The sky looked dark with a faint of blue interspersed in between. The chilly breeze swirled around the dimly lit paths while awaiting the sun to emerge from the horizon. The chirping of the few birds were the only sounds audible in the otherwise silent lane.
Turning the key, Dev pulls it back and steps out of the car, slamming the door behind. As the fresh breeze touched his face and hairs, making them blow gently, the calm smile on his face extended in to a widened smile. Letting his feet move, he made his way to the temple whilst gazing idly at the dark surroundings.
The moment he stepped inside, his gaze caught Radhika seated near the altar, leaning her back against a pillar and doing some work with the flowers. His smile now transformed in to a bright, radiant one as his heart started jumping in joy just by the mere sight of his beloved! How impatient he had been for this moment? Although the previous night, he had slept very calmly after all the truths were unfolded, yet he couldn't control his mind from flying off to her. All he wanted was to spend some more time with her and unable to restrain himself, he reached the temple way before time.
Sighing once silently, while his gaze rested on the beauty in front of him, he slowly started walking to her with hushed steps. On reaching her, he halted just next to her.......but Radhika didn't look up.
Puzzled, His brows furrow by a small fraction and he tilts his head a bit to look at her face......Her lips were smiling beautifully, her face was turned to the side......while her eyes, albeit were fixed on to the flowers, weren't paying much attention to them since her mind didn't seem to be here.....she seemed to be in some trance.
His face smoothed down again and he grinned silently, knowing entirely where her mind would be flying off to. Slowly he squatted next to her and gazed at her lovely sparkling face for another second before leaning close to her, and blew some air in her ear.
An audible gasp escaped her throat whilst her body shivered in response, feeling startled, and she was jolted her back to reality. Involuntarily in reflex, her head spinned to the side.........
And her eyes found Dev squatted just next to her, looking at her lovingly. Feeling surprised, her eyes widen by a fraction and keep gazing at him for a small second.
Dev's lips widened in to a charming smile that made her heart skip a beat, and bought her back. "aap?" she asked slowly with a small smile. But her tone seemed a little skeptical – wondering if its her imagination running wild. Had she been craving so badly for him that her brain has started forming his images in front of her again?!
He shrugged casually. "Hmm Main"
Her lips parted to say something, but then pursed again not knowing what to say. Her heart still felt dubious. "er....aap itni jaldi?" she asked glancing at the dark sky once.
"Kyun main jaldi nahi aa sakta kya?" he asked in the same calm tone.
She shook her head hurriedly. "er.....nahi aisi baat nahi hai. Who aap itni jaldi nahi aate hai na....." her voice seemed uncertain.
Her unsure voice made him a little confused and he gazed silently in to her eyes for another moment, and observed that she was not objecting to his presence here.....but was doubting whether his presence was a reality or not?
Sighing once, he slowly extended his hand to cup a side of her face lovingly. "Radhika......"
Feeling his warm palm against her cool skin, she shivered once. Hurriedly glancing down once at his hand, that was cupping her cheek, she flitted her gaze back to him......now feeling much more certain that he indeed sat there in reality.
"Kya huwa? Mere khayalon main itni kho gayi thi ke mere yaha aane ka bhi ehsaas nahi huwa?" he asked, a little teasingly.
She blushed instinctively and glanced down. "er.....nahi aisa kuch nahi....."
"uh....uh mandir main jhooth nahi bolte Radhika" he interrupted her, in a assertive confidant tone.
Her lips curved in to a shy smile knowing that he had read her eyes.
Leaning a little closer, he asked again. "Bolo na? mere hi baare main soch rahi thi na?" he whispered.
Her shy smile widened as her cheeks blushed more but she remained silent, wanting to increase his impatience.
Grinning, he moved his fingers, resting on her cheek, to nudge her face up. "Bolo bhi..... kya tum bhi mere khayalon main khoyi thi.....jaise main khoya rehta hoon tumhare khayalon main...." he asked sweetly, gazing in to her eyes.
She looked away feeling shy. "er......mujhe kaam hai...." saying she moved his hand from her cheek and turned to the basket of flowers placed in front of her.
Seeing this, he swiftly held her wrist and she glanced back in response. He grinned again making her heart miss a beat.
"Chodiye na......mujhe bahut kaam hai" she requested shyly.
"mm....hmm" he shook his head, keeping his gazed fixed on to her's.
She tried wriggling her hand, but this only made him tighten his grip more. "er....... chodiyena......dekhiye.....aasman bhi saaf hone laga hai....aur mujhe pura mandir sajana hai" she said pointing briefly towards the horizon where the sun was ascending up in the sky.
He glanced around briefly and finds the sky turning faint pinkish gray. Shifting his gaze back to her, he releases her hand unwillingly. "Theek hai......."
Smiling back at him, she gets on with her work.....while he seats himself properly in a crosslegged position. "er....main tumhari koi madad kar doon"
"aap meri kya madad karenge?" she asked, still smiling shyly while her gaze was fixed on to the flowers and her fingers expertly worked on.
He shrugged. "kuch bhi.....tum bolo kya karna hai?"
She glanced up at him once "koi kaam nahi hai......aap bas aaram keejeye......" her tone remained sweet.
Hearing this, his lips twitched in to a teasing smile. "acha.....to tum chahti ho ke main aise hi tumhare saamne baitha rahoon aur tumhe pyaar se dekhta rahoon? Kyun?" he asked teasingly.
Flickering her gaze to him, she smiled at him shyly again as she comprehended his little tease "er.....aisa kuch nahi hai"
"acha.....aisa nahi hai....to tum nahi chahti ke main tumhe pyaar se dekhoon?" he asked lovingly, inserting a finger beneath her chin.
She parted her lips to utter something, but felt a little tongut tied – how can she not want his loving gaze to adore her?.
Pulling his hands down, she pursed her lips. "er.....aapko kuch kaam chahiye tha na..... theek hai......woh wahan....." saying she pointed to the altar. "wahan saaf kar deejeye" she said, turning back to him.
Dev flitted his gaze, following her's and then quickly flitted it back. "er......nahi Radhika who pehle wala kaam hi acha tha......ke main tumhe yahan baithe dekhta rahoon" he said, with an impish smile.
Taking a breath, she pressed her lips together showing mock sterness. "Dekhiye.....aap iss tarah baatein karte rahenge to kaam nahi hoga.....aur phir Babuji se mujhe daant padegi"
He pulled his lips down showing disappointment.
She felt like smiling seeing his cute antics but controlled herself. "Ya to aap kaam keejeye.......warna chup chap baithe rahiye samjhe" she ordered.
Shaking his head like an obedient boy, he bought a finger on his lips. "Okay Ma'm" he said like a kid.
This made her lips burst in to a smile involuntarily and placing her fingers on lips, she turned away giggling silently.
Dev's lips twitched up, too, in to a smile.
Composing her smile, Radhika turned around. Seeing this, Dev swiftly changes his expressions back, like a disappointed boy sitting with the finger on his lips. Unable to control herself, her lips again widened in to a smile. He slowly glanced up naughtily to notice her reaction.
She caught this and striaghtening her lips in to a thin line, held his hand to pushh it down. "aap yeh sab kya kar rahen hai?" she asked sternly.
"tumhe mera baat karna pasand nahi hai na....to bas chup baitha hoon" he answered showing disappointed tone.
Radhika had hard time controlling her smile. "Dekhiye yeh sab kyun kar rahe hain? Mujhe kaam karna hai" her tone turned pleading.
"are maine to abhi kuch nahi kiya.......tum karo na apna kaam. Main to chup baitha tha na?" he retorted a little playfully.
She gave a small sigh, conceding to him, and then turned her gaze to basket. Smiling, Dev kept gazing at her tenderly.
