If only he would listen- SS

Part 1

Angad experienced an eerie sensation when he approached the dining table for breakfast.Something was not quite right.He scanned the room but found nothing abnormal.Everyone was seated and eating their normal fare,atleast that's what he thought until he noticed Sahiba's plate.He gulped.She had served herself with her usual rotis,except she she had also decided to spread copious amounts of what seemed to be Nutella.His stomach churned at the thought of all that sugar early in the morning.What was wrong with her? ,he pondered.She appeared physically healthy to him and did not have any pressing deadlines which could've precipitated the stress.

There were two options,either she was pregnant or ......his mind refused to consider a slightly more terrifying possibility.Catching her thunderous expression,he decided to blend into the surroundings and avoid her fury at all costs.He tiptoed to the chair beside her and pulled it out,wincing at the grating noise it made.Thankfully no one paid him much attention except for Ekam who gave him a murderous stare before returning to her toast......which ,he realised to his horror.....was covered in Nutella.He started panicking internally.It was hard enough to deal with Ekam when she had her periods,he'd swear she turned feral for someone so angelic,now it seemed Sahiba had joined the bandwagon as well.

Deciding to be polite ,he gently probed her,

"Sahiba,are you sure it's a good idea to eat all that Nutella in the morning? Won't you feel sick later?Why not try eating something healthier?"

He missed his Chachu shaking his head at him fervently.While he was mentally congratulating himself on taking care of his wife,the clang of a spoon on the plate brought him out of his daydream.Sahiba stared at him blankly,her eyes devoid of emotion yet promising murder.He swallowed.

Had he said anything wrong?

"What do you want Angad? Can't you just let me eat in peace?What have I ever done to you?"

"Sahiba,I am just concerned for your health."

"If you're so concerned,just leave me alone."

And she stormed out off the whole hall,close to tears.Ekam levelled another murderous glare at him before following her Parjaai.Gurleen chachi sighed and rose to follow them.She whispered something to his chachu who just caressed her hand and nodded reassuringly.

Angad felt very uncomfortable.While people had stormed out off the room on several occasions,he had never been the reason.His family looked at him with a mixture of pity and concern.He caught his mother's eye who shook her head.

"Go now."she seemed to say.

And he left in search of his wife.He found her in their room ,sobbing heartbreakingly ,clinging to his chachi while ekam was gently rubbing her back in comfort.He cleared his throat and all three looked up at him.

"Chalo Ekam,let them talk."his chachi said and the two of them left,leaving him alone with Sahiba.

*******************************************************

Sahiba felt as if she was being torn apart from within.While she had experienced her share of horrible cramps,these seemed to take the cake.Never had her stomach and back hurt so much.All she wanted to do was lie down and curl up without a care in the world but she had a shop to run and pots to paint.She had hoped to persevere through the day but her resolve had snapped at breakfast itself.Angad had annoyed her and she had taken out all her frustration on him.She hadn't meant to yell at him but the damage was done.She was now emotional wreck.

"Sahiba, I'm so sorry.I didn't mean to hurt you."Angad sounded crestfallen.

"No, it's not your fault.I.shouldn't have reacted that way.I probably went a bit overboard."

"No Sahiba,I had no right to comment on your cravings.You obviously know what's better for your body.I'm not the one who bleeds every month and has to deal with the whirlwind of emotions."

"It's ok,let bygones be bygones alright?"

He nodded. Meanwhile,she continued,

"I think you'd better leave for office, otherwise you'll be late."

With that she just lay down and closed her eyes.He sighed.He knew a dismissal when there was one.As he walked out of his room,he decided to talk to his chachi.Perhaps,she'd know how to deal with this.His chachu and Chachi's room was right at the other end of the mansion.As he walked there,he started reflecting on his actions,wondering if he had done enough to support Sahiba.He knew that women got their periods once a month and were cranky.That's why he had left her alone to recuperate.Wasn't that enough?

I love this! Can't wait for the next part

Originally posted by: themasked

Part 1

Angad experienced an eerie sensation when he approached the dining table for breakfast.Something was not quite right.He scanned the room but found nothing abnormal.Everyone was seated and eating their normal fare,atleast that's what he thought until he noticed Sahiba's plate.He gulped.She had served herself with her usual rotis,except she she had also decided to spread copious amounts of what seemed to be Nutella.His stomach churned at the thought of all that sugar early in the morning.What was wrong with her? ,he pondered.She appeared physically healthy to him and did not have any pressing deadlines which could've precipitated the stress.

