Radhika opened her eyes sluggishly to the small beam that
was entering the room through the window, right across the bed, and scattering
soft light all over. She fluttered her lashes to focus her blurry vision, and
then was about to move her hands when she realized Dev's arms were even now
around her. They had remained entwined for the whole night in each other's arms
together; her torso leaned all over his chest while he had his arms around her
protectively – no wonder she felt so cozily comfortable throughout the night
and had a sweet sleep! The thought warmed up her cheeks again.
Rubbing her fingertips against his chest, she smiled shyly,
basking in the comfort of his cozy arms. She didn't feel like moving away at
all, just wanted to stay still like this.
However time seemed to have some other plans. Because as
soon as her casually roaming gaze fell on the clock on the bedside table, it
conveyed her to get ready quickly since it was getting late. A small frown
filled her face in disappointment. She somehow persuaded herself painfully and
taking a breath, gently pulled herself out of his comfortable sheath – her arms
suddenly vulnerable to the soft breeze, and looked at him.
He slept comfortably; his face a serene mask of relaxation
while lips were faintly pulled up by a fraction, or probably it was just her
thinking so! A calm smile filled her face and she bent a little to touch his
cheek. Even when he was asleep he looked very handsome and charming to set
heart aflutter. Quietly her smile grew shy and fingers spread to frame his
cheek, and then caressed them very softly without disturbing his sweet sleep.
His stubbled cheek against her soft skin made her fluttering heart to skip a
beat. Chuckling to herself, she pulled her hand back unwillingly and then
stepped down from the bed. She glanced once more at his handsome sleeping
figure, before turning towards her suitcases to remove a saree and other
toiletries.
Some minutes later.......
She stepped out of the washroom wearing a beautiful dark green
saree with beautiful design. She was about to move towards the dresser, drying
her hairs, when her gaze stumbled on Dev, still asleep, and her feet halted.
He'd slid down to place his head on the pillows and was sleeping tranquilly. Her
lips curved in a smile and sighing once lovingly she walked to the windows and
drew the curtains apart to let the light enter inside freely.
The morning was beautiful and lovely. The pinkish blue sky
seemed to be welcoming her in a new world of happiness and love, while birds
were flying across flapping their wings excitedly. Flowers were swaying lightly
in the breeze in exuberance. Small dew drops were kissing the bottom of the
leaves; as if reciting a tale of passion shared they shared.
Smiling at the beauty of nature, she opened the windows to
embrace the new day with open arms. The fresh, cool breeze of the morning swirled
in; the coolness of which left her shivering lightly. Yet she kept gazing out
at the delightful morning, fluttering her lashes as the breeze hit her face,
thinking of her new life.
Today onwards, her life would
take a new turn towards a fresh journey, wherein she would assume the role of a
daughter in law of this family and take on new responsibilties.
She'd be starting her own little world, her own life from
now on. However with a partner like Dev, she was assured that the journey would
be very sweet.
Slowly she turned her gaze back to the sleeping form of her
husband and began edging towards him. He looked so relaxed and calm that it
pained her to wake him up, but it was getting late and family members would be
waiting for them.
"erm......suniye" she called gently.
But there was no response from him; he seemed to be fast
asleep. Smiling, she pushed a few flower strings and sat beside to touch his
chest. Her heart fluttered in joy. "Suniye ......uttiye na" she shook him
lightly.
Again he was still, except for his rhythmic breathing. She
sighed a little and moved her hand to frame his cheek lovingly. "Uth jaaiye
na......dekhiye ghar wale intezaar kar rahe honge" she called, caressing his
stubbled jaws sweetly.
Yet there was hardly a flicker of response from him. She
bent to move the hairs from his forehead and then looked down at his face.
Smiling shyly, she blew some air above his lips. "uthiye na......."
In the next instant........her eyes widened suddenly as she
sensed a strong grip grabbing her hairs from the back and it pulled her face
down to his lips. Stunned, her heart beats escalated at once. But soon his lips
began kissing her's gently and the warmth instantly flickers her nerves,
freezing her heart and then again restarting them with a thud.
A small moment of sweet passion passed. He released her lips
and loosened his fingers around her hairs; just enough for her to move back an
inch.
Drawing some air to her suddenly tight lungs, she shifted
back a little and glanced at him......only to find him winking cutely at her
while a sluggish yet charming smile broke on his face. Her cheeks went redder,
realizing his trick.
"aap uth gaye the?" she asked, after a small second.
His smile widened, sluggishly. "Hmm. Kabka" he replied
cutely; he'd woken up the moment when she had moved out of his arms.
Seeing his cute naughty reply, she couldn't help her lips
from curving. "to aap sone ka natak kar rahe the?"
Sighing sleepily, he blinked once. "Hmm"
"Kyun?"
He bought his free hand to caress her cheeks. "Kyunki main
chahta tha......ke meri patni mujhe uthaye" his voice became huskier.
His caressing touch made her cheeks burn and his words were
only adding some more warmth.
While he couldn't just shift his gaze from his lovely wife –
her wet hairs were falling over his chest and her face looked divinely
beautiful sans any makeup or jewellery except for the faint red sindoor on her
parting and mangalsutra. She looked very fresh and bright.
"Radhika......maine
bahut dino se iss pal ka intezaar kiya hai. Jab tum subah isi tarah ......mere
paas baithke......apni pyaari si awaaz main mujhe uthaogi" he said lovingly.
She blinked once and smiled.
"Aur jab main ankhein kholoonga......to mere saamne tumhara
pyaara sa khilta huwa....... muskurata huwa chehra hoga" he paused to caress a
small strand of wet hair falling over her face. "Aur phir......main tumhare
chehre se tumhara ek geela sa baal hataoonga" he continued, tucking the strand
behind her ears.
Some shivers passed through her skin under his tingling
touch.
Caressing her ear lobe, "Aur tum isi tarah meri bahon main
samakar.......sharmati rahogi" he added sweetly. His touches were only adding
to the rampant shivers across her body and she glanced down shyly.
He moved his hand from her ear to her sideneck and spread
across his fingers, softly caressing. "Bahut khoobsurat lag rahi ho
aaj........"
Under his expert fingers, thousands of ice chilly shivers
passed through her body at once, making her aquiver and she looked back at him
slowly. He smiled sensing the reactions arising in her body and continued
caressing across her neck.....and then the nape.
Her heart began pulsating beneath. The chilly shivers kept swirling
through her body as his large fingers continued teasing her sensitive skin.
Unable to hold back herself she closed her eyes, absorbing the sweet
pleasurable feel inside. His lips curved impishly, realizing that she was
enjoying this as much as him, and he he lets his fingers shift to her exposed
shoulder.......then her collarbone......back to her neck.
His touches were tickling, teasing and burning her skin
together, making her senses go giddy. She tilted her jaw to his warm palm
tightly, albeit not asking him to stop rather to feel his cozy warmth even
more. Comprehending, he just smiled to himself and lets his thumb stroke her
lips very sensuously.
At that point she opened her eyes and found him, sluggishly
noticing every reaction of her's. For an instant, she held his gaze but then
lowered it, blushing fully.
He grinned, seeing her go all red. After a small moment of
staring in to her lovely blushing face, he held her chin and tipped her face up
to meet her gaze.
She battled her lashes shyly. "uth jaaiye" her voice came
out as a mumble.
"Kyun? Uthna jaroori hai?" he asked, a small corner of his
lips twitched naughtily.
"Hmm. Neeche sab intezaar kar rahe honge na"
"To? Radhika aaj humari pehli subah hai. Sab samaj jaayenge.
Ke unki bahu.....apne pati ke pati ke saath busy hai. Aur waise bhi tum der se
jaogi to.....wahan aasman nahi toothne wala"
She giggled, making his heart race underneath.
"Nahi.....lekin acha nahi lagta hai. Aapne abhi kaha ne ke aaj humari pehli
subah hai......to hume jaldi neeche pahunchna chahiye na?"
He exhaled and tightened his arm around her. "Chodo
na......thodi der mere paas reh jaao"
Her one hand, which was still on his cheek, began stroking
it gently. "mm.....hmm. Der ho jaayegi. Uth jaaiye na" she requested making a
cute, sweet expression.
Deciphering her trick, he pulled her face closer to him. Her
eyes widened by a fraction and heart skipped a beat as she found her face very
close to his.
"Tum itne pyaar se kahogi......to uthne ke wajay main tumhe
isi tarah pakde rakhoonga" saying, he began pulling her for a kiss.
But she quickly shifted her hand on his cheek to cover his
lips
Frowning, "Mmmmm........" he grumbled.
She chuckled seeing his grumbling face. "Chaliye......mere
ache pati hai na. Uth jaaiye na .......meri khatir.........please"
Smiling, he planted a kiss on her palm. She moved her palm
away from her lips and looked away, coyly. "chodiye na......mujhe tayar hona
hai"
Her blushing pretty face prompted his smile to be faded away
as desire quickly wafted across him again. Taking a small breath, he moved his
hand that was gripping her hair, to her waist and grabbing it tighly, flipped
her across in one swift movement.