Some moments passed. From the corner of her eyes, Radhika kept noticing how Dev wasn't even shifting his gaze an inch away from her. He continued gazing at her constantly in a loving manner. This made her heart flutter in joy while her cheeks felt warm automatically. Restraining herself in such a condition wasn't possible for her but still she controlled herself from looking at him and tried concentrating on her work.
Yet it was becoming more difficult. Her heart was longing for her to look in to his eyes. A moment passed and giving in to her heart's incessant demand, she slowly glanced up in to his eyes......and then wasn't able to move her gaze away. All her work, surroundings .....nothing seemed important in front of him!
Some seconds passed......
Suddenly she jerked back in to reality and shifted her gaze away from him while her lips again curved in to a shy smile. While Dev grinned happily.
Glancing up, she thinned her lips. "Dekhiye.....aap mujhe kaam nahi karne de rahe hain" she complained sweetly.
"Radhika......ab to maine kuch bhi nahi kiya" He paused to twitch his lips naughtily "Yeh kaho na....ke tumse control nahi ho raha hai......ke tum mujhse dur nahi reh paa rahi ho! Mujhe kyun daant rahi ho?" he asked, shrugging once.
It was the truth, she had to concede. Yet she didn't. Showing mock annoyance, she exhaled once "aap aise nahi manenege......jaaiye jaake wahan saaf keejye...." saying coldly, she pushed his arm once.
Seeing her, pushing his torso back, his gaze widened by a fraction. "Tum mujhe dhakka kya de rahi ho huh?" he asked, a little disbelievingly.
The corner of her lips pulled up in to a smile, but quickly hid it. "To kya huwa? Aap mujhe tang kar rahe hain na......isiliye" she replied cutely.
"Hello? Main tumhe tang kar raha hoon? Kahan? Aur Ha......main aapka pati hoon? Pati ko kya iss tarah dhakka dete hain?" he retorted.
"Hone wali pati....." she corrected him, with a chuckle.
He swiftly leaned closer to her face and bringing his hand up, snapped his fingers. "Jee nahi...... Main tumhara Pati hoon! Bhul gayi Kanha ke saamne vivah huwa tha humara" he replied back quickly.
"um......Ha.....woh hai.....par"
"Par war kuch nahi......yeh Hone wala pati natak....sabke saamne......yahan to sirf Kanha hai na.....kya unke saamne bhi hum pati patni banke nahi reh sakte?" he retorted again.
Hearing this, she fell silent and smiling, glanced down. But in the next second, felt his finger holding her chin to tilt her face up.
"Bolo na.....yahan to main tumhe apni patni keh sakta hoon na?" he asked lovingly. She nodded by a fraction and kept gazing in to his eyes.
They both gazed in to each other's eyes for some seconds lovingly.
"er....dekhiye na kitna saara kaam pada hai....mujhe kaam karne deejeye na" she requested sweetly
He sighed. "Theek hai.......er.....tumne kya kaha tha kahan saaf karna hai?" he asked, turning his face to the altar.
"are nahi nahi.....maine to aise hi kaha tha....aap kyun kuch karenge.....Main hoon....sab karloongi" she quickly replied.
"Kyun main kyun nahi kar sakta?" he asked, frowning.
"er....woh aap yahan......." she hesitated a little, wondering if he will be comfortable doing such cleaning work since he hailed from a rich family.
"Radhika......kya main apni patni ka haath nahi bata sakta?" he asked lovingly.
She felt nice, hearing this. "er....nahi who baat nahi hai.....woh aap kyun yeh sab karenge? Main jo hoon......"
"Ha Radhika....tum ho. Par kya ek pati hone ke nate mera farz nahi banta ke main apni patni ka haath bata sakoon" he said sweetly.
Smiling, nodded in agreement. "kar sakte hain......"
"to batao kya karna hai mujhe?" he asked, eagerly.
She started instructing him and he started working easily.
Seating down, Dev started moving the items and began cleaning the altar. Meanwhile Radhika cleaned the floor and then washed it nicely. Following the clean up, Radhika started making a beautiful rangoli and Dev assisted at some places, admiring her sense of choosing colours while making the design. His comments and appreciations made her heart flicker in joy and the rangoli seemed to come out even better.
After some moments, Dev started hanging the floral garlands around the walls of the temple......while his gaze kept stealing sweet loving glances with his wife. Then they both start arranging the Lord's clothes and ornaments.
Meanwhile, Shastrijee removed his chappals and started climbing the steps of the temple, reciting his Lord's name in the mind. The fresh breeze and the cute chirping of the birds bought a smile on his face. His inner mind felt very calm away from any tensions or turmoils that had been haunting him since many days and years. But after meeting Vaishali, all his tensions had disappeared.....and after listening to Dev's agreement for this marriage, he felt very relaxed and at ease.
Smiling, he entered inside and was about to call for Radhika......but stopped short seeing Dev along with her – infact, was surprised to find Dev assisting Radhika in the pooja preparations.
Radhika was arranging the Lord's clothes while Dev was bedecking the lord with garlands and ornaments. With fractionally widened eyes, Shastrijee kept gazing at them as they moved and worked swiftly.
After the Lord's decoration, Radhika kneeled down in front of the altar, to pour oil in to the diyas. As she kept pouring oil, Dev kept lighting them quickly.
Seeing this image in front of himself, Shastrijee felt his heart warming up. Dev and Radhika were working so beautifully and cordially with each other, that he didn't feel like disturbing them. They didn't even utter a word, yet they were speaking so much through their eyes – without the other person saying anything, they knew what they had to get.
Meanwhile Dev and Radhika arranged the diyas properly on the altar and then Radhika started arranging the aarti's thali while Dev arranged the plate of sweet.
Taking a breath, Shastrijee kept his eyes fixed on to them silently, loving every moment of this beautiful vision. His gaze once flickered to the Kanha's idol, reverently, for he was getting such a good person like Dev for her daughter.....who despite being so rich was such a humble and modest man.
As Dev and Radhika were done with the preparations and decorations, they got up and gazed at the idol satisfied.
"Hmm......kitne ache lag rahe hain na Kanha?" Dev wondered aloud with a wide smile and then shifted his gaze to Radhika.
"Ha beta......." Shastrijee's affirmative voice reached them.
Frowning by a fraction, they both turned around swiftly.........only to find Shastrijee standing near the entrance, next to a pillar. A smile spread across their faces.
"Aaj Kanha.....sach main bade sundar lag rahe hain" Shastrijee praised lovingly while walking to them. "kyunki aaj aap dono ne unhe itne lagan aur chav se jo sajaya hai...."
"Radhe Radhe......." saying with folded hands and a smile, Dev bent down to take his blessings. "
"Jeete raho beta....." Shastrijee blessed him heartily.
As Dev leaned back straight, Shastrijee's expression grew cautious. "er......par beta..... aapko yeh sab karne ki avashyakta nahi thi" he said slowly, with a tiny smile.
"er.....jee who main jaldi uth gaya tha.....to mandir jaldi aa gaya tha. Yahan aake Radhika ko mandir sajate huwe dekha to......" he shared a small glance with Radhika and then turned his gaze back to Shastrijee. "maine socha ke Radhika ki thodi madad kar doon.....aakhir yeh bhi Kanha hi seva hi huwi na" he added sweetly.
Hearing his humble and simple reply, Shastrijee's smile got wider. "Ha beta......aap satya keh rahe hain......yeh bhi ek tareeke se Kanha ki seva hi hai.....aur iss se aapko punya bhi milega. Sache man aur bhav se ki huwi koi bhi seva Kanha jaroor sweekar karte hain......" he replied lovingly.
Dev nodded, agreeing "Jee......Babuji......er......kya main Babuji keh sakta hoon?" he added hurriedly.