There were two options,either she was pregnant or ......his mind refused to consider a slightly more terrifying possibility.Catching her thunderous expression,he decided to blend into the surroundings and avoid her fury at all costs.He tiptoed to the chair beside her and pulled it out,wincing at the grating noise it made.Thankfully no one paid him much attention except for Ekam who gave him a murderous stare before returning to her toast......which ,he realised to his horror.....was covered in Nutella.He started panicking internally.It was hard enough to deal with Ekam when she had her periods,he'd swear she turned feral for someone so angelic,now it seemed Sahiba had joined the bandwagon as well.

Deciding to be polite ,he gently probed her,

"Sahiba,are you sure it's a good idea to eat all that Nutella in the morning? Won't you feel sick later?Why not try eating something healthier?"

He missed his Chachu shaking his head at him fervently.While he was mentally congratulating himself on taking care of his wife,the clang of a spoon on the plate brought him out of his daydream.Sahiba stared at him blankly,her eyes devoid of emotion yet promising murder.He swallowed.

Had he said anything wrong?

"What do you want Angad? Can't you just let me eat in peace?What have I ever done to you?"

"Sahiba,I am just concerned for your health."

"If you're so concerned,just leave me alone."

And she stormed out off the whole hall,close to tears.Ekam levelled another murderous glare at him before following her Parjaai.Gurleen chachi sighed and rose to follow them.She whispered something to his chachu who just caressed her hand and nodded reassuringly.

Angad felt very uncomfortable.While people had stormed out off the room on several occasions,he had never been the reason.His family looked at him with a mixture of pity and concern.He caught his mother's eye who shook her head.

"Go now."she seemed to say.

And he left in search of his wife.He found her in their room ,sobbing heartbreakingly ,clinging to his chachi while ekam was gently rubbing her back in comfort.He cleared his throat and all three looked up at him.

"Chalo Ekam,let them talk."his chachi said and the two of them left,leaving him alone with Sahiba.

*******************************************************

Sahiba felt as if she was being torn apart from within.While she had experienced her share of horrible cramps,these seemed to take the cake.Never had her stomach and back hurt so much.All she wanted to do was lie down and curl up without a care in the world but she had a shop to run and pots to paint.She had hoped to persevere through the day but her resolve had snapped at breakfast itself.Angad had annoyed her and she had taken out all her frustration on him.She hadn't meant to yell at him but the damage was done.She was now emotional wreck.

"Sahiba, I'm so sorry.I didn't mean to hurt you."Angad sounded crestfallen.

"No, it's not your fault.I.shouldn't have reacted that way.I probably went a bit overboard."

"No Sahiba,I had no right to comment on your cravings.You obviously know what's better for your body.I'm not the one who bleeds every month and has to deal with the whirlwind of emotions."

"It's ok,let bygones be bygones alright?"

He nodded. Meanwhile,she continued,

"I think you'd better leave for office, otherwise you'll be late."

With that she just lay down and closed her eyes.He sighed.He knew a dismissal when there was one.As he walked out of his room,he decided to talk to his chachi.Perhaps,she'd know how to deal with this.His chachu and Chachi's room was right at the other end of the mansion.As he walked there,he started reflecting on his actions,wondering if he had done enough to support Sahiba.He knew that women got their periods once a month and were cranky.That's why he had left her alone to recuperate.Wasn't that enough?

Waiting for new chapter 😁

Part two

He stopped at the entrance to his uncle's room.His Chachu and Chachi seemed to be arguing over a hot water bottle,albeit softly.His uncle had won the argument it seemed and his chachi finally accepted the bottle and settled herself on the couch,feet tucked under her, with the bottle on her stomach.She seemed to relax before wincing in pain again.His chachu did not seem satisfied as he fussed around before placing a pillow behind her back.He sat down beside her and took her hand in his,whispering something which made her smile.For the first time,Angad noticed that she looked rather exhausted.

"What are you doing here?"asked a surly voice .

He whipped around to find himself face to face with a grumpy Ekam.

