh and bring Soumya along" he had chortled while Suhana had shushed him. Nonetheless Harman had taken Soumya to the Hyatt Regency that evening who had been spellbound by the elegance and luxurious setting. Aryan and Suhana had treated them to a lavish dinner exchanging meaningful glances throughout the meal making Harman suspicious of their activities, Soumya of course remained blissfully unaware of the scheming duo supping in silence. After dinner while Harman and Aryan lounged at the bar Suhana had whisked Soumya away to the private suite on the 8th floor of the hotel. Soumya was further befuddled to see the Suite peppered with Madonna lilies and the king size bed strewn with fresh rose petals. "Suhana bhabhi yeh sab..." she had wanted to ask but Suhana had not let her utter another syllable. She had handed her a heavy maroon lehenga and had ushered her to the large en suite bathroom to change. "Magar main kyun?" Soumya was completely puzzled, she had no idea that Aryan and Suhana had arranged a romantic night for Harman and her. Changing into the heavy yet elegant attire Soumya had been further taken aback to see Suhana ready with a variety of cosmetics. "Bhabhi please bataiye na yeh sab kya hai?" she had questioned. "Ab yeh bhi batana pareyga tumko Soumya?" Suhana had teased Soumya while she stared at her dumbfounded. Whatever did she mean by that now... and then understanding had dawned on her... this was it, the moment she had hoped prayed and waited for.
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