Radhika's eyes went wide in shock, as she sensed herself
being pulled......and then she landed on the bed! Everything had happened in
such a small fraction of second that she could hardly react. And now she was on
the bed, with Dev on top of her. She felt her limbs frozen for a small second under
the little shock he gave her, even as her heart pounded beneath her chest and
breathing went erratic.
He stretched his lips in to a sluggish, naughty grin and
winked at her. Fluttering her lashes once, she looked away realizing how close
they were in this position; her throbbing heart skipped a beat at that.
At that second, she sensed his other hand sliding above her saree
across her stomache to waist. Instintively, a sharp shiver passed through her
and she jerked her gaze back to him.
Smiling crookedly, he gripped her waist tightly, sculpting
the skin, under his fingers.
A gasp escaped her mouth and her heart stood still for a
brief second.
"erm.....Chodiye na" she said coyly.
"mm....hmm.....nahi" he mumbled drowsily, enjoying the feel
of her soft body. His eyes that were filled with desire and impishness, held
her's steadily.
His fingers stroked her sensitive navel once. Her pulse
quickened and shoulders shrug once as a sharp shudder passed throughout.
"erm.....ye....yeh aap kya kar rahe hain....." her voice wavered and cheeks had
already turned cherry red again.
Bending his face closer, "Kyun kya huwa? Apni patni se pyaar
kar raha hoon" he whispered in her ears. "Tumhe acha nahi lag raha?" his tone
was assertive knowing she's loving this. The goosepimples arising across her
body were enough evidence.
She smiled unknowingly, on the question he posed. How can
she not like him touching her? "erm.......lekin abhi nahi" her voice came out a
shy mumble.
He exhaled, deliberately letting his breaths wash over the
naked area of her left shoulder and planted a tight kiss on it. "Abhi kyun
nahi"
She titled her head sideways, instantly feeling the quivers
running again in her body.
He brushed his stubbled cheek against her's soft one. "Pyaar
karne ka koi samay nahi hota......." murmuring, he began brushing his lips
against her shoulder.
Involuntarily – as if she'd no power, her neck angled
towards the otherside to let his lips explore some more of her skin. Sensing
her acquiescence, he obliged to her needs and began caressing his lips to her
neck, earlobe. Her shivering lips curved by a fraction and lids began drooping
down, sinking deep in to the pleasurable feel that she absolutely loved.
Sensing her enjoying this too, his lips began tracing the path to her
jaws.....to chin....and to the other side of the jaw. She cocked her head
automatically to left, wishing him to explore her right neck now. He beamed
mentally and went on to nibble her right ear.
Lazily she opened her eyes, as her body was soaking in
delight, and lets her blurred gaze roam aimlessly while he continued attending
to her neck.
Suddenly her roaming gaze fell on a pic of Dadima and Dev
together, hanging on the wall.....and her gaze halted.
She blinked once to clear her vision and abruptly her face
twitched in to a small frown, remembering the promise he'd sworn to Dadima.
Instantly her eyes widened by a fraction and she gulped realizing that she'd
fallen weak again!! Flitting her gaze down, she found his face pressed on to
her neck as he kissed the base.
Dragging a tight breath, she looked up feeling utterly
helpless – although she cherished him touching her......yet she knew that they
had to remain apart until the pooja is done with. However he already seemed to
be letting his desires unleash openly......but she had to control before it
became too difficult even for her.
Steeling herself, "Chodiye na......please. Mujhe der ho rahi
hai. Tayar hona hai" she requested, struggling to push his arms away.
"To ho na......maine
kab mana kiya? Hmm?" he mumbled, barely paused his ministrations
She kept struggling in his tight arms, but to no avail.
"Please chodiye na......"
"Nahi" he mumbled calmly.
At that moment she remembered her weapon. "Suniye......aapko
Dadima ki baat yaad hai na?"
"Hmmmm" he mumbled, bringing down the edge of the blouse a
little lower on her arms and kissed the tip of her naked shoulder. His other
hand, behind her, kept the grip tight on her.
Sensing that he was moving ahead, "To chaliye chod deejye
mujhe. Aapne unki kasam li hai na......ke aap pooja hone tak mere paas nahi
aayenge" she reminded hurriedly.
His face moved up her neck. "Mm.....nahi. Maine sirf yeh kasam li thi.....ke main kal
raat ko tumhare paas nahi aaoonga. Aaj ke baare main koi kasam wasam nahi li
hai. I am all free to do anything with my wife........" he said, nuzzling her
ears.
Some quivers wafted across her body in response of his
nuzzle, but her eyes widened in astonishment after learning about the promise
he'd made to Dadima. Cocking her head to side, she glanced at him. "aapne sirf
raat ke liye........"
He looked at her, smiled jubilantly and planted a kiss on
her cheek. "Haan. who to maine
Dadima ko manane ke liye kasam le li. Taake who tumhe yahan bhej de. Kal raat
to mere haath bandhe the........par aaj.......Aaj nahi" his lips twitched
naughtily and nibbled her ear lobe again.
She shuddered once, and looked away wondering how to stop
him now?
Dev, meanwhile, continued working on to weaken her resolve
with every passing second; his hands were freely caressing her tummy while lips
were brushing against her shoulder. He wanted her determination to fall
apart......and then she wouldn't stop him or herself.
Radhika could find a way to reason with him. She loved his
kisses and wanted to give in.....yet held back. Angling her head away from his
lips that were constantly planting kisses on her skin and making shivers run
through her body, she reminded again. "erm......lekin Dadima ne to kaha
haina......ke who pooja hone tak hum paas nahi aa sakte"
However he was hardly affected by that and again found her
earlobe. "Main uss pooja main vishwas nahi rakhta" his voice remained husky; he
wasn't a staunch believer in the poojas.
Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Yeh aap kya keh rahe
hain" And another shudder sprialled through her when he kissed her collarbone
and she tilted her face. She didn't know how to stop him before her resolve
failed.....
"Dekhiye.......meri baat suniye.......Chodiye na mujhe.
Please. Erm......Please" she struggled in his arms with all her efforts so as
to somehow stop him. But he remained unaffected and kept enjoying her.
Trying to push and shove his hand away from her waist, she
kept pleading "Please....... chodiye na"
Seeing her struggling so much under him, he felt frustrated
and loosening his arms, moved back.
She sighed in relief, closing her eyes for a second.
"You're so unromantic.......tumhe to pati ka paas aana hi
acha nahi lagta hai" saying he lay down on his back. His tone was terse yet
sad.
The somberness and frustration in his voice twinged her
heart. She'd never wanted to push him away but the circumstances forced her to.
Turning, she propped herself on the elbow. "aap aise kyun keh rahe hain. Aapko
yaad hai na Dadima ki baat?"
"Aur pati? Iss bechare pati ka khayal nahi aata tumhe?" he
asked, visibly upset
She smiled. "Aata hai na.......sirf aapka hi to khayal rehta
hai mere man main humesha. Lekin abhi hume Dadima ki baat ko nahi bhulna
chahiye. Who jo bhi kar rahi hain...... humari bhalayi ke liye kar rahi hai
na?"
"Hmm....." he sighed. "Kaisi bhalayi hai isme?"
"Hoga kuch. Hume abhi shayad samaj main naa aye......par who
humara bura bhi to nahi chahengi na?" Radhika replied gently.
Giving another sigh, he looked away; but conceded with her.
She framed a side of his cheek fondly and turned his face to
her. "Erm.......aur waise bhi hume der ho rahi hai. Aap bhi jaldi se tayar ho
jaaiye. Pehle hi bahut der ho chuki hai. Hmm" tapping his cheek once, she smiled
and got up.
He smiled, loving her sweet tap and forgot his frustration
quickly.
Once she was on her feet, she again called him. "chaliye ab
aap bhi uth jaaiye......aur nahane jaayie" saying she pulled his hand.
But his body hardly budged up an inch. "mmmmm.......mujhe to
sone to" saying, wrapped the quilt on his body with his free hand.
"Acha........to baat nahi manenge meri?" asking, she swiftly
shoved the quilt away from his body.
"Radhika......." he grumbled sleepily.
"Uthiye na......kitni der ho rahi hai" she requested, tugging
his strong arms that hardly seemed to be affected by her pulls.
He made a frowning detesting face as he sat up unwillingly.
Fondling his hairs, "Hmm......very good" she quickly turned
to take her towel from the stand and moved towards the dresser, drying her
hairs.
He touched his hairs where she'd caressed so lovingly and
smiled to himself for a brief second.
"Chaliye na.......ab uthiye bhi" she said, brushing the
towel against her long hairs.