Hearing this, Radhika swiftly jerked her gaze to Dev.
Shastrijee's heart felt warm, hearing such a request. "Ha beta.....avashya keh sakte ho. Ab to yeh aapka haq hai. Damaad bhi to bete jaisa hi hota hai" he said affectionately.
Dev shook his head. "Nahi Babuji......Bete jaisa nahi......aap mujhe agar apna beta samjhenge to mujhe bahut khushi hogi"
For a second, Shastrijee felt stunned and then his smile returned – albeit smaller, but his heart was overflowing with happiness after hearing Dev's words "Ha beta......jaroor...... mujhe bhi bahut prasanata hogi.......agar main aapko apna beta keh sakoon"
Meanwhile Radhika couldn't stop adoring Dev with a reverence filled gaze. Her heart was beaming in joy seeing him giving so much respect and love to her father.
"Main sach main Kanha ka jitna bhi dhanyawaad kar loon kam pad jaayega......kyunki unhone mujhe aapke jaisa damaad jo diya hai......aur mujhe pura vishwas hai ke aap meri putri ka bhi itne hi ache se dhyan rakhenge...." Shastrijee remarked, tenderly.
Dev smiled wider.
Just then.........
"Shastrijee......?" an puzzled voice of a man reached them. Dev and Shastrijee turned their head while Radhika was jerked back to reality.
"yeh humne abhi kya suna Shastrijee? Purohitjee ka Beta......aapka damaad?" the man asked, in surprise, flitting his gaze once between Dev and Shastrijee.
Behind the man, some more devotees were standing with the same puzzled look.
Shastrijee grinned at them, cheerfully. "Ha manyawar......aapne jo suna who satya hai" he affirmed, addressing the countable crowd.
Hearing his words, the expressions of the crowd transformed from puzzled to an amazed one.
"Maine apni putri Radhika ka vivah......." saying he turned his gaze to Dev "Purohitjee ke bete...... Dev se tayr kiya hai" he announced happily and proudly.
Most of the people had their brows shooting up in wonderment and amazement. A second passed and they regained their composure and pulled up their lips to smile.
Dev just smiled back at them a bit, while Radhika felt a small blush colouring her face and she looked down shyly.
"Radhika ka vivah Purohitjee ke bete Dev ke saath?" a lady exclaimed in wonder
"Jee behenjee........" Shastrijee affirmed again, with the same elatedness.
"Sach Shastrijee aap to bade bhagyawan hai ke aapko itne ache aur bade gharane main ladki ka sasural mil gaya......" another lady commented with a smile.
Shastrijee smiled at them and then turned his gaze to Dev and Radhika. "Jee......par ise bhi jyaada mujhe iss baat ki khushi hai ke mujhe Dev jaise damaad mile hain....." Shastrijee said, proudly yet not overwhelmingly.
Dev smiled back humbly, while Radhika glanced up slowly.
"inke jaise nek aur ache vyakti meri beti ka haath thamne jaa rahe hain......mujhe isse jyaada apne Kanha se aur kuch nahi chahiye" Shastrijee said, shifting his gaze back to others.
Radhika couldn't agree more – his words were indeed true! She didn't miss the pride – subtle, not conceitedly, in Shastrijee's voice when he informed others about Dev and her relation. It was more when he uttered about Dev. She also observed the happiness and the elated smile flashing across his face. All his happiness was stemming from the fact that his friend's promise was getting fulfilled, but above that it was also related to Dev.
"Mubarak ho Shastrijee.....aapko" another Man congratulated Shastrijee.
Shastrijee just smiled and nodded, modestly.
"Ha.....Par main to kahoongi ke sabse khush naseeb to Radhika hai" a lady commented, walking to Radhika.
Radhika turned her gaze to the lady and blushed humbly.
The lady touched her chin and smiled. "are....Shastrijee, humari Radhika ko mile bhi kaisa na aisa pati......Kanha ki itni badi bhakt hai......shayad Kanha ne apni bhakti phal diya hai tujhe......" she said, in glee.
Dev glanced at the woman and then at Radhika.
"Ha.....aap sahi keh rahi hai Behenje.....are humari Radhika bhi kisi se kam na hai.....Dev beta......humare pure Vrindavan main sab jaante hai humari betiya ko......" she said to Dev. "aapko humesha khush rakhegi.......humari betiya itni guni aur sanskari jo hai"
Hearing these words, Dev could just smile humbly, although his heart was beaming very happily.
"Hmm.....hume to laga tha ke sirf Deepika ke bhagya main hai Purohit parivar main byahejana.....par ab to unke yahan se aapke ghar bhi baarat aayegi......" another man exclaimed happily.
Radhika just kept blushing modestly, while people started congratulating them.
"er......hume aur humare bachon ko aapka aashirwad chahiye manyawar......bas" Shastrijee said warmly.
"Ha Shastrijee......humara aashirwad to humari Radhika ke saath humesha rahega"
"jee.....er......aarti ka samay ho gaya hai" Sahstrijee asked everyone to join for the aarti.
Radhika nodded and started walking to the altar. Others followed her.
Reaching near the altar, Shastrijee took the aarti plate in his hand and was about to start the aarti when suddenly something flashed across his brain. A small smile creeped across his lips and he turned to Dev. "er......Dev beta......" he called gently.
"Jee Babuji?"
"Beta main chahta hoon ke aaj ki aarti aapke haathon se ho......" he requested warmly.
Dev felt a little stunned. "er.....jee....Babuji main?"
Shastrijee smiled. "Ha beta....ab aap bhi humare parivar ka hissa hain.....isiliye meri vinti hai aapse......."
"er.....aap aise vinti kyun keh rahe hain? Yeh to mera sobhagya hai.....ke mujhe iss mandir main aarti karne ka mauka mil raha hai......" he said with a small smile, and then reached to take the aarti plate from Shastrijee's hand.
The crowd behind them smiled happily. So did Radhika, who felt very joyous at that moment.
Turning to face the Lord, Dev glanced once at Radhika, who stood adjacent to him. Nodding once, Radhika began her melodious music......and at the same time, Dev started performing the aarti.
Shastrijee's heart was smiling throughout as he saw his Radhika standing beside Dev and singing the bhajan, while Dev did the aarti. The sight was very pleasing and warming to his heart. Somehow it made seem Radhika so complete. He couldn't thank the Lord enough for this moment.....
"prabhu......apni beti ko Dev bete ke paas khada dekh aaj mera dil itna bhar aaya hai. Kahi meri hi nazar na lag jaaye un dono ko. Aisa lagta hai jaise ek doosre ke liye bane ho. Main jaanta hoon aapne meri Radhika ke itne varshon ke bhakti ke phal swarup use yeh khushi di hai.....Bas ab main yahi chahta hoon ke yeh khushi uske jeevan humesha ke liye rahe. Dev use bahut khushiyan denge.....mujhe iska poora bharosa hai. Who ek nek insaan hai......aur meri bachi ke zindagi main unhe lane ke liye aapka bahut bahut dhanyawad Kanha. Main swarthy nahi hona chahtha.....par sach to yahi hai Kanha ke ab mujhse aur intezar nahi hota. Main apni bachi ko unki patni bane dekhna chahta hoon. Najane kyun aaj mujhe aisa lagta hai jaise.....meri bachi unke bina adhuri lagti hai. Par jab who Dev ke saath khadi hote hain.....to who poorn dikhti hai. Main apni bachi ko uski zindagi main jald se jald baste huwe dekhna chahta hoon Kanha......"
"Babuji......" Dev's voice reached him and he opened his eyes slowly only to find Dev stretching the aarti's plate in front of him. He smiled and circling his palms over the flame, he placed it on his head.