She looked terrible.Her skin was unusually pale with bags under her eyes,as if she hadn't slept at all.She wasn't her perky self either.

"I came to talk to chachi."

"As you might have noticed,she is not in a state to talk."

"Ekam, it's only one question."

Their argument brought chachu and chachi over,both wearing identical expressions of concern .

"Angad,Ekam,what is wrong?"chachu asked , frowning.His chachi still winced from time to time.

"Chachi I need your help.I wish to learn to take care of Sahiba."

"You don't have to worry her, paaji.We'll manage together."Ekam retorted,looking as disgruntled as ever.

"Ekam, it's alright.Angad puttar,come with me."

There was a stony silence.Ekam was shooting daggers at him.Even chachu seemed reluctant to let chachi go.

"Paaji,please don't do this.If you really wish to learn,come some other time,when we're not bleeding to death.And if it's that urgent,just ask taiji or bua."

Angad's brain latched on the 'we' in Ekam's statement.He finally started putting it together,the pain ,the exhaustion,her half dead countenance.

"Yes Angad, Gurleen is also on her periods but can we please have this discussion later?"

His chachu was nearing the end of his tether.

Nodding sheepishly,he followed the couple into their room along with Ekam.

"Mummy,I'm going to stay with Parjaai.I don't think she'll want to be alone."Ekam spoke up.

"In that case I'll come as well.We should take one of the extra hot water bottles as well."

His chachi left as well.

He turned to his chachu who was busy rearranging the cushions.

"I'm sorry chachu."

"I'm not the one you should be apologising to.Based on past experience,I can predict a lot of grovelling and buying an exorbitant amount of flowers."

"Who are we talking about here,Ekam or Chachi?"

His chachu thought for a while before replying,

"Doesn't make much of a difference to be honest."

Angad was stumped.

"I've never seen chachi loose her temper before."

"Perhaps,she wasn't allowed to do so,atleast in front of the family."

Angad felt his stomach drop,as if a pit had opened up beneath him.Not once had he considered the plight of the women in the household.His mumma and chachi had gone on carrying out their work whether they were physically up to it or not.Not once had he seen them snap at anyone,the smiles never leaving their faces.The only time he saw his mumma suffer was when she had to go through menopause the previous year.Even then,he hadn't faced the brunt as chachi was there to handle her.

"It's amazing , isn't it?That we easily ignore what our loved ones go through because it inconveniences us."

Chachu asked him with a bitter smile.

He felt ashamed.Not once had he noticed their pain or fatigue.He had truly been a terrible son,brother and nephew.

"Angad,do you know why Ekam was especially angry with you today?"

He shook his head wordlessly.While she tended to lash out more during her periods,he had never seen her blow up the way she did.

"Your mother and aunt belong to a very confused generation.One where the women were allowed to study but not to work.Their education just increased their value on the marriage market,to make them the perfect trophy wives.They have been conditioned to put family first with zero regard for their own health.Your aunt could barely stand,yet she insisted on helping you.Imagine how Ekam would've felt when she saw her mother running herself down to the bone."

Angad hadn't thought he could feel more miserable than this.He had a lot to apologise for.

Originally posted by: themasked

Part two

He stopped at the entrance to his uncle's room.His Chachu and Chachi seemed to be arguing over a hot water bottle,albeit softly.His uncle had won the argument it seemed and his chachi finally accepted the bottle and settled herself on the couch,feet tucked under her, with the bottle on her stomach.She seemed to relax before wincing in pain again.His chachu did not seem satisfied as he fussed around before placing a pillow behind her back.He sat down beside her and took her hand in his,whispering something which made her smile.For the first time,Angad noticed that she looked rather exhausted.

"What are you doing here?"asked a surly voice .

He whipped around to find himself face to face with a grumpy Ekam.

She looked terrible.Her skin was unusually pale with bags under her eyes,as if she hadn't slept at all.She wasn't her perky self either.

"I came to talk to chachi."

"As you might have noticed,she is not in a state to talk."

"Ekam, it's only one question."

Their argument brought chachu and chachi over,both wearing identical expressions of concern .

"Angad,Ekam,what is wrong?"chachu asked , frowning.His chachi still winced from time to time.