Blinking sleepily he yawned and looked up to find her
standing in front of the mirror, getting ready – Beautiful!! His lips curved in
to a lazy smile and getting down, he walked up to her.
"Radhika" he touched her arms gently.
"Kya?" she looked up in the mirror at him, wearing her
bangles.
"ek minute" saying, he sauntered up the bedside table drawer
and pulled out the diamond necklace that he'd bought for her.
Coming to her, "Tum aaj.....yeh pehnogi?" he asked, holding
the necklace set in his hands.
A beautiful smile broke on her face, brightening it up some
more. "Aap mere liye kuch laaye.....aur main na pehnoon aisa ho sakta hai kya?
Umm......aap hi pehna deejye na"
He grinned and bobbed his head once. "Hmm" Moving behind, he
placed the necklace on her neckline and fastened the hook behind, and then went
on to hook the earings.
After he was done bedecking her, he glanced up and found his
beautiful princess blushing hard. The set matched her saree very nicely. Wrapping
his arms about her waist gently, "Lovely" he whispered in to her ears, keeping
his gaze on to the mirror.
Her already blushing cheeks went redder. "Aap jo laaye hain
mere liye......acha to lagega hi na"
"Hmm. Waise ek kami hai"
"Kya?"
Loosening his arms, he stretched to pick the sindoor box
from the table.
"Haan main sindoor lagane hi wali thi" she said sweetly,
turning to him.
"Hmm. Ab main lagaoon?" he asked.
She didn't fathom a reason but her throat went tight. "Jee"
Taking a small pinch of sindoor in his fingers, he lifted
his hand up to her forehead and filled her parting. She closed her eyes,
absorbing the beautiful feel of being his wife.
As he saw this, he bought his hand down to cup her cheek and
pressed a small peck on her forehead. Instantly her lips curved in to a wide
smile in return and her eyes opened slowly. He moved back an inch to look at
her beautiful form and felt his heart swelling up in joy......while she could
just blush and glance down.
"Ab aur bhi khoobsurat lag rahi ho" he whispered.
She grinned coyly to herself, but then remembered that they
were getting late.
"Umm.....acha ab to main bhi tayar ho chuki hoon. Aap bhi
jaldi se naha
leejye na please"
Placing the sindoor box back, "Theek hai" he shot a sideway
glance at her. "Par uske pehle......." he neared her, pouting his lips cutely
as if asking for a kiss.
Her eyes widened by a fraction and she swiftly leaned back.
"mm.....hmm. Abhi nahi?"
He frowned. "to kab?"
Leaning back straight, she placed her hand on his chest, as
if stopping him from coming near. "Aap naha ke aajaiye......uske
baad" she said with a cute smile.
"Usmein kitna time chala jaayega. I can't wait so much. Ek
kiss hi to maang raha hoon. Please" requesting, he again neared her with a
pout.
She tried pushing him back. But his hands gripped her's, pulled
down to her sides tightly and then put an arm across her waist. "Come on
Radhika......its just a kiss......itna to de hi sakti ho please"
His strong grip made it impossible for her step back. "Nahi......abhi
nahi......phir der ho jaayegi. Chodiye na" she pleaded, turning her face away.
"Mm....hmm. Abhi isi samay" he said, letting his breaths
fall on to her cheeks.
Suddenly Radhika moved her torso back and went stiff. Her
eyes that were pointing towards the door were growing wide with fear. "Dadima"
a shocked mumble came through her lips.
Instantly Dev's grip loosened, shocked, and he turned
towards the direction her gaze were pointing to.
And found nothing except the closed door. The door had
remained closed since night then how can anyone come inside, his brain rebuked
the foolishness!!
Deciphering it to be Radhika's trick, he scowled and quickly
turned to her. "Tum na......." but his words were arrested behind when he
didn't find her.....and his face smoothed out in puzzle, wondering where she
went.
As an answer a cute giggle floated to his ears, making him
turn towards the direction it came from........only to find Radhika standing
near the door and giggling away.
His brows pulled down in to a dangerous scowl.
"Radhika......you're so gone now" saying, he sprinted to reach her.
But she swiftly opened the door and swung outside, giggling
at him
His steps slowed down as she went outside the room.
"Ruko......I said stop" he warned, nearing.
"mm......hmm. Nahi" she said with a cute smile teasing him.
He stepped out to grab and pull her inside
But before he could do so, she moved back few steps "Aap
jaaiye jaldi tayar ho jaaiye. Main neeche intezaar kar rahi hoon" and quickly
ran away as the words fell from her lips.
Stretching his hands out, "Are......ruko" he mumbled, gazing
at her running figure. But she had already reached the stairs.
He grinned seeing his cute wife's little pranks and turned
inside, shutting the door behind.
Downstairs.........
Vaishali and Dadima were coming out of their respective rooms
when they met in the hall. "are Maaji aap uth gayi? Mujhe laga aap thodi aur
aaram karengi"
"Are nahi bahu......aaj na jaise mere andar ek alag si
energy aagayi hai. Mere Dev ki zindagi main itni khushiyan jo aagayi" she
replied, walking along towards the temple area.
As they were walking past the stairs, they saw Radhika
coming down, adjusting the pallu around her head. She looked really pretty, her
face was glowing with pristine brightness and lips were twitched in a small
smile.
Dadima and Vaishali both share a smile, knowing the reason
behind this glow on her face.
"Radhika beta......" Dadima called gently.
This made Radhika to look up and her smile widened. She
quickly stepped down the remaining stairs and bent down to take their
blessings.
"Humesha khush raho"
As she stood upright, Vaishali stepped closer and cupping
her face, planted a loving kiss on her forehead. "Bahut achi lag rahi ho aaj"
Radhika just smiled sweetly.
"Bhai aaj to humari Radhika ke chehre ki chamak........teen
guna bad gayi hai. Shayad iski wajah wahi hai jo hum soch rahe hain kyun?"
Dadima asked, teasingly.
Instantly Radhika's cheeks went red and she looked down,
smiling shyly.
Dadima laughs. "Kyun? Wahi hai na? Par hai kahan mera pagla
pota? Utha ke ab tak so raha hai?"
Glancing up, "Umm......woh uth gaye hain. Nahane gaye hain"
Radhika answered gently.
"Acha. Chalo ab use uthane.......aur uski saari zimmedariyan
uthane ke liye.......ek pyaari si patni jo aa gayi hai" Dadima said, pinching
Radhika's chin fondly.
Just then Vaishali's gaze fell on the diamond necklace
around her neck. "are waah ......necklace to bahut khoobsurat hai"
Radhika blushed some more unknowingly.
"Nahi maaji?" Vaishali asked, glancing at Dadima once.
"Haan.......bahut hi khoobsurat hai" Dadima agreed as well,
looking at the necklace.
"Jee.......erm......unhone diya hai" she replied coyly.
Dadima and Vaishali share a glance, arching their brows.
"Oh. Unhone diya hai......"
Seeing them tease her so much, she just wanted to run away
but stood helplessly. Dadima and Vaishali laughed, seeing her going all red.
"Are beta......itna kyun sharma rahi ho. Tere pati ne to
tujhe diya hai na. Kal raat muhdikhai pe diya?" Dadima asked, touching her
chin.
"Hmm" Radhika nodded, affirming.
"Sach much......bahut hi khoobsurat choice hai" Vaishali
said, praising.
"Hmm. Hogi hi. Jab Dev ne itni achi patni chuni hai apne
liye.......to kya acha haar nahi chunega uski patni ke liye?" Dadima replied.
Radhika smiled shyly.
"Yeh baat to bilkul sahi kahi aapne" Vaishali agreed. They
both gaze affectionately at Radhika for a small second.
"Acha......erm......beta......tum chalo. Aaj ki aarti tumhe aur
Dev ko hi karni hai......aur poore mandir ko bhi tumhe hi sajana hai. Nayi bahu
apne haathon se pehle din mandir sajaake, aarti karti hai........" Dadima
explained the ritual to her.
"Jee Dadima" Radhika smiled and they all proceeded towards
the temple.
Reaching the temple area, Dadima turned to Radhika.
"Beta.......aajse yeh mandir bhi tumhara hi hai. Tumhe ise bhi bilkul waise
sajana hai jaise tum apne Babuji ka mandir sajati ho"
These words made her really feel welcomed in the house. Smiling
joyously, Radhika shook her head, agreeing. "Jee Dadima.......Bilkul"
"Dekhiye to Maaji.......mandir ka naam liya nahi.....ke meri
bachi ke chehre main kaisi chamak bad gayi. Aur ho bhi kyun na......aakhir uske
Kanha jo baste hain yahan" Vaishali added lovingly.
"Haan......yeh baat to sahi kahi Vaishali tumne. Kanha ke
bina......humari Radhika poori hi nahi hoti"
"Acha beta.......tum Mandir sajana shuru
kardo......gharwalon ke aane se pehle hi tumne sab karlena hai" Vaishali
instructed in a gentle tone.