Coming to Dev, Radhika took the aarti's plate from him. He took the aarti, and then Radhika proceeded to other devotees.
"dhanywad Babuji......" Dev said, turning to Shastrijee.
"kyun beta?"
"aapne mujhe aaj yahan aarti karne mauka diya......iske liye" Dev replied tenderly.
Shastrijee smiled. "Maine kaha na beta....ab to aap bhi humare parivar ka hissa hai. Aur iss parivaar main aapko shamil karne ke liye.......maine aapko yeh adhikar diya hai"
Dev folded his hands in thanking. "Jee Babuji.....aur isiliye main aapko dhanywad keh raha tha......kyunki aapne mujhe apne parivaar main itne pyaar se shamil kiya hai"
Meanwhile, Radhika was returning to the altar after giving everyone the aarti. She saw Dev talking to Shastrijee and her smile widened.
"are ho gaya beta......" Shastrijee asked sweetly.
She nodded, coming to them. "Jee Babuji......." saying, she started moving to the altar....... when suddenly her foot tripped over the helm of her salwar and her feet lost balance. "aa....." her eyes widened instinctively.
Seeing this, Dev quickly stretched his hand to reach her and held her arms firmly, from behind, to save her from falling. Shastrijee too stretched his hands involuntarily, but Dev had already held Radhika.
Radhika took a breath to compose herself, steadying the plate in her hand.
"Tum theek to ho na?" Dev asked gently, easing his grip on her arms. His voice was filled with concern and worry.
She glanced up at him and nodded. "Jee theek hoon......"
He adjusted the plate in her hand. "dhyan rakho.......tumhe lagi to nahi?" he asked sweetly.
Smiling a bit, she shook her head. "nahi....."
"yeh do mujhe.....main rakh deta hoon" he asked her to give the aarti's plate. She nodded once, agreeing, and gave him the plate. He took it and turned to reach the altar.
Shastrijee, meanwhile, had a small content smile across his face.....seeing this small interaction between them. His throat felt a little thick witnessing how much Dev was concerned for Radhika. How instantly Dev acted in response, even before he could react! After witnessing this, he felt even more happy, for he knew that he need not worry about Radhika when Dev is with her – she will be protected, loved and be taken care by Dev very nicely.
Coming back, Dev folded his hands. "acha Babuji.....ab main chalta hoon"
"Theek hai beta......"
"er......Babuji main bhi chalti hoon" Radhika interjected hurriedly. "who ghar jaldi jaana hai na...."
Shastrijee agreed. "Ha ha beta......waise bhi Devkijee ki tabiyat aur kharab lag rahi thi"
Dev frowned in concern. "Kyun kya huwa Maaji ko?" he asked hastily.
Shastrijee smiled, seeing his worry. "nahi beta......fikr na Karen......woh unke pairon main jara sa dard hai. Radhika jaake maalish kar degi....to who theek ho jaayengi" he replied sweetly to rest Dev's worries.
"oh......" he glanced once at Radhika. "er.....babuji agar aapki ijazat jo to kya main Radhika ko ghar chod doon....." he asked, turning to Shastrijee. "jitna jaldi who ghar pahunchegi......Maaji ko aaram milega" he added warmly.
Radhika found a sweet smile coming to her lips, seeing Dev so much concerned about her family.
"Theek hai beta.....par aapko koi aur kaam ho to......"
He smiled. "er.....Nahi Babuji mujhe der nahi hogi......"
"Phir theek hai beta.....jao Radhika......Maa ghar pe intezar kar rahi hogi"
"Jee....." she nodded once and glanced up at Dev. They both took their leave and start walking to the steps.
Shastrijee kept gazing at the beautiful picture in front of his eyes.
As Dev and Radhika, climbed down the stairs, they heard some woman talking about Shastrijee's announcement......
"are suna tumne.......Shastrijee ki betiya Radhika ka vivah Dev Purohit se tayr huwa hai?" a lady was murmuring to another woman who was just entering the temple.
"Kya baat kar rahi ho?" she asked, shooting a glance at Dev and Radhika.
"hmm......sach main. Radhika ki kismat hi bahut achi hai....."
Twisting his lips croockedly, Dev glanced at Radhika, who inturn blushed automatically. Reaching the car, Dev opened the door for her. With a small shy smile, she sat inside happily. He closed the door and walking to the other side, seated himself and started the car.
Radhika slowly turned her head to him and kept gazing at him lovingly, while a sweet smile lingered on her lips.
From the corner of his eyes, Dev noticed her staring at him and he turned to her......and found her smiling sweetly at him. He flashed a small smile and shifted his attention to the road.
A moment passed and Dev's attention was again demanded by Radhika eyes, that were fixed on to him. He was noticing silently as to how she was continiously staring at him lovingly.
"Kya baat hai.....aaj humpe itni meherbani kaise?" he asked sweetly, turning his gaze to her briefly.
"Jee?" she asked, puzzled.
He puckered his brows. "Hmm....aaj kuch alag dikh raha hai kya mujhe main? Ya phir main bahut acha dikh raha hoon aaj?" he asked with a smug smile, concentrating on the road.
She understood what he was referring to......and her smile widened shyly while her gaze shifted down.
Seeing this, he glanced again briefly at her. "bolo na......kya baat hai?"
Slowly she looked up. "aapko pata hai aaj Babuji bahut khush the......" her voice remained soft and gentle.
He nodded, agreeing. "Hmm....sahi keh rahi ho......aaj Babuji ke chehre pe ek alag si khushi thi....."
Her gaze turned adoring. "Ha.....woh sirf aapki wajah se....."
His brows furrowed by a fraction, a little amused. "Meri wajah se?"
"Hmm......aap nahi jaante aaj aapne babuji ko kitni badi khushi di hai......aur mujhe bhi" she added slowly, while her gaze kept adoring him.
"Matlab?" he asked, turning to her.
She took a breath. "Aap jaante hain......jab Babuji sabse yeh keh rahe the ke meri shaadi aapse tayr huwi hai......to who bahut khush the....." her gaze shifted to nothing, reminiscing the moment when Shastrije was smiling cheerfully.
Smiling, Dev nodded. "Ha sahi keh rahi ho......Babuji bahut khush hain. Unke dost..... Shankar Babuji ki icha jo puri ho rahi hai" he agreed, glancing at her.
Moving her gaze back, he gazed at him affectionately. "Hmm.....sach hai. Who humare rishte se bahut khush hai. Lekin....unhe iss baat ki jyaada khushi hai ke.....mera rishta aapse tayr huwa hai" she said, stressing the word 'aapse'.
He felt a little confused by her words. Twitching his brows, he drifted his gaze from the road to her.
"aap jaante hain......jab Babuji ne aaj sabse saamne yeh kaha ke mera vivah aapse tayr huwa hai......to unke chehre pe jo khushi thi who maine kabhi nahi dekhi. Unhe bahut garv mehsoos hota hai jab who aapko apna damaad kehte hain" she replied to his silent question.
His lips twitched in to a small smile and he again glanced back at her, lovingly.
"Aur who garv who sirf isiliye mehsoos nahi karte hain.....ki aap itne bade, sanskari parivaar se hain.....balki isiliye bhi mehsoos karte hain kyunki......aap itne ache hain..... itne nek dil ke hain......." she added very adoringly, her voice had a certain amount of veneration towards him.
Dev smiled at himself – albeit humbly, seeing her showering such loving words at him so tenderly. He shifted his gaze again to her. "Ab unki beti bhi to itni achi hai......pyaari hai. To damaad bhi aise hi milega na" he said sweetly.
Radhika smiled widely with a tinge of blush colouring her cheeks. A small moment passed. "mm....hmm......ab main itni bhi pyaari nahi hoon ke......mujhe aap jaise pati mil jaaye" she replied modestly, her voice felt a little heavy.