"Chachi I need your help.I wish to learn to take care of Sahiba."

"You don't have to worry her, paaji.We'll manage together."Ekam retorted,looking as disgruntled as ever.

"Ekam, it's alright.Angad puttar,come with me."

There was a stony silence.Ekam was shooting daggers at him.Even chachu seemed reluctant to let chachi go.

"Paaji,please don't do this.If you really wish to learn,come some other time,when we're not bleeding to death.And if it's that urgent,just ask taiji or bua."

Angad's brain latched on the 'we' in Ekam's statement.He finally started putting it together,the pain ,the exhaustion,her half dead countenance.

"Yes Angad, Gurleen is also on her periods but can we please have this discussion later?"

His chachu was nearing the end of his tether.

Nodding sheepishly,he followed the couple into their room along with Ekam.

"Mummy,I'm going to stay with Parjaai.I don't think she'll want to be alone."Ekam spoke up.

"In that case I'll come as well.We should take one of the extra hot water bottles as well."

His chachi left as well.

He turned to his chachu who was busy rearranging the cushions.

"I'm sorry chachu."

"I'm not the one you should be apologising to.Based on past experience,I can predict a lot of grovelling and buying an exorbitant amount of flowers."

"Who are we talking about here,Ekam or Chachi?"

His chachu thought for a while before replying,

"Doesn't make much of a difference to be honest."

Angad was stumped.

"I've never seen chachi loose her temper before."

"Perhaps,she wasn't allowed to do so,atleast in front of the family."

Angad felt his stomach drop,as if a pit had opened up beneath him.Not once had he considered the plight of the women in the household.His mumma and chachi had gone on carrying out their work whether they were physically up to it or not.Not once had he seen them snap at anyone,the smiles never leaving their faces.The only time he saw his mumma suffer was when she had to go through menopause the previous year.Even then,he hadn't faced the brunt as chachi was there to handle her.

"It's amazing , isn't it?That we easily ignore what our loved ones go through because it inconveniences us."

Chachu asked him with a bitter smile.

He felt ashamed.Not once had he noticed their pain or fatigue.He had truly been a terrible son,brother and nephew.

"Angad,do you know why Ekam was especially angry with you today?"

He shook his head wordlessly.While she tended to lash out more during her periods,he had never seen her blow up the way she did.

"Your mother and aunt belong to a very confused generation.One where the women were allowed to study but not to work.Their education just increased their value on the marriage market,to make them the perfect trophy wives.They have been conditioned to put family first with zero regard for their own health.Your aunt could barely stand,yet she insisted on helping you.Imagine how Ekam would've felt when she saw her mother running herself down to the bone."

Angad hadn't thought he could feel more miserable than this.He had a lot to apologise for.

Interesting 🥹

Part three

Angad peeked into their room only to find Sahiba asleep on Chachi's lap ,the two of them on the bed while Ekam had made herself comfortable on the chaise.Chachi was engrossed in a book.Not wanting to disturb them,he slowly backed away but unfortunately tripped and fell.He landed hard on his backside and winced.The sound woke Sahiba up and all three came running to him,looking extremely worried.

"I'm alright,just really sore."he barely managed to spit out the words.

"I appreciate your efforts to spare us the trouble of looking after you paaji,but you'll make it worse if you don't tell us how you feel.Let's say you'll end up doubling our work."Ekam looked rather troubled.

As it turns out ,he had managed to spectacularly sprain his back.Despite the hullaboo, he decided to pick himself up and walk up to the bed.It was excruciatingly painful;he noticed chachi facepalm herself right out of the corner of his eye which he ignored.If Sahiba could go to work in severe pain, he could surely put himself to bed.The woman in question looked rather exasperated while Ekam was struggling to not burst out laughing.

He insisted on his chachu looking after him but Daarji immediately shot down the idea.His mumma opted to stay by his side and they were surprisingly joined by his father.He had felt so content in his life as the three of them talked with civility after a very long time.A part of him grieved that it had taken him getting injured to get them together.Sahiba popped in for a visit some time after lunch ,looking a little peaky but better than she did that morning.He still owed the three of them an apology.After she left, he turned to his mother,

"Mumma, how does one care for a woman who is on her periods?"

She raised an eyebrow while his father started to laugh.