"Jee" Radhika eagerly sat down to clean the area. She'd
always loved doing up the temple or anything related to Kanha. But from the
past few days, during the wedding ceremonies no one allowed her to do any work.
So she was more than happy to bedeck her Lord.
"are beta......tum sab karlogi ya......."
"Dadima aap wahan aaram se baith jaiye" Radhika pointed to the
swing, cleaning the floor of the three stepped pedestal. "Main sab karloongi"
Vaishali and Dadima share a smile. "Erm......maaji main jara
naashte ka intezaam karti hoon"
"Theek hai" Dadima sat on the swing, looking at Radhika
lovingly. As she continued cleaning and bedecking the temple passionately, her
face had a small smile and eyes were sparkling with joy as if this work gave
her the world's biggest happiness.
Dadima couldn't help but adore Radhika's innocence and
devotion towards the Lord.
Around some minutes later.......
Radhika put the garland over the Radha-Krishna's murti and
smiled to herself, satisfied by the all the final prepartions.
"Dadima....." she called, turning to her.
However, Dadima had been so busy in admiring Radhika that
she hardly noticed the time flying away. Startled by her voice, she blinked
once and smiled at Radhika. "Haan beta"
"Dadima......mandir saj gaya hai" she said sweetly.
Hearing this, Dadima glanced at the temple and her eyes
widened by a fraction. She stood up, amazed by the beauty of the temple –
although she'd seen this temple thousands of times......but never had it seemed
so beautiful before! The temple and the Lord were bedecked so marvelously and
meticulously that it welled up her eyes and curved her lips up in a smile.
"Sab theek hai na Dadima?" Radhika asked slowly.
Gulping her lump, Dadima glanced at her. "Nahi"
Radhika's brows twitched in worry and she quickly looked at
the temple, wondering if anything had been kept in the wrong place. But
everything seemed to be placed correctly.
Coming closer, "Sirf theek nahi hai........Bahut jyaada
khoobsurat lag raha hai mandir aaj" Dadima said, stroking her head fondly.
Hearing this, Radhika took a relieved breath and looked up
to smile at her.
"Sach much beta.......aaj to humara mandir jaise......khil
sa gaya ho.
Itna pyaara to kabhi nahi laga humara mandir. Tumhe yunhi nahi
sab.......Vrindavan main Kanha ki sabse badi bhakt kehte" Dadima said
sweetly.
Radhika just smiled humbly.
Just then Mrinalini and Vaishali enter inside with a plate
of sweets that has to be kept as Prasad.
Mrinalini's jaw immediately dropped seeing the colourful
decorations of the temple, while Vaishali's eyes brightened up.
"Wow!!" Mrinalini's feet halted, in amazement.
Dadima and Radhika turned to her.
"Wow.......its so beautiful. Radhika tumne kiya na?"
Radhika nodded.
"Beta......mandir to ekdum se khil sa gaya hai......nahi maaji?" Vaishali too
added, nearing them.
"Haan main bhi yahi keh rahi thi Radhika se" Dadima replied,
agreeing.
After placing the sweets on the altar, Mrinalini looked up
and gazed at the temple, absorbing the beauty. "Sach much.......it's so
beautiful" Mrinalini praised again, coming to Radhika.
But then her gaze fell on the beautiful necklace worn by
Radhika. "Erm.....wait wait .......we have one more shimmering thing here" her
gaze pointed to the necklace.
Radhika noticed her gaze falling on the diamonds and again
felt her cheeks going warm, knowing that another rounds of teasings would start
soon. But yet she felt proud and happy......
"Wow Radhika! Its splendid!" she continued, touching the
stones carefully.
"Hmm. Dev ne diya hai ise......kal raat" Dadima replied,
teasingly.
Mrinalini's brows shot up and she looked at Radhika, smiling
impishly. "Oh......to deverjee ne diya hai. Must say......he has some good
choices. First he chose a good wife .......and then.......a beautiful necklace
for her" she said, nudging her shoulder.
Hearing this, Radhika predictably couldn't control her
cheeks from turning red. Mrinalini just giggled at that.
Slowly other family members also sauntered inside the temple
area. Nandu quickly jumped to Radhika.
"Chachi!!!"
Radhika smiled and bent to kiss his head. "Good Morning
Nandu"
"Good Morning Chachi. You look soooo beautiful" he said in a
cute voice.
Her smile widened. "Thank you"
"Aap jaante ho.......main na aaj khaas aapke liye subah
subah utha. Kyunki mamma ne kaha ke aap aaj aarti gaaoge"
"Acha......yeh to aapne bahut acha kiya. Subah subah utha
bahut achi aadat hoti hai. Agar aap roz jaldi uthoge to chachi ko bahut acha
lagega" she said, fondling his hairs sweetly.
"Oho! Yeh to problem ho gayi. Mujhe to subah uthna pasand hi
nahi. Par ab aapne kaha hai to.......uthna hi padega" he mumbled cutely.
"Good Boy Nandu!" Mrinalini kissed his head from behind.
"Atleast now I wouldn't have to spend an hour in waking you up!"
Everyone smiled at the remark, and then began praising the
temple decorations. Radhika just smiled humbly at all of them, feeling joyous
to receive such appreciation from the family.
Some moments passed when Dadima noticed every member of
Purohit House, but Dev.
"are.......Radhika beta........Dev kahan hai? Abhi tak aaya
nahi? Phirse so to nahi gaya?"
Dadima enquired.
"Nahi Dadima.......uth to gaye the" Radhika replied, holding
the pallu edge.
"Kahi phirse so to nahi gaya?" Dadima asked, frowning.
"Dadima.......aap jaise samajti hai na.......utna bhi
nakaara nahi hoon main!" Dev's cheerful yet firm voice almost resounded in the
morning silence.
Everyone had their gazes turning to the voice and found Dev
appearing inside, looking fresh in a simple blue kurta payjaama, with a
charming smile across his lips. Radhika's heart automatically fluttered seeing
his smile.
"Maine
kab kaha ke tu naakara hai. Who to bas mujhe laga ke tu so gaya hoga" Dadima said, smiling at him.
Dev came straight to Dadima and hugged her. "Thank you
Dadima" he murmured. The gratitude seemed genuine, straight from the heart.
Stroking his back, she smiled, comprehending the reason for
this thanks. "You're welcome"
He moved back, grinning.
"Erm......chalo Radhika aur Dev......aaj tum dono ko hi
aarti karni hai. Aajao" Dadima said hurriedly.
Nodding, Dev and Radhika moved closer to the temple area.
However when Dev's gaze fell on the beautiful decorations......he couldn't
blink, feeling awestruck!
"Wow" he whispered, knowing that it would be Radhika who'd
have done this up. Only she had this magic in her hand.
Radhika heard that small whisper and smiled to herself,
elatedly. His appreciation somehow always meant the most important for her!
However Dadima also saw his silent appreciation. "Kyun acha
lagi mandir ki sajawat?" she asked, teasing.
He tore his gaze away from the colourful decorations to her
and smiled. "Hmm" and then shot a loving glance to Radhika. The small glance
conveyed all his happiness and appreciation he wanted to shower on her, which
she deciphered rather easily.
"Aaj iski patni ne jo sajaya hai mandir.......to acha lagega
hi na" Vaishali too added.
Radhika's cheeks again went red and she looked down; Dev
just grinned once.
"Acha ab aarti shuru karte hain" Dadima said, smiling.
"Jee" Dev nodded and took the aarti's plate in his hand.
Radhika touched her hand to his elbow. And as she started singing her melodious
bhajan, Dev began circling the aarti's plate in front of the Lord.
Her melodious song too melded in the breeze and floated
around, soothing everyone's mind. The beautiful aura of the temple with the scents
of flowers and incense sticks dispersing in the air......along with her lovely
song transported each and every soul present there to a divine trance – it was extremely pleasing to ears and to the
soul.
Dev, meanwhile, felt as if his heart that was already swelling
with pride would burst through his chest, because she sang so sweetly and
adorably – every single word was laced with her pure devotion and love towards
the Lord. Unable to control, he shot a sideglance to Radhika who was totally
immersed in her devotion. Blinking once, he lets his smile widen and then
turned his gaze back to the Lord. His prayers were only asking for the all the
happiness in the world for his sweet wife.
After the aarti, Dev gave the aarti's plate to Radhika, who
went on to distribute the aarti and sweets to everyone present there.
As she reached Mr. Purohit, "Radhika beta......." he said
gently, taking the aarti.
"Jee Babuji" She gave him the Prasad.