Hearing this, he swiftly turned his attention to her. "Kisne kaha tumse aise.....tumhe shayad pata nahi hai ke tum kitni achi ho....kitni pyaari ho" he said, holding her chin briefly. "mere dil se poocho.....woh kahega tumse ke meri Radhika kitni achi hai...." he added lovingly.
She felt really nice hearing his words. But the thickness in her throat only increased and she again continued gazing at him lovingly.
Seeing her not respond back, he turned his gaze again to her and found her still gazing at him lovingly – with reverence. "kya huwa Radhika......tum aise kyun dekh rahi ho?" he asked, looking straight in to her eyes.
Gulping the lump in her throat, she shook her head. "nahi......aap jaante hain.......Jab aapne Babuji se kaha ke who aapko apna Beta samjhe....to unhe bahut khushi huwi thi" her voice remained thick.
Dev didn't fathom the reason behind her heavy voice, but he still pulled his lips in to a smile. "Radhika......woh bhi to mere Babuji hi hai na? Aur phir......jab tum mere gharwalon ko apna samaj sakti ho......to kya main nahi samaj sakta?" he asked, shrugging once.
"Bolo? Tum bhi to mere ghar aake......mere Ma Babuji ko apna samjhogi? Unki Bahu hokar bhi ek beti ki tarah pyaar karogi? Hai na?" he asserted, looking at the road.
She nodded, with a tiny smile.
"To bas......jab tum unki beti ban sakti ho.......to main tumhare Ma Babuji ke liye damaad nahi....balke beta nahi ban sakta?" his voice remained smooth and easy.
Sniffing once, she nodded. "aapko pata hai....har ladki yeh chahti hai ke...jis tarah who apne pati ke gharwalon ko apna samajti hai......usi tarah uska pati bhi uss ladki ke parivaar ko apna samjhe......unhe who pyaar de"
"aur......jab maine aaj aapko apne Babuji ko wahi samman aur pyaar dete huwe dekha to mujhe bahut khushi huwi thi....." she admitted, gazing at him reverently. Her voice cracked a bit.
Turning his gaze to her, he applied the brake. He slowly streteched his hand to cup a cheek, while his eyes remained fixed on to her's, that were shimmering with small tears – happy ones. He had never thought that a simple gesture of his would touch her heart so much.
"Radhika.....mujhe nahi pata tha ke....meri itni si baat tumhare dil ko itni jyaada khushi degi....ke tumhare dil ko iss had tak chu jaayegi" he said tenderly.
She smiled sweetly.
A small drop of her tear was about to roll down, but he brushed it away before it could. "Maine to bas wahi kiya Radhika....jo mujhe sahi laga. Jabse mujhe tumse pyaar huwa tha.....aur humne apne pyaar izhar kiya tha......maine tumhare Babuji ko apne Babuji ki tarah samjha tha.....Par unhe uss naam se bulane ka adhikar nahi tha mere paas. Lekin ab.....to main unhe sabke saamne Babuji keh sakta hoon......aur isiliye maine aisa kiya" he added in a easy casual tone.
"Main jaanti hoo.......lekin mere liye yeh baat itni choti nahi hai. Mujhe bahut khushi huwi thi.....uss pal jab aapne unse aisa kaha.....mere dil main aapke liye pyaar aur badh gaya....." she replied back sweetly.
He smiled at her innocent beauty. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ke meri Radhika ko yeh baat itni achi lagegi......." he said, gently stroking her cheeks. "Par yeh kya.....yeh aansoo kyun? Hmm......inhe tumare ankhon main nahi rehna chahiye" saying he brushed away some tears and leaned in to kiss her forehead lovingly.
A shy smile spread across her face. Seeing the shy smile, he couldn't restrain himself, and he tilted his head a bit to plant a quick peck on her lips.
Stunned a little, her lips parted and eyes widened by a fraction. Flashing an impish smile, he inclined back.
"er......der ho rahi hai ghar chalen?" she said coyly.
He shrugged. "theek hai......." saying he turned to open his door.
"aap kaha jaa rahe hain?" she asked in puzzle, seeing him turn.
"Tumhi ne kaha na ke main tumhare gahr chaloon....to chalo" he said sweetly.
She felt confused. "er....jee....yahan kaha....." her wandering gaze stumbled on something and she swiftly turned her gaze to the right, only to find her house some steps away. It was only then she realized that they had already reached her home.
"hmm.....lagta hai tumhe pata hi nahi chala ke tumhara ghar aa gaya hai" he quipped in.
Slowly, she turned her gaze to him, feeling a little sheepish.
"Kaise pata chalega.....tumhara saara dhyaan to mujhpar tha na?" he added impishly.
This made her blush again. "er.....ab mujhe chalna chahiye.....Ma intezaar kar rahi hogi" she said gently, with a shy smile.
"Hmm...aur suno agar Maaji ka khayal rakhna......koi jaroorat pade to mujhe phone karna.....theek hai" he said caringly.
"Jee....." saying with a sweet smile, she got down and walked across to her home.
Sometime later......
After Radhika massaged Devki's foot, she felt much better and she started helping Radhika in the kitchen. Vishaka too was assisting them in the kitchen.
"are Vishaka jara who sabziyan bhi kaat le......hmm" said Devki, as she was turning on the stove.
Radhika came inside and saw Devki standing near the stove. "Maa aap rehne de.....main aur Vishaka hai na sab sambhal lenge.....aap kyun takleef kar rahi hain?" she asked, coming to her.
Devki smiled, placing a vessel on the gas. "are beta.....main agar leti rahoongi to mujhe acha nahi lagega......aur phir jara sa dard hi to tha....theek ho gaya na....hmm" she replied warmly, touching Radhika's cheek briefly.
Radhika shook her head, giving up. "Aap bhi na Ma....." saying she started taking down some spices.
Devki was constantly noticing how Radhika had a small smile lingering on her face...... her daughter had a unique gleam in her eyes that she hadn't seen before.
Suddenly Radhika remembered something. "are.....main to bhool hi gayi" she wondered aloud.
"Kya huwa betiya?" Devki asked swiftly, turning her gaze.
"er.....Ma who......kal Nandu ne kaha tha na ke use bhog main bana meetha bahut acha laga tha.....to babuji ne kaha tha ke main jaake use de doongi.....main to bhool hi gayi" she replied slowly.
"Radhika to kya huwa....abhi jaake de na....." Vishaka interjected.
"Ha betiya.....tu abhi chali jaa. Nandu ne bade chav se khaya tha kal meetha.....use bahut pasand bhi aaya tha. Beta tu ek kaam kar......saare Purohit parivaar ke liye chali ja" Devki added sweetly.
Radhika's smile widened. "Theek hai Ma......" saying she turned and swiftly took a box.
Opening another container of sweet, she started filling the sweet in the box. "aapko pata hai Ma......Nandu na.....ladoo ke liye bhi aise hi jid karta hai......bahut shararati hai...... lekin utna hi pyaara bhi" saying she filled some more sweet.
Devki and Vishaka shared a smiling glance, observing Radhika's unsaid happiness clearly reflecting in her face.
Radhika continued talking, while her attention remained on filling the sweet. "Aur jaanti hai Ma.....Dadima ko bhi meetha bahut pasand hai. Lekin Mrinalini bhabhi.... sabko meetha khane se mana karti hai.....woh kehti hain ke sehat ke liye theek nahi hota. Ha unki baat bhi sahi hai....par kabhi kabhi khane main kya fark pad jaata hai....." her face showed some animated mixture of expressions as she spoke about the Purohit's – clearly demonstrating her happiness.
"Hmm...lagta hai Radhika ko to sab pata hai apne sasural walon ke baare main kyun?" Vishaka quipped in teasingly.