"Never did I think you'd ask this question puttar but I'm glad you did.It's quite simple.All you have to do is listen ,puttar.",she replied.

He looked at her quizzically but this time his father answered.

"Only she will be able to tell you what she needs.Don't make any assumptions.Just be there for her."

Angad smiled to himself.While he still had a long way to go, he had just found his first step.

*******************************************************

That night.....

Sahiba found out that she loved Ekam's room a lot.It felt cosy and comforting, decorated in the most beautiful shades of blue.She also enjoyed lounging around doing nothing, especially when accompanied by Ekam and Gurleen chachi.Chacha had excused himself citing some important business.

"He finds it awkward with you around.The only women he's freely interacted with would be mummy and me.No offense though."Ekam helpfully clarified to her mother's mortification.

"None taken."Sahiba replied,laughing as chachi playfully swatted at Ekam's arm.

A knock at the door alerted them to Veer's presence,who casually sauntered in as if he owned the place,plonking himself on the bed beside them.There was a covered tray which he had left on the desk on his way in.

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself?You have just invited yourself to a gathering where you're most definitely not welcome."Ekam quipped.

"Meri pyari behen,I came to see mummy.The last time I checked,both of us had the same mother.Unless of course they picked you up from the garbage dumpster."

"Veer,how can you say that to your sister?"

Sahiba watched with amusement as chachi berated Veer while Ekam settled back into the pillows,a smug smile on her face.She felt a pang as she missed her siblings.It didn't take long for them to note her sadness.

"Parjaai,how can you be so sad when I have come bearing gifts from your beloved?"Veer exclaimed as he got up and retrieved the tray.

He whipped off the cloth in one fluid motion and presented the gifts.There was a bottle of Nutella,a loaf of bread and chocolate ice cream for all three of them.Apart from that,there was a note for Sahiba and two bouquets of flowers ,one each for chachi and Ekam.Sahiba was impressed.

"I've never known ATM to be so thoughtful she mused."

"He does have his moments."Veer replied with laugh.

"Well then ladies,I shall now take your leave.Enjoy your night in."With a wave of his hand ,he left.

Sahiba opened the note and smiled.

Dear Sahiba

I apologise for being an inconsiderate idiot.I honestly did want to take care of you but I probably ended up making things worse.Please consider this bottle of Nutella as my peace offering.Next time ,I promise to listen to you and do exactly what you say.I miss seeing that smile on your face but it's okay.You are beautiful even when you're angry.I'll take whatever you give me.Your happiness and health will always be my first concern.Take care and sleep well tonight.Don't worry about me,Mumma and Papa are keeping vigil tonight and it's kind of fun.

Lots of love

Angad

Ps:You don't have to feel obliged to go to the shop tomorrow.Don't worry about your orders either.I'm.sure Kulche can manage and Veer has volunteered to supervise for as long as we need.

I will always be thinking of you.

Sahiba's heart fluttered.Never had Angad been so open with his love for her.She decided to laminate the letter and keep it in her treasure chest.

.

Awwwh 😊 I love your different take of Sahan

Angad trying to care for Sahiba 👏🫶

Part four

It hadn't taken them long to finish the icecream as they decided to embark on a movie marathon.For some reason,Chachi and Ekam had decided on the Conjuring series ;Sahiba didn't have the heart to protest at the sight of their obvious enthusiasm.She managed to convince Jaspal chachu and Veer to join as well.Chachu was only too happy as he settled himself next to chachi and put an arm around her;she in turn snuggled up to him,her head on his shoulder.

Veer had decided to torment Ekam,sitting in front of her on the floor ,fiddling with her pillows and blankets.It didn't take her long to start smacking him with the said blankets and pillows.The cherry on top of the cake was the movies themselves.As a joke,Veer had brought them the dubbed versions.She nearly split her sides laughing.It was difficult to take an exorcism seriously when the characters spoke the most atrocious Punjabi ever.On top of that ,Veer had taken it upon himself to give them a running commentary with Ekam mimicking him behind his back.There was never a dull moment.

Halfway through the second movie she looked about around her.Veer was fast asleep on the floor,drooling.She quickly snapped a picture on her phone,fully intending to blackmail him later and perhaps send it to Keerat as well.Her sister would enjoy that.Chachi was asleep as well,her head on chachu 's shoulder.He was gently stroking her hair and just watching her contentedly through half closed eyes.