"Beta........sach much......aaj to tumhare sangeet ne mere
dil ko chu liya. Tumhare swar main aaj bhi wahi masumiyat aur bhakti
hai........jo kayi saalon pehle thi. Jab se tum hume mili ho.......mujhe
tumhare sangeet ko sun ne ka avsaar kabhi prapt nahi huwa.......lekin maine sab
se suna tha tumhare gayan (singing) ke baare main.......par aaj jab swayam
(self) se suna......to ehsaas huwa ke kyun log kehte hain ke.......tumhara geet
unhe bhagwan ke nazdeek hone ka ehsaas dilate hain"
Hearing this beautiful comment, Radhika could only smile
humbly. Dev too smiled, feeling all the more proud for his wife.
"erm......beta tumse ek vinti karni thi"
"Yeh aap kya keh rahe hain Babuji. Aap to mujhe aagya (order)
deejye" Radhika replied back in an affectionate tone.
"Beta.....aaj tumhare sangeet ko sun ne ke baad man itna prasann
huwa hai.......ke main chahta hoon......tum hi aajse roz yahan aarti gao" he
said warmly.
This sweet request formed a a small lump in Radhika's
throat, but she quickly dislodged it and nodded. "Jee......Babuji. Jaroor"
Placing a hand on her head, "Beta......sada khush raho" Mr.
Purohit blessed her.
Dadima and vaishali share a small smiling glance. Radhika
too smiled once sweetly and went on to give the aarti to others.
When she paused in front of Laurence, he imitated the action
of circling his palms over the fire as others. "Rads Bhabhs......."
"Yes"
Glancing up, "You sing really really well. Although I didn't
understand the words.....yet the way you sang......was heart touching. I am
sure even the Lord listens to your song, forgetting everything else" he
extolled.
A grin broke on Dev's face. Radhika too couldn't help a
smile from curving her lips, listening to his genuine words as she felt touched.
"I am really glad that you loved it"
"Yeah I did. You're an absolutely good singer" Laurence
continued praising.
"Yes Laurence uncle.......my Radhika chachi is a very very
good singer" Nandu, who stood next to Laurence, chirped in cutely.
"And you know what.......she is a real good cook too. She
makes very tasty sweets" he continued, eyeing the sweets in her hand that
happened to be ladoos. "Also you you never get bored in her company......."
Radhika's smile widened automatically as Nandu kept blurting
out so sweetly.
"Yeah Champ! I know........Rads bhabhs is good at everything
na?" Laurence asked, pulling up nandu in his arms.
"Hmm. She is good at everything" Nandu affirmed.
"Yep that's why your Dev uncle chose her!" He said, winking
at Dev once.
This swiftly warmed Radhika's cheeks again. "Nandu......chalo
aarti lo" she said hurriedly, bringing up the plate. Nodding, Nandu did so. She
gave him the Prasad.
"ek aur?"
She smiled. "Haan ye lo......mere Nandu ke liye ek aur"
Following which, she went to Dev and forwarded the plate to
him; involuntarily her lips twitched a little shyly. He gazed at her with a
pleasant smile that easily expressed his delight over the sweet comments she'd
received from his family. She construed his unspoken words and blinked once,
widening her sweet smile.
Bringing his hands up, he circled his palms over the flame
and touched his head. Then before she can move, his palms again circled the
flame and this time touched it to her head.
Radhika was a little surprised – pleasantly, for a tiny
second and then her lips curved in to a wide smile, moved by the small gesture.
All others who saw this also exchanged joyous glances,
seeing such love between them.
"Chachu yeh kyun kiya aapne?" Nandu was quick to ask.
Having his sweet, Dev looked at the kid and grinned. Radhika
blushed a little and turned to place the aarti's thaal back on the altar
"Who kya hai na Nandu......tumhari chachi sabka khayal
rakhti hai. To unhe bhi to aisa lagna chahiye na.....ke koi unka bhi bahut
bahut jyaada khayal rakhta hai" Dev replied, glancing at Radhika once.
Hearing this, Radhika's already blushing cheeks went redder
and her mind jumped in joy.
"Are waah.......dekha mera pota apni patni ka kitna khayal
rakhta hai!" Dadima beamed.
Dev and Radhika smiled and then went to take everyone's
blessings together.
Following the aarti, everyone proceeded ahead to the dining
area to have the breakfast. A large sumptuous breakfast was spread in table
that instantly flicked the hunger pangs of many.
"Are waah.......aaj to nashta badiya lag raha hai!" Susheel
commented, seating down.
Meanwhile Laurence moistened his lips greedily, as his mouth
watered at the sight of those dishes.
"Yeah! God!! I am feeling so hungry now!! It looks delicious"
This instantly earned him some giggles.
"Haan hoga hi.......aaj ka saara khana Deepika aur Mrinalini
ne banaya hai" Dadima replied, feeling proud of her daughter in laws.
"Itna saara?" Dev asked eyeing the dishes spread out,
impressed. "Kab banaya aapne itna sab?"
"Deverjee aap uski tension kyun lete hain. Aap to bas chak
ke bataiye ke humne aur bhabhi ne kaisa banaya hai sab kuch!" Deepika replied
in her cheerful tone.
"Jee Bhabhi......sure I will" saying he sat down and then
looked up at Radhika, who was just behind him.
Seeing his gaze on her, she glanced at him. He signaled her
to sit next to him quickly, lest someone else takes the place.
Mrinalini saw this and interjected. "Haan Radhika......jaldi
baith jao apne pati ke paas warna koi aur aake baith gaya iske paas......to yeh to breakfast kar
hi nahi paayega"
Hearing this they all broke in to laughter except Dev and
Radhika, who blushed profusely.
"Bhabhi......please" Dev said in a mock grumble tone.
However his grumbled tone leads to some more laughter. Dev
and Radhika could do precious little than blushing at these teasing giggles.
"are beta......baitho na. Inn
logon ka to chalta hi rahega" Vaishali said to Radhika, as the giggles eased
down.
"Jee" nodding, Radhika sat next to Dev, who quickly nudged
her elbow with a small jubilant smile. She shot a side glance and blushed to
herself.
The breakfast continued with lots of chattering.......from sangeet
to mehendi; from wedding to the people who's attended it and the decorations to
sweets.....to shoe stealing episode......to Laurence etc.
They all made sure to involve Radhika in the conversations
so as to make her feel at home. It worked really well as she began gelling soon
with everyone; giggled and chatted easily with them. Meanwhile amidst all this,
Dev and Radhika shared some sweet loving glances, including some inconspicuous
winks from Dev, which expressed their elation.
Mr. Purohit and Vaishali felt really happy to see Radhika so
happy, their promise to Shankar Panditjee had been finally fulfilled!
"acha Radhika beta suno......." Dadima said when they were
almost done with the breakfast.
Radhika looked up.
"Beta.......aaj tumhari pehli rasoi hai.......aur isiliye
tumhe hi dopahar ka saara khaana banana hoga" Dadima explained sweetly.
"Jee Dadima......." Radhika smiled, agreeing.
"Haan Radhika.......after the breakfast come with me, I will
show you everything so that you can easily prepare the food" Mrinalini added.
"Jee theek hai bhabhi"
"aur haan.......khana acha hone pe na tujhe ek badhiya sa
gift bhi milega!" Deepika chirped, eagerly. "Hume to dher saare tofhe mile the"
"Aur humari Radhika ko bhi milenge.......uske haathon main
to bahut swad hai" Vaishali said.
Radhika smiled humbly, while Dev beamed yet again proudly.
"Granny whats that? Pe......peli.......ras......rasi....." Laurence
asked hurriedly, biting a banana.
Some giggles burst in the air, hearing his words.
"Pehli Rasoi.......Laurence it's a custom where the new
bride prepares the food for the entire family all by herself" Dadima
elucidated.
"Oh! So is it to test the culinary skills of the bride?" Laurence
asked, chomping on another banana. "Nice Banana" he shot a quick glance to the
househelp all of a sudden.
The househelp felt a litte surprised to react.
"Yes. It is. And if everyone likes the food, they all give
the bride a gift" Dadima said.
"Ah! Gift? I don't have one" he frowned.
"Its okay Laurence. You've already given us a big
gift......with your presence here" Dadima added sweetly.
"Granny! You're a darling" he put an arm around her shoulder
to kiss her cheeks.
But she hurriedly pulled back. "Not after having a banana!"
Everyone including Dadima burst in to loud guffaws. Laurence
frowned for a small second before joining the laughter.
Some hours later.......
Dev was sitting with the younger lot of men members,
chattering and having some snacks.....when he got a call on his cell. Excusing
himself, he went outside to the garden.
After finishing his talk as he sauntered across the lawn back
towards the house, he saw the ladies seated on the seating area with their back
to him.
"Dadima yeh pehli rasoi ki rasm bhi kaisi hai na? Poora
khana akele dulhan ko banana hota hai" Deepika said, sighing.
"Haan who to hai beta......lekin is se yeh pata chalta hai
ke who ladki apne ghar parivaar ko kaise sambhal sakti hai. Aur yeh to shagun
maana jaata hai......kyunki dulhan sab kuch apne haathon se banati hai. Kisi aur ki madad nahi leti"
"Hmm.....isiliye to aapne naukron ko bhi kitchen main jaane
se rok diya! Infact no one can step in the kitchen today" Mrinalini shrugged.