This made Radhika to pause in her blabbering and look up only to find Vishaka arching her brows teasingly. Her cheeks felt a little red. "er.....Ma....main kapde badal ke aati hoon" saying she took the box and placing it in a bag, quickly walked to her room.
As she disappeared from the kitchen, Vishaka stepped closer to Devki. "Ma kitni khush lag rahi hai na Radhika?"
"Ha betiya.......aaj meri beti itni khush hai. Shayad maine aisi khushi uski ankhon main kabhi nahi dekhi hogi.....dekha nahi tune kaise baatein kar rahi thi....itne khul ke...... bina kisi tanav ya pareshani ke......" Devki pointed out.
"Jee....Maa uske Kanha ne use itni saari khushiyan di hai......bas ma who humesha isi tarah khush rahe......" Vishaka replied gently.
Just then Radhika breezed out from her room to the kitchen, adjusting her duppatta.
"er.....Ma main jaldi aajaongi.....aap apna dhyaan rakhiayega......" Coming near the counter, she took the bag containg the box.
"Theek hai beta....tu aaram se jaake aana......yahan Vishaka hai na meri madad ke liye" Devki replied lovingly.
She smiled back gently. "Theek hai Ma......" saying she turned to the door.
In Purohit House.......
Dev had a day off.....so he decided to chill out with Nandu since the little child was insisting very badly. They both were seated crosslegged in the huge couch in the hall, opposite to each other and a chess board was placed in between them. Dev was thinking pensively about his next move.
Just then the door bell buzzed once. Looking up towards the door briefly, Dev called for the househelp. "Gopi dekho darwaze pe kaun hai....."
The househelp came out and moved to the door, humming some tune. As he opened the door, a wide smile flashed across his face seeing Radhika standing outside. "are....... Radhikajee.......aiye" he greeted warmly.
Hearing the name, Dev jerked his head up, surprised. Nandu too glanced over his shoulder.
Radhika smiled back at him and placed her feet inside. "Radhe Radhe......"
"Radhe Radhe......aap baithye......" saying he motioned her to come inside. "Hum Dadima ko bula late hain....."
"Jee...." she nodded once and the househelp breezed inside.
Smiling, she turned her gaze and found Dev seated on the couch, with a small smile. She blinked once and lets her smile grow.
"Radhika didi....!!" Nandu called her eagerly, jumping down from the couch.
His cute voice made her to shift her gaze to him. "Nandu...." her smile widened in to a grin and She moved her feet towards them.
Dev hit Nandu on the back of his head lightly. "Ab kya didi bol raha hai....ab to teri chachi ban ne wali hai na?" he corrected, flashing an impish glance at Radhika.
Hearing his words, Her cheeks felt warm involuntarily and she glanced down with a shy smile.
"Oops......sorry....Radhika chachi...." Nandu amended himself
With a sweet smile, Radhika kneeled in front of him and patted his cheek once lovingly.
"er.......Radhika tum yahan kaise?" Dev asked tenderly.
"Ha chachi? Aap yahan kaise?" Nandu too chirped in.
She framed a side of Nandu's cheek. "Main yahan aapke liye hi aayi hoon......" saying she glanced at Dev.
Seeing this, Dev's small smile turned in to a beam.
"Mere liye?" Nandu asked excitedly.
"Hmm.....main aapke liye khaas kuch le aayi hoon" she answered cutely.
Nandu got more excited. "Mere liye? Kya?"
Narrowing her eyes, she looked at nothing and then glanced back at him cutely. "Umm........guess karo?"
"er......Ladoo??" his eyes went wild in happiness.
"um.....nahi" she shook her head, disagreeing.
Nandu's face fell down. "Ladoo nahi hai?" he asked, making a disappointed face.
Seeing this, Radhika felt really sad. "Nandu.....Ladoo main baad main le aaongi......pakka .....hmm ab yeh to batao ke mere paas kya hai aapke liye?"
"er.....chocolates?"
She shook her head again, disagreeing. "Nahi....." her voice seemed cute like a child, who was very exhilarated and cheerfull.
Dev enjoyed every bit of this moment as he saw Radhika's cuteness and playful behaviour. Silently, he kept gazing at her lovingly, unable to shift his eyes.
"to aur kya aap hi batao na?" Nandu asked, impatiently.
"mm...hmm....nandu ko guess karna hoga......karo na Nandu" she insisted sweetly.
Dev grinned seeing Radhika's cute play with Nandu.
"Chachi......please batao na....." saying Nandu tried to peek in, as to what was Radhika hiding behind her.
Noticing this, Radhika hid the bag behind her securely "mmm......nandu.....cheating nahi....." she warned.
Sighing cutely, Nandu turned his face to Dev. "Chachu......kaho na chahchi se......woh kuch nahi keh rahi.....hint bhi nahi de rahi....."
Grinning naughtily, Radhika too followed him only to find Dev gazing at her lovginly.
"Nandu.....ab main kya kahoon? Main to teri chachi ka hi side loonga na" he said, not shifting his eyes from her. Radhika felt her cheeks going red again.
"Chachu?" Nandu's voice seemed baffled and amazed.
Chuckling at his tone, Dev tore his gaze away from her to Nandu.
"acha main aapko batati hoon ke main kya laayi hoon......." saying she bought forward the bag and pulled the box.
"Kya hai?" Nandu leaned in keenly.
"who aapko kal bhog main jo meetha bana tha......woh bahut pasand aaya tha na.....wahi hai" she replied lovingly.
Nandu's eyes widened excitedly. "sach.....!!!!!! Mujhe who bahut tasty laga tha....Thank you chachi......aap bahut achi ho" saying he hugged her.
Wrapping an arm around him gently, Radhika placed a sweet kiss near his ear and then glanced up at Dev tenderly.
"are Radhika beta......." a sweet loving voice reached them.
Radhika slowly eases her arm around Nandu and swiftly getting up, turns around to find Vaishali, Dadima and Mrinalini. "Radhe Radhe......" saying she goes to take their blessings. Mrinalini hugs her.
"Beta tum yahan kaise?" Vaishali asked tenderly.
"er.....Jee Maaji who Nandu ke liye yeh bhog ka meetha laayi thi....use bahut pasand tha na......aur usne kal maanga bhi tha...." she replied back softly.
Mrinalini arched a brow, appreciatively. "Radhika....tumhe yaad tha?" her tone was a little surprised.
Radhika shifted her gaze to Mrinalini. "Jee Bhabhi....main kaise bhool jaati. Nandu ne itne pyaar se manga tha...." she answered.
Mrinalini felt really touched to see Radhika loving her kid so much. So did Vaishali and Dadima. "yeh to tune bahut acha kiya beta........aur humari Radhika hai hi aisi......sabka khayal rakhti hai......" Dadima added lovingly.
Nandu came to them and tugged Radhika's hand eagerly. Sensing this, Radhika looked down and fondled his hairs softly.
"Chachi.....jaldi do na" he urged.
Everyone shared a small laugh seeing his cute demand.
"Hmm......Nandu you just had your breakfast right? So why this sweet? Huh" Mrinalini asked, showing mock sterness.
"Mamma please......khane do na.....main jyaada nahi khaonga" he promised cutely.
Radhika backed the kid. "Ha bhabhi khane deejye na.......nandu jyaada nahi khayega..... hai na?" she said, caressing his hairs.
Mrinalini smiled. "Ok...."
"er....bhabhi....leejye....." saying Radhika forwarded the box. "isme main sabke liye laayi hoon....."
Mrinalini shrugged. "Radhika......ab to tum bhi iss ghar ki bahu ban ne jaa rahi ho....aur Nandu ki chachi ho....to main kyun karoon? Tum bhi to kar sakti ho na?" she replied casually.