"They're cute , aren't they?"Ekam whispered.

Sahiba nodded.

"I want what they have."she whispered back.

"Me too.But it took them a long while and lot of work to get to where they are."Ekam replied before continuing.

"They fit like a complicated jigsaw.Bebe always says that she used to be worried about them.They are too similar to gel along ,she said.And in a way it's true.Mummy and Papa both are very introverted, especially when it comes to their feelings.Both prefer to bury them in work,mummy in the kitchen and papa in the office.Whenever a dish tastes particularly nice or when a necklace looks too exquisite,you can figure out that something is cooking.It might be a fight between them or something other issue at home."

"Sounds like someone,I know."Sahiba muttered imagining ATM in his full glory.

"Angad paaji is a less extreme version I'd say.But he has you to balance him out ."Ekam replied with a laugh.

"It's not all bad you know.One thing I've learnt by observing mummy and papa is that no matter how wacky you turn out to be,as long as you learn to listen and appreciate the good in each other without any judgement,the two of you will be perfectly fine.You should always express your feelings no matter how trivial they seem.

Papa loves listening to mummy.Whether she is happy,sad ,angry, frustrated or just doozy in love ,he insists she lets it all out.Mummy also does the same and she never forgets to give him a hug every morning.It's the little things that matter.And please don't tell anyone I told you all this.Mummy and Papa are unaware of my knowledge."

Sahiba nodded sleepily.She really missed ATM a lot.

*******************************************************

Angad woke up the next morning feeling well rested.Even his back felt better.He decided to shower once his parents had left.When he returned,he was surprised to see Sahiba waiting for him.The moment she saw him,she flung herself into his arms.He happily returned the hug.

"I have something to tell you."both of them said at the same time.

"You go first,"he ammended.

"Angad ,I missed you a lot last night.And thank you for listening to me."

"Don't thank me Sahiba, it's the least I could do but honestly,I missed you as well.I hope I've earned your forgiveness.If not,please tell me, I'll do anything to regain your favour."

"Well,there is one thing...."

He did not like the glint in her eyes.He had a feeling that he'd bitten off more than he could chew.

*******************************************************

"You've got to be kidding me."he watched in horror as the ghost started cursing the protagonist in fluent Punjabi.

"Who on earth talks like that? Sahiba,where on earth did you find this abomination?"

Sahiba laughed at his plight.Apparently ATM Singh Brar had never watched a dubbed movie in his life .

Well, the Conjuring series was the perfect starter for him.She watched him grow progressively paler with each word spoken.They had managed to mangle the simplest words such that the language was scarier than the ghosts themselves.

A year ago she wouldn't have imagined this,yet here she was,cuddled up with ATM of all people,sharing the bottle of Nutella while watching bad ghost movies.

"Angad,I love you."He stilled.This was the first time,she had said the words out aloud.

His heart started tap dancing,never had been happier.

He immediately kissed her forehead,pulling her closer.

"I love you too Sahiba.I don't think I could've loved anyone more."

She felt content. They were not perfect,no one was,but they could definitely work towards their idea of paradise.After all,they had an entire lifetime left, didn't they?

Originally posted by: themasked

Part three

Angad peeked into their room only to find Sahiba asleep on Chachi's lap ,the two of them on the bed while Ekam had made herself comfortable on the chaise.Chachi was engrossed in a book.Not wanting to disturb them,he slowly backed away but unfortunately tripped and fell.He landed hard on his backside and winced.The sound woke Sahiba up and all three came running to him,looking extremely worried.

"I'm alright,just really sore."he barely managed to spit out the words.

"I appreciate your efforts to spare us the trouble of looking after you paaji,but you'll make it worse if you don't tell us how you feel.Let's say you'll end up doubling our work."Ekam looked rather troubled.

As it turns out ,he had managed to spectacularly sprain his back.Despite the hullaboo, he decided to pick himself up and walk up to the bed.It was excruciatingly painful;he noticed chachi facepalm herself right out of the corner of his eye which he ignored.If Sahiba could go to work in severe pain, he could surely put himself to bed.The woman in question looked rather exasperated while Ekam was struggling to not burst out laughing.