"I remember I was too nervous the first time......was fumbling all over the
kitchen thinking if I would be able to please everyone's tastes!" she laughed,
reminiscing her own pehli rasoi.
Dadima too laughed with her.
Meanwhile Dev, who had stopped in his tracks to listen their
casual chatter, twitched the corner of his lips impishly.
"Hmm.....isiliye to
aapne naukron ko bhi kitchen main jaane se rok diya! Infact no one can step in
the kitchen today"
Grinning mischeviously, he made his way inside – to the kitchen!!
Dev halted his steps near the kitchen and looked around to
ensure their no one's around. The area near the kitchen seemed quiet with no
one being around; not even the househelps. Exhaling once in relief, he stepped
inside the kitchen and paused near the doorstep to find Radhika.
She stood across on the otherside of the kitchen with her
back to him, working on the kitchen counter. Her hairs were put up in a cute bun.
The pleats of her saree were drawn together on the shoulder, neatly leaving her
upperback exposed, and the edge of the pallu was tucked on her waist, again
exposing some of her skin.
Inadvertantly his fingers rubbed against his palms, itching
to touch her, as his gaze ran across her body unashamedly, and the corner of
his lips twisted again. Turning around, he scanned outside once more to make
sure if someone's there. Ensuring, he came back in and holding the doorhandle,
angled the door to be left ajar.
Turning to his beautiful wife, he began inching forward to
her with faint footsteps and halted just behind her. She seemed to be busy in
mixing something; he stretched his neck a little and found her fingers mixing
for the dough. Smiling once, he freely sent his hands across her waist, beneath
her saree to wrap around her tightly.
Radhika gasped at once, sensing a sharp quiver spiralling
throughout; instinctively her fingers froze in whatever they were doing and
eyes widened in shock for a small second.
Crushing her back to his chest, he bent his face down to
her's to plant a tight kiss on her cheek.
The kiss instantly thawed her out; a heart beat skipped
simultaneously and she turned her face sideways to him. "aap?" she asked, still
shocked.
He curved his lips in to another beguiling smile. "Hmm main.
Tumhara pati......"
The smile again made her heart to race faster. Ignoring
that, she took a nervous breath as her brain reminded her about the place they
stood.
"aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?" she whispered.
Blowing some warm air on her face, "tumse pyaar karne aaya
hoon" he replied huskily.
She closed her eyes for a miniscule second as his breaths
fell on her face and threw her heart in to rampant mode. But she again ignored
the sensations being evoked in her and turned her face to glance around. "Koi
dekh lega aapko" she muttered, worriedly.
"Kaun?" he nuzzled her ear.
Titling her face a little frustratedly – purely because she
was nervous to be caught by someone in this position, she glanced back at him.
"Chodiye na mujhe. Koi andar aajyega. Yeh kya koi jagah hai kya......inn sab ke
liye?"
"Are pyaar karne ka samay bhi hota hai kya? Aur main to
tumhara pati hoon na? Ab officially. To mujhe samay aur jagah dekhne ki kya
jaroorat hai?" his voice sounded like he was smiling within.
"Dekhiye......yahan se chale jaaiye......koi andar aa sakta
hai"
"No ways! Aur waise bhi.....mujhe pata hai ke aaj yahan koi
nahi aayega.....naukaron ko bhi aane se manayi hai. So no one's gonna see us!"
he replied back, placing a kiss on the side neck.
Helpless, she sighed. "Meri baat maaniye. Mujhe chodiye na.
Mujhe itna saara kaam karna hai. Please" her gaze wafted down to the flour she
was mixing.
Dev payed no heed to her words and continued kissing her. Those
kisses were making it all the more difficult for her. Dragging a tight breath
to compose her wild heartbeats, she began protesting and struggling in his
arms. "Bhagwan ke liye mujhe chod deejye na.......koi dekh lega. Please"
However he seemed to be in no mood. "Yeh tumhari saza hai!
Subah tumne mere saath acha nahi kiya! Ab bhukto" chuckling, he moved a little
to place a small kiss on her back.
She dragged another wavering breath as something akin to
electric current passed through her. She helplessly looked down at her hands
that were filled with flour and thus rendering her totally unaided against
pushing his hands away!
"Please......mujhe chodiye na" she pleaded, in a whisper.
Pausing on his kisses, he looked at her. "Jee nahi.....subah
maine tumhe
chodke bahut badi galti kar di. Tum mera hi bakra banake.......Dadima ka dar
dikhake bhag gayi na......ab dekho......main tumhe chodunga hi nahi. Itna pyaar
karoonga.......ke......" his lips twitched impishly yet charmingly that skipped
another heartbeat of her's.
"erm......acha I am sorry. Ab mujhe chod deejye" she almost
beseeched.
"Mm.....hmm" he shook his head and winked. "Mujhe bahut acha
lag raha hai"
But her mind was filled with anxiety and trepidation to
blush. He sensed this nervousness and sighed. "Radhika stop worrying now! Waise
bhi yahan koi nahi aayega na aaj? Dadima ne kaha hai"
"Haan mujhe pata hai. Lekin sirf madad nahi kar sakte. Aisa
nahi ke kitchen main koi nahi aa sakta! Aur agar koi aagaya......aur hume iss
halat main....." she looked down, trailing her words in frustration and
nervousness.
"To theek hai.....tum unse keh do......ke tumhare pati se
raha nahi jaa raha tha. Aur jo bhi hai......main tumhe chodne wala nahi hoon!"
he whispered near her ear, huskily.
She sighed, closing her eyes.
At that moment, a nice aroma from the pot placed on the gas
reached their nostrils. Radhika swiftly opened her eyes and looked towards the
pot. "Dekhiye......maine
khana rakha hai gas main......kahi jal na jaaye" she mumbled worriedly and
glanced at him.
Turning his head, he flitted his gaze to the stove and then
to her swiftly.
"aap chahte hain.....ke aapki patni ki pehli rasoi ache se
na ho? Ke khana acha na aaye?" she asked somberly, making a cute sad face.
He pursed his lips, thoughtfully. Obviously he didn't want
that.
"Boliye na.......aap yeh chahte hain ke sab kahe ke aapki
patni ne pehli rasoi main khana ache se nahi banaya?" she continued, knowing
that it would work.
"Umm.....nahi" his voice turned serious.
A small smile of hope broke on her face. "to please mujhe
chod deejye"
Reluctantly, he eased his arms around her. She sighed once and
quickly moved to turn off the burner.
"acha.....ab aap jaldi se jaaiye.......muhje kaam sambhalna
hai" saying she moved back towards the counter to mix the flour. He found her
really cute when she worked so beautifully, so rightfully, in his kitchen.
Puckering his brows, he stared at her steadily for a brief
second and then smiled. "Ek shart pe....."
She frowned a bit and turned to face him. "Ab kaisi shart?"
A side of his lips pulled up, beguilingly, as he stepped nearer.
"Aap kya kar rahe hain?" she was about to push his chest but
stopped short, realizing that her hands were messy. So she tried moving away.
However before she could, he placed both his hands on the
kitchen counter, trapping her within his cage.
"Kya chahiye aapko abhi?" she asked gently, not wanting
anyone to hear them.
"Kiss"
Her eyes widened astonishment, shock! "Kya?"
"Chumma" he said blinking cutely.
Seeing him making fun in this situation, she exhaled,
frustratedly. "Aap na! Mazak sujh raha hai aapko?" her tone became a little
angrier.
He loved seeing her cute anger. "Tum jaanti ho......jab tum
gussa hoti ho na mujhe tumpe aur pyaar aata hai. Aur waise bhi yeh kiss subah
se udhar hai tumpe. Chalo now gimme a kiss" saying, he pouted closer to her.
Her eyes widen again, feeling utterly shocked at his
audacity in asking for a kiss openly in the kitchen, and she leaned back on the
counter. "Aap kya keh rahe
hain.......yahan aapko.....?"
Pausing, "Dekho.......tum chahti to mujhe yeh kiss humare
kamre main de sakti thi. Lekin tumne nahi diya. So you don't have an option" he
shrugged.
Blinking, she glanced towards the pot on the gas helplessly.
"Mujhe der ho jaayegi...... sabzi bhi banana hai........please"
"Theek hai na. Mujhe kiss do......aur main chala jaaonga.
Dekho meri khatir na sahi...... sabzi ki khatir hi sahi" he said, glancing once
at the stove.
She pressed her lips tighter from curving.
"Erm......waise tum chaho to......mere saath kamre main bhi
chal sakti ho. Par gharwalon ko shak ho jaayega. So comeon......a small kiss"
he again came closer, pouting.
Helplessly she leaned back her torso some more, but he kept
coming to her. She searched his eyes, beseeching to release her.....however he
didn't relent and almost reached her lips.