"er.....main......"
"Ha Bilkul.....Mrinalini bilkul sahi keh rahi hai.....are bhai ab tum bhi iss ghar ki bahu ho..... yeh sab tumhara haq bhi to hai....." Dadima backed Mrinalini.
"Hmm......Nandu ki chachi bhi to use khila sakti hai na? Kyun Nandu?" Mrinalini asked sweetly.
From the corner of her eyes, Radhika glanced at Dev and found him beaming in response. Nodding her head at others, she agreed. "Jee abhi laati hoon....." uttering, she walked to the kitchen.
Smiling, others moved to seat themselves. Nandu turned excitedly and sat back in his previous position while Dev folded the chess board and placed on the centre table.
Some moments of random discussion passed......when Radhika came in with a tray. Nearing them, she bent a little to offer the small bowls with sweet. They all took it with a smile. Turning she was about to go to Dev and Nandu when she spotted Gopi coming down the stairs.
"Gopi bhaiyya...." she called gently.
Hearing her voice, he swiftly turned his head and walked to her. "Jee...."
"Yeh leejye....." saying she forwarded the tray, asking him take a bowl.
"Are nahi nahi.....aap log khayie na......hum baad main kha lenge....." he said politely, in his usual cheerful way
"Kyun.....bhaiyya main to aapke liye bhi laayi hoon. Sab gharwale kha rahe hain.....aap bhi leejye na...." she requested sweetly.
Dadima and Vaishali share a smiling glance, seeing Radhika's such loving attitude towards gopi....... while Dev's gaze turned more adoring as he saw his Radhika behaving so sweetly to the househelp.....just like his family does.
"Gopi.....beta le lo........" Dadima ordered tenderly.
Gopi felt really touched, seeing Radhika to be so caring towards him. His heart knew that she would be good Bahu for this family. "Jee dhanywad ......" saying he took a cup.
Radhika then turned to Nandu and Dev. She took a bowl and gave to Dev first, who sat beside Nandu. Smiling, Dev slowly lifted his hand up and held the cup, deliberately gripping her fingers. Stunned, her eyes widen by his action but he twitches his lips mischeviously. She narrowed her eyes, gesturing him to leave her fingers.....but he didn't respond. She tried wriggling her fingers out of his hold, but she was scared that the bowl would fall down.
A moment passed and he released her fingers, but held the small bowl securely. With a shy smile, Radhika turned to place the tray on the center table and then kneeled down in front of Nandu to feed him. "Yeh lo....." she took some sweet and forwarded the spoon.
Nandu opened his mouth eagerly and ate the sweet. "Mm....yummy!!" Nandu exclaimed, muching.
Everyone laughed at his cuteness.
"er....Radhika tum nahi khaogi?" Dev asked.
She glanced up. "er......nahi main to aap logon ke laayi thi....."
"tum bhi lo na thoda sa....." he insisted.
"er....nahi ghar main aur hai......main baad main kha loongi......" Radhika replied gently.
Mrinalini pretended to clear her throat. "Hmm......Dekha Mamma.....Dev ko to abhi se Radhika ki itni chinta hai.....woh nahi khayegi to Dev ko bhi meetha acha nahi lagega......" she added to tease him.
Blushing a little, Dev glanced down at his bowl.
Seeing this, "Wow......thats so cute na Mamma....And Dev's Blushing!!" she carried on.
Radhika tried concentrating on Nandu, but her cheeks went red hearing Mrinalini's tease.
Dev glanced up. "Bhabhi......aap bhi na....kuch bhi kehti rehti hai. Maine to bas aise hi pooch liya tha....." he tried to cover up, but his cheeks were blushing deeper.
"Oh really? Then why are cheeks going red in blush? Hmm?" Mrinalini retorted sweetly.
Dev tried smiling. "Bhabhi enough okay......."
Just then Nandu giggled and quipped in. "Radhika chachi ka chehra bhi blush blush......ho raha hai......hehehe" he added.
Stunned, Radhika glanced up swiftly at the kid – she had been thanking the Lord that she wasn't facing the family, for her cheeks were going so red after hearing Mrinalini's teases. But Nandu anyways spilled everything.
Hearing Nandu's comment, Dev too hurriedly shifted his gaze and found Radhika indeed blushing very deep.
Others shared a small laugh...... "Ha Nandu......chachu chachi ke liye itna care jo karte hain......isiliye chachi ko bahut acha lag raha hai kyun??" Mrinalini teased.
Radhika felt her cheeks going crimson red, feeling very shy but couldn't deny that indeed she felt nice when Dev would care so much for her. She continued feeding him tenderly, while slowly others started discussing about marriage and Mr. Purohit's flight.
Some moments passed. Dev shifted his attention from the tasty sweet and glanced up only to find everyone busy in some conversation while Radhika was busy feeding the child and talking to him. He slowly poked Radhika's upper arm with his knee lightly.
Sensing this, Radhika glanced up and found him gazing her. With a small smile, she arched her brows up asking 'what'.
Gazing at her lovingly, Dev slowly titled his head by a miniscule fraction towards himself.
Unable to comprehend his action, Radhika's brows twitched in question. Meanwhile Nandu opened his mouth and she turned her attention back to feed him another spoon. Taking another spoonful of sweet, she glanced up at him questioningly.
Dev gestured his eyes towards the spoon briefly and then again tilted his head by a minute fraction to himself, asking silently for her to feed him.
Deciphering his unsaid words, Radhika smiled shyly. Feeding nandu another spoon, she glanced back at him and shook her head by a small fraction, gesturing she cant do so.
He frowned swiftly, silently asking 'why she cant?'
Her smile deepened and she again shook her head cutely....and then turned her attention back to Nandu. Sighing, Dev ate another bit of sweet from his cup.
A moment passed and Radhika looked up only found him having his sweet a little disappointedly. She arched her brows asking 'what'.
Seeing this, the corner of his lips twitched by a fraction and he swiftly showed a kiss towards her. Her eyes widened by a fraction, stunned and her cheeks turned red.
"Radhika......" Vaishali called her, that made Dev and Radhika jerk back to reality.
Turning a little, Radhika looked at her. "Jee Maaji....?"
"Sach main tum yahan aati ho to sabko acha lagta hai....." she remarked.
"Hmm exactly!" Mrinalini backed her.
Smiling humbly, Radhika turned back to Nandu.
"Chachi.....thoda aur lao na....." Nandu asked, as the bowl was empty.
"Mmm.....No Radhika! He wont have his lunch then!" Mrinalini's stern voice, came to them.
"Nandu tumne suna na Mamma ne kya kaha? Bas tum baad main kha lena....theek hai" Radhika tried making the kid understand.
"Par lunch ke liye kitna samay baaki hai......" Nandu argued gently.
"Nandu.....dekho tum itna jyaada khaoge maza nahi aayega.....thodi der baad khana hmm....." Radhika said lovingly.
Nandu shook his head, agreeing. "Theek hai"
Radhika turned to keep the bowl back on the tray.
"er.......chachi?"
She turned back to face the kid. "Hmm?" she asked, placing a hand on his lap.
"Mamma uss din keh rahi thi ke aap unhe poora Vrindavan dikhane le gaye the....." he said
"Ha....."
"Mujhe bhi Vrindavan ghumna hai. Yahan aane ke baad koi mujhe nahi le gaya....." he added sadly.
Framing his cheek, "Oh.....to koi nahi leke gaya mere Nandu ko....to theek main le jaaongi......aap jab kahe tab.....hmm" she said sweetly, to pacify him.
A bright smile broke on his face. "To theek hai......abhi chaloge aap?" he asked kiddishly.