He insisted on his chachu looking after him but Daarji immediately shot down the idea.His mumma opted to stay by his side and they were surprisingly joined by his father.He had felt so content in his life as the three of them talked with civility after a very long time.A part of him grieved that it had taken him getting injured to get them together.Sahiba popped in for a visit some time after lunch ,looking a little peaky but better than she did that morning.He still owed the three of them an apology.After she left, he turned to his mother,

"Mumma, how does one care for a woman who is on her periods?"

She raised an eyebrow while his father started to laugh.

"Never did I think you'd ask this question puttar but I'm glad you did.It's quite simple.All you have to do is listen ,puttar.",she replied.

He looked at her quizzically but this time his father answered.

"Only she will be able to tell you what she needs.Don't make any assumptions.Just be there for her."

Angad smiled to himself.While he still had a long way to go, he had just found his first step.

*******************************************************

That night.....

Sahiba found out that she loved Ekam's room a lot.It felt cosy and comforting, decorated in the most beautiful shades of blue.She also enjoyed lounging around doing nothing, especially when accompanied by Ekam and Gurleen chachi.Chacha had excused himself citing some important business.

"He finds it awkward with you around.The only women he's freely interacted with would be mummy and me.No offense though."Ekam helpfully clarified to her mother's mortification.

"None taken."Sahiba replied,laughing as chachi playfully swatted at Ekam's arm.

A knock at the door alerted them to Veer's presence,who casually sauntered in as if he owned the place,plonking himself on the bed beside them.There was a covered tray which he had left on the desk on his way in.

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself?You have just invited yourself to a gathering where you're most definitely not welcome."Ekam quipped.

"Meri pyari behen,I came to see mummy.The last time I checked,both of us had the same mother.Unless of course they picked you up from the garbage dumpster."

"Veer,how can you say that to your sister?"

Sahiba watched with amusement as chachi berated Veer while Ekam settled back into the pillows,a smug smile on her face.She felt a pang as she missed her siblings.It didn't take long for them to note her sadness.

"Parjaai,how can you be so sad when I have come bearing gifts from your beloved?"Veer exclaimed as he got up and retrieved the tray.

He whipped off the cloth in one fluid motion and presented the gifts.There was a bottle of Nutella,a loaf of bread and chocolate ice cream for all three of them.Apart from that,there was a note for Sahiba and two bouquets of flowers ,one each for chachi and Ekam.Sahiba was impressed.

"I've never known ATM to be so thoughtful she mused."

"He does have his moments."Veer replied with laugh.

"Well then ladies,I shall now take your leave.Enjoy your night in."With a wave of his hand ,he left.

Sahiba opened the note and smiled.

Dear Sahiba

I apologise for being an inconsiderate idiot.I honestly did want to take care of you but I probably ended up making things worse.Please consider this bottle of Nutella as my peace offering.Next time ,I promise to listen to you and do exactly what you say.I miss seeing that smile on your face but it's okay.You are beautiful even when you're angry.I'll take whatever you give me.Your happiness and health will always be my first concern.Take care and sleep well tonight.Don't worry about me,Mumma and Papa are keeping vigil tonight and it's kind of fun.

Lots of love

Angad

Ps:You don't have to feel obliged to go to the shop tomorrow.Don't worry about your orders either.I'm.sure Kulche can manage and Veer has volunteered to supervise for as long as we need.

I will always be thinking of you.

Sahiba's heart fluttered.Never had Angad been so open with his love for her.She decided to laminate the letter and keep it in her treasure chest.

.

Nutella 😍😍

Even I love it.

Veer and Ekam's bond.

I missed that 🥺

Originally posted by: themasked

Part four

It hadn't taken them long to finish the icecream as they decided to embark on a movie marathon.For some reason,Chachi and Ekam had decided on the Conjuring series ;Sahiba didn't have the heart to protest at the sight of their obvious enthusiasm.She managed to convince Jaspal chachu and Veer to join as well.Chachu was only too happy as he settled himself next to chachi and put an arm around her;she in turn snuggled up to him,her head on her shoulder.