Not knowing how to stop him, her hands automatically flew up
to hold his face and she pushed his face back with much effort.
"mmmmmm" he grumbled as she inched his face away.
But as soon as he'd moved back, her jaws fell down
immediately, noticing that she's kept her floured hands on his face and swiftly
pulled her hands back.....only to find his face smeared now.
He felt confused wondering what made her jaw fall open, but shortly
felt the bits of wet flour sticking on to his lips and got an answer to his
mental question. Turning swiftly, he bit some on the floor. "Radhika......" he
mumbled, irked.
"Main kya karti......aap samaj hi nahi rahe the" she
explained her action.
Turning back to her, he tightened his eyes and exhaled.
"Acha. Theek hai....ab tumhe iss aatta (flour) lage huwe Dev ko hi chumna
hoga!" saying he again came closer.
"Dekhiye.......mat keejye aisa" she beseeched, folding her
floured hands together.
"Jee nahi Mrs. Radhika.....now you're stuck!" murmuring, he
leaned his lips closer.
Just then.......a small cute giggle interrupted them.
Dev abruptly halted himself while Radhika's face smoothed
out from the helpless frown. Hurriedly, they both turned their gazes to the
direction the giggle came from.......only to find Nandu, standing near the
doorframe and covering his mouth.
Instinctively their eyes went wide in horror, shock!
Seeing them turning to him, Nandu put his hands on his eyes.
"hehehe.....maine
kuch nahi dekha"
Mortified, Radhika's face went red and she looked down at
the floor, wondering if the kid would have seen anything? Obviously he would
have, why else could he be giggling? Her brain countered, making her all the
more embarrassed!
Dev too went red in the face and looked down, shamefacedly, feeling
tongue tied for a small moment.
Nandu opened his eyes and saw them both going red. "Hehehe"
Dev looked at him and then glanced at Radhika, who seemed to
be hanging her face low in shame. Noticing his gaze on her, she looked up with
'i-said-that-someone-would-catch-us' look!
Gulping once, he turned back to the kid, moving a little
away from her. "Tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" he tried to tower above the kid.
"Main to yahan chachi se milne aaya tha. Aap kyun aaye ho?"
Nandu giggled again. This made Radhika's cheeks flush red in embarrassment.
But Dev scowled at him. "Whats the giggle for?" he asked a
little irritated.
"hehe.....kuch nahi. Aap yahan chachi se......kiss lene
aaye?"
Radhika's eyes widened in utter shock! The kid had heard
everything!! And now she wanted to run away, embarrassed.
"Chup! Besharam.......Behave like your age okay!" Dev
reprimanded.
At that point.......
"Nandu......." Dadima's voice floated in.
Hearing this, Dev and Radhika's eyes again went wide,
stumped!! She swiftly glanced at his back, wondering what would happen now.
Meanwhile Dev's hand flew up to rake his hairs in nervousness – he was gone
now!!!
"Nandu? Kahan hai beta?" Dadima's figure approached closer.
Scared, Dev swiftly turned around; away from the door.
Entering in, Dadima found Nandu. "Lo......tu yahan
hai.......aur main tujhe......" her words halted on finding Dev there. Her
brows shot up in surprise and puzzle.
"Dev??" she called, staring at his back.
Dev frowned, floundering for some reasonable excuse. Radhika
didn't dare to look up at Dadima.
Dadima's brows twitched in perplex when Dev didn't turn to
answer her. "Dev? Tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" she asked, nearing him.
Nandu giggled once again. Dev glowered at nothing, hearing
that!
Confused, Dadima was about to call him again when she
noticed Radhika standing near the counter with her face hanging low, reddened
as if in embarrassment. It didn't take her long to process what must have
transpired here.
Pursing her lips sternly, she turned her gaze to Dev and
tugged his shoulders to turn him. He swung towards her automatically and her
brows arched again, seeing his flour smeared face.
"Yeh kya laga hai mooh pe tere?" Dadima asked and thinned
her lips from curving in to a smile.
However Nandu couldn't control and burst in to peals of
giggles. "hehehehe"
Dev turned his gaze to the kid and glowered madly. Meanwhile
Radhika closed her eyes, feeling shamefaced – it wouldn't take long for Dadima
to guess!
"Are bol na.....kai....." her words interrupted as she
noticed Radhika's hand too coated with the flour. She interpreted easily and
quickly held Dev's ear.
"Ow!!!! Dadi!" he cried.
"Kyun re? Kya.....huh? kya karne aaya tha tu yahan pe?"
Dadima scolded.
"umm.....nahi.....k....ku......kuch nahi Dadima......" he
stuttered.
"Kuch nahi? To tere mooh pe yeh aata kyun laga hai!" she
asked, twisting his ear pinna.
His face cringed badly. "OOOWWW!! Dadi! Please!! Don't twist
my ears!!" he pleaded, looking at her.
Radhika glanced up briefly, feeling her heart squeezing in
pain as well. But the next moment Dadima looked at her and she hurriedly
lowered her gaze, feeling too ashamed to look at her.
"Dekho! Radhika ki haalat......teri yeh shakl......sab bata
rahi hai mujhe ke yahan pe kya ho raha hoga!! Besharam!" she hit him, releasing
his ear.
Rubbing his palm against the now-red-ear pinna, he looked
down like a guilty school kid.
"Maine
mana kiya tha na kisiko bhi aane se? phir tu kyun aaya?"
"erm......woh....main......main to bas.......juice......haa......juice
peene ka man kar raha tha......to.....agaya" his voice trailed off unsurely, as
he saw Dadima's gaze turning cold.
"Juice peene aaya tha! Dekho to besharm kahika!" saying she
again hit him. "Dekh...... Radhika ki haalat......bechari kitni seham gayi hai"
She shot a glance at Radhika.
"Ow! Dadima aap maar kyun rahe ho mujhe!"
"Chachi ne kuch nahi kiya.......woh to chachu ko jaane ko
keh rahi thi!" nandu added some more.
Radhika looked at the kid beneath her lashes, while Dev shot
a cold stare at him. But Nandu seemed to be enjoying in irritating him.
"Mujhe pata hai......meri Radhika bahut bholi hai! Yeh to
tera chacha hi hai jo yeh saare kaam karta hai!" she glared at Dev, who inturn
hung his face down sheepishly.
"Chal ab jaa na......yahan kya karne wala hai" Dadima
ordered sternly.
Dev glanced up at her somberly – he'd been so yearning to be
with his wife.....but probably his fate had some other play! His solemn gaze
shifted to Radhika.
Seeing this, Dadima exhaled in irateness. "Dev?? Ab tu jaane
wala hai ya nahi? Aur haan ek minute......" Dadima paused to pick a clean towel
from the hook.
Radhika slowly glanced up at Dev, who inturn seemed to be
apologizing genuinely to her through his gaze. Blinking once, she looked down.
Turning his face to her, Dadima began wiping his cheeks,
nose and mouth. Once she'd cleaned his face, she looked in to his eyes and
spoke. "Ab jab tak Radhika yahan khana bana rahi hai......tu nahi aayega
samjha!" she warned, showing a finger.
He shook his head somberly, agreeing to this. Seeing this
Dadima felt a twinge in her heart, but she couldn't help as well.
"Acha jaa.....ab aise muh mat latka" Dadima's tone became
softer and she patted Dev's cheek once.
"Jee Dadima" saying he turned to the door.
Suddenly Nandu jumped on a small stool beside Radhika and
called him again. "Chachu"
Dev glanced back automatically.
Nandu swiftly leaned to press a kiss on Radhika's cheek and
then flashed a victorious beam at Dev.
Construing that the kid was teasing him, his face went hard
and he glowered at Nandu furiously.
Nandu giggled. "hehehe......jao na.......aap yahan nahi
aasakte"
Incensed, he tightened his eyes as if warning him
dangerously and then stomped out of the room! Nandu giggles floated outside as
well enraging him further.....
Inside, Dadima came to Radhika and touched her chin. "tujhe
kya huwa? Tu itni sehmi si kyun khadi hai?"
Radhika didn't have the face to look up at her.
Smiling, "are beta.....chod na. Waise bhi tera pati tujhse
itna pyaar karta hai......isiliye yeh sab karta hai na? tujhe to khush hona
chahiye" Dadima said cutely.
This made Radhika to look up instantly.
"aap......na.....naraaz nahi hai?"
"Nahi to! Are nayi shaadi main pati patni yeh sab nahi
karenge to kab karenge? In sab se shaadi main prem ke naye rang chadte hain"
she framed a cheek of her's. "Aur phir main teri jagah hoti......to mujhe to
bahut acha lagta. Tujhe bhi laga hoga na?"
Hearing the teasing tone in Dadima's words, Radhika couldn't
stop the warmth from flooding on to her cheeks.