Radhika felt a little tongue tied since Devki wasn't well and she couldn't let Vishaka do everything. "er.....Nandu.....aaj?" her voice seemed hesitant.
"Ha aaj......aapne kaha na abhi ke mujhe le jaaoge......mujhe aaj hi jaana hai......please....." Nandu requested.
"er.....Nandu who....."
Dadima noticed the hesitation in her voice. "Kya huwa Radhika?"
She turned her torso to face Dadima. "Jee......woh Ma ke pairon main thoda dard hai..... to aaj.....pata nahi....waise Vishaka hai ghar pe.....par....."
"Chachi please....." Nandu urged in swiftly, after hearing this. "Please le chalo na"
"Nandu.....dekho unhe apni Ma ke paas jaana hai na.....zid mat karo" Dev tried intervening.
Nandu dropped his face down, disappointedly. Radhika didn't like that and she cupped his face. "nandu......dekho main tumhe kabhi aur le jaaongi na...." she promised, infusing some cheerfulness.
"Theek hai...." he replied, but his voice remained glum.
Radhika glanced up at Dev helplessly. But Dev shook his head once, asking her not to worry about Nandu.
"Nandu.....dekho udas mat ho.....mujhe acha nahi lagta hai....." Radhika tried pacifying him.
"mm...." the kid mumbled.
Radhika sighed, sadly. "er.....theek hai main ghar phone karke dekhti hoon......agar ma ko theek lag raha hoga....to main tumhe le chaloongi....hmm?" she assured tenderly.
Nandu glanced up quickly and flashed a grin.
"Main baat karti hoo Radhika......" Dadima picked the phone and dialed Shastri's number. A moment passed and Devki picked the phone.
"er.....Devki main.....Dadima.....hmm....." Dadima went on to tell little Nandu's tiny request.
"Theek hai Maaji......mujhe koi aitraz nahi hai. Wasie bhi mujhe to ab kaafi theek lag raha hai....woh to Radhika hi bewajah pareshan hoti hai....." Devki replied with a smile.
Dadima grinned and turned her gaze to Radhika. "Ha who to hai.....tumhari beti sabka bahut ache se dhyan rakhti hai.....er.....lo tum Radhika se baat karlo" saying she held forward the phone to Radhika.
Mrinalini passed the phone to Radhika. "Hello Ma....."
Just then Dadima saw Dev pondering on something very seriously. He was gazing at the floor very intently and his forehead had some creases. She understood what must be going on in his mind and smiled to herself.
"er....theek hai Ma......" Radhika said to Devki.
"Radhika....jara mujhe dena beta....." Dadima asked and Radhika passed the phone to her.
"Devki......er....tum pareshan mat hona.....Radhika jaldi ghar aajayegi.....aur main soch rahi thi ke......Dev bhi uske saath chala jaaye to who jaldi ghum paayenge na.....aur Radhika ko der bhi nahi hogi?" Dadima added, glancing at Dev.
Hearing this suggestion, Dev swiftly jerked his head up to look at Dadima feeling shocked – albeit pleasantly.....he had been racking his brain so hard to think of some idea to accompany Radhika and Nandu......But here Dadima gave him a good readymade reason!
Radhika too was a little surprised with Dadima's suggestion.
Seeing Dev look at her in bewilderment, Dadima winked at him cutely. A grin quickly broke on Dev's face, understanding her idea.
Devki easily agreed for this idea. "Jee Maaji yeh bhi acha hai.....mujhe to phir Radhika ki fikr karne ki koi jaroorat nahi"
"Acha theek hai......Devki.....Radhe Radhe" saying Dadima placed the phone down.
"Hmm chalo Radhika ab to gahr se permission mil gayi. Ab to tumhe koi problem nahi hai na?" Dadima asked.
Radhika shook her head. "Jee nahi....." and slowly glanced at Dev.
"Dadima main abhi jaakar tayar hoke aata hoon....." saying Dev got up and sprinted towards his room. Nandu too followed, but diverted his steps towards Mrinalini's room.
"Hmm lagta hai Deverjee....se intezaar nahi ho raha hai? Kyun?" Mrinalini quipped, winking an eye at Radhika, who just blushed deep.
Some moments later.......Dev climbed down the stairs wearing a blue shirt, black jeans and jacket. Hairs neatly fixed, looking fresh and lively.
"tayar ho gaya?" Dadima asked, coming to him. It was only her and Radhika in the room now.....as others had moved inside for some other work.
He grinned happily and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her "Jee Dadima......and Thank you!!" saying he placed a peck on her cheek.
Dadima smiled. "Hmm....mujhe nahi pata ke tere dil main kya chal raha hai? Huh?"
Inching back, he framed a side of her face. "jaanta hoon Dadima......Aap ho na......mujhe kuch sochne ki jaroorat hi nahi hai......"
Radhika witnessed this moment silently, standing next to Dadima.
"Main jaanti hoon ke tu apni Radhika ke saath thoda samay bitane ke liye tadap raha hoga......to le......mil gaya tujhe samay" she said tenderly and glanced at Radhika. "chalo.....beta....."
Nandu too breezed out from his room. "Chale Chachi......?" he asked, in a enthuse filled voice.
Radhika nodded. "Acha Dadima......"
"Hmm.....Khayal rakhna apna....." she said to everyone as they walked towards the car.
Reaching the car, Dev opened the back door for Nandu to get inside. But Nandu frowned on this. "nahi Chachu mujhe front seat pe baithna hai.....aap mujhe kabhi front seat pe nahi baithate....."
Twitching his brows, "To Chachi kaha baithegi?" Dev asked.
"peeche......" Nandu answered with an obvious tone.
Dev looked at him amused. "Peeche? Kyun? Chachi to chacha ke saath hi baithegi na?" he added shooting an impish glance at her.
Radhika blushed again.
"Nahi mujhe front pe hi baithna hai.......please chachi" Nandu made a cute pleading face.
"hello? Stop making these faces okay?" Dev ordered sternly. "Meri patni ko iss tarah maska marne ki jaroorat nahi hai....." he retorted.
Radhika sighed. "aap log bhi na....chalo Nandu.....hum dono aage baithenge" she said sweetly and held his little hand.
Dev stared at her bewildered. "To main kahan baithoonga......and drive kaun karega?" he chuckled, in astonishment.
Pursing her lips, she took another breath. "Hum teeno aage baithenge...." she clarified and closing the back door, she opened the front door for Nandu. "Chaliye aap bhi baithiye na....."
Seating herself inside, she picked Nandu and made him sit on her lap.
A smile spread across Dev's face that made his frown disappear. He felt a little silly to not have understood this little idea. Shaking his head once, he closed her door and walked to his side. Getting inside, he looked at Nandu comfortably seated on Radhika's lap and smiled.
"Chachi's so smart!" Nandu remarked in glee.
He glanced at Radhika lovingly. "Hmm....Ab to bas Chachi hi smart hai......humare paas to akal hi nahi hai na?" he retorted playfully and started the car.
Hearing this, Radhika and Nandu giggled sweetly.
As the car moved, Dev began cracking witty funny tales that kept Radhika and Nandu in splits. He loved hearing Radhika's melodious laugh and wanted to hear more, so he continued producing one joke after another joke. Sometimes it would be related to his family, Mrinalini or Vivek, Nandu or Dadima....and sometimes about his US friends. Nandu too joined in with some gags of his. Occasionally even Dev featured in his gags, spilling some secrets of Dev. Seeing this, Dev tried to threaten him playfully, asking him not to tell anything to Radhika......however she would prod the kid eagerly so as to listen funny tales about Dev. Nandu would happily agree, to tease Dev further. Nandu and Dev kept teasing, retorting playfully. Radhika had a hard time controlling her giggles and laughter hearing all their stories.
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