Veer had decided to torment Ekam,sitting on front of her in the floor ,fiddling with her pillows and blankets.It didn't take her long to start smacking him with the said blankets and pillows.The cherry on top of the cake was the movies themselves.As a joke,Veer had brought them the dubbed versions.She nearly split her sides laughing.It was difficult to take an exorcism seriously when the characters spoke the most atrocious Punjabi ever.On top of that ,Veer had taken it upon himself to give them a running commentary with Ekam mimicking him behind his back.There was never a dull moment.

Halfway through the second movie she looked about around her.Veer was fast asleep on the floor,drooling.She quickly snapped a picture on her phone,fully intending to blackmail him later and perhaps send it to Keerat as well.Her sister would enjoy that.Chachi was asleep as well,her head on chachu 's shoulder.He was gently stroking her hair and just watching her contentedly through half closed eyes.

"They're cute , aren't they?"Ekam whispered.

Sahiba nodded.

"I want what they have."she whispered back.

"Me too.But it took them a long while and lot of work to get to where they are."Ekam replied before continuing.

"They fit like a complicate jigsaw.Bebe always says that she used to be worried about them.They are too similar to gel along ,she said.And in a way it's true.Mummy and Papa both are very intrigued introverted, especially when it comes to their feelings.Both prefer to bury them in work,mummy in the kitchen and papa in the office.Whenever a dish tastes particularly nice or when a necklace looks to exquisite,you can figure out that something is cooking.It might be a fight between them or something other issue at home."

"Sounds like someone,I know."Sahiba muttered imagining ATM in his full glory.

"Angad paaji is a less extreme version I'd say.But he has you to balance him out ."Ekam replied with a laugh.

"It's not all bad you know.One thing I've learnt by observing mummy and papa is that no matter how wacky you turn out to be,as long as you learn to listen and appreciate the good in each other without any judgement,the two of you will be perfectly fine.You should always express your feelings no matter how trivial they seem.

Papa loves listening to mummy.Whether she is happy,sad ,angry, frustrated or just doozy in love ,he insists she let it all out.Mummy also does the same and she never forgets to give him a hug every morning.It's the little things that matter.And please don't tell anyone I told you all this.Mummy and Papa are unaware of my knowledge."

Sahiba nodded sleepily.She really missed ATM a lot.

*******************************************************

Angad woke up the next morning feeling well rested.Even his back felt better.He decided to shower once his parents had left.When he returned,he was surprised to see Sahiba waiting for him.The moment she saw him,she flung herself into his arms.He happily returned the hug.

"I have something to tell you."both of them said at the same time.

"You go first,"he ammended.

"Angad ,I missed you a lot last night.And thank you for listening to me."

"Don't thank me Sahiba, it's the least I could do but honestly,I missed you as well.I hope I've earned your forgiveness.If not,please tell me, I'll do anything to regain your favour."

"Well,there is one thing...."

He did not like the glint in her eyes.He had a feeling that he'd bitten off more than he could chew.

*******************************************************

"You've got to be kidding me."he watched in horror as the ghost started cursing the protagonist in fluent Punjabi.

"Who on earth talks like that? Sahiba,where on earth did you find this abomination?"

Sahiba laughed at his plight.Apparently ATM Singh Brar had never watched a dubbed movie in his life .

Well, the Conjuring series was the perfect starter for him.She watched him grow progressively paler with each word spoken.They had managed to mangle the simplest words such that the language was scarier than the ghosts themselves.

A year ago she wouldn't have imagined this,yet here she was,cuddled up with ATM of all people,sharing the bottle of Nutella while watching bad ghost movies.

"Angad,I love you."He stilled.This was the first time,she had said the words out aloud.

His heart started tap dancing,never had been happier.

He immediately kissed her forehead,pulling her closer.

"I love you too Sahiba.I don't think I could've loved anyone more."

She felt content. They were not perfect,no one was,but they could definitely work towards their idea of paradise.After all,they had an entire lifetime left, didn't they?

Sahan scenes are soooo cute .

Your sahan had more chemistry and more understanding than the original Series.

Especially the forehead kiss.

And the Conjuring series 😂

Veer being Veer🥺😂

I remember him running and jumping around here and there during Angad and Seerat's haldi's ceremony. How pure he was 🥺 he was such a munchkin 😫😍

I even remember his room, such an aesthetic room he had. 🥺