Dadima laughed. "are beta.....chodo......tum abhi kaam pe
dhyaan do. Warna der ho jaayegi. Hmm"
Radhika shook her head. "Jee" and was about to turn to her
work.
At that instance, Nandu chirped in. "Dadima......shaadi ke
baad.....kaunse rang chadte hain?"
Dadima and Radhika both felt tongue tied for a second, not
knowing how to answer that.
"erm.....beta who to tujhe shaadi ke baad hi pata chalegi"
Dadima made up.
"Abhi pata chalna ho to?"
"Abhi karwa doo teri shaadi?" Dadima asked with a chuckle
and glanced at Radhika.
Nandu blinked once, pondering for a small moment.
"Umm.....haan agar meri wife Radhika chachi jaisi huwi to theek hai"
Dadima burst in to laughter, while Radhika broke in to
giggles.
"Nandu.......badmaash!" Dadima hit him gently.
Time flew by easily and soon it was lunchtime. Delicacies
prepared by Radhika were spread out in the dining table and the members were
ambling in.
Sniffing, "are waah.....aaj to bahut achi khushboo aa rahi
hai" Vivek remarked.
"Haan.......waise bhi mera to dil tadpa jaa raha
hai.......Radhika betiya ke haathon ke khane ko chakne ke liye" Mr. Purohit
agreed.
"Haan beta.....yeh to bilkul sahi kaha tumne" Dadima backed.
"Are kya humari salijee.....aka......bhabhijee....kya itna
swadisht khana banati hain?" Arjun asked.
"Are beta......tum khao to sahi pata chalega" Vaishali
replied, pulling her chair back to sit down.
As they all sat down, they saw several dishes placed on the
table. Radhika came in with the househelp, bringing some more dishes.
"Are Radhika? Aur kitna banaya hai tumne?" Susheel asked,
chuckling. "itna dekhkar to aise hi pet bhar gaya" he said sweetly.
Smiling at him, "Jee chachajee bas ho gaya" Radhika replied, keeping the bowl of
halwa on the table.
"are beta........saara khana pehle Thakurjee ko bhog main
laga diya na?" Vaishali asked with an assertive tone, knowing that Radhika
wouldn't have forgotten.
"Jee Ma. Saara khana pehle Kanha ko bhog lagane ke baad hi
table pe rakhwaya hai" Radhika replied warmly.
Mrinalini, Deepika, Nandu and Laurence too joined in the
table.
"Wow! More Indian food! I'm loving it" Laurence commented
glancing through the food and hurriedly sat down.
Just then Dadima noticed that Dev was absent. "erm.....Dev
kahan hai?"
"Pata nahi Dadima? thodi der pehle to Vivek ke saath baatein
kar raha tha na?" Mrinalini asked, glancing at Vivek, who nodded in
affirmation.
"Oh Dev? He went upstairs to his room sometime back"
Laurence chirped in.
"Acha.....lekin neeche nahi bulaya use?" Dadima asked,
glancing at the househelp.
"Jee maine
bulaya tha Dadima.....par unhone kaha ke who thode samay main aajayenge" the
househelp replied gently.
"erm......Dadima? main jaake bulake laon unhe?" Radhika
asked.
Dadima comprehended that probably he would be upset over the
happenings in the kitchen and nodded. "theek hai beta.......lekin jaldi aajao"
"Jee Dadima"
Pushing the door open, Radhika stepped inside her room and
scanned around to find Dev. He sat on the couch across the room; slouching with
his head pushed back, legs stretched freely, hands crossed against chest and
eyes were closed.
She took a small breath and closing the door behind her,
walked up to him. Halting near the couch she gazed at his face, which still
seemed a little upset, for a small moment and then sat down quietly.
He didn't open his eyes, neither did he move. Her heart felt
a small twinge, reminiscing about the kitchen incident – he'd been so craving
to be near her but she'd pushed him away so coldly! It did hurt her, but then
she was helpless.
However, now she wasn't! Smiling a bit, she leaned closer to
him and searched his face lovingly – even when he was probably asleep his
handsome face had the power to flicker her heartbeats! Bending a little more,
she framed his one cheek and pressed a tight peck on his lips.
This quickly bought him out of the small nap with a light
shiver. Opening his eyes slowly, he looked up and found Radhika's smiling face.
She inched back to sit. "so gaye the?"
Pursing his lips, he shook his head. "mm....hmm"
"erm.....khana lag chukka hai.....chaliye" she said gently
in a loving voice.
"Hmm........chalo" he said in the same strained voice and
sat upright.
Lowering her gaze, "erm......aap kitchen main huwe baat ko
leke pareshan hai na?" she asked slowly.
He looked at her and nodded. "Thoda sa upset hoon"
"Mujhpar?" she glanced up sadly.
Twitching his brows in confusion, "tumpar kyun?" he asked
and then smiled a little. "Main tumpar nahi......apni kismat se upset hoon.
Dekho na.....itni sundar patni hai.....lekin mujhe usi se door rehna padta hai"
Her lips automatically curved on hearing this. "erm.....to
chaliye.....khana kha leejye na.......aap jab tak mere haathon ka bana khana
nahi chak (taste) lete tab tak meri saari mehnat adhuri hi rahegi"
He grinned, hearing such sweet request. "chalo phir......."
Reaching down, he sat on his chair, smiling a bit at
everyone.
"Radhika beta........tumne meethe main halwa banaya hai
na.....pehla niwaala shagun ke taur par pati ko khilaya jaata hai.......tum bhi
Dev ko do" Dadima instructed.
This increased the smile on Dev's face. Nodding, Radhika
took some halwa on a bowl and went near him. He turned his gaze to her and
found her bending down. Scooping some small amount in the spoon, she blew some
air to cool the halwa a bit, before feeding him.
As the halwa melted in his mouth easily, he glanced up and
found Radhika's eyes eagerly waiting for his approval, as if that mattered the
most in the entire world for her. Blinking once, he smiled. "Bahut acha bana
hai......"
Her face broke in to a beautiful smile of exultation. Others
too smiled and began having the food. Soon praises started gushing in for her;
each and every member present there couldn't stop appreciating her culinary
skills. Radhika smiled humbly at them while Dev again felt his heart beaming
with pride; he absolutely cherished hearing such appreciation for his wife.
"Radhika......tum bhi baith jaao na......khadi kyun ho?"
Dadima said, after some moments. "Sab khud se paros (serve) kar lenge"
"Jee" bobbing her head, Radhika moved to take her seat,
beside Dev's.
As soon as she sat next to him, he quickly leaned closer to
her ear. "Jaanti ho......khana kitna acha bana hai?"
"Kitna?" she whispered back, shooting a sideglance at him.
"hmm......abhi nahi......baad main......kamre main tumhe ek
special gift doonga okay" his voice sounded naughty and made her blush
immediately.
Suddenly Dadima's voice demanded everyone's attention. "Acha
suno......mujhe kuch kehna hai. Kal jo pooja cancel ho gayi thi........woh
pooja aaj hogi aur uska muhurat shaam ka nikla hai" she announced and shot a
glance at Dev. Predictably his face burst in to an excited grin.
"Haan.....to mutt ke poojarijee ne kaha hai ke ghar ke kuch
sadasyon ka wahan hona jaroori hai taake who sab tayarian ek baar dekh le" she
continued.
"Theek hai na Dadima......main aur Deepika chale jaayenge"
Mrinalini offered and glanced at Deepika for approval. "Hai na?"
"Jee Dadima.......main aur bhabhi chale jaayenge"
"erm......beta main bhi tum logon ke saath chaloongi"
Vaishali said. "Kuch jaroorat pad gayi to"
"Haan yeh sahi rahega. Vivek tum bhi chale jaao......tumhari
jaroorat pad sakti hai. Ok. Aur baaki sab baad main aajayenge. Dev aur Radhika
ko pooja shuru hone se thode samay pehle hi nikalna hoga" she said, glancing at
them.
"Theek hai Dadima......" Vivek agreed.
"Aur haan Radhika.....Dev......tum dono ko pooja ke liye
naye shud kiye huwe kapde pehen ne hain. Main tumhare kamre main rakhwa doongi.
Aur haan tayar hone se pehle.....snan karlena" she instructed.
"Jee Dadima" Dev and Radhika said together.
"Aur ek aur baat.......ab Vivek to mutt jaa raha hai to Dev
tum uske kamre main tayar ho jaana......taake tum dono jaldi tayar ho sako. Ok"
"Jee"
As everyone returned back to normal mundane chattering, Dev
nudged Radhika's elbow. She glanced at him. Nearing her, he whispered. "iss
pooja ke hone ke baad.......hum dono........" he trailed his voice
intentionally.
This left her blushing red while her heart skipped a beat in
anticipation......
The lunch continued as usual with the playful banterings and
chatters. Following which, every family member gave Radhika a gift and lots of
blessings. Radhika humbly accepted everything, feeling over cloud nine